An Invitation From Lady Fairybugs

Alita's pov

I sat on the swing, the familiar sway calmed my senses as I gently moved back and forth. The garden was my sanctuary, if only for a little while. The two handmaidens standing watch over me, one of them Sarir and the other a newer face whose name I hadn't yet learned. The cool breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, a mixture of lavender and jasmine, and I closed my eyes, breathing in.

The swing's motion and the distant chirping of birds made me feel at ease with myself. It was in these moments that I could almost forget the world beyond.

My moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. I opened my eyes to see Nadir walking towards me with a letter in hand. She bowed respectfully as she approached.

"Your Highness," she said, her voice steady. "A letter has arrived for you."

I stared at the letter, a sense of curiosity mingled with reluctance. "What do you have there, Nadir?"

Nadir opened the letter with practiced precision. "It is an invitation from the Lady Fairybugs. She wishes for you to grace her party, which she will be holding on the eve of Meysday."

I sighed, rolling my eyes at the mention of Charlotte. Fancy Charlotte, the first daughter of the fairybug family, with her bright orange curls and fine golden wings.

" I can only imagine she's acquired some new ornament for her wings and wants to show them off," I spoke with irritation.

Nadir maintained her composed demeanor, but I could see the slightest hint of amusement in her eyes. "Indeed, Your Highness. Charlotte's parties are always grand affairs."

I couldn't help but snort at that. "Grand affairs of vanity and pretense. But I suppose it would be unseemly to refuse the invitation."

Nadir inclined her head. "It would be considered a slight, yes. However, the decision is yours to make."

Nadir was still staring at me expectantly. I felt her gaze on me to consider, but I had already made up my mind.

"I'm not going, Nadir," I said firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument.

Nadir gaped at me in surprise. "Are you certain, my princess? The fairybugs are not an ordinary family. In fact, after your own, they are the most influential. Maintaining a semblance of relationship with them is crucial to keeping them on our side."

I understood her concerns. The fairybugs wielded considerable power and influence in our lands. Their alliance was not just beneficial but necessary for maintaining the balance of power. However, the thought of attending another of Charlotte's lavish parties filled me with dread. Charlotte's incessant boasting and the veiled barbs disguised as compliments made me feel even more self-conscious. Their hatred and envy hid behind fake smiles, revealed in bits and pieces when they bragged about their latest acquisitions, whether it was an ornament or a magical trinket.

"I am certain, Nadir," I said with a decisive nod. "You can make up an excuse on my behalf or simply tell them that I am indisposed."

Nadir hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, my princess."

I sighed, feeling the tension ease slightly. "I'm parched. Can I get some barksley juice?"

Barksley juice, made from the nectar of the barksley flower, was a common but refreshing drink in the capital. It was something I often craved after a long day.

Nadir turned to the new maid, a young fairy named Meera, who had been standing quietly by my side. "Meera, please fetch the princess her juice."

Meera, eager to please, flapped her wings and was about to lift herself off the ground when Sarir gasped audibly. Her eyes bulged as she stared at me, clearly waiting for my reaction.

"What do you think you are doing, Meera?" Nadir asked, her voice laced with a hint of reprimand.

Meera froze mid-flight, her wings fluttering nervously. "I... I was going to get the juice for Her Highness."

"Are you saying you did nothing wrong?"