The Queen's family (2)

When my family arrives at the Palace, they're brought to their lodgings and let to accommodate and freshen up before visiting me.

The first one I see is Lucia. She storms into my sitting room as soon as the doors are opened and throws herself at me. We hug, and I can notice how much she's grown up in a few months only. Oh, she's almost a lady now!

«How have you been?» I ask her, and she just bites her lips before hugging me again.

Only later, when we've had enough warmth for long months of separation, we split. She takes a step back and giggles before curtseying.

«Your Majesty,» she says, her eyes shining content.

Since I don't reply, she jumps in place and runs back to me.

«See? I've learnt etiquette! Am I not good? Was it clumsy?»

«It was perfect,» I point out.

«Then praise me a little!» she pouts.

«Oh, Lucia. I've missed you... Also, don't you know you're now an aunt? You have to be proper and elegant now.»