Days seemed to slip by unnoticed, and before long Jaziel had fully taken on the role of Shani’s instructor and mentor. If the extra load of work tired him out he showed no sign of it. He was still quite jovial and energetic, and the staff were more than willing to help him with anything he might require.
Today was Shani’s first day of etiquette without Nimue. Shani peeked into the ballroom anxiously, she was running slightly late. Her dreams had gotten better but last night she couldn’t sleep due to a nightmare. Her mother must have noticed and let her rest, but with Nimue gone the other servants seemed to forget about her occasionally.
But then again… they must be very busy since winter was slowly coming. The colored leaves had departed from the trees and a frost hung in the air. Shani didn’t mind winter, but this year it gave her a strange pit in her stomach.
Jaziel looked up from his etiquette book and smiled at the very timid princess still standing in the doorway.
“Welcome princess!” He exclaimed as he snapped the book shut.
Shani swallowed hard and walked in.
“Hello uncle…” She said shyly as she glanced past Jaziel toward Caelis. He seemed to be sitting more rigidly than usual. Shani raised a brow.
“A little late for class I see…” Jaziel said looking out the window. The sky was overcast, clouds of gray slowly removing the sun from view.
“I overslept… No one woke me.”
“What do we do when we make a mistake?” Jaziel asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Shani shuffled in place.
“I’m sorry for being late, uncle…” Shani mumbled. But it wasn't her fault… so she didn’t quite understand why she had to apologise.
Jaziel smiled and patted the young girl's platinum-blush hair. It was much messier than usual.
“Before we get started, how about I help you with your hair first?” He asked gently then turned towards a servant nearby who left quickly. Shani smiled and nodded. She sat on the floor in front of her uncle, excitement coursing through her.
The servant returned with a silver comb and a basin of water. Jaziel put the comb in water before combing it through her hair. Shani flinched as he caught every knot and maybe even some of their friends.
“Hold still…” Jaziel said as he separated her hair into sections.
“I am…” Shani whined. He caught another knot and she flinched once more.
“Your twitching would beg to differ.” He said with a small laugh.
Caelis watched from the sidelines, biting his lip. He took a deep breath and adjusted his glasses.
“Sir… maybe we could get a mai-”
“I am fine. Thank you Caelis.” Jaziel said in response as he created two French braids. He stopped towards the back of her hair and tied the remaining hair into high pigtails.
“There! All done.” He said looking quite proud of himself at the work of art he created. The braids were tight, perfectly even, he even left some delicate curls to frame her face. All in all it was a masterful hairstyle. But Shani’s head throbbed.
“You look lovely, princess.” He said as he patted her head. Shani smiled awkwardly. He looked so happy, she couldn't bring herself to tell him they were too tight.
“Thank you uncle…” She offered a smile in return. Caelis looked at her anxiously and she also just offered him a small smile.
Jaziel nodded a reply and then grabbed his book once more.
“Alright… why don't we try dancing today? Caelis will be the lead.” Jaziel smiled at Caelis who stiffened. He looked over at his cousin who seemed to be having the same thought… their toes were going to hurt later.
Thankfully Jaziel as a teacher was much better than Jaziel the hairdresser. His lessons were fairly easy and he started with simple steps. Caelis and Shani were both shocked at their own progress. They still bounced off each other's feet from time to time but not nearly as much as when Nimue taught the pair.
Nimue was strict, slightly cold when teaching. She also tended to lose her temper occasionally with Shani.
Jaziel himself however, was nothing like that. He was patient and engaging. His voice was smooth and easy, his presence almost comforting in a way that made the lessons feel lighter, almost easier, than they used to be. Part of Shani hoped Nimue stayed with her family for a very long time. The thought made something twist uncomfortably in her stomach.
“Princess, back straight,” Jaziel said, his tone gentle.
Shani’s body reacted before her mind could catch up. She flinched, just slightly, her shoulders tightening as she braced for something that never came. Caelis eyed her with worry and even Jaziel noticed the response. He set his book aside.
“Let’s stop for a second…” He said and the two children slowly came to a stop. Shani stood before Jaziel, fumbling with her pale dress, as he knelt before her.
“Princess…” he said softly. “You made a simple mistake.” His voice remained calm. Steady.
“I would never hurt you over something so small… you know that, don’t you?” No sharp words. No strike. Just quiet reassurance.
Shani hesitated for a moment, but only a moment before she nodded.
“Besides, you're doing much better than Jamila did at your age.” He said with a small smile as he rose back to his feet.
Shani looked up at him, her eyes filled with shock at the statement.
“Really? Mama wasn’t a good dancer?” She asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Jaziel smiled softly as he thought back to their childhood.
“No… she was horrible at anything involving movement…” he said, remembering every scrape, every bruise, and every set of muddy clothes. His eyes lit up.
“Although, she was very talented at embroidery.” He said bringing his attention back to the young girl.
“Embroidery? Like sewing? Is anything she made still around?” Shani asked, her eyes hopeful. Jaziel chuckled.
“Well…” He scratched at his chin.
“How about… practice first, and I will show you one later.” He said as he opened his book once more. Shani nodded in reply. She was about to turn back to Caelis then stalled.
It felt weird.
The absence of punishment left her uncertain. If he didn’t hit her for mistakes… then maybe he wouldn’t mind questions either. Nimue always had. She used to say Shani’s questions were obvious, but they never felt that way to Shani.
“Uncle…” she started, hesitating as her lavender eyes lifted toward him. “Why do I have to learn etiquette anyway?” Jaziel paused, rubbing his chin as if considering the question seriously.
“There are many reasons,” he said at last, a small smile forming. “But the best one I can give you… is that it will help your mother.” That was all it took. Understanding flickered across Shani’s face, quiet but certain. If it helped her mother, if it made things easier for her, then it mattered.
“I understand…” she said softly. A small smile formed on her lips.
Jaziel reached out, smoothing her pigtails, his touch affectionate… yet there was some kind of distance also.
“That’s a good girl.”
Winter arrived without announcement. One day the air was crisp, just some frost, the next it was heavy with snow, the world beyond the palace slowly disappearing beneath layers of white. Shani watched it from the windows now.
She used to run through it… laughing, slipping, chasing footprints that vanished behind her… but ever since the trip to town, something had shifted. Even the thought of stepping outside the palace made her stomach turn. So she stayed inside whenever she could.
Today she was curled into a nest of pillows with Caelis. The two of them sat back to back for warmth, books balanced in their laps. Shani flipped through a collection of fairy tales, her fingers tracing familiar illustrations. While Caelis had chosen The Magic in Nature , pausing often to study the detailed drawings of strange plants and glowing petals.
She was halfway through a page when a sudden presence loomed over her shoulder. Shani jolted so hard she nearly dropped the book. Caelis laughed, too quickly, before catching himself and burying his face back in his pages when Shani shot him a murderous glare.
She brought her attention back to the looming figure. A familiar pair of lavender eyes stared at her with affection.
“Mama?” Shani asked, lowering the book to her lap. “I thought you had work until dinner.”
“I do,” Jamila replied, smiling as she stretched before taking a seat in their nest “And this is part of it.”
“G–Good afternoon, Your Majesty…” Caelis added quietly, pushing his glasses up, his head still tucked safely behind a book… but tilted his head in a bow. Jamila’s expression softened as she looked at him.
“And Caelis… when are you going to start calling me Aunt ?” she asked, her tone light, though there was something almost hopeful beneath it.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he ducked his head further into his book, as if hiding there might make the question disappear. Jamila let out a quiet sigh. Sometimes, the way he shrank from her made her feel like a wolf tormenting a poor little squirrel, she didn’t want that.
She turned her attention back to Shani instead.
“Your birthday is coming up soon,” she said gently. “Would you like a party?” Her tone was calm, but her eyes gave her away. Bright, hopeful, searching. Shani didn’t hesitate. She shook her head.
“No… I think I just want my family.”
The answer was soft, but certain.
Jamila felt something in her chest tighten. She had seen it happening, little by little, day by day, Shani drawing inward, retreating into a space Jamila couldn’t quite reach. And no matter what she tried… nothing seemed to pull her back out. This had been another attempt.
“Are you sure, my dawn?” Jamila asked quietly. “Eight is a VERY important birthday.”
Shani blinked, her brows knitting together.
“Really?” She asked, not fully understanding or convinced this wasn’t something her mother was making up.
“Really.” Jamila replied sternly, but affectionately.
“No one else has mentioned how important it is…” Shani mumbled as she watched her mom skeptically.
“Of course not! It’s not a Gildan thing.” She said cheerfully in reply.
“Then-”
Shani started but her mother held up a finger. Jamila scooted closer, pulling her knees up as she leaned back slightly.
“In Sullivian culture,” she began, “turning eight is… significant.”
Shani leaned in without realizing it. Even Caelis shifted slightly, his attention drifting away from his book.
"Eight is a holy number," she began, though Shani looked thoroughly unconvinced.
"I've been informed by several very intimidating Sullivians that turning eight is important." She whispered so only Shani and possibly Caelis could hear.
“Mama… you only talk to one person over there…” Shani said, her tone sounding exhausted. Jamila couldn’t help but chuckle at how similar the two were.
"Exactly! And he was very adamant about it." She sighed and put a hand to her cheek as she shook her head. Shani couldn’t help but smile. Jamila continued, her gaze drifting toward the ceiling as though the memory itself lingered somewhere above them. “That age… It marks change. Growth.”
Her voice softened.
“The step between child… and adolescent.”
“Adolescent?” Caelis asked, frowning slightly. “What does that mean?”
Jamila smiled faintly.
“Interesting. A word the great Caelis doesn’t know.” She smiled and Caelis blushed slightly. He truly resembled Jaziel in many ways.
“I suppose… it means you’re one step closer to becoming an adult.” She said, bringing her attention back to the question at hand.
“Adult or not…” Shani muttered, her brows knitting together, frustration beginning to color her cheeks.
“I don’t want anyone but my family.”
She hated crowds and strangers, family was safe, the palace was safe. That’s all she needed.
Jamila’s smile faltered, just slightly. Another attempt… another quiet loss.
“Very well, my love… family only it is,” she said softly. She opened her arms in invitation and Shani crawled in and wrapped her arms around her mother. Jamila pulled her daughter closer and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“Care to join?” She asked the question to Caelis. Caelis simply shook his head. Yet another defeat. Two for two. She sighed, then released Shani. Jamila rose, smoothing her skirts.
“I should get back to work,” she added softly, almost sadly.
“Have a good day mama…” Shani said, already curling up back to back with Caelis again. She gave Jamila a small wave before she returned her attention once more to her book. Jamila lingered for a moment, watching, admiring, worrying. She let out a tired sigh and turned away from their nest and left the room.
Jamila returned to her office, settling behind her desk with a quiet exhale. Papers were already waiting for her… orders for decorations, notes on meals, arrangements for the day. At least this would be simple. A small gathering. No politics. No spectacle.
Just family.
A soft knock, followed immediately by the door opening. Jaziel stepped inside. He looked quite refreshed. It must have been a good day with the palace and kids.
“So,” he said lightly, tapping his knuckles once against her desk before taking the seat across from her, “how are the plans for the Princess’s celebration coming along?”
“Anything you need me to relay to the butler and staff?” He asked as he watched her quill dance on the page.
Jamila didn’t look up right away. She finished up the line she was writing before setting the quill aside.
“It should be fairly easy,” she said, leaning back slightly. “Shani doesn’t want a party. Just family.”
She allowed herself a small, tired smile. “So no need for invitations, or mountains of planning.”
“Which will be a nice break for my neck…” She groaned and rubbed at her neck.
Silence followed.
It concerned her.
Jamila glanced up, Jaziel was watching her. Not disapproving, Just… considering. A flash of concern danced behind his eyes with every passing second.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“It’s just…” Jaziel began, his tone measured, careful. “This is a royal birthday.”
A small pause.
“A private affair won’t be possible… Not this year.” He said with a small smile as he scratched his neck.
Jamila blinked.
“What?”
“She’s had private birthdays for seven years now,” he continued calmly. “I think it’s time she was introduced to society.”
“You’re joking,” Jamila said, incredulous. “She’s only seven.”
“Yes,” Jaziel replied evenly, “and traditionally, a celebration of this scale would have been held when she was three.”
A slight tilt of his head. “As is custom.”
“ᚠᚢᚲᚴ ᚲᚢᛋᛏᛟᛗᛋ!” Jamila snapped, the words sharp and immediate, her tongue accidentally slipping into Sullivian.
Jaziel’s eyes narrowed, just slightly. “I would appreciate it if you spoke a more civilized tongue,” he said coolly.
Jamila exhaled sharply through her nose, dragging her hands down over her face. She let that remark go. Not worth the fight.
She felt slightly calmer after swearing.
As much as it irritated her, he wasn't wrong. There hadn’t been a single proper event in seven years. Not one.
She had stabilized regions, strengthened alliances, cared for her people in ways her father never had… but none of that mattered to the nobility if they couldn’t see it. If they couldn’t attend it, Control it, Judge it. And a royal birthday…Was the perfect excuse.
An excuse to let their hair down. To show off wealth, pride, and status.
She hated that most about the palace and its aristocrats.
The closer it got to Shani’s birthday the more nobles arrived in town in hopes of a celebration, a party. Or better yet, an invitation.
“I don’t want to turn her into a spectacle,” Jamila said finally, her voice quieter now. Tired.
“She already is one,” Jaziel replied. The words were blunt, but his tone remained gentle.
“Seven years of absence made sure of that.”
Jamila looked up at him, something fragile flickering in her eyes. Jaziel softened slightly. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“You can’t change that,” he said quietly. “But we can control the narrative now.”
Jamila stilled. The words settled in slowly, uncomfortably. Control the narrative. Her gaze drifted, unfocused, as she turned the thought over in her mind.
He had a point. But Shani… She promised her. But she also couldn’t hold off the leeches forever.
Then a thought occurred to her, her eyes lighting up.
She straightened slightly, drawing in a slow breath.
“Very well,” she said at last, her voice peppier despite the headache now pulsing behind her temple.
“But I will handle the invitations.” Her eyes met his, sharp, unyielding. No room for negotiation. Jaziel studied her for a moment. Then sighed.
He stood and offered a small salute.
“As you wish…”