Chapter Text
“Do you, Luciana Nicole Martins, swear to uphold the constitution of Couersann and lead this country to the best of your ability?” Luciana breathed in slowly. “I shall.”
After the two princesses ripped the entire Parthenian Council and Parliament a collective new one, it was decided that a public referendum would determine if Luciana would in fact become Queen of Couersann. It was her idea (“After all, they should have a say if they still want me after all this!”) and she was mollified to see the scandal hadn’t affected her popularity, as the referendum showed 76% percent of the populace preferred to keep her; the remaining votes mostly came from those who hadn’t liked her, were hom*ophobes, or a small faction of those wishing for her to abdicate and make Couersann a republic.
“Then, by the power vested in me by the Couersann assembly, I hereby crown you as Queen Luciana of Couersann.” Garth then lowered the simple crown gingerly onto Luciana’s head. The ceremony was a small, private one, only attended by high-ranking politicians and livestreamed on the internet. Luciana felt uncomfortable with a large, expensive coronation, so she’d opted for a less formal inauguration ceremony instead. “Thank you all, so very much.” Luciana was trembling with nervousness, as this meant she was now officially a Queen. More responsibilities, more scrutiny. But this sent an unmistakable message -- mostly to her mother, who was most likely ranting at the top of her lungs in prison at this very moment.
“For those of you watching this livestream…I thank you for allowing this to happen. I pledge myself to the people, not to anyone else. I will put your needs first, and ensure that I will do everything in my power to help you. As my first act, I hereby authorize the funding of a program for mental health services.” She then took a pen and signed the bill authorizing the funding provision. Unlike other heads of state, she only used one pen.
After the ceremony (such as it was) ended, Luciana felt like she could relax. As she left the governmental chambers, her phone rang. “Lacy. I’m glad to hear from you. It all went to plan.” Luciana could feel the anxiety slowly ebbing away already. “I know Lucy, I was watching from the Cafe. Again, my offer of being your Lady Royal is still open.” Delancy reminded her. “Honestly, it sounds like an excuse for you to move out here permanently. And that’s not a bad idea at all.” Luciana liked the idea of waking up next to Delancy every day.
“Well, with Kathy and Alexandra’s relationship getting more serious, I think she might pass the cafe onto me permanently. So I dunno what we’ll do about that.” Delancy had begun to experiment with a revamped menu with all sorts of unique recipes and that had been driving business. But at the same time, she also really wanted to have Luciana close by. There was only so much driving or rail travel could do to bridge the gap.
“Whatever happens, we’ll tackle it together.” A beep then issued from the phone. “Someone else is trying to call, I’ll call you later. Love you, Lacy.” “Love you too, Lucy.” Delancy hung up and sighed. She wanted to be closer to her partner, but there were duties and geography in the way. What was she to do?
The solution was to use her family as a sounding board. Kathy, Blair, Emily and Alexandra joined Delancy now for a once-a-month palace brunch, in part so Delancy would have a group to test out her new recipes. “So, what do you think of my casserole?” Positive-sounding noises came from everyone, as their mouths were currently stuffed with delicious pasta, beef and cheese.
“So, I’m wondering if I should let someone else run the cafe for a while, because I really want to be closer to Luciana.” Delancy confessed. “I’ve been doing well for myself there, but….Luciana’s so far. But I also know the cafe’s important to you, Miss Willows. I’m conflicted.” Delancy said, throwing her hands up in frustration.
“Well, that does pose a problem. I would like to keep the cafe going. And yet, Emily’s too young, Blair and now you are busy….” Kathy counted, trying to mentally check off potential candidates. “Perhaps Alexandra could use it as training for PCS students so they know how an actual job works?” Blair suggested.
“That’s an excellent idea! But we still need someone to manage it…” The door to the formal dining room opened, and Lord Nicholas Kenneth Karzons -- Blair’s long-term partner -- entered, dressed in a smart jacket and turtleneck sweater. “Hello everyone, am I late?” He’d been delayed by the helicopter training session running longer than usual thanks to a mechanical issue; his plan was to fly medevac, as he had recently been certified as an EMT.
“No, not really. Good to see you.” Blair leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. She and Nicholas had bonded after her time at PCS. He’d been intrigued by her time as a commoner, and found they had a lot in common; both of them enjoyed reading and playing tabletop strategy games (as well as painting the miniatures; Blair’s poor motor skills had meant she needed Nicholas’ assistance, mostly in preventing the paint from spilling) and had spent hours developing tactics. They’d even joined a local game store’s resident guild. (He had gone on a few dates with Delancy, at Dame Devin’s prodding since the Karzons family -- itself distantly related to the Hildreth family, rulers of Dulcinea since the time of Queen Erika -- would be a politically-perfect match; that being said, neither side was particularly interested in each other, much to Devin’s frustration.) “So, I see Delancy’s trying out another recipe. What’s on the menu?” His stomach was already rumbling from the smell alone.
“Some really yummy casserole!” Emily exclaimed. “At least her mouth isn’t full of food. She’s been working on that.” Kathy said quietly to Alexandria, who nodded. “Blair, I talked to Jeremy, we’re on for the Saturday meeting.” Blair pumped her first. “Can’t wait to show them my all-new tactics! I’m gonna whoop their asses!” Blair said excitedly. “Alright, Blair, let’s calm down a bit, focus on the here and now. Remember we still need someone to take over the cafe.” Kathy rerailed the conversation.
Nicholas was brought up to speed on the quandary. “Hmm. Seems like you are stuck in a dilemma here.” He pondered as he consumed his plate of casserole. “Perhaps I could try running the cafe for a while. I’d like to gain more work experience, I know I can’t just coast on my parents’ wealth and influence forever.” Nicholas knew that was a trap many royals and nobles could fall into, like the infamous Ivan of Narcissia. Just being in the same room as him gave Nicholas the creeps.
"Well, I don't think there are any other candidates. As long as I'm there to supervise, it'll work out." Kathy considered. Nicholas was trustworthy in her eyes, as he and Blair were very much on the same wavelength. The two spent hours together in the living room painting their battle miniatures and making all sorts of battle plans. At no time had Blair ever said he'd done anything untoward; per Alexandra, he was withdrawn before Prince Charming Academy, being generally unaware of his attractiveness and being much more interested in non-social activities. He'd spent much time in his father's library as a child and had grown accustomed to being left alone to read and write.
"Excellent. So we have someone to take over, and that means you're free to join Luciana." Kathy looked at Delancy warmly. "I want you to know, Delancy, that you'll always be welcome in my home again. I seem to accumulate adoptive children and you were someone who needed a true mother. I was happy to provide what your actual mother lacked." Kathy then got up (gripping the chair for support) and reached out. Delancy gladly returned the hug. "Thanks, Miss Willows. For everything."
“Yes. And given your love, I think we can trust you with what we have to say.” Alexandra then took Kathy’s hand. “It took your revelation to make me realize I’ve been falling in love just like you did.” Alexandra admitted. She’d grown up not only with traditional noble parents, who tended to rail against anything that wasn’t “proper”. Consequently, Alexandra had repressed her seemingly-untoward feelings for women for years. Then she met Kathleen. The feelings had begun to resurface as Kathleen was very much someone on Alexandra’s wavelength. She’d tried to deny it, but at the same time she tentatively began to take steps towards approaching Kathleen, who herself hadn’t gone on any dates in years.
“So…are we going to have Miss Privet as another mom?!” Emily asked, half excited and half confused. “I think so. And….I’m happy for you both. It makes so much sense now that I think about it.” Blair said slowly. She hadn’t noticed any of this, being too concerned with learning to rule a country. But she didn’t oppose it at all. Miss Privet had already been like a second mother to her and Delancy; having her as another official mother was honestly a great thing. “Thank you, Blair. I hope our new relationship will not affect my duties to you and the Charm School.” Ever the workaholic, Kathy thought.
“I didn’t realize what I had...until you came forward with your own love, Delancy. You gave me the courage and confidence to admit what I had denied myself. Thank you, Delancy.” Alexandra leaned in to hug Delancy. “Wow. You’re welcome...mom.” At that, Alexandra’s eyes briefly bugged out, before she relaxed. “Between you and Miss Willows, I now have two mothers who’ve been more kind and helpful to me in two years than my biological mother was for my entire life. I’m glad to have you, Kathy, Blair, Emily… you’re my real family.” Delancy admitted.
The entire family -- because there was no question it was anything but now -- proceeded to gather in a group hug. Delancy found herself in the center. Surrounded by love and people who actually cared about her.
“So, can I have another slice of this casserole?” The group broke apart at Nicholas’ question. “I’d forgotten you were there!” Delancy exclaimed, startled out of her heartwarming moment.
----
“So where are we going?” Emily couldn’t wait any longer. Mom had told them they were all going somewhere, but wasn’t saying. It definitely wasn’t the way to the palace or PCS. Wherever they were going, it was as an entire family -- Miss Privet, Delancy, Luciana and even Nicholas were with them in an unmarked SUV. “I told you, it’s a surprise. If you’re going to be a princess, you’re going to learn patience.” Miss Willows stated from behind the wheel. “Indeed. We will not allow you to satiate your instant gratification. That is behavior you cannot let dominate, or it will have markedly deleterious effects on your psyche.” Miss Privet said from the other front seat.
“Huh?” Emily tilted her head, now more confused by the big words Miss Privet was using than annoyed by the lack of information. “I think you’ll need to study a dictionary more often.” Luciana said amusedly, sitting with Delancy in the back bench seat; Blair, Nicholas and Emily were in the second row. “Already, our new mom is putting her foot down.” Blair quipped; referring to Miss Privet as her new mother felt natural already, as Miss Privet had been such a part of her life for the past two years or so.
“I’m glad you decided to invite me. I’m looking forward to knowing you all better.” Luciana couldn’t help but wonder if she wouldn’t be included as part of what Delancy had dubbed her “found family”. Sure, she was considered part of Ro and Antonio’s extended family, but that was strictly friendship-based. Miss Willows and Miss Privet seemed likely to be more important given her and Delancy’s burgeoning relationship. “Same here. I need a break from EMT training and flight lessons.” Nicholas had been stretched a bit thin lately and when Blair invited him on this trip, he gladly accepted.
Emily continued to restlessly look out the window, trying to figure out where it was they were heading. “We’re getting close….” Miss Privet said after about an hour. “I still can’t see--NO WAY!” Emily shouted as she finally realized where they were. “FunCentral Gardania! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh--” Emily was hyperventilating. For years she’d seen ads and heard from students at school how great it was at FunCentral, the best theme park around…and they could never go.
“I told you patience is a virtue. Kathleen told me about your long held desire to visit and the financial constraints that prevented it. But, given that you no longer need to worry about such matters, visiting is now an option.” Miss Privet informed them as they rolled into the parking lot. “And because I’m princess, we’re all getting in for free!” Blair was just as excited as Emily was, vibrating and stimming like mad. She glanced at Delancy, who was looking out the windows in wonder. “There are a lot of perks to this gig, aren’t there?” Delancy had, again, never gone to places like this; instead, her mother forced her to go to countless boring parties and receptions in hopes of making important connections…with almost nobody else her own age there.
“There’s so much here! There’s the water park, the midway, the Cyclotron, the rollercoasters…” Emily went on as everyone exited the SUV. “So, wait. Aren’t we going to get accosted by people because I’m the lost princess and all?” Blair wondered. The idea of being constantly harassed by well-meaning people for pictures and autographs wasn’t an appealing one. “Haven’t you noticed that we’re the only ones here?” Alexandra pointed out; indeed, the parking lot was practically deserted. It was a Tuesday, to be fair, as people were more likely to visit on the weekend, yet there was still a conspicuous lack of cars.
“Since it’s a low-traffic weekday, I was able to essentially rent out the entire park, just for us. And since we’re the royal family, it didn’t cost us anything.” Alexandra gestured as they passed through the front gates. “The entire park?!” Luciana couldn’t believe it. An entire theme park, without the lines, crowds and absurd costs….it was every kid’s dream. And indeed, Emily looked like she was about to become a human bottle rocket. “WAHOO!” Emily began to dash across the empty midway, running around in circles from pure excitement.
“So it’s all for us? No jacked up food prices, no lines for the rides...damn, Miss Privet. This is the greatest idea ever!” Delancy then walked up to Emily. “Hey Emily, I challenge you to a competition.” Emily stopped in her tracks. “A competition?” Delancy nodded. “Whoever gets more stuffed animals from the squirt gun game in 5 games gets to choose the first big ride we go on.” Emily’s eyes narrowed. “You’re on!” Miss Willows facepalmed. She knew how seriously Emily took this kind of thing.
Kathleen then turned to Alexandra. “I have to admit….I don’t feel comfortable with this overindulgence. Renting out an entire theme park?” Kathleen simply didn’t feel like flaunting her newfound wealth and status. “Kathy, don’t you think you deserve it? You told me how Emily always wanted to do this and you could never afford it. Now you can. Trust me, this isn’t overindulgence; years of enduring Dame Devin redefined that term for me.” Devin had constantly purchased expensive dresses and jewels and generally wasted money to look high-class. It was simply overcompensation for her previous status as a commoner. She wanted so desperately to fit into that world; conversely, Alexandra had been a part of that world since her birth, and had always felt that flaunting your wealth - or, as Dame Devin attempted, spending money you didn’t have to give the illusion of wealth -- simply made you look desperate and second-rate.
While Delancy and Emily were busy firing at targets with jets of compressed water, Blair, Nicholas and Luciana were at the arcade nearby. “So do we have to earn the tickets ourselves, or can we just ask for anything we want from the prize counter?” Nicholas wasn’t quite sure how it worked in this context. Even despite the machines continuing to spew out tickets, as he could see while playing skee-ball. Luciana and Blair were playing one of the basketball tossing games. “So, what’s it like having your work exhibited at museums?” Blair asked; Luciana’s paintings had recently begun to be displayed as part of an exhibit of paintings created by royals, with the centerpiece being paintings created in the 1600s by the famed Rapunzel, a princess who had been kidnapped and raised by a noblewoman in a convoluted revenge plot against a king who had declined her advances.
“It’s gratifying. People are seeing beyond what they heard about in the news. Having my paintings exhibited alongside paintings by Rapunzel herself is…surreal. She became a legend by defusing a war, imprisoning her false mother, and even taming a dragon. All I did was realize my mother’s plot by deductive reasoning.” Luciana went on as she attempted to make some baskets. She was admittedly very un-athletic; Blair was about the same, as both of them were barely able to make 5 baskets before the clock ticked down. “Well, we suck at basketball. We know that now.” Blair snarked as she examined the small amount of tickets. “Even American athletes would pale in comparison to Ro. Growing up on an island with animals raising you will do that.” Luciana was still amazed by the sheer athletic feats Ro could pull off; she’d been witness to Ro playing basketball as if she were Michael Jordan.
Back at the squirt gun game, Delancy and Emily were engrossed in trying to out-target each other. Given how the guns were locked down onto the counter, their aiming was limited; regardless, both girls were firing fast and furiously at the various targets. “We’ve got a winner!” The man running the game proclaimed. “Since you’re the new Crown Heir, you get any of the stuffed animals you want.” But Emily shook her head. “Only one, gotta let Delancy here earn one herself.” The employee nodded and handed a purple dragon to Emily.
Before Emily knew it, Delancy had earned her own animal, a small polar bear. She then turned the squirt gun into Emily’s face! “Gotcha!” Infuriated, Emily quickly turned the squirt gun towards Delancy, and the two went to war with each other! “Ackptbnt!” Delancy spluttered as the jet found its way into her mouth. “Alright, now that she’s distracted…start it again!” Emily ordered the employee. “Seems like your little girl has something of a ruthless streak.” Alexandra was unnerved by this, as it wasn’t behavior she’d seen from Emily prior. “Oh trust me, she always gets like this whenever there’s stuffed animals involved. That’s how she got so good at archery during her stays at Camp Royal, apparently there was a contest involving stuffed animals she desperately wanted to win.” Kathleen recalled. Nowadays, there was a giant net holding the ludicrous amount of stuffed animals Emily had over her bed.
Back at the arcade, Blair, Nicholas and Luciana were challenging each other in a motorcycle racing game. “So, tell me, does Ro travel everywhere with all those animals who apparently raised her?” Blair shouted over the loud music and noises of the game. “They tend to rotate around from what I remember. Some stay at her palace, some accompany Ro wherever she goes. She’s made even more animal friends both in Apollonia and in Palladia.” Luciana grunted as she moved her plastic motorcycle. She had to admit, Delancy would look hot on a motorcycle; head to toe in leather, hair trailing out from her helmet…. “Luciana, focus!” At Blair’s admonishment, she shook herself out of her daydream and quickly began accelerating again. Gotta keep that thought around for later… she thought as Blair won the race.
In the intervening time, Emily had won two more stuffed animals -- but Delancy had squeaked ahead with a two-pack of cats. “Alright, Emily. This one’s for all the marbles. Whoever wins gets to pick the first big ride!” Emily nodded, then furrowed her brow and turned back to the squirt gun. The bell rang and again, it was organized mayhem as various targets were shot by the water jets. “And the final winner is…Emily!” The employee proclaimed in a hammy, boxing announcer voice; he then handed her a strange looking pink creature with purple hair and wings. “Alright, yeah! Woohoo!” Emily began to celebrate, once again rushing off and spinning around in circles. “I beat Delancy, I beat Delancy…” Delancy smiled. Her new little sister was going to be someone you didn’t want to cross in competitions. Perhaps she could take more archery or shooting lessons. Seeing the name “Princess Emily Willows” in the Olympics would definitely be inspiring.
“I see you lost the battle.” Luciana said as she, Blair and Nicholas emerged from the arcade. “Yeah, but I’ll win the war.” Delancy declared. “How so?” “Because I know she’s gonna want to go on the biggest, most thrilling rollercoaster and both our moms won’t want her to because it’ll be too intense.” Her prediction proved accurate, as her plan to go on the Windchaser was promptly vetoed by Alexandra and Kathy. “Aw, but I won it fair and square!” Emily whined. “Again, you must learn patience. Not to mention, we don’t want to see you lose your lunch all over a coaster.” Alexandra didn’t have much experience with rollercoasters; when she and Isabella had been at this park after graduating from PCS, it had been extremely hot that day and they’d spent most of their time in the waterpark (which wasn’t open yet, as it wasn’t warm enough, being March).
“So what ride should we go on now?” Blair wondered. Having an entire theme park at your disposal with no lines or wait times made her decision paralysis kick in, as she looked over a map. “How about we start on the Cyclotron?” Delancy suggested. The Cyclotron was one of those spinning teacup-style rides with pods; you’d sit down in a pod and spin around and around. “We’ll start with a low-intensity ride and work our way up, so to speak.” “An excellent idea, Delancy. Lead the way.” Alexandra was glad Delancy seemed to be thinking the same thing.
For the rest of the day, the Willows family enjoyed the run of the park. The rides were theirs to pursue, so they could take their time and not rush to save a place in line. Eventually, however, hunger began to show and the group settled down for the typical greasy theme park lunch. “My god, this is artery-clogging.” Luciana said as she observed Blair’s massive pizza burger. “Well, the doctor did say I need more meat.” Blair shrugged, before returning to her burger. “This is what people do at these kinds of places, indulge themselves.” Alexandra said; she’d packed her own lunch. She knew the food served at these places could be sub-standard, but it didn’t seem to deter the others. Delancy was digging into a giant fried turkey leg. “Mmph, damn!” Delancy said between bites; the meat was literally falling off the bone.
Luciana looked at her own turkey leg in alarm; there was no way this could’ve been from an actual turkey. “You don’t mind if I sit next to you, do you?” A park employee carrying her own lunch approached Luciana. “Oh, you’re fine. Go ahead and have your lunch.” Luciana said, as she looked at the woman’s face. It seemed to ring a bell for some reason.
“Good.” The employee’s name tag read “Odile.” “Gotta tell you, never thought a buncha royals would come and rent out the whole place for a day.” Odile said, disinterestedly unwrapping a sandwich. She spoke in a nasal voice that would be more at home in New York City than Europe. As Luciana looked at her, a bell rang in her mind. “Wait a moment, aren’t you--” Odile waved her hand. “Yeah, yeah, my dad was Rothbart. I know the drill.” Rothbart was an infamous criminal, a man who’d gone mad after botched plastic surgery to change his identity left him looking like a grotesque bird. He’d changed his name and that of his daughter’s after he became fixated on Swan Lake, even attempting to find magical artifacts to turn women into swans. Fortunately, he’d been captured and put into a mental rehabilitation facility.
“My real name was Maggie; my mom was from Queens, if you’re wondering.” Odile had to explain this to so many people over the years. It was why she’d taken a job at a theme park running the rides. That way, she hopefully could get lost among the crowds. “Trust me. Between me and Delancy over there, you’re in good company when it comes to evil parents.” Delancy had finished her turkey leg, amazingly, and started in on another one. It wouldn’t shock Luciana if she fell into a food coma, though.
“Maybe we should form a support group or somethin’.” Odile said sarcastically. Luciana began to ponder this. “That’s not actually a bad idea.” A support group for the daughters (and sons) of criminals. It would be small, but it would probably be good for their mental health. “Delancy, over here.”
Delancy agreed to the idea, once she polished off her giant turkey leg. “We’d better put out feelers for anyone else who might want to join. There’ve gotta be more kids like us out there, scarred by their parents’ neglect and plans.” She then belched loudly, much to her and everyone else’s surprise. “Whoo! I didn’t think a turkey leg would cause that.” Even she had been expecting a belch she could cover. As it was, it felt like the belch was echoing through the park.
Luciana and even Odile smiled at this. “Delancy’s burp could’ve caused an avalanche.” Luciana stated while continuing to work her way through her own turkey leg. “We’d better be careful once you finish off your own.” Delancy reminded her. “Otherwise we’ll make seismographs start going off.”
For the rest of the day, the two princesses hung out with Odile, who seemed to be definitely on their wavelength. She even had a girlfriend of her own, a baker’s daughter. They theorized if she was one of Delancy’s relatives, given how much she’d gotten into baking and cooking.
At the end of the day, Odile left work with both Delancy and Luciana’s numbers with plans to meet up in the future. But Blair, Emily, Kathy and Alexandria left with family memories they could treasure forever.
