[There’s a moment where Aliah considers both her hands, and crowned with her brown curls she truly does look regal, considering which new person to reach for first…

Only to reach put a chubby hand towards Hilda.]

That’s Auntie Hilda. She used to be in the same class as your dada, Aliah.

Just one moment…

[Ingrid turns to wave a servant over, who dashes off to fetch Aliah, returning with the tot and handing her over to Ingrid. Green eyes blink at the ladies.]

Aliah, these are your aunties.

Come, we can bring Aliah and you can spoil her rotten…

Oh we might very well get stared at a lot, possibly inappropriately, since I’m the king’s wife…

😔

I want you there, because I like spending time with my husband?

Because I have no fashion sense and you tell me I look good in anything, but there are court appearances I do have to make as your wife.

And I’m trying not to embarrass us when your scheming half brother breathes down our necks?

Abandoning me to my fate like this.

[PLEADING EYES.]

But I still don’t know the capital all that well and the girls are visitors…we need a guide, my love.

[GRABS HER HUSBAND’S ARM. If she must suffer shopping-.]

Oh no, you’re coming with.

[Linking arms with the Girlie Pops(tm).]

Let’s get going.

[A soft, weak smile.]

Hello, Annie.

Didn’t we learn from the last time you said you’d leave me?

[Dangerously close to nicking him on purpose.]

Do you want to test that?

Need I remind you that I have a very sharp razor in one hand and your chin gripped in my other?

Did you tell her that mama was so upset by your half dead attempt at a beard she dud it on purpose?

[Time to fix that ugly thing he’s trying to grow.]