As the Queen’s escort continued to approach the centre of the room, Vanessa prepared to give the signal for the swift and timely gesture of reverence. The Monarch was accompanied by a maid and two saltor guards. ‘Saltor’ was the common name for a higher world male. Humans however, often called them ‘Elves.’ Both guards were wearing scarlet, gold-trimmed tunics and highly robust, light armour. But their armour was of a special make, having been constructed by a process called ‘Kemble Forging.’ Kemble forged armour can become transparent if wiped with a special chemical called ‘Tempered Glossalathine,’ and from a distance, the armour appears to be invisible. This could demoralise and shake the confidence of attackers who might think their target is vulnerable and open to a lethal strike, but only to be confronted with a well-armoured, disciplined and specialised warrior.
The maid, who had a rather lengthy name, was Veronica Wor Kassa Kali. But she preferred to be called ‘Veronica Garlandwood,’ and most of the people in her life called her Veronica Garlandwood, although there were still some who called her ‘Veronica Wor Kassa.’ And one little child kept calling her, Voneka Woo-Lata. This led to her sometimes being teased by adults who would say things like, ‘Careful, Vonie Woolata.’ And, ‘Don’t fall down to Jakarta, Vonie Woolata.’ Or, if she entered a room, they might say, ‘Ta-daa! It’s Voneka Woolata!’
She had long been a close friend of Vanessa Lumingale. The two became friends after Veronica found Vanessa’s contact details in a monthly circular called Reports and Connections. The reports section consisted in general news, while the connections section was for people who were looking for friends to write to. Not having any siblings, and living in a rather isolated area of Alpheabrook, Vanessa was quite lonely growing up. They wrote back and forth to each other for an entire seven years before finally meeting in person.
It took so long because fairies don’t travel much and Veronica lived far away in the vast province of Garlandwood in a settlement called Wor Kassa. Garlandwood was the size of a large country and made up almost entirely of forest land, rivers and lakes. Most of the houses and businesses were located within the great Yallavine trees that grew very tall, towering far higher than skyscrapers, with some even reaching the clouds. The main civilised area had a vast interconnection of bridges and a traffic system consisting of camouflaged cable cars. The cable cars were camouflaged for various practical reasons but also to protect the beauty of the forest.
As for Alpheabrook, where Vanessa was from, it was far more modern and city-like than Garlandwood. Its people tended to be well educated, upper-class and often wore shoes which is very uncommon in Garlandwood and most other provinces, except perhaps for Maracynthiavale, which was considered to be the wealthiest province, due to its abundance of precious resources. When Vanessa received employment at the Palace of the Supreme Monarch, she eventually secured a job for Veronica as an R.M.P.L. (Royal Maid of Perpetual Loyalty).
They now both lived in the Palace which suited Vanessa perfectly. But from time to time, Veronica would look out of her window and long for the forests of Garlandwood. She had fond childhood memories of running through the great Elder Fay Forest with her huge red and blue butterfly, Garti, who was almost half her size and fluttered alongside her as the rays of the larger pale blue and smaller reddish suns shone through the evening air, and the Benivola Band played its charming music and steadily beat its drums to the flawless singing of Julietta, her older sister.
But once one became a Maid of the Supreme Monarch, it was considered highly dishonourable and offensive to resign and leave. ‘Once a Royal Maid, always a Royal Maid,’ was the often repeated saying. Veronica was a fairy who was presented with an opportunity for a truly honourable and prestigious future as a dedicated handmaid of her mighty and glorious Queen, and she also had a dear friend in Vanessa. But she never factored in just how much she might miss her home province of Garlandwood.
She also remembered wandering through the lush, charming and excitingly mysterious Glade Haven Forest, with its funny bearded saltors, called Forest Tenders, and sometimes rather cynically called, ‘Negligent Forest Tenders,’ because they were always getting tipsy, noisy and drunk on their homemade concoctions and laughing their heads off while endlessly partying and gossiping with their co-workers and wives. Meanwhile, their rowdy, boisterous sons would frequently face off against each other in various kinds of sports, and their daughters would often dance, sing and flirt with other young men while many a debaucherous session carried on from early afternoon until far into the night, their houses often being left in a horrendous mess.
Eventually, men from a small and predominantly green land of the Lower World learned about the existence of the elderly males and described them as ‘tricksy solitary senior men of very low stature, dressed in green with hats.’ The lineage of the Forest Tenders traced back to an original saltor and fairy couple who began an illegal group called The Glade Gathering. It focused on forbidden powers and as a result they and all the group members became entrapped in a state called Condensed Form. The offspring of each Glade Gathering couple were also stuck in the same state – a state which made them very small. They all needed daily painkillers to feel normal. And that is why many of them drank so much. Veronica sometimes felt sorry for their condition, but when she saw them always laughing, joking and in such jovial spirits, she smiled once again and felt happy for them and their dear, fun-loving human contacts in that small, distant green country of the Lower World.
Vanessa continued to wait with a regimental and serious expression, as the Monarch approached nearer and nearer to the centre of the room where her elaborate chair stood waiting for her. The escort continued moving at the same slow pace until it finally came to a halt. Vanessa then shouted at the top of her voice, “Corchenda!” which means ‘Reverence!’ She then clapped her hands together again, this time so loudly that Veronica and even the Queen, jumped a little. It was the signal for the gesture of reverence and at once, all the R.S.U. members made a swift, ninety-degree bow. The gesture was very fast, down and up again, and in perfect unison, as she had trained them to do.
After a rather tense pause, Queen Aerilyn said in a low voice, “Be seated.”
Vanessa clapped again, this time a little quieter, and each member sat gracefully down into their tall, luxury chairs. The guards positioned themselves at either side of the Queen but they stood a few paces back so as not to distract her during the meeting.
“Not you, Vanessa. Be standed,” said the Queen.
“At once, Al Chelsia.” Vanessa then stood up abruptly, feeling a little worried but still perfectly maintaining her usual professional dignity. She tended to address the Queen in Luminenya. The term ‘Al Chelsia’ translates to ‘Your Majesty.’
But before speaking to Vanessa, who stood ready for anything that the Queen might come at her with, there was another uncomfortable pause.
The Queen then turned to her left and said, “Do you simply stand there, Veronica Garlandwood? Prepare the water and Jelsa juice, offering also fruit to all who desire it.”
“Oh. Yes, Your Majesty,” said Veronica after feeling a pang of disappointment in herself.
She then gathered the items onto a large, gold-plated tray that featured intricate silver, red and green designs on the rim. When she had done this, she was about to approach Vanessa but wondered whether that would be appropriate since she was still standing to attention. She paused for a moment and grew very anxious. She then coughed. Vanessa started glaring at her, trying to get her to do what was so obvious.
“Move, Veronica!” said the Queen sharply. “Do your duty so that this meeting may proceed.”
Veronica then went to one of the other fairies but was looked at with great disapproval. Vanessa then shook her head and snapped her fingers. “Pisst!”
At this, Veronica spun round, still confused.
“Sorry. What do I do? I… I hate to ask.”
The Queen then looked indignantly at her and said, “Do you not serve your own Queen first, Veronia? Your maid skills most certainly need sharpening. Vanessa? You had better see to it that this woodland daydreamer from Wor Kassa gets more coaching from you.”
“It will be done before the close of this day, Al Chelsia.”
“Good.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Your Majesty!” Veronica blurted out.
“Shhh! Quickly now! Do your duty.”
Veronica then approached the Queen with the tray and said, “Your Majesty? Would you like me to pour you some…”
“No thank you,” came the abrupt reply. “Go now and serve the others but do not serve Vanessa until I tell her to be seated.”
“Yes, my Lady. Oh, sorry… I mean Your Majesty!”
Veronica was feeling intense stress at this point and quickly went to serve one of the other fairies. But she moved so quickly that to her horror, the stack of pale blue glass drinking vessels slid forward and toppled off the tray, landing on the fairy’s lap. Veronica gasped and Vanessa cringed with displeasure. But the fairy just smiled with amusement and calmly put the drinking vessels back on the tray.
“Oh! I apologise, Elora!”
“It’s okay, don’t worry,” she whispered back kindly.
Never did Veronica think that being a maid of the Queen would come with such unpleasant pressure and anxiety. But she continued to do her best to carry out her duties as correctly and efficiently as possible. It had to be because of her distracted mind that this was happening. She was thinking too much about Garlandwood – the mesmerising forest home she had left behind.
At last, when all were served, the Queen turned her attention to Vanessa again, this time in a slightly challenging way. Vanessa stood as still as a statue and looked confidently back at her.
At last, the Queen spoke to her in a loud and clear tone. “Vanessa? An update on my daughter, please.”
Vanessa knew this question was coming. She was the reliable leader of the R.S.U. and was known to be always well prepared for every scenario and almost never to make any mistakes, even small ones. Despite the blunders of her friend Veronica and that painful public display of her incompetence, Vanessa wouldn’t let that distract her. She also wouldn’t let her voice shake or show any signs of inner struggle. She was a professional, through and through.
She looked sincerely and even somewhat compassionately at the rather irritable and secretly sorrowful Queen as she gave her answer. Everyone in the room had great confidence in Vanessa. She would surely keep this whole situation under control, no matter what.
Vanessa’s voice was somewhat soothing but still had that professional and self-assured tone to it.
“Of course, Your Majesty. But before I proceed, I must inform you that Katriona is absent for this meeting. According to Vonlivia, her reason for this is actually due to heartbreak, because…”
“Thank you, Vanessa. Tell me about it in private after the meeting. Now, go on. Proceed. Update me on my daughter, please.”
“It pains me greatly to say it, but she is manifestly corrupt, Your Majesty. She is in the Lower World. She has been located and identified by Raymond Ashford, the last member of the Order of Custodians. As Your Majesty is aware, they call him the ‘Wizard of England,’ because he dresses like one and is in charge of the Higer World Contact Archives, situated under the floors of a place called Guildhall Library. Your Majesty’s daughter lives in London, the South of England. The Capital. But she is already a proficient juvenile criminal, according to Raymond. But so far, she apparently only commits crimes of theft. But far more worryingly, she believes that she has a purpose and mission there. She unfortunately read a prophesy in a forbidden section of the archives which states that when she grows up, she will raise a criminal empire and eventually punish the Lower World for its shallow, indifferent materialism and for falling out of contact with our benevolent realm. Raymond isn’t sure what to do next, but the two of them have so far exchanged letters with each other. Just two letters. One from him and one back from her. She says she isn’t yet ready to learn how to return to us… or should I say, to you, Your Majesty. She seems to be firmly resolved on this decision, even if it means not claiming her future place as the next Ruler of the Higher World, which, as we know, is due to her as Your Majesty’s Firstborn.”
“Okay! Enough! How hard have you been trying to talk to her?! All of you! This whole unit!”
“We try every day, Your Majesty. Be assured. But she does not listen. That is the situation.”
There was an intense pause.
Vanessa then asked, “How does Your Majesty wish to proceed from here?”
“Do not ask questions! Firstly, I want to know if there is any more information you can share.”
“Your Majesty’s daughter, Princess Stephanie Goldmaracynthia Bell, goes by the name of Carletta Sayer. She was adopted by a couple named Julian and Teresa after being summoned to the Lower World, as you already know, my Queen, by an unknown form of malevolent witchcraft.”
The Queen was silent for a moment before saying. “Be seated, Vanessa. I wish now to tell you all that I am considering repealing the Act of Suppression and reopening the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale. But first, I want you all to vote on this and that will affect my decision.”
The S.Q.D. of Shorniavale was once the largest and most successful ‘School of Qualified Descenders.’ It trained fairies to transition to the Lower World and carry out missions and errands of benevolence there. It had long been closed down, together with all other S.Q.Ds. This was because of the Act of Suppression which forbade fairies to travel to the Lower World since it was becoming too corrupt and too dangerous to the well-being and inner brightness of the fairies themselves. This Act came into force during Earth’s seventeenth century.
The entire room fell palpably silent. Surely the Queen couldn’t be serious about doing such a thing. What a nightmare it must be to expose a fairy to the Lower World while in the dawn of its twenty-first century. Veronica Garlandwood shuddered at the thought and timidly went to serve Vanessa, feeling afraid that the Queen might take it into her head to ask her to be trained to go to the Lower World and sent down to the dreaded Stephanie. And how awful it would feel to refuse the Queen, but there was no way she would ever have the courage to go to the ensnaring western world of Modern Humanity.
Wow, what a captivating story! I couldn’t help but get drawn into the world of Veronica Garlandwood and the royal intrigue. The way you described Garlandwood with its towering Yallavine trees and camouflaged cable cars made me feel like I was right there in that magical forest. It’s such a vivid and imaginative setting!
I found myself really connecting with Veronica’s character. Her struggle between duty and homesickness felt so real and relatable. The royal meeting scene had me on the edge of my seat! Poor Veronica with her maid mishaps – I could practically feel her anxiety.
The political tension you’ve woven into the story is fascinating. The Queen’s consideration of repealing the Act of Suppression and reopening the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale is such an intriguing plot point. It really sets the stage for some potentially epic developments.
I’m curious – what inspired you to create this particular fantasy world? The blend of fairy politics, magical realms, and the connection to our world is really unique and engaging.
That cliffhanger ending has left me eager for more! Will we see more of Stephanie/Carletta’s story in the Lower World? And I’m really interested to see how Veronica’s character develops – will she overcome her anxiety and find her place in the royal court?
Thanks for sharing this enchanting story. Your world-building skills are impressive, and I’m looking forward to reading more!
Hi, thanks so much for a really great comment – it was great getting such positive thoughts from you. Well, I started to get into this particular genre when I began writing for my niece about a missing fairy and the story and website developed from there.
Yes, there’s a lot more to come on Stephanie/Carletta.
This was a captivating read! The character of Veronica Garlandwood is so intriguing, especially in the context of the royal meeting. I’m curious about the dynamics between the different characters—do you think Veronica’s actions at the royal meeting will have lasting consequences on the relationships within the kingdom? Also, the world-building in this story is fascinating; I’d love to know more about the history of the kingdom and how it influences the current events. Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Hello Dominic
Your article on Fairy Fandom about Veronica Garlandwood’s royal meeting is a delightful blend of fantasy and intrigue. It paints a vivid picture of the enchanting world surrounding her, making readers feel like they are part of the royal court. The narrative’s pacing keeps the story engaging, and the character development is subtly woven into the plot, enhancing the overall experience.
I can see how this a deeper exploration of Veronica’s inner thoughts during the royal meeting could capture readers attention in a more emotional way.
Thank for this imaginative article.
Wow, what a delightful read! Veronica Garlandwood’s journey in “The Royal Meeting” beautifully captures the essence of navigating royal duties with a touch of personal nostalgia and friendship. It’s refreshing to see how the tale weaves Veronica’s background with her current challenges, making her a deeply relatable and vibrant character. The mystical elements add a wonderful layer of intrigue that keeps the reader hooked. Vanessa’s character complements Veronica perfectly, providing a glimpse into the supportive dynamics among the palace staff. Thanks for sharing such valuable content!
Gabriel John
Thanks Gabriel. It’s great getting your thoughts here. Best wishes.
Wow, what a captivating tale! Veronica Garlandwood’s journey from the enchanting forests of Garlandwood to the intense, pressure-filled halls of the Queen’s palace is truly intriguing. The contrast between her past life surrounded by towering Yallavine trees and her present duties as a Royal Maid adds so much depth to her character. I can almost feel her longing for home amidst her royal responsibilities. And those saltor guards with their almost invisible armor—what a fascinating concept! It’s like being caught between two worlds, both majestic yet demanding. I can’t wait to see how Veronica navigates her role while yearning for her forest home!
Thank you! Yes, I’ve always liked the character of Veronica Garlandwood. While a bit softer and less sophisticated than Vanessa, she is perhaps one of the more endearing fairies in the story.
What a fascinating story about Veronica Garlandwood and meeting with her royal highness the queen. It is interesting to see how the queen was scolding Veronica when she was making mistakes, and how Vanessa came to her rescue and helped her. And eventually Vanessa is the one that has to update the queen on her wayward daughter.
It will be interesting to continue this journey and see how the fairies vote on repealing the Act of Suppression and reopening the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale, and who eventually gets chosen to go to the Lower World.
Thanks Line, glad you are enjoying it.
Wow! What a colorful and delightful imagination. I am forwarding this to my granddaughter who loves the world of fantasy and everything ‘fairy’. I really enjoyed the graphics in this article. You have a wonderful imagination of the heart. The story line is exquisite, and the characters seem to come to life. Great Job! Thank you.
What an intriguing and immersive story! The world-building is so detailed, especially with the unique elements like Kemble Forging and the fascinating cultural differences between Garlandwood and Alpheabrook. Veronica’s internal struggle between duty and longing for her home resonates. It makes me wonder whether Veronica will ever confront the emotional conflict she feels about leaving her home, or is she destined to remain torn between her responsibilities at the Palace and her desire to return to Garlandwood?
I’m looking forward to seeing how her story unfolds!
This story is absolutely enthralling! The vivid depiction of Garlandwood with its towering Yallavine trees and camouflaged cable cars truly pulls you into the magical world. Veronica’s struggle between her duties and homesickness feels incredibly real, and the tension of the royal meeting is palpable. The Queen’s potential decision to reopen the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale adds an intriguing twist, leaving me eager to see how Veronica and Stephanie’s stories will develop.
I was completely drawn into the story of Veronica Garlandwood and the royal meeting! The way you’ve crafted her character and the world around her is so captivating. It feels like being transported into a magical realm. I love how the details of the royal court add depth to the narrative, making every moment feel alive. Were you inspired by any particular fairytales or folklore while creating this story? I’d love to hear what sparked your imagination!
Wow, this was such a fascinating read! The world-building here really pulled me in—there’s a lot of detail and imagination at play. I love how you’ve developed the dynamics between the characters like Vanessa and Veronica, especially with all the tension Veronica feels as she navigates her duties. That bit about the Saltor guards and the Kemble Forging process was such an interesting touch!The scene with the Queen was intense, too. You can feel the pressure Veronica is under and Vanessa’s professionalism just adds to the gravity of the situation. The dynamic between the characters feels well-thought-out, but I could sense the weight of duty and underlying tension as they interact.Overall, I love the balance of whimsy and depth here. It feels like a fantasy world that’s been built with a lot of care and creativity. Can’t wait to see more!
Hi Dominic,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Veronica Garlandwood & The Royal Meeting by Dominic. The intricate world-building, especially the detailed descriptions of the Saltor Guards and the process of Kemble Forging, was absolutely fascinating. Veronica’s character is both endearing and relatable, as she balances her sense of duty with her longing for home. Her missteps and anxieties added a human (or should I say fairy?) touch that made her journey all the more compelling. The dynamic between Veronica and Vanessa, as well as their ties to the Queen, creates such an intriguing layer of tension and loyalty. This story weaves together elements of fantasy, royalty, and friendship beautifully. I’m eagerly awaiting more of this enthralling world! Bavo bravo!
Best Regards, Eric
The way you delved into the royal meeting and Veronica’s role in it was so engaging. It’s intriguing to see how she maneuvers through the complex dynamics of royal life and politics. Her character really stands out, especially with how she balances personal desires with her duties. I think this meeting could be a game-changer for the story’s development. Thanks for breaking down such an interesting part of the plot
This post is incredibly engaging and immersive, with a richly detailed world and complex characters. The story is full of intrigue, politics, and personal struggles, making it a compelling read.
I found the characters of Veronica and Vanessa to be particularly well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations. The dynamic between them is fascinating, and their relationships with the Queen and other characters add depth to the story.
The world-building is also impressive, with a unique magic system and a detailed history. The contrast between the Higher World and the Lower World is intriguing, and the implications of the Queen’s decision to reopen the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale are ominous.
I’d love to continue the discussion by exploring the following questions:
1. What are the potential consequences of reopening the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale, and how might it impact the characters and the world at large?
2. How will Veronica’s past experiences and connections to Garlandwood influence her actions and decisions in the future?
3. What role will Raymond Ashford, the Wizard of England, play in the story, and how will his interactions with the Queen and her daughter shape the plot?
I’m excited to hear others’ thoughts and theories on these topics, and I’m grateful to the author for creating such a captivating and immersive world. Let’s continue to explore the complexities of this story together!
Thanks for your comments and questions.
Q. What are the potential consequences of reopening the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale, and how might it impact the characters and the world at large?
A. If they reopen Shorniavale’s School of Qualified Descenders, it will mean that fairies will be trained to go to Earth once again. But it is unlikely that they realise just how dangerous the Lower World can be to them at this time in its history. This could lead to fairies going down to earth but never returning.
Q. How will Veronica’s past experiences and connections to Garlandwood influence her actions and decisions in the future?
A. She will continue to miss her home but she is still determined to get over her homesickness and embrace her life as a Royal Maid. Eventually, many years later, she gets the dreaded task of having to be the personal maid of the corrupt fairy, Princess Stephanie who attacks her one day. In the end, she is given a choice to continue on at the Palace or return to Garlandwood.
Q. What role will Raymond Ashford, the Wizard of England, play in the story, and how will his interactions with the Queen and her daughter shape the plot?
A. He is trying to influence Carletta (Princess Stephanie) through written communication. He remains as an intermediary between the fairies and the Lower World.
I really enjoyed this article!! I love the blend of regal formality with the whimsical elements, like the Forest Tenders and the mysterious “Kemble Forging” armor. The dynamic between Vanessa and Veronica feels so real, especially with Veronica’s anxiety contrasting Vanessa’s confidence. That mix of modern and magical settings really pulled me in, especially with the vivid imagery of Garlandwood and its towering Yallavine trees. I’m also super intrigued by the tension building up around the Queen’s daughter and the possibility of reopening the S.Q.D. The stakes are high, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds! Thanks again!
Thanks Randi! It’s great to hear your thoughts:)
This story is absolutely captivating! The way you’ve brought Veronica Garlandwood’s character to life is both enchanting and intriguing. The royal meeting scene is filled with such vivid detail that it pulls the reader right into the fantasy world. I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next. Thank you for sharing this magical tale!
Thank you Mercy. Best wishes.
Hello,
This story really immerses you in the world of the Higher and Lower Worlds with such vivid detail! The dynamic between Vanessa and Veronica is interesting, especially with how Vanessa embodies perfection and professionalism, while Veronica feels out of place despite her loyalty.
The Queen’s stern leadership adds so much tension, especially with the looming question of whether they will repeal the Act of Suppression. I am curious to see how Princess Stephanie (or Carletta!) fits into the larger plot, she sounds like a rebellious character who might be more of a force to be reckoned with than anyone realises. And that bit about the Saltor guards’ armor? Such a cool touch! This post really makes me wonder how all the different worlds and characters will continue to evolve.
Cannot wait for the next chapter! Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks Starlight. Great getting your thoughts here.
Thank you for the fascinating article, Dominic! I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed portrayal of Veronica Garlandwood and the vivid world you’ve created. The description of the Kemble Forging and Tempered Glossalathine adds a unique and intriguing element to the story, and the contrast between Garlandwood and Alpheabrook enriches the setting beautifully.
One aspect that stood out to me was the detailed background of the characters and their environments. The rich description of Garlandwood’s landscape and culture really brought the setting to life. However, it might be helpful to streamline the introduction to make it a bit more concise, as the detailed descriptions, while vivid, could potentially overwhelm readers new to the story. A more focused introduction could help in maintaining the narrative’s pace and keeping the reader’s attention.
Additionally, exploring Veronica’s internal conflict about missing her home province could be deepened further. Perhaps adding more personal reflections or specific memories could enhance the emotional connection readers feel with her character.
Overall, your article provides a captivating glimpse into an imaginative world. I look forward to seeing how Veronica’s journey unfolds and how her relationship with Vanessa develops further. Great work!
What an enchanting story! The world-building here is absolutely mesmerizing—Garlandwood sounds like a magical place I’d love to visit, with its towering Yallavine trees and camouflaged cable cars. I felt for Veronica, torn between her duties and longing for home—it’s so relatable, even in a fantastical context. The Queen’s intense leadership and Vanessa’s composure add such depth to the narrative. And the twist about Princess Stephanie in the Lower World? Intriguing and leaves me wanting more! I wonder, will the S.Q.D. truly reopen, and how might that change everything? Can’t wait to see what’s next in this compelling tale
This story weaves an intricate tapestry of high fantasy, blending lush world-building with compelling character dynamics. The dual focus on Veronica Garlandwood and Vanessa Lumingale paints a vivid contrast between the tranquil, naturalistic charm of Garlandwood and the rigid, high-stakes formality of palace life. Veronica’s longing for her home province, interspersed with humorous anecdotes and heartfelt memories, humanizes her amidst the grandeur of the Queen’s court. Her struggles as a Royal Maid, compounded by her mistakes and anxieties, add a relatable vulnerability that grounds the fantastical setting.
Vanessa, in contrast, is portrayed as a pillar of professionalism and poise, navigating the Queen’s formidable presence with competence and grace. The narrative deftly explores the tension between personal desires and duty, especially through Veronica’s internal conflict and the Queen’s pressing concerns about her daughter’s fate in the Lower World.
The story’s exploration of political intrigue, cultural contrasts, and moral dilemmas enriches its depth, leaving readers eager to unravel the fate of these characters in this captivating, multidimensional realm.