✦|Nanny or Duchess?|✦

✤¿Firstday?✤

✱|Bailey's mother spoke with|
annoyance, delicately holding a cup of tea.

✱|-"You have a sick sister to care for."
Bailey's watchful eyes were on her
coughing sister, a silent plea directed
at her stepmother. Fear etched
Bailey's expression as she, with a soft voice, implored,

✦|-Bailey: "But mother, Harvard University is my dream. I can't let this opportunity slip away, please."

The denial, harsh and relentless, cut through the air, her annoyed expression further amplified as she rebuked Bailey,

✡︎|-"You don't have the money for Harvard! If you want it so badly, get a job, you foolish child!"

A thrown vase clattered on the floor as she exited, leaving Bailey's 8-year-old sister Hadley in her care.

In that tender moment, Bailey promised Hadley,

𖤓|-"Hey, we're going through this together, okay?"

Hadley's soft response echoed,

𖤓|-"Okay, sissy, but please don't pressure yourself." Bailey nodded, tucking Hadley in for a peaceful sleep.

Fast forward to the next day, and the internet became Bailey's job-hunting ground, each rejection a stab at her aspirations.

Weeks passed with no success, the shadow of her father's crimes casting a gloom over her efforts. The resentment towards her distant father grew as a stranger in her life, not a parent.

Two weeks of fruitless endeavors led Bailey to a poster in her home.

Emperor Aurelian sought a Nanny/Manny for the unruly Lady/Princess Katelyn, offering an extravagant 100,000,000,000 USD a year and free travel to the palace.

Hopeful, Bailey applied, and a few days later, she received the coveted notification. Sharing the news with Hadley, her exuberant hug and joyful words,

✥|-"Yehey! My sissy has a job!"

warmed Bailey's heart.

As Bailey packed, goodbyes to her indifferent stepmother and tearful Hadley were bittersweet.

In the final moments, her sister clung to her, pleading for her to stay. In that last minute, Bailey became sister, caregiver, and storyteller, creating a moment of tranquility for Hadley before her departure.

Stepping onto the bus, the air whispered of opulence.

Among the royals, Bailey met Lex, the son of the Duchess, whose deep voice greeted her,
✥
|-"Hello, beautiful lady. Are you new here?"

Confirming her role as Princess Katelyn's nanny, Lex issued a forewarning about her unruly behavior.

Grateful for the advice, Bailey pondered,

𖤓|-"Maybe she just needs love and attention."

As the bus journey unfolded, conversations with Lex revealed surprising commonalities.

Both 21, lovers of math, schools, and with little sisters, the only contrast being Lex's freedom to attend Harvard.

The arrival at the palace was met with nerves and excitement, the head minister's greeting marking the beginning of a new chapter.

Lex guided Bailey to Katelyn's room, where she finally met the princess.

Frustration dripped from her words,

✦|-"Isn't it bad enough that Emperor Aurelius takes away my powers, and now I've got a hideous nanny, for God's sake, I'm 12!"

Lex interjected with a stern warning, and Bailey, undeterred, introduced herself with a soft, loving voice.

Katelyn, unimpressed, rolled her eyes, absorbed in her TikTok scrolling. Amidst the challenges, Bailey reminded herself - this journey was not just about Katelyn but also about fulfilling her dream of Harvard and securing a better life for Hadley.