Aina, Her Highness

2. Nether

Aina stared at herself in the vanity mirror. "It looks wonderful! Thank you, everyone". Her makeup consisted of rose gold eyeshadow, light waterproof mascara, and clear lipgloss that glimmered when it hit the light perfectly. She has never been disappointed with the makeup team, they always delivered their best work.

All the makeup artists lined up to each take their bow individually. "Please. Don't bow. As your Princess and soon to be Queen of Centura I don't want you to bow. I am your friend". Everyone nodded and waved her goodbye. "You're welcome, Princess Aina".

"Now where to?". Aina spoke to herself. She then remembered that she has a visitor.

Entering the South Hall, Aina walked across the marble floor, the sequins on her dress reflecting against it each time she stepped.

Princess Aina stayed in the South Hall for five minutes until she heard light footsteps coming from the closest pillar. "Hello? Hel-".

Aina was so shocked to see a girl about her age, brown skin, and dark brown straight hair coming towards her. "May I help you?". The girl stopped in front of the Princess. "You could if you are the princess ". Aina smiled at the girl. "I am. I'm Aina, pleased to meet you". She held out her hand. The girl took her hand and shook it. Aina whispered after they shook hands. "Now would be the part when you tell me your name". She giggled.

"Oh. Sorry. My name is Nether". The girl looked awkward, and uncomfortable. "And you asked for me?". Nether nodded. "I wanted to ask if you could take a look at the Centurian Village, it's where I live".

"What's over there?". Aina asked innocently. "We've been experiencing trouble with food, and outsiders". Nether hung her head down. "I completely understand if it's too huge of a task". "That's nonsense. Come on". The Princess was on a mission to find Quitton. "Where are we going? What if Jadena sees me?". Nether rambled.

"Who, what, where, when, why, how! All these questions. All you need to know is that I'm going to fix The Centurian Village before my coronation. Now, hurry or we're going to be late!". Aina searches desperately for Quitton. She finally spotted him dusting off busts. "Psssst. Quitt. Psssst". She whispered being careful to make sure that Nether was out of sight.

"Princess?". Quitton whisper shouted. "I need a favor to ask of you". The skinny butler smoothed his suit, trying to make his way over to the girls in the most nonchalant stride. Once he reached them he asked what could be done to help.

"I need for you to distract the royal family while I take her to the Centurian Village". Quitton's eyes widened. "Whatever for?". Nether started to walk away, being that she was just taking up time and space. "It is in bad condition and I want it to be fixed today". Quitton rubbed his forehead that was glossed with sweat. "You do know what you're asking me for, right?". Aina nodded before giving him her charming smile. "Just this once, please?". The butler crossed his arms looking away from his highness. "Oh alright. But you owe me". Aina grinned."I figured".

The space that Nether had filled felt empty next to the princess. "Nether? Where are you going?". The awkward girl froze in place. She had been caught. "I-I was just um....going to uh...". Her voice trailed off. She could find no excuse so she decided to stay quiet. The princess found this cute. "Well I'll have you know that the way to the Village isn't in the direction you're going in. It's quite funny, actually. I thought you would know where you live". Aina remarked a bit sarcastically.

"I do. I don't want to be a burden". This small statement was enough to shatter the pink princess's heart. "You aren't a burden. If I have taken you this far then it means I have no intention on turning back on my word. I understand that a home is extremely important to people and being that you came all this way to help your Village, shows a lot of courage". She reassured her. Nether smiled into Aina's eyes. "Thank you so much". "It's the right thing to do".