The Ruler of Wattpadia - Contest

Baronetess Saffron - Christmas Leisure Time

This would be my first Christmas away from home. I felt some relief in having already prepared gifts for the girls back home. I just wanted to be sure I could get them something to show my gratitude for their lovely company. Once our families nobilith was demoted, many of the castle left.

At the moment, money was an issue. It didn't take much to support myself and the ladies. But our family had somewhat adopted children in a nearby orphanage, funding it to keep it running. Soon enough, they wouldn't have anything.

I immediately turned away as Queen Oxy entered the room. Oh, she was always in style wherever she went. Nothing looked bad on her. She was speaking with the representatives of Ashburg at the moment. I wondered if Queen Oxy had family. I hadn't heard of any. I should've done some research, studied up on some history.

Maybe I could ask her! It would make a good topic for conversation.

The queen finished talking and was gradually moving closer. Now I had to figure out how to get her attention. What if she was trying to leave to address kingdom affairs? What if I annoyed her? No, I should just---

"You must be Lady---oh, I'm sorry, Baronetess Saffron of Dusau! How nice to finally speak with you."

I turned and curtsied as soon as possible, my knee popping. "M-My Queen Oxy. It is a pleasure to be in your presence."

"You may straighten up now, dearie."

I did at once. "Sorry."

She smiled, amused. "How have you been faring? I haven't seen you mingling much. Under the weather?"

"Oh, I just don't get out much to gatherings. My sociability is a little rusty."

Queen Oxy chuckled. "Don't stress too much over it, dear. Make yourself out home. If you'll excuse me, I must go and welcome a few more attendees."

I gulped. "There are more?"

"Well, I don't know if you'd noticed, but we were short on male participants. I want it to be a fair shot for any future king or queen of Wattpadia."

"That's so nice of you, Queen Oxy."

"I know," she laughed. "Enjoy yourself, dear." She somewhat glided away, and I felt left behind. The other participants must've bonded closer over these past days. There hadn't been much activity, but Queen Oxy was an important and busy woman.

I knew I wasn't gaining any kind of points not socializing with the rest, but perhaps gaining more knowledge of Wattpadia would help me in later challenges. I would spend this holiday reading. I did the same every year, once Lucinda and the other two ladies went home to their families, but this time it wasn't for fun.

After asking a few of the castle staff for directions, I found Queen Oxy's vast library. It was so big! With a second level! The stained glass windows of literary figures gave the room such authoritative air. I immediately went to the nearest wall of books. I didn't know what the section was about, but I didn't care!

"There is no organization to this place."

I jumped and dropped the book. "Who's there?"

He chuckled. "No need to be frightened. I apologize for scaring you."

Wary of not yet seeing him, I stooped for the book. "I was startled, not scared. There was no need for the sudden noise."

"I'm surprised anyone would come to the library during a party. Frivolity must be contagious."

"Is that a bad thing?"

He appeared from around a corner. "Of course it is. They're all competitors."

He was quite tall, fit even, with green eyes and tossled brown hair. "I don't see the importance of being chummy with competitors. It just makes a mess down the road."

"And who are you, exactly?"

"Lord Rafael Kurama of Oplington. And yourself?"

I curtsied out of instinct. "La---Baronetess Saffron of Dusau."

He bowed mockingly. "Nice to have met you, La Baronetess Saffron."

"There is no 'la'."

Lord Rafael smiled. "I was trying to be funny. You're oddly polite for someone from Dusau."

"We don't all cause trouble."

"Your delicately timid exterior could be a ruse. I'll be on guard regardless."

"You're a new competitor."

"Of course. The throne is as good as mine."