Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or its characters. This is AU.


Three Little Maids

The royal nursery was always a busy place. The ladies and her highness were old enough for lessons, but they also spent a fair amount of their time in play. Much to the dismay of some of the governesses, King Caraway let his daughter and wards run free when they weren't in lessons. All three of them had very active imaginations, and Rinoa and Selphie were known mischief makers. Quistis was a little calmer than the other two girls, but her intelligence gave the governesses headaches at times, especially when she was given orders she didn't want to follow.

Princess Rinoa had grown into a beautiful child. Raven haired with dark eyes, she looked very much like Queen Julia. Winsome and kind, she won hearts easily, though she also had a stubborn streak that could frustrate those looking after her. She had also inherited her mother's lovely singing voice and love of music. And while she reminded the king of what he had lost, she was also was his greatest source of hope and joy.

Lady Selphie was six months younger than Rinoa. Small and spirited, the green eyed girl could find mischief just about anywhere. It was not uncommon to find the auburn haired Selphie to get into every possible closet and trunk in her immediate area. Cheerful and energetic, she was a handful, but she kept everyone around her smiling and laughing.

Princess Quistis was the eldest of the three girls as well as the quietest. With pale blond hair and fair skin, she could be like a shadow at times. But while she was quieter than the other two girls, she also was incredibly bright and observant. More often than not, it was Quistis who reined in the other two when they were potentially getting into trouble. She was far more scholarly than her two friends, and the elder girl was often found reading somewhere nearby by where the other two were playing.

Today, Rinoa and Selphie were engaged in a highly involved game of sorceresses and pirates. Quistis had decided to sit this game out and was perched in the window seat with a book. She was willing to provide help and ideas if the younger girls needed it, but she was clearly more interested in her book. The room was full of laughter, and Quistis was quite content. She liked playing with Rinoa and Selphie, but sometimes she didn't have the energy for their games.

"What are you reading, Quisty?" The young princess peered up at her cousin.

"It's a collection of foreign fairy tales."

"Read us one," Rinoa demanded, her game forgotten.

Quistis sighed but smiled. "All right."

The two younger girls joined her up in the window seat, and Quistis began to read. She actually didn't mind reading to Selphie and Rinoa. It was a regular activity for the three of them, and Quistis rather liked the fact that the other girls came to her when they wanted stories or to know something. It made her feel like she was their older sister. And they were by far her favorites of the children at the Royal Court. The three girls didn't actually have much contact with other children except when the court was in session, and even then, they weren't that many children their age.

And the other children in the Royal Court were not exactly kind either. Quistis had often had to rescue Selphie from them. Rinoa was far safer from their taunts and pranks being the Crown Princess of the realm, but even Quistis, who did hold the title of Princess herself, was often mocked and made fun of. Even Rinoa had been a target once of twice. So the three of them were more than happy to spend most of their time together without any other companions. And while they might be a little isolated from their peers, the three of them had lots of fun.

Though Quistis knew that it wouldn't be too much longer that the three of them had such leisure. They already had lessons, but her uncle had already had already let her know that she at least would soon be getting both more lessons and a new governess. They were all getting to the age when they would need to be groomed for their future duties. Not that Quistis minded too much; she rather liked studying. But none of that would probably happen until after the court's annual trip to the Summer Palace.

It was Quistis' favorite part of the year. Before her parents had died, Quistis had lived by the sea, and it was still her favorite place. Her best memories of both her parents, but especially her mother, were at the beach. The Summer Palace was really just a manor house, and everything was much more relaxed than her in the capitol. Quistis knew that it wouldn't be much longer before they set out. They really were just waiting for her uncle's current guests to leave, and then they could be on their way.

"It's time for the young ladies to prepare for dinner," their main governess announced from the door way.

Quistis sighed. The other unfortunate side effect of her uncle having guests was the fact that all three girls had to attend the court dinners. It meant dressing up and being on their best behavior, and after nearly three weeks of it, Quistis was missing the dinners in the nursery shared between just the three girls and sometimes her Uncle Caraway. The governess chivied the girls into their court outfits.

Selphie was the lucky one. Her pale yellow dress was simple enough, and all that was done with her hair was threaded a few matching ribbons through it. Rinoa's dress was pale blue and far fancier. Still, it was a young girl's dress and fairly comfortable, and to go with her ribbons, Rinoa wore a tiara in her hair. Quistis unfortunately was now forced to wear miniature versions of full court regalia. Especially since their governess had chosen pink to be Quistis' color. Quistis herself would have picked green or lavender. It wasn't that she didn't like pink, but did her entire wardrobe have to be that color? Her hair was pinned up in an elaborate arrangement, and she wore a golden circlet denoting her status as a princess. The entire thing was uncomfortable, even if Quistis did like her circlet.

Once the three girls were properly attired, they headed down to the banquet hall. Quistis sighed and then assumed a regal expression as the herald announced the three of them, and they made their entrance. Another night, another boring dinner. Hopefully, this time Selphie wouldn't try and see how many people she could flick peas at without them noticing.