Prompt: Naughty or Nice
Making Nice
"What should we get Lord Rahl for Creatormas?" Berdine asked brightly.
"The beaten and broken body of the leader of the Northern dissenters?" Rikka suggested. "A dancing girl from the heart of the Southlands?"
"It's a little last-minute," objected Raina.
"Try for something a little less exotic," said First Mistress Cara drily. Rikka, Berdine, and Raina all jumped. They weren't expecting their First Mistress—a woman they all held in some awe, and also some disapproval.
It was common knowledge that she had abandoned Lord Rahl (the previous Lord Rahl) when he needed her most. Besides, the new Lord Rahl was so…
"Richard would prefer a kitten stuck in a tree," said First Mistress Cara, with no trace of sarcasm.
Rikka, Berdine, and Raina exchanged looks. The new Lord Rahl was so vanilla.
"Yes, Mistress," said Berdine. "But—well—"
"No dancing girls is one thing," Rikka agreed; Raina sighed regretfully. "But surely even Lord Rahl couldn't object to our training the Northern traitor for him?"
Raina and Berdine looked hopefully at First Mistress Cara, too.
"You know Richard is still in peace negotiations with the Northerners," First Mistress Cara sighed regretfully. Then she seemed to recollect her companions, and said sternly, "This year, why don't you all try to be extra nice to Lord and Lady Rahl," And she swept away, no doubt to babysit the heir.
Rikka made a noise of disgust, and left. "Nice," she could be heard muttering down the corridor.
"I don't know…" whispered Berdine, stroking Raina's cheek. "I think I'd rather be…"
"Naughty," finished Raina, and kissed her.
The new Lord Rahl might be much too nice, but his domestic bliss had spread through the palace—maybe there was something to be said for peace and love after all.
