Good timing
Another one of mine. A few stories in the news recently inspired this.
Snow groaned in an almost childlike way. "Do we have to have this meeting?" She moaned to her husband. He chuckled.
"I'm afraid we do, my love. Come on, it's only twice a year. We get this over and done with and we don't have to see them again for another six months." Snow sighed.
"But out of all the ambassadors we meet with, he is by far the worst. He's just so grouchy, and rude." David nodded, and kissed the side of her head.
"I know. I don't like him or his guards either. When they're here they think they own the place. But it's just a couple of hours to sort out business." Snow nodded sadly.
"I can't decide whether I want Emma to sleep through the meeting, or whether I want her to scream so loud we have to call the whole thing off." Snow said, smiling down at her three month old sleeping peacefully in her arms.
"Definitely sleep through. Otherwise we have to reschedule." Snow grimaced.
"Good point. Come on then, we wouldn't want to be late. That'll set him off on one of his rants." Snow said, getting up very carefully so as not to waken Emma. Not that she had to be too worried, the girl could sleep through an elephant stampede.
Together, the family made their way down to the conference room of the palace. The ambassador of Knightswood and his guards stood and bowed when they saw the royals arrive.
"Your highnesses. How lovely it is to see you again…" He stopped when he saw Emma in Snow's arms. He looked mightily disapproving. "You have brought your infant to a meeting?" He asked.
"Yes, I have Mr Lawrence. Where we go Emma goes too for the time being." Snow said, with an air of finality. The ambassador looked like he wanted to object, but he could see from Snow and David's faces that it was not up for discussion.
"Very well." He said irritably. "Down to business. We aren't happy with the price of wheat…"
An hour and a half of negotiations later and he still wasn't happy. His guards behind him would occasionally flex their muscles threateningly as though that would make a difference, but Snow and David had long ago learned to tune them out. Snow was becoming increasingly annoyed by Mr Lawrence. He was going out of his way to make things difficult. Then, Emma started to squirm. Snow looked down just as Emma let out a whimper.
"I'm sorry," Mr Lawrence said briskly. "Am I interrupting the child?" He asked.
"Actually yes you are." Snow informed him, tired of being polite. "My daughter is hungry, and now you see why she is brought with us. If you'll excuse me for a moment gentlemen." Snow excused herself and Emma from the table. She could have left the room and left Charming to continue discussions, but no, she wanted to see that mine speechless for once. Instead, she simply moved to the corner of the room, got Emma sorted and came back to the table. Charming gave her a knowing smile, twigging what she was up to. Mr Lawrence looked appalled. He looked to David.
"Your wife, she's…she's…"
"Feeding my child, yes. I believe you were talking about the price of our cows?" Charming said, trying to get him back on track. Mr Lawrence shook his head slightly, trying to focus. He seemed in rather a rush now, not wanting to argue as much. He finished the meeting rather quickly, which was most unlike him. Whilst Charming showed him and his guards out, Emma finished feeding and Snow sorted herself. Charming came back into the room and gave Snow a look.
"You did that on purpose." He said. Snow gave a look of mock confusion.
"Did what? Feed my daughter? I've never left the room before. Why should I for him?" David sighed.
"Whatever you say, my darling." Snow held Emma up and kissed her head.
"Good timing, baby. I guess you're already my little partner in crime." She told her.
"Heaven help me!" David said, coming over and taking Emma. "You can be mommy's partner in crime, baby. But never against daddy, ok?" Emma made a small gurgle. "I'll take that as a yes." David settled Emma in one arm and took Snow's hand with the other. "Now that that's over. I fancy spending the afternoon with my girls. What do you say?"
"Speaking for Emma and myself, we think that's a fabulous idea." Snow said, and they left to spend the day together.