It's been a week since Lily and I left the hospital. I was finally feeling stronger. Stretching and yawning, I rolled out of bed when suddenly-
"Oh good, you're up."
I jumped. Mom barged right into my room.
"Do you knock?" I groaned.
"No." she said so bluntly I wanted to throw my pillow at her.
"Why are you here?"
She ignored me and started rummaging through my closet.
"Lyra, today is the day you'll practice being Queen. You'll be Queen for a day."
My jaw nearly hit the floor.
"What? Already? As in today?"
"Yes. We delayed it last week because you were still recovering."
She pulled out a long aqua-blue dress, elegant enough to sweep the floor.
"Ah, here it is. Get dressed."
I groaned. I hate my life. Still, I slipped into the dress, strapped on the high heels, and attempted to walk… only to trip and faceplant.
Mom opened the door to find me collapsed across the floor.
"You okay?"
I just groaned again.
After breakfast, Mom made me practice walking in heels down the hallway like it was basic training. Somehow, I managed to wobble my way to the throne room. Waiting inside were villagers, murmuring among themselves.
Mom leaned close. "They've come with complaints. A Queen must listen and solve their problems."
My stomach knotted. I sat nervously on the throne.
"Don't worry. I'll sit by your side," Mom said, taking Father's seat.
I cleared my throat. "Please step forward."
A woman came forward. "Your Majesty, my name is Sally. Wolves have been attacking us nonstop. They steal our possessions and hurt our people. What can we do?"
Others shouted in agreement.
I thought carefully. "Wolves are weakened by silver, and they're less powerful during the day. I propose witches set invisible traps when triggered, they release silver bombs."
"But silver weakens us too," someone objected.
"Yes, but not as much as wolves. Holy water is our true danger. And even if they appear human in the daytime, silver still affects them; they weren't born human."
The crowd murmured approval. Sally smiled brightly. "Thank you, Queen Lyra!"
Next came a man named Dexter. Tears streamed down his face as he spoke. "At the market… my daughter… she vanished in seconds. Please, help me find her."
My heart sank. "You have my deepest apologies. I will assign our three best guards Stephen, Owen, and Elijah to aid you. They will not rest until your daughter is found."
The man mouthed thank you before leaving with the guards.
Only one couple remained. A tired man spoke gently, his pregnant wife by his side. "We've both lost our jobs. We can't pay for housing. Please… can you help us?"
I looked at them, at the women's weary eyes. "Of course. We'll provide financial aid until you recover and help you find work."
They bowed, relief washing over their faces.
Mom clapped softly. "Well done, Lyra. You hardly needed my help."
I smiled, proud of myself. "Thanks, mom."
"Not over yet."
I groaned. Being Queen was exhausting.
Next came kitchen inspections. "All of you!" I said, trying to sound commanding. "This kitchen better be spotless by the time I return."
"Yes, your Highness!" the staff shouted.
Then the maids and staff received their assignments. My mother gave me a subtle nod of approval.
Before I could breathe, a guard entered. "Your Majesty, a noble from Eldoria is here."
I froze. Eldoria? The Witch Kingdom?
The noble bowed politely, but his eyes felt sharp. "I came with a message from the king. He cannot aid you in creating traps against the wolves."
Suspicion only grew. "How do you know about that plan?"
He stuttered. "I-"
"You're not answering my question," I cut in, staring him down. Strange, isn't it, that the king somehow knows about a plan I only revealed this morning? Take your broomstick and fly back. I'll speak to my uncle myself."
The noble's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. He scoffed and left.
"What a waste of my time," I muttered.
Mom moved us along. "Time to visit the orphanage."
The moment my mom stepped foot inside, children ran to her, squealing, "Mama Angelica!"
She hugged them all, then turned them toward me. "Children, meet my daughter Lyra."
They hesitated until suddenly, they all rushed me at once. I toppled to the ground under a wave of hugs and laughter.
"Hello Lyra!"
I laughed, twirling a little girl in my arms. "You're all so cute."
One boy tugged at my sleeve. I can count to ten! Watch one, two, three, four… uh…"
"Five," I whispered.
"Five, six, seven, eight… nine, ten!"
I clapped loudly. "Amazing! I'm so proud of you!"
The kids giggled and swarmed me with questions. I told them about reading and journaling, and their eyes lit up.
Before long, one fell asleep in my lap. My heart melted.
But eventually, it was time to leave. The kids whined until mom promised we'd visit again tomorrow.
Back at the castle, mom gave me a paper. "Final test. A nearby village has burned down. They're homeless and starving. You must decide whether to aid them or instead strengthen our military against the wolves. You can't do both."
I weighed it carefully. If we neglect the village, people will die. I won't allow anymore death.
"Help the village recover," I decided firmly. "Our military is strong enough for now."
Mom's face softened, but her tone stayed serious. "Good choice."
"Does that mean I'm done?" I slouched on the throne.
"Congratulations. You survived your first day as Queen."
I grinned tiredly. "Being Queen is too much work. I can't imagine being a King.
Mom chuckled. "For your first time, you did amazing. You really didn't need my help."
"Of course. I studied from the best."
"You mean you actually pay attention?"
"Yeah. You just don't notice."
She smirked. "Well, aren't I flattered?"
Yawning, I stretched. "I had fun today, Mom."
"I'm glad. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow will be busy too.
"Why?" I asked suspiciously.
Mom's lips curved into a mischievous smile.
"Because your grandmother Lizzy has arranged for a whole line of suitors to meet you. Boy waiting to see if one could become your husband."
I shot up from bed. "WHAT!?"