3 - Darcy de Narcissus - Draft

From those first few hours of Darcy’s birth she was constantly paraded around by Narcissus who soaked in the praise of the press. That is until the spotlight shown on Darcy for one brief moment.

Henrietta rarely left Darcy’s side. She would do everything that a mother does for her child until Narcissus desired a photo opportunity for the press. Darcy was handed over briefly before being returned to Henrietta’s loving arms.

When Darcy was nine months old, Narcissus set her down during a press event to briefly show off her new painting. Darcy caught a glimpse of Henrietta in the wings and began crawling towards her. Narcissus didn’t notice until the press began cooing at the princess and rapidly shooting photos of her. Narcissus quickly picked her up and brought her to Henrietta before returning to discuss her latest art acquisition.

After that event, Narcissus announced that the princess would remain out of the limelight so that she could get a well rounded upbringing. A Christmas photo of Narcissus and Darcy each year would be the only glimpse the public would get of their princess who was usually partially hidden by the Royal Christmas Tree. Even the most entrenched Royal Court Press reporter couldn’t pick the princess out of a lineup.

Darcy didn’t notice though. She spent most of her days living like a commoner with Henrietta, Frannie and their daughter Juanita. Those were easily the best days of her life.

While Henrietta had a duty to both the Queen and the gods to raise Darcy, she loved her the same as her own flesh and blood daughter. They all felt the same. Even those in the family’s lives didn’t realize that Darcy was anything other than one of the family. In more conservative circles Darcy was often introduced as Frannie’s daughter. In their gay enclave, Darcy had two moms and a sister. How she was conceived was irrelevant. Family, not blood was what mattered.

While Henrietta would receive visions to help educate and guide Darcy towards her destiny, Frannie had her own strengths to help educate their daughters. Together they raised the finest women who would go on to achieve greatness.

Frannie had grown up amongst the social elite. She taught her daughters how to function in that part of society. Social graces and fashion were the least fun for the girls who just wanted to be themselves but they learned quickly. Their favorite lessons were those in debate which began as soon as they could talk.

Henrietta taught her daughters how to handle themselves in any situation by thinking outside of the box. The girls could survive in the wilderness or the inner city by the time that most kids their age were learning two plus two. At ten, they could fix any car and outmaneuver the most seasoned race car driver.

Society taught them perseverance in the face of injustice. While these are by far the hardest lessons for anyone, the immense love of their mothers helped them overcome so much and would continue to do so for the rest of their lives.

Darcy had a wonderful imagination so they encouraged her to tell them stories. Even at a young age, Frannie made the girls debate and think through everything. As Darcy formed her stories, everyone would ask questions and point out any inconsistencies or impossibilities.

One spring day the family went to their favorite place, the community gardens. They loved enjoying the day outside and growing their own food. This was the place that Darcy’s imagination flourished. The whole family encouraged her to tell them everything as she went into her fantasy world.

Frannie started Darcy, who was four, on her story, as was usually the case.

“Darcy, what’s that in the dirt?”

“Worm, silly.” Darcy absolutely loved worms. They featured highly in her stories so the mere thought of a worm would set the family off.

“Is that a special worm?”

“All worms are special.”

“What’s special about this particular worm? Do they have a name?”

“This is Lord Geoffrey. He’s the king of the worm people.” Geoffrey was the stuffiest name ever, in her opinion so most elites in her stories were named Geoffrey.

The mere mention of the name Geoffrey sent all eyes upon Darcy. Juanita was always a fan of her stories but especially any story that contained a Geoffrey. Juanita was across the garden talking to Mrs. Howard when Geoffrey was mentioned. Juanita politely excused herself from Mrs. Howard before sprinting across the garden and leaping over all obstacles in her path. Any track star would’ve been hard pressed to best her whenever Geoffrey was mentioned.

“Who’s Geoffrey this time?” Juanita managed between breaths.

“This is Lord Geoffrey the king of the worm people.”

“Wouldn’t it be just king of the worms. Worms aren’t people. They’re worms.”

“Okay. You’re right. Just worms,” Darcy readily agreed. Juanita was less than a year older than Darcy but Darcy trusted her more than anyone else on any subject matter. Juanita was also always looking out for her. Nothing or nobody could harm Darcy while on her watch. That’s how Juanita got the nickname of little momma. It was like Juanita was Darcy’s third mom.

When Darcy paused, everyone shouted in unison, “Well? What about Lord Geoffrey?”

When Darcy was encouraged she readily forgot her error and embarrassment before continuing on.

“As I was saying, Lord Geoffrey who is now King Geoffrey, king of the worms is this guy here.” She even corrected his title before it was pointed out.

“Does King Geoffrey have a Queen?” Henrietta chimed in. She liked to question her early before the others had a chance to dominate the discussion. She especially liked to question her about anything royal considering she was to be the future queen.

“Of course he does,” Darcy sassed back.

“Does she wear gloves and tiaras like Your Royal Highness?”

“Ugh! No! I hate Your Royal Highness. I’m Darcy de Henrietta and Frannie. I have a sister named Juanita and we live in the East Village. Palaces are icky!”

Darcy absolutely hated everything Royal or anything to do with Narcissus basically since birth. She was more comfortable in a sundress in the community garden than a ballgown in the Royal Gardens. Henrietta felt it her obligation to remind her of her royal duties and obligations though. Darcy had to be ready to become Queen.

The family remained happy and content in their anonymity for many years. The girls flourished under their mothers’ love and guidance. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.