The Royal Assignment

Anisa smoothed her purple dress and checked her reflection in the castle mirror one last time. Her long, curly black hair bounced as she nodded to herself.

"You've got this," she whispered, flashing her trademark smile.

The golden doors to the royal nursery creaked open, revealing Queen Sunbeam holding a tiny bundle wrapped in silvery blankets. Baby Harmony had the most unusual eyes Anisa had ever seen—one sparkled like ice crystals, the other glowed warm as sunshine.

"Thank you for helping us today, Anisa," Queen Sunbeam said, her voice gentle but tired. "King Frost and I have urgent kingdom matters to attend to. Harmony should sleep most of the afternoon."

Anisa reached for the baby, and Harmony gurgled happily. "She's beautiful, Your Majesty. Don't worry about a thing."

As the Queen's footsteps faded down the marble hallway, Anisa settled into the velvet rocking chair. Harmony's tiny fingers wrapped around hers.

"Just you and me, little princess," Anisa cooed.

The Floating Problem

That peaceful moment lasted exactly three minutes.

Anisa watched in amazement as Harmony began floating right out of her arms. The baby drifted upward like a balloon, giggling and reaching for the crystal chandelier above.

"Oh no, no, no!" Anisa jumped up, stretching her arms high. "Come back down here, little princess!"

Harmony spun in slow circles, her silvery blankets trailing behind her. She seemed delighted by her aerial adventure, cooing happily as she bumped against the ceiling.

"How am I supposed to explain this?" Anisa muttered, pulling a velvet ottoman closer to the wall. She climbed up carefully, her purple dress rustling.

Just as she managed to catch one tiny floating foot, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Heavy boots on marble. Getting closer.

"Hello? Is everything alright in there?" called an unfamiliar voice.

Anisa's heart pounded. She gently tugged Harmony downward, but the baby just giggled louder, as if this was the best game ever. The footsteps stopped right outside the nursery door.

"Just checking on our little princess," the voice continued. "Royal guard duties, you understand."