The Alien Child Says Her Mother Asked to See the Human—He Freezes When He Hears the Name

Описание: David Chen is human botanist working at the Thessari Imperial Botanical Gardens—research facility attached to the palace complex where scientists study plant cultivation and agricultural techniques. David has been working at the gardens for four months on temporary research assignment, focusing on cross-species agricultural compatibility. His work keeps him primarily in research greenhouses and laboratories—he has minimal contact with palace officials or court personnel, operates in the scientific sphere that exists separately from political hierarchies governing the palace. Over the past few weeks, his routine has developed pleasant addition: regular visits from young Thessari child who has become interested in his work. She first appeared about three weeks ago, watching him work with evident curiosity, then asking questions about what he was doing. David answered patiently—he has younger siblings, enjoys children's unfiltered curiosity. The child returned several times, always friendly and curious, always interested in his work. She introduced herself as Lyra but never offered additional identifying information—no family name, no mention of what her parents did. David assumed she was daughter of palace staff or one of the other researchers. Lyra proved bright and genuinely curious, asking thoughtful questions about soil chemistry, plant genetics, why certain plants grew better in some conditions. David enjoyed these interactions—Lyra's questions made him think about his work from new perspectives. Their conversations were informal and pleasant—David treating Lyra the way he would treat any interested child, without formality or special deference. This afternoon follows the pattern. David is working in outdoor garden section taking soil samples. Lyra approaches, watches for several minutes, then they talk about soil chemistry. Then Lyra delivers message that changes everything: "My mother asked me to tell you that she would like to see you. She said to ask David Chen to come to her private study this evening after the gardens close. At the seventh hour." The message is delivered casually, almost cheerfully—Lyra conveying what she was told without any sense this is unusual request. To her, it's just her mother asking to see someone. David processes with growing confusion. Someone's mother wants to see him? Why would the request specify his full name when Lyra has always just called him "David"? "Your mother?" David asks carefully. "Yes," Lyra confirms cheerfully. "She said she's been meaning to meet you since I've been telling her about the interesting plant work you do." "And... who is your mother?" David asks, though part of him is beginning to have terrible suspicion. "Queen Seraphina," Lyra says with casual tone of child stating obvious fact. David freezes. Not fear exactly—recognition. That name belongs to power, to authority spoken in lowered voices and written into protocols he was never meant to cross. Queen Seraphina. The Thessari sovereign. The child he's been having casual conversations with for weeks—the friendly girl who asks questions about soil chemistry—is Princess Lyra, heir apparent to the Thessari throne. And he's been treating her like any curious child, without formal protocols or appropriate deference, completely unaware of her identity. Around them, the garden continues its normal activity, oblivious to David's sudden recognition of how drastically he's misunderstood his situation.

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