The sun was high in the blue Vesuvian sky. The towns square was as lively as ever with all sorts of people imaginable.

Musicians and street performers were scattered across the square, wowing people with dazzling displays of magic or music or artistry. Families strolled about, hands full of their afternoon shopping, the children tugging on the sleeves of their care-givers, begging to stop and watch the shows.

The benches were full of any passerby who wished to take a moment's rest to admire the flower beds and the luxurious fountains. 

No one took notice of a carriage parked on the edge of the square; there were dozens milling about.

No one also noticed the tall and elegant woman who stepped out of it, her long violet hair tucked under a soft silky headscarf, adorned with feathers.

The woman was in awe of the beauty around her. It was nothing noble, nothing fancy, nothing expensive or posh. In fact, it was entirely the opposite. It was just your average town square, with run-of-the-mill citizens and their daily activities. And yet, to her, it was still so stunning.

It was the small and mundane things of her city-state that the Countess took pride in. It was a refreshing change from her life of grandiose castles and perfectly royal grounds. The people of Vesuvia were so real, so free, so alive.

As the Countess revelled in the beauty of the people and their street performances, she failed to notice the character who had snuck into her carriage and was lifting a small golden trinket from the passenger seat.

As the small figure dressed in clothes far too large for them slid out of the cart, they were apprehended by the two guards who were patrolling the area. 

The child went pale. They were so fear-stricken that they began to quiver where they stood.

Silently, a guard approached the Countess and informed her of the attempted theft.

Nadia, wanting to understand the full story of the event, made her way to the carriage where the would-be thief stood, their arms held securely by the other guard.

"Must you hold them so tightly?" Nadia asked the guard. "They are only a child. Please, be gentle,"

The guard loosened their grip on the child's arms, letting the child relax ever so slightly.

"Now," the Countess said, looking down at the child, "What is your name?"

"M-MC." They stammered, avoiding the piercing gaze of the city-state's ruler.

"MC. What a charming name," Nadia said. "And how old are you?"

"11," they said.

"Now MC, were you attempting to wrongfully take someone else's possessions?" 

MC flushed, embarrassed. They nodded.

"Did your parents never teach you that theft was wrong? Do they not provide you with enough that you felt the need to steal from others?"

MC shook their head. "I don't have parents. They never taught me anything. I'm all I've got," 

Shock crossed Nadia's face, clearly taken aback by the child's statement.

"No parents?" She repeated. "Well then, it's no wonder you're stealing if you're fending for yourself." Nadia waved the guard off of MC, dismissing them. "You are coming right back to the palace with me. I will see to it that you are well fed and well clothed,"

It was MC's turn to stare in shock.

Nadia simply stepped into her carriage and patted the cushion next to her.

"Thank you, Countess," They said, bowing their head as they took their seat next to the royal. "I'm very sorry for trying to steal from you,"

"Nonsense, child," Nadia replied, "You haven't had much of an upbringing I assume. You will be taken care of now, so no more stealing for you, alright?"

"Yes, m'lady," MC replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

When they arrived at the palace, Nadia personally escorted MC to their room and had clothes in just the right size delivered shortly after. 

"Take these to my personal grand bath, MC. Use whatever you like in there, spare no treatment." Nadia said, placing silk and satin clothes in the child's hands. 

"Thank you," they replied softly as a red-haired maid came to the door to escort them.

"So," she began as she walked MC down the halls. "M'lady has really taken a liking to you. You must be pretty special for her to want to spoil you so much," the maid chattered on. "I'm Portia by the way, the Countess's personal handmaid,"

"MC," the child replied, not knowing what more to say.

Portia continued to chatter away to little MC until they reached a set of grand doors. 

"This is m'lady's bathing chambers," Portia explained, as she pulled the ornate doors open to reveal the most luxurious bath one could imagine.

The bath itself had large golden steps and rail that descended gently into the water. The edge of the bath was lined with every kind of soap and scents you could imagine, from lavender to rose to citrus. Beside the tub was a pile of the softest and fluffiest towels, warm and inviting after a good soak. And the whole thing had a lovely view of the city below it, yet it was unseen from any prying eyes.

"Take all the time you want," Portia said. "Not many people are given the opportunity to bathe in m'lady's private bath."

And with that, Portia closed the doors and left MC alone to enjoy a relaxing bath.

*~*~*~*~*~* 

After indulging in (Favourite scent) bubbles for a good long while, MC stepped out and dried off, dressing in the perfectly tailored silk and satin outfit that the Countess had given them herself.

When they stepped out into the hallway, it was mere seconds until Portia rounded the corner.

"Oh, MC! Perfect timing," she said. "I was just coming to see how you were doing and tell you that I have been asked to give you the grand tour of the palace grounds whenever you're ready."

"Alright then," MC said, hesitation still in their voice. They weren't sure they were totally comfortable with this whole 'palace guest' thing.

MC and Portia spent the rest of the afternoon wandering about the palace, making sure to pass by the kitchen for a snack, then moving on to the more interesting rooms, including the large library whose doors were adorned with the most intricate carving. Portia also lead MC out to the gardens and even by her own cottage before they made their way back inside.

"It's just about dinner time!" Portia stated as the pair approached the dining hall doors. "M'lady will be down shortly, make yourself comfortable,"

MC took a seat to the left of the head chair and looked about the room with curiosity.

They noted the large chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, as well as the fine setting of the table. They couldn't help but stare at the rather gaudy painting of a goat surrounded by other animals seated at a table.

"Interesting choice of decor, isn't it, MC?" Nadia's smooth voice spoke as she entered the room. "It was my late husband, Lucio's. I don't care much for it." 

MC nodded along in agreement. They didn't know what more to say to that.

"I'm glad you could join me for dinner this evening," Nadia spoke again. "I trust you've been adjusting just fine?"

"Yes, thank you. It's lovely here," MC replied.

"That is good to hear. Do you like your outfit, does it fit you well?" Nadia asked, nodding to MC's attire.

"It's wonderful, and a perfect fit. How did you know my size?"

"I have an eye for these things," Nadia said with a subtle grin. 

Before the conversation could continue any further, servants began to bring out dish after dish of dinner.

MC's mouth was agape, completely in shock at the sheer amount of food before them.

"I wasn't sure what kinds of foods you liked, so I had a little of everything made up for you," Nadia said, reading MC's expression.

"It smells delicious," MC stated as they began to fill their plate.

"We have the finest of chefs in our service," Nadia responded as she placed food on her plate as well.

As dinner went on, the pair learned more about the other. Nadia inquired after MC's family and how it was that they came to be on their own. MC, in turn, asked about where Nadia came from and how she became Countess of Vesuvia.

All the while, Nadia found herself feeling quite protective of the child. She wanted to keep them in the palace with whatever they wanted right at their fingertips. She wanted to dote on them and spoil them rotten. Her sentiments for MC were almost motherly in nature. She supposed she wanted to give them a better life and to be the motherly figure that MC barely had.

Conversely, MC was beginning to warm up to the palace atmosphere. In Nadia's company, they no longer felt out of place or strange. They were thoroughly enjoying the sensation of having someone to look out for them.

"MC," Nadia began after dinner was being cleaned from the tables. "I have a proposal for you,"

"A proposal?" MC questioned?

"Yes," Nadia nodded. "How would you feel about staying here in the palace from now on? I would provide you with whatever you wanted. Food and clothing, of course, the finest luxuries for whatever activities you wish to pursue, private tutoring and studies. Whatever you could possibly require. I want to give you whatever your heart desires."

MC drew in a sharp breath, eyes wide.

"You would have me stay here? In the palace? You want to have me in your care?"

"Yes, child," the Countess confirmed. "To put it simply: I want to spoil you with whatever you would like. You can, of course, decline the offer. Do not feel as though you must accept. The choice is entirely up to you and you alone."

"I- I don't know what to say," MC began. "You don't have to do that for me, it's so kind of you. I- uh, wow..." MC stuttered, losing coherent thought in the shock.

Nadia laughed, hand on her chest. "I take that as an acceptance of my offer then?" 

"Yes, thank you!" MC replied, finally regaining their wits.

"I'm glad," Nadia said as she rose from her seat. "I would gladly give you the world if you asked, MC."

"I can't thank you enough, m'lady," MC replied, also standing from their chair.

"I think you will find suitable nightwear in your closet, MC. If it is not to your liking, I would be more than happy to find you something you love," Nadia said as they began to walk out the door.

"Thank you, m'lady," they said as they began to take a different corridor.

"Anything for you, my dear," Nadia replied.

MC smiled as they walked down the hall. 

"Oh, and MC?" Nadia called, making MC turn over their shoulder. "Please, call me Nadia," the Countess said with a smile.

MC smiled back and nodded once.

As they laid in bed that night, all they could think about was how lucky they were to have found Nadia. And all this over a silly little trinket.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Alrighty, this was the last of the Kid!MC series requested by SammyToon. Thanks again for the amazing requests, I had so much fun writing these!

I hope you liked this.

I'll see you all again soon I'm sure.

- Fandoms <3