An Interview with Scarlett Dargent

Are you a morning person, or more of a night owl?
I get up early; there’s always lots to do!
What’s the first thing you notice about a person when you meet them?
I see how they look at other people and how other people look at them. That’s how you can tell who they’re friends with.
You see a huge spider in your room, what do you do?
I tell my mum, and she tells my dad, and he makes sure it never happens again!
If you could go back and change one decision you made in the past, what would you change?
Ooh, there’s a couple of people I wouldn’t bother introducing to each other when I did. Save that for later. Can’t tell you who, though - I pinky promised!
Tell me about your first kiss.
I’m nine, silly.
Do you give people second chances?
Well, I wouldn’t want to be mean.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Kitties are cute! I like to talk to the servant kitties around the court when they’re not busy.
Do you think you’re attractive?
Mum says I’m pretty, and I’m sure she ought to know.
What’s your worst habit?
Ooh, I fidget a lot, but only when I’m thinking.
When was the last time you cried?
Last night. It’s ok. Somebody just broke a thing I was working on, but I got over it now.
Are you a good liar?
Why would you say that? I’m just a kid.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Some of the other noble children are not very careful when they play. Things can get dirty or broken if you’re not careful. People can get hurt.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
Nope! Just an optimist I guess!
Are you more likely to use your fists or your words in an argument?
I just don’t get in arguments. But I can’t hit anyone anyway; I’m just a little girl!
What’s something you’re naturally good at?
My tutors say I’ve got a better memory and vocabulary than anyone else my age!
What’s something you had to work hard to be good at?
I had to put a lot of effort into my handwriting to get it just right. And I practise my dancing every day!
Can you tell when someone is flirting with you?
Would they do that?
Do you think money can buy happiness?
That sounds about right.
Do you believe in destiny?
Yup, that’s me: just doing what I’m supposed to!
Are you a good cook?
My parents don’t let me in the kitchens; it’s too dangerous.
What do you think happens after you die?
You go to a big garden beyond the stars, of course! And whatever you leave behind gets inherited…
Did you have to grow up fast?
Oh, no, I’m still just a kid! Can’t you tell?
Who do you look up to?
There’s a lady in the court right now called the Amira’s Hand who travels all over the city sorting things and making things happen, even though she’s a girl. I wonder how you become Amira’s Hand?
When you go to a tavern, what do you order?
I like apple juice. Apples are my favourite.
What do you like most about yourself?
I have a lot of friends! I’m good at making friends.
What do you like least about yourself?
Mmmm… there’s a lot of things I do miss out on because I’m still too little…
Do you want kids someday?
Oh, of course, doesn’t every girl?
Are you a planner or more spontaneous?
I just do what I feel like, don’t worry about me.
Can you keep a secret?
Ooh, yes, I promise I’ll do my best.
Do you like being the centre of attention?
That doesn’t happen much with two older brothers, but I don’t mind it that way.
If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?
I’d probably cry a lot. Wouldn’t like that at all.
Do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
I dress for a special occasion all the time - they let you do that when you’re a noble child.
Where do you feel safe?
I know I’m always safe around the court! You just need to remember what to do and what not to.
Do you love or hate being alone?
I’m always quite happy to be left to my own devices, but it’s always more fun to have someone to speak to.
What’s the last nightmare you remember having?
Um, something about Divs stealing me away to sacrifice. Two nights ago.
Do you admit to mistakes when you make them?
Why would I make mistakes?
Do you want to grow up to be like your parents?
Ooh, that’d be nice.
How do you deal with being sick? Are you stoic or super whiney?
I stole a bunch of potions from the family doctor so I don’t have to be either. Don’t tell anyone!
What did your parents expect from you when you were born?
I’m only the third in line, so all they need me to do is be a good representative of the family and tell them anything important I find out, and one day find a good family to marry into. I think my mum also needed to have me to keep a promise to the Rich Man, though.
Do you have a strong sense of style?
Got to make an effort - that’s how the court works.
Would you rather camp outdoors or stay the night in an inn?
Inn sounds cosier.
Is there a food that most people like but you absolutely hate?
I don’t like coffee. Or wine. A lot of grown-up drinks, really.
Are you more of a hoarder or a minimalist?
I have a lot of clothes and pillows and books and toys, but I make sure to keep them neat so everything looks good and is easy to find.
Are you superstitious?
Of course! Everyone else in court seems to be, and I’m sure they’re all much smarter than me.
Are you the kind of person who remembers people’s birthdays and pet’s names and stuff?
Of course, it’s not that hard.
What do you do to feel better when you’re sad?
I go skipping.
Is it hard for you to trust someone?
I don’t think so. Should it be?
Are you susceptible to peer pressure?
I like to keep my friends happy, for sure!
If you decided to stop adventuring and settle down, what kind of job would you take?
If I wasn't going to grow up to be a noble, I think I’d become a nanny, and I’d write books on the side. That’s if it turns out I couldn’t become Amira’s Hand!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An Amira?