After literally minutes of searching the bathroom closets, you have found your mothers make-up case. A thick layer of dust puffs up into your face as you pull the light pink zip-up bag from its hiding place behind the p-trap under the sink. This thing hasn't been used in years.
You retrieve a mint green clamshell case from inside the bag and open it up, revealing a mirror and a pad above some foundation. You take the pad and dab it in the foundation, then begin to distribute it evenly about your face. You’ve seen videos of this on the HoloNet, so you know you’re doing it right.
Mascara, blush, some touch-up, you smack it all on. You’re about to put on the finishing touch, some cherry red lipstick, when your mother walks into the bathroom.
“Just what do you think you’re doing, young lady?” she asks.
You decide quickly you’ll never have a more perfect moment to come out to your mother at what you really are. “Mom… I’m going to grow up to be a princess and there’s nothing you can do to stop me!” Hopefully she doesn’t kick you out of the house.
You mother slams her foot angrily on the tile floor of the bathroom, to limited effect. “No daughter of mine is going to be a princess! You’re eight years old; you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
You’re so angry you don’t know what to do, so you begin to jump up and down. You shout as your mother while you jump. “IiIi WwaAnNa BEeeEE AaaA priIinnCceESss!” you scream, your voice undulating with every jump.
“The only functioning monarchies left on this planet aren't exactly friendly to women, little girl, and your father and I hardly have the resources for a political coup, much less a military one. You’re going into a STEM field and that’s final young lady! Now go in your room and play with your erector set until you like it!”
You storm out of the bathroom, down the hall and into your bedroom, slamming the door behind you. Tears roll down your face, taking bits of mascara with them. You sit down in front of your erector set and cry for just a moment longer until your eureka moment comes.
You hop on the HoloNet and look up blueprints for siege weapons. Mom will have her engineer, and you’ll have your crown, or die trying.