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suzubelle-chan · 5 months ago

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Breaking Chains Chapter 5

Thank you so much for the wait! This chapter has been a long time coming! If you're still reading after this time, I really thank you and hope you enjoy it! As always, bless @lpham2525 for beta reading this fic!

Content warnings-murder (mentioned in passing, long past), hate crime (discussed)-this one is more detailed and darker that other ones I'm going to have asterisks (*) marking when it gets discussed so readers not wanting to read about it can skip over it. Please practice self-care and take care of yourselves!

In Which Sariphi Sariphi Learns so much

Sekhmet’s ears pricked at the silence, waking her up from her sleep. You would think silence would be a boon considering how loud her mistress snored. Yet after decades of hearing the waves, it was only natural to hear it at night. So much so that silence now was honestly disrupting. The Holy Beast pitied her mistress’s husband when she was away.

She rose from the cushion at her lady’s bedside table and paused at the sight of the woman. Leona lay in bed, an arm raised, her eyes on her wrist. With one pounce, the kitten was at her ladyship’s side, nuzzling against the woman’s cheek. “Pardon me, my ladyship, but perhaps you should listen to your own orders.”

The woman made a grunt, a bare acknowledgement.

Sekhmet looked at the wrist, at the small mark that caused the woman distress. At first glance, it was the human symbol for a heart with a tree growing inside of it. Yet as one looked at it, they would notice the tree split to a perfect v shape, the straight branches springing from it. And no leaves sprung from the top, due to the heart’s curves in the way. She knew that the v shape with its prongs came first, the leaves, trunk, and heart later.

“My Lady, I doubt Her Highness would hold it against you.”

Leona let out a snort. “I know Sariphi is a really sweet girl, but there are some things that even the Family can’t forgive.”

“Well, it’s not like you are the one who sacrificed her. This is a part of your life that happened rather long ago, even before you met Lord Reinhart.”

Leona rolled on her side, away from her familiar. “The moment she finds out, she might hate me or be scared of me. I’m not sure which one would be worse.”

The kitten jumped onto her lady’s hip. “Given you haven’t rolled her up and shipped her to the Temple should speak of your loyalties to them. You’re always telling patients that the best thing for a regret is to acknowledge it and do your best to not let it grow, but to grow yourself. If you are worried about her reaction, perhaps it’s best to hide it for now. Once you feel closer to her, perhaps you two can share your pasts. I know you’re curious about her too.”

Hands picked up the Holy Beast, now against the woman’s chest. Sekhmet felt a small kiss on her head. “Sekhmet, you always know what to say.”

“I have been at your side for almost a century, my lady. It is my sworn duty, honor, and privilege to help you in this life in any way I can.”

Leona smiled. “Ah Sekhmet, you are so wise yet so young.”

The kitten let out a small huff, releasing herself from the grasp. “I thought we’ve made it clear that I am ten years older than you. I know I’m young for a Holy Beast, and this form doesn’t help, but after all these decades it should be clear!” She stomped a small paw to emphasize her disdain.

“Yeah, yeah,” Leona said, scratching behind the kitten’s ear.

The kitten leaned into the touch, letting out a small purr, but then stopped and backed away. “My lady!”

“Sorry, sorry, even if I get a good five or six centuries with you, I’ll still probably see you as a cute kitten to spoil and rely on.”

“I would think you can expect that long. Lord Reinhart is still relatively young for a Beast.”

“That’d be nice. I’ve got grandcubs to spoil! Maybe a few great-grandcubs if I get lucky.” Leona yawned. “Thanks again Sekhmet. I can’t imagine life with…out you.”

Sekhmet watched as the woman’s eyes closed. She closed her own eyes. “Oh Mighty One who Guides Us All, thank you for letting me be at this woman’s side and be her companion. Please allow her wishes to be granted, that she reunite with the son she lost so long ago and bring her family back together. And please keep granting me this joy to help her.”

A snort of a snore broke the Holy Beast out of her thoughts. She looked to see her ladyship content in sleep. Sekhmet smiled, licking the woman’s nose. She nestled by the woman’s side and slept, lulled by the sound.

After a time of sleep, neither were sure if it had been minutes or hours, several small knocks woke the two of them up.

“You heard that too?”

“Yes.”

The knocks continued.

“Ah the life of a doctor,” Leona sighed. She stretched and groaned getting out of the bed. She grabbed the ribbon on the bedside and wrapped her hair inside of it, then took it out and wrapped the ribbon around her right wrist. She opened up the door to find Sariphi, trembling.

Now she was alert, maternal and doctor’s instincts kicking in. “Sariphi, what’s wrong?”

The maiden clutched at her skirt. “You see…”

A large growl filled the room, Sariphi’s face flushing bright red at it.

Leona smiled with a sigh. “Alright, time for breakfast.”

“So when you woke up this morning, you found yourself trembling and really hungry, is that right?” Leona asked, now dressed in a long sleeved shirt, pants and slippers, pouring a white mixture into a skillet before her.

Sariphi nodded, cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk’s. After some chewing and swallowing, Sariphi said, “Yes, Leona.”

The woman gave a one-shoulder shrug. “Well, it is your first day of schooling in a while. Makes sense your nerves are acting up. Stress–helpful sometimes, but in most cases not.”

“But I’m not that nervous. If anything I’m excited for today,” Sariphi admitted.

“Really?” Leona asked, adjusting a spatula underneath the circle of batter. With a quick flip, the circle turned over, revealing a golden brown color.

“I mean, I am a bit nervous about messing up in lessons. But that is what learning is about? Figuring out what I know and understand, and if I don’t know something, I figure out why and keep going. It’s been a while since I’ve had a teacher to guide and show me things. I really want to learn a lot from Will and Juno so I can be the best queen I can be.” She held up her hand. “I’m not nervous in my mind, so why is my body acting this way?”

Leona smiled, flipping over the circle and then sliding it onto Sariphi’s plate. She sat down and took Sariphi by the hand. “Sometimes the body feels stress more than the mind does. I mean you were rather ill recently and couldn’t eat much. Now that your mind is in a more relaxed state, your body has started making demands to make up for the lack of food it got in that time.”

Sariphi blinked, taking a look at her captive hand and then at one of her legs. “I don’t think I’ve lost much weight over this, if that’s what you mean.”

With another shrug, Leona continued, “Still you didn’t eat much for a while; your body wants to get itself right and make sure you’re eating again.” She patted the hand. “For now, we’ll listen to your body–especially your stomach–and give you plenty of snacks. If it lasts longer than a week, then I’ll give you a lookover to make sure there’s not something else.”

“Okay.”

“Though you could do something a bit more physical to perhaps help with the nerves. You know how folks pace when they get nervous; it’s the same thing. I think Juno may have something planned today that might help you walk out your nerves.”

“Like a dance lesson?”

“I don’t think so, but Juno wanted her lesson to be more of a surprise so I’m keeping my mouth shut on that.” Leona shut her lips and twisted her hand like she had a key and tossed it away.

“Can’t you give me a little hint?” Sariphi asked.

With her mouth closed, Leona went on talking in mumbles. Then she unlocked her lips. “There was your hint. Hope it made sense.”

Sariphi giggled, shaking her head.

“Wait, just remembered,” Leona stated. She then reached into her pocket and placed a small box in front of the girl. “You’re gonna need this.”

Sariphi stared down at the box, slowly reaching over and opening the top. She saw a glint and something silver before shutting the box and sliding it over to the woman. “I’m sorry but I can’t accept this.”

The woman, stern now, slid it back. “Sariphi.”

“I don’t want to hurt anyone with this.” The young woman gave the box another push.

This time, Leona put her hand on top of Sariphi’s. “You won’t. We’ve done some tests back home and it is a bit painful, some Beasts get migraines afterwards, but they’re fine the next day.”

Sariphi’s face blanched, almost matching the color of her hair. “You...you did that?”

“Sometimes folks find our village, and some of them are Beasts. We’d like to be kind to everyone that needs help, but now and then, we’ve had some Beasts take one look at the humans and just attack out of fear, prejudice, or a combination of the two. It’d be foolish for the human residents to not have something to defend ourselves, just in case. Plus you were kidnapped recently right? You could have pulled a reverse cat and mouse on the guy, making him stop every few toots while you got away. Or maybe just annoyed him enough for him to throw you back to His Majesty.”

Sariphi stared down at the box. “I don’t think that would have worked.”

Leona patted the hand in front of her. “You only need it to use it in emergencies, when you don’t have anyone else around and there’s a Beast aiming to hurt you,” Leona offered. “Just in case. Plus think of it as a symbol of what you want.”

“Of what I want?”

“Yeah, you and his Royal Furriness want to make a world where humans and Beasts at least get along. Then we won’t need things like this anymore.”

“That is true…” Sariphi sighed. She opened up the box again, this time pulling out a small, silver finger-length whistle with a small chain. She stared at it as if it was taunting her. Then she slipped it into the small pocket of her skirt, and patted it, feeling the hard metal against her thigh.

“It’s just for emergencies,” Leona offered. “And if we’re lucky,” she stopped to knock on the counter and raise herself up. “You won’t ever use it.” She then started on another dessert.

“I hope so.” Sariphi pressed a hand to her thigh, feeling the whistle right there.

Leona smiled, heading back to the stove to start on another sweet. “Back home, we’ve got a few fighters and martial artists. Just say the word and they’ll teach you whatever you need to give a good smack. If it’s a Beast, best to aim for the ears or nose. If a human, try for the side. And with human men, just give them a good kick where the sun don't shine.”

Sariphi blushed and giggled a bit. “Do you know how to fight?”

“I know how to throw a punch and not break my fingers.” Leona shrugged. “I probably can teach you too.” As she spoke, she struck poses, akin to those Sariphi would see in action plays and stories from the East, the frying pan now a weapon. “Though I’m not much of a hi-ya, ho-ya woman.”

“I’m certainly not much of a fighter either…Where did the pancake go?” Sariphi asked, her head tilted.

Leona looked down at her empty skillet. “Looks like I got a bit too zealous there.” She looked up at the ceiling. “Huh, don’t see it.”

Craning her neck up, Sariphi also joined in the search. “Where did it go?”

“Excuse us,” the king said.

The two humans turned towards the voice. Leona wheezed with laughter and Sariphi gasped, hand covering her mouth as she trembled again, holding back her giggles.

For the King of Beasts had pastry dangling off his muzzle. He took it off his face, holding it in his claws. “What is this thing?”

“Hotcake,” Sariphi replied.

“Flapjack, ” Leona replied.

The king looked between the two women. “Well, which is it?”

Leona waved her hand. “It’s the same food, just has a different name depending on where you grew up.” She strode over to the king and started to reach up for the pastry on her tiptoes. She didn’t even reach his neck though. “If you don’t want to eat it, I will.”

The king quickly chomped at the sweet. “Humans sure do like their soft foods, don’t they?”

Sariphi stepped over. “Do you like it?”

“It’s not an unpleasant taste.”

Leona walked over to the skillet, this time adding some oil to the pan and swishing it around. “You might be more of a waffle man; my husband is the same. He prefers the crunch. How about you pull up a chair and I’ll make some breakfast for you? I’ve got coffee ready.”

The king nodded. “As you are offering, very well.”

“Better make some meat for you too. Let me go slip into your fancy icebox room for a sec.” And with that Leona slipped away into the other room.

“Icebox?” the king asked, looking at his bride.

Sariphi sat down, back to her plate. “It’s a metal box that humans use to keep things like milk and fruit cold to keep them fresh longer. There’s a section where ice goes that makes it cold and another for other foods, hence the name. I know Beasts typically use magic to keep their storage rooms cold to preserve meat and eggs.”

The king took a seat next to his bride-to-be, placing a paw on her shoulder. “Are you alright? You left the room quite early this morning.”

Sariphi placed a hand on his paw, giving him a squeeze. “I’ve got some nerves about going into my first lessons, but it’s a good stress.” She leaned in. “I’ve got a lot to learn to be a good queen for you.”

“I find you to be an excellent queen.”

She blushed. “Thank you, but I still need to learn how to do paperwork and other duties.”

“That is fair.” He nodded, giving a small smile.

Leona peeked in from the cold room. Truth be told, she found some meat slices she could work with right as she walked in. Yet when she turned around and saw the two talking, she stayed in the room, watching their moment together.

She exhaled, her breath a plume due to the cold. “I know I keep bending your ears, Family, but I can’t help but keep asking. Please let me have this. Let me be in their lives. Let me be there for them. Let me know what sacrifice you want me to put at your temples, what folks need healing. I’ll do it in a heartbeat. Just let my family stay together, now and forever, amen.”

She took a breath and smiled as she stepped back in the room, a large platter of meat in her hands. She twirled and sang, “Who wants bacon?”

After breakfast, Sariphi and Leona parted with the king. They arrived at the library where Lanteveldt, Cy and Clops waited at the entrance.

“Ah there you are.” Lante stretched. “You’re usually here as soon as you wake up. I was wondering if you were sick again.”

“Are you okay Sariphi?” Clops asked.

“Okay?” Cy asked too.

“Sariphi just had some first-day jitters going on so she came to see me. Just a few snacks in the next few days,” Leona said with the wave of her hand.

“Sounds good to me,” Lante stated with a smirk.

The group entered the library to find a desk with piles of paper on it. A pen and ink set was waiting to be used. Will was underneath the desk, patting around the ground, his golden tail wagging.

“Pardon us, Mister Will?”

The dog shuffled out, and with a few grunts, he used the desk to help him stand up. A pair of spectacles sat on top of his head. “Ah, morning, Your Highness.” He stepped towards the group, gripping Sariphi by the shoulders. “I have a very important request for you. One that will greatly show your capabilities as queen.”

Sariphi blinked and nodded solemnly.

“Good. Thank you.” The dog returned the nod, then tilted his head back as he whined, “God help me find my glasses! I can’t find them anywhere.”

Sariphi stood on the tips of her toes and reached for the glasses on his head, her fingers just reaching the metal. “Do you mean these sir?”

Will looked up and sighed and grabbed them from his head. “Thank you so much, my lady.”

Leona wheezed out of laughter, shaking her head. “I don’t know why I take you anywhere without your wife.”

“Me neither.” he replied, inspecting his lenses. “Next time we’re part of a set.” He set the glasses on his muzzle, then twisted at the side, the little clasps squeezing on his nose. He tilted his head, but the glasses remained firm. “There we go.”

Sariphi watched, fascinated. “So that’s how they work.”

“Have you ever seen a beast with glasses, Sariphi?”

“Just once and I was there for royal business so I didn’t have the chance to ask.”

“Ah yes the Maasya geezer,” Lante replied.

“Rude,” Cy said, a little digit pointed at the hyena.

“Indeed,” Clops stated.

Sariphi looked over to her two smaller beast friends. “Are glasses common among Beasts?”

“They are not,” Clops replied.

“Nope,” Cy affirmed.

Will nodded. “True they have become common among older beasts now. Yet it’s far more common to have a younger clan member escort the older beast and read any signs for them.” He walked over to the desk and offered the pen to Sariphi. “Now show me what you know.”

Sariphi took the pen. “What I know?”

“In order to properly educate you, I need to know where you are now. I want you to be challenged while learning, but I don’t want to hand you things you can’t understand.” He pulled out the chair. “Just write down as many words or sentences as you can come up with. You can write ‘The dog ran in the rain. The cat ran in the rain. The dog ran in the street.’ However you can get a word out. It will also help me see your handwriting in Ozmargin. Shall we begin?”

“Of course!” Sariphi plopped down in the chair. Will smiled as he pushed her in. “Thank you sir!”

Will halted, then crossed his arms while his brow furrowed.

“What’s wrong?” Sariphi asked.

“Pardon me, Your Highness, but the idea of a future queen calling me a ‘sir’ is a bit odd. When you say that, I can’t help but imagine ruffling your hair like a child.”

“I see, is there anything you’d like for me to call you?”

Will stroked his chin, murmuring to himself. “I can finally be a Don! No wait, that wouldn’t work. Maybe Maestro…no, no, not quite.” He snapped his fingers together. Or at least tried to but no sound came out. He licked his pads and tried again, this time producing a ‘snap.’ With a wide grin he said, “Call me Professor. I’ve always liked the sound of that.”

“Okay Professor Will.” Sariphi nodded and started to work.

Clops bounced over to the desk. “Can we help?”

“Help?” Cy offered his small digits.

Will waved a paw. “Actually this time I’d like to see Sariphi’s efforts on her own, just to see where she is.”

The two blops stopped, sagging just a bit. “Okay sir.”

“ ‘Kay.”

Sariphi stared down, writing furiously on the paper.

Will chuckled. “Now, now, take all the time you need, Your Highness. These are your lessons after all, so they revolve around you.”

Leona watched but then pulled out a book and began to read it nearby. Lante watched for a bit with a yawn, Will joining his side. He leaned down towards the hyena. “You know, young man, there are other human women in the world besides Sariphi’s sister. In fact, if you’re interested in meeting someone, there are really lovely ladies back home.”

The teen let out a huff and waved his paw. “It’s not that. This knight’s job is all I want in life. Don’t need any romance in it.”

“Are you sure? Don’t let these two fool you.” He pointed a finger, waving it between the two humans. “Human women can be taller than this. There’s a few girls back home that are even taller than me. And let me tell you, son, once you have a taller woman's love, it’s hard to go back down.”

That sent Leona wheezing and Sariphi giggling.

Red-faced, the knight turned away from the teacher. “No thanks.”

The golden dog nodded, patting the young man on the shoulder. “Alright, do let us know if you change your mind.”.

Clops ground his teeth before growling, “Mr. Will, this is Sariphi’s lesson!”

“Respect!” Cy agreed, little digits waving.

“Just having a little fun,” Will said with a motion.

“Pardon me sir, I’m done,” Sariphi called out, hand in the air.

“Alright let me see.” Will walked over and picked up the papers. He sat down in a chair, one leg crossed on top of the other, and started to murmur to himself.

Sariphi watched, eyes wide, leaning in. Her heart hammered in her ears. She did tell Leona the truth about the lessons. She didn’t mind if she made some mistakes, but some voice in her mind was running around screaming, just loud enough to be heard over her beating heart, “I haven’t learned a thing! I’m such an idiot! What kind of queen am I going to be?!?”

After a few moments, Will leaned back and looked at the queen-to-be. “So this is what you’ve learned so far…”

“Yes,” Sariphi admitted, her hands clutching her skirt. She could feel them sweating. She shut her eyes, bracing herself.

“Quite extraordinary really.”

Sariphi could just hear him over her heart pounding in her ears. “Really?”

Will smiled warmly. “I mean it. After all, you haven’t been here a year, yet you write on a level at least of a child that has been in school for a few years. Good sentence structure, nice variety of words. The handwriting could stand to be a bit bigger, but I’d say you’re off to a good start.”

With that, Sariphi’s heart finally slowed down and she sighed, “Thank you sir.” The little voice wasn’t shouting now. Instead, it was preoccupied with mumbling, “ Well, we still have a lot to learn. It doesn’t mean much.” She knew it was right, but at least she could celebrate this win.

“I know that look,” Will stated, adjusting his seat. He tilted his head, so the light caught on his glasses “You’re thinking, I’ve still got a long ways to go to learn, right?”

Sariphi and her grumbling inner voice flinched. “Well yes. I mean, I am to be a queen.”

“True, but given most of your predecessors were raised from the cradle to be queens, and also not to mention the amount of years they spent growing up as a beast, the track you are on is vastly different from theirs. Focus on your own progress. In fact, since you’re able to make sentences like this, it may mean you can do more than what you think you can.” Will smiled warmly. “So please believe me when I say you’re doing just fine now.”

Sariphi let out a breath. “Thank you sir.”

The dog beamed. “Well now that’s settled. I’ll go look around to find some books to start on some summaries, reports, get you used to writing in the language. As I said, your handwriting is a bit small. Feel free to take up a bit more space. We’ll work on that now.

As he walked away, Will let out a grunt as he clutched at his eye, stopping in his tracks.

“Professor?” Sariphi asked, standing up suddenly.

“It’s fine.” The dog waved his free paw. “I’ve got an eye condition that flares up now and then.” He looked at the human already dashing towards him. “Thanks Leona.”

“You’re welcome.”

As he bent backward, he mumbled, switching over to another language, “Ay dios mio! Did you have to make it hurt this much?”

“Lo siento,” Leona responded in kind. She pulled out a bottle, unscrewing the top to reveal a dropper of brown liquid. “But the last thing we need is for those old geezers to recognize you. I mean, it might send them into heart attacks if they realize you’ve been alive all this time.” This caused Leona to pause and tap her chin.

Will laughed. “I know it’s tempting, but the king needs them. At least to do some paperwork.” He squatted, so now he looked up at her, his face closer to her chest.

Leona tilted her head, concentrating and adjusting the dropper so it was right above her friend’s right eye, which was now a lighter shade of brown, edging towards a shade of green. “Fine. Really wish he’d get rid of his grandpa’s hand-me-downs. What’s with you Beasts and not retiring once you hit like 500?”

“Stubbornness I guess. I’ve been told that’s a trait of our species, especially from my wife.”

Leona squeezed, liquid hitting his right eye, and for a second his iris grew a bit darker before turning back to the brown color of his left. He rose, blinking frantically before turning to his friend. “So how do I look?”

Leona said with a smile, “With your eyes, you loon.”

He gave a dramatic gasp and raised his voice, back to the common tongue, turning everyone’s attention towards him. “Excuse me ma’am, that’s only something a wife can say and I am happily married!” He let out an indignant huff, heading towards the nearest shelf while the human woman wheezed, leaning against a nearby chair.

Cy and Clops bounced over to Sariphi’s desk. Clops ground his teeth before asking, “Sariphi, are you sure you want to learn from him? He seems a bit odd.”

“Odd,” Cy confirmed with his brother.

“Now, now, Mister…I mean Professor Will just has a lighter side. It’s rather nice.” She slid one of her sheets of paper over to them. “Do you think what he said is true?”

Cy’s purple pupil skimmed while Clops declared, “Wow it’s true! We didn’t realize you knew so much!”

“Wow! Sari great!” Cy agreed, his little digits clapping.

“It’s only thanks to you two I’ve been able to get this far. Do you think you two can help Professor find some books for me?”

“Yes’m.”

“Yes!”

Sariphi watched her two friends with a smile.

Will returned with a small stack. “This should be a good start. I do have to admit, I’m quite surprised at how many historical facts you wrote down.”

Sariphi smiled. “I really like history, the stories of the people of the past, learning about their lives, how they saw the world and lived through it. I’ve been trying to find more about the queens of Ozmargo and other Beast nations, to find out about how they helped their husbands and countries. I do hope you’ll teach more about them. ”

Will blinked and let out a small groan, head tilted back. “Alright, new rule. I’m only going to new places if I can take my wife and my daughter with me.”

“Why is Maya a factor now?” Leona asked, now draped across a chair.

He turned towards his human friend, paws out to frame Sariphi “Because you cannot just show me an adorable, sweet girl like this when I cannot ruffle adorable, sweet girl’s hair! There are forms of torture and then there’s this!” He added a small groan.

Sariphi giggled, face turning pink as she rubbed the back of her head, “You’re flattering me sir. I do hope I can meet your expectations.”

The dog raised his paws in the air. “Gods above, where is a woman like you for my sons?! Come on, what does a man have to do?”

“Apparently be a king and hail from a long-line of human-eaters,” Leona commented.

“Some folks get all the luck,” Will grumbled.

Just then, Amit entered the room with a tray full of snacks. “Pardon me, I hope I’m not interrupting.”

A small gurgle rang out, causing everyone to look at Sariphi, who was now pink-faced.

“I think you have perfect timing.” Leona chuckled, patting the girl’s shoulder.

As everyone settled around the table, Sariphi commented, “I haven’t seen Miss Juno today.”

Amit stiffened, setting a plate down with a clunk.

“Juno got commandeered by the kitchens. Since we blew their minds about humans eating beast foods, they’ve been asking her non-stop about how to prepare it. I’m sure we’ll see her soon,” Leona replied.

Suddenly, ears pricked at the sound of something sailing through the air. Lanteveldt turned around, paw out. In a second, he caught a book.

Just then Juno showed up, one hand with a tray of coffee and tea, the other holding her head. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long.”

Leona blinked and said in a louder voice, “I’m sure my dear son will get married to an absolutely wonderful lady soon.” She blinked, glanced at Sariphi, then looked up at the sky, pleading.

Juno let out a small chuckle as she distributed cups. “I think it’ll be a while before that one comes true.”

“Damn,” Leona grumbled as she shoveled some sugar into her coffee.

“Did you just throw a book at me?” the hyena asked, pointing at Juno with the offending literature.

“No. I threw it at Sariphi,” the Caiman said flatly.

“Eh?!” the two blobs cried out.

“Why, ma’am?” Amit asked, panicked.

Juno waved her free hand. “Please don’t worry. I was just testing Sir Lanteveldt.” She pointed a finger at Sariphi. “You’ve got to make sure servants are doing their jobs properly at any time.” She set a cup down in front of the maiden.

As Juno poured the tea, Sariphi said, “I think there’s a better, calmer way of doing such a thing.”

Lanteveldt scowled as the reptile, smiling serenely, offered him a cup. He took it, scowling at it, “I’m watching you lady. You’re one of those secret crazies.”

“I think most folks would call any of us crazy.” Will shrugged. “After all, neither human nor Beast would think we’d even sit at a table together, let alone share a meal and drink with one another. I’d say we’re all in good company.”

“Hear, hear, to a ‘crazy new world’.” Leona lifted her mug in toast.

The three older adults laughed and raised their cups. Lanteveldt shrugged, raised his glass and started to take his drink, letting out a small laugh. Cy and Clops shook a bit, Cy’s pupil bouncing around the older three. Yet when Juno placed a cup in front of the two, Clops lifted the glass to his brother. “Hear!”

“Hear, hear!” Clops said a bit louder before he drank some tea.

Sariphi let out a small giggle as she raised her cup. “Hear, hear!” she declared as well. The sight eased the blobs next to her, and their shaking stopped.

Amit, however, only stared at her lap; she didn’t have a cup yet.

When Juno reached the princess, Amit shook like a leaf battered by the wind. The older woman sighed, looking at the maiden straight on. “I deeply apologize to Your Highness for not bringing this up earlier. I am related to Lady Hera, but it’s a distant relation. I don’t recall ever meeting her. So I cannot say where she is now.”

Tension slipped from Amit, shoulders slumping. “I thought so.”

“Who’s Lady Hera?” Sariphi asked.

“Well…she was my nanny. She raised me ever since I hatched. She was the one that taught me how to bake. One day, she left the court, her husband, basically everyone and everything. No one has seen her since.”

“I think I’ve heard about this lady. Is this the same Hera that got killed by her husband?” Lanteveldt asked.

The younger members of the group gasped. Will growled a bit and Leona clenched her cup, both eyes on Juno who stood still and passive, as if he just commented on the weather.

“She wasn’t!” Amit declared, standing up, hands slamming on the table, sending plates and cups to jump slightly. “She…she wasn’t…” she panted, chest heaving as she almost fell into her chair.

Sariphi, eyes right on Amit’s, placed her hands on top of her friend’s, giving her a firm squeeze.

“Ah sorry,” Lanteveldt said with a small nod, ears bent down.

“Well, it was no secret that her relationship with her husband was falling apart,” Juno commented. “He often took mistresses and she would bully them until they left society for good. She also would defy him at many turns, especially publicly. I suppose when such an obstinate woman disappears, it’s only natural to think that her husband may have taken care of her once and for all.” She placed a gentle hand on the princess’s shoulder. “I apologize if my presence has caused you distress.”

“No no, I guess I was being hopeful. When she disappeared, she left my eldest brother and me a letter. She said she’d fallen in love with a man she met so she would be leaving her old life to be with him. And she wished us well and that she’d hope that we meet again someday. I guess, even after all these years, I really would like to see her again. ”

“I’m sure she would like that very much as well.” Juno smiled warmly, squeezing the young woman’s shoulder.

Another growl sounded from Sariphi’s stomach; Sariphi squeaked out a, “Pardon me!”

Juno smiled. “Well, I’m glad we’ve gotten that out of the way. Personally, I find it's best to ask questions rather than to speculate and rumor yourself until your mind’s all tangled up. Only the truth can snap you free like snipping a knot out. Let us eat for now. Enjoy some good food. Then we can start lessons again.”

After eating, Sariphi wiped her face with her napkin. “Pardon me, Miss Juno, what will I be learning today?”

“Miss?”

“Ah sorry. Is there anything you’d like for me to call you?”

“It’s not a matter of preference but more of a matter of ranking and situation.” Juno nodded.

“Really?” Sariphi asked.

Juno’s gaze hardened, hands clasped in front of her on the table. “Your Highness, by all accounts, you are the highest ranking person here. In impersonal settings such as this, you can refer to us however you please.” She pointed a claw at the princess. “For example, you can refer to Her Highness here by her first name alone.”

Sariphi squirmed a bit, glancing at her stunned friend. “She’s a princess…”

“And you’ll be a queen,” the older woman retorted. “True, in formal situations, it is only natural to call her by her title, but here and now it’s fine.”

The two maidens looked at one another, faces flushed. Sariphi faced her friend, hands tight on her skirt. “Would it be alright if I called you by just your name?”

“Oh yes! I would be honored!” Amit answered, clapping her hands.

“Then Amit…” Sariphi stated, face growing dark red.

Amit’s eyes watered, face bright pink. “Lady Sariphi.”

“You know you can call me by my name when we’re like this. Is that right, Miss Juno?”

“In these situations of course,” Juno stated, head resting on her hands.

“Then Sar…Sari….” However Amit’s face turned so red you thought someone had lit a fire inside her mouth, the steam billowing out of her head. She hid her eyes in her hands. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I can’t!”

Sariphi patted her friend on the knee. “It’s okay, I don’t mind waiting.”

“Thank you Sar…Sari…” But once again the heat of embarrassment overtook her.

As the ladies all smiled, Lante leaned close to Will, swallowing his food before asking, “What’s this all about?”

Will shrugged. “It’s a lady’s thing.”

After swallowing his food, Clops commented, “Ladies sure are confusing.”

“Yep,” Cy said, offering a cookie to his brother’s mouth.

Once they started stacking finished plates, Juno rose. “Alright we shall begin the lesson.” She proceeded to walk out of the room. Leona and Will followed, but the younger members of the cast remained at the table, watching the older folks leave.

“Is the next lesson going to be outside the library?” Sariphi asked.

Pausing mid step, Leona commented, “It was part of the hint I gave you. Was that not clear?”

“Well your mouth was shut when you said it,” Sariphi pointed out, rising from her seat. Her companions soon followed, although Lante did take a moment to finish off the last of his plate and add it to a stack of dishes on a tray to be picked up later.

“Sariphi, when you get as old as I am, you learn many languages: grumbles, groan, sarcasm, sass–especially when your kids hit their teenage years. It just takes time,” Leona said, smiling.

The Caiman woman paused from where she stood in the door frame. “Of course, that’s a lesson that can wait for another time. Now come on, don’t dawdle. There’s plenty to learn.”

Sariphi quickly stepped forward so she was by the woman’s side, the rest of the group following along. “Pardon me, Miss Juno, or is there something else I should call you?”

Juno pondered, raising her head a bit, hand on her chin. “Well since you gave my friend a degree and made him a professor, I wouldn’t mind being a lady.”

“Then Lady Juno, where are we going for the lesson?

The Caiman woman stopped at a section of hallway, pointing down a branching corridor. “Tell me, what is down this hallway?”

Clops perked up. “Oh that’s…”

“I asked Lady Sariphi, little ones. This is her lesson after all.”

Sariphi rested her head on her hand. “Ah…I believe it leads to the maids’ quarters.”

Juno tapped her chin. “Accurate, yet hesitant–eighty-three points.”

“Huh?” the two blobs asked.

“Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time to improve it,” Juno continued, hand in the air. “I’m sure you’ll be busy with running the kingdom, dealing with policies and trade to keep it going. Yet, you are also queen of this castle, the lady of the house. And as the lady, it is up to you to know everything there is to know about this place, from top of the roof to the bottom of any cellar. This way, you can tend to the needs of guests and know what the staff needs to keep it going. It is home to many people that help you in your daily life so you must keep it running seamlessly.”

Sariphi hummed, “So it’s the same in the human realm. Yet Anubis is the one that orders around the servants for things like meals and events.”

“Historically, if the queen couldn’t do the task, the Anubis of the reign would take over for her,” Juno replied. “I believe during the gap between the previous king and our king now, the council took over. Yet once the king was on the throne, his Anubis took over the duties. Soon enough it’ll be your duty to do so. You must know your domain like the back of your hand. Of course it will also be your duty to arrange events for the domain.” She paused, twisting back to her student. “Tell me, do you have any musical talents?”

“Me?” Sariphi asked, pointing to herself.

“Yes, you. You are the student and queen-to-be here,” Juno said. “Often at many events, ladies of the household provide entertainment either by performing or inviting others, such as musicians and poets, to entertain. Do you play any musical instruments or do you prefer singing?”

“I can sing, but not very well,” Sariphi stated.

Leona smirked, stepping in front of the maiden. “Let me be the judge of that. Come on, let us hear a tune.”

“Okay…” Sariphi took a deep breath…In an oddly breathless and high-pitched tone, she sung, “Sleep now my dear child—”

With just a few notes, everyone began to yawn at the sound.

Will raised a paw. “That’s enough.”

Juno covered her mouth as she fought off a yawn. “Indeed, might be best to keep your singing to a nursery rather than a ballroom.”

Leona smacked the dog’s paw. “Come on, I’ve heard worse. Could use some warmups, maybe try a lower pitch...” She patted the girl on the shoulder. “Well, if you’re not comfortable with singing, you can always play something. Know any instruments?”

Sariphi’s eyes darkened, looking down at the floor, a small frown on her face. Her mind took over her vision. She remembered her face almost touching the glass in the window as she looked at something round and shiny behind the glass, sitting on a white cushion. She remembered a young Maria, face beaming as Sariphi found the object sitting in an opened box in her lap. “Happy Birthday, sis!” Maria said. Then, she remembered Maria, years older now, going, “Come on Sariphi play us a song! You’ll never learn if you don’t play it!”

“Sariphi?” Leona called out.

Sariphi found herself in the present once more, her friends looking at her, concerned. She shook herself, trying to dispel the past’s threads on her. “I’m sorry. I don’t know any instruments, but I have had a few dancing lessons. Maybe we can start there.”

Juno stared, then nodded. “Ah yes. A good idea for a lesson. However, we’ll focus on the castle today. First we’ll have a broad view in order to get your bearings. Can’t have you getting lost in your own home. Then we’ll focus on the individual spaces, its inhabitants, and functions.”

A clamor directed everyone’s attention to the windows.

Lanteveldt poked his head out to see. “Looks like the Captain and his men are back.”

“Apt timing.” Juno smiled. “Let’s get some fresh air and tour the soldier’s training grounds and quarters first. Given the activity of the area, it often needs a lot of attention and care. Plus I have been curious about this Captain Jormungand I’ve heard so much about.”

The group made their way to the open grounds where several soldiers were dismounting from their horses. Jormungand was leading his soldiers towards the stable when he noticed the group heading towards him.

“Ah Lady Sariphi.” The knight bowed. “I heard that you became ill while I was away. I’m glad to see you well again.”

“Thank you sir. It’s always good to see you and your men return safely.” Sariphi gave a small bow in return.

“Indeed.” He nodded towards Leona. “And I suppose we have this lady to thank for your recovery.”

Leona blinked and twisted around. “A lady where?” After a few twists, she stopped, smiling. “Oh you mean me! Thank you sir.” She stuck out her hand. “Leona Carrin, doctor. Nice to meet you, Captain Jormungand.”

He took the hand into his own mitten-like one. “An honor to meet you, ma’am. Thank you for healing our queen.”

“Happy to help wherever I can. If you or your men need some medicine or tending to, I’ll lend a hand anytime,” she said when the handshake broke.

Several soldiers flinched at her words, some openly staring at her.

“Do you have experience in tending to Beasts, ma’am?” The captain asked.

Leona waved at his words. “No need to ma’am me, but I’ve tended to all kinds of folks—skin, fur, scales, feathers. I’m always ready to aid those who need it.”

The captain nodded with a small smile. “Well, should the need arise, I’ll let you know.”

“Good.” She proffered a hand out to her companions. “Here are my friends, Will and Juno. They’ll be staying here as Sariphi’s teachers.”

Juno curtsied rather low. “It is a great honor to meet you, Captain Jormungand.”

Several of the reptilian soldiers stopped fully, looking at the woman with wide eyes. Some murmured between each other yet one glare from the captain silenced them.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you two.” The captain bowed his head.

“Jor!”

Everyone turned to see Anubis, waving from one of the pillars outlining the courtyard. You could almost see the veins popping out of his head.

“Pardon me, it looks like the Chancellor is in need of me.” With that he turned away from the group. A small green charm attached to his sword peeked out before being hidden by his coat. Leona and Will shared a glance and a smirk.

Juno stared openly at it before coughing into her hand and regaining her composure. “Well, now that we’ve done our greetings, let’s keep going with our tour. A peek at the soldiers’ quarters and armory and then we’ll go from there.”

Just as the group left the grounds, they passed by a small room that caught Sariphi’s attention. Several round metal pipes were sticking out of the wall with a chain attached to them. She ventured away to peer at them. Leona noticed and followed.

“What do you think these are?” Sariphi asked, twisting her head.

“Looks like a kind of shower head,” Leona commented.

“Shower head?” Sariphi asked, trying out the words.

“You know about piping in water for baths, right? It’s the same system, but instead the water comes out from this spout here so a person can wash themselves standing up. Given how many men there are here, it would be convenient to have a place like this to have lots of men get washed at once. Plus, folks like reptiles and amphibians are more sensitive to temperature changes both from the outside and in. Probably a good way to cool down after training.”

“Really?” Sariphi glanced at the chain, tracing it with her fingers. “So I guess this is how you get the water out.”

Leona edged her charge away a bit. “Probably want to take a step back before trying anything.”

“Thank you.” Sariphi tugged on the chain, yet nothing occurred. She gave it another hard tug, but still nothing.

Leona pulled up her sleeves. “Alright let me try.” She spat in her hands and tugged at the chains. Water burst out, drenching the two women below. She looked over at the maiden. “Sorry, Sariphi, looks like we needed two steps back.”

“It’s fine, at least now we know this works,” Sariphi commented, a smile on her face.

Their friends appeared at the doorway, Lante snickering with Will trying to hide his own laughter. Amit dashed towards the two women with Cy and Clops floating beside her. Juno sighed. “I suppose it’s as good a time as any to meet the seamstress in the castle.”

“My, my, while the circumstances are lamentable, I’m happy to see you again, Your Highness,” an older brown mouse woman commented as she hung up Sariphi’s dress next to Leona’s pants, shirt, and corset on a dressing screen. She was only a bit taller than the two humans, thanks to her ears, and she was dressed in a light pink cap and dress. “I’m sure your friends will be here in just a moment with your clothes.” She then scurried off to the side and pulled out some blankets, wrapping both humans. “Hope these keep you warm.”

“Thank you ma’am,” Sariphi said, now standing behind the screen in a small top and a pair of shorts that went down her thighs. Leona sat on a stool in her own small clothes.

“Please call me Marie, Your Highness.” The mouse smiled. She then touched the corset drying on the side. “Pardon me, Miss Leona, but what is this thing?”

“It’s a corset, a kind of undergarment. I mainly wear mine to keep my back straight and my boobs from going all over the place.” She patted at her ample chest. “But ladies also can wear them to help give them an hourglass kind of body shape; it’s all the rage back in Yoana.”

“I see.” Marie picked up the fabric, tugging at the strings. “Would you like for me to make you something like this, Your Highness?” she asked the queen-consort-to-be. “It might take me some time.”

“For me?” Sariphi asked, pointing to herself.

“I’m not sure. Mine’s more for purpose rather than fashion,” Leona commented, head in hand. “I’m not sure it would look good with the long flowy fashions that I see a lot of Beast ladies wearing outside the castle. Human fashion now likes that style too, so the corsets made now are longer.”

“Indeed?” Marie asked.

“Yeah.” Sariphi nodded. “It’s the style nowadays. I’m not sure I really should wear one since I’m so…small,” she added with a small blush, arms wrapped around her slim frame.

“Eh, you’re fine.” Leona waved a hand. “I mean, whether or not you want to wear a corset is more up to you now, since you don’t have much in the way of human-style clothes.” Leona stood up, clasping the skirt of Sariphi’s drying dress. “I mean, this is the dress you were brought in here right?”

“Yes.”

“If human fashion likes longer garments why is Her Highness’s usual dress short?” Marie asked.

“I say fashion but it’s more high society that favors such things. Other places and regions can have their own idea of style.” Leona’s face darkened a bit as she continued with a bitter tone, “Plus, sacrifices are supposed to be modest women, humbling themselves for the sake of their race, so the Temple sends them dressed up like this.”

“It’s still a nice dress,” Sariphi commented. “It’s similar to the style I used to wear back at home, so it’s fine.”

“If you say so,” Leona said. “Why do you wear this one so much? As you were getting better, I helped you change into clothes and you have a lot more than this.”

“Those feel a bit too fancy for me to wear when I’m just studying in the library,” Sariphi admitted.

“I did think so. I just figured the king was spoiling you with nice gowns like rich men in love do. Even though he doesn’t seem to mind wearing his grandpa’s coat,” Leona said.

“That is lamentable,” Marie sighed. “His Majesty and Sire Chancellor have only requested a few dresses for the few occasions we had guests while your position was still…precarious,” she said with a circle of her paw. “And of course, the moment my stupid cousin breaks his leg and thus everyone in the family has to rush over and make sure he’s alright is the moment the council decides you are queen-consort-to-be and thus need a new wardrobe befitting your position. And even though I’m the royal seamstress and have been waiting ages for the chance to provide a proper wardrobe for you!” She threw her paws in the air. “Yet, they can’t wait and thus the Head Maid,” she spat the last words out like a poison, “took some of the old queen’s and consorts’ clothing to make something for you.” She then sighed, flopping in her chair. “I’m truly sorry, Your Highness. I’d love to make you some more casual clothes if I can.”

“You really don’t mind dressing up a human queen? Seems like the rest of the castle is a bit on the fence about having a human around, let alone having one rule over them,” Leona commented, head resting on her hand.

“I mean, I was certainly surprised about him selecting a sacrifice to be his bride. Yet, in the few times I’ve met her and everything I’ve heard from castle rumors, she’s been nothing but kind and compassionate to every Beast she’s met. Well those that aren’t trying to attack her at least.”

Leona sat up straighter. “Wait, is she talking about those thief guys that came in?”

“No…she’s talking about a princess who visited who really wanted to be the queen. At first, she just switched out the wine I was drinking for something too strong for me. Then she cornered me while we were alone, telling me to leave the position. When I refused, she attacked me. Fortunately Amit stopped her and then the King arrived and demanded she leave.”

“Oh Family,” Leona commented. “Is that when you got Lante?”

“No, he became my knight much later.”

“I never thought I’d see a hyena anywhere near the capital, let alone walking around the castle walls,” Maria commented, turning towards the older human. “The Hyena clan once fought against the king’s ancestors and were almost wiped out for it. I’m honestly surprised there are still Hyenas left.”

“I’ve heard about that.” Leona tilted her head. “Wasn’t that like 1,500 years ago?”

“Yes,” Sariphi sighed with a nod. “On his first mission with me, some of the soldiers we were with at the time distrusted and even confronted Lante, leaving their posts so they could bully him. Seems like Beasts have a hard time forgiving what happened and those now have to face so much because of it. I’m not sure I can make everyone forgive one another. I don’t even think I got through to those soldiers at the time.”

Marie smiled at the maiden. “Yet it’s seeing a kind of person that looks at all Beasts as equals that gives me hope for the future. The various mouse clans, my Brown Field included, can testify that many clans have attempted to take over our lands and we have fought them off. White Elephant, Elemental, pretty much every feline clan. Honestly, it’d be easier to name the clans that we haven’t fought with. And even when we were able to get back our lands, we continued to attack them out of revenge. And while there’s been no active conflict in my lifetime, I grew up so suspicious of other clans; I was afraid of anyone I didn’t grow up with.

“Yet the more I interacted with other folks, the more I learned about them. I didn’t think of them as potential aggressors or enemies, but rather friends or clients. I can’t say they’ve all been kind, but I do think we can at least learn to get along with one another and try to bury the hatchet. His Majesty’s reign has ushered in a peace most Beasts have never known, and I do hope you can help him with that somehow. I’m certainly looking forward to the day I see you in the wedding dress I’ll make!” The mouse clapped.

“Yeah, all hail Queen Sariphi, Bringer of Peace!” Leona called out.

Sariphi beamed. “Thank you! I’ll do everything I can to make peace for all.”

A knock on the door turned their attention. Maria opened it to see Juno and Amit carrying clothes for their respective friends.

“Thank you so much,” Sariphi said, taking the clothes from Amit.

“The two of us will head to kitchens to help make lunch for everyone,” Juno said as she passed clothes to Leona. “Any requests?”

Leona tilted her head. “Not really.” She pulled her corset off the dressing wall, giving it a few flaps before putting it around her waist. As she adjusted the hooks, she looked over her shoulder and said, “Sariphi, got anything you want to eat?”

With a light pink dress covering her head, Sariphi paused. The group watched as she stayed like that, one arm up in the air, the other on her chest, tightening around the fabric. Leona pulled on a black shirt and then headed over to the maiden, pulling down her shirt and revealing her face. Sariphi wore a frown and furrowed brow, eyes down like the ground held some secret from her.

“Sariphi?” Leona asked, snapping her fingers in front of the girl.

Sariphi blinked. “Ah sorry. Lost my train of thought, must be hungrier than I thought. No, I don’t really have a preference. I’m looking forward to anything you make; it’ll be delicious,” she said, a wide smile on her face.

Juno nodded. “Alright, chef’s choice. We’ll head down and see what ingredients the chefs have prepared and go from there. Mind helping me Amit?”

Amit watched her friend, concerned written on all her features, yet she gave the woman a nod and followed her out, still looking at her friend until the door shut behind them.

“Pardon me, Your Highness.” Marie stepped forward. “Do you need some refreshment?”

Sariphi gathered her hair from the dress’s collar and pushed it free with her hand. “No, but thank you.”

Leona now pulled up her black pants. “You sure, queenie? You seemed a bit off.”

“I think I just need to sit down for a second.”

Marie quickly grabbed the stool from behind the curtain and offered it to the girl. Sariphi quickly took the seat.

Another knock sounded from the door, followed by a male voice.“Is it safe for me to come in now?”

Marie giggled, “Yes dear,” and went to open the door, letting in a figure in red pants who was carrying a pile of white clothes in their brown paws that was tall enough to block the rest of the person. She took some clothes to reveal a brown mouse with a small red hat on top of his head.

“Ladies, my husband Jacq, royal tailor.” She nodded, pointing to the new mouse.

“An honor and pleasure, my ladies,” Jacq said, bowing with the clothes still in his paws. He then set the clothes on a nearby table. “Phew, I’m always glad when the soldiers come home safely. Though I wish they would stagger when giving me their uniforms to tailor when they return. Though I am glad its Captain Jormungand’s men, he always makes sure they’ve been cleaned beforehand.”

Sariphi rose from the stool to eye the clothes. “So you’re in charge of the soldiers’ outfits?”

“Yes.” Jacq held up a pair of pants, inspecting them. “My wife is in charge of the ladies’ outfits. Well, supposed to be.”

“Your Highness, if you could get that old fool of a head maid to let me do my job and take care of the maids’ outfits, I’ll honor you for the rest of my life as the best queen in history and sainthood,” Marie stated, a paw in the air.

“Why won’t she?” Sariphi asked, ankles crossed.

“Most of the maids are the Head Maid’s granddaughters, grandnieces, or the daughters of good friends,” Marie said. “And she’s very protective of her girls, which is fine when she tells off soldiers harassing them. But she says and I quote,” Marie cleared her throat and hunched over a bit. She slipped digits underneath her hat, making them poke out like horns. She then spoke in an older voice, “ ‘I know what’s best for my girls. I can take care of all their needs just fine.’ ” The mouse then rose and flung her arms out, as if shaking off something, clicking her tongue.

Jacq snickered as he held up a pair of pants, “You do the best impressions, love.”

“Thank you, thank you,” Marie said, with a small bow.

Leona watched the couple, clapping at the woman’s performance. However, Sariphi’s attention was on the tailor inspecting the clothes, making a few marks with chalk on parts here and there.

“Are those tail holes in the pants there?” Sariphi pointed to the wide pants that Jacq held up.

“Ah yes, you probably won’t see most of them since quite a few beasts have shorter tails or wear longer shirts to cover them up.” Jacq nodded as he folded up the pants.

“Wait Captain Jormungand has the most Reptiles out of all the captains serving the king…” Sariphi’s eyes began to sparkle; she leaned towards the man, hands gripping the seat. “Does that mean Reptiles have tails?”

Jacq fumbled with the pants in paw, nearly dropping them. “What made you think otherwise, milady?”

Sariphi shrugged. “Well I haven’t seen a Reptile tail since I arrived. I mean I did see war paintings and tapestries depicting them with tails, but since I didn’t see any here. After a while, I thought the artists just added them in.”

Leona stepped towards the girl, arm around her small shoulders. “Remind me you’ve been here for about eight months or so right?” Leona asked.

“I think so…it’s hard to keep track since the calendar here is a bit different.”

Leona held her chin in thought. “Huh, you might just break my record.”

“Your record?”

“The shortest amount of time it takes for a human to see a Reptilian tail. Mine is a year and a month, so you’ve got some time.” Leona patted Sariphi’s shoulder.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I had been living back at home for a while and there were some reptiles and I kept thinking, ‘Where are the tails?’ I’ve seen them in tapestries, books, and murals. Was that some kind of artist interpretation? Do these Beast folk not have tails? They look so much like animals though?’ And sneaking down to the local hot spring to watch my neighbor's bathe to answer my queries was tempting but as a married woman, I had vowed to not watch any man but my husband naked.”

“Really?” Sariphi’s eyes went even wider.

“It’s not in traditional vows, but he got lonely and jealous easily at the beginning so I didn’t want to upset him. Then one day, my neighbor Bai, a snake fellow, had this really bad rash–note you’ve got to teach Beasts what poison ivy looks like–on his leg and it went all the way up so of course I had to have him take off his pants, and seeing his tail was the furthest thing from my mind. Yet, there it was, one bonafide thin tail right in front of me. I screamed my head off in delight, which in turn caused Bai to scream in confusion. In fear that we were being attacked by something, villagers, including my husband and Bai’s wife, came forward to find us poking at the tail–it had a rash on it too. Fortunately, it was clear what was going on so only I got chased by Bai’s wife with her wok.”

“Wok?” Marie asked.

“It’s a kind of frying pan, with a big middle so you can really fry a lot of things together,” Leona offered. “Well that mystery was solved. Reptiles had tails. For two weeks I cuddle-consoled my husband to show I didn’t want anyone else but him and for two months Xu–that’s Bai’s wife–kept her wok at hand whenever I was around until I earned her forgiveness. So let this be a lesson to you, yes, Reptilian folks do have tails; they just hide them cleverly. And don’t go looking at anyone else’s tail other than your husband’s, it makes them jealous.”

“I see…” Sariphi stated.

Leona held a finger up. “By the way, the record for ‘Longest without Seeing A Reptile’s Tail’ is held by Mwindo.”

“Your town’s blacksmith? Why would it take him so long?” Sariphi asked.

Leona explained, “Well before he was a blacksmith, he was a mercenary. Actually fought off some rebel Reptilians years ago. But they kept their tails covered in combat. He only saw a tail once he met Juno, but that’s a story for another day. One where she’s far out of earshot and grabbing range.”

Sariphi held her tilted head. “But why would Reptiles hide their tails in the first place?”

* “Well, Ozmargo did defeat the Reptiles two centuries ago,” Leona commented, rubbing the back of her neck. “And even before that, there’s been disdain between Mammals and Reptiles. So when it came time for Reptiles to enter Ozmargian society, they were naturally taunted for what made them different–scales, different tails. And some even took it a step further…” Leona took in a deep breath, “by chopping off Reptiles tails.”

“Really? Why?” Sariphi cried out.

“You see,” Jacq interjected, "there are some reptile clans that grow back tails after they’ve been chopped. I’ve even heard that they can even grow back limbs. When Ozamargo bested the Reptilians clans, the king took several of the higher-born and high-ranking soldiers and chopped off their tails–as proof he had bested them.”

“That was the previous king right?” Sariphi nodded.

“Yes.” Marie nodded glumly. “After that spectacle, many other clans began to chop off Reptilian tails as a means to demean them. Walking around with a stump of a tail is embarrassing as it is. So thus the clans came up with a means to cover their tails, protecting themselves from such attacks. After all, it’s hard to aim at what you can’t see. Attackers didn’t want Reptiles killed, just demoralized and reminded of the social order. And it may have even led to some younger folks thinking Reptilians had no tails at all, like yourself.”

“That’s…” Sariphi clutched at her heart, eyes watering.

“Please don’t worry, Your Highness,” Marie stated, offering a handkerchief. “At the start of his reign, decades ago, His Majesty made such crimes punishable by way of banishment. It did earn him several enemies, yet I’ve spoken to several Reptiles in my time and they feel much safer now. Yet there are those folks, rebels to the crown, who will attack a Reptile if they think they can get away with it.”

* Sariphi pressed the fabric to her eyes, wiping off a few tears. Leona moved over and hugged the young girl, smiling at her. “I know it’s tough, but you don’t have to solve all the world’s conflicts at once. Let’s start with stopping folks from actively killing each other and we’ll go from there.”

“That’s what His Majesty’s been working on since the start of his reign,” Marie admitted.

Jacq stated with a finger up,“It’s true.”

Sariphi took a deep breath and allowed herself a smile. “Alright.” She then turned towards Marie. “Would it be alright if I stop by sometime for measurements and to get me some casual clothes? I’d like to wear what my fellow country folk wear daily.”

Marie clapped her hands. “Of course, it would be my pleasure.”

When the ladies stepped out of the room, Lanteveldt, Will, Cy and Clops stood up from their seats.

“Ooh, that’s a nice color on you, Your Highness,” Will said with a nod.

“Thank you,” Sariphi said with a small nod, smiling.

“You look so pretty, Sariphi!” Clops exclaimed.

“Pretty!” Cy agreed.

“About time,” the hyena nearly groaned. “Let’s go eat.”

“Young man, you better get used to it. Ladies will take their time to get ready for any event,” Will commented.

“I’ll try to not take too much time,” Sariphi assured, waving her hands in front of her.

“‘A queen is never late, everyone else is simply early,’ I believe a human queen once said that,” Will said..

Leona nodded. “Yeah, so don’t worry about taking your time to get yourself all dressed up and ready. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your new wardrobe.”

“A new wardrobe?” Will inquired.

“Marie offered to make her some more casual clothing for daily use,” Leona added..

“I see…” Will stopped the girl with a paw. “I’m sorry but please no more crinolines and petticoats. Humans finally got rid of those and I can’t live through that era again if you decide to wear them again!”

“Crinolines?” Cy asked.

“Petticoats?” Clops followed up.

“Yes,” Will started, hands out wide around his waist. “For some reason humans decided that big poofy skirts were the fashion of the day for so many years. First it was achieved with layer upon layer of petticoats. Then they had these almost cage-like things around their waists called crinolines to cover their legs to achieve the same kind of designs. And Lord, those took forever to take off. Like seriously, how do human men have the patience for all of that?” He then turned to the hyena. “And despite what the heat of passion may tell you, young man, don’t try anything with a lady love while she’s got those things on. Learn from my mistakes. Getting slapped by that much fabric is not fun.”

Lante snickered a bit, “Noted, old man. But why would Sariphi wearing such things cause such a fuss?”

Will tilted his head. “Because whatever the Queen wears becomes what high society and in turn what society considers fashion. You can see it all the time in Yoana when royalty or highly-notable nobles decide to wear something different, everyone else is sure to follow. Historically, it also happened in Ozmargo too. But since the King doesn’t care for finer clothes and there’s no queen, there hasn’t been any new trends since her Late Majesty.”

“Why would your wife wear human clothes?” Clops asked.

“You see, we’ve swapped clothes and fashion from time to time. We actually have a variety of human cultures and thus different kinds of clothing. The crinolines and petticoats are mainly from Western Yoana where Sariphi and Leona are from. I don’t mind wearing human male clothes. I find them quite alluring, but I pity the womenfolk.”

“Hey it wasn’t that bad,” Leona commented. “And the pockets on those kinds of dresses were amazing. I could fit Cy and Clops in one and have plenty of room in that one and have a free one. The day that crinolines went out the door, so did pockets for women.” She placed a hand on the maiden’s shoulder. “Sariphi gotta make sure Marie gives you a good pocket in your outfits. Not the tiny ones your hand barely fits in that you get nowadays.”

“That would be nice,” Sariphi noted, head tilted yet eyes on Leona, watching her in a fascinated way.

“You still have large pockets, Leona,” Will pointed out.

“Because I raised an understanding, compassionate daughter who also is a mage in her own right with a needle and thread. Your wife would probably be a lot less happy if she didn’t have those pockets for journals and pens my Le makes for her.”

“True,” the dog conceded.

Just as they turned the corner, a man called out, “Ah, Your Highness.”

This caused Sariphi to halt. The group looked up to see Judge Set coming out of another hall. “I’m so glad to hear you are doing better after being unwell for so long.”

“Ah yes. Thank you.” Sariphi nodded to the man.

“And I suppose this woman is to thank for your new health?” the tall fox asked, looking at Leona.

“Yep, Leona Carrin, at Her Majesty’s service.” Leona offered a small bow.

“I see. I am Judge Set. It is an honor to meet you ma’am. I apologize but I must be going.” The fox gave them a nod and left the group.

“How long has he been here?” Will asked.

“No clue, since the king’s been reigning I guess.” Lan looked down at the blobs. “You two know?”

“We don’t know much about him,” Clops admitted.

“None,” Cy agreed.

“He’s a bit spooky,” Leona commented.

“Ah, yes.” Sariphi looked away from the fox.

“What’s wrong, Sariphi?” Leona asked, hand now on the maiden’s shoulder.

“Let’s just say when we first met, it was…awkward. It wasn’t the best circumstances.” She turned her head even more, hugging herself tightly.

With her kidnapping and then her illness, she all but pushed her encounter with the judge on that almost catastrophic day out of her mind. Yet when he looked at her, with those cold and unfeeling eyes like stones, she couldn't help but think of her “parents”. They had those same eyes for her, even until their last goodbye. She’d take Anubis’s glare, full of life and venom at her, over Set’s cold eyes anyday, anytime.

“I see.” Leona narrowed her eyes a bit. “Well, if he gives you any trouble, you can always tell me. I’ve got a few potions on hand in case you want to see him green or something. Or just tell His Majesty; the judge works for him after all. And he’ll work for you someday soon. Be sure he knocks off the whole suspicious thing while you’re in charge.”

“I’ll try,” Sariphi said with a nod. “The latter I mean. I don’t want anyone to turn green on my account.”

Leona sighed, “Ah you are so nice. It would only last a few days tops, honest. Cross my heart.” She made a small cross on her chest, but then saw Sariphi give her a stern look. She raised her hands up in defeat, “Fine, fine, no green. But do let me know if you change your mind.”

“Not likely, but thank you.”

As her companions traveled onward, Leona stayed behind a bit. Around the corner, she just caught the man going around the other side of the hall. She let out one sharp whistle, catching him. When he looked at her, she pointed two fingers to her eyes, then back to him, then back to her. She then slowly slid away, eyes still on the judge until she disappeared behind the wall.

The judge stared at the empty space for a bit and then smirked. “Another human in the castle…now this is an interesting development.”

As the day continued on, the sun began to paint the miasma clouds a deep shade of purple. The teachers and students took a break by one of the outer walls of the castle, where one could see the capital life going on.

Will let out a small woof as he sighed on one of the benches, massaging his paw of a foot. “I have to say, we really need to stop with these long trips. Lord, my legs can’t take much more.”

Juno huffed, arms crossed, “That’s because you spend too much time huddled over books. Honestly I think you’ve walked more in these last few weeks than in the decades I’ve known you.”

He shrugged. “I exercise my brain more.”

The two adults looked at Sariphi in between the two of them. She was kneeling, looking out at the people below: children chasing each other, mothers and fathers with children in slings or on shoulders, couples walking together, holding paws, hands, wings or some combination of the three. A few hoofed Beasts walked with tails entwined.

“Pardon me, Lady Sariphi, are you overwhelmed by the tour?” Juno asked. “Perhaps we should have done it more in chunks.”

“No no and please call me Sariphi. It’s a good time to do so right?” Sariphi said, hand up.

“Of course, if that’s what you wish.” Juno clapped.

Will pointed to himself. “Could I call you ‘Sariphi’ sometimes too?”

“Sure.” Sariphi smiled. Then her eyes looked off to the horizon. “Do you two think I can be a good queen?”

“Of course, you’ve got intent to learn and help others; that’s a fine start,” Will commented.

“Yet, there’s still so much I have to learn.” Sariphi sighed.

“Yes I did hear you just learned about Reptilian tails,” Juno commented with a smile. “I guess going somewhere and not seeing what you’re expecting does raise some questions.”

Sariphi tilted her head. “Were you born before Ozmargo defeated Murga or after, ma’am?”

“I was born before, yet I was just out of diapers at the time of the war. If I’d had to guess, I’d say I’m close to my early or mid thirties as a human.”

“I’m closer to my forties in human sense,” Will admitted. “Though I’m getting closer to four hundred than I like to admit.”

“So how old is Leona?” Sariphi asked.

“42,” Juno said with confidence.

“43,” Will declared proudly.

The two beasts turned to stare at each other.

“You don’t know her age?” Juno's gasped.

“I think I know her age quite well; I’ve known her longer,” the dog said, arms crossed.

“We can ask and see who’s right,” Sariphi suggested.

“Okay, but I will let Leona know you made her older than she actually is,” Juno commented, waving a finger at the dog.

“Yeah, yeah.”

Sariphi giggled and sighed, relaxing against the back of the chair. She then tensed, hands gripping each other in her lap.

Will leaned in towards the girl,“You know, Sariphi, we’d be happy to give you lessons after you marry His Majesty. Just because you become a queen doesn’t mean we’ll pack our bags and head back to our village."

“Really?”

“It’s a bit unconventional, but given the fact that you are ascending the throne in less than a year, it’d only be natural to ask for assistance in such a case,” Juno noted.

Sariphi nodded. “His Majesty says he doesn’t mind waiting for me to take over the queen’s duties until I’m ready. Yet I want to be ready as soon as I can be. Since he’s been doing this with Anubis’s help for so long, I want to help him too.”

Will sat for a moment pondering. “My wife taught me that even if you reach a goal you’ve strived for, you shouldn’t try to stop improving and learning. Even if you do become queen, it would be good for you to keep learning and growing whatever talents you have. I mean, look at Her Highness Princess Gloria. She’s mastered pretty much what you expect from a ruler, yet still attends classes from universities and competes in competitions for all kinds of fields.”

Sariphi rested herself on her crossed arms, eyes closed. “Yeah, she is magnificent. Like a finely polished diamond held up to moonlight.” She pictured the woman she’d seen in newspapers, always so poised and elegant. The image of her standing with a fencing sword, holding up a large trophy, stuck out the most. She then opened her eyes, “She’s had so many years to learn…I don’t know how I’d compare.”

WIll hummed, scratching his chin. “I suppose it can be frustrating when pretty much all your predecessors were either royalty, nobility or the very wealthy merchants who basically inhabit the same circles. I’d have to research it more, but it would be hard to find a queen throughout Ozmargo’s protectorates or other Beast nations with a background like yours. The only one that comes to mind is Queen Varyl, the first queen, but we didn’t have the concept of nations in this land yet.”

Sariphi looked down at the Beasts below. She felt a touch on her right side, seeing Will smile at her. “Although I must say, you wouldn’t be an oddity among the human queens though. I mean even your late Queen Winnifred, Gloria’s grandmother, was born a commoner and look how she turned out.”

With that mention, Sariphi gasped, face pink, hands flailing. “Me? Be like Queen Winni? No way! There’s no way I can compare to her!”

“Ah let the historians compare the two of you in like five, six hundred years,” Juno commented.

“But Queen Winni was so amazing! She would stand with people at protests. She made speeches and raised so much money for so much good for the people. Even after she gave the throne to her son, she still cared for so many…” Sariphi began. Now she pictured Queen Winnifred, her features a bit rounder than you would see on her granddaughter. An old matron, wrinkles around her face from all her years of smiling. The newspapers always depicted her enjoying her retirement with helping out others, ladling out soup after disasters. Her death a few years ago was met with nationwide mourning, no newspaper needed to declare it. Everyone wanted to show their love for their beloved former monarch so that Crossa would know that Her Majesty deserved an afterlife full of true bliss.

“And once you’re queen, you can do those things,” Will commented. “Plus Her Majesty started out as an eccentric princess since she married the second prince, giving the nobles headaches about what they called nonsense about ‘unions’ and ‘workers’ rights’ . She only became queen when her brother-in-law died without an heir. Plus she got the throne when she was about forty or so? You’ll get a bit more time to change things than she did.”

“But what if it’s not enough time?” Sariphi said, looking once more down at the Beasts below. “There’s still so much conflict in this land. Can I really help it in the years I have? I’m a human, so I know I’ll be dead perhaps long before His Majesty sees the peace we want.”

Behind her, the two Beasts looked at each other with a knowing glance. Then Will adjusted himself to look the future queen in the eye. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to change this nation,” Will said. “And we’ll do everything we can to help you and support you however we can. Like say, I can help you examine the reigns of commoner queens to see how they adapted and what their reigns were like. Oh, I’ll definitely see if there’s any that hailed from foreign nations, to see how they handled any culture or society differences.”

Juno leaned herself closer, offering her own words. “I can also be at your side to help you plan events such as speech presentations or balls. I can personally attest that when everyone is having a good time, no one thinks of conflict or wars. We’re here for every step of the way of your reign. Just trust in yourself and your heart and I’m sure your dreams will come true.”

Sariphi smiled, “Thank you so much! I'm ready to learn! ”

Juno chuckled, “Don’t thank us quite yet, Your Highness.We haven’t given you our homework yet.”

“There’ll be homework!?” the maiden gasped, hands on face. Her eyes were actually shining.

Will clutched at his chest. “Oh Lord, stop being so cute! This is too much! Why couldn’t I have a son that was a king? I could have had a daughter-in-law like this!” He glanced at the future queen. “Any chance your sister is like you?”

Juno smacked her friend on the shoulder. “Will!”

“I’ve got three sons to marry off; you can’t blame a guy.” Will rubbed his shoulder. “You could go a bit easy on me.”

Juno let out what sounded like a gurgle of anger. She looked back to the queen-to-be, yet the look on Sariphi’s face stopped her words.

Her usual bright blue eyes dimmed and looked slightly to the left. A small frown on her face. She didn’t look like she was about to cry in either Beast’s eyes, but there was a sorrow now to her.

“Uh Sariphi? I’m sorry,” Will offered.

As if a spell broke, Sariphi shook her head, blinking, her eyes back to their usual shine. “Ah sorry, I was lost in thought at the moment. But to answer your question, Professor, no, my sister doesn’t care much for studying.” She started waving her hands. “Not that she’s dumb or ignorant or anything like that. She’s just more…lively. She’s always one for a party or other social event. Always happy to have a conversation. She was, I mean, is, the more social of the two of us.”

“She sounds lovely,” Juno commented.

“Yes…yes she is,” Sariphi said, looking away.

Will wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Sounds like a lovely woman…think she’d be interested in an older dog of a man? She can have her pick with my sons.”

Sariphi clutched her chin in thought. “Hmm…I honestly don’t know.”

Juno thunked her friend in the head. “Let’s save matchmaking for another time shall we? Dinner should be ready soon. And with your new appetite, it can’t be a moment too soon.”

“Yeah.” Sariphi rubbed the back of her head.

“Yeah, dinner first, then we’ll give out the homework,” Will agreed.

Leonhart walked into his room, taking in the sight of his bride on the floor, papers scattered around her. A small dish of crackers were piled at one side as she ate one, scanning over a book. She wrote something on her paper. Then she paused, made some scratches on paper and continued on with her writing.

“Would you like to have a desk in here?” the king asked, brow raised.

Sariphi jumped a bit, looking around the room. When she caught sight of the king, she beamed. “Leonhart, welcome back! Sorry, I just wanted to get a head start on my homework, so it won’t be necessary.”

“I’m sure there’s a spare desk and chair that can be procured somewhere in the castle.” He walked over, glancing around at the papers. “What are you doing?”

“Right now, Professor Will’s homework. He wants me to translate these Human tales he brought into Ozmargin.”

“He’s a professor?” the king asked, sitting on the bed above her. He noted a few books at her side. He picked up one that had two humans–a man and woman, judging by their dress–in the middle of a dance on the cover.

“I don’t think so, but he said it was awkward for me to call him ‘Sir’ since I’m going to be a queen, so he asked me to call him ‘Professor’. I’m calling Lady Juno ‘Lady’ for the same reason,” Sariphi replied, not looking up from her work.

He made a small grunt. “Do as you wish.” He flipped through some pages filled with squiggles–human language he assumed–going from one side of the page to another, rather than running from the top of the page to the bottom, like he was used to seeing with Beast language.

Occasionally, he’d find pictures, some with text surrounding it; other times, the picture took up almost the entire page. He stopped at an image of a girl in rags, scrubbing the floor while two women in dresses covered in ribbons and lace pointed, laughing at her. “What are these tales?”

“Oh they are fairy tales.” Sariphi now looked up at the king.

“Fairy…tales? What is a fairy?”

“It’s a magical creature.They are often human-looking but with a pair of butterfly-like wings on their backs. Some are small enough to fit in a person’s hand; some are people-sized.”

“Butterflies?”

“Ah one moment.” She pulled up a piece of paper and doodled something with two rounded wings and then some stick-like objects out of the line in the middle. “It’s a kind of insect. Here’s what they look like.”

“So the tales are about fairies?”

“Well they are tales for children. Sometimes there are magical creatures like fairies or witches that appear to either help or curse the hero or heroine.”

The king furrowed his brow. “A witch is…?”

Sariphi shrugged. “It’s usually an older, ugly woman with no husband and kids, who’s thought to have made a bargain with Beasts. That in exchange for teaching them magic in some way, they’d capture young women for Beasts to feed on.”

“Humans really believe in such things?” The king almost laughed.

Sariphi set down her pen, holding her chin in concentration. “There was a time several centuries ago when conflicts across the continent were in the Beasts’ favor. Combined with several natural disasters that happened at the time, people were frantic to find some reason for what felt like the gods turning their back on them. They came to believe that women, particularly older, unmarried ones, may have made deals with Beasts for magic and were betraying humans. However, time and reason won out; eventually such things were dismissed as superstition. So now witches are just things that appear in stories.” She did pause looking the king in the eye, “Though I wish there was some way I can do magic, so I can help you.”

Leonhart leaned in closer to his love. “Really, what would you do?”

Sariphi admitted, “I’d probably do more arcane magic; that’s the kind you used to make my rings, right?”

The king nodded. “Yes. It’s a rare kind of magic that even my clan struggles to master. It has many uses though such as transferring magic into objects to enchant them or to make new ones.”

Sariphi held up her left hand, the ring on it shining. “And it’s absolutely wonderful. I wish I could make things like this for you.”

“What would you make?” Leonhart asked with a tilt of his head.

Sariphi barely blinked as she counted on her fingers. “A pen that would write down what you say so you could respond to requests and correspond faster, but not have to deal with the wrist pain of all that writing. Some kind of blanket that stays warm for Nights of Revelations to keep us warm and to soothe the aches you have when transforming. A matching ring for you…”

“A ring for me? Why?”

Sariphi blushed a bit. “Well, where I grew up, married couples exchange rings as part of their vows of fidelity and continue to wear them as a sign of being married. I think it’d be nice for us to have matching rings like that.” She then looked up at the king. “Would you like a ring like mine?”

“I’m not one for jewelry…” He averted his gaze. “Though to wear a ring like yours does sound tempting.” He then glanced at the book, looking for a distraction. “So these are the stories you read as a little girl.” He pointed to the picture. “What’s this story about?”

Sariphi looked at the page. “That’s a story about a girl bullied by her step-mother and step-sisters because she’s prettier than them. They are jealous and worried she’ll catch a better man than them. So, she’s forced to do all the housework while they enjoy a leisurely life.”

“Seems like a cruel thing to do…Did your family do such a thing to you?”

“No, no. I mean, yes I did do chores, but it wasn’t like I had to do everything in the house. Although I admit, I did more of the physical ones like scrubbing the floors,” Sariphi admitted. “Don’t worry too much though, I’m fine. And this story ends happily too. When a good fairy sees the bullied girl’s kind heart, the fairy helps her meet the crown prince and the two fall in love. They get married and live happily ever after.”

The king nodded. “Huh, I ponder what your parents would say at your position now then…” he mused. But then he noticed Sariphi…shaking? She’d taken up the pen again, making a long, shaking, downward line in ink. He placed a paw on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought them up. I know they are a bane to you.”

At his touch, she leaned into his large paw, nuzzling at the fur. She rested her hand on top of his. “Ah, thank you. I don’t want to think about my ‘parents’ right now, please.” After a moment she did add, “I will say, they wouldn��t be pleased to hear where I am now.”

Leonhart glanced around, hoping for some distraction on another piece of paper. One held a column of numbers with tiny Ozmargin by them. “What’s this list?”

Sariphi brightened. “Oh that’s Lady’s Juno homework. She asked me to come up with ten different things that I think would improve the castle.” She then blinked and waved her hands. “You don’t have to do them. That’s still a first draft, to get started. I’m sure I’ll come up with some better ideas.”

He scanned the list: 1. Ensuring good bedding for servants. 2. New controls for the soldiers’ showers–he could agree with that one; they hadn’t changed since he had them installed for the reptilian soldiers near the start of his reign. At number three, his brow furrowed.

“Put up art around the castle? What is that about? Seems like a waste,” he commented.

Sariphi paused, clutching the pen in her hand tighter. “Really?”

The king took back his paw so he could cross his arms. “Indeed, when I was a child, my father would commission one piece after another, lining the walls. I doubt he even saw every artwork, just kept requesting and paying. He treated money from the treasury like river water, flowing and never ending.” The king let out a huff.

“What were they pictures of?” Sariphi asked, standing up on slightly wobbly legs before plopping herself next to the king. “I’ve only seen the portraits of the former kings and queens down that one hall.”

“Mainly my ancestors in triumph. Several battle scenes where humans were massacred. A few of them were of his late wife; those were kept closer to his chambers,” Leonhart admitted. “Even after his death, artists came to the palace with their pieces and demanded payment for their works. I never understood his obsession with all the arts.”

“So what happened to the paintings?”

“Most I gave away to folks that were interested. Some are in a part of the treasury.”

“Sorry.” Sariphi lowered her head. “I thought that maybe it would be good for visitors so they wouldn’t get lost in the castle. And it would be nice for all the castle staff that immigrated here to be able to see parts of their home.”

“What?” The king looked at her, ears wiggling in distress.

Sariphi took a deep breath. “Well, back in Yoana, there are many folks who travel for business, religion, and other reasons. So they often carry pictures of their homeland to remind them of where they come from or to ease homesickness when on the road. Since there are quite a few different Beasts from different parts of Ozmargo, I bet they miss their original homes too. Even Amit or the Reptile soldiers may miss their homelands from time to time.”

Leonhart looked at the list and then back to her. “Do you miss your old home?”

Sariphi gripped her skirt. She took in one, two, three deep breaths. “Sometimes, I miss parts of it. And some of the people I left behind.” She then stood up, able now to wrap her arms around the king’s neck. “But I’m far happier here than I was there.”

“Really?” he asked sincerely.

“Well you’re here for one thing. Being with you makes me happy and wherever you are is home to me now,” Sariphi admitted, smiling and bright-eyed.

The room suddenly filled with the sounds of thumping. Sariphi peeked up to see his tail wagging behind him, hitting the bed with fervor, his face a bit pink.

Sariphi smiled and hugged the king tighter, placing a small kiss on his brow. He returned the embrace and kissed her cheek, then nuzzled her face, still holding the list. He then released her, focusing now on the paper. “You’ve made a good point with the art. Though it has been a while since the palace commissioned a piece, I’m not sure which artists are still practicing from my father’s reign.”

“That was a first draft,” Sariphi commented. “I just wrote down some things that would be nice to have around the castle...They probably are silly.”

Leonhart set the paper down and brought her into a hug. “Well, let me see your final draft when it’s ready; we can see what we can do together.”

“Thank you, Leonhart.”

“You are my queen. I have faith in your decisions and will fulfill any desire you may have, for yourself or the kingdom.”

Sariphi’s face deepened to pink. A small rumble broke through the moment, Sariphi’s face now an absolute red.

“Oh Family this is embarrassing,” Sariphi murmured, face in hand and sitting on the bed. “I really hope this appetite goes away soon.”

“What is this family? Leona mentioned them when we first encountered each other,” Leonhart said, picking up the plate of crackers.

Sariphi then took one. “It’s the family of gods that humans worship.” She took a bite of the cracker before her.

“How come you never mentioned them?”

After swallowing, Sariphi admitted, “I’ve never been religious. There’s a general worship of them on holy days and people will pray to the god that watches over their positions, like blacksmiths to Fuma, the god of forges or farmers to the goddess of farming, Grewth. Yet, nowadays, most folks are more indifferent to the gods. It’s been like that since the end of the last war. When humans had to give up their own to survive, it seemed like the Family didn’t care enough to help humans out of the situation.

“Plus the Temple of Brezah, one of the gods, is the one in charge of the sacrifice system. Growing up, my family often went to that temple. They were always close to several priests so I guess that’s how they found out about our town having to give up a girl. It’s supposed to be random, so that way one part of Yoana doesn’t have to give up more girls consecutively than others, but I guess that’s not true. Hard to have faith if a god just lets their followers do whatever they want without punishment.”

The king hummed, “Understandable. I myself don’t have much faith in my God either.”

“I’ve wondered a bit about your God.” Sariphi pondered. “I guess he doesn’t have a name?”

“When he’s the only one, does he need a name?”

“Ah good point.” Sariphi giggled. She looked up at her love.

They spent a few moments in that warm glow of comfort.

“By the way, have you ever seen Captain Jormungand’s tail?” Sariphi asked.

“What?” the king asked, bewildered.

“Well I just learned about how Reptiles cover their tails so I got curious. Have you ever seen his tail?”

The king thought for a moment. “I can’t say that I have…”

Sariphi sighed a bit, “I’m glad I’m not the only one.” Her hand wandered to her pocket, feeling the whistle in there all over again. Earlier, after dinner, Leona got it back from the seamstress, and gave it back to Sariphi. The future queen patted the fabric and reached for her plate of crackers. Like Leona said, it would only be for emergencies. Perhaps she’d never use it and it would just be a relic of this time. She then knocked on the wood of the king’s bedframe with her knuckle, hopeful the whistle would be just that.

Thus ended Sariphi’s first day of lessons. Fortunately her appetite went back to normal after two days.

“Damn I liked those extra snacks though,” Lante grumbled in the middle of Sariphi’s lesson, handstanding on a stack of books.

“Could it still be possible to make some more?” Sariphi pondered.

“I don’t mind. Just make sure you keep up training or else those extra snacks aren’t going to show,” Juno said, swatting at him and causing him to lose his balance and fall. He just managed to land on his feet. “Seems like the snacks are making you slow already.”

“Yeesh lady, Sariphi’s your student, not me,” the young man grumbled from the ground.

As the hyena got up, the two blobs watched from their desk. With Sariphi now learning Ozmargin from Will, they were taking a break from their usual translating duties and reading one of the Human books Will brought.

“It’s hard to say who’s the oddest of the bunch,” Clops commented.

“Yep,” said Cy.

#niehime to kemono no ou #sacrificial princess and the king of beasts #cw:murder #cw: hatecrime #niehime #fanfic #breaking chains #sariphi/leonhart #sarihart

3 notes · View notes