“Oh yes, and old Leon suddenly remembered where he left his lucky sock.” Esther rolled her eyes, very much not what Flora expected from a lady, let alone a princess. Leon coughed a laugh, looking away when Lady Martha glared at him.

“Hmmph, well. I find myself rather full and in poor company.” Lady Martha made no attempt to hide the glare she gave Flora with the last comment before excusing herself from the table. The only look to rival hers was the one King Erick gave her as she left, practically shooting daggers with the cold tempest in his eyes. Perhaps I will politely decline the next time they offer me breakfast. Flora thought warily. She knew that as a member of the court she would be expected to join meals on a regular basis, but felt suddenly exhausted by this interaction and did not wish for a repeat of the event.

“You all may be excused, if you are done.” King Erick sighed, rubbing his face with one hand. It would seem this was not the first time his Aunt Martha has given him trouble. I hope it’s not because of me. A quiet voice told Flora that she was the cause of this, and guilt began to fester in her heart.

Flora quietly excused herself, thanking King Erick for the breakfast. He didn’t say much beyond pleasantries, but she saw the emotions that thundered in his stormy eyes, and for a moment she wanted to stay. But she had duties to fulfill, and a long day ahead of her. She left with polite good byes, and made her way to the dog kennels.

It was very convenient to have her own horse, Flora noted, as she rode Condor from the royal stables out to the dog kennel kept in the outer walls of the castle. Having been a newer addition, the kennels had to be built on the castle ground’s outer ring so that they had enough space for housing and training the hounds.

Flora adored the hounds and grew excited as she heard their happy howling from within. She tied Condor up at the nearest horse post before entering the kennel’s gated yard, where it seemed like a hundred dogs were jumping and licking and howling in a welcoming song. The kennels actually had only twenty dogs, not a hundred, but it still felt the same as Flora knelt down to greet the dogs. She knew that this would be considered poor behavior, but she couldn’t help herself from giving them some love.

Henry, one of the young boys learning to train the dogs, came running up to her.

“I’m so sorry!” He exclaimed, pulling a couple of the dogs off of her and calming them down. “It can be so hard to get them to listen when they’re excited.” The boy sighed, clearly exhausted from an early morning of work.

“It’s alright, you’ll get the hang of it.” Flora smiled, petting one of the dogs next to her. She gave the dog one last pat before standing up. “So, show me what you’ve learned.” Flora knew what Henry knew, having worked beside him for the last few months, but felt that it was important to have him actually show her. Maybe he’ll gain some confidence from it, if all goes well. Flora hoped, allowing Henry to lead the way to where the younger dogs were trained.

The pups in training were still young, and were still working on the basics of obedience training. Henry did well to call the five pups to attention, and put them through the commands of sit, down, and stay. Most of the puppies followed his directions to a point, except for one.

The puppy in question was much smaller than the rest with smaller spots than what was usual, making him nearly all white. He sat to the back of the group, easily distracted by the bugs flying by and biting his own tail. He didn’t get very far, cropped as it was, but that didn’t stop him from trying.

Flora knew this puppy, he was the runt that she had begged Leon to keep. Leon wasn’t cold enough to kill the dog, but Flora felt bad selling the puppy without giving him a chance. It would seem that Leon was right.

“I just can’t get him to listen.” Henry sighed, looking deflated as he tried to get the puppies to all sit again. “I don’t think my magic actually works.” He complained, clearly frustrated at the lack of progress. Flora felt bad for him. She knew that Leon was supposed to be giving him lessons with animal magic, but that the old lion often forgot or didn’t care enough. He’s barely got any magic in him, he’ll figure it out on his own. Leon had told her a few months ago. She hadn’t asked about Henry, but Leon saw the face she made no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

Flora sighed, there was probably nothing they could do with the dog as it was. Then she realized it was up to her now. It was her decision on what to do with the puppy. Without saying anything, she gently took the little dog up in her arms and held him out at arm’s length. He wagged his little tail and barked happily at her, excited to be getting attention. Henry didn’t say anything but gave her a quizzical look.

“Well,” she started, running through her options. “I suppose I’ll take him with me for the day at least. See if some one-on-one training will do him well.” Flora decided, grabbing a spare rope off the wall and tying it to his collar before setting him back down. “Other than that, you’re doing very well Henry.” She told the boy, and he beamed at her in response. Clearly Leon had not given the boy enough support or encouragement.

Flora waved goodbye as she took the puppy with her and headed out to her next task.

During the course of her day, Flora observed the horses, the falcons, and made sure that the livestock was tended to. Before heading to the cow barn for the evening shift, Flora was able to head back to her office and go over any reports or letters that had come her way. As she went into the castle, puppy in tow, she saw that Dante was in the doorway of the castle entrance, animatedly speaking to someone. She grimaced, but continued to head in.

As she climbed the steps towards the castle door, Flora saw that it was Esther that Dante was talking to, and she did not look very amused by what Dante had to say. She had since changed out of her simple dress for something more comfortable by Flora’s standards. While the pants and shirt were more of a man’s attire - or in her case, work attire - Esther wore them well. Esther turned her gaze towards Flora, and she was yet again struck as if Esther could see into her very being. Thankfully, it didn’t last long.

“Hey, Flower!” Dante exclaimed, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her up the last few steps. “I was just talking to Esther here about your amazing hunt with all of us the other day.” Dante explained, which earned a heavy eye roll from Esther, as if to say here we go again. Flora swallowed back a nervous reply. “And she said-”

“I don’t know what you’re about to say, but don’t” Esther cut him off with a harsh tone that had him shutting his mouth immediately, though not without a devious smile. Esther turned her attention to Flora. “I’m sure you’re aware by now that Dante likes to stir the pot a bit.” Esther looked exasperated just thinking about the trouble Dante has caused. Flora only nodded in agreement, which caused Dante to start a complaint.

“Don’t you start with me!” Esther whirled on him. “You might be in the good graces of my brother, but I will send you to sleep with the dogs if you keep it up.” Esther’s expression told Flora that not only would she order it be done, she’d carry it out herself. It was hard for Flora not to laugh at seeing Dante cowed by the fearsome dragon shifter. Maybe she’s the one everyone should worry about, not King Erick. Flora thought with some amusement.

“Alright, alright.” Dante resigned, raising his hands in surrender. “But I do have to give you this package.” Dante fished a paper wrapped package out of his satchel that looked and felt like a large and heavy book. “It’s from Leon, something for the Spring and Fall Inspection.” Dante informed her, turning more serious under the scrutiny of Princess Esther. He eyed her warily as he handed the package to Flora.

“Thank you.” Flora replied, giving a short bow to Dante and Esther. “If you’ll excuse me.” Flora quietly dismissed herself, but could swear that she felt the piercing gaze of Princess Esther on her back as she left.

Flora managed to find her way back to her rooms a little quicker this time, but still needed some assistance navigating the halls. The puppy - who she had now decided to call Spot - casually followed her in and slumped into a pile in the corner, tired after today’s activities. Flora gave him a soft pat before sitting down at her desk and opening up the package. That was when she noticed the letter on her desk.

A few reports had been left on the calling stand by the front of her common room, which she had picked up on her way in. However, this letter was new and unopened, and sealed with the King’s symbol. It had been placed here deliberately. Flora tensed, unsure of how she should feel. It’s already been a few days and nothing bad has happened yet, so why should it now? Maybe they realized I have horrible social manners. Although, I really can’t have worse manners than Leon… Flora decided to put the letter to the side while she distracted herself with the package from Leon.

It was in fact, a very very large book. And a new book. The cover was decorated with the symbol of the Beast Master in a gold inlay, with little animals prancing around the border. When she opened it, she found the pages to be of fine paper that had been printed with spaces for everything. She had room to write down the date, the location, the animals, and even notes about each farm. It was clearly meant to be a log for the Spring and Fall inspections, and Flora marveled at how neat and clean it was. She almost didn’t want to write in it at all. With the book came a letter from Leon.

Flora,

I know I kept you from the Inspections every year, and I’m sorry I never got to it. I know how hard it can be to return to a place you left. I hope you can forgive me, and that you appreciate the new log. The old one was falling apart anyhow.

~ Leon Blair

P.S. If you find any of my books in those fancy rooms of yours RETURN THEM

Flora chuckled at the last bit, she could almost hear Leon shouting through the paper. She set the letter down with a soft sigh. She knew this day would come eventually. She would have to return to her family farm one way or another. A little part of her had hoped it would be after her father died, but it would seem that life had other plans. She let the emotions roll through, not entirely processing them but not clinging to them either. Then she turned to the letter from the King.

Gently breaking the seal and opening it up, Flora read it. Then read it again.

Dear Beast Master Flora Acker,

I would like to apologize for my Aunt’s behavior this morning. I hope it did not ruin your breakfast. I would like to invite you for dinner to make up for it, if you so please. If so, please join me in my rooms by eight this evening.

~ King Erick Vincorne

P.S. Dante will not be there this time.

A flood of emotions rushed through Flora as she read the letter a third time, making sure that she had not misread it and that the King had actually invited her to a private dinner. Possibly alone. I can understand breakfast in the dining hall, but dinner in his rooms? Will anyone else be there? Why does he keep seeking me out like this? Flora’s worry and panic mixed into a deep anxiety, and Spot seemed to sense this as he stirred from his sleep to climb into her lap. Flora pulled him up and stroked his head, finding the motion calming.

Outside Flora could hear the church bells ring as they announced the time. Looking at the clock on her desk, Flora realized it was time to head back out to assist with the cows. She sighed, pushing her thoughts aside and stuffing her emotions into a box as she grabbed the rope and took Spot with her to the cow barn.

Her time at the cow barn was much less eventful than last time. No cows were lame, no calves were born, and the two new girls showed up on time to work. The three of them worked while making small talk, Flora more focused on her work than the other two. The girls - Myrtle and Ida - were much more chatty than her, but Flora didn’t mind. Their conversation had become the background noise that she needed to keep a clear head and focus on her work. She definitely did not worry about dinner tonight. With the King. Alone. Possibly. Possibly alone with the King for dinner.

It was hard not to think about that now as she stood outside his door. A servant had come to her rooms to fetch her, and thankfully she had changed into something more comfortable but still formal by then. The work of the day had tossed her hair and muddied her clothes, and she had little time between the cow barn and dinner to get herself ready.

She brushed a hand through her mousy brown hair one more time, making sure there were not strays or frizzles to embarrass her. Adjusting her sleeves once again, she worried about what she wore. It was a simple undershirt and somewhat formal jacket that she found in the back of the closet. Nice enough to be presentable, and clearly smaller than the rest of the clothes Leon had left. Flora had lucked out when she found it. I really should get some clothes made. Flora fretted, picking at the hem of her pants.

Before she could worry about it anymore or fake herself out, Flora took a deep breath and knocked on the door to the King’s common room. With a simple command from inside, the guard on duty opened the door and Flora was let in.