Flora woke up that morning feeling groggy and slow. It was the first time she woke up knowing exactly where she was and what day it was. She was not prepared.

Well, she was physically prepared, a bag full of clothes and food resting at the foot of her bed, but she wasn’t emotionally prepared. She knew that she had most of the two weeks to think of what to say to her father, but the whole thing seemed so daunting the closer it got.

Taking a deep breath and pulling herself out of bed, Flora got ready for the day. Her mind was buzzing with thoughts and emotions, and she had to force herself to slow down and make sure she got everything done. I’d probably leave without my pants if I didn’t pay attention. She thought bitterly as she changed into one of the new sets of clothes that Esther - or Erick? - had bought for her. She still felt like they were far too much, but she brushed that aside as she and Spot made their way out for the day. This time though, she was unable to avoid the summons to join for breakfast.

A young servant had come up to Flora as she was leaving her apartment and handed Flora a letter with a low bow. Without saying anything, Flora took the letter with a quizzical expression before seeing the King’s seal. She turned to thank the girl but she had already left. Opening the letter, she found a very similar message to the first time she was asked to join them.

I can’t really say no, but that means leaving Spot here… Flora didn’t like the thought of leaving the dog alone for who knows how long, but was very certain that it was not appropriate to bring a dog to breakfast. Most likely anyway.

Leaving Spot in the bathroom, and making sure to close the doors to the rest of the place, Flora quickly made her way to the dining hall for breakfast. When she arrived, she found it to be much more full than last time. King Erick was seated at the head of the table as always, with Dante to his right as usual. Accompanying them were Erick’s three sisters and aunt, Leon, and a number of other people Flora could not recognize. She assumed that the Crops Master and Game Master were seated among them, but there were many more people than that seated around the table.

To her dismay, the only seat left was between Esther and King Erick himself. The gods only know why that was, and Flora tried to hide her anxiety behind a polite smile and bow as she made her way to her seat. She couldn’t quite read Erick’s emotions, as he had his impassive mask on, but Esther seemed almost delighted to have Flora there. Erick’s Aunt Martha gave her a withering glare as she sat down, and all she could do was return an apologetic smile. This feels odd… Flora didn’t say anything as breakfast was almost ready and most of the guests were already in conversation.

Flora shifted in her seat, trying not to look uncomfortable but struggled to hide her anxiety. What do they expect of me? Why did they seat me here of all places? They had to have known, right? Flora’ thoughts were interrupted by King Erick’s piercing stare. She gave him a wry smile, and he returned an almost apologetic look. It looked as if he were going to say something when the servant brought out the food.

Brought in on silver platters was steaming hot food that included various breads and pastries, fresh cut meats, and fruits drizzled with what Flora assumed was sugar. It was more decadent than her first breakfast here, and was probably meant to impress the many people seated here. They have to be nobles and lords, they look too well dressed not to be. Flora almost felt bad for the royal family, having to serve such a grand breakfast to keep their visiting nobility appeased. Almost. Another part of her was very glad to be one of those invited. Until she was dragged into a conversation.

“Flora,” Esther turned to Flora with a pleasant tone. “Are you excited for your upcoming travels?” The question seemed innocent enough, but Flora knew that if she said anything other than ‘yes’ it could mean trouble. Quickly swallowing her food, Flora replied.

“Of course, it’ll be my first time but I’m very glad to be able to see the whole kingdom. Even if it is for work.” She added with a laugh, genuinely anticipating the many views of the kingdom she would be able to see. From the open fields, to the shrouded forests, and the base of the mountains that made up the kingdom of Germania, Flora was excited to see it all. Esther laughed, and was more harsh than the soft or quiet laugh Flora had expected. It felt more genuine.

“I suppose that’s true enough. I hope your work is treating you well?” Flora caught the quick glance Esther gave to Erick, and Flora had to stop herself from turning around to see his response.

“It’s certainly kept me busy.” Flora started, making sure to pick her words carefully. She was aware of Lady Martha not so subtly listening to their conversation. “But I am enjoying it.” Flora smiled, doing her best not to look Lady Martha in the eye. Esther nodded with a smile and returned to her breakfast. Flora thought that was the end of it until Dante said something.

“I’m sure you’re looking forward to the countryside and all, but what about the company?” Dante gave Flora the most sly grin she had ever seen, and couldn’t hide the look of shock she gave him. She also couldn’t help but notice the death-wielding glare that King Erick gave him. Dante raised his hands in surrender. “Alright alright! Can’t blame a guy for being interested, that’s all.” Dante was still smirking but had at least relented.

“Yes, I can.” King Erick pointed his fork at Dante for emphasis before returning to his own food. Esther rolled her eyes and gave Dante a look that caused him to look more sheepish than he already did.

Breakfast slowly continued like that, Flora being asked small questions that she had to answer with partially sincere and partially appeasing responses. King Erick remained quiet for the most part, but Flora noted that he often looked at her as if he were assessing her. Her anxiety threatened to bubble over as her chest tightened and her head felt heavier. She took her time with her breakfast, steadying her breath and taking in the tastes of the food as she staved off her rising emotions.

Before long, breakfast was over, and the servants were cleaning up the empty plates and scooping away the scraps of food. Flora took a note of what was left that she could snag away for Spot. The thought of him made her worry - bot - bot - both about him as well as the state of her bathroom.

Starting to excuse herself, when Flora felt a hand reach out to her. Lady Esther gently placed her hand on Flora’s elbow, and Flora started before realizing that the three sisters were also getting up to leave.

“Come with us, I’ve got one last thing for you.” Esther said quietly, and Flora’s stomach coiled in a mix of fear and excitement. Flora followed the girls out of the dining hall and to the other side of the castle, up to the third floor. Flora had not come this way often, the only time was when she visited Erick in his chambers. This must be where they room the royals. Flora thought nervously as she followed the sisters who were now burbling with excitement.

“Okay, close your eyes!” The youngest, Alice said to Flora with barely suppressed excitement. The girl had to have been barely eighteen, with deep blue-black hair similar to her brother’s and delicate little horns reminiscent of a roe deer.

Doing as she was told Flora tentatively closed her eyes and let the girls lead her into the room. It was hard not to open her eyes as she felt them gently guide her into a room within the apartment, worry starting the claw its way into her heart.

“Alright! You can open them!” Alice said cheerily, and Flora obeyed. What she saw was certainly not what she had expected. Honestly, she wasn’t quite sure what she was expecting, but a dress this beautiful was not on her list.

What stood before her was an ornate dress of a deep shade of blue that faded into black at the bottom which flowed in waves. Embroidered into the bottom were tiny images of flying dragons and prancing unicorns accompanied by minuscule stars and the two full moons. The front had frills that puffed up at the chest and fanned out into the body of the dress. The shoulder also puffed up, but not so much as to be obscene, and ran down into neat cut sleeves with similar patterns of dragons and unicorns embroidered at the ends. The chest was cut lower than Flora was used to, but not so low to cause a stir.

“Come on!” Alice tugged at Flora’s sleeve and she let herself be led by the younger woman as they rounded to the backside of the dress. It was done up with a long lace ribbon tied in a bow at the back, both sides done with more embroidery. Similarly to the front, the back was also cut just low enough to show her neck and a little bit of her shoulders. Flora was dumbstruck, unsure if this was really something for her.

“Well?” Alice asked, excitement written across her face. “What do you think?” She looked at Flora with genuine anticipation, waiting for Flora’s answer.

“It’s… It’s simply gorgeous. But why? I’ve never done anything to earn something like this.” Flora knew it was wrong to ask, but felt almost ashamed that they had given her so much when she had only ever taken care of the animals.

Esther snorted. “Well, on top of the work clothes appropriate for your station, my brother seems to have also forgotten that Balder has invited the entire court to his upcoming ball. So I reminded him.” Esther gave a dismissive wave of her hand as if it were nothing. Flora took a moment to realize that included her. Blinking in surprise she turned to the women before her.

“You can’t mean- I’m going? And Erick got me this?” Flora’s stomach flipped and her heart clenched at the thought of something so grand. She had never been in a room with so many people, and had very little idea of how she would be expected to behave. Grace gave her a sympathetic smile.

“I mean, yes? You are a part of this court now.” Esther said with a very matter of fact tone. Flora’s mind began to race when she came to one question.

“Why are you telling me this now? I haven’t even gotten an invitation.” Flora’s heart steadied as she changed topics.

“Well that’s easy!” Alice said almost too cheerily. “We’re leaving tomorrow, but I just had to see your reaction!” Alice seemed more excited than Flora, and she couldn’t help but smile at the younger woman’s merry attitude.

“Yes, unfortunately we won’t be able to stay long.” Grace put in. “Alice and I will be returning to our family with the unicorn clan for a while, and Esther has business elsewhere.” She finished with a concerned glance in Esther’s direction. Esther just rolled her eyes.

“It’s my duty to check in on our smaller holdings across the kingdom every now and then. It’s nothing new, and nothing I can’t handle.” Esther seemed tired, like she had already fought this battle before. Flora felt suddenly like she was in a cramped space, not wanting to get caught in between a possible argument.

Grace shook her head, and looked as if she were about to say more when a knock came from the outer door. Esther took no time getting out of the dressing room and over to the drawing room where she greeted the newcomer. Grace gave a nod to Flora and Alice, and the two followed her out with Alice closing the door behind them.

They arrived to see that King Erick had come, and looked surprised to see Flora was with his sisters. There was a flash of irritation before he turned back to Esther. I hope that wasn’t because of me. Flora swallowed back her fear as a little part of her whispered that it was because of her, and that he was losing his patience with her. He’s had to do so much for me, and all I can do is ride a few horses. Flora tried to not let her thoughts spiral as King Erick addressed his sisters.

“Well, I had come to wish you all farewell and ask if you had seen my Beast Master, but it seems I’ve got my answer.” He didn’t sound upset necessarily, but from the look he gave Esther there was definitely something more at play. Esther only smiled.

“The poor girl has been stuck with you men all week, and will be stuck with you for another two weeks. It’s only fair to give her some quality time that she’ll enjoy.” Esther replied, causing Alice to hide a giggle behind her hand. Erick rolled his eyes before giving his eldest sister a hug.

“I appreciate the sentiment but we really must be going.” He said, his other two sisters coming over to wish him a fond farewell. He hugged them both in turn, Alice nearly squeezing the life out of him before prancing back with her older sisters. There was a brief smile from Erick before he turned to Flora.

“If you’re ready, I’ve had the horses tacked and should be ready to go.” Erick extended his hand, the invitation to go clear enough. Flora felt nervous taking it, and tentatively looked back to say goodbye before she did. The three sisters all nodded and waved their farewell and Flora reached for King Erick’s hand. The size of his hand dwarfed hers, the skin rough, and his firm grip was somehow gentle as he led her out of the rooms and eventually out of the castle. Flora realized belatedly that she still hadn’t thanked anyone for the gifts.

Erick knew that he didn’t have to continue holding Flora’s hand as he took her through the castle, but a part of him refused to let go. It was as if something had just clicked into place, and he didn’t want to risk losing it. He remained quiet the whole time, contemplating these feelings as well as what his sisters had really been up to.

It was obvious by now that Esther was trying to ‘set them up’ by ensuring no one else went on the Spring Inspection. Even if he had found some farm hands and guards willing to change duties so quickly, he knew that Esther would have found a way to get them to decline. So when she suggested this idea of hers, he knew it would be easier to just go along and take the bait.

He was aware of the implications of his actions. He knew what others would say about Flora when they saw him holding her hand. His aunt had cemented the image in, and his actions would be the final nail in the coffin. He should feel bad, but a little part of him liked it. Liked the idea that others would think that she was his.

This was different than before. Different from the women that he had seen, that he had entertained as his aunt put it. Erick knew that the feeling was mostly from the part of him that was still an animal, a dragon. He knew he should hate it, that if he didn’t do something now it would only get worse. An all too large part of him didn’t want to do anything, and so he gave in to this small selfish gesture.