Being a part of a dying ancient clan was never easy, especially when you're the last remaining kin. You'd recall being sold off to royal families of different continents and empires. Some treated you with kindness and hospitality, though majority only bought you to be a pet and guard dog.
But as time continued to consume your life, you'd come to realize that being bought didn't matter anymore, because no matter how bought you or sold you off, you'd always end up in a caged sell, a prize tag hanging off of your dirtied clothes.
That quickly changed when the house of Troby brought you into their home.
Many months had gone by, and yet they still didn't sell you off. Even when you'd turn into a panther, growling and hissing at the maids and butlers, they never screamed at you or threw you into the streets. You pondered at times why they decided to buy you. Was it because they were in need of a dog, perhaps they need a maid?
Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and months turned into years. And before you'd come to realize, you warmed up to the family, growing close with the children who were of your own age. (shamefully, you had only learned their names after five months of playing with them. Navier, Koshar, and Sovieshu were their names. Though Sovieshu was not from the house of Trobi, as you've learned. He was Navier's future wed.)
Throughout those years of getting to know the young couple, they never seemed to have serious arguments nor did they seem to bear any feelings of hatred for each other. In fact, they seemed to look at each other as if each person held every precious treasure in their eyes.
So, why?
"that bastard did what?"
"His majesty the emperor has brought in a mistress."
Why did he have to ruin the most beautiful thing he could have?
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"I'm returning to the palace within a few days. That bastard's gonna learn the consequences of hurting Navier." you declared, drowning the last shot of liquor before slamming it down to the table.
Koshar follows your actions as he nods, "and once my exile is pardoned, I'll make sure that son of a bitch knows he's lost the best thing he could ever have. How dare he bring in a mistress!" the blonde shouts next to you, shooting is fisted hands into the air in a drunken state.
Chatters and laughter filled the atmosphere as the two drank and danced away the night, letting out the last of their fun before they are to continue with a tiring day of dealing with criminals and bandits when the sun is to rise.
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The morning arrives and you two are struck with the curse of wretched hangovers.
"Koshar...what the hell are you doing in my room?" you groan, rubbing circles on your temple in an attempt to relief your migraine, though your attempts prove to be futile when it only worsens. You instead turn your attention to the noble beside you, his shirt thrown off elsewhere, the only garments covering his body being his pants.
The sight is not a new one, your years of training and growing together as comrade-in-arms made you used to seeing each other almost bare, though that didn't stop you from admiring the chiseled abs he had.
"Ah, sorry ( y/n ). I must've thought this was mine." he mumbles, but makes no attempt to wake up, only hugging the pillow in his arms tighter. (though he's denied it multiple times in his head, he knows he wishes the pillow was you instead.)
"Yeah, right." you answer, rolling your eyes before forcefully grabbing the pillow and kicking him out, telling him to go prepare for the day in his own room.
You take your time to slip into your clothes before securing your polearm to your back. You step out, your boots tightly fastened. You chuckle at the sight of Koshar struggling to pull his own boots on, his hair clearly unkept.
Marquis Farang yawns, stepping out from his own room. "Both of you were practically screaming out your lungs last night. I'm surprised the Inn keeper still hasn't kicked either of you."
You and Koshar laugh, waving him off before heading downstairs to the exit.
Your thoughts drift as you walk, from the possible criminals you would have the possibility to encounter, to the mistress the emperor had brought in.
Wait.
"THE FUCKING MISTRESS THAT BASTARD TOOK IN!" you screech, stopping in your tracks and pulling at your hair. You'd nearly forgotten about that wench. You ignore the stares of your close friends as you have a mental breakdown.
Right, the celebration for new years is coming in a few days. By then, you should already be finished with exploring a good number of places. Though you prayed you wouldn't stray too far from the empire by then.
"you're going to visit Navier on the first night of new year, aren't you?" Koshar speaks from beside you, massaging his temple as he lets a small smile stretch through his lips. "well, make sure to tell her that I miss her dearly when you arrive."
You sigh before smiling in return, "Alright, but you have to remind me when I leave, I might just wind up forgetting." you warn him, your warm smile turning into a teasing one.
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The days go by faster than you'd notice. Though you were most definitely eager to return, you also enjoyed embarking on trips with both of your closest friends. When it comes to visiting unexplored and most definitely dangerous places, there was never a dull moment.
"Be safe." Koshar reminds you, patting your head.
By now, you've already shifted into a ( h/c ) coated leopard, or as most would prefer to say, a panther.
The sun had long fallen, the moon now high up in the sky, the stars by its side, twinkling in pure delight. It was only a few hours away from New Years, but you're sure by the time you arrive, the empress and emperor would still be preparing for the celebration.
You began your journey back to the empire after Koshar sends you off, along with Marquis Farang, who waves you off with good wishes.
On your way, you encounter a few travelling merchants, some on the verge of falling asleep, some stopping on the way to rest. You also encounter a few other people, who were fortunately too afraid to approach you. (it wasn't like they'd be able to. You were running the fastest you could as a four-legged animal.)
It isn't far too long before the vast empire is in sight.
You slip through the guards of the castle and climb up to the empress' bedroom balcony. You're surprised when you meet eyes with a golden bird, eyes twinkling with fluster, though it's quick to shift to one of alarm and aggression when it spots you.
The same emotions flash through your eyes when you quickly observe that it is not a regular bird, but instead member of the dying bird clan. Was he sent here to spy on the empress, Navier? What was it doing, crouching down and facing away from her room in the first place?
Your thoughts are interrupted when a startled and surprised voice calls out your name, "( y/n )? What are you doing here?"
It's Navier, her hair neatly styled into a waterfall braid. She was only half-dressed, still yet to wear the extravagant gown that you're sure would steal the breath of all, even the Gods above the high clouds would gape at the beauty and elegance she held. You hop into her room without effort, slipping under the blankets of her bed before shifting back into a human, your body now bare.
She doesn't seem to mind, as she's had it happen far too many times before she began her reign as the empress. Countess Eliza is the one who is irritated, glaring at you with her hands placed on her hips. You slip your head out from below the blankets and smiled apologetically at the lady-in-waiting.
You stand from her bed, the warm and fluffy blanket wrapped securely around your shoulders. You watch patiently as countess Eliza rushes out to bring you clothes, most probably formal ones as Navier looked like she wanted you to attend the New year's celebration banquet.
You take a deep breath before finally speaking, "I heard about Sovieshit and the whore he brought into the imperial palace. I believe it is only right that I beat him until he is back to his senses-"
"( Y/n ), please don't be like that. Let's enjoy the first night of a new and hopefully fruitful year, yes?" she interrupts you before you could hurl out profanities.
You frown, eyebrows creasing, "I'm going to kill those two once I see them." frustration began to seep into your mixed emotions of rage and resentment. You'd almost forgotten about the golden bird until it chirped, seemingly agreeing with you.
"Please be careful of what you say, ( Y/n ). Your words could be used against you even when you speak out of pure emotion." Navier warns, ignoring the reason for your anger as she places soothing hands on your covered shoulders, hoping it would help calm you down.
You sigh, "Fine, but if that bitch does anything to you, I'll make sure my words will prove truthful." you promise her, turning your head to glare at the wall.
She sighs before turning to pay attention to the bird, the worry in her eyes dissipating into fondness as she pets the bird gently. "Ah, you and ( y/n ) still haven't properly met, no?" She perks up and turns to you, gesturing for you to come closer.
You do, eyes boring holes into the bird, wondering if Navier is aware that this little creature was human. You decide not to question it and instead move your hands to pet it with the same gentleness Navier has. "This is Queen. He just suddenly appeared one day with a note. I read the note and soon enough, his master and I turned into close pen pals." she explains, smiling brightly.
You feel your heart soften at the sight of her excited smile. Ever since becoming the Empress, it has been a rare sight to see her smile in such a way. "Wait, "he"? Why'd you name him Queen then?"
Before she could answer, the door swings open.
"Lady ( Y/n ), I've brought your clothes. Come, I'll assist you in changing." Countless Eliza returns with a plain ball gown, few lace designs adorning the loose and weightless skirt. In her other hand is a pair of shoes, heels not too high as she was well aware that you'd only end up tripping an alarming amount of times if the heels were a little bit taller.
It doesn't take long her to dress you, her hands swiftly styling your hair immediately after.
You smile and turn towards the Countess once you're done, grateful that she'd chosen a dress you wouldn't end up suffering in whenever you moved.
You follow her towards the mirror, surprised to see your features matching with the dress all too well. You grin and strike a pose (to which Navier and the countess laugh at. The bird had long faced away to look out the window out of shyness.)
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When you're escorted to the ball room, there are already several noble guests walking around and chattering amongst themselves. Although you were upset you couldn't go in together with Navier, you had no choice but to accept tradition. The emperor and the empress have always made a grand entrance.
You're eyes search around for a face that could potentially be the emperor's mistress. If you're lucky you might just have the chance to poison her. But alas, if that scenario were to ever happen, and she dies, you know you're the first to be blamed.
Much like Koshar, you're known for your violent ways and your habit of acting upon impulse. So if the mistress were to die around the same time you've arrived in the imperial castle, all fingers would be pointed to you.
"Lady ( y/n )?" A familiar voice calls out, a hand gracing over your shoulder.
You turn, eyes meeting with one of the most popular members of high society, Duchess Tuania.
You gleam and hug her, "Duchess! It's been too long!" you exclaim, feeling her arms wrap around you to reciprocate the hug. and after a while, she pulls away first, "I'm happy to see you as well, Lady ( y/n )." her peach colored lips curl into a soft smile.
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aaaaaaah! yall have no idea how long i've waited to published this :D