“You should head back to the dining room.” I looked at the stallion who was looking around nervously and then at a clock on the library’s wall. I gave the book back to him, and he put the book back on the shelf. I sighed as we went into the hallway.

The stallion and I went to the dining room, but Master wasn’t there. I went around to several rooms before ending up in the only place he could be. I stopped at the heavy, metal fire-red door to the torture chamber. I hadn’t noticed it before, but the door had magic runes around the edges and actually had color.

My hoof reached for the golden hoof lever, but stopped. My body shook as the feeling of frozen needles weaved through my skin. The stallion put his hoof on my shoulder. I looked at him. He gave me an unsure but warm smile. I opened the door to the torture room; I froze upon seeing Master filing a branding iron like the spirals he had gifted me with.

“Ah, Scootaloo.”

“Master.”

“How did she do?” Master asked the stallion

“Read a book the entire time. She was given drugs, but not pain killers. She didn’t sit down at all.”

“Good; you may leave.” The stallion left without another word, and I closed the door behind me. I stared at the door, feeling the thick red paint. Master blew on the branding iron, causing a hiss to echo in the room. Master looked at me. “Come here.” I turned without hesitation and went over to him. Master picked me up, setting me onto the table with his magic. “Sit.” I sat down on the wooden workbench.

Oh it felt sooo good finally able to sit down. Finally able to allow my muscles to relax felt just wonderful. He pressed the iron against my cheek and then my shoulder for a few seconds. He frowned and filed it some more.

“Master, I might pass out if you do that.” He looked at me, put the iron into the furnace, and looked at the clock.

“I know, but I’m giving you a gift for being good today.”

“Yes, Master.” I looked down. He slapped me lightly, enough to hurt, but not enough to bruise or bleed.

“I said I was giving you a gift.”

“Thank you, Master.” I said smiling. My face twitched, trying to look happy and not start crying. A few minutes passed and Master pulled out the iron with magic, smiling as it was glowed white hot. He moved me closer to him.

I closed my eyes as he pressed it to my cheek, overlapping the spirals perfectly. I groan at the pain. Oddly enough, the burning wasn’t as bad as I thought. He pulled it off and set it back into the furnace. I let out quick breaths, trying not to hyperventilate. I looked at the empty metal sink.

“After this, you can have a nice cold bath.” The sink started running cold water

“Thank you, Master.” He pulled a poker out with magic after a minute and started going over my gift like it was a feather quill burning the gift into me more.

He pulled it off as he finished drawing and set it onto a metal tray. He picked me up with magic, and I was placed into the ice cold water. I didn’t try to fight him as he held me under water. It would’ve been pointless; even if I tried, it would only anger him. I choked on the water, closing my eyes, and holding what little breath I had. He pulled me out to allow me some air.

“Oh, almost done; just a little while longer.” He pushed me under again, but this time, I had gulped down air. I had gotten used to drowning. It no longer scared me even in the slightest. Actually, it felt nice. I stopped holding my breath and he pulled me out quickly making me cough.

“Master, thank you. They’re beautiful.” He kissed me and smiled. He lifted me into the air and rope wrapped around my legs and snout. Master smiled releasing his magic, causing me to hang over the sink dripping. He looked at the clock. I relaxed somewhat, no longer needing to force my body. My shoulders and plot started to hurt at the joints after a while, but this was better than a lot of things. At least like this, I didn’t need to move or stand anymore.

“Oh wow.” I snapped out of my daze realizing I had dozed off. “You’ve been there for a while and not complained. I’m impressed, and reward comes with that.” Master said, smiling below me. The ropes came off as he sat me down onto his back. “You’ve earned some rest; isn’t that wonderful?” My heart jumped as hope filled me. Master was going to let me finally rest. I hugged him.

“It’s great, Master. Thank you so much. I’m so sorry for disobeying you.” I said, nuzzling him. He grinned all the while kindly petting me with his magic. “May-may I sleep?” He thought for a few seconds.

“Yes.” I closed my eyes as he went into the hallway. I smiled, feeling Master’s warmth encase me in a shield of safety. At least Master wasn’t ripping me open or worse. He was finally letting me rest. I never truly understood how lucky it was to be able to sleep when I wanted to.

My eyes fluttered open, making me look around and then at Master, who was lying under me. I smiled upon realizing he was laying down and writing at his desk. I was still on his back. He had gone to his study while I was asleep. I buried my snout into his mane, taking in a deep breath. He stopped and turned to look at me.

“Awake?” He asked.

“Yes, Master. Thank you for letting me rest.”

“Good, you’ll be enjoying your time in the box that much more then.”

“Yes, Master.” I looked down. “May I ask what I did?”

“You dare questioned me? You are always to assume you did something that needs punishment. Learn and understand that.”

“May I have a kiss, Master?” He turned his head as I leaned forward kissing him. I smiled, enjoying it greatly. It was like my senses were somehow heightened. His skin’s touch was electric against my lips. He stopped, pulling away as I leaned forward wanting more. The kiss felt too good to lose. That was worse than the box. “Another, please.” I begged.

“Don’t be greedy. You’re lucky I’m willing to waste a second to pay attention to you. If you were not so stunning, I would’ve killed you long ago.”

“I’m sorry, Master. And thank you for the kiss.” I bit my lip.

“Also, remember you owe me everything. Each breath is mine to give you; do not think that your beating heart is yours to own.” I nodded. “Be thankful for all I give and let you do.”

“I am grateful, Master. You’re so kind to me.” I hugged him, and he smiled. He started to brush me using his magic. I extended my wings, hugging him and smiling. He knew just how to treat me, just how to love me. I watched him work for a long time and he stopped, sighing as he sealed a letter with his wax seal.

“Is everything alright, Master?” He looked at me.

“I’m tired of being a prince.” He pulled out another letter and started writing. “It takes a lot of work to be one. More than most think, especially for my family’s name.”

“I don’t understand, Master.”

“You were a commoner; I wouldn’t expect you to understand or know.” His magic set down his quill and the brushes. “Well, my family is related to twelve separate nations by physical blood ties. Normally, the max is three because after a while, that’s just too many generations from other blood lines.” A tremble vibrated through my body, but it wasn’t from fear.

“That’s amazing.”

“Yes, it is. But the only reason why those countries accept my blood ties, even as faint as some of them are, is because I’m rich. I have respect, power, and I’m a hero among heroes. I’ve done great deeds in all of the nations. So because of that, my family’s name is now known, feared, loved, and rejoiced at the mention. So to keep my status like my mother would have liked, I have to work hard.”

“I’m happy for you, Master.”

“It’s not just for me, but for you as well. You’ll marry into my family soon enough, don’t you worry. Then all that is mine will be yours just as much as it is mine. Even royal pony will bow to you in respect just for marrying me.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Something wrong?”

“I’m fine, Master.” He frowned. He always could read my mind. “But I’m just wondering a few things.”

“You can always ask. You never need to be afraid of that, but never question me.” I kissed his neck and smiled.

“Wouldn’t a royal be a better wife than me?” He chuckled.

“Have you met any other royals? Well, other than Twilight, Cadance, Celestia and Luna. They don’t count; they’re something else.”

“Some briefly, but not more than one or two words.”

“They are rotten creatures of pleasure and stupidity. They are rich from family, and marry into wealth to keep their status. That’s all they are. They never had to earn their wealth. I on the other hoof earned each and every bit. Even the land rights I own I had to fight for. Canterlot has never been easy to own land in. Many ponies go bankrupt from even trying.”

“Oh.”

“Speak your mind.”

“I guess I didn’t say it right.” He rolled his eyes. I couldn’t see it, but the way his body moved suggested it. “Won’t the nations find it disrespectful? Don’t they want you to marry a mare from their kingdom?” He paused and smiled.

“At least you get the basic idea. Yes, every leader will be completely shocked when they find out about it. They will get mad and try stupid things, but I have so many things piled onto things that they couldn’t disavow me. They will have to accept you as I please, and nothing will take you from me.”

“Master, what if Luna finds out?” He paused.

“She’s not a problem; it wouldn’t matter what you told her. She couldn’t do anything for you.”

“That’s good. I thought she might break through to my dreams soon, and I’m not sure what I would say. I can’t control my dreams.” He frowned. “I love you so much, Master.” He smiled again. “You know I'll always love you.”

“Like candy to my ears.” He started writing again, but then stopped. “You know what, this is boring. I can finish this later. Al!” Al came into the room. “Please send these if you would.” Letters flew over to Al.

“Very well, Sir.” Al said. After he left, Master stood up.

“How about some food and a swim afterwards; does that sound good?”

“Yes Master.” I smiled, and we went to the dining room. He lay down on his chair which had replaced the ones from earlier. A maid came over to us. She was one of four waiting in the dining room like normal.

“Ice cream and apple pie would be nice.” The maid nodded going into the kitchen.

“Master, do you want me to eat on your back?” He set me next to him and then kissed me using his tongue. I forced a smiled as he heavily rubbed my side. It didn’t matter that the pressured was agonizing; his kiss was like heaven. He stopped, and I grabbed his head, surprising and stopping him.

My body locked up as I realized what I had done a moment too late. Master stared into my eyes. I leaned forward kissing him, and he kissed me back. He lifted me onto the table in front of him. He pulled me closer, making me lay on my back as he kissed me. He laid his head on my belly, his hooves rubbed my side lovingly, but I held in the choking sensation. I was enjoying my kiss greatly.

The maid brought out the ice cream and pie on a roll-around tray, stopping on seeing us making out. Master stopped and pulled back. I stopped myself from grabbing him again. I was sure it wouldn’t pass a second time, no matter how much I wanted it. He moved me back to the chair.

The maid took the cue to bring the food, giving us both a piece of pie and scoop of ice cream. He started eating, and I started as well, halting as a bit of apple pie hit my tongue. It was wonderful—no, that was an understatement. The flavor was divine. It was like I had never tasted apple pie before in my whole life. I ate slowly to savor each bite. He finished and looked at me as I licked my plate clean.

“Sir, you have a guest.” Sig said while standing by the door. He looked at her. Her pink wings were flustered, showing some unease.

“I told you no visitors.”

“Sir it’s Duke Silver Tip.” I paused, clearly hearing the disgust in her voice over the name.

“Send him in.” She nodded and left.

“Who is that?” Master sighed looking at his plate.

“He’s one of the many royals that have to stop by and annoy me. He’s one of the few that does it often. You, maid, fetch Scootaloo’s clothes quickly.” A maid ran out of the room. “You see, with my title comes something of popularity among royals. They’ve been trying to talk me into marriage for years now. After my late wife, it has been near relentless.”

“Was your wife royal?”

“Yes, but we were both young, just barely becoming a mare and stallion at the time of our marriage. Also, she was one of the few that had humility. I’ve enjoyed her company since I was a filly. She stayed with me through thick and thin; it didn’t matter that I had a name at the time that wasn’t the best to be related to.” He chuckled. “She was even the one who proposed to me.” He smiled lost in a happy memory.

“She sounds wonderful.”

“She was breathtaking. You act so much like her.” He pulled me over to him and hugged me. “I love you so much. I know you can’t possibly understand how much.” The maid came back with clothes, and Master helped me get dressed.

“Go in.” Sig said annoyed, opening the door and making me pull down my shirt quickly.

“Pitiful maid, you should announce my coming into a room.” A voice said, but it was more level. If Twilight was a guy, she’d sounds like that, or at least to me.

“Just get in here,” Jerard scoffed lightly. “I knew you were coming, and no one else is here.” Duke Silver Tip sighed and came into the room.

“Always so improper, I swear.” Duke Silver Tip said chuckling as if it was a joke. He paused, seeing Master hugging me.

“Who is this?”

“Scootaloo.”

“It’s a pleasure, Sir.” I said as he eyed me for a moment.

“Duke; you should always say the title when you meet a royal so you don’t get into trouble.”

“This is my house; being proper has never been needed.” Master said while Silver Tip rolled his eyes. He had a silver-tipped coat and mane, but had a gold color under the silver to give him a nice sheen. A vest much like Master’s was silver with a leaf design. His wings ruffled as he walked passed Sig. He walked over to a chair near us then looked to Sig, who diverted her eyes. He sighed and sat down in the chair himself.

“Why do you even have maids?”

“So when I have invited guests, they are comfortable. You didn’t even send a letter. So it shouldn’t be assumed a warm welcome, like always.”

“Well actually, I came here on business.” He pulled out a letter and slid it across the table to Master. Master eyed it for a moment before he took it with his magic. Opening it and floating it in front of him, he began reading it. “What is the meaning of this, Jerard?” Duke Silver Tip asked, and Master frowned.

“Who sent this?” Master asked almost too calm.

“I don’t know, but rumor has spread. It’s not looking good.”

“Who?” Master asked, showing a bit of annoyance.

“I don’t know, but is that the filly?” I paused, looking around. “I assume seeing those burn marks and that cut on her snout as well as the small cuts on her head. That it’s true.”

“What does it say?” I asked and Master looked at me.

“It says,” Silver Tip started leaning forward and placing his hooves on the table, “that Prince Jerard plans on marrying a common filly just barely of school age, and that he tortures and rapes that filly daily. That everyone should be aware of it. They should disavow him and run while they still can, or when justice comes for him, that they will be shamed for supporting and upholding a monster.” Master thought for a moment while looking at me, and then looking up at Silver Tip.

“What do you think of this?” Master asked sliding it back to Silver Tip.

“Is it true?” Silver Tip asked.

“This letter puts me in a shade of white compared to what I’ve done.” Silver Tip frowned, or more like smirked upside-down.

“No one will be happy to hear that.”

“I know, but I’m not going to lie. That’s worse than telling the truth.”

“You might even get visited by Celestia herself for this.”

“I planned for her a long time ago. Now answer me, Duke Silver Tip, because I do believe there was going to be a ‘but’ in there.” Master said as Silver Tip sighed.

“But, considering all you’ve done, I can see why there is so much darkness. And honestly, it’s not my business what you do. If giving you one filly’s life makes you happy and keeps you doing what you do, then it doesn’t matter. The fact you plan on marrying her is disconcerting, to say the least, but is understood.” Silver Tip looked at me.

“Well then, I'll have to send a letter to every pony that got this and clean up the mess. Kila.” Kila appeared next to Master in black clothes. “Find out who sent the letters and bring them to me. It would seem someone found out and didn’t have the brains to know differently. I want them alive”

“Yes, Sir.” Kila went over to the letter taking it and disappearing.

“I see why you like her. She looked just like Aspious and...” Silver Tip paused to bite his trembling lip. “It was a shame she passed on; at least she’s with my sister.”

“Yes, I love her deeply.” Master kissed me, and Silver Tip frowned. “I would give her everything.” Silver Tip’s eyes went wide.

“You can’t mean…”

“I already had the paperwork go through. Scootaloo is basically married to me; if I die, she gets everything once she comes of age.” An unsettling feeling came over me, making me look at Master.

“Then it’s official then. Darn, my other sister is going to have a heyday once she returns from her long trip.”

“Your older sister is a brat and shouldn’t be a royal. You and Rose Petal seem to be the only ones who were able to escape the royal sludge.” Silver Tip chuckled. “If you had been a mare, I would have married you after Rose Petal.”

“Probably wouldn’t have ended up like that if I was a mare in the first place. I never would’ve introduced you to my sister.” Both of them laughed. “But she was a stunning mare. I miss her greatly, and I can’t imagine a better way to remember her than marrying that Pegasus sitting next to her. She’s simply stunning. Where did you find her?”

“Ponyville; I had found her months ago. I knew I wanted her the second I laid eyes on her, and I made her mine. I even have guardianship over her. Her parents weren’t happy about that, but I can understand why. Such a treasure needs to be polished and perfected so it’ll shine even better.”

“I have to ask though; did you really burn your crest into her?”

“Yes, here I can show you.” Master took off my clothes and set me on the table. I blushed as Silver Tip’s eyes went wide. He covered his mouth. “See, I added this one just today.” He pointed at my swirl marks. “It really brings out her color, doesn’t it?” Master smiled. I smiled, and it made Silver Tip uneasy.

“Well, those marks are rather stunning, and it does look pretty. But surely those must’ve hurt.”

“Only passed out one time from the pain,” I said proudly. “And that was when he put his crest on my back. I couldn’t bear his crest at first. For the rest, I was fully awake to take Master’s gifts.”

“Yes,” Master said, grinning and rubbing my cheek with his hoof while brushing over the spiral gently. “She is such a good filly.”

“Hmm, maybe I should get a filly of my own, but either way, I should go.” He gave me a look of pure sadness. Even though he remarked on getting his own, it was clear to me he didn’t like it. Silver Tip got up walking out of the room, not bothering to wait for the maid to open the door. In fact, he clearly almost ran out of the room. I smiled, so it was just Master. Not even other royals enjoyed this, or even could even stand to look. Master was above other royals.

“Sir.” Kila said appearing.

“That was fast.” Master said, turning to Kila.

“You expect less?”

“Of course not.”

“Here’s the name of the pony.” Kila gave him a piece of paper. Master gritted his teeth seeing it. “Bring her here right now; all of you leave!” He ordered, and the maids left. Kila disappeared and then reappeared, throwing a pony across the dinner table in front of us.

Shock went through me for a number of reasons. The biggest one was that it wasn’t Rarity or even Dash. The pony looked up and then stood up. I gasped upon realizing who it was. It was the silver unicorn maid that had carried me and was nice to me.

“What are you doing?!” The maid shouted angry. Kila gave Master the letter, and she went somewhat pale.

“I have proof that she was the one that sent them not less than an hour ago.” Kila said, looking at Master.

“Well, what do you have to say?” Master asked, looking at the maid standing to the side of the table.

“What you’ve done is monstrous! Ponies need to know! You can’t do that to another pony; it’s evil!” The maid was scared, and Master smiled, thinking and eyeing her plot.

“Master, please don’t.” I begged, making him look at me. “I’m going to be your wife.” I said shakily.

“Yes, yes I know. I’m not going to cheat on you. I wasn’t even thinking that, but I’m glad you care.” I smiled.

“If you need release, just tell me.” I winked and he grinned.

“For that comment, tell me, how should I kill her?” The maid’s eyes went wide. I stared at him then at her, thinking for only a second.

“Make her my toy.” Master paused.

“Why should I spare her and give you a toy?” I went to his ear and whispered.

“Because I want her to scream my name.” He smiled and pulled me off the table, hugging me.

“Very well, you may have her, but first, Kila, care to have a little fun?” Kila clearly frowned behind his mask.

“I’m an assassin, not a rapist. If you want that done, go hire a whore; if you want somepony dead, then talk to me.” Kila growled, clearly insulted. Master rolled his eyes and then chuckled.

“A killer with morals; funny. Fine, pick out a private room for Scootaloo’s pet, and chain her pet inside that room. Scootaloo will be there shortly.” Kila pushed the maid out of the room, and Master looked at me smiling.

“Thank you, Master.” I kissed him. “She’s a wonderful gift.”

“I’m glad you like her.” He kissed my neck, and I giggled. “Now then, I have a lot of work to do now. You will have the rest of the day; dinner is in three hours. Make sure to eat plenty. I probably won’t be there; it will take me a while to fix this.”

“Thank you, Master.” He set me onto the floor. I walked out of the room as if drunk. It was hard to keep my balance due to so much pain in my joints. Kila appeared next to me, and my body jolted sideways into the wall. His body locked, stopping him from grabbing me before I hitting the wall.

“Don’t do that!” I scolded while regaining my balance. His mask hid his expression well, but not well enough. He was worried about me.

“Well, at least I know I can sneak up on you.” I sighed as we started walking. “Anyway, she’s chained up and not happy about it.” He led me to a room, opening the brown wooden door. “Enjoy.” I looked at him, and he looked down at me. I guess Kila was grayer than anything. At least he was only a killer. I went into the room.

“Stay out, please. No one is to come in; please tell a maid.” He nodded, and I closed the door. I sighed and looked around.

The room was basic: it had a king size bed, a bathroom to the right, and a chest at the foot of the bed. A metal pole was in the center of the room, which had a chain connected. It would allow her to reach the bathroom, but the chain was short enough to not reach the hallway door.

“So.” She said, and I looked at her. She was on the bed with a collar chained to the pole. I locked the door and checked around the room for peepholes, taking a breath every few seconds. I was having a difficult time breathing. This room was simple enough that I could find any peepholes if they existed. Of course, magic made it pointless if Master wanted to watch.

“Good.” I looked at her. “No one’s watching.”

“Thanks for saving me, but you’re not really going to keep me, right?” She asked, clearly scared.

“Do you think I can let you go? Do you honestly think I could just let you walk out of here alive?” Her expression saddened. Her eyes drifted to her belly, making me pause. I had seen that before, but I didn’t know where or what that really meant.

“No.”

“Then no, and you shouldn’t have sent those letters in the first place.” I got onto the bed, and she looked at me. “It wasn’t smart; why do you think I haven’t done that? Why do you think I’m here?”

“At first, I thought it was because you were after his money. I didn’t realize that you didn’t have a choice. Once I realized that—”

“He’s extremely intelligent,” I interrupted. “He is without equal; that’s why I’m his. I’ve tried everything I could with him. He’s just too powerful. Not even Celestia can save me.” She frowned. “And you just had to put Master in a bad mood. I’m going to pay dearly for your life, and I’m fine with that. I don’t like it when Master kills.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re my pet now. I expect you clean every day and fit with maybe some fat so I can use you like a pillow.” I went over to her and pushed her onto her side. I rolled up into a ball next to her. She hugged me tightly. “Thank you for trying. You’re a true friend. I swear I'll protect you. I'll never hurt you. I promise.” She had a sad smile.

“I’m sorry for not winning.” A few tears going down her face hit my back, making me cry as well. She was so soft and warm. Her scent was so relaxing and comforting. Being this close felt just like I was with my mother. I let an hour pass by before I got up to use the restroom and bathe.

“Come here.” She looked up from the bed before she came over. I closed the door and clipped her chain off. She paused upon realizing she was able to move freely. She turned and tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. She would have to reconnect the chain to leave.

“Oh, that’s nice.” She said not very happy about it. I smirked.

“It is, get in.” She took off her maid outfit and stepped inside the tub first. I got in and lay on her belly, smiling and cuddling her as she smiled. It was nice being with another mare. The last time I was with my mother felt like a year ago.

“You’re warm; are you alright?” She asked as she pressed her head to mine. I looked up at her eyes.

“I’m only warm, nothing to worry about.”

“No, you have a fever.”

“We’re in a bath.”

“A cold one.”

“I’m fine. I may be half dead, but I’m not sick. I don’t get sick. I never get sick, so I’m perfectly fine.”

“I think I should get Sethi.” I sighed.

“What’s your name?”

“Balai, and don’t change the subject.”

“Well, Balai, it’s nice to meet you. I’m going to sleep on your belly for a while, so don’t move too much.” She rolled her eyes, looking away. I closed my eyes and fell asleep on top of her. I didn’t have a dream.

“Is she going to be alright?” Master asked, snapping me awake from my dreamless sleep. I opened my eyes, and looked at Master and Sethi talking, or more arguing. We were in Master’s bedroom. I saw Balai sitting next to me and watching them from the bed. I was wrapped tightly in blankets and a thermometer in my mouth.

“She has a high fever,” Sethi said with an annoyed voice stomping. “Probably from you smacking her round and drowning her several times! I know I can tell! Not only that, but she has rope marks on her legs. You’re lucky she isn’t brain dead. She also has extreme fatigue.”

“She was being bad, now will she be alright?”

“Oh? Bad enough to make her go through all that? What exactly are you trying to prove by doing that to a filly? She’s a filly; she is meant to be playing with her friends and having fun, not being tortured every day to the point of nearly dying!”

“Sethi, quiet,” I snapped and they looked at me. “Never speak to Master like that again. I was being bad.” She came over to me and took the thermometer out, looking at it. “I’m sorry Master, did I miss dinner?”

“No,” Master said while coming over to me. “That’s in a while, but I'll have it brought to you. You need to rest.” I nodded as Balai hugged me.

“Poor Scootaloo.” Balai said, giving Master a bad look. I reached out of my blanket to slap her as hard as I could, but it might as well been a pet. I fell back onto the bed, breathing hard and too tired to really move. This fever was just zapping
my energy.

“Bad.” I said coughing as tears fell from her face. She bundled me up and hugged me.

“I’m sorry, Scootaloo.” She nuzzled me. Though it felt good, I didn’t smile. I just leaned into her more. “Why would you do this to her; she’s so nice.”

“She’s my pet, and if you don’t do as she says, I'll replace you with another pet while your corpse rots in my garden.” Balai swallowed. “Now then, how long will this last? I have plans.”

“A week at least, but it could be any amount of time.” Sethi said.

“Ugh, fine, I'll let her rest. I still have work to do. Scootaloo, get better, and once you are, come see me.” Master said through his teeth. I nodded, and he left. Sethi came over to me and laid down. She looked at Balai.

“Thanks for sending for me.” Sethi said.

“It’s fine,” Balai said, frowning as she pet me. “Scootaloo’s sick, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who cares for her. I was starting to think everyone’s lost their minds.”

“You’re not alone. Believe me, everyone that is in this manor, except Jerard, is scared and cares for her deeply. She’s so much like Rose Petal, but looks so much like Aspious. It’s painful to see her like this.”

“I know what you mean.” Balai said, nuzzling me.

“I’m awake you know.” Sethi chuckled and kissed my head, bringing a smile to my face.

“We know.” They stayed and talked to each other lightly, letting me doze off for a few minutes at a time. Sethi would check me every once in a while, write something down, and continue talking. A knock made me look up as Sig came into the room with a pull cart. She set a tray in front of me, and Balai helped me up so I could eat the warm soup.

“How is she?” Sig asked after a few minutes of feeding me.

“Good, considering what she survived.” Sethi said, still worried, looking at me. I looked away from her back at my soup. “With the medicine I gave her, she’ll recover.” Balai gave me the last spoonful. Sig took the tray and put it back onto the cart. “But it’ll take some time before she feels better. Though this time, I question whether or not he’s going to let her heal.”

“I see.” Sig looked down, falling silent like Balia and Sethi. Sig sighed. “Is there anything else she needs?”

“Just some bed rest; that’s all that we can do, sadly.”

“I'll tell everyone else then.” Sig left, and I nuzzled Balai before closing my eyes. She moved me so my head was on a pillow, softly sandwiching me between their warm bodies. I fell asleep in between them. They were so comfortable, and I loved it.

A shifting woke me up from dreamless sleep, making me open my eyes. Master had replaced Sethi, who had left. Balai was still hugging me as Master looked at her. He wasn’t happy that she was there, but hugged both of us. With a smile, I turned and kissed him. He returned the smiled. As he began nuzzling me, I fell asleep again.

Author's Note

also special thanks to Midnight Legend for editing!