"The north? Past Krillman?" One of the burly-looking ones scoffed. "Those places are more desolate than Chekosz. How would he have the resources to come here as a concubine? He must be lying about his origins. Moreover, if he is indeed a bird, why would he want to pair with a horse? What nonsense."
"It could be love! Sadly, it's prohibited by genetics." The same gossipy queen glanced at Queen Chekosz. "But if he's secretly a pterippus, that will explain his wings."
Queen Chekosz laughed, hiding her ire against the gossiper. That rich hag often hid behind her old yet powerful husband, spitting a mix of truths and bull over his shoulder. "The drink must have gone to your head. Even if he is, they will not produce any heir. Also, I have seen the boy in person. His mutation indeed belongs to the avian races.
"But my son calls him… a 'metal bird.' I don't know anything about them." She hummed. "Perhaps the mutations in the north have gotten worse due to the sun."
