DUDE, while I'm being squeezed into human juice like the world's saddest stress ball, you're just standing there having a spiritual moment with your leaf water? I bet if the apocalypse started right now, you'd just tsk and mutter "terrible timing, my oolong is at the perfect temperature" while your wives facepalm so hard they need aspirin! At this rate, I'm starting to think you emerged from the womb with a teacup in one hand and a pinky raised.
"I'm-I'm-I'm being strangled to death," I declared, my voice a trembling whisper as I felt the life being squeezed out of me. Each breath became a desperate struggle, my lungs crying out for mercy in this unexpected assault.
Isabella, seated right next to me, erupted into action with a sudden, fierce energy.
*HYAH*
In a blur of movement that seemed more like a protective warrior's dance than a simple intervention, she launched herself between me and my apparent assailant. Her arms wrapped around my shoulder protectively, her head touching my top right, creating a human shield of sisterly defiance.
"She's not a teddy, Ms. Furia," Isabella proclaimed, her voice a mixture of panic and determination. The room seemed to freeze, suspended in this bizarre moment of familial drama and unexpected physical comedy.
I was shocked, but did my best to remain calm, and as I looked at Isabella from my angle, she for once, did look like a lil angel tryna save a dead mockingbird. You know, if angels wore Pokemon pajamas and used a spatula as a makeshift defibrillator while yelling "LIVE, DAMMIT, LIVE!" at a very obviously ex-bird. Between aggressive spatula compressions, she even tried mouth-to-beak resuscitation, which is definitely not in any first aid manual I've ever seen. Nice.
Oh, not to mention how everyone's jaws were still dropped besides our teacup daddy, who was somehow managing to sip his Earl Grey with his pinky raised like this was just another Tuesday afternoon tea party. There he sat on his long sofa with the mother of this angel, both of them acting like their daughter wasn't currently trying to resurrect a bird with kitchen utensils and the Pokemon theme song as a battle cry.
"I'm aware she's not a teddy though," Lily replied, her voice tinged with confusion at being so abruptly pushed away. I could almost see the gears turning in her head, trying to make sense of this bizarre family reunion.
In a moment of desperation, I turned my face to the King, pouting like a child seeking intervention from a parent. His response? A casual glance in my direction as he took another leisurely sip of his tea. "Sit Lily, no need for greetings," he said, his voice as nonchalant as if he were discussing the weather.
"Oh, yes, Your Majesty," Lily replied, the realization of the formal setting finally dawning on her. She moved swiftly to the opposite two-person sofa, right in front of Isabella and me, as if trying to erase her earlier exuberance.
Isabella and I finally settled into our seats properly, all too aware of the judging glances being thrown our way by the eerily quiet Lilith and her sons from across the room. I felt like a specimen under a microscope, every twitch and movement scrutinized.
"Thank you," I softly mumbled to Isabella, my gratitude genuine despite the awkwardness. Her eyes widened in surprise, popping out like a cartoon character's. I couldn't help but sigh and turn my head away slightly, wondering if I'd ever master the art of royal etiquette.
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the room, broken only by the King's occasional sips of tea. I couldn't help but notice the absence of any servants, leaving the other guests to stare longingly at the teapot, their throats likely as parched as mine felt in this desert of social discomfort.
How lazy, I thought, the words echoing in my mind as I watched this bizarre scene unfold.
Suddenly, the King reached for the teapot, every eye in the room magnetized to his movement as if he were about to perform some grand, royal gesture. And then...
*POUR*
He poured himself more tea. Just himself. No one else.
WOWOOWOOWOWOWOW DADDY! SO PROUD OF YOU. YOU ARE NOT LAZY LIKE ALL THE OTHERS. SO PROUD!!!!!!!! YOU ACTUALLY POURED YOURSELF ANOTHER CUP OF TEA. WOW. THIS IS REVOLUTIONARY! GROUNDBREAKING! SOMEONE CALL GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS! A MAN LIFTED HIS OWN ARM AND TILTED A TEAPOT SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT! SUCH BRAVERY! SUCH STRENGTH! WHILE EVERYONE ELSE IS OUT THERE RUNNING MARATHONS AND CLIMBING MOUNTAINS, YOU, SIR, ARE THE TRUE HERO - MANAGING TO TRANSFER HOT LEAF JUICE FROM ONE CONTAINER TO ANOTHER WITHOUT TAKING A NAP HALFWAY THROUGH! SHALL WE START A PARADE? ERECT A STATUE? "HERE STANDS DADDY, CHAMPION OF MINIMAL EFFORT, CONQUEROR OF THE TEAPOT, DESTROYER OF AFTERNOON LETHARGY!" WOW.
Everyone else's faces were locked in a "How could you?" expression, looking at him like he'd just announced he was selling their kidneys on eBay. The betrayal was fresh of sight - their designated tea-pourer had gone rogue, breaking the sacred covenant of learned helplessness. Somewhere, a tiny violin played for their shattered world order.
I couldn't help it. The absurdity of the situation bubbled up inside me like a shaken bottle of champagne, and before I knew it, a laugh escaped my lips. I quickly covered my mouth, but it was too late. In that instant, I became the center of attention, every eye in the room swiveling towards me as if I'd just announced I was secretly a dragon in disguise.
Feeling the weight of their stares, I scrambled for words, my mind racing faster than a spooked horse. "OH, umh..." I began, my voice a mixture of amusement and terror, "how honourable it would've been if father could pour everyone tea, perhaps?" The words tumbled out, accompanied by a smile that felt more like a grimace and sweat that seemed to pour from every pore. I was certain I looked less like a royal and more like a nervous wreck in fancy clothes.
The King's response was as dry as the Sahara. "Why would I do that?" he interjected, his face a masterpiece of cluelessness as he took another sip of his precious tea. I could almost hear the gears in his head grinding to a halt at the very notion of serving others.
I blinked, momentarily stunned by his response. Then, before I could stop myself, the words flew out of my mouth like arrows. "Oh, no reason at all. I just assumed someone with two working hands might feel inclined to use them—but clearly, I aimed too high."
The room erupted into laughter, faces lighting up like fireworks on a festival night. I felt a mixture of pride and terror at my own audacity.
But the King, oh the King, he wasn't done. He took another leisurely sip of his tea, his eyes glinting with mischief I'd never seen before. "Oh, forgive me," he drawled, sarcasm dripping from every word, "I didn't realize servitude was part of my job description. Shall I shine your shoes next, or would that be too demeaning for my delicate hands?"
The laughter in the room crescendoed, the princes in particular howling with mirth as if they'd never heard anything funnier in their lives. I felt a surge of...was it pride? Amusement? Sheer panic? Whatever it was, it propelled me forward.
I flashed a grin, feeling suddenly emboldened. "Oh, of course not, Father. I doubt you'd know which end of the shoe to shine anyway."
"Haha, very funny," the King exclaimed, taking yet another sip of his seemingly bottomless tea while everyone else in the room laughed as if their lives depended on it. I half expected the chandelier to come crashing down from the sheer force of their guffaws.
Just as I was beginning to wonder if we'd spend the rest of eternity trading barbs over tea, the King finally set down his cup. "Okay, that's enough," he declared, standing up with an air of finality. "If everyone here is done laughing, then let's head to the hunting grounds." With that, he strode towards the door, and we all followed like ducklings after their mother.
As we entered the Vinar Palace grounds, I was struck by the sight of a large group of knights standing in a corner, accompanied by Helia Palace maids holding enormous baskets and other mysterious objects.
The King turned around, and there was a blue crystal ball in his hand. Before we could even process what was happening, the crystal exploded into life, shooting out blue thunder rays that seemed to dance and crackle with raw energy.
The ground beneath our feet began to glow, a massive blue magic circle forming and expanding rapidly. It stretched across the entire grounds, enveloping not just us, but the knights and maids as well. I felt a tingling sensation spread from my toes to the top of my head, and suddenly, the world around us began to blur and shift.
In a flash of blinding blue light, we were whisked away, the familiar palace grounds disappearing in an instant. As the light faded and my vision cleared, I found myself standing in a completely different world. The Sovereign's Chase, I realized with a mix of awe and trepidation. We had been teleported to the legendary hunting grounds, and I had a feeling that this day was about to get a whole lot more interesting.
The Sovereign's Chase
Nestled at the crossroads of ancient kingdoms, The Sovereign's Chase is an expansive imperial hunting ground that pulses with both beauty and danger. Spanning thousands of acres, this mythical terrain is a tapestry of rugged mountains, dense forests, and shimmering rivers, all shrouded in an enchanting mist that lends an air of mystery. Here, the landscape itself seems alive, echoing with the whispers of past hunts and the footsteps of noble bloodlines who have come to prove their mettle in the wild.
Within this sacred realm, the rules of engagement are steeped in tradition and honor. Only those bearing the imperial seal may enter, and they must adhere to a strict code that emphasizes respect for nature and the creatures that inhabit it. The game is as extraordinary as the hunters themselves—shadow-antlered stags that vanish into the fog, golden-feathered pheasants that challenge even the sharpest eye, and elusive mountain wraiths that seem to dance just beyond reach. Each hunt is not merely a test of skill but a rite of passage, where nobility showcases their prowess in a world where honor is paramount.
The Sovereign's Chase is more than just a hunting ground; it is a living testament to the imperial legacy. Each pursuit becomes a story woven into the fabric of history, where victories are celebrated and defeats are learned from. As dawn breaks over the horizon, casting golden light upon the landscape, hunters prepare to embark on their quests, knowing that within these woods lie not just prey but the very essence of their lineage—a chance to connect with their ancestors and leave their mark on the annals of time.
-The Sovereign's Chase-
"Here we are," exclaimed the King, his voice resonating with pride as he gestured grandly toward the breathtaking expanse before them.
The moment they stepped forward, breath caught in their throats. The Sovereign's Chase unfolded like a living tapestry, vibrant and alive under the golden rays of the sun. Rolling hills carpeted in lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with wildflowers that danced in the gentle breeze. Towering trees framed the horizon, their leaves shimmering like emeralds in the light, while a crystal-clear river wound its way through the landscape, reflecting the azure sky.
"WOAHHH! It's so beautiful!" exclaimed the three princes in unison, their voices ringing out in a chorus of awe. Eyes sparkling with wonder, they took in the scene, momentarily forgetting their royal composure in favor of childlike enthusiasm. Laughter bubbled up among them, infectious and full of joy.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of fresh grass. Birds flitted overhead, their songs creating a harmonious backdrop that seemed to celebrate their arrival. In that moment, a sense of magic enveloped them—a promise of adventure and discovery that lay just beyond the horizon.
Excitement etched itself onto every face present. Even the King, usually so composed and regal, wore a rare smile that hinted at fond memories of his own youthful escapades in this very place. The Sovereign's Chase was not just a hunting ground; it was a realm steeped in history and tradition, where legends were born and stories woven into the fabric of time.
"Why is there an absence of others?" inquired Eamon, expressing curiosity regarding the whereabouts of the remaining nobility.
"We have arrived a few hours prior to the anticipated time, with the intention of enjoying a private familial gathering," responded the King, his gaze surveying the surroundings with satisfaction.
I stood at the back of our royal procession, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Sovereign's Chase. The maid's voice cut through my reverie, "Your Majesties, this way, please." She turned, gesturing towards a picnic setup that looked fit for, well, royalty. But the thought of sitting down now, in this paradise of nature, felt almost criminal.
Our group was arranged like a living chess set. Lily led the front, with Lilith and Daleyza a few paces behind on either side. Fenris stood behind Idris, both of them trailing Lilith, while Eamon was positioned behind Isabella, the pair following Daleyza at a considerable distance. And there, at the epicenter of this royal constellation, stood the King himself.
I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper as I began, "I must apologize, but..." I paused, gathering courage. "I am not inclined to be seated at this juncture. Therefore, if everyone could kindly—" Without finishing my sentence, I sprinted forward, my feet carrying me swiftly through the formation until I reached the King.
My hand darted out, tugging gently at the cloth on his arm. "Tag! You're it, Daddy!" I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of excitement and trepidation. For a split second, I saw bewilderment flash across his usually stoic face. Not waiting for his reaction to fully form, I spun on my heel and dashed away.
As I approached Fenris, an impish idea struck me. My hand shot out once more, this time tapping his shoulder. "Tag! You're it too!" I shouted.
Eamon's voice rang out in confusion and excitement. "2 catchers?" he yelled, already putting distance between himself and Fenris, who had just been tagged by me.
The serene picnic scene exploded into chaos. The King, to everyone's shock, began chasing after me with a speed I didn't know he possessed. Fenris, not to be outdone, darted after Eamon, his long legs eating up the distance between them. He was hot on Eamon's heels as he took off in the opposite direction. Laughter erupted around us as the rest of the royal family caught on to the game.
"Hey! No fair!" Eamon shouted over his shoulder as he sprinted away from Fenris.
Isabella laughed and grabbed Idris's hand. "Come on! We have to help Eamon!" she called out as they both joined the fray.
To be Continued...