"You can't just die. I'm not old enough to rule the kingdom. I can't do this."

Two copper feline ears drooped down, and green eyes peered at the dying king, who lay in an extravagant bed near the center of the room.

The weak feline's hand moved from underneath the covers and reached for his only son's hand. A weak smile formed across his lips as he stared into those bright, green eyes.

With a faint voice, the king began, "Fennel Satnuro. You will manage. The staff will make it as smooth as possible. You have wonderful people to rely on, and right now, Charoux is at peace with the surrounding nations. Do not fear, my son."

"I'm scared," Fennel admitted, his voice shaky. "I can't imagine life without you."

His father's other hand came up to touch his son's face. It was a warm yet weak caress. 

The king smiled again, but this time it was full of warmth. He looked past his son to the beautiful, golden sun setting beyond the horizon through the stained glass window. It was a window he would sit beside and gaze out of for hours whenever he needed a moment to think.

Fennel turned his head and saw what his father was staring at.

It was a beautiful image of a lion with a crown on his head. It was the emblem of the kingdom of Charoux.

"You are a born leader," the King whispered. "I have faith in you."

He turned his head back to his father, and he noticed the man was still looking out the window. His face was peaceful, and Fennel could tell he was about to depart this world.

The prince's eyes filled with tears, and his grip tightened on his father's hand.

"Father, I love you," the young man whispered, tucking his long tail between his legs as he leaned forward, his forehead resting softly against the king's chest.

"Please don't leave me and your kingdom."

There was a moment of silence, followed by a deep, rattling cough, which echoed through the room.

"I love you too, Fennel."

Fennel felt the rise and fall of his father's chest against his forehead. He closed his eyes, listening to the sound of his breath and heartbeat. 

The king's heart was giving up. The beating pace gradually slowed, and breaths became shallow until they were totally absent.

When the king's hand slackened and hit the side of the bed, the prince realized his father was no longer with him.

The prince cried, and the guards, maids, and butlers were waiting outside the doors, listening in and crying too. 

The king was well loved. He had fought many battles with the army and brought peace to the kingdom. The current generation of youth never had to feel the effects of war or the sadness of watching loved ones die in battle.

Fennel, an only child, had no choice but to assume the position of power despite his inability to live up to the legacy of the late king.

Fennel stayed there, sobbing, his whole body trembling. As his ears twitched, he clutched onto his father's lifeless hand, and he heard a soft melody. It sounded like a lute, and it was playing a sweet song.

When he looked toward the door, he saw neither the servants nor anyone else in the room. Not even the Queen was present, as she was busy attending to the kingdom's political matters.

The castle did not have an assigned bard, as the previous one had passed not long ago. 

He was a talented man who had played for the royal family for nearly as long as his father reigned over the kingdom. The king couldn't cope with replacing him. When his favorite bard passed away, it was as if he had lost an important family member.

The enchanting melody continued on, even as the sun set beyond the horizon. 

Where was the music coming from?

Fennel sniffled and closed his eyes, allowing the soft melody to soothe him. Before long, the music had caused his body to relax and his tears to dry.

"It's so beautiful, father," Fennel whispered, looking at his father's still face.

The feline decided he had to leave. He was sure the staff needed to prepare the king for his final resting spot. He didn't want to leave his side, but the length of time alone in the room would bring him back.

Fennel stood up straight, wiping the tears from his irritated eyes. He straightened his posture, moving his short frame toward the exit of his father's bed chambers.

When he opened the door, he nodded subtly at the staff waiting outside.

"He's gone?" A tall, muscular feline knight named Miles inquired in a gruff voice.

"Yes," Fennel confirmed in a whisper.

"God save the king," the knight muttered, placing a hand over his chest.

Fennel remained silent as he walked down the long, red-carpeted hall. He had many things to think about. Soon, the weight of the kingdom would be officially on his shoulders, but for now, he needed fresh air while still having the freedom to venture out on his own without the overbearing company of a knight. 

Before long, he had made his way outside of the castle. He turned and headed east past the stables to the lush, green hills.

As he walked, the melody became louder. 

Fennel's ears perked up as he listened to the tune. He felt the sudden urge to uncover the source. He had never heard the melody played before, so he wondered if someone had written the music themselves. If so, the writer of such an enchanting tune must have been extraordinarily talented. 

As Fennel approached the gigantic oak tree at the top of the hill, he saw a man with a lute sitting on the grass-covered ground not far from the tree. The man sat facing toward the ravine from the highest peak of the steep hill.

The melody was even more beautiful as Fennel sat down against the tree, drawing his knees close to his body.

The red-headed feline placed his hands in his lap and rested the back of his head against the tree. His tail waved slowly as he enjoyed the sound of music coming from the musician's lute.

"He must be a bard," Fennel muttered to himself as he watched the man play from a distance. "He's so talented."

His eyes studied the figure from afar.

The moonlight illuminated the figure. Despite being seated, the bard possessed a rather tall stature, characterized by his long, thin, yet toned legs, silver fur adorning his ears and tail, and a soft, peaceful expression.

Even the man's appearance was soothing.

Fennel closed his eyes. It was like a peaceful lullaby, able to momentarily wash away his fears and sadness. 

As he felt himself begin to drift off, the song stopped. Even so, the prince was unable to force his eyes to open. His body was relaxed. He wouldn't take the feeling for granted, because he didn't know when he'd experience such relaxation again.

"Did you enjoy it?" Fennel heard a soothing voice ask.

"Yes," Fennel whispered.

"I'm glad," the voice replied. "I've worked on it for years and years. That was my first time playing it as one piece."

Fennel didn't want to, but curiosity got the better of him, so he opened his eyes. He turned his head toward the voice, realizing that the bard had moved to sit about a foot away from him, as well as peaning back against the same oak tree.

"Thank you for playing it today," Fennel said with a weak smile. "You should play it again in the future."

"I will," the man sighed, moving his ears to indicate his excitement over the compliment.

"What possessed you to play on the hill?" Fennel asked.

"I heard from a fortune teller in town that the King would die today," he answered, looking over at the smaller feline, his yellow eyes focused on the green ones. "I found the best place near the royal castle and just began playing."

Fennel felt a shiver when he saw the beautiful, yellow eyes staring at him. He felt heat rising in his cheeks. It was a strange sensation. He had no reason to feel shy or embarrassed. He wasn't a shy person, but the man sitting beside him made him feel so, along with causing his chest to flutter. 

"A fortune teller?" Fennel asked. "That's just a scam."

"Did the king pass? I wonder…"

Fennel sighed and said, "He did, but the entire kingdom knew he would. It was still a scam. I hope you didn't pay much."

"I didn't," he said, smiling.

Fennel placed his hand over his chest. Just minutes before, his heart ached, but now he had flutters, and his pulse was quickening.

He didn't understand what he was feeling.

"What is your name?" Fennel asked.

"Oliver Lesse."

"It's nice to meet you," Fennel began, looking away. "I'm Fennel Satnuro."

Oliver's eyes widened. He hadn't expected to meet a royal. "You're the prince?"

"Yes," Fennel frowned.

"I'm honored," Oliver said as he bowed his head, his tail wagging, giving away his excitement.

Fennel laughed.

The bard had acted properly after the introduction, but he was uncontrollably wagging his tail.

"It's okay; don't bow to me," Fennel insisted.

"As you wish, my prince," Oliver said, raising his head.

Fennel placed his palm against his face. He knew his face had to be beet red after the handsome bard addressed him in such a way.

He then realized that there may have been a way to make the encounter more than a brief one—that there may be a way to become friends with him.

"Oliver?" Fennel asked. "Have you ever been interested in serving as a royal bard?"

Oliver gasped in disbelief. He was young and inexperienced, having just finished his first piece.

For most, the position of court bard was only a dream. It was a position musicians would strive for but never have a chance to achieve, as it had extraordinarily limited capacity.

Oliver leaned forward and placed Fennel's right hand between both of his. He squeezed, and a warm smile spread across his lips.

"Y-You would truly give me such a position?"

"You're talented," Fennel replied, looking down at the hands holding his own. "Our bard passed away not long ago. I would greatly appreciate your willingness to assume the position. Please think about it."

The two sat there for a moment, their emotions swirling in each other's hearts. 

Fennel wasn't sure of his own, but Oliver felt disbelief and honor.

For better or worse, both of their lives dramatically changed on that warm summer night, under the caress of the full moon shining from above.