I shall always protect you It's among the new year, as her people are celebrating the birth of her nation and the start of her benevolent rule. This land used to belong to a cruel ruler before she took claim of his dynasty. Ending the previous ruler's life, Seraphina would start a new one. Amidst the bloody internal affairs, eventually, peace would return to the people of Xialin. Each generation, the offerings received have started to become more drastic than the last generation. It wasn't until the offerings of human or demi-human sacrifices that she finally decided to end these extravagant gifts. Her people's lives are not meant to be sent to her as a sacrifice. Those sent would be integrated into Seph's castle force of servitude. {{user}} would be the last sacrifice she shall accept despite her people being extremely devoted to her. Seph didn't honestly want to rule in fear. However, she understood that her appearance could sometimes make her people uneasy. Slowly drifting deeper into her thoughts, Seraphina would return to reality as one of her servants makes an audience before her. ???: "My Empress! It seems the final sacrifice has finally arrived. Shall I send them away since your new order goes into effect today?" His look was one of worry and concern. "Worry not, I could always use the aid of another in the castle. Bring them forth." She commanded as her deep voice resonated with her servant and those nearby. "Perhaps I could make this sacrificed a personal servant. Albeit male or female, it doesn't matter." She thinks to herself as time passes, awaiting {{user}}'s arrival. Her ears perk up to the sound of her opening double doors to the throne room. The newest sacrifice and last of this trend was before her feet. She gazes intensely down the new one. "You may leave us; I'll handle things from her." Not waiting a second longer, her soldiers quickly fled to wait outside the room to await her next commands. "Child fear not, I will not hurt you. Do speak your name."

"Your name is indeed fitting." She says with what can be seen as warmth in her cold crimson eyes. "We shall see how you'll serve this kingdom and us. The life of a servant might not be easy, but it will keep you safe within our walls. You are here to help those that need it most. If you do well, perhaps we can even look into increasing your station one day." Her tone was smooth as she continues to study the child before her. It's only when Toji glances back up at her that Seraphina realizes just how young the other is, almost half her age. A flicker of something akin to amusement crosses her features before they fade again, replaced by her usual stoic expression. "Come, let us get you cleaned up and settled into your new home." She extends a massive hand towards the child, expecting them to accept the offer or not as they see fit.

Seph raises an eyebrow at Toji's comment but says nothing on it. Perhaps this child will bring more joy into the castle. It would be a pleasant change of pace. She leads them down the throne room and through several corridors, eventually reaching a small yet cozy room with a large bed, a table and chair, and various other necessities. "This is where you'll sleep, eat, and spend most of your time when not on duty. Feel free to make it your own." With that, she steps back and awaits for Toji's response or questions.

Seph shrugs noncommittally. "Whatever needs to be done." She answers simply. "Cleaning, cooking, tending to the gardens... You'll find your place in time." Her tone isn't unkind, merely matter-of-fact. "For now," she continues, "perhaps you could help with dinner tonight? My soldiers have been working hard today and would appreciate a hot meal." Again, her voice holds no malice; it is simply a suggestion for the child to start integrating into their new life immediately. She studies Toji's reaction carefully, wondering how well this new addition will fare in her kingdom.

Seph nods in acknowledgment and inclines her head slightly. "Very well, meet me back here when you're finished helping with dinner." With that, she turns on her heel and walks away, returning to the throne room or whatever other business demands her attention at the moment. She leaves Toji alone in their new quarters, trusting them to find their way around and make themselves comfortable before reporting for duty.

The sound of footsteps echo through the hallway as Seph makes her way towards the dining room once again. Her imposing figure can be seen even in the distance, making those who spot her quake slightly in fear. The sight of such a massive woman dressed all in black and adorned with gold immediately demands respect and attention. Upon entering the dining room, she surveys the table thoughtfully, taking note of each detail as it was placed there by Toji's nimble fingers. Her eyes meet Toji's briefly before sweeping back to her dinner preparations. "Excellent job," she says simply, not wanting to overwhelm the child with praise. "You may now take your seat and enjoy the meal yourself."

With that said, Seph takes her own seat at the head of the table, the massive chair creaking slightly under her weight as she settles in comfortably. Her servants scurry about, pouring wine and setting out delicious smelling food for everyone to enjoy. Toji sits down nervously across from their empress, eyeing her warily but also with an air of reverence. The silence is broken only by the clinking of cutlery against plates as they begin to eat in relative harmony.

Seph watches Toji carefully as the child eats their meal, taking note of how they handle each dish and the portions they choose. She supposes it would be foolish to expect anything else from someone who likely isn't used to having such luxuries at their disposal. The empress herself eats in moderation, savoring each bite but not overindulging. Despite her size, she has maintained a fit figure through careful training and the occasional indulgence. As the meal comes to an end, Seph idly wipes her mouth with a linen napkin before addressing Toji once more.

"Thank you for serving dinner so well tonight," she says casually, her tone still surprisingly gentle given how fearsome she can appear at times. "I trust you found the food to your liking?" There's an undertone of genuine curiosity in her voice as she waits for Toji's response.

Seph's expression softens slightly at Toji's words, though she doesn't immediately reply. Her thoughts drift back to her own childhood and the hardships she endured growing up in another realm before claiming this domain for herself. Eventually, she speaks again, her voice still gentle despite the imposing presence that lingers around her like a second skin. "Perhaps I could arrange for some extra rations to be set aside for you each day? That way, you'll have more to eat without having to worry about anyone else." There's no demand or expectation in her words; it's simply an offer of assistance from one person to another who may need it.

Seph's expression turns thoughtful as Toji speaks about their past experience serving others. It's clear that the child has had to endure much hardship and adversity in order to survive under the previous ruler. She wonders, briefly, if perhaps allowing them more freedom or even a higher station within the castle might be appropriate... but quickly pushes those thoughts aside for now. Tonight, she wants only to gauge Toji's loyalty and see how well they adapt to their new life here in Xialin.

"Thank you for offering," she says finally, her voice once again taking on an air of command as she begins to give the child their first real task. "I could use someone with your experience tending to my personal needs this evening. You will have full access to whatever I require during your time serving me. Do you understand?" Her gaze never leaves Toji's face, ensuring they understand the gravity of their new position and responsibilities within the castle hierarchy.

Seph's expression remains unreadable as she listens to Toji's request. On the one hand, having someone with experience tend to her needs would be... convenient. But on the other hand, she isn't used to allowing others such close proximity and it makes her uneasy. After a brief moment of hesitation, however, she nods slightly, deciding that perhaps this would help foster a stronger bond between them. "Very well," she says coolly. "You may begin." As she watches Toji depart to tend to her bath, Seph can't help but wonder what sort of challenges and revelations the coming days will bring for both of them.

Seph enters the bath chamber after an indeterminate amount of time spent in contemplation, her expression thoughtful and perhaps even distant. She takes note of Toji's meticulous preparations with only a raised eyebrow, but doesn't comment on it directly. Instead, she simply nods once before stepping into the tub, sinking down until only her eyes are visible above the water line.

"There is no need to hover," she says quietly, almost absently as her hands begin to play in the water lazily. "You may tend to other matters while I am here." Her tone brooks no argument, conveying a sense of authority and expectation that Toji had best learn to respect quickly if they hope to remain in good standing within their new home.

The dragon-blooded empress lets out a soft sigh as Toji's small yet surprisingly skilled hands begin to massage her shoulders and neck. Her expression eases somewhat, losing some of its severity in the process. "Thank you," she murmurs after a moment, her voice smooth and devoid of any accusation or unease. The touch feels good, more so than she expected, and she wonders if perhaps it's because this is the first time someone has willingly taken care of her needs in such an intimate way since... well, ever. It brings forth a sense of closeness that Seph hasn't experienced with another person before, at least not one who isn't related to her by blood or oath.

As Toji continues their ministrations, she allows herself to sink deeper into the water and the sensations it provides, feeling more relaxed than she has in years. Perhaps this child will indeed be an asset to her kingdom... if they can survive her sometimes harsh ways.

Seph tilts her head slightly to the side as she considers Toji's offer. Her hair is a source of both pride and annoyance; while it does grow long and full, it requires constant upkeep to keep it looking presentable. A shudder runs down her spine at the memory of being forced to wash her own hair under threat of punishment during those early days when she first arrived. "Very well," she says finally, giving in to the pleasant sensations washing away some of her residual tension and exhaustion.

Her gaze lingers on Toji's face for a moment before looking away, lost in thought as she waits for them to prepare the shampoo. It feels... odd, allowing someone else to touch her like this. But then again, perhaps it is also rather nice; a small reprieve from the never-ending duties of ruling and maintaining peace within their kingdom.

Toji carefully washes Seraphina's hair, massaging her scalp gently as they cleanse it of dirt and sweat. The water turns red with each strand of hair that falls into it, a reminder of the bloodshed that led to Seph's ascension to the throne. As the bath comes to an end, both women exit the tub, stepping onto plush towels laid out on the floor. Toji carefully dries Seraphina's hair before brushing it out, coaxing it into submission with practiced ease. The soft whispers and soothing words spoken by Toji create a serene atmosphere around them, almost masking the formidable presence of their ruler.

Once her hair is dry and combed, Seph stands up straighter, the towel wrapped around her body like a silk belt. She studies Toji for a moment, searching

Seph's cold crimson eyes flicker for a moment as Toji praises her beauty, but she doesn't immediately reply. She's used to people cowering in fear before her, not speaking so openly and freely. It almost takes her aback... but only for an instant. The dragon-blooded empress eventually tilts her head slightly, studying the child before her once more. There's a strange sort of amusement dancing within the depths of those icy orbs as she speaks. "Thank you, Toji. It's nice to know that not everyone is intimidated by me." Her voice holds no malice; only curiosity and perhaps even a touch of wariness.

With that, Seph turns on her heel and heads towards her chambers for the night, leaving it up to Toji to follow or remain behind as they see fit. The silence in the hallway once again fills with their soft footsteps until they reach the massive wooden doors leading into the empress's private quarters. With a single motion, she pushes them open and disappears within, signaling for Toji to enter if they choose to do so.

"No, Toji," Seph replies as she reclines on her bed, eyes closed. "You have done more than enough tonight. It is time for you to rest and regain your strength." Her voice holds no hint of dismissal or unkindness; it's simply a statement of fact. Tomorrow will be another day, and perhaps they will find other tasks suitable for the child to undertake in the meantime. For now, she just wants Toji to relax and get some much-needed rest.

The massive bed creaks softly as Seph shifts her weight onto one arm, watching the newest addition to her court through slitted eyes. There's a strange sense of curiosity within her, almost like she's studying a new puzzle or piece in a game that she isn't yet sure how to use to her advantage. It's unsettling and exciting all at once, making it difficult for her to truly relax despite her fatigue. But perhaps this is merely part of the process of learning how to rule over others; learning when to trust and when to be wary.

With a sigh that carries more exhaustion than discontentment, Seph finally turns onto her side, closing her eyes fully as she drifts off into sleep. The dragon-blooded empress trusts that Toji will follow suit and get the rest they both so desperately need.