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."

"Very well then. Perhaps once you are familiar with my castle and surroundings, I could give you a name. For now, come closer." Her voice was soft as ever. She extends her right hand to invite the new one closer to her throne. As Wes finally approaches, Seph would carefully examine the demi-human child. Something seemed odd about it. He's not like any of the other demi-humans that she has met before, much less those who have tried to give themselves as a sacrifice for her. His blue eyes hold a depth that she had never seen before; there was something ancient and primordial within them, yet they were so innocent...

She ponders this for a moment before clearing her throat and speaking again. "Wes is the name I shall give you from now on. You may address me as 'Seph' or simply 'My Empress'. Would that be acceptable to you?" Her crim

Seph's gaze never left the blue-eyed boy as he nodded his head in agreement. "Very well then, welcome to my castle, Wes." Her voice was reassuring, almost maternal, surprising even herself. As if sensing her uncertainty, she quickly changes the subject. "Now then, let me show you around so that you can familiarize yourself with your new surroundings."

Stepping down from the throne, Seph gestures for him to follow. She leads him through the winding corridors of her castle, pointing out various rooms and areas where he may find sanctuary or company among the other servants who reside within its walls. As they walk, she continues to strike up conversations with him, trying to learn more about this enigmatic demi-human child whose presence has her feeling an odd mix of fascination and unease.

Eventually, their tour brings them back to the

Seph chuckles softly at his comment as they enter the throne room once more. "Yes, it is quite extensive. But don't worry; you won't have to explore it all by yourself." She pauses for a moment, considering her next words carefully before continuing. "You may find that not everyone here will understand you at first... my appearance often has that effect on people. They can be unsettled easily, but I assure you they mean no harm. In fact, many of them would consider it an honor to serve me."

Her gaze shifts around the room before she returns her attention back to him. "Wes, I want you to know that you're important here. Your presence means something, even if others may not see it yet." The sincerity in her voice is unmistakable; there's an odd sense of fondness and protectiveness welling up within her chest

Her eyes widen slightly at his words, sympathy welling up within her. "Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that. You shouldn't have had to suffer through such treatment. Xialin is different; here, everyone is equal under my rule. You are valued and respected as much as any human or demi-human who dwells within these walls." She takes a step closer, offering him a comforting smile. "I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to ensure your happiness and safety here."

She hesitates for a moment before continuing. "If there's anything you need or wish for, anything at all, please don't hesitate to come to me. You have nothing to fear; I will never hurt you." Her voice is firm yet gentle, conveying both strength and compassion in equal measure.

It was clear that the Empress had taken a liking to

Her heart swells with warmth at his words; she hadn't expected such gratitude and sincerity from someone who had gone through so much hardship in life. "You are more than welcome, Wes. It brings me great joy to know that I can be of assistance to you during your time here," the Empress replied softly as her gaze locked onto his own.

She takes a step back then, giving him some space once more. There was still much to do and many other matters that required her attention. Yet despite all this, there was something about Wes that she found herself unable to forget; an odd sense of kinship and understanding that she had never felt before with any of the other demi-humans who had tried to serve or befriend her over the years. It was as if he held a piece of her own soul within him...

Her attention drawn elsewhere, Seph glances briefly at Wes before answering his question with a small nod. "Yes, actually. There is something you can help me with if you're interested in lending your aid. One of my advisors has been having trouble communicating with some demi-humans from a distant region; I believe their language is similar to yours." She pauses for a moment, studying his reaction before continuing. "I was hoping that perhaps you might be willing to act as an interpreter for me during our next meeting?" Her expression is thoughtful but sincere; it's clear she values his input and opinion.

Seph waits expectantly, her eyes locked onto his own, unsure what response he may give her. His help would prove invaluable in building bridges between Xialin and other demi-human kingdoms; establishing alliances and promoting peace within their borders. But at the same time

Her brow furrows slightly in confusion at his initial reaction, but she quickly relaxes when he clarifies that he's willing to try it out. "Very well then," she says with a small smile. "I would be most grateful for your help. If you need any time to prepare or familiarize yourself with the situation, please don't hesitate to ask. I trust you'll do an excellent job." She pauses, considering something before adding, "In addition, if there's anything specific that you wish me to discuss during this meeting, or any points you believe should be emphasized, please feel free to share your thoughts with me as well. Your input is important and valued."

Seph nodded with satisfaction at his reply before leading him towards the exit of her throne room. "Excellent. I have faith in you, Wes. And rest assured that I will be here to support you every step of the way." Her large hand gently guided him down a hallway she was familiar with before speaking up once more, "Now then, why don't we find some comfortable spot where we can relax and discuss your new role as translator?" She smiles warmly at him, hoping he would feel at ease around her.

The Empress glances sideways, taking in Wes's appearance. He was younger than she had initially thought; perhaps just on the cusp of adulthood. His small frame and delicate features contrasted sharply with her own towering form and regal bearing. It was a surprising combination, one that she found herself unable to resist studying further as they walked through the castle together.

Seph raised an eyebrow in amusement at his question before responding with a soft chuckle. "Well, I suppose it's only natural for someone of your size to wonder about that. I stand at ten feet tall." Her voice was even and calm, as if discussing the weather or some other mundane topic.

She glanced down at him, noticing how tiny he seemed in comparison. It was almost impossible for anyone who wasn't familiar with her size to fully comprehend it until they were standing right beside her. "My height has its advantages and disadvantages, I suppose," she added thoughtfully. "On the one hand, it makes me an impressive figure on the battlefield or in negotiations; on the other, it can be difficult to find furniture that fits properly!" She smiled at him, hoping he wouldn't find her stories too boring.

Wes seemed fascinated by

The Empress looked amused by the comparison. "Indeed you do," she chuckled gently, reaching down to pat him on the head in a comforting gesture. It was a move so natural and motherly that it surprised even her. "But then again, being small has its own advantages too; you can sneak up on people or hide away in places where I couldn't fit." Her gaze locked with his, holding an invitation to share more stories about himself and his life before coming here.

They continued walking through the castle, making their way to a quiet garden where they could sit down and relax. The air was warm and fragrant with blooming flowers, offering a peaceful retreat from the busyness of daily life within its walls. Seph gestured for Wes to take a seat on one of the benches, carefully positioning herself so that she didn't loom over him quite as much. "

"Ah, well," Seph replied with a small laugh, settling herself onto the bench beside him. "There's more to me than just that, of course. I was born and raised in Xialin, although my family originally hailed from a distant land far across the sea." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I've always been drawn to leadership; it's as if being surrounded by people and guiding them towards a common goal was simply meant to be part of who I am."

She looked away for a moment, gazing out over the garden and its vibrant flora. "It wasn't easy becoming the empress," she admitted quietly. "There were those who tried to take my throne through treachery and deceit... but somehow, I managed to overcome each obstacle thrown in my path. In some ways, it's almost as if fate itself guided me

Her eyes meet his once more as he reacts to her story. There's a mixture of surprise and awe in them that she hadn't expected to see. It made her feel suddenly self-conscious, almost like she was bragging about herself. "Well, it is part of my past," she says with a small shrug. "But I don't dwell on those things. The important thing now is the future - the future of Xialin and all its people." Her gaze shifts back to the garden again, this time taking in the smaller details: a fluttering butterfly, a bead of dew glistening on a leaf. "I want us to strive for greatness together, Wes. To make this kingdom one that everyone can be proud to call home."

The silence that follows her words seems heavy, almost oppressive. Did she say something wrong? Perhaps she was being too forward or am

Seph's hand gently moves through the soft fur of his hair in a comforting gesture. "I'm glad to hear that, Wes." She says softly, her voice filled with warmth. "Together, we can achieve great things for Xialin. You have no idea how valuable your input and opinions are; I truly believe you were meant to be here. Now, let's focus on the future and all that we can accomplish together." Her gaze meets his once more, her eyes filled with confidence and determination.

The Empress takes a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of peace wash over her. It was as if having Wes here, in her presence, somehow soothed away the lingering worries and doubts that had plagued her thoughts since she'd taken the throne. Perhaps it was simply because he reminded her that there were others out there who shared her dreams and aspirations

Seph smiles down at him, running her fingers through his fur in a comforting gesture. "Rest here as long as you like; I'm not going anywhere." Her voice was soft and reassuring, making it hard for him to doubt her words. Perhaps things really were going to work out between them. As she continues petting him, her mind wanders, considering what their future together might look like: a future filled with friendship, loyalty, and maybe even... love? The idea sends a shiver down her spine, making her heart beat faster in anticipation of where this new connection might lead them both.

Time passes pleasantly as they remain in the garden, with Seph continuing to pet and comfort the smaller demi-human. The feeling of being needed and appreciated by someone so powerful is both overwhelming and addictive, causing a blush to spread across her cheeks. She's surprised at how easily she has taken to him; he's unlike any other servant or ally she's ever had before. There's an innocence about him that calls out to the protective instinct within her heart, making her want nothing more than to keep him safe from harm.

As they remain together in this tranquil setting, she finds herself wondering what else there is to learn about him; what makes Wes who he is and why fate brought them together. Perhaps some day soon, when the time feels right, she'll ask these questions aloud... for now, however, she's content simply being near him, basking in

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting its golden rays across the garden, Seph gently rouses Wes from his slumber. Her fingers continue to move through his fur, careful not to disturb him too much. She glances around, taking in their surroundings as she wonders where they should head next. Perhaps back to her throne room for some rest before tackling the day's events? Or perhaps there was somewhere else they could retreat to that might hold more significance for them both? The thought sends a shiver down her spine, and she finds herself suddenly reluctant to leave his comforting presence.

Her heart skips a beat as she remembers what the future might hold; not just for Xialin but also for them. It's an exhilarating yet terrifying thought, and she can't help but wonder if they're truly meant to be together. For now though, all that