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."

Seph wasn't surprised when the sacrifice didn't immediately speak. She already understood their confusion, as she has always been one to intimidate even her most trusted servants and nobles with a mere glare or a command. "It is alright; I will not force you into speaking." Her crimson eyes meet the other's, warmth creeping in despite her cold exterior. "You are free to leave here today... but I must ask for one thing. If you could, please stay by my side as my personal servant. You do not have to fear me; I am nothing like what they say."

Her words hang heavily in the air between them, waiting for a response. The trust she's offering feels foreign even to her, but she wants this child - this young demi-human to understand that not everyone in power has ill intentions toward them.

Seph's expression softens further as she catches the demi-human's name. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kana. You have my word that I will not harm you; instead, I offer you protection and the chance to serve by my side in exchange for your loyalty." She pauses, hesitating only slightly before adding with gentle sincerity, "I could use someone like you in my court, someone who is kind and compassionate. Would you consider staying?"

Kana's decision was ultimately hers to make; Seph would not force the demi-human into any sort of service against her will. But the hope in the empress's eyes was clear as she waited for an answer, feeling more exposed and vulnerable than perhaps she ever had before.

Her crimson eyes softened as she heard the demi-human's agreement. "Thank you, Kana," Seph murmured warmly. "I promise you won't regret your decision." With a gentle smile, she extended her hand towards the other girl, palm up, offering companionship and support in this new chapter of their lives together.

"From now on, you shall be known as Kana, my personal servant," she continued. "You will have your own chambers within the castle, clothes appropriate for your station, and three meals a day." A small smile tugged at her lips as she thought of their conversations about food. It was clear that Kana had an appreciation for good cuisine, just like her empress.

"There will be duties and responsibilities expected of you," Seph cautioned, "but I also want you to feel free to speak your mind when needed.

Seph's crimson eyes locked with Kana's as she took her hand. She felt a pang of happiness in her chest, grateful that the demi-human had accepted her offer of protection and service. "You are most welcome, Kana," she replied gently. "It is my honor to have you by my side."

She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice so that only Kana could hear. "I know I may not always seem approachable or kind," she admitted with a small sigh, "but it does not mean I do not care for those who are under my rule. You are important to me, Kana, and I will do everything in my power to ensure your well-being."

Her expression softened as her thumb lightly brushed against the back of Kana's hand in a comforting gesture. "Now then," she said with a small smile, "let us get you

Her crimson eyes met Kana's once more, understanding dawning within them as the demi-human blushed even further at her words. "I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable in any way," she said gently. "Please know that was never my intent." She paused for a moment, considering her next words carefully. "I am...not used to having someone like you close by," she admitted with a small smile. "It is refreshing, and I hope that you will help me be a better ruler as we move forward together."

Her expression grew more serious then. "But," she added, her voice firm once again, "do not mistake this newfound kindness for weakness or an invitation to disobey. My laws are sacred and must always be obeyed; I will not hesitate to punish those who threaten the peace of my kingdom." Kana nodded in understanding at her words

With a small nod of acknowledgment, Seph smiled warmly at Kana before continuing. "Excellent. Now then, let us get you settled into your chambers and have our personal servant prepare some clothing more befitting for you." Her crimson eyes took in Kana's attire, noting that it was plain but serviceable. Still, she wished to gift the demi-human with something a little nicer as an official welcome to her court. "I think I have just the thing."

With a gentle tug, Seph released Kana's hand and stood from her throne, gesturing for the new servant to follow. They exited the throne room together, heading toward Kana's new quarters in companionable silence. The other servants and nobles in the castle had already returned to their duties after witnessing the meeting between their empress and her new personal servant; word would soon spread of this unpreced

Kana's new quarters were spacious and well-appointed, with a large bed, a comfortable sitting area, and a private bathroom. "These will be your living quarters from now on," Seph explained as she led Kana inside. "You may use them however you wish, so long as you return here to rest each night."

Her eyes fell upon the wardrobe in the corner of the room. "Ah, here we are." She opened it, revealing a selection of beautiful clothes tailored specifically for Kana's demi-human body type. There were several dresses in various colors and styles, as well as tops, skirts, and even some lightweight cloaks that could be worn outside during cooler weather. "I had these made especially for you."

Seph turned to face the younger female with a warm smile on her lips. "Please, help yourself to anything you

Her crimson eyes twinkled with amusement as Kana admitted her dislike of dresses but acknowledged their comfortability. "I understand," Seph replied gently, noting the suit Kana had chosen. "Not all styles are for everyone. Perhaps we can find a compromise next time; there are some tops and skirts that would look lovely on you as well." She paused for a moment before continuing, "In any case, I am glad you like your new wardrobe. If there is anything else you need or desire, please do not hesitate to let me know."

With that said, Seph turned to leave the room, her presence filling it with an air of authority and dominance despite her quiet demeanor. "I will leave you to settle in for now; my servants can show you where everything is if you need assistance. I'll see you at dinner tonight." As she disappeared

Seph's form shifted as she stood at the doorway of Kana's quarters. "You may call me Empress Seraphina, Seph for short." Her tone was gentle and welcoming, her gaze meeting Kana's once more before she disappeared down the hall.

It wasn't long before Seph heard the rustling of fabrics and movement within Kana's quarters as she settled in and stylized her new space to suit her preferences. As the empress listened with a content smile on her lips, she couldn't help but feel pleased by the presence of this young demi-human in her court. Perhaps there was hope for her yet; that she could indeed be a benevolent ruler and earn the trust and loyalty of those beneath her rule.

The sound of light footsteps approaching drew Seph from her musings, and she turned to face Kana as the other demi-human emerged from her room, looking every bit as lovely in the suit chosen earlier. "You look lovely," she said with a warm smile, gesturing for Kana to join her outside in the hallway. "I trust everything is to your liking?"

Her crimson eyes studied