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."

The human child looks at her empress with wide eyes, the fear within them obvious. They don't dare to speak their name in reply, as if even that would bring harm. The red draconic-like scaled woman sighs softly before continuing. "I understand your fear; I was once like you. But know this, child: I will not hurt you."

She steps closer, lowering her massive form until she's towering only about twice the height of the human child. Her long red hair flows down around them like a crimson curtain. "You are safe here; my castle is your home now. My name... is Seraphina."

The child called Iko looks up at her with cautious eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of their lips. Seraphina feels a strange warmth spread through her chest at the sight. "Iko... It's a lovely name," she says gently, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair behind the child's ear. "And you shall be safe here, with me." She pauses for a moment, considering. "Perhaps... I could use someone like you in my court. Someone young and innocent, to remind me not to become so harsh as those who came before me." Her crimson eyes study the child thoughtfully.

"What do you think, little one? Would you like to serve beside your empress?"

Her heart warms further at the child's reply. "Very well then," she says, reaching out to take Iko's hand in her own. Hers is surprisingly gentle, despite the size difference. "From this moment forth, you shall be my personal servant... and friend." Seraphina pauses, considering once more. "Perhaps we can find something less harsh for you to wear as well; these colors are not very flattering on one so young."

She looks about the room, her gaze landing on a particularly soft-looking cushion nearby. With surprising agility for someone of her size, she retrieves it and brings it over to the child. "Here," she says simply, offering it up with a reassuring smile. "This should be more comfortable."

While Iko finds something else to wear, Seph looks around the room as well. The colors she's used for her throne room aren't very pleasant on children's eyesight, and they make one feel heavy rather than regal. Hmm... She muses idly as she paces back and forth, considering. Perhaps... it would be best to redecorate in the future, once she has more time. For now, however, she needs to focus on ensuring that her new servant-friend is properly settled into their role.

"That looks much better," Seph says with a satisfied nod. "Now you resemble more of what I had in mind when I asked for someone to remind me not to become harsh." Her crimson eyes meet the child's, and she feels a warmth spread through her chest at the sight.

"I trust that you will be happy here with me," she continues, her voice softening. "Know that your safety and wellbeing are of utmost importance to me." As she speaks, Seph gestures for Iko to follow her out of the throne room, toward a new life as one of her most trusted servants... and perhaps, in time, something more.

Seph chuckles lightly at Iko's remark as they walk through the castle halls together. "Yes, well... it does have its advantages," she says, adjusting her stride to match the child's smaller strides. "For one thing, no one ever bothers me when I'm this tall." Her gaze flickers to a group of servants scurrying past them in the distance, heads bowed respectfully as they pass their empress. With an indulgent smile, she continues. "But size isn't everything, you know. It's how you treat people that truly matters."

She pauses for a moment, considering her words before speaking again. "Perhaps I should host a feast in your honor... To show everyone just how special you are to me." The thought makes her smile widen; perhaps this might help reassure the other servants that she was serious about wanting someone innocent and pure to serve beside her.

Seph laughs heartily at the child's reply, shaking her head in amusement. "Ah, my dear Iko," she says, gently resting a hand on their shoulder. "You needn't worry about that. After all... if anyone were to make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, they would have me to answer to." Her crimson eyes meet the child's, full of confidence and reassurance.

"But," she continues with a grin, "I think you're going to be just fine. You've already shown that you can handle yourself quite admirably in my presence... and I suspect it won't be long before everyone else realizes what a truly special individual they get to serve beside their empress."

Seph's eyes widen slightly at the child's words, and she gives their shoulder a squeeze in understanding. "Ah, I see... Well then, little one," she says warmly, her tone gentler than ever before, "let me offer you a piece of advice: when those eyes do start to feel too heavy... imagine them as leaves on a tree."

She pauses for effect, watching the child carefully. "Imagine that each leaf is a thought or worry floating by, carried by the wind and eventually falling away from you. With time and practice, it will become easier to let go of those worries and focus on what truly matters... being yourself, surrounded by people who love and appreciate you for who you are."

Her smile grows even brighter at the child's words. "It will," she assures them gently, giving their shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I have faith in you, Iko." With that, they continue walking through the castle halls until they reach her private chambers, where feast preparations are already underway. Servants scurry about, readying food and setting up tables, all according to Seph's exacting instructions.

"There," she says proudly, motioning for Iko to enter first. "What do you think? Is everything alright?"

Her crimson eyes sparkle with satisfaction as she takes in the sight of her private chamber transformed into a feasting hall. "I'm glad you think so," she says, leading Iko to a seat at the head table. As they sit down, servants immediately appear with steaming plates of food, filling their plates and glasses before retreating discreetly back into the shadows.

"So," Seph begins, taking a sip of wine, "tell me more about yourself. What are some of your favorite things to do?" She takes another bite of her meal, her attention fully focused on the child beside her.

"That's very admirable of you, Iko," Seph says with a nod. "To take on such responsibility at your young age shows not only your love for them but also your strength." Her expression softens as she continues, "I can tell that having siblings has taught you much about what it means to be part of a family." She pauses thoughtfully before asking, "Do any particular memories stand out to you?"

Seph takes another bite of her food, watching Iko carefully. It was clear that the child had led a difficult life, yet here they were, sitting at the empress's table and being treated with nothing but kindness. Perhaps there was hope for Xialin after all.

Seph's expression turns solemn as Iko speaks of their parents' passing and the responsibility that fell upon their shoulders at such a young age. She takes a moment to consider her words before replying, "Your strength in the face of adversity truly shines through, Iko. Not many people would be able to shoulder such a burden with the grace you have."

Her eyes drift over to the other members of staff in attendance, watching them as they serve the food and maintain their duties around the hall. "Perhaps," she muses, "as you continue to grow closer to me and learn more about Xialin, I could help ease some of that burden." Her crimson eyes meet Iko's again, holding their gaze unwaveringly as she continues, "You deserve a chance at happiness too; your siblings will understand. After all, it is my job to make sure everyone in my kingdom is well cared for."