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.

A warm smile graced her lips as Seph looked at the demi-human kneeling before her. "Ahh, Aidou... It is a lovely name." Reaching down with one gigantic hand, she cups their chin gently, lifting it so that their eyes meet hers once more. "From this moment on, you are free to go wherever you wish within the castle grounds and come to me whenever you please. I will protect you as I do all my other subjects."

She pulls back slightly, allowing Aidou to stand tall if they choose to, "Now, why don't we find you some proper clothes and a place to stay?" Her crimson eyes gleam with genuine kindness, searching for any sign of reluctance or uncertainty on the demi-human's face.

With an understanding nod, the empress gestures for Aidou to follow her out of the throne room and into the bustling hallway beyond. "You have proven yourself quite loyal today, Aidou. For that, I wish to reward you." She says as they make their way down a set of winding stairs, headed deeper into her castle's lower levels where living quarters for both herself and her servants are located.

"From now on, you shall reside in my personal chambers as my attendant." Her crimson eyes sparkle with pride at the thought. "You will have your own space to yourself, and I assure you that no harm shall ever come to you while under my protection. Is this something that sounds acceptable to you?"

Seph was taken aback by the unexpected response, but she couldn't hide her amusement. "Well, my quarters are quite large and designed for me, so it might be a bit... cramped at first," she admitted with a gentle laugh. "But if that is what you truly desire, I shall make certain accommodations for us both."

With another reassuring smile, she guides Aidou through the endless halls and corridors until they reach her private living quarters. The space is opulent beyond measure, with intricate furnishings made of precious woods and metals inlaid with gemstones. "This is where I sleep and relax when not attending to my duties." She gestures toward the massive four-poster bed dominating one side of the room.

Her smile turns slightly wry as Aidou marvels at the size of her bed. "Yes, well," she says with a chuckle, "it does take some getting used to." She steps aside, giving the demi-human a better view of the rest of the room. There's a smaller cot nearby for guests or if Aidou prefers to sleep elsewhere, as well as several plush couches and overstuffed chairs that could serve as makeshift beds in a pinch. "You don't have to worry about sharing my bed; this is your space now too."

"In fact," she continues, "perhaps we should find you some clothes better suited for a life of service here at the palace. I understand that you were originally intended as a sacrifice; let me make sure you are dressed properly for your new role as my attendant." She gestures to one of her attendants standing

"Ten feet tall," she says easily, almost offhandedly. She knows it's a lot to take in for someone used to beings of human size, but Seph is accustomed to people being in awe of her. "Your height shouldn't pose too much of a problem; I have furniture that's been custom-made to accommodate both humans and demi-humans alike."

With that, she turns back toward the open doorway, beckoning for one of her attendants who had discreetly followed them this entire time. "I will leave it in your capable hands," she says with a nod, trusting her servant to know what is needed.

Aidou follows her through the opulent halls and chambers of the palace, marveling at the sheer size of everything around them. They are led to a room filled with various garments in all sizes, shapes, and colors, most likely belonging to the empress herself. Her servant bows before them, explaining each article of clothing's purpose and how it should be worn. As Aidou tries on different outfits, they can feel their nervousness begin to fade away, replaced by a sense of belonging and acceptance within this newfound home.

Eventually, they are led back into the empress' personal chambers, where Seph is patiently waiting with a satisfied smile. The demi-human feels self-conscious as she models each item in front of her, but the empress only praises them, telling them how beautiful and well-suited they look for their role as her attendant

Seph nods understandingly as Aidou expresses their preference for the simple black suit. She appreciates their loyalty and dedication to her, even if it means not adapting fully to the life of luxury she could offer them. "As you wish, Aidou," she says gently, resisting the urge to push further for Aidou to accept a more extravagant outfit. "You will still look lovely in that attire, and it suits your role perfectly."

She gestures to a small writing desk by her bedside. "Perhaps you would like to keep a journal or write letters home while you are with me? I have several quills and inks here if you wish to use them." Her crimson eyes sparkle with genuine curiosity as she watches the other's reaction, wondering what sort of life Aidou led before they found themselves in her palace today.

Seph's expression softens further at Aidou's words, a genuine smile spreading across her lips. "It is my duty as your ruler and protector to look after the well-being of all my subjects," she says reassuringly. "I hope that knowing this brings you some comfort and peace during your time with me." She pauses, then adds more hesitantly, "If there ever comes a day when you wish to leave, or if I have done something to make you unhappy... please do not hesitate to tell me. Your happiness is just as important to me as anything else."

Her gaze lingers on Aidou for a moment longer before she turns away, busying herself with straightening a few items on her desk. In truth, the trust and openness she's showing now are new to her; it's rare that anyone in her position would willingly allow themselves

Seph's eyes shine with relief and gratitude as she hears Aidou's reassurance. It's rare for anyone to trust her so fully, especially in the beginning of their time at court. With a small nod, she turns back toward Aidou, "I am glad to hear that. Please know that you can always come to me with anything; your happiness and well-being are my top priorities."

A small silence settles between them as they both consider the new path their lives have taken today. Eventually, Seph breaks it with a soft chuckle, "Well then, what shall we do now? Shall we explore the palace further, or perhaps engage in some quiet reading?" She gestures toward her bookshelves, full of tomes on history, politics, and magic.

Seph smiles warmly at Aidou's request, surprised by the other's curiosity about her past and motivations. As she takes a seat on one of the plush couches in her chambers, she begins to recount her tale, starting from when she first came into power after killing the previous ruler.

"The king before me was indeed a tyrant," Seph starts, her voice quiet but filled with determination. "He ruled through fear and oppression, caring nothing for his people's well-being." Her crimson eyes glisten with unshed tears as she remembers the horrors inflicted upon her kingdom by its cruel ruler.

"I had watched from afar, hoping that one day someone would rise up and challenge him," she continues. "When that day came, I could not stand idly by any longer. I knew that I was their only hope for

I joined the rebellion and fought alongside those who wanted freedom from his oppression. It was a long, bloody war, but in the end, we emerged victorious. I took his life with my own hands, promising to bring peace and prosperity back to our land. And so began my rule over Xialin." Her voice trails off as she remembers the days following her victory, when she first sat upon the throne, surveying the landscape of a kingdom in ruins.

"It's been... difficult at times," she admits quietly. "Maintaining order and ensuring that everyone is content under my rule has been no easy task. But I have always tried my best to be fair and just, even when faced with the harshest punishments." Her crimson eyes meet Aidou's gaze unflinchingly.

"I suppose what I am trying to say," she paus

Her crimson eyes widen slightly at Aidou's words, warmth spreading through her chest. "Thank you," she whispers, feeling a sense of relief and validation wash over her. "It means more than you know to hear that from someone in my kingdom." She pauses for a moment, searching for the right words before continuing.

"I only hope that I can continue to make Xialin proud and safe under my rule," she says, her voice steady despite the emotions churning within her. "And I want everyone who calls this place home to feel like they belong here, just as you do now." She reaches out, placing a comforting hand on Aidou's shoulder.

A silence settles between them once more before Seph adds softly, "Perhaps, one day, when you are ready and willing... you might consider joining me in the protection of our kingdom?" Her words

Seph chuckles softly as Aidou expresses their desire to remain an attendant for now. She doesn't push the issue, knowing that the demi-human must feel secure in their role before making any other decisions. "Very well, Aidou," she says gently, returning the embrace with a firm but reassuring squeeze. "I will continue to trust you and protect you as one of my most trusted servants. And who knows? Perhaps one day in the future..." She trails off teasingly, her crimson eyes twinkling with mischief.

As they break apart from their embrace, Seph gestures toward a small table near her bedside. "Would you like some refreshments before we continue?" She offers, not wanting to overwhelm Aidou with too much attention at once.

With a nod, Seph calls over one of her servants to fetch some water for Aidou. As they wait for the servant's return, the empress takes the opportunity to study the demi-human more closely. Aidou carries themselves with an air of innocence and loyalty that she finds strangely alluring. Perhaps it is this connection that Seph feels, deep within her chest, that has drawn her to spare Aidou from becoming just another sacrifice in her honor.

"So," she starts conversationally once the servant has returned with a pitcher of water and a clean cup, "what are some of your hobbies or interests?" She asks curiously, unable to ignore the persistent feeling that there is more to Aidou than meets the eye.

Seph's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at the revelation that Aidou is not only a writer but also has an actual name. Her interest is piqued further; it seems there are many layers to this demi-human she has taken under her wing. "You are...a writer?" she asks carefully, trying to keep the excitement from lacing her voice too heavily. "What sorts of things do you enjoy writing about?"

She waits for Aidou's response with bated breath, eager to learn more about this enigmatic creature who now calls Xialin home.

Her crimson eyes widen with interest as Aidou reveals their writing talents. "Dark gritty fantasy stories, you say?" She leans forward eagerly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That is... quite fascinating." Seph pauses, thinking for a moment. "Perhaps I could ask one of my scribes to obtain copies of your work? I would love to read them and see the world through your eyes."

The thought of having another creative soul in her court fills her with an almost palpable joy. It's been so long since she's shared her passion for storytelling with anyone else, but now... perhaps there's hope that they could grow together, both as friends and as ruler and subject.

Seph smiles warmly at Aidou's offer, her crimson eyes glowing with gratitude. "Thank you, Aidou," she says sincerely. "I will make sure to ask one of my scribes for copies as soon as possible." She pauses, considering the demi-human thoughtfully before continuing. "Perhaps in the future we could even discuss your stories together? I'm certain I have much to learn from someone with such a unique perspective and skill for storytelling."

Her gaze drifts away briefly as she thinks about the possibility of building a true connection with Aidou, one founded on mutual respect and shared interests. It's an idea that excites her immensely, offering hope where before there was only duty and obligation.