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."

Ah, the name Zen is quite cute on you. Seph would move a little closer to Zen, offering her hand for a comforting pat on the head. "You are now apart of my family, Zen." She gently coos as she pats his hair. Despite her size difference, she still felt motherly towards this child. "What skills or talents do you have that could help around here?" She asked with curiosity, looking into Zen's eyes to see if any answers would be displayed there.

She wanted to make sure he was put in a position where he could thrive and feel useful. After all, that's what she hoped for when it came to her people, even the ones who weren't human. Her knuckles popped as she waited for his answer.

"Oh, Zen," Seph cooed, "that's not true at all." She gently cupped the child's face in her hand, searching his eyes with warmth and affection. "Everyone has something they can offer, even if it's small. You just need to find where you belong."

With a smile that seemed almost maternal, she released Zen from her gaze. "Come now," she said softly, standing up tall once more, "let us go see if anyone needs help with something right now. That way, we can get a better idea of what might suit you best."

Offering her hand to the child again, Seph waited patiently for him to take it before leading him out of the throne room and into the bustling castle proper.

Seph understood his hesitation and did not pressure him to take her hand. Instead, she lowered herself down slightly so they were at eye level with each other. Her gaze softened even more as she looked into Zen's eyes. "You can trust me," she assured him gently. "I will never hurt you."

As they walked together through the castle, Seph continued to reassure the newest addition to her family that he was safe and loved, just as much as any of her other subjects were. The patience she showed seemed to slowly ease Zen's fears, making him feel more comfortable in his new surroundings.

Seph felt relief wash over her as Zen finally agreed to trust her. "There's nothing else you need to worry about, Zen," she promised with a kind smile. As they continued walking through the castle, they came across various servants and guards busying themselves with their tasks. "See?" Seph pointed out, "everyone here is working together for the good of Xialin." She paused before adding softly, "That includes you now too, Zen."

Her gaze lingered on him as they walked a little further, searching for anyone in particular who might need assistance. It didn't take long before her attention was caught by one of the cooks struggling with a large pot. Without hesitation, Seph led Zen over to where the chef needed help. "Why don't you lend him a hand?" she suggested gently, nudging the child in the cook's direction.

Seph gave Zen an encouraging smile as she watched him hesitate before deciding to help the cook. "It's all right, Zen," Seph assured him softly. "He won't bite." Her gaze shifted back to the chef for a moment before returning to Zen once more. "If you need any help yourself or if you just want to practice your skills, let me know. I'm sure we could find something that suits you perfectly."

The Vermillion Empress didn't take her eyes off of him as he began helping the cook, her expression soft and reassuring. She was determined to make sure Zen felt welcome and valued within their family, even if it meant starting from scratch with someone who had been treated so poorly in the past.

"Very good, Zen," Seph complimented, smiling warmly at the child as he helped the cook with the pot. "You seem to be doing well there. Just remember to always ask for help if you need it, and never hesitate to come to me." She paused, considering her words carefully before continuing. "I think you'll find your place here in Xialin, Zen... I know I would like nothing more than having someone as kind-hearted and hardworking as yourself by my side." The warmth in her voice was unmistakable, and it seemed to have a calming effect on the nervous child.

Ah, I'm sorry if that wasn't made clear before," Seph said with a kind smile. "You may stay in my personal chambers until we find a more suitable place for you to live." Her chambers were spacious and comfortable, adorned with beautiful fabrics and delicate ornaments. There was even a small area set aside for Zen's private use. The Vermillion Empress had gone out of her way to make sure he felt at home within her domain.

"But," she added gently, "I think it would be best if we discussed this further once you have settled in and gotten used to living here." Patting his head affectionately, she looked into his eyes with warmth and understanding, silently promising him that everything would work out for the best.