Chapter 6 Royal Acceptance

I got rather depressed again, having just crushed my new Parents with the Knowledge that their familial bond is most likely the cause of Jenson’s issues, and wanted a furry companion to snuggle with. “I really want a kitten right now!” I closed my eyes and felt my desire for a Kitten take on an intensity that perplexed me. Before I could attempt to puzzle through this sensation, I heard gasping from everyone, and my eyes popped open. In front of my eyes was an intricate sigil. Glowing light flared, and even the Castle servants walking by startled and stared at the sight, as twenty kittens of various breeds and colors manifested within the center of the Sigil.

Each one is freshly weaned and ready for solid foods. My Heart melted instantly, and I reached out, snagging up what was clearly a Bangle Tom. “What shall we call you, huh, little guy? With that Golden Fur, I think maybe you’re a Midas, what do you think?” The adorable fluff gave a happy Meow, both Alian and Jeanette seemed to feel it in their bones, that this little thing had just claimed us.

“Jane, are these what you called Cats?!” I nodded happily. “But they’re so small!” Exclaimed Jeanette.

I laughed, startling my new Master. “They’re babies, barely old enough to leave their mothers. The thing is, I think I summoned them just now. Is Summoning Magic even a Thing here, cause that’s the only explanation I can come up with.”

Both Alian and Jeanette shook their heads, as they too started petting and loving on Kittens, though none truly called to us like Midas did. However, the Rabbit-eared Maid wasn’t in the same boat. “Milady, I can’t help myself, it’s like this little is calling to me. What even are these?”

She picked up a Grey Tabby with obvious maternal affection. “That is a Grey Tabby Cat, a Female too, and clearly, she owns you, same as Midas owns us. They’re predators, so any meat is good, but they’re still kittens, so it needs to be minced for them. Back in my old Country, we have pet foods specifically for cats, and even kittens specifically, available in shops all the time. Here, though, we’re going to have to do a little work.”

Gabby was petting on one particular Kitten also. A little Russian Blue female. Though she clearly liked all of them, and Midas was already precious to her, this little one clearly wanted her. “Gabby, be careful with naming her Cats must be named after authority figures, real or imagined. If you name her something silly like shadow, or snowball, she’ll be very upset, and likely pee your bed, with you in it.”

Gabby looked at me in surprise. “I get to name her?!”

I nodded. “She owns you, and as her slave, it is your duty to disclose her illustrious name to the masses.”

She giggled, but nevertheless took the job seriously. “In that case, I think Van, after the Queen, and because it looks like she can vanish whenever she wants.” Van gave her own happy Meow of contentment, and started kneading Gabby’s arm.

Alian cooed in total cute overload. “We need shallow boxes, about two inches deep, maybe three, maybe two feet wide by three feet long for every person who takes a Kitten, well, for every Kitten actually. Then, dry clay dust to fill the boxes halfway. Then little food, and water dishes for every kitten, they don’t share, like EVER!”

The Maid nodded, but paused. “I understand the food and water dishes, but what are the boxes and clay dust for?” I smiled. “Well, when you need to relieve yourself, you go to the Privy, right? A Cat can’t typically do that, the boxes are their version of a Privy. Usually, they instinctively want to bury their mess. Although they are Predators themselves, they are also on the small side, and thus must hide from larger threats. That’s one way they go about it.”

The Maid went off with her new feline overlord to acquire the requirements for the Kittens. Another servant had clearly run to tell the King and Queen about this seeming Miracle, and they had sent Darnel to investigate. “What new amazement have you come up with now, Sister Mine?” He asked jovially. Then his whole body tensed in surprise at the overwhelming attack of four-legged cuteness.

Two Kittens demanded his attention, though clearly one was being even more imperious, as if it could smell its' people on him, and wanted to leave NOW. “I think you'd best do as that one says, and take him to the King and Queen, and the other is demanding you specifically, so you’ll have to name her. An Authority figure mind, she owns you, better get used to it. The Rabbit-eared Maid, who I still haven’t gotten the name of, is collecting what they’ll need. I’m sure their supplies will be delivered to your, well, their chambers.”

I told him affectionately. “I do believe this will be good for them,…and me. How did these creatures come to be, and what even are they? Clearly, they’re related to the Cat Clan, but I have no clue how.”

“Well Cat Clan are named that because they have Cat-like features, while these in fact ARE Cats.”

“Does this mean Tigers are animals as well?” I nodded my head. He grinned and knelt down to accept his precious burdens. “Well, my Lord, and my Lady, let us be off to see the King and Queen.”

It took all of fifteen minutes for every Kitten to claim its Slaves, and about ten more before everyone had their items. “By the way, I never got your name.”

“Oh, well, it’s actually Bunny. I tend not to say it, my Parents were quite the Pranksters. My children are Haley and Holy if you were wondering.”

“Um, well, Bunny, it would be best to place several more of those boxes wherever you think the little overlords might roam indoors. They’ll run everywhere, and get into everything looking for vermin to hunt and kill. I’ll get some toys made up for them, so people can get some of their boundless energy out.”

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“Yes, Jane, I’ll see to it.” Bunny left, with a very contented ball of Fluff curled in her Apron Pocket, snoozing.

“Why didn’t you try to summon a Tiger?” I looked Shocked at Jeanette, who had asked.

“Because as cool and beautiful as Tigers are, they don’t stay small enough to carry, they get big enough to carry you in their Jaws. Not Pets, true Predators, same with Wolves, Lions, Pumas, Jaguars, Hyenas, and many others. There’s a Certain level of threat at which they stop being eligible as Pets, and Tigers are WAY above that level.” Jeanette looked a little disappointed. “If we build a Zoo Enclosure for it, and the King approves of it, then MAYBE I’ll try and Summon a Tiger Cub or two. So people can see the Animal form that the Nobility resembles. That’s a BIG IF, though.”

Apparently, the new Kitten was sufficient of a shock and source of joy to bring the King, Queen, and their new owner out to hear some details. “My dear, you are just full of surprises! Would you care to enlighten us as to how this came to be? Also, why do you say this one owns us?”

I smiled hugely. “Are you daring to deny that you have been taken as slaves then? I doubt he will be very pleased if so. As to how they got here, I think I somehow used summoning magic. Which, according to both Alian and Jeanette, doesn’t exist. Who, or whatever, brought me here has done something to allow me to perform Magic at will. I don’t even know Magic, as it either didn’t exist back home, or else wasn’t known, so couldn’t be taught.”

“Well, now you mention it, I do feel like I’m owned, not that I can complain. My Heart just adores him even now. It’s like he’s the second Son I was meant to have. Which is why,…we called him Jen.”

Vanessa answered with a tear in her eyes. “As Alian has stated, Summoning Magic doesn’t exist, so having that power is beyond curious. Do you intend to summon anything else?” Asked Donican with a raised brow, while his eyes glistened.

“I don’t, Your Majesty, though Alian has asked about the idea of getting a couple of Tiger Cubs, which would require an enclosure to house them. They’re not pets, and they are dangerous.”

Eyes large, the King pondered the idea. “If the cubs could be sent back, I could see it immediately, but as you say, we can’t let them run free. I’ll have to think about it, and perhaps later you’d describe the required enclosure so I can have a more detailed understanding of the decision as a whole. Though even if I do decide to ask for it, it won’t be for many months, if not years into the Future. With those Chip Seal roads, and the Plumbing, and Sewer projects to fund, we can’t justify the expense of building such an enclosure. Earth Mages are fast, but very costly to employ, while standard methods, though cheaper by quite a decent margin, take quite a while.”

I thought for a Moment. “If the location was selected, I could try the Earth Magic myself. Perhaps it will work for me in the same way, would be a decent test, and even if you decide that Tigers aren’t a good idea, there’s nothing saying the structure couldn’t serve another purpose, or else I just remove it again. I’d rather not try a Magic in a crisis, and find out it won’t work after all. It might mean I can offer even more help with the Waterworks projects. Manipulating the Earth to form the structures that are needed, while leaving the correct spaces for the equipment.”

Donican nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed, there is wisdom in that. Very well, I’ll see about a location for such an enclosure to be created.”

“Why not try something simple? Maybe something for the Kittens use, just to see if it’s something you can work with. Then it’s a matter of the power, rather than the attribute.”

I felt like a total idiot, and Jeanette’s very rational suggestion hit like a thunderclap. After picking a good location, and closing my eyes, I envisioned a network of Cat Trees and ledges. Willing it into being, I opened my eyes to see the Earthen creations rising out of the dirt and walls. This was different from the soundproofing, as it was creating material, instead of altering it. For all I knew, the walls were being altered by wind or water instead of the Stone, but this is purely Earth. “Well, that confirms Earth Magic works for me. I thought maybe that’s what I did with the walls, but wasn’t sure.”

Vanessa raised her brow. “Walls?”

“Ah, I altered the interior structure of Alian’s walls to reduce how much sound can penetrate. It’s called soundproofing, just a unique structure that breaks up the sound so it can’t be heard as easily, if at all. A proper scream would still get through, but even an argument is likely to be unheard.”

“You must perform that trick on my Study, as well as the Council Chambers, if you please. Sensitive matters get discussed in both locations after all.” I nodded at the King.

“I’ll take care of that,…UGH!”

“Jane!!!” Alian and Jeanette worriedly shouted out after my pain-filled cry.

“You know how I said you’d need to help me for THAT time,…I’d swear I skipped that, and went right past nine months! UGH! Am I, really, going to have to deal with this every month?!”

They looked at each other, then Jeanette asked me to do something odd. “Can you pinch your arm till you match the pain, and then do the same to my arm?”

I did as I was asked, and Jeanette almost laughed out loud. “Oh, Love, if that’s all you’re dealing with, you’re lucky.”

I looked dumbfounded. “Seriously, it’s worse for you?!”

She nodded, now seemingly envious of me. Alian held her arm out, and I demonstrated for her as well. “Better than mine too, Love.”

Now curious, the Queen got in on the situation. “Oh dear, you’re quite lucky if that’s the actual level of pain you’re dealing with.” “Hmm, you know, there’s a Water Magic that dulls pain, you haven’t tried using any Water Magic, have you?”

I grasped at that potential lifeline and focused my will on relieving or eliminating pain. I sighed with relief. “Thank GOD that worked!!!”

“You’ll have to tend to me later then, Love.” Stated Alian.

“Me too, not going to pass on pain relief for that.” Echoed Jeanette.

“Yes dear, I expect every woman will be pestering you for that, I do hope you’ll at least help me, though,” Vanessa commented.

I laughed, going from agonizing pain to getting begged for pain relief myself is great, but odd. “I’ll do my best. Also, as I was saying, I’ll do the soundproofing later today. Though first, how do I deal with,…”

I looked down rather than say it aloud, and the girl’s eyes widened. “Oh yes, come with us!” This was super awkward. Not only was the problem completely alien to me, but the solutions weren’t what was customary in my old life. Scraps of Rabbit Pelt, or moss, were typical; apparently, we had tufts of an absorbent cat-tail-like plant’s white seed to use. Until they weren’t available for the season at least, then we had to use rags, and clean them.

The Maids said they’d tend to that for me, but I declined, surprising Alian, and to a lesser degree Jeanette. “I should tend to that myself, if I don’t know how to deal with that, and I’m stuck on an adventure, then what am I supposed to do. Every Woman should deal with their own body's issues.” describe all the public works projects I can explain, and basic descriptions of the various weapons, and quality of life items I know how to make. Probably take me quite a while, and your Father should decide which aspect I should focus on.”

Alian nodded, “That’s an excellent notion.” Now fully dressed, we left for the Breakfast table and my first meeting with the Second Princess of the realm.

We entered a dining hall that was much too vast, and about a quarter full with various members of the King’s Court. All eyes focused on me, with shock and amazement. Alian pulled us along behind her as we approached her normal seat, which now had two additional seats beside it. Less adorned than her own, but still far more opulent than I feel comfortable with. As we reached our seats, before we sat down, the King stood, and addressed the court.

“My people, wondrous news. Through methods beyond understanding, a new Tiger has come to our Nation, having only been in our Nation for three days, she has already reached Gold Tier with the Adventurer’s Guild, as confirmed by our own Guild Tablet. In addition, she has knowledge of Materials and Weaponry beyond our current capabilities, and has already created two unknown weapons, as well as the method of making a version of Steel that does not rust. Though she was raised as a Commoner in her Land, she is educated far more than any in our Realm, and has three names to our two. This is a cultural difference only, and her second name is intended to protect against confusion with extended family only and is not needed in casual conversation. It is, however, required for signing any Legal Documents, and as such, I believe it may be a tradition we adapt ourselves to reduce forgeries in the future, though that is a matter for future discussion. She will be joining my own family, as the First Princess Alian has agreed to marry this Woman; at long last, she’s chosen a Wife, who comes with a Concubine of her own, who is Iron Ranked in her own right. This will greatly improve my Daughter’s Safety, and an Heir will be conceived as soon as possible after the Wedding, which we will not delay. I intend to hold the Ceremony within the Month, giving sufficient time for the Princes to be informed, but we will not recall them. They may meet their new Sister in Law when they come home normally. She will now introduce herself and her Concubine.”

I took a deep breath. “My lords, and Ladies, members of the court at large, I bid you greetings from the United States of America, which is not a Monarchy or Matriarchy but a Democratic Republic. My name in full is Jane Rae Richards. In my time here, I have maintained the position that I am NOT of the Noble line of this Nation, and that position will not change at all until this Marriage is officially concluded. I am not joining for my own sake, but for the Nation; I want nobody to think they could use me as a tool to rebel, and offer me as legitimacy, being that I happen to be a Tiger myself, were it not for this worry, I would rather serve instead of joining. Please treat me as a respected commoner or merchant, rather than a Noble. I intend to support my Princess Wife, not take her place. It’s her place to rule in the unfortunate death of her Father, and anyone ahead of her, which, I, personally, hope will never happen. As to my Concubine, her name is Jeanette, and she is also equally devoted to supporting the First Princess. For those of you who believe me to be too young to be believed, my actual age is forty-two years; I assure you all, I can take direct criticism without taking offense. I look forward to aiding this great Nation, and I hope to get to know all of you to some degree, if time permits. Thank you all for taking the time to listen to my pathetic fumbling attempts at public speaking, which I hope for all our sakes is kept to an absolute minimum.”

To my utter surprise, I saw a sea of genuinely happy and welcoming faces, not one person was upset, or irritated that I existed. A round of applause from all those present reached my ears. “Please be seated, and let us eat. There will be time for individual introductions, as Jane will not be leaving the Capitol until after the Ceremony.”

We took our seats and began our Meal. I was slightly less disappointed in the food, and intended to see about improving the food quality. The Second Princess couldn’t wait to pipe up, looking slightly older than Adel, she was nevertheless beautiful in her own right. “My Dear Future Sister, please permit me to introduce myself; I am the Second Princess, Cassandra Marion. I look forward to hearing all about how your Democratic Republic works, and any differences in lifestyles of the people, not the Nobles.”

I chuckled a little and smiled. “There are no Nobles, only elected officials. Typically from wealthy families, the people vote them into office, usually by telling the best lies. Promising improvements on Taxes, or Education, lowering the unemployment rate, increasing the minimum wage, and better healthcare, whatever they think will set the hook. Yet even knowing they’re telling lies, we still vote them in. It’s by no means a better system. Sounds great on paper, but when push comes to shove, all systems fail in the end. The first King earned their title, was given it by the People, but with every generation, the children get more spoiled, and the greed takes a firmer hold, losing the old Nobility, and becoming Nobles in name only.”

Cassandra blinked. “Truly, you believe that will happen?”

I nodded. “It will take centuries, but Parents tend to spoil their children, especially if they feel guilty about spending so much time working, as a Nation’s Ruler has to do almost all the time. I’m sure that as much as you love your Father and Mother, neither can spend nearly enough time with you for your personal preference. Especially when you were little. So they’d get you a Pony, or a new Dress, a Fancy Toy, that super rare Book, whatever they think will make you smile, because they don’t know how to interact with you, they never had the chance to learn.”

The King and Queen looked amazed at me. “That is exactly what we did! Was that truly the wrong thing?”

I smiled. “So far, I don’t think it did much harm. It’s when Generations repeat the cycle. It’s like a mild poison; it doesn’t kill right away, but your child is weaker than you were, and their children become weaker still. Presents should only be for Birthdays, special Holidays, or if you come home from a long trip, a small souvenir to show you wished you could have taken them with you. Anything else must be earned as a reward for excellent work in studies, being better at archery or swordsmanship than a person their age is expected to be. Every child needs responsibilities too, chores, splitting wood, making their bed, and cleaning their clothes. Sewing clothes, not needle-point. Cooking meals on Occasion, everybody should know how to cook, and where food comes from. Wealthy people tend to believe that farming is easy, because it takes no education. Farmers have years of education in their trade, there’s so much more information to teach a Farmer than even the King himself. It’s also a labor-intensive job, more difficult than even being a Knight if less dangerous. It’s truly back-breaking labor, and that’s before transporting the harvest to market. If you don’t understand the value of the common people, you have no right to rule them. The most important thing for any child is to be told NO often. That one little word is Vital to a healthy child’s growth.”

Though most Nobles were shocked at my words, the King and Queen both nodded in understanding and complete agreement. “Your words are very wise. I apologize to you, my beloved daughters, I truly wish I could have given you all the time you deserved.”

The shock faded as the Nobles realized I was talking about a future disaster that needed to be avoided, and how to do so. “I presume you will be a doting parent when your children are born. Will you help with your new Siblings' children as well?”

The Queen’s question seemed almost laughable. “Naturally, Queen Mother, I will cherish all my nieces and nephews, and my new Siblings as well. Family is precious to me, and I lost all mine from before. Outliving your blood is not a pleasant experience. You will find nobody as Loyal as me as a direct result of simply being Family.”

Once Breakfast was finished, I asked to be excused to the Kitchens for a moment. Confused, the Queen, Alian, as well as Jeanette decided to follow me to see what I was about. I entered the Kitchen to the surprise of the entire Kitchen Staff.

I pointed at several ingredients and asked for a portion, then I went just outside into the Kale Yard, where I found several Herbs growing wild, and to my absolute joy, a Potato Plant. I harvested everything I wanted, returned inside, and quickly prepared a dish. The Staff was watching in wrapped attention, and the surprise of the herbs was only paled by that of the Potato. I cooked those separately with some of the herbs. I took a test bite once the Potato was done, and focused on the taste. Once I was satisfied that it was the same as I remembered from home, I added Onions, and some of the Mushrooms they had to that. Once everything was done, I turned to my Audience.

“Ok, everyone, come and give it a taste.” All the staff rushed, only to freeze, as they remembered that the Queen and Princess were present.

“Please, your Ladyships, you should taste first if you intend to do so.” The head of the Kitchen stated with a determined grace. The Queen stepped up and took a mouthful of each, eyes widening in pleasure with each dish; Alian also sampled each dish, as did Jeanette.

“That is Marvelous, if I wasn’t already full from Breakfast, I doubt I could have refrained from eating the full amount. You must all try this, and perhaps we can learn some of Jane’s cooking secrets for the Court, I certainly hope it’s possible.”

With permission given, the Staff swarmed on the dishes and finished both off. “Well, opinions, and do you think you can copy those dishes on your own?”

“It’s Marvelous, Mistress Jane, I heard your introduction speech, so I know not to call you by Noble titles until after the Wedding. In the interim, perhaps you wouldn’t mind teaching me a menu for the Wedding?! PLEASE teach me!”

I smiled. “I’ll be glad to give you as many secrets as I can remember. I’m no Chef, so I’m sure you can take whatever I give you and improve upon it. I wish I could get a Dehydrator setup, so we could preserve some of those herbs for the winter.”

She looked confused. “What’s a Dehydrator?” I explained the concept and how removing the moisture keeps it from rotting, and intensifies the flavor for up to half a year. She seemed excited, especially when I told her it could make Jerky, which is a food that didn’t exist. The Head of the Kitchen said that what she tried had given her ideas of improvements for all her dishes, and she was certain that lunch and dinner both would be greatly improved. As I was walking to leave the Kitchen, something caught my eye, and I whirled back to the Kale Yard. I ran outside to a bush growing like a weed at the very limit of the patch, right next to a wall.

“Jalapenos!” I grabbed one decent-sized pepper, and another Potato, and enough herbs, popped back into the Kitchen, and quickly made a new Potato dish, using the Jalapeno as well. “Try this one!”

Everyone, Royals first, followed by Jeanette, sampled the new dish, and marveled at the Spicy Flavor that now filled their mouths. “Marvelous! To think something so tasty was growing like a Weed in our Kale Yard.” The Queen and Head of the Kitchen seemed to agree. “If we make some cooking oil from plants, we can pulp the Jalapenos and mix them with the Oil, and some Vinegar, then it can be used as a sauce. Adding it to dishes that need a little kick. Just make sure to let one or two peppers ripen fully, so you can use their seeds for next year.”

Now we did leave the Kitchen, and the excited Kitchen Staff started brainstorming improvements for their future dishes. “That’s going to improve things so much, I truly thank you for teaching our Kitchen Staff. Your Nation must have had many different foods, I look forward to sampling more. The Wedding Feast will be Amazing, and I have no clue what it’s even going to be.”

Queen Vanessa stated enthusiastically. I grinned impishly. “That’s the first thing I’ve eaten that wasn’t bland. Even if it was only a bite of each thing I made. This is purely for self-interest, despite how good it’s going to be for everyone else. Also, my Bride deserves good food at her Wedding, not to mention all the time.” I looked fondly at both my Lovers. "I’d like to go to the Guild Branch for the Escort Reward, I still owe Jeanette, and I might want to buy something in town too.”

Vanessa nodded. “I’ll arrange an escort, I know you’re not a Noble, and you can take care of yourselves, but you’re going to have to get used to being escorted around, and besides, you don’t know the city. I also want some assurance that you will return home tonight.”

She chuckled with a genuine affection, and understanding how uncomfortable I was with all the Pomp and Circumstance. “Can you at least choose an escort that isn’t used to being formal yet?”

She nodded. “That I can manage, most nobles dislike them, and usually there’s only one in any detail, as long as the Captain of your detail is more proper, to maintain discipline when needed, that solves more problems than it causes.”

With a snap of her fingers, she summoned a runner and gave her instructions for my detail. “Mother, may I attend Jane on her tasks?”

I subtly shook my head and winked at the Queen. “I think not, Alian, with the attempt on Jane’s life, and the seemingly connected bandit attack, having both of you out of the Palace at the same time, is just asking for trouble. We must wait for the results of the Interrogation.”

Alian looked sad, but understanding. “Please don’t take all day, being separated feels like it will be horrid. Is it strange I’m already that attached to you?”

“Not too odd, though the intensity is higher than I would have expected back home. However, I think maybe it’s because my Scent might be stronger, and affecting you. Making both of you more, I don’t know, Aware of your feelings, and less willing to delay anything.”