An eccentric bunch

Flames surrounded me. I couldn't scream as the ash and smoke filled my throat. My vision blurred as my eyes burned.

Someone help me! The flames only seemed to intensify. Something heavy was on my leg preventing me from moving. Tears fell down my cheeks as helplessness filled me. I had to do something or it was all over for me.

Two figures laid immobile in front of me. I reached my hand towards them. I have to save them. I looked up to see a towering figure. A shin object blocked my vision. Was it a sword pointed at me? Desperately I grabbed at the rug under me so that I could stand.

The sound of boots hitting the floor filled my ears. My lungs felt as if they were about to burst.

The figure then sat in front of me and whispered in my ear.

"Little girl, I will spare you today for you have caught my attention. But heed my words. One day I will come back when you are stronger and at that time I will not be as merciful. Don't disappoint me."

I was finally able to say something as the figure's back continued to leave my line of sight.

"Give then back! Give me back my pa-"

"Miss! Miss! Please wake up!"

I opened my eyes and screamed as I suddenly sat up. The silk which covered my body stuck to my body from the sweat. I moved my limp bangs from my line of sight. I sat back in surprise.

There were about ten people standing in the room. The three maids and seven young men. Who were these people again?

At that moment all of the events flashed before my eyes. I sighed.

What am I sighing for? I am the rightful queen of the fox clan. What am I doing here dreaming of unwanted memories!

I then slapped myself on both cheeks and stood up. I turned to see the look of horror on the onlookers face. We stood there staring at each other for a couple of minutes before I chuckled. They must think that I'm some crazy weirdo. Whatever. I am known as the "crazy dog" on he battlefield anyways.

"Where is the clan leader now?"

That statement of mine seemed to wake them up from their stupor. The maids then rushed to my side and held my cheeks.

"Oh miss why are you hurting yourself! You're beautiful skin must not be tarnished! We all shall slap ourselves to feel the same pain as miss."

What the absolute hell. The sound of hands contacting with flesh filled my ears.

"No stop! What are you doing? Did I order you to slap yourselves? Actually did I ever say that you had to share my pain or burden?"

The maids and onlookers nodded as they held their reddened cheeks. I turned to the side. They then tilted their heads to see me. That's it I couldn't hold it in anymore. My laugh vibrated in the room. The maids and onlookers smiled and joined in my laughter.

When was the last time that I laughed like this? Genuinely and without a care ? It felt nice. Suddenly I felt tears fall down my cheeks as I laughed. This was such a beautiful moment. I know that I will treasure it. When I unite the Animaliari kingdom I will not forget the elephant clan's kindness.

After a couple of minutes we sobered up. The onlooking men then left the room and returned with plates or foreign delicacies. The maids then came to my side.

"Alesha how long have I been asleep?"

Alesha nodded and bowed as she answered.

"Only for a day miss."

I nodded. The elephant clan sure puts a lot of emphasis on manners.

"Miss I was so worried when you didn't wake up! You were screaming and crying in your sleep!"

I looked at my hand which was held by Darsha. I smiled and clasped her hand.

"Thank you for worrying about me. I apologize if it had caused you any trouble."

Darsha's skin flushed as she backed away.

"Oh please miss don't make me fall for you. If you were a man I think that I would have fallen in love with you already."

I chuckled.

Varsha sat near the foot of the bed with tears in her eyes. Looking at them I noticed that they were all very young.

I can now tell how to distinguish the three. Alesha was the oldest and taller of the three. She never seemed to talk but I could always see her emerald eyes watch over her two sisters. Darsha was the talkative of the three and the more eccentric. She would always talk for her sisters. The third sister, Varsha was the smallest of the siblings and had large blue eyes that gleamed like sapphires. She would always cry whenever I reacted out of turn. She seemed the most sympathetic of the three.

It felt like I had just gained three sisters. I put my arms around them and whispered

"Thank you."

Varsha started crying while the other two patted my back. I stepped back and wiped my face. The clock at the front of the room read that it was 4 hours past sunrise. I have to conduct an emergency meeting with Varkish the third now. I looked to the maids and they nodded. I had met these girls only a day ago yet they seem to know me so well.

I walked over to the table and started to drool. Another skill which the elephant clan prides themselves in is their ability to produce food which is talked about throughout the whole kingdom. Hmm. In my reign I will hire elephant clan cooks to come to my palace. I smiled at the thought.

But I was too far from my goal. I shouldn't be loitering around eating like I am now.

But the food looks so good! I mean I deserve a break right?

I motioned the maids over with my hand. They stared back in confusion. Today their hair and lower faces weren't covered. So I assume that it was a ritual of respect yesterday.

The three maids came to my side.

"Sit down and eat with me."

A look of shock adorned their faces. I stifled another laugh. They were so adorable.

"Miss I apologize but we can't eat in the presence of you."

Alesha answered sternly but you can sense a feeling of reluctance. Varsha looked at the food with stars in her eyes. What a weird clan. In the fox clan servants and bibles alike eat together rubbing shoulders with no problems. I stood up and looked at them.

"If the three of you don't eat with me I will report this to Varkish the third when I see him later on."

The three maids kneeled and replied.

"We thank the miss for her kindness."

I chuckled. These girls were amusing to watch. The meat melted in my mouth as the spices known to the elephant clan filled my tastebuds. I was about to die from the pleasure.

Alesha ate elegantly using her silverware while Darsha and Varsha grabbed at everything and stuffed their mouths. One look from their sister and they stopped and picked up their silverware.

"I'm sorry to interrupt Miss Cherura but Varkish the third would like to see you now."

I nodded at the man who filled the door to my room. I had just noticed that there was no door but a doorway covered by a thin curtain. Hmm. No privacy I guess.

But it's about damn time. I want to unite the Animaliari Kingdom as soon as possible. My excitement couldn't be contained at the thought of seeing my brother bow to me and call me empress. This is just the beginning.

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Thank you so much for all the support my luvs! I hope that you've enjoyed my story❤️