Plans for the future

Cerebrius sat on the ottoman rug which adorned the floor. An older female physician caressed his face as she spread gauze. Her eyes were star struck as she looked at him. How shameless!

I felt a bitter feeling like I wanted to push the woman away from Cerebrius. He then looked at me and smirked. He put his arm around the physician's shoulders and whispered something in her ear. Her pale face turned red as she giggled.

Why did I feel so annoyed? I turned my face and walked over to one of the chairs next to Varkish. Varkish sat on his throne with Cerebrius's subordinate kneeling in front of him. Varkish smiled at me before looking at the subordinate.

"What is your name and what business do you have with me?"

The subordinate shook in fear as he stuttered.

"Mmm-y nammme isss."

I started to pity the man. Maybe he actually came to provide a message from Cerebrius. But if he wanted to why did he walk in such a domineering manner earlier?

"Calm down man. Take a deep breath then answer me clearly. I have no patience for insolence."

I nodded and smiled at Varkish's behavior. He truly was a man worth being a leader of the great elephant clan. Alesha, Darsha, and Varsha sat quietly on the floor next to me. I just wanted to pinch their cheeks. They were so adorable! I felt like I was their mother!

The subordinate then raised his head and answered calmly.

"My name is Jucious Lilton. I am the right hand man to the great Cerebrius. I have come here today to scribe the contract and make a copy of it for the vulture clan records. I deeply apologize if I have offended you of the leader of the fox clan in any way."

Hmm. So this man can be eloquent as well as ruthless. I looked over at Cerebrius. The female physician handed him a paper before leaving. He snickered as his eyes met mine. I scowled. He was busy meeting women during a crucial time as this.

Varkish motioned for one of his guards to come over. He then ordered him to bring the alliance contract over. Once it was brought, the scribe began to diligently copy down the words on a papyrus sheet. I felt sympathy for how he was misunderstood. He was just a hard-working man doing his job.

I stood up from my chair and walked over to Jucious. I stopped a meter away from him and knelt on the ground. Then I bowed my head and felt my forehead kiss the floor.

"I Cherura Lutious apologize for my crass behavior. I should have allowed you time to explain the situation instead of acting in that way. Please forgive me."

Jucious waved his hands as his pale face flushed. His emerald eyes moistened as tears fell from them.

"No, no, please do not give a lowly man such as me such an honor. I may have acted out of turn. Please stand."

I stood up and patted his head with a smile.

"Jucious?"

He looked up to me as he wiped his tears away.

"Never think of yourself as lowly. Every person in the Animaliari Kingdom no matter the status has value. You are all important to me and are my family. I think of you as my brother."

Jucious smiled and clasped my hands in his as he answered.

"I am honored to be a brother to a lady such as yourself."

Warmth filled me. If I can u want to increase my circle of people I trust. I understand that I need to open up more to who surround me.

Cerebrius then slapped Jucious's back and looked at me.

"Now Cherura, have you finally forgiven my subordinate?"

I nodded and turned my face away from Cerebrius. I don't understand why I still felt bitter.

"Who said that you could address me casually with my first name?"

Cerebrius chuckled and walked over to me. He touched his soft lips to my right cheek then whispered.

"I apologize my lady, are you still angry with me? If you are I can continue to kiss you until you are appeased?"

I pushed him away as I felt my face flush.

"Varkish! Send this crazy, harassing man away. I have to discuss something with you!"

Cerebrius chuckled once more at my outburst and turned to Varkish who sat amused on his throne.

"Varkish, I and my subordinate shall now take our leave. We will return in three days time to discuss the specifics of the alliance."

Cerebrius and Jucious bowed before leaving. Cerebrius stopped before opening the door and looked at me.

"Do not forget me Lady Cherura, after all you are the first prey to escape my clutches."

He laughed as another one of my daggers flew in the air and hit the wall next to him. He waved at me before closing the door behind him.

Varkish looked at me and then fell on the floor rolling in laughter. My already flushed face was now boiling from the embarrassment that I had just faced. I walked to the end of the room and pulled my two daggers from the wall. I then put them back into the straps around my thighs slightly exposed with the silts of my skirt.

As I walked back to the laughing Varkish I was in turmoil. Why did my heart flutter at the mere sight of Cerebrius? Is this what the elders call love or is it just curiosity?

I rolled up my silk sleeves and stood next to the laughing Varkish. I chuckled evilly as I cracked my knuckles. Varkish stopped laughing immediately.

"Cherura! No, please! I apologize please have mercy on me!"

Alesha, Darsha, and Varsha laughed as Varkish's pleas rose into the air. The sun outside peeking in through the windows around the room.

Despite the happiness I felt,for some reason an ominous feeling filled my heart. I feel like this was the last time that I was going to laugh for a long time.

.........

My luvs! Thank you all for reading and your support! Please stay safe! Fourth day in quarantine❤️😷