She Made Her Choice
Chapter 3
That did NOT come out the way it was supposed to. She was frozen staring into the purple carpet wishing the earth would open up and swallow her. Composure gone the short fur of her tail bushed while her mind raced as she tried to remember the proper phrase that she had been taught to say when this time came. An embarrassed cough to her right snapped her back to reality. Remaining where she had knelt, she waited.
She didn't have to wait long. ``Princess Silvana, please stand,'' the voice directly ahead stated firmly, though maybe a little choked.
She did so, for the first time laying eyes upon the king of Aldenea. He was handsome. A well defined muzzle bellow yellow eyes displaying an emotion Melna couldn't identify. Reddish-brown fur stained his cheeks and a cream color ran from his chin and down his neck past the collar of his robe. Black hair was combed straight back the simple gold circlet standing out like a beacon. Her heart leapt, there was no ring in his left ear, she might not have to contend with a mate-- or did they do earrings here?
King Tomlin stood from his throne gathering the sleeves of his robe. ``I think this is a conversation best had in the conference room. Guards, please escort the princess. I shall join you presently.''
``Princess, please come this way.'' Melna turned to look up at Dennara. Did her lip just twitch? Dennara kept her vision locked on a point above her head as she gestured out the door they had entered. Yezni exited first and Melna followed. She wanted to run down the hall back to her room and hide under some bed sheets. Too late now, too late a long time ago. She followed the giantess down a hallway immediately to the right of the throne room door.
Staring at the red-coated back she walked in a daze dreading what was to come. She'd had this feeling once before in her life. Eleven years old, the sequestered princess had grown tired of the bleak walls of her gilded cage. Hatching a brilliant plan of escape she had stashed a rope and a gardening rake to use as a grappling hook like in the comics she'd read. Melna had been caught before her feet left the ground. Sally was most displeased. It hadn't been all for naught, though. Two months later she was allowed to be taken to the Silvanen history museum. That had been fun.
The conference room was dim and cozy-feeling. Dark wood paneling covered the walls and the lights were recessed in the ceiling. The room was dominated by a long table surrounded by thick leather chairs. Dennara closed the door behind the trio as Yezni lead her to a seat near the middle of the table. Seating herself in the plush chair she turned her head at the sound of the door opening again. In strode the king accompanied by two absolute mountains in dress uniforms. Dennara and Yezni stood at a stiff attention to either side of Melna bowing deeply when the king took his seat.
Setting some papers on the table in front of himself king Tomlin looked her in the eye before letting out a breath. ``I often have women asking to have my children but I think that's been the most bold declaration so far.''
Melna's looked down at the table ears hot. ``Your majesty, I beg forgiveness for that display. The last few days have been hectic and I did not phrase my request properly.'' She looked back up at an honest face with an easy smile.
Leaning back the king tilted his head. ``All is forgiven, through I think you shall be in the news headlines for some time.'' He pursed his lips and glanced at Dennara. Looking back at the princess he asked, ``All things considered, would you like to postpone this meeting until tomorrow so that you can get some rest?''
``No!'' The word was out before Melna realized the meaning of the question. Melna found herself clutching tightly to the edge of the table. A sound behind the king drew her attention. She saw the guards had moved their paws to sidearms in holsters. She took a deep breath. ``Apologies. No, your majesty, I've waited long enough. This is a conversation I need to have now.'' Before I lose my nerve, she didn't say out loud.
The king nodded. ``Alight then. Now I must ask: what was the proper phrase?''
Looking into his eyes-- they were golden in this light-- she finally said the words that had been recited to her many times throughout her life. ``My lord, it is my wish to bestow upon you the title of Chieftain of all Silvana. For you to succeed in this you must give me a child."
The words seemed to hang in the air like a morning fog. King Tomlin's face sobered. Melna kept her face steady internally praying she would not be rejected outright.
He took a deep breath. ``Before I decide on anything I think I'm going to have to hear an explanation.''
This was a step in the right direction, a small step. She mentally gathered herself placing her paws flat on the tabletop and sitting straight. She'd heard this story so many times she could likely recite it in her sleep. ``As you know, females choose their mates by scent. At the beginning of the tribe of Silvana many millennia ago the tribe's chieftain, Grelbar who first settled the land, declared that his eldest daughter could be the only one capable of choosing a worthy successor. And so it continued: the first daughter of the ruling chieftain chooses her mate and he will be the next chieftain. No mater the lineage the first princess always bares the surname Silvana in recognition of this.''
She stopped for a breath before continuing. ``Many generations later a mate was chosen, Delban. He could sire no children, and history derisively calls Delban 'the impotent.' This lead to the what became known as 'The Age of Wars.' With no daughter to choose the next chieftain there were two generation of factious bloodshed. When finally one man rose to power the council of elders demanded the law of succession be amended. Now the first princess must present herself, pregnant, to the council before any man may become chieftain.''
Her shoulders sagged a little and dropped her gaze to a strange device in the center of the table. With a sigh she looked back into the rapt face of the king. ``And that is where we are now. With my father, Chazuk Lefinda, dead I need to choose a mate and for him to sire my offspring.''
King Tomlin blinked. ``That's quite a tradition you have,'' He rubbed the side of his muzzle. ``But that leads me to my next question.'' Tomlin looked into her eyes with an intensity that made Melna want to curl into a ball under the table. ``Why can't you assume power, be the next chiefess?''
She couldn't look away, he needed to know she was being sincere. ``The short answer is: civil war. I have limited statutory authority and the council of elders would oppose it to the death. While I do have those that would support me in such an act, namely the garrison at the Villa of the Matriarch, the majority of Silvana's military are honor bound to obey only the chieftain. If I attempted to upend millennia-old tradition in such a way, especially now, the reaction could only be violent; another Age of Wars.''
King Tomlin cocked his head. ``You sent those ceasefire orders, how could you do that with your limited authority?''
Melna pressed her lips to a thin line and flared her nostrils. ``The chieftain is dead and the princess calls for a ceasefire? They're going to stand down because there is a remote possibility any male in the nation may be selected as the next leader of Silvana. My garrison should be spreading word that I'm looking for a mate as we speak. If I'm not seen in Silvana or declare an intended soon, the people are going to start getting antsy. I really don't want that.''
Chin in paw king Tomlin stared back with a serious expression. ``Why me?''
This was it. She would plead her case then it would be out of her paws, everything would rest on his decision. ``Because you are the king of Aldenea. As chieftain you will have the unquestioning loyalty of all of the military. You can dissolve the council of elders, and Aldenea can absorb Silvana ending the tradition that has kept me sequestered for my entire life.''
He stared back, wide eyed. ``You want to hand your nation over to your enemy?''
Melna shook her head. ``You and your citizens are not my enemy. They are the enemy of my father and the council of elders. Momma Sally, I'm sorry, general Banchet says that...'' She cut off when he straightened with a look of interest.
``General Sally Banchet?'' His eyes darted to Melna's left and up. She turned her head to catch Dennara slowly nodding back at him.
Turning back with a puzzled look she replied, ``Yes?''
``You call her 'Momma Sally'?''
She was still confused. ``She raised me after my mother passed away. Sally says they were good friends when they were younger. She commanded the garrison at the villa. Is there something I'm missing, your majesty?''
King Tomlin stared off in the distance for some time. ``General Sally Banchet is widely known as one of the top fifty military commanders in history. She wrote a book a little over a hundred years ago that is still required reading at South Crossing Military Academy and the battle of Tellara is often the topic of senior projects. She basically disappeared about twenty-five years ago. She's been raising you and commanding a small garrison all this time?''
Melna gave the king a stern look. ``Word of warning, your majesty, don't bring up the battle of Tellara around her. She's still upset she couldn't pull that squad out of the bunker.'' With a deep breath she continued. ``Momma Sally was my mother's friend. After my mother passed my father... Sally says he changed. My mother had been a voice of reason for him but with her gone the council of elders began planting seeds in my father's mind.
``General Banchet opposed the council on many things before my mother died and they wanted rid of her. She also feared for my safety, in that I may have been forced to take a mate that the council chose. In a way to protect us both she convinced my father to assign her as commander of my garrison, paw-picking the soldiers stationed there.''
King Tomlin leaned forward elbows on the table. ``Did general Banchet give you the idea to choose me?''
Melna smiled with a slow blink at the king. ``Not at all, never even a suggestion. Momma Sally was always adamant that I must choose who I thought would be the best for Silvana. For the reasons I gave earlier I honestly believe that is you.''
King Tomlin leaned back in the chair, tapping a finger to his nose, looking down at the table deep in thought. ``This has been an enlightening discussion, princess, and one that I'm going to have to think long and hard over.''
``Your majesty, I never asked, do you have a mate or lover?''
He looked up at her in mild surprise. ``As a matter of fact, I do not. Offers have been made, of course, but nothing that I would consider serious. Mostly just plays for political power and status.''
The corners of Melna's mouth turned down. ``This offer is serious, your majesty and I'm not looking to power or status. My next estrus is in thirty-six days and I've never been with a man. I beg that you make a decision soon.''
A solemn smirk spread across his lips. ``Less than a month to decide if I want to be a dad and expand my kingdom. You drive a hard sell, princess.''
She gave a quiet laugh. ``Desperate times and all that. Please, for my people, your majesty.''
``You will have my answer in less than two tendays.'' He glanced down at one of the papers he'd brought. ``I'd like to have supper with you in two days. For a, hopefully, less serious conversation. Maybe even some small talk.'' That got a smile from her.
With a deep breath she asked, ``I would be happy to join you, but until I have your answer may I send word that I have declared an intended? You will not be named, these things are kept secret until announced to the council to protect the potential successor. If nothing else it will buy us some time by keeping the people placated.''
After a moment's thought he replied, ``Yes, do so. Anything to keep fighting from breaking out. Unfortunately, now I need to get back to other business.'' He rose from his seat and Melna followed suit.
``Before you leave, your majesty, may I?'' She held out paw a short distance toward him, cognizant of the guards standing behind him.
Another smirk, this one much less solemn. ``I suppose its only right.'' He reached a paw across the table, she took it gently and leaned down inhaling deeply near his wrist. She felt a razor line rise down her back tail bushing. She'd never done this before to know what was supposed to happen but some animal part of her brain was screaming to hold onto this man. ``That bad, huh?''
Standing straight and looking back into the gold eyes it took a moment to calm the waves moving down her spine. ``Not at all, your highness, I, umm,'' she cleared her throat. ``I pray that you take me up on my offer, for the good of all of us.'' She belatedly realized she was still holding his paw in hers. Upon release it drew back slowly.
He stared into her eyes as if looking in to her soul with a fascinated expression. He blinked with an almost imperceptible shake of his head. ``You will have my answer soon, princess. I bid you good aftermid.'' He dipped his head to her and turned to leave the room stopping in the doorway. ``Princess, I just wanted to say, that outfit is quite becoming on you.''
Ears hot again her eyes followed him until the door shut behind the guards that trailed after. Giving herself a shake she turned to Dennara. ``Back to my room then?'' The green-eyed guard nodded turning to lead the way back down the hall.
She felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Part of her wanted to twirl every third step. King Tomlin hadn't immediately rejected her, but he also had not immediately accepted her offer. This was a good sign that he was taking her seriously. She wouldn't say she was in love with the king already, not after a half hour conversation and a pleasant hit of pheromones. Melna wasn't naive enough to believe the fairy tales, honest. She would be willing to admit she was quite enamored with the idea of the king.
Swept up in amorous thoughts she didn't notice they had arrived at her room until Dennara opened the door. On entering the room she saw Wilhemina standing while holding a salute. Dennara returned it. ``'I Love Lana' again, captain?''
Wilhemina dropped her arm, the picture of military discipline, ``No, colonel.''
Melna looked between the two women, there was something there, some inside joke or subtext, but it was lost on her to see it. Dennara continued into the room, Melna and Yezni following. She separated from her two guards to get her bag, she wanted to change her clothes now that the ceremonies were over. It wasn't where she left it on top of the strange, dark fish bowl in the wooden box, she looked around confused.
``Princess, your things have been moved to the bedroom.'' Wilhemina stated, moving to open the door.
``Oh, thank you.'' These women were still intimidating. Nodding to the guard she stepped into the spacious bedroom. Her bag was on the bed along with a thick, paper box.
She could hear Dennara speaking to Wilhemina and Yezni in the sitting room. Muffled words ending with, ``Captain Krinchen, you are dismissed, Captain Buntar to your post.'' She heard the door to the hall open and shut. She peeked out of the bedroom and saw Dennara enter a room across from hers, closing the door behind her.
Returning to the mystery box she opened it to find more clothing. Removing the piece on top she unfolded it to find a Silvanen style fenner in a turquoise with small diamond designs. Pulling out more pieces she found it was all familiar styles of clothing but, different. It was like someone had heard about Silvanen women's wear and tried to reproduce it.
They were all lovely in a variety of colors. Maybe after this mess was over she could bring some back, she knew several of her maids that would be delighted. Picking up a nice set in purple she folded them over her arm and walked to the washroom. Setting the new clothes on the bench she caught her reflection in the mirror. She didn't see a child that had gotten into her mother's wardrobe anymore. What stared back was a tired young woman with a spark of hope behind her eyes.
Even with the embarrassing declaration she had made to the king, today had been a good day. She removed her mother's formal wear folding it neatly on the bench she made a trip to the restroom. Stepping out again she noticed she was still wearing the breast chain. Carefully unclipping it she examined it in her palm. She pressed it to her cheek. ``Mother, please watch over me, and if you could give the king a nudge in my direction I'd appreciated it.''
Dressing herself she looked again in the mirror. The fenner was a touch shorter, hanging to her ankles six inches above the floor. She hadn't noticed before but the color was a fade, lighter at the top to darker at the bottom where it flared out slightly. The gint hung a little further down her chest and the sleeves reached to her elbows. Yes, she'd be bringing several of these back. Jesha, Milty, and Sandra would love them.
Carefully gathering her clothes and jewelry she stepped out of the washroom. She stopped when she saw Dennara, again in her black uniform, sitting on the couch reading. Looking up from her book she blinked. ``So you liked the new clothes?''
Melna gaped for a moment, surprised at how casually she'd asked the question. She felt a bit shy at being put on the spot. ``Yes, they're all beautiful. You knew about them? I just found the box in the room when we got back.''
She closed the book on a finger to keep her page. ``Wilhemina told me the maids had dropped by with a 'welcome to Aldenea' gift. Looks to me like miss Massey has taken a liking to you.''
Melna's demeanor brightened. ``She seemed quite nice.'' She remembered the clothes in her arms. ``I'm going to put these away.'' Dennara nodded with a slight smile and returned to her book.
Returning to her bedroom she found a dresser. Carefully placing her formal clothing in the top drawer she pulled the breast chain out placing it on top, she would wear it to dinner with the king. She put the rest of the clothes away in various drawers. Taking a deep breath and gave herself a little bounce. The waiting game had begun. She was good at waiting. She'd spent most of her life waiting, but now the end was in sight.
Strolling back into the sitting room she plopped her tail in a large armchair and curled her legs under her. She tilted her head to see the book Dennara was reading, the title was small but the author's name was clearly visible: Sally Banchet. Surprised, she asked before thinking, ``You have momma's book?'' Gritting her teeth at her rudeness but unable to take it back she gave Dennara time to answer.
``Yes, they keep a copy in the library. I read it at the academy, of course, but after your conversation with the king I thought I would read it again.''
``I liked chapter twelve the best.''
Giving Melna a squint she turned to the contents page. ``Honor thy enemy.'' She read aloud and looked back up.
``It details the treatment of the Tiradellan prisoners,'' Melna explained. ``Coercion tactics work over the short term but treat the lower ranks with enough respect they tend to be less willing to fight later. Show them they're fighting other inzri, not monsters. Officers and the heavily indoctrinated are a tougher nut to crack, though.''
Dennara set the book down and leaned forward to rest elbows on knees. ``You say general Banchet raised you. I'm curious what you learned from her.''
A little surprised at the intense look of curiosity Melna hoped her reply wouldn't be too disappointing. ``Momma Sally was... momma Sally. She taught me to brush my teeth, clean my room, to find a female friend before going in heat, and what was expected of me when I reached this point in my life. She didn't like to talk about her time before commanding the villa garrison. I learned more about her military career from that book,'' nodding to the copy of 'Called Further' on the table, ``than I did from her or the guards.''
Giving the smaller woman a rueful grin, Dennara replied, ``She must have cared for you greatly.''
Melna smiled looking into the distance, ``Yes, though my mother more so, I think. I get the idea she wanted to retire. Protecting me at the villa was the closest she could get at the time. She did speak of her mate and sons quite a bit, though.''
Dennara leaned back on the couch. ``Its always an interesting feeling when you find out someone of renown is an actual person. They had a life outside of what's recorded in the history books.''
``I think momma Sally was as at home in the kitchen as she was on the parade grounds.'' Her mood was dulled by the talk. She suddenly wanted to go home and have some fresh baked cookies. Ruminations were averted by a soft knock at the door.
Dennara rose from the couch posture stiffening. ``Enter.''
Jenna breezed into the room with a broad smile and two leather bound booklets. ``Good aftermid, ladies. I was informed that you haven't had a chance to eat yet today, so we thought we would bump up the schedule on the evening meal.'' Melna's stomach suddenly reminded her that food was necessary for life. ``Here's some menus you can order from.'' Jenna handed to booklets to Dennara looking back to Melna, blue eyes brightening. ``Oh, did you like the clothes we brought you? Amber saw you only had a few outfits with you and thought you could use some more while you're here.''
Ears warming from the attention Melna stood up and turned in place once. ``Yes, thank you very much.''
``Silvanen fashion was a bit of a fad a few decades ago, a lot of stores still sell such clothes. We thought you'd like something you're familiar with,'' She replied cheerfully.
Nodding gratefully to the woman in the red shirt her gaze traveled down just now noticing a roundness in her midsection. ``I am quite thankful for your generosity. Everyone has been most hospitable to me ever since I've left home.''
Jenna gave Melna the kind of smile that only a person with great authority can muster. ``You are an honored guest in this palace, and we intend to live up to the expectations of such.'' Bowing with a flourish and straightening with a mirthful grin. Melna giggled. ``Well anyway, ladies, when you decide what you would like to have just give us a buzz.'' Nodding to Melna she left the room.
Still holding the menus Dennara watched the maid leave. A smile spread across her stern visage. ``You have nothing to worry about here.''
She was again surprised. ``How so?''
Handing one of the menus to Melna she sat down again. ``She rarely takes such an interest to our foreign visitors.'' Melna looked up as she crawled back into the armchair. ``If the maid staff had ranks she would be general Massey and be too busy commanding the troops to personally greet the visitors. You can believe that you will be well cared for while you'e here.'' Dennara finished, cracking open the menu.
Melna looked at the door, here less than a day and had already befriended the head of the maid staff? She shook her head opening her menu as well.
***
Jenna had delivered the food they had ordered. The food was delicious and when it was gone Melna hadn't been able to decide if she'd prefer a book or a nap. Instead she settled into a long conversation with Dennara, topics ranging from the villa to the military academy. It was nice knowing the stern woman wasn't just a golem in a uniform.
Dennara looked at the clock, Melna looked up as well. It was almost hour twenty-one. Dennara seemed to think for a moment before looking at the princess. ``I think I know something you'd enjoy.'' She got up and turned a small wheel on the front of the weird fish bowl. Melna almost jumped out of the seat when the glass flashed white for an instant then seemed to settle into a series of monochrome images. Moving photographs!
Melna wondered at the machine while Dennara turned another knob and the box started making the sounds of people talking. It was like she walked in to the middle of a conversation before the glass bubble dimmed again, brightening again with a heart symbol with the words 'I Love Lana' in curly handwriting with music playing. The tall soldier sat down again looking at Melna sitting with mouth open in amazement. ``I can try to explain how it all works later. For now think of it like watching a play.''
Looking over an nodding she returned her eyes to the magic of technology. The play revolved around two couples arguing over who had the harder jobs. The women worked as maids in the palace, the men worked at some kind of factory. They finally decided to switch jobs and both pairs failing miserably. Melna was delighted to see Jenna haranguing the men about the time it was taking them to mop all the while the women were lost trying to put small parts into bags while they fly by on an absurdly fast conveyor belt. A lot of it didn't make sense to her simply because she didn't know what 'that' was, but the slapstick humor made up for it. At the end of it everyone came home and promised not to deride the others' jobs again.
``That was funny, is there more?'' Melna asked, wide eyed.
``They make a new episode each tenday. There's a different show coming next, though. I think you'll like it too.''
They next watched 'The Billy Joysen Show.' This had a series of acts that reminded Melna of New Years' Harvest celebrations when children were allowed to visit the villa to perform plays for herself, the guards, and maid staff. That thought jolted her back to reality, looking up at the clock; hour twenty-two. ``Dennara, I need to write a letter.'' She said. She needed to tell Sally that negotiations had started with her 'intended.' Sally could likely deduce who she was talking about but would keep that information to herself.
Dennara stood up to turn off the 'fish bowl,' Melna would have to ask the name of the device later. ``There's a small desk in your bedroom. Paper and pens should be there as well as an envelope. Don't seal the envelope, currently any correspondence will need to be inspected before it can be sent. Do you understand?'' Back to the stern soldier persona.
``Yes ma'am. I just need to let momma Sally know that I have chosen someone to be my mate. I don't need to go into more details than that.''
Dennara nodded and Melna retreated to her bedroom. Finding the desk in the corner she turned on the lamp and dug through the drawers. Finding paper and a pen she sat back to think how to phrase what she needed to say. Stretching her fingers she began to write.
To the People of Silvana,
I, Princess Melna Silvana, daughter of Princess Serella Silvana by Chieftain Chazuk Lefinda, do hereby declare that I have chosen the man intended as my mate and sire of my children. The identity of this man will be revealed when I, accordance with the Silvanen Law of Succession, do present myself to the Council of Elders bearing my firstborn. On that day this man shall succeed to the title of Chieftain of all Silvana.
I beg you be assured with the knowledge that I am safe and do hold the people of Silvana in my heart. Please be at peace in these troubling times.
Your servant,
Princess Melna Silvana
It took six tries to write out the letter in formal script with no mistakes. She was frustrated at the number of times she'd referred to the king as her ``indented.'' Her paw hurt. She delicately folded the paper making sure not to bend on any of the lines of text and slid it into an envelope. She addressed it simply 'General Sally Banchet' not knowing if Sally would have remained at the villa or needed to move elsewhere. Momma Sally would know how to get the word out.
With a deep sigh she stood picking up the envelope by a corner and returned to the sitting room. Dennara again looked up from her book. ``Please have the inspectors be careful when they read this, when it gets back to Silvana copies will be made and distributed. If I need to change anything please have them bring it back and tell me. I'd rather not spend a significant amount of time trying to figure out what censors don't want me to say.''
Dennara cocked her head. ``Don't like playing thirty questions?''
Shaking her head she replied, ``put simply, I'm not a fan of bureaucracy.''
That got a smirk. ``That's understandable.''
Melna looked up at the clock, it was twenty-five thirty already. She closed her eyes and sagged. ``It's been a very long day. I think I'll take a shower and go to bed.''
``Very good, princess. I'll be staying in the other bedroom for the time being. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask.''
Inhaling deeply, ``Dennara, in private please call me Melna. Everyone at the villa did when they thought no one else was around. I never really liked the title.''
Dennara stared mouth working for some time as she regarded the young woman. ``Alright, Melna.''
With a tired smiled and a nod she turned for the washroom. Stripping out of the gifted clothing she confidently approached the shower. It wasn't nearly as scary this time. Turning the right knob slightly to begin a the flow of warm water then turning the left to adjust the mix. Slowly she turned up the pressure until she had a comfortable stream flowing down her body. She turned the hot water up just a touch higher she let the stream soak into her dark blue fur.
She took some of the liquid soap and worked it over her body. Her fingers slid over her fur-covered nipples and the gold rings that hung from them. Those piercings had been second only to the time she'd disturbed a wasp nest in terms of most painful experiences but without them she wouldn't have been able to wear her mother's chain. She ran soapy fingers through her long white-blue hair. Maybe she could get a hair cut. Some of her maids at the villa had started wearing a shoulder length cut with part hanging to either side of their faces. It had looked good on them.
Working down her legs and tail she at last stood up and leaned against the wall. Turning the hot water a little higher again she let the warmth flow around her soothing aching muscles. She lingered for a long time still wishing for a bath. Tiredness caught up to her and she shut off the water. Sitting on the bench she dried herself with a clean towel. Completing the process she stepped to the sink. Someone had left a small box with the image of a toothbrush there along with a tube labeled as toothpaste. She brushed her teeth as she had been taught, ``a princess should have clean teeth'' was something she'd often heard.
Finally done cleaning herself she gathered her clothes and left the washroom in bare fur. Dennara was still on the couch reading. ``Good night, Dennara.''
``Good night, Melna,'' came her reply. Happy at getting her wish she wandered into the bedroom closing the door behind her.
One last thing to do, she dug the brush out of a dresser drawer she'd put it in earlier and sat on the bed. Long strokes through her fur were almost hypnotizing. Her mind slipped into an almost dream state where she imagined Sally sitting with her singing quietly as she brushed her adopted daughter. I'll see her again someday. Momma Sally wouldn't just let me leave forever. When she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore she set the brush on the bedside table and crawled under the blankets. She curled up with a pillow against her chest wrapping her tail around her so she could hold the tip in her right paw. Sleep was not long in coming.
