Prince Ambrus sat in a oversized, plush purple armchair at a dining table, waiting for his sisters. The diminutive panther would've made quite a sight if anyone were around to see him, with his unnaturally silver fur and dark blue spots. In the distance, the church bells rang out the time. "Hrm... over an hour late. Typical. I could have been studying." He attempted to get up from the chair, but found it too plush and soft to get any leverage out of, and realized that he was stuck. He swore loudly. "Damn it! I've told Orban I hate this chair. Why in the hells is it still here?!"
"And I will remind his highness that it is gentle on your frame, and is less likely to cause you pain from prolonged sitting." A towering, muscular german shepherd stepped into the room. He wore a white buttoned shirt and black pants, precisely ironed and free from any sign of a crease. The shepherd bent down to whisper in Ambrus' ear. "Your sisters are here, your highness. Please, do try not to swear in front of them." He stood straight and cleared his throat. "Introducing Princesses Dorika, Katinka, and Sarika!"
"Thank you, Orban..." Ambrus muttered, as the a strong scent of lilacs swept into the room, causing the prince's nose to crinkle in distaste. Dorika was older than Ambrus; a tall black panther with hazel eyes and wearing a pale blue ballgown. She was tailed closely by two nearly identical, much younger panthers. Katinka flagrantly broke societal norms and wore a shirt and pants, while Sarika wore a ballgown similar to Dorika's but in yellow. Ambrus smiled wearily. "Ah, it is good to see you all." Turning to the tallest panther, he gestured to the seat across from him. "Older sister, please, come sit. I haven't seen you in - "
"Over a year, brother?" Dorika said, her lip curling back into a sneer. She arranged herself in the chair. "You didn't even bother to come to your own birthday celebration last month!" his older sister continued, fixing Ambrus with a frosty glare. "You just... hide here, in the manor, doing who knows what... that doesn't help your reputation."
Ambrus' eyebrow twitched. Choosing to interrupt Dorika, he turned to the one of his younger sisters. "Katinka, it's been a long time. You've, ah, grown a lot since I last saw you."
"Yeah! The doctor says I should be taller than you when I'm done growing! Isn't that neat?"
Ambrus plastered on a smile, hiding the anger and envy that boiled inside. "Y-yes, that's... wonderful for you. How exciting!" He ruffled her fur, eliciting a warm purr. Turning to the third sister, he smiled even more broadly. Sarika is shrewd, I mustn't let her notice... "And Sarika, you're looking radiant. You and your sister couldn't be more different, just like Adrian and me. I've always thought it funny how twins can be so distinct from each other."
"You look tired, Ambrus. And did you sprain your wrist again?" Sarika' glowered at him, even more fiercely than Dorika. "You haven't been working out again, have you...? You have!" Her hazel eyes spied the guilt that Ambrus had been trying to hide. "You know that's too much for you\;, you have to take it easy!"
"You couldn't even send a letter. Your brother had to explain your absence - "
" - I can't wait to be as tall as Dorika! I'll bet I'll even be taller - "
" - If you overwork yourself, you'll be sick all the time, and then Orban has to take care of you. You need to learn to be independent - "
"Ambrus!"
"Ambrus!"
"Ambruuus!"
"ENOUGH!" Ambrus roared. "I have been trying to live alongside this blasted curse!" His bared his teeth, sharp and gleaming white, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Slowly, his stare became more pained than enraged, his eyes went misty, and he buried his face in his paws. "Dorika, I did not come for the same reason that I always stay home; the curse makes me feeble. Please do not chastise me for my fatigue and weakness when it is not my fault."
He raised his gaze, turning to the young girl in shirt and pants. "Katinka, I am so, so proud that you will grow up big and strong. But you already are nearly my height, and I will never match my brother for size or stature. It saddens me that you are fourteen, and already nearly taller than I am."
"And Sarika..." Ambrus turned his head and sighed, fixing her with a firm stare. "Sarika, you are a kind girl and a wonderful sister. But kindly leave my health and safety out of your head. I must work hard to gain any physical advantage I can." He shifted, uncomfortable, and saw the girls crumpled into their chairs, chins tucked against their chests. Sarika looked like she was about to cry. Good, they should be - no. No, I don't want to hurt them. "Look..." Ambrus said, hesitating. "W-why don't we have tea? Surely you didn't come here to browbeat me. I would like to simply sit and talk to my sisters. Orban?" The panther raised his voice, and the german shepherd bowed deeply.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Tea, please, and some refreshments. I'm sure my sisters could use it."
"I want cake, please!" Katinka blurted out.
Ambrus smiled. Katinka was easy to please. "Yes, that does sound lovely. If it's not too much trouble, Orban, some cakes as well?"
Orban nodded. "Yes, my lord, I prepared a fresh batch of teacakes this morning. I'll bring them, along with your usual afternoon blend?"
"No, something herbal. They won't want to be up all night."
"Very good, sir. I will return shortly." The butler turned and headed to the kitchens.
"We'll help!" Katinka and Sarika stood up together and went with Orban, tails swaying excitedly.
Orban left, and Ambrus suddenly felt like the walls were closing in on him. Ugh... I wish he could be in two places at once... I hate being alone in social situations... "I, ah, do hope that the tea is to your liking, sister dear."
His older sister sighed. "Ambrus, would you please relax? We're your sisters. You don't need to win us over with an act." Dorika flipped her hair, sounding exasperated. "We care about you a lot, you know. Come on, don't talk so formally. Try again; like you talk to Orban when you think I'm not listening."
Ambrus blinked. "I-I... I hope you like the tea?"
"Much better." Dorika relaxed into her chair. "So, tell me, what do you know of the goings-on in the city?"
The silver-furred panther shrugged. "Nothing of note. I don't have many servants anymore, just Orban, and he doesn't leave without me. And since I don't leave the manor... I don't hear much. It's quite nice; you should try it sometime, if you can live without your gossip."
"You might be interested in this, actually. The Verlevel Sect is stepping up its operations. Witch hunters have put down six cultists in the past two months."
"The blood ritual cult? Why would I care about them? I try to stay as far away from those foul wretches as possible."
"One of them was trying to get to you. He had orders to bring you in, but nobody knows which manor house you're staying at. Mom and Dad are pretty good at hiding you."
"Really? I'd ask `why me', the answer to that is obvious. I'm cursed to be their prophesied savior. Ugh... I suppose the better question is, why now? They must have had better opportunities before..."
Dorika reclined in her armchair. "That's just it. Nobody knows. Best guess is change in leadership, but we can't be certain." She leaned forward, suddenly serious. "Be very careful, little brother. Mom and Dad want to send more guards here- "
"Absolutely not!"
"Which is what I told them, so don't worry. But if the attacks keep up, they might send you some more guards, anyway. I thought you'd like to be warned, little brother. Be careful... please. I can be hard on you sometimes, but it's because I care about you. Really!" Dorika exclaimed indignantly as Ambrus snorted. "Honestly, Ambrus, you really could stand to be less of a prick. You've already driven away every retainer except your butler... You used to be such a sweet child, you let us take care of you, you had friends..."
"I was coddled," Ambrus said mildly. "I have no desire to go back to being pampered and waited on hand and foot. I need to be independent, and to do that, I need to rely on fewer people, not more." The silvery panther looked around impatiently. "Where on earth is that tea...?"
Meanwhile...
Orban, Katinka, and Sarika stood around a large counter in the kitchen. The butler casually stacked a selection of small cakes on a tray while waiting for water to boil. "So, girls, I understand you'll be turning 15 soon! That must be exciting!"
Katinka grinned. "Yeah! Father says he'll let me join the Witch Hunter's academy! I'll finally be able to help Ambrus!" She swiped a cake from the tray and crammed it into her maw. "Mmf... Orban, you make the best sweets! Even the palace chef can't compete with you!" Grabbing a second, she began munching earnestly.
"Oh, it's just a hobby, really. Although..." The shepherd leaned down to whisper in Katinka's ear, "These cakes are your brother's favorite, too, so try not to eat all of them. Otherwise, he'll be so sad..."
"Glk!" Katinka choked, coughing a bit before swallowing. "Sorry, Orban..."
"No need to apologize, my lady. And Miss Sarika, you've been awfully quiet. Are you not excited about your coming-of-age celebration?"
"Ah, well... Father said I'm to be married to a nobleman's son when I turn 18. Our engagement is to begin shortly after the ceremony, so that we can get to know each other, but - " she fidgeted her thumbs together and looked away, blushing. "Um, there's already a man I'm interested in."
"Oh? How sweet! Tell me more about this young man who's stolen your heart. He must be quite something to have won you over, little miss."
The young panther nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes, he's wonderful! He's kind, and generous, and loyal. He's ever so handsome, too. And he's mysterious; I'm so good at reading people, even my stupid brothers, but him... he's so tricky. I can never tell what he's feeling." She sighed. "But, unfortunately, my father would never approve. He's not even a noble, and he's, um... a little older than I am..." Sarika looked to the floor as her face flushed and her tail puffed out.
"Aha! A scandal! Sarika, I didn't take you for a troublemaker!" Orban pulled teacups down from a tall shelf. "And what about you, Katinka? Have you got your sights set on a dashing young man?"
"Oh, well, I don't have to marry a noble since I'm going to be a Witch Hunter. So I'm all yours, Orban!"
The shepherd fumbled a teacup and dropped it. With lightning reflexes, he plucked it out of the air before it hit the floor. "O-oh, my lady, that is... a kind thought, but I couldn't possibly... "
"No, you're not, because I'm going to marry Orban!" Sarika wrapped herself around one of the shepherd's brawny arms, not noticing Orban's shoulders tensing. "He already spends more time with me than with you!"
"Yeah, teaching you piano!" Katinka threw herself around Orban's other arm. "At least I appreciate his baking!"
"You're too rough! A real lady doesn't climb trees or get into fights all the time!"
"Those boys started it! I just finished it. And you practice your bow and arrow every day!"
"T-that doesn't count! It's just target practice!"
"Face it, he's mine!" Katinka squeezed and pulled Orban towards her.
"No, he's mine!" Sarika yanked the shepherd back towards her.
"Orban, tell her you're going to marry me!"
"No, me!"
"Me!"
"Me!"
"M- "
CRACK
The girls froze at the sound of breaking china and looked up at Orban's face. They released him immediately, seeing the look of fear and embarrassment he wore. With deep breaths, the shepherd closed his eyes and slowly relaxed. He opened his clenched paw, and the shattered pieces of the poor, defenseless teacup clattered onto the counter. He leaned heavily on the counter, his paws balled into fists, and stuttered, "L-ladies, please, think about this. If the youngest daughters of the king were to fawn over me, a servant of your house, it would put me in great danger. I appreciate the sentiment and am truly flattered, but I cannot reciprocate your affections. Besides, I have known you since you were babes. I see you as sisters, more than anything else. Please, do not feel badly!" Orban hastily added, as both girls looked away and got misty-eyed. "It is difficult, being young. You'll find someone more suited to your advances, I'm sure. And besides..." Orban blushed, so slightly that only Sarika's sharp eyes picked it up. "I-I'm afraid my heart is already spoken for..."
The twins perked up at this, immediately forgetting their embarrassment. Katinka spoke first. "Ooh! Who is she? Is she pretty? Have you known her long?"
"Since we were children. And they are beautiful. They are more delicate, more fragile, than any I have ever known. But so strong, too!" Orban took the kettle off the fire, and poured it into the teapot, the barest hint of a smile crossing his lips.
Sarika grinned. "Oh, look at you, smiling! You almost never smile; it's `unprofessional'." She patted the shepherd on the back. "They must be one special lady, if she can get you to smile like that!"
"Yes... special... The most special person I've ever known." Orban put away the kettle and looked up at the ceiling, sighing. "Unfortunately, I don't think they're even aware that I exist. I might as well be furniture."
Sarika's eyes narrowed. "Furniture... They're a noble, aren't they?"
Orban winced. "A-ah... w-well, it would be very inappropriate for me to be pining after nobility, wouldn't it? Completely fruitless... I'm a commoner, an orphan at that. I have no family, no prospects, aside from the grace of the royal family. I've resigned myself to being alone, I - "
"No!" Katinka cried. "You have to tell her! I mean, we told you, and it didn't work out, but I feel so much better now. And you'll never know what might have been if you don't try!"
The shepherd chuckled sadly. "There is monumental risk associated with telling my beloved. It could damage our relationship permanently... And I couldn't bear that. No, I'd rather stay this way. I don't care if they never notice me, as long as I can be around them."
The gears were turning in Sarika's mind. She's definitely a noble... but he only spends time with us when we come to visit Ambrus... and he already made clear it's neither of us... But that only leaves... Oh... OH! Sarika shook her head and muttered to herself. "Oh, Orban... you really are hopeless, aren't you?"
The trio walked back to the parlor, making small talk along the way. When they arrived, Sarika asked her sister to go in ahead, because she wanted to speak privately to Orban.
"M-my lady? We should go in, the tea will get cold..."
"This will only take a minute." Sarika dropped her voice to the barest whisper. "It's Ambrus, isn't it?"
"Wh-what?!" Orban jumped, nearly dropping the tray. "N-no! That's preposterous! How could I possibly... "
"Wow... you've got it bad. I can never read you, and I just mentioned his name and it's plastered all over your face." Sarika sighed. "I thought it might be Dorika at first, but she's already married. And your honor wouldn't let you pursue a married woman... the only one left that you spend time with is Ambrus." She reached out and patted his arm. "Don't worry... I won't tell anyone. Though you really are fighting a losing battle, I don't know if he likes anyone that way."
"I-I-I d-don't... I'm not in love with - " Orban screwed his face up, stuttering and stumbling over his words. Finally, he lowered his head and sighed. "T-thank you for your discretion, Lady Sarika..."
"You're welcome. Now put on your best face; It's time for tea."
Sarika entered first and held the door for Orban as he brought the large silver tray into the room. "Thank you, my lady. Master Ambrus, I've returned with your tea." Setting the tray down on the table, he gave teacups to everyone, then poured them all a drink. Placing a petite plate in front of each panther, he gestured to the tray. "Today's tea features four kinds of cakes, and there is plenty to go around. Please, enjoy. I will be here if you need anything."
"It took you long enough, Orban." Ambrus grumbled, then picked up his tea with both paws. "Hrmph. At least this smells good. Lavender..." He raised the cup to his lips, but stopped just before drinking. He set his cup down rapidly, looking at his left paw, then at his butler, and glared intensely.
Orban started forward. "M-master Ambrus! Did you scald yourself? I'm so sorry, I thought the tea had cooled enough, I - "
"Orban!" Ambrus heaved himself out of his chair with surprising grace for his lean frame. He stalked over to the shepherd, fuming. "You... you... you...!"
Orban closed his eyes, preparing to be punished. The master was volatile at times, and did not suffer fools lightly. Any moment now, the slap would come, and he deserved it. I hurt Master Ambrus... I'm so sorry, I'm supposed to protect you...
...
A velvety paw grabbed his rough, callused one and pressed a soft silken cloth into the middle of it.
"You're bleeding! How did you not notice?! It's all over the teacup. You're so... so stupid! How did this even happen?"
Orban peeked through his eyelids. Ambrus was tying a white silk handkerchief around the injured paw. "I-I'm sorry, Master Ambrus. I broke a teacup earlier, and I suppose I've been a bit... distracted. It really doesn't hurt, I'll be fine. There's no need to cause such a commotion; please, enjoy your tea, I'll - "
"You'll come with me to salve and bandage your hand, is what you'll be doing." Orban opened his mouth to protest, and Ambrus raised a paw to silence him. "That's an order, you stubborn fool. Honestly, must I do everything myself? Sisters, please enjoy the tea. I need to tend to my idiot retainer."
Ambrus grabbed the shepherd's paw and hastened to the kitchens. Orban blushed as they went. It means nothing, he's just angry. Ambrus is just guiding me to the kitchens. He'll stop when we get there. He's... oh, he's holding my paw! Despite the situation, Orban couldn't help but allow a tiny smile to grace his muzzle again, and his tail began to wag.
Alas, it was over all too soon. They arrived in the kitchen shortly, and Ambrus took out a stool to reach a roll of bandages and a clay jar full of a foul-smelling green paste. "Show me your paw, Orban." The butler did as he was told, and Ambrus unwrapped it. He inspected the wound, hissing through his teeth. "This is deep! How did you not notice this?"
"Ah... well, I can now. It does hurt." Orban flinched as his master prodded the cuts.
"Well, we've never used this stuff on you, but it works well. You'll be better in no time, especially since you're not, well... cursed. Breathe slowly, this is going to sting. I'm, uh..." Ambrus glanced away and coughed, then mumbled, "I'm sorry for that."
Orban opened his mouth to reply, then gasped as Ambrus spread the paste into the cuts. It didn't just sting; it burned... He tried to pull his paw away, but despite being many times larger than his master, he couldn't free himself from Ambrus' grasp. How...? Orban looked up and saw Ambrus chanting under his breath as he wrapped the shepherd's paw in bandages. He panicked. "M-master Ambrus, no! This is merely a scratch. Please don't, using magic weakens you!"
But Ambrus continued, either unable to hear him or unwilling to care. As he tied off the bandages, he swooned, beginning to fall backward. Freed from the spell, Orban caught him and pulled him close. Ambrus chuckled. "Funny... If it had been yesterday, I could've healed you entirely. I-I'm just too tired this afternoon... I boosted the healing properties of the salve, though. It should completely heal in one or two days if you keep your bandages clean. Won't even leave a scar now." Ambrus nestled his head into the shepherd's broad chest, mumbling, "Sorry... I need t' lie down. N-now..."
Orban gave his master a quick hug, then scooped Ambrus up in his arms and headed off to the panther's bedchamber. As they walked, Orban gently scolded his master. "You shouldn't have done that. The cuts weren't even that deep, and it's not like I don't have other scars. I'd hate for you to have made yourself ill because of my foolishness, I - "
"Hush." Ambrus said drowsily. "Mmm... I think I understand a little better now how it feels when someone you care for won't let you help them." The silvery panther yawned, as Orban cradled him. He didn't notice his butler tense up at his statement. "You're a dear friend, Orban. I lash out sometimes, and I - I'm sorry. It's so frustrating being so weak. But you, you give me hope that one day, I can match your strength. You always build me up, encouraging me, caring for me when I'm exhausted. You stood by me when I drove everyone else away. I d-don't know what I'd d-do without you..."
"Master Ambrus?" Orban looked down, and saw him snoring quietly, head nestled against the shepherd's chest. Alone with his master, he allowed himself to grin fully, showing his sharp, perfect teeth to the silent air as his heart grew warm. He fumbled with the door momentarily, working hard not to wake Ambrus, and laid him in his bed, pulling a blanket over him. He looked down at his sleeping master, he bent down slightly, hesitating. Finally, he gave in, and swiftly gave Ambrus a soft peck on the cheek. In a soft whisper, he spoke to him. "My master... you fight so hard, and nobody knows how much you struggle just to be independent."
"But I see you, and I admire your strength, too. I will never, ever leave you. I couldn't bear it. Even though this is all I will ever have, it is enough. I am yours, Ambrus..." He tenderly ran his unbandaged paw through his master's short, messy silver headfur, smoothing it back, and his chest fluttered when Ambrus nuzzled into his hand. Finally, Orban left, walking back to the parlor. Ambrus would likely be asleep until tomorrow, and someone would have to break the news to his sisters.
The door shut with a gentle click. After a few minutes, Ambrus' eyes fluttered open, and he touched his cheek.
"O-Orban?"
...
Zzz...
...
Orban re-entered the parlor minutes later. "Your royal highnesses, I am afraid that Ambrus has exhausted himself, and has retired to his chambers for the evening. If you would like to retire to the drawing-room, I would be happy to entertain you until dinner, and then I can prepare your carriage for your trip back to the capital."
Dorika glanced at him, then pointed at the plush chair that Ambrus had been sitting in. "I think we need to talk. Have a seat."
Orban blinked. "M-my lady? Is something not to your satisfaction? I apologize; whatever it is, I can correct it, if you'll kindly give me the opportunity."
She sighed. Sarika and Katinka looked away. "Just... sit. I promise you're not in trouble if that's what's worrying you. At least, not with me."
The butler reluctantly sat in his master's armchair. He'd never actually sat in it before. This is... very uncomfortable. No wonder he hates it... I should have listened to him sooner. "Well, I'm happy not to be in trouble, but... what is this about, please?"
"It's about the teacup you broke. I asked Sarika, and she said it was an accident, but wouldn't tell me what happened. So, I pressed Katinka, and she told me everything." Dorika rubbed the bridge of her muzzle between her eyes. "I'm... so sorry, Orban. That was a tough spot for them to have put you in, and I can't imagine the position you were in, and I commend you for navigating it with your customary precision. However..." She lowered her paw and fixed Orban with an icy stare. "What is this about you being in love with Ambrus?"
"WHAT?!" Orban and Sarika jumped up at the same time. Orban turned to Sarika. "Y-you said you wouldn't tell anyone!"
"I-I didn't! I don't understand how she- "
"Both of you, sit down, now." Dorika commanded, and they scrambled to their seats. She addressed Sarika first. "I didn't know. I... suspected, after what Katinka told me about your conversation after that little... fiasco. And so, I guessed. But - " She looked at Orban next. "I didn't expect you to come right out and admit it. At the very least, I expected you to lie to me about it. So it's true? You've fallen for that little idiot?"
Orban's jaw worked soundlessly for a few moments, before speech found him again. "I-I... no, it's not like that, I, ah... um..." His voice trailed off, and he sat for a bit, withering under Dorika's stare. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. Yes. I love him. And yes, it could never work, a commoner and a noble, but I've already accepted that we will never... well. Besides, he doesn't even think of me that way. Regardless, I will be his faithful servant until the end of my days, and that... that will be enough for me."
Dorika continued to glare. She watched as Orban shifted uncomfortably, but he looked her in the eyes the entire time he spoke. Finally, a mischievous twinkle passed her gaze, and she threw her head back and laughed. The other three jumped with a start. "Haha! Good! I wouldn't have it any other way."
"M-my lady?"
"He needs help." Dorika leaned close to the shepherd. "He needs someone to look after him, to care for him, and to protect him. He's fragile... you know this as well as I do. And if you really love him... you'd do anything to keep him safe, yes?"
Orban steeled his gaze and looked straight into Dorika's eyes, speaking without hesitation. "Yes. Anything at all. I've trained all my life to protect him, you know that... Ever since he was born, I've trained for this."
"Then I won't stand in your way. You're doing what I want, so I'll keep your secret. But..." She smiled at the butler. "For the record, I do think you should tell him how you feel. My idiot brother likes you more than you think. Already, he talks to you more than he talks to any of us; I think he really cares for you. It might be nothing, but... it might be something. I want him to be happy, and I truly think you make him happy."
"I... I'll think about it. Thank you, my Lady." The bells from the church rang out. "Ah! Please come to the drawing room. I shall need to prepare dinner at the next bell. Sarika, would you like to hear me play the piano?"
"Yes, please!"
The four stood and left. The panthers headed to the drawing room, while Orban cleared the tea dishes and set them in the kitchen to wash later. Shortly after that, he was with the sisters, playing piano and chatting into the afternoon. They joined him in the kitchen to cook dinner, the girls being surprisingly knowledgeable for royalty. Orban mentioned this, and Katinka scoffed. "Papa always says that being noble is no excuse for not knowing how to keep yourself. Besides, cooking is fun!" They all shared a laugh, and soon, dinner was served.
After eating, Orban bundled the sisters off into a plain carriage, with a contingent of footmen guarding it. "My ladies, I am sorry to send you off at this late hour, but as you know..."
Dorika sighed. "Yes, yes, don't let anyone see you coming or going. I understand." Then, she suddenly grinned. "I have one command for you, Orban, before we leave. This is an official order from me."
The butler jumped to attention. "Y-yes, madam! You have but to ask, I- "
The panther lunged forward and wrapped the shepherd in a vice-like hug. She chuckled as Orban froze up. "Give him one of these for me, would you?"
"And me!"
"And me, too!"
The twins reached in and squeezed Orban. He panicked, but as they continued to hold him, he relaxed, and finally, he reached out his arms and hugged them back. "Thank you... thank you all." Finally, they stepped apart.
"Hey, look! He's smiling!" Katinka pointed and shouted, her eyes growing wide.
Sarika clapped, and Dorika snickered behind her paw. "Oh, Orban... well. Good luck."
Orban watched them leave in the carriage, standing and waving until they were out of sight. Going back inside, he began to wash the dishes, and thought to himself; They know... they know, and they don't care! They're even encouraging me to pursue Ambrus. But he'd never want to be with me. He's friendly sometimes, but so prickly at others. He's shown no interest in me that way. Or anyone. But still...
...
It's a lovely dream, isn't it?
