A deep baritone voice calls out, “Greetings friend, my thanks for your assistance. Your… creatures are fierce beyond belief, reminds me of a certain boss from a gold tier dungeon.” He seems vaguely uncomfortable, not that I can blame him, my Vess are eerily still, watching his every movement.

  Enna steps forward and declares, “You currently address Queen Renna of the Vess, conqueror of the Spinesnap mountains, butcher of monsters, and your savior.” She resumes her position behind me.

  Oh god, what do I say, I haven’t talked to a real human in months, and Enna just made things very tense. Declaring me his savior? Come on, I’m trying to make friends! Whatever, guess I’ll just own it.

  I try to speak in as powerful a voice as I can, which isn’t much. “Hello, who are you? I must speak with your leaders.”

  If the golden warrior is intimidated, he doesn’t show it, instead he bows deeply and says, “Queen Renna, thank you again. I am Sir Oscar of the Golden Order, and head general under his majesty, King Danish.”

  I have no idea what I am doing. “I would like to form an alliance.”

  Sir Oscar continues to have the world's best poker face, replying calmly, “Of course, I thought you might.”

  I blink, “You thought I would?”

  “Yes.” He nods, “You have made your intentions very clear by firmly choosing a side in this conflict, your grace.”

  Okay this is good, Oscar is a real knight, all I had to do was claim royalty and he is treating me with the utmost respect, I like that. “So then, Sir Oscar, would you arrange for me to meet with your King? I would very much like to formalize our relationship, there is still a Karnakan army to drive out of the kingdom, after all.”

  Sir Oscar shifts his weight, considering my words. “Queen Renna, if I may, I would like to ask some questions first.”

  “Of course, I can imagine what the most pressing ones might be.” I smile, trying to lift the mood a little.

  Relief flashes on Oscar's face briefly, regaining his composure, he clasps his hands behind his back, and asks the burning question, “You say you are Queen of the Vess, that is in reference to your race then? And these creatures? Apologies, I do not have an inspecting ability.”

  “Yes, I and my subjects are Vess.” I decide to keep my answers concise, no need to reveal anything unnecessary.

  “Are your subjects… sapient? They do not speak and hold completely still, no idle movements or conversation.”

  “Very observant, Sir Oscar.” Am I laying it on too thick? Maybe I’ll tone it down a little. “They can communicate, although I am not sure they would be able to do so with a human. Sapience is… questionable. What they are, are absolutely loyal, following every order I give with unerring devotion.”

  “I ask,” the golden warrior pauses, considering his words carefully, I can tell he is trying his best not to be offensive, “I ask, because I need to be sure they can recognize us as allies.”

  Whatever, I can be mysterious, I don’t want to give up my abilities outright, “My will is their own.”

  The human nods, like that answered anything. “Why are you seeking an alliance with Lotheris?”

  That’s an easy one, I can probably be fairly honest, “We are neighbors, and my domain is still growing, I want protection, and trade. I will admit, I am too small to stand on my own.”

  Sir Oscar seems surprised by my answer, guess he didn’t think I’d admit I need help.

  “I see, thank you for your honesty, your majesty.” Oscar bows to me again, “Allow me to be honest in return.” He takes a steadying breath, “An alliance is possible, no, it is likely. We are desperate for any help we can get, as you know, we have been pushed all the way back to our capital. At this point, we aren’t going to be able to take back our land, or at least it would take a long, long time.” He gestures at my knights, “The Vess are impressive, as strong as a warrior in his second evolution. They fight without rest and are terrifying beyond comparison.” He holds up his pointer finger for emphasis, “Their terrifying presence would be a boon, to push the invaders from our land. However, it will be a hindrance when it comes to any lasting alliance between us, as I am sure you have expected.”

  “I was afraid of that.” I don’t try to keep the disappointment from my voice, clenching the sides of my dress.

  “The decision is not up to me,” He continues, “I would expect much trouble, especially from Magister Gwyna, an old mage in her third evolution. She has already deemed you monsters and said she would drive you away when she has the mana to spare. I am sure you saw her display of power over the gate.”

  I frown, “She really said that? Why?”

  “You look like monsters, or demons.” He answers simply, crossing his arms. “Although the more I speak to you, the more convinced I am of your good intentions.”

  Ah, of course he wouldn’t believe me right away. What can I say to win him over completely? This Gwyna makes nervous. I look up at Enna, “Um, Enna?”

  Enna looks down, returning my gaze with a gentle look, her words are soothing, “Yes, your grace?”

  “Could you defeat Gwyna?”

  “Kill her?” I wince as she says it outright, “No. Worry not, I would be able to protect you, however, we would have to retreat.” She ends her sentence with a reassuring pat to my head.

  “Ah!” I just remembered, “Sir Oscar, this is my caretaker, Enna.”

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  Enna inclines her head slightly towards Oscar, who bows in return. “A caretaker?” He asks, “I apologize, I am unfamiliar with the Vess, are you young, your majesty?”

  I blush; my age is complicated. I was an adult in my past life, then I was reborn as an eight year old and then I transitioned into being Vess a few months ago, does that count as a rebirth? I guess the better question is, how do I want to be seen? My small stature and soft features do make me look young, childlike. Although, Enna did admit I was more adolescent than childlike. I would be more respected as an adult, while a child would seem more harmless, which would be much more useful. If I lean into my youth, maybe they would be more accepting. It would also help to explain my lack of knowledge of this world.

  Enna comes to my rescue, she says exactly what I want, “The Vess do not age in the way humans do. A Vess Queen’s age is often measured by the size of her hive. In this instance, her majesty is still growing, physically.” She rests a hand on my head, “Her hive is still growing as well. You may consider her a child, not in the way a human is a child, mind you.”

  Oscar takes it all in, nodding along. He begins speaking, almost thinking out loud, “Perhaps negotiations won’t be as bad as I thought,” He pauses to mull something over, “I mean no disrespect when I say, your majesty’s appearance is endearing. You are well spoken and polite as well… Yes, emphasizing your youth and inexperience would be advantageous indeed. Instead of a monster coming to our gates, trying to fool us into lowering our defenses, it is a child, looking for safety and guidance.”

  “It’s not even a lie or anything.” I say quietly. “I will admit, I don’t know much. I have spent most of my life in my hive, everything I know comes from observation, or Enna.” I kick my foot and let out a breath, guess the kid approach is working, he seems to be seriously considering helping me.

  “It sounds like you want to help me.” I say it like a question.

  “I do. I have a skill that sees through deceit, you have been nothing but forthcoming, there is no reason to doubt you. You are clearly a sapient, intelligent individual, not a monster.”

  “Thank you…” I feel some weight lifting from my shoulders. My lips pull up into a small smile, I made my first human friend.

  The golden warrior clears his throat, “Now then, let's move forward. Would you be willing to wait outside the city for me to arrange your visit?” He runs his hands through his dirty blonde hair; he looks tired beyond belief.

  “Make sure to rest too, Sir Oscar!”

  He chuckles at that, “If time permits. May I take my leave?”

  “Please do.”

  Sir Oscar bows, then he begins making his way back to the city. Immediately, I turn and reach up for Enna. My caretaker releases a light laugh, picking me up and tucking me into her side. She begins walkling us back to the palanquin. “Well done, Ren.”

  “Mmmm.” I agree, yawning into my caretaker. “You know, I thought I slept a lot because I’m lazy, but maybe it’s ‘cause I’m so young. Kids take naps, right?”

  “You sleep so much because you are constantly emptying your mana. While mana is separate from stamina, it is a strain on your body all the same.” Enna finishes her explanation, then adds, “It is too bad so many Vess were lost, you have a lot of summoning to do if you wish to replenish your forces.”

  “I want five thousand soldiers! No, ten!” I kick my legs and pout, “It’s gona take sooooo long to get that many.”

  “Indeed.” Enna agrees.

  “Is there a shortcut I can take? Can I restore my mana faster somehow? Like, mana potions or something?”

  “Not that I know of sweetie.” My caretaker patiently answers.

  “Hey, how do you think the conversation with Sir Oscar went?”

  “I know that it went well. He is currently speaking with his companions, trying to get them to trust you.”

  “You're spying on him?” I squeak.

  “Indeed, we must tread carefully, as carefully as possible. I want to be sure your reception won’t end in bloodshed.”

  Sometimes I forget Enna makes as much use out of my scouts as I do, no, she probably uses them even more. I appreciate her looking out for me, as much as I like to think I am a genius mastermind… I’m not. Enna seems much better at scheming than me, I would be worried if her entire being wasn’t devoted to me. Honestly, I could use more Ennas.

  I am put down inside the palanquin. After wiggling out of my dress, I throw myself into my bed. “Hey Enna, do you think I’ll get more summons like you?”

  “What do you mean?” My caretaker sits at the edge of my bed, folding her claws in her lap.

  “A Vess that is more independent and can talk and stuff.”

  Enna gives me a teasing smile, “Ohhhh am I doing a bad job caring for you? Am I to be replaced?”

  Rolling my eyes, I kick at her from under the covers, “You know what I meant!”

  “You certainly are a handful; I could use some help for when you get really bratty.” She teases in a sing-song voice.

  I hide my smile beneath the covers, “Just answer the question before I actually throw a tantrum!”

  “I believe there may be more Vess like you described.” She scoots closer, looking at my horns. “Hmmm did they get longer?”

  “Focus!” I groan, “Do you not know, or are you just being vague for fun?”

  “Teasing, mostly.” Enna winks, “I believe there are more intelligent Vess who are capable of managing your other hives for you.”

  “Other hives?”

  “Oh yes, as we said earlier, your hive is still growing. Eventually you will grow large enough to need to spread out. Having other hives is common, necessary even. I am sure the Vess you need will answer your call when the time comes.” Enna takes out a cloth and begins polishing my horns, something she has been very diligent about lately, claiming it is integral to looking like a monarch.

  I try to squirm out of her grasp, hiding under the blankets, attempting to crawl away. I don’t get far before the blankets are yanked away and I am dragged into Enna’s lap. I don’t really hate the horn polishing; I just want it to be difficult since she teased me.

  Settling down, I accept my fate. At least she isn’t teasing me about-

  “How is your tail feeling, dear?” Comes the innocent question.

  Narrowing my eyes, I try to discern if this is more teasing or a genuine question.

  Enna smiles her best disarming smile, flicking my nose with the tip of a claw, “Does it hurt to sit? Anything bothering you?”

  I give my tail an experimental flick, it barely moves, still nothing more than a little stub. “It’s really sensitive around the base, but as long as I don’t recline too far into a chair, I should be fine.”

  “Good.” She continues, “I have a dress with a tail slit prepared for you tomorrow. We will make sure it fits beforehand, let me know if there is anything else you need. Tomorrow is an important day afterall.” She finishes with a gentle smile, brushing my bangs out of my eyes.

  “Mmm.” I nod.

  The more we talk about my tail the more conscious I am of it; the soreness is starting to get to me. “Can I have a hot bath?”

  “Of course, sweetheart.”