It is my fate to be the most adorable sovereign this world has ever seen. Forever teased, cooed at, and not taken seriously. Always looking up to talk to people, needing help picking up anything heavier than a spoon, unable to stay awake all day without at least one nap. Fine, I can use that. I am still powerful in my own way, I am still-

  “You are sooo adorable! I can’t believe Oscar didn’t mention that you were such a cutie!” A tall woman wearing dark leather armor coos at me. Bulging muscles, long dark hair, and olive skin. Andra is her name, she is another general, apparently not as high a level as Oscar, but still well respected amongst her peers. She was sent to escort me to my meeting with the King of Lotheris.

  “Did you notice her tail? It just started growing.”

  I whirl on Enna, the traitor, I really don’t need both of them to do this. Of course, doing this accidentally exposes my tail to Andra.

  “It’s just a little nub! Awww.” Andra coos, “How can anyone be afraid of you? Look at you!”

  “C-can we just go now?” I stutter out, blushing.

  “I had to be careful to modify her dress so her tail would be as protected as possible, she is still having trouble with sensitivity.”

  “That is so cute!” Andra gushes.

  Enna seems to be enjoying herself immensely, finally having someone to talk about me with. Maybe she is just scheming, trying to get people to accept me, yeah, I’m sure it’s not just-

  “Please be sure to keep an eye on her, she isn’t used to it, so her balance is off, she has been having trouble walking.” Enna looks at me like I am the most precious thing in the world.

  I’m going to cry, I’m actually going to cry.

  I give up on appearances, burrowing my face into my caretaker’s skirts and holding on for dear life. I am blushing so hard I think I might pass out. It would be a welcome mercy at this point. We haven’t even left for the city yet, we are standing in my palanquin, Enna having invited Andra in, apparently sensing a comrade in babying me.

  “Mercy.” I whimper.

  They continue going back and forth, talking about me like I’m not right here. Enna rubs my head, running her hands through my hair in an attempt to comfort me. Eventually, it finally comes to an end.

  “Okay sweetie, we are going to leave now.” Enna announces, pulling me from my stupor.

  “We are?” I ask dumbly.

  “Yep!” Andra answers enthusiastically. “Sorry, Oscar wanted me to get my own read on you before leading you back to the city.” She shrugs sheepishly, pretending to be remorseful or something. I don’t believe it for a second.

  “Am I going to get babied in front of the king?” I finally pull away from my caretaker’s skirts to look at Andra.

  “No, sorry.” She grins in return. “Though, you are adorable, I think I got it all out of my system. The comments will be kept to a minimum for your magesty's sake.”

  I huff, crossing my arms, how am I supposed to believe that? She is totally lying! Enna and Andra share a look, giggling one last time at my expense.

  Enna scoops me up, settling me as regally in her arms as possible, then follows Andra outside.

  “H-hey! I thought you said-”

  Enna interrupts me mid whine, “You would have trouble walking all the way to the city, it is much further than it looks. Now hush, dear.”

  I pout, taking the time to shoot a glare at Andra, daring her to say something. To her credit, she just holds up her hands in a surrendering motion.

  Now that we are outside, I can see that Andra came here alone, her horse nervously stomping around the Vess. Mounting up, she asks, “Can you keep up, Enna?”

  Enna nods in response, shifting me more comfortably in her arms, being mindful of my tail. With that, we set off. My caretaker’s long strides easily keep up with our escort. Several of my knights join our journey across the mud strewn battlefield, spreading out to defend me from all angles.

  “Is it a good idea to bring the knights? They are kinda nightmarish.” I point out.

  “It is necessary.” Enna replies, serious and respectful, as if the earlier teasing never happened. “A display of force, for respect and safety. The meeting will take place in front of the gates, and the king will have his own entourage.”

  As we approach, I can see that a smooth stone platform has been magically raised above the muck, a matching stone table and chairs take up most of the space on the platform. Behind it, the gates of the capital loom, covered in the scars of war, a host of humans scurry back and forth repairing it.

  There are five chairs on one side of the table, most already occupied by the leaders of Lotheris, a single lonely chair lay empty across from them. It is next to this chair that Enna stops, however, I am not put down yet. I give Enna my best confused look, to which she gives a curt shake of her head.

  One of my knights steps up and grabs the uncomfortable looking stone chair, throwing it off the platform to land in the muck with a squelch. In its place, a Vess made throne is placed, significantly more royal and comfortable looking. I am gently lowered into its cushioned embrace, a gap in the lower back of the chair gives my budding tail plenty of room.

  I smile my thanks up at Enna who returns it with a soft nod.

  Turning my attention to the table, I see Andra taking a seat in the far right chair, next to her sits Sir Oscar. On the far left a surprisingly young looking man stares at me, he doesn’t wear armor or carry a weapon, instead wearing an elegant robe with many colorful tassels. To his right, an old man in a contrasting simple robe sits, looking down and scribbling into a scroll. The center of the table is dominated by a frowning older man with short salt and pepper hair, upon his head sits a crown, King Danish.

  Floating slightly above and to the side of the platform is a mage who I assume must be Gwyna. She is an elderly lady, wearing a plain robe, carrying a crystal staff, and glaring at me with open hostility. It is her who speaks first, “So, the demon has come to make its demands.”

  The king heaves a weary sigh. “Gwyna I have taken your council, please hold your tongue.” Letting out another sigh, the king gathers himself, “Welcome, Queen Renna. First of all, I would like to thank you for meeting with me, and for your assistance in the conflict so far.”

  “King Danish,” I begin, “Thank you for speaking with me. It is to both our benefit that I join you in this war, something I hope to continue.”

  The king nods his head. “I believe introductions are in order, although I am sure you know most of the faces here already.” He motions to his right, “My generals, Sir Oscar of the Golden Order, Dame Andra,” He gestures to his left, “Sir Taner, and directly to my left is the royal advisor; Sir Ceftan.” King Danish finishes by giving a pointed look at Gwyna, “The one who doesn’t approve of your presence is Magister Gwyna.”

  Gwyna scoffs, “I’m not the only one who disapproves of this.”

  The man in the fancy robe, Sir Taner, speaks up, “Indeed, an unknown creature with an army of powerful creatures shows up out of nowhere and only wants to help.” He shakes his head, wearing a dark scowl, “It is suspicious, who would just accept such a thing.” Clearing his throat, he adds, “No offence, Queen Renna.”

  My eyebrow twitches, no offence? I breathe deeply.

  “Yes,” Gwyna stirs the pot, “A Vess? I have never heard of such a thing, the archives have no mention of them either.” She strokes her chin, bobbing in the air slightly, “Tell me, what hole have you crawled out of? What spat you out, demon?”

  “Gwyna! Enough!” Roars King Danish.

  The magister clicks her tongue and relents, leaning back in her non-existent chair.

  “This is a talk about forming an alliance, yes?” I question, trying to keep my tone polite. “My actions should speak for themselves, either you already believe I am a reasonable, sentient being or you think I am a monster in need of extermination. I am not here to discuss if you should trust me or not, my input would be less than useless anyways as some of you have already made up your minds” I point at the offending mage, “I demand she is removed from this meeting; I don’t have to take shit from her.”

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  Oscar, Andra, and Taner all look shocked, King Danish and his advisor look grim, and Gwyna looks furious.

  I’m not going to just roll over and let people attack me, just turn the other cheek and be unreasonably polite, no. I am a Queen, I could crush Gwyna if I wanted to, no matter how powerful she is, she is just one person; I am an army.

  Enna radiates approval as she steps closer to me, ready to protect me should Gwyna prove unable to control herself.

  A laugh from Andra breaks the tense silence, “I wouldn’t test her, my lord. She is young and lacks the patience of an experienced ruler.” She points an accusing finger at Gwyna, “And shame on you! Threatening a child! You think you are above the law, but if you try to harm her, I will hold you accountable.”

  Sir Oscar nods an agreement, “Indeed, this isn’t a simple unknown force appearing from nowhere with unknown motivations. This is a child, a young ruler coming to us, seeking protection and guidance. I would sooner renounce my oaths to the order than turn her away.”

  There is again silence at the table, this time broken by Taner, “Is that true? She is a child? She does look quite young…” He clears his throat, “Queen Renna, would you consent to the use of my inspection skill? It is much more powerful than others, and reveals much personal information, including age.”

  I look up at Enna, the unspoken question in my eyes.

  Enna gives me a reassuring smile and nods.

  “Okay, go ahead.” I tell Taner.

  A slightly prickly sensation washes over me, followed by a gasp from Taner. “It’s true, my lord.” Taner addresses the king, “She is only nine months old.”

  King Danish’s eyebrows shoot up and Andra giggles and says ‘aww’ under her breath.

  “A monster's age matters not.” Gwyna refuses to stop. “Clearly-”

  “Enough.” King Danish cuts her off. “Sir Oscar and now Sir Taner have both confirmed Queen Renna is telling the truth. Dame Andra is in agreement as well. Tell me, does the word of one magister overrule all of my generals?”

  Gwyna tries to respond, only for the king to speak over her, “It does not. You have proven your worth time and time again, Gwyna. Do not misunderstand, I have taken your council into consideration, but this is my decision to make.” Gwyna opens her mouth again, the king cuts her off again, “Need I remind you that you serve under the crown?”

  The magister relents, her expression icy. She snaps her fingers, the world twists, and a few seconds later she is gone.

  I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Wow, the kid angle worked way better than I thought!

  “Taner?” The king prods.

  “Yes, fine, good.” Taner clears his throat, “Queen Renna, we would like to pursue an alliance. Um…” He seems temporarily at a loss for words, “Where do you come from, exactly? Do you have a kingdom, or have you been nomadic? Perhaps uprooted by the Karnakan army? Ah, that is to say, I would like to know more about you and what you stand for.”

  “My hive is in the Spinesnape mountains, west of Ironhill.” I reply confidently.

  Taner continues to lead the questioning, “Your hive? What does that mean exactly?”

  “I guess it’s kind of like a human city?” I look towards Enna for help. She looks content to let me handle this. “Um, it is an underground structure where my Vess can shelter and grow. There are a lot of differences between a human city and a Vess hive though, maybe it’s a bad comparison.”

  Taner gestures for me to continue, so I do, “Well, the Vess don’t have human needs, they don’t need food, sleep, or socialization or anything like that. So, the hive doesn’t need to provide that kind of stuff. The Vess themselves are content to work for the betterment of the hive and to serve me, of course.”

  Time to lay my claim, “It is my understanding the Spinesnap mountain range serves as a natural barrier between Lotheris and Karnaka, while being unclaimed by either of them. I have claimed the area, as my own, subjugating the lands. You will find far fewer monsters wandering down from the mountains to cause trouble.”

  I try to gauge my audience's reactions. Oscar and Andra seem indifferent, Taner looks towards the king, who whispers with his advisor. The king straightens up, “Very well. We have no objections to your claim.”

  Huh, that was easy. I feel a little bolder, so I continue, “The Spinesnap is where I originated from, as for what I stand for…”

  Seeing me hesitate, Sir Oscar speaks up, “Perhaps it would be easier to tell us what your goals are.”

  I nod my thanks to Oscar, “Okay, my goals. I want to grow big and strong so that I can protect myself. Having good relations with a human kingdom is a priority for me too, not just for safety. I want to be able to trade for the things I can’t make myself, and having access to knowledge is important.”

  Taner seems to like what he is hearing, agreeing with me easily, “Yes, very understandable. A new nation will struggle to stand on its own, not to mention the Karnakans undoubtedly see you as a demon and will surely kill you on sight.”

  I grimace at that. Taner holds up his hands placatingly, “Only to say, it would be beyond cruel to abandon you now that you have made an enemy of Karnaka.”

  “So,” Andra picks up the conversation, “Let's talk war. You are willing to help us retake our lands?”

  Nodding my head, I am quick to answer, “Mmm I have a thousand soldiers ready to go. Honestly, I don’t have a good strategy here and would like to defer to you. Consider them yours.”

  Oscar raises his eyebrows, “You would give us command of your army?”

  I try to act casual, waving away his question, “It’s just a thousand soldiers.”

  “Do the Vess reproduce quickly then?” Taner asks a potentially dangerous question.

  How much should I tell them? Did he see my skills? If he did, he should already know, so then why is he even asking? Should I just come clean, trust them completely? Can I comfortably put my life in their hands? I kind of want to, as a show of good faith, but is that stupid? Am I really going to triple down on the young and innocent approach?

  I squirm a little and look to Enna for reassurance. She leans down and whispers to me, “Whatever you decide I will keep you safe, I promise.” She takes out a cloth and rubs a smudge off my horn, “The young and innocent strategy is a winning one, they have been convinced, the more you lean into it, the better. These are upstanding humans, they believe they are doing good by assisting you.” My caretaker finishes her ministrations, ending with a pat on my head.

  Blushing, I stutter out, “U-uhm, I uh,” I swallow, ugh they are all smiling at me, “The stronger I am, the faster I can produce Vess, I make them out of magic, they all come from me.”

  “Interesting, it’s like a beehive, with a queen and everything.” Observes Andra.

  “I guess,” I allow, “So they are easy to produce. Combined with their lack of sentience, they are disposable, I will gladly lend a thousand soldiers to the cause.”

  Sir Oscar gestures towards Enna, “Your caretaker seems sentient.”

  “She is,” I agree, “She is the exception, however. And please don’t tell Gwyna any of this.”

  That grabs King Danish’s attention, “I understand you don’t trust her, for good reasons. We will not share your abilities with her, I swear it.”

  “Thank you,” I breathe out in relief, “Actually, there is one more thing you need to know…”

  The king motions for me to continue, “I uh, I guess you saw my level and stats, Sir Taner?” My voice wavers slightly.

  “I did.” He affirms.

  “I am level forty nine, but my stats are… low.”

  That makes Taner laugh, “Low she says!” He stifles his laughter, clearing his throat, “Forgive me, your highness, your wisdom stat is extremely high, but the rest of your stats are single digit.”

  “Right.” I blush, “So, you see why I need you to keep this a secret from Gwyn, if she were to know how easy it would be to get rid of me…”

  “It won’t come to that.” Sir Oscar punctuates his statement by slamming a fist on the table.

  “Indeed.” Agrees the king.

  “Aww, you are completely defenseless.” Andra points out the obvious, “Even if you have the mana for spells, your intelligence is too low for them to have any power!”

  “Yes, so,” I try to regain control of the conversation, “I tell you all this in good faith, and to help us work together in the future. I need to be protected.”

  “I will be sure to assign guards to you at all times in the castle.” Oscar is quick to offer.

  Sir Taner speaks up, “This is very important information, thank you for your trust, Queen Renna. Another question then, if you were to perish, what would become of your Vess?”

  “I… Don’t know.” I had talked about this with Enna already, with no conclusive answer. “If they lose connection to me, they will either die or go berserk; attacking all around them.”

  “That is what I was afraid of,” Taner pinches the bridge of his nose, “Making your safety paramount, it could have disastrous consequences otherwise. Imagine an army of those things getting loose inside the capitol, with no queen to guide them.”

  The generals go back and forth over the implications while I sit quietly, they aren’t wrong to be so concerned. My goal with sharing this is to make sure I am properly defending while in the capital, taking my knights inside probably won’t be possible, if only because they are too big to fit inside most buildings.

  The longer they talk, the more tired I feel. I really have no stamina whatsoever, but I’m only nine months old so I should get a pass. Is there some subtle way to say I’m done here? The humans clearly have a lot to talk about.

  I yawn slips out of my mouth. Enna, taking her role very seriously, interrupts the generals, “Excuse us, King Danish, generals.” She speaks firmly, yet polite, “My charge needs to rest. Please, take all the time you need to discuss amongst yourselves, we will reconvene in the near future.”

  Without waiting for a response Enna picks me up and whisks me away from the meeting. I bury my head in her shoulder and refuse to look to see how the humans are reacting to my sudden departure. My cheeks are burning, the child excuse is crazy effective, but it is still incredibly embarrassing. Whatever, I guess as long as I get my way it’s fine. Not gona die of embarrassment, nope, it’s fine.

  Sensing my distress, Enna rubs my back in little circles and makes hushing noises. I take it back; I’m at the very least going to pass out.