The cow barn was not impressive. Far from it. It was a typical low ceiling building with a cement floor. Both sides of the aisle were lined with hay between the simple iron wrought bars to separate spaces for each cow and long hay troughs set low for the cows to eat from.
There were several of said cows in the barn, lazily feeding or lying down on a mound of hay. For a moment, all seemed well. Light filtered through the windows, illuminating the lazy stream of dust that gently came down from the hay loft up above. Nothing seems wrong, why was I called here? Flora looked around to see if she could find someone with answers. It didn't take long before one of the milkmaids found her.
"There you are!" The woman exclaimed, throwing her arms into the air as if exhausted by Flora's perceived tardiness. Before Flora could ask what was wrong, the woman took her by the arm, locking their elbows together, and began detailing her many woes. "We are far too understaffed here! One of the cows calved early this morning, one of them has gone lame, and three of my girls quit! I hardly have anyone to milk the cows, let alone deal with everything else!" Which meant not only was Flora rightfully worried, all of what she worried about had come true.
This woman must be Irene, Flora thought, recalling the name of the head of the cow barn. Flora had only seen Irene a handful of times, and Flora was usually milking a cow and never actually saw Irene's face. Which was fine with her, since Irene usually only scolded her.
"Here," Irene paused in front of one of the cows, gesturing to the stool. "I need you to help milk some of the cows while I go get some helping hands." She finished, her face drawn in a disapproving scowl. The woman was much older than Flora, likely old enough to be her grandmother. Irene's hair had long gone silver with age, tied in a neat bun at the back of her head and kept in place with a white bonnet. She wore the typical blue work shirt with a white apron that most milkmaid wore, stained with age and use.
"I'm sorry?" Flora stuttered. She called me here to milk the cows? Does she think Leon is still the Beast Master? Flora didn't really know how to respond to such a request.
"You should be! It's your job to make sure I have enough girls to work here!" Irene turned from disapproving to lecturing in a heartbeat. So she does know, and just thinks this is an appropriate use of my time. Flora thought miserably.
"If you want, I can go and-" Flora started to explain but was quickly cut off.
"No! No! I'll take care of it, you stay here and help!" And with that, Irene swept out of the barn and left Flora alone with the cows. Flora sighed with resignation and nearly fell onto the stool next to the cow. She found a bucket already waiting for her, pulled it over, and began the tedious process of milking the cow.
Flora flopped down into her bed, barely managing to peel off her boots and pull off her soaked work clothes. She lay there in a clean undershirt and simple pants, running through the events of the day. For a first day, it certainly could have gone better. She grimaced, her muscles were sore and her body ached as the work finally caught up with her.
Irene had been able to call in two new girls to help with the cows with the promise of work and housing, but neither had ever milked a cow before. Flora had found herself having to not only train the two women, but also milk a number of cows on her own. It seems Irene expects me to help with the evening milking until she finds another hand. Flora rolled over and stuffed her face in the pillows, grateful for their plush relief after bending over animals all day.
The lame cow was taken care of by one of the castle smiths, and the new calf was healthy and hardy. By all means the day ended well. So why doesn't it feel like that? Flora couldn't shake the feeling that her work was not yet done, as she knew that she had to prepare for the Spring Inspection in between her regular duties for the next month.
Flora was ready to drift off into sleep, the night sky deepening into black outside her windows, when she heard a knock on her door. Trying and failing to hide the moan of despair at being pulled from her warm bed, Flora quickly threw on a light jacket and went out to the common room door, calling out to let her visitor know that she was coming.
She opened it to find a young page waiting patiently. When she opened, he handed her a neatly folded and sealed letter. She politely took it with a small thank you before the boy dipped a bow and ran off. Belatedly, Flora realized that he was King Erick's page, and as she flipped the letter to reveal the seal it proved to be from him.
Her heart sunk to the bottom of her stomach as she immediately began to worry. Why would he send a letter so late? Does he think I'm not good enough after today? Flora chewed on her bottom lip as she entered her office, sitting heavily in her chair as she tried to pull up the courage to open the letter. Eventually she split the seal open and read the letter.
Dear Beast Master Flora Acker,
Unfortunately I must inform you that the preparations for the Spring Inspection have been moved up. A few things have come up - a certain Aunt may have been involved - and I need you to be ready by the end of the week. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. To make it up, you are invited to join us for breakfast if you wish. Your presence would be appreciated.
~ King Erick Vincorne
P.S. I'll make sure Dante behaves.
Flora wasn't quite sure how to feel. She was immensely relieved that she was not fired from her job, but panicked that she now had no time to prepare for the Spring Inspection. Furthermore, the King himself invited her to breakfast. Breakfast. He wants me to join him for breakfast. Is that normal? Does he usually invite others like this? Worry nagged at her and she returned to chewing on her lip like a horse cribbing on wood.
Looking at the small clock on her desk, Flora saw that it was getting late. Very late. With a sigh she set the letter down on her desk and went back to her bedroom. She went to her closet to see what kind of clothes she could bring. Between what few clothes she had of her own and everything that Leon left, it would have to make do. She would have to fold and pin the clothes that belonged to the old lion shifter, but she didn't imagine getting clothes that fitted her any time soon. Leaving the closet, she flung herself back into bed and finally fell asleep.
This time, Flora woke up on time. She actually heard the chime of her clock as the early sun filtered into her room. For a moment, Flora forgot where and when she was before she remembered the events of the past two days. Ugh, I don't like waking up like this. Flora thought as she rolled out of bed and stretched. At least she had slept well, the plush bed more than inviting to her weariness.
Quickly pulling on some clothes that were at least presentable, if a little oversized, Flora quickly pulled herself together before heading out for breakfast. Having breakfast with the King was a new kind of fear, but Flora knew better than to ignore an invite from her king. Grabbing her jacket on the way out, she swiftly found guidance to where the breakfast was happening and made her way there. She arrived just in time.
The King held breakfast on the second floor, in a grand room with a long table in the center. It was clearly the center for eating with guests, as the table could easily seat twenty people or more. Flora took in the large chandelier hanging above the center of the table, fashioned as if a million little unicorns and dragons held up the flames of the candles in shining gold.
The room was decorated with a long midnight blue carpet patterned with gold thread, and the walls held a decorative patterned paper of a similar but lighter color. Windows were open and curtains drawn back to allow the sweet morning breeze to drift in. Several paintings hung around the room, all of various peaceful depictions of unicorns and dragons. It made sense, given the clans united under the parents of King Erick, but it felt like a bit much to Flora.
Seated at the table were few people she could recognize. At the head was King Erick, who politely nodded at her entrance. He was once again dressed in the more ornate clothes meant for presentation, although they didn't look terribly comfortable. Seated to his right was Dante, already smirking at her with a mischievous grin. Flora rolled her eyes. Next to Dante was Leon, who barely acknowledged her presence.
Seated to Erick's left were two women, one not much older than herself, and the other much older than herself. The first must clearly be a relative. Flora noted, as the woman had delicate twin pointed curved horns not unlike a pronghorn. The older woman must be his Aunt Martha. Flora guessed, noting the sour look the woman gave her.
The young page from last night pulled up beside Flora and showed her to a seat, placing her next to the woman she assumed to be King Erick's Aunt Martha. I'm not sure if I like this. Flora's stomach felt sick, and she couldn't tell if it was from the lack of food, having skipped dinner last night, or worrying about being in a room surrounded by shifters. She gave a wry smile to the woman next to her, who only scoffed at her, eyes clearly assessing Flora's choice of clothing.
"Beast Master Acker, I'm glad you could make it." King Erick started, causing Flora to nearly jump out of her seat at being addressed. King Erick had his usual expression of impassiveness, but Flora could see the inner turmoil in his eyes. Flora gave a polite nod and a small thanks, nervously eyeing the woman next to her.
"Master Acker, I believe you haven't met many of my relatives yet." King Erick continued. "This is my eldest sister Esther," He motioned to the woman sitting next to him. Her hair was dark like his, but appeared to have a green undertone where his was blue. She had a small loose braid wrapped around her head and the rest of her hair flowed down to the middle of her back. She wore a simple forest green dress accented in gold, which complemented her deep green eyes. She gave a polite nod to Flora but said little, her eyes seeming to be able to look right into her soul. If this is one of the sisters, would the other two be with King Erick's half brother? Flora mused, wondering at why they would be split up.
"And next to you is my dear Aunt Martha." King Erick finished. Despite him referring to her as such, Flora got the feeling he did not hold her in high regard as he looked at her with ice in his eyes. While Esther had dressed modestly, Lady Martha had dressed in a more ornate gown. The color was a more vibrant blue green like the ocean, with puffy shoulders and flowing cuffs around her wrists. The dress billowed out at her feet, the color shifting with shades of blue and green like waves cresting on the sea. Similar to Esther, the color of the dress matched her eyes, and her expression made them look like the angry seas of the Draconus Ocean.
She did not reply beyond a hrrumph, looking down her nose at Flora as if she were nothing more than a mouse. I might as well be one when compared to them. Flora's heart sank, and worry nagged her brain as she thought of all the ways this breakfast could go so very, very, wrong.
"Don't worry Flower, we don't bite. Usually." Dante flashed a toothy grin at her, which only made Flora cringe. Erick must have noticed it, because he glared at Dante, who in turn shrugged in apology.
Flora shifted uncomfortably in her chair, and thankfully the food was brought in just then. Flora sighed in relief, grateful to have avoided keeping up the conversation. It's not that she wasn't grateful to be here, but she wasn't sure how she could really talk to any of the people sitting with her.
Servants brought in various platters of food including meats, fruits, cheeses, and bread. They even included small pastries unknown to her. Flora tried to hide her surprise at the amount of food, grateful now more than ever to have been included in the breakfast.
As food was served, a quiet conversation picked up between Erick and Dante. It didn't sound like much, and Flora didn't mind not being included as she continued to eat. She couldn't help but cast glances over at Lady Martha, who had kept a keen eye on Flora the whole time.
"So Ms. Acker," Leon's gravelly voice pulled Flora's attention away from her food. "You're finally going on your first Spring Inspection. I suppose it'll be different now that you're not on the farm anymore." Leon gave her a wry smile. "I'm sure you'll do fine. Probably." He finished with a wave of dismissal. Flora couldn't help but notice the worried look Dante gave King Erick, who in turn looked simultaneously confused and upset. Flora swallowed anxiously.
"What do you mean by first time?" King Erick turned his attention to Leon, glancing at Flora for a brief moment. Leon looked startled, then made a show of coughing before responding.
"Ah, it just uh, slipped my mind is all. Never took 'er on any of the Spring or Fall inspections." Leon finished quietly. He did not look the King in the eyes, looking at his plate of breakfast instead. Flora could see King Erick calculating his response behind his eyes before he replied.
"And yet you think that she'll be able to do it now?" King Erick did not sound angry, but his voice held a lethal edge to it. Even Esther and Martha had stopped talking.
"Ah it's just numbers on a page." Leon tossed a hand as if it were nothing. "And you'll be there. She'll be fine." He finished, though he looked back down at his cup rather than his king. Flora's gaze darted back and forth between the two, suddenly feeling very very small. There was a long pause as King Erick weighed the situation, choosing his words carefully.
"I expect you to teach her everything she needs to know before we are scheduled to leave. Do I make myself clear?" It was more a threat than a question, but Leon nodded all the same. "Good." King Erick reclined in his chair, returning to his breakfast. And like a candle being blown out, the tension in the room dissipated. Even Flora released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Quiet conversation resumed, and Flora found herself a quiet participant. Despite being asked to join them for breakfast, they made little conversation with her, least of all King Erick. He's probably just being polite, it would be terribly rude to talk across the table. Flora shifted self conscientiously, noticing that Lady Martha still made an effort to glare at her.
"Aunt Martha I really don't think it's polite to stare." Esther's voice was crisp and short, letting everyone know that her politeness was only pretense.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Lady Martha replied with an air of disdain, now directed towards Esther.
"Oh yes, and old Leon suddenly remembered where he left his lucky sock." Esther rolled her eyes, very much not what Flora expected from a lady, let alone a princess. Leon coughed a laugh, looking away when Lady Martha glared at him.
"Hmmph, well. I find myself rather full and in poor company." Lady Martha made no attempt to hide the glare she gave Flora with the last comment before excusing herself from the table. The only look to rival hers was the one King Erick gave her as she left, practically shooting daggers with the cold tempest in his eyes. Perhaps I will politely decline the next time they offer me breakfast. Flora thought warily. She knew that as a member of the court she would be expected to join meals on a regular basis, but felt suddenly exhausted by this interaction and did not wish for a repeat of the event.
"You all may be excused, if you are done." King Erick sighed, rubbing his face with one hand. It would seem this was not the first time his Aunt Martha has given him trouble. I hope it's not because of me. A quiet voice told Flora that she was the cause of this, and guilt began to fester in her heart.
Flora quietly excused herself, thanking King Erick for the breakfast. He didn't say much beyond pleasantries, but she saw the emotions that thundered in his stormy eyes, and for a moment she wanted to stay. But she had duties to fulfill, and a long day ahead of her. She left with polite good byes, and made her way to the dog kennels.
It was very convenient to have her own horse, Flora noted, as she rode Condor from the royal stables out to the dog kennel kept in the outer walls of the castle. Having been a newer addition, the kennels had to be built on the castle ground's outer ring so that they had enough space for housing and training the hounds.
Flora adored the hounds and grew excited as she heard their happy howling from within. She tied Condor up at the nearest horse post before entering the kennel's gated yard, where it seemed like a hundred dogs were jumping and licking and howling in a welcoming song. The kennels actually had only twenty dogs, not a hundred, but it still felt the same as Flora knelt down to greet the dogs. She knew that this would be considered poor behavior, but she couldn't help herself from giving them some love.
Henry, one of the young boys learning to train the dogs, came running up to her.
"I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed, pulling a couple of the dogs off of her and calming them down. "It can be so hard to get them to listen when they're excited." The boy sighed, clearly exhausted from an early morning of work.
"It's alright, you'll get the hang of it." Flora smiled, petting one of the dogs next to her. She gave the dog one last pat before standing up. "So, show me what you've learned." Flora knew what Henry knew, having worked beside him for the last few months, but felt that it was important to have him actually show her. Maybe he'll gain some confidence from it, if all goes well. Flora hoped, allowing Henry to lead the way to where the younger dogs were trained.
The pups in training were still young, and were still working on the basics of obedience training. Henry did well to call the five pups to attention, and put them through the commands of sit, down, and stay. Most of the puppies followed his directions to a point, except for one.
The puppy in question was much smaller than the rest with smaller spots than what was usual, making him nearly all white. He sat to the back of the group, easily distracted by the bugs flying by and biting his own tail. He didn't get very far, cropped as it was, but that didn't stop him from trying.
Flora knew this puppy, he was the runt that she had begged Leon to keep. Leon wasn't cold enough to kill the dog, but Flora felt bad selling the puppy without giving him a chance. It would seem that Leon was right.
"I just can't get him to listen." Henry sighed, looking deflated as he tried to get the puppies to all sit again. "I don't think my magic actually works." He complained, clearly frustrated at the lack of progress. Flora felt bad for him. She knew that Leon was supposed to be giving him lessons with animal magic, but that the old lion often forgot or didn't care enough. He's barely got any magic in him, he'll figure it out on his own. Leon had told her a few months ago. She hadn't asked about Henry, but Leon saw the face she made no matter how hard she tried to hide it.
Flora sighed, there was probably nothing they could do with the dog as it was. Then she realized it was up to her now. It was her decision on what to do with the puppy. Without saying anything, she gently took the little dog up in her arms and held him out at arm's length. He wagged his little tail and barked happily at her, excited to be getting attention. Henry didn't say anything but gave her a quizzical look.
"Well," she started, running through her options. "I suppose I'll take him with me for the day at least. See if some one-on-one training will do him well." Flora decided, grabbing a spare rope off the wall and tying it to his collar before setting him back down. "Other than that, you're doing very well Henry." She told the boy, and he beamed at her in response. Clearly Leon had not given the boy enough support or encouragement.
Flora waved goodbye as she took the puppy with her and headed out to her next task.
During the course of her day, Flora observed the horses, the falcons, and made sure that the livestock was tended to. Before heading to the cow barn for the evening shift, Flora was able to head back to her office and go over any reports or letters that had come her way. As she went into the castle, puppy in tow, she saw that Dante was in the doorway of the castle entrance, animatedly speaking to someone. She grimaced, but continued to head in.
As she climbed the steps towards the castle door, Flora saw that it was Esther that Dante was talking to, and she did not look very amused by what Dante had to say. She had since changed out of her simple dress for something more comfortable by Flora's standards. While the pants and shirt were more of a man's attire - or in her case, work attire - Esther wore them well. Esther turned her gaze towards Flora, and she was yet again struck as if Esther could see into her very being. Thankfully, it didn't last long.
"Hey, Flower!" Dante exclaimed, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her up the last few steps. "I was just talking to Esther here about your amazing hunt with all of us the other day." Dante explained, which earned a heavy eye roll from Esther, as if to say here we go again. Flora swallowed back a nervous reply. "And she said-"
"I don't know what you're about to say, but don't" Esther cut him off with a harsh tone that had him shutting his mouth immediately, though not without a devious smile. Esther turned her attention to Flora. "I'm sure you're aware by now that Dante likes to stir the pot a bit." Esther looked exasperated just thinking about the trouble Dante has caused. Flora only nodded in agreement, which caused Dante to start a complaint.
"Don't you start with me!" Esther whirled on him. "You might be in the good graces of my brother, but I will send you to sleep with the dogs if you keep it up." Esther's expression told Flora that not only would she order it be done, she'd carry it out herself. It was hard for Flora not to laugh at seeing Dante cowed by the fearsome dragon shifter. Maybe she's the one everyone should worry about, not King Erick. Flora thought with some amusement.
"Alright, alright." Dante resigned, raising his hands in surrender. "But I do have to give you this package." Dante fished a paper wrapped package out of his satchel that looked and felt like a large and heavy book. "It's from Leon, something for the Spring and Fall Inspection." Dante informed her, turning more serious under the scrutiny of Princess Esther. He eyed her warily as he handed the package to Flora.
"Thank you." Flora replied, giving a short bow to Dante and Esther. "If you'll excuse me." Flora quietly dismissed herself, but could swear that she felt the piercing gaze of Princess Esther on her back as she left.
Flora managed to find her way back to her rooms a little quicker this time, but still needed some assistance navigating the halls. The puppy - who she had now decided to call Spot - casually followed her in and slumped into a pile in the corner, tired after today's activities. Flora gave him a soft pat before sitting down at her desk and opening up the package. That was when she noticed the letter on her desk.
A few reports had been left on the calling stand by the front of her common room, which she had picked up on her way in. However, this letter was new and unopened, and sealed with the King's symbol. It had been placed here deliberately. Flora tensed, unsure of how she should feel. It's already been a few days and nothing bad has happened yet, so why should it now? Maybe they realized I have horrible social manners. Although, I really can't have worse manners than Leon… Flora decided to put the letter to the side while she distracted herself with the package from Leon.
It was in fact, a very very large book. And a new book. The cover was decorated with the symbol of the Beast Master in a gold inlay, with little animals prancing around the border. When she opened it, she found the pages to be of fine paper that had been printed with spaces for everything. She had room to write down the date, the location, the animals, and even notes about each farm. It was clearly meant to be a log for the Spring and Fall inspections, and Flora marveled at how neat and clean it was. She almost didn't want to write in it at all. With the book came a letter from Leon.
Flora,
I know I kept you from the Inspections every year, and I'm sorry I never got to it. I know how hard it can be to return to a place you left. I hope you can forgive me, and that you appreciate the new log. The old one was falling apart anyhow.
~ Leon Blair
P.S. If you find any of my books in those fancy rooms of yours RETURN THEM
Flora chuckled at the last bit, she could almost hear Leon shouting through the paper. She set the letter down with a soft sigh. She knew this day would come eventually. She would have to return to her family farm one way or another. A little part of her had hoped it would be after her father died, but it would seem that life had other plans. She let the emotions roll through, not entirely processing them but not clinging to them either. Then she turned to the letter from the King.
Gently breaking the seal and opening it up, Flora read it. Then read it again.
Dear Beast Master Flora Acker,
I would like to apologize for my Aunt's behavior this morning. I hope it did not ruin your breakfast. I would like to invite you for dinner to make up for it, if you so please. If so, please join me in my rooms by eight this evening.
~ King Erick Vincorne
P.S. Dante will not be there this time.
A flood of emotions rushed through Flora as she read the letter a third time, making sure that she had not misread it and that the King had actually invited her to a private dinner. Possibly alone. I can understand breakfast in the dining hall, but dinner in his rooms? Will anyone else be there? Why does he keep seeking me out like this? Flora's worry and panic mixed into a deep anxiety, and Spot seemed to sense this as he stirred from his sleep to climb into her lap. Flora pulled him up and stroked his head, finding the motion calming.
Outside Flora could hear the church bells ring as they announced the time. Looking at the clock on her desk, Flora realized it was time to head back out to assist with the cows. She sighed, pushing her thoughts aside and stuffing her emotions into a box as she grabbed the rope and took Spot with her to the cow barn.
Her time at the cow barn was much less eventful than last time. No cows were lame, no calves were born, and the two new girls showed up on time to work. The three of them worked while making small talk, Flora more focused on her work than the other two. The girls - Myrtle and Ida - were much more chatty than her, but Flora didn't mind. Their conversation had become the background noise that she needed to keep a clear head and focus on her work. She definitely did not worry about dinner tonight. With the King. Alone. Possibly. Possibly alone with the King for dinner.
It was hard not to think about that now as she stood outside his door. A servant had come to her rooms to fetch her, and thankfully she had changed into something more comfortable but still formal by then. The work of the day had tossed her hair and muddied her clothes, and she had little time between the cow barn and dinner to get herself ready.
She brushed a hand through her mousy brown hair one more time, making sure there were not strays or frizzles to embarrass her. Adjusting her sleeves once again, she worried about what she wore. It was a simple undershirt and somewhat formal jacket that she found in the back of the closet. Nice enough to be presentable, and clearly smaller than the rest of the clothes Leon had left. Flora had lucked out when she found it. I really should get some clothes made. Flora fretted, picking at the hem of her pants.
Before she could worry about it anymore or fake herself out, Flora took a deep breath and knocked on the door to the King's common room. With a simple command from inside, the guard on duty opened the door and Flora was let in.