Toxic Love

The Queen

It all started with a dumb bird. Not any dumb bird, a fucking Harpy. This dumb bird was caught in one of our ally kingdoms traps.

It became my problem when it was presented as a gift. It was an alarming gift at that.

I can still remember. The celebration of my coronation as the first female ruler. It was truly a day to celebrate. Though I was met with many enemies, many being far more than passive aggressive.

The kingdom I have is one I fought for. Not just this kingdom. I fought along side 5 others and when I cane back vicorious...they dished me out the smallest kingdom possible with the smallest resources. This nobility and kingdom a gift of their thanks. Though at my coronation I got many gifts the harpy was by far the biggest.

This 'Gift' one of those gifts I accepted to grin and bare it. To add insult to injury, they made sure I kept the damned thing.

I remember the horror I felt when they dropped the sheet on the cage. I nearly fainted, realizing there was a man inside with a muzzle with 2 glove like objects on his hands. It made more sense when I saw his brilliant wings.

A harpy. They are beyond dangerous. Poisonous creatures. They say they are actually venomous. It's in their saliva. They chew on their talons, making a single cut from their claws fatal. If you're bit, you are dead.

They eat the most poisonous plants and animals. The more toxins they consume, the more lethal they are, yet their wings get more vibrant. Their exotic and dangerous nature make them the ultimate statement to high society. Though I think I'd rather be gifted a pineapple that would rot than this.

That day, I was secretly furious at the gift. I have no interest in keeping a harpy. Yet I knew I needed to accept it.

Then I tried to get rid of it, yet they wanted updates. It was a "true showing of our countries bond"

If his feathers dulled, they would start questioning. So I was stuck with him. Like that housewarming gift that's a plant. You didn't sign up for it, but now you are responsible for watering it. He was stuck with me.

"What do I do with him?" I mumble, staring at the large cage

"The guards refuse to feed him. We've already lost 7 maids to him, " Hue hummed

"And his current status?" I look at the bruises blossoming on his skin

"Self inflicted"

"Of course," I nod, "I shall take to feeding him then."

Hue looked surprised but nodded, "As you wish."

"Pull his chain taught."

I watched them reel it in. This cage is specially made. It's set up with a hole in the center just big enough for the chain that shackled his foot. Assuring he won't escape.

I took my time unlocking the cage, getting the Harpys attention. His hands are still gloved. It's amazing to think he has used strength alone to take so many lives.

He suddenly lunged at me, but I sat just outside his reach, "Its nice to meet you too," I raise a brow

He made a variety of inhumane sounds.

"Can you speak?"

He glared, seeming to refuse to.

"Very well. Then we will simply feed you. " I grabbed the berries, holding them barely in his reach, "Come get it,"

He shook his head.

"So you can communicate. Perfect. What is your name?"

He hissed.