"To be together, As a Fated Pair"

Occupied by Another - A kingdom resource exchange

Sarah sprawled across her throne, her tail dangling off one of the armrests as her hands curled and wriggled around Zeniva's waist. The two of them had been enjoying each other's company in the throne room since five in the morning, and now, nearly two in the afternoon, they seemed perfectly content to stay this way. However, the blissful atmosphere was shattered by a loud knock at the door, causing them both to flinch. Outside the lavish purple-painted doors, Sarah could hear the familiar voice of a rather upset older woman. Zeniva visibly gagged as she rose from Sarah's lap to sit upright on her throne.

As Sarah stood up, the sound of her black leather boots clicking against the plush carpet seemed to silence the commotion outside, transforming the distant yelling into nearly inaudible whispers. Motioning for the guards to open the door, she stepped aside, watching as her guests walked through the frame.

Zeniva hissed quietly, rolling her eyes at the sight of the two royals before her: Queen Kiska and her son, Prince Cross. Sarah greeted her visitors with a slight bow of her head, which Kiska returned with a curtsy. Meanwhile, Cross was shooting daggers at Zeniva, who returned his cold glares without a hint of fear.

"Uhm," Sarah interrupted, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. "So, shall we carry on with our meeting?"

Kiska nodded firmly, following Sarah into a small room behind the thrones. As they moved, Sarah waved her hand, making Zeniva rise from her seat. Zeniva paused just before entering the room, debating whether to voice her thoughts. She growled quietly, brushing her hands against her face in frustration, her brows furrowing. Cross raised an eyebrow in confusion, while Zeniva shot him a glare.

"Shukiyo's up in her room. Her guard, Green, will be outside," Zeniva said coldly, curving the corner.

Cross let out a low noise that was meant to be a gasp, but the way it escaped could easily be mistaken for a strangled sound. "Wow, Zeniva getting around to being nice and giving the children some free will to live? I'm impressed!"

After a few wrong turns, Cross finally located the correct hallway, slowly making his way down the dimly lit path. He soon found the princess's room; the door was unlocked and already slightly ajar, so he peeked his head through the door and squinted.

"No? 'Cause I already told you I like som—" Shukiyo's voice trailed off as she threw her head back to the sound of the door creaking ever so slightly.

Cross paused, "Hey there!" he threw his hands up in mock surrender, stepping into the room. His eyes were immediately drawn to Princess Death, and then to the stranger sitting beside Shukiyo.

In the room, a man stood—one who didn't appear much taller than Shukiyo herself. He towered a good two feet above her, sporting a long, black mullet that framed his feline features. A long, bushy, rosette-covered tail curled around his leg, while his dilated pupils looked up at Cross with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. Shukiyo seemed engrossed in a very important conversation with this guy; from Cross's perspective, she still looked as if she'd just rolled out of bed. Bunny slippers adorned her feet, a pink onesie draped over her, and a sleeping mask rested precariously on her forehead. Cross had to admit, it was kind of cute.

But as he shook himself from the momentary distraction, the reality of the situation sank in.

"Am I interrupting something?" Cross asked, eyeing the three of them.

"Yes," the man replied dryly, not bothering to hide his irritation.

Death immediately snapped her jaws at the man, a fierce glare in her eyes. "That's unfortunate for you. That's Shuki's friend you're talking to."

The man sighed, glancing at her with a deadpan expression. "Seriously—"

"Yes, seriously," Death cut in, her tone unimpressed. "Plus, your conversation was about to end anyway."