My Empire: Bonus Content

A Not-So-Secret Date

Date: Set Post Book 1, demon is long gone

Canon: Non-Canon, includes a noncanon character

Notes: This was an anniversary gift for my two amazing friends Rainyjoi2009 and Quiet_shadow_248 !

Arlo was added as a noncanon character, brother to High King Indigo and Prince to Ethiria, Ambassador to Viidakko and secretly dating Rei Rain of Viidakko >:D

Enjoy!

~~~

The boat rocked against the dock, sailors chattering and captain shouting as they moored the ship and started unloading crates and imports.

The most important person on board, ruler of Viidakko, took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh salty air and the smell of the city, baking bread and spices and nature all colliding together.

Stepping off board, they wobbled a bit as they adjusted to being on solid ground instead of the swaying of the ship. Tail swishing behind him, he steadied themself and continued walking, waving to a few starstruck children gaping at them. They'd probably never seen a feline hybrid before, they weren't common in Ethiria.

There was a small entourage of guards waiting at the end of the marina, probably waiting for them to escort him to the castle. Rain laughed to themself. They'd be waiting a while.

Turning the opposite way, they easily slid into the crowds, melting into the sea of people despite his black fur and feline traits making them stand out.

~~~

"What do you mean, they never arrived?" He demanded, throwing his hands up in the air.

The guard shifted, not-so-subtly glancing around for an escape route. "We checked the entire ship, the sailors said they had been there, but they just vanished, I swear, sir."

Arlo growled, glaring at the soldier. The guard swallowed nervously, praying half-desperately to the gods for safety.

"Never arrived, did I?" A soft voice inquired from behind him, laughter evident in their tone.

The guard sighed in relief as Arlo spun around, anger melting away to pure joy. "Quiet!"

The lovers embraced as the guard made an escape, closing the door behind them to give the two some privacy.

"I got so worried, are you okay?" Arlo asked, pulling back to check them over for injuries. Rain smiled, twining his fingers with Arlo's.

"I'm perfectly okay, I just decided to play around with your soldiers a bit," they replied, tail swishing proudly behind him.

"Digo's soldiers, not mine," Arlo commented, shaking his head. "Anyways, I have a bit of a surprise for you, so, uh, if you wanna...?" He waved vaguely towards the outside with a hand, giving Rain a hopeful smile. They gave him a fond look.

"Of course, let's go!" They followed their boyfriend out as he led them down halls and stairs out of the castle and into Celeste's bustling streets.

It didn't take long to reach the outskirts of the city, houses and roads fading into forest and nature. Confusion rippled slightly as they continued deeper into the forest, away from the rest of the world.

"And what might we be doing here?" Rain asked curiously as Arlo tugged him through a small path in the thick trees.

Arlo snickered. "You'll seeeeeeee~"