The Exiled

Part 3

They returned, Laurence having little to report but the scent of another creature on their borders. He turns to the caracal who was looking extremely uncomfortable in the situation; afraid the king would disapprove of her friendship with Laurence.

"You can come in with me. You'll be fine, anyways. Master is pleasant." her eyes lit up.

"Y-you mean it? He won't send me away?" Laurence shrugged before continuing up to the door.

Once they reached it, they were met by more guards. They were about to protest against Haydn, but Laurence silenced them with the raise of his hand. The guards move out of his way and he opens the door, allowing Haydn to go first. As she steps in, she gazes around in wonder. The place is not very lit, but has quite a few valuables in it and is well decorated. The walls have stained glass painted with different royal animals, like horses and tigers and lions. The stained glass murals have an ominous glow in the low lighting. Haydn seems to refuse to look at them. Laurence closes the door behind them. A flustered looking maid- wearing the stereotypical outfit and showing the features of a leopard- comes running down the stairs, holding her dress slightly up as to not step on it. On her neck, a yellow collar. She's about the same age as Haydn- perhaps older, but not by much. A year at most. She heads in the direction of the strange pair. Although obviously winded, she speaks in a smooth, soft voice.

"Welcome back, Sir Caldwell. And... I'm sorry, dear. Who may you be?" She turns her attention to Haydn.

"My name is Haydn Woodard, and I am here with Caldwell." the caracal replies calmly. Laurence elbows her. "Er- Sir Caldwell." The maid smiles assuringly. "Who're you?" The maid looks a bit taken aback by Haydn's question, but replies.

"I am Mieko Blois. But- you can call me Miss Mieko or.. just Mieko, seeing I'm simply a maid." she smiles at the two. Haydn smiles back, but Laurence's face is simply blank.

"Why did you look surprised when I asked your name? You're, like, royalty, right?"

Mieko sighs and chuckles in a breathless way. "Oh, Miss Woodard, I am a mere maid, as you are a mere caracal. If anything, even I am below you." Haydn looks at her, genuinely sad at this.

"You're so pretty, and nice, how are you not in charge?" Haydn tilts her head, and Mieko's face flushes.

"I-I'm not much- thank you, Mistress." Haydn openly giggles out of embarrassment- she had never been called such a high thing as mistress. If anything, it was a title of affection. Laurence decides to interrupt, rolling his eyes with a disgusted expression.

"Is Master available at this time? I have reports." He gazes around. Haydn looks back at the ground.

"Why- yes, that's why I'm down here. To fetch you. Upon Master's request. But.." she inches closer to Laurence and whispers, "Is the caracal allowed?" Haydn twitches her ears to show she heard the comment.

"I can't see any reason she wouldn't be. Master is kind." Laurence takes a small step back from the maid. Mieko stares at him and Laurence could swear he saw fear and doubt flicker in her gaze, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

"Very well, then. Sir Caldwell, Mistre-Miss Woodard, please follow me." Mieko turns to the stairs and begins hurriedly climbing them. Laurence slowly and calmly follows, fully aware of Haydn right on his heels to rush him. They both headed up the stairs behind the hurried maid. Haydn had taken to pushing Laurence from the back.

Eventually, they reached the top of the stairs. They were met with an overly decorated door, as well as Mieko standing next to it in wait. Her spotted tail swished back and forth in anticipation, and she fiddled her hands worriedly. The moment she saw them, however, she stopped and opened the door. It led to a beautiful, long room with a large throne at the end; and in that throne was King. He was a lion of sorts with long sand-colored hair, ears, and a tail. A golden crown with blue gems lied lopsided upon his head. He wore long blue gowns and bore no collar. On either side of his throne, a maid of sorts- though dressed in more revealing and fancy clothing than Mieko. Golden and dark blue cloth draped around their chests and waists, beaded strings hanging from their ears and necks. One, a cheetah, and the other, a gazelle. They both stared at Laurence and Haydn as they arrived. Upon reaching King, Laurence extended a hand to him and slightly bowed, while Haydn dropped onto one knee and lowered her head; a sign of inferiority. After a moment, she stood. King spoke.