Chapter 110: Sister Act

The walls of the palace echoed as Junia’s heels struck polished stone. She walked next to Ann with a measured stride, not making eye contact. Her shoulders were stiff, and her posture awkward.

Ann knew this was going to be weird from the second the woman had seen her naked with her sister. The level of awkwardness was unknown, though, since this was also a princess. Yeah, Kat was a princess, but Junia seemed to be what you’d actually expect of a princess. Manicured, prim, dressed in a dress. It was a bit intimidating.

“So,” Junia cleared her throat. “You and Katlyn are together. I do hope you understand what this means for you and her.”

“I… I’m sure you’re going to explain that, but besides us being together, and me being attached to the family because of it?”

“Well, yes. That is a large portion of it. You represent part of our family as a princess consort. One of her two, apparently. We will address that later. With the information we’ve discussed, I’ll proceed as if you do not know anything about our society.”

“I mean, I know an alright amount of what it’s like from history books,” Ann said.

“Knowing about and living it are two separate things. You are going to be expected to speak on Katlyn’s behalf in functions and important matters. Your word now carries weight within this kingdom.”

“We’re planning on announcing me as a voice of a Goddess. Pretty sure that’s going to eclipse the whole princess consort thing.”

“For a time, yes,” Junia conceded. “Father is working hard to prepare the courts for your debut. Eventually, that will fade into the background as the mundanity of normalcy returns. I have a few questions. What are your plans with my sister?”

Ah, there it was. The start of the whole interrogation. “Have fun with her? See this new style of world, and with some luck, fix some shit that’s been broken for a while.” Ann didn’t feel like hiding anything from Junia would be productive. She’d be honest here.

“And past that? When the world is saved and you no longer have a quest to bind you to each other? Don’t give me the whole ‘I didn’t think about that’. If you have a good enough head on your shoulders for Katlyn to be pursuing you, I have to believe you’ve at least given a passing thought to the prospect.”

Ann paused, getting her thoughts in order. She’d had the thought, yeah, but she wasn’t sure what the future held. Honesty. Stick to honesty, she reminded herself.

“It all depends on if we live long enough for that,” she said.

Junia nodded, waiting for her to continue.

“Well, if that’s the case, settling down doesn’t seem too bad. Maybe even travelling further out and seeing what the rest of the world is like.”

“Taking a princess with you?”

“We both know she’s not the type to stay still,” Ann sighed. “Have a feeling we’ll be moving around for a long, long time.”

“True. She does have the heart for adventure. You should have seen her as a child. Twenty years old and fascinated by stories of dragons and leviathans. Her eyes would sparkle in wonder. You sound up to trying to fulfil some of those dreams. I approve of that.”

Thank you, Orenous, Ann said in silent prayer as some of the tensions evacuated her.

“And what do you plan to do about heirs?”

Hello panic my old friend!

“Uh…” Ann stammered.

“Annita, she is still a princess. You, if you pursue her to marriage, are part of the royal lineage. Should some tragedy befall myself and Somnal, Katlyn would be the one to take the throne. If that were to happen, the question of inheritance will be brought up.”

“I’m… uh… let’s say I’m not too worried about that?”

“How so?” Junia asked flatly. “You both are women, as is Rosalyn. I will not lie. I was somewhat hopeful that the childhood friendship between her and Bren would blossom into more romantic pursuits. However, she has been clear about her preferences. There are… methods that may assist with a child. However, I want to talk to you about it first.”

“Junia, Kat and I haven’t even talked about this,” Ann blustered. “I’m not worried about having a kid with her, but it’s just whether we’re ready for it.”

Ann stopped, eyes wide and face darkening. Her words had come without thinking. Did she mean that? She’d have kids with Kat? Yeah, the feral instincts in her screamed for breeding, but that was just a kinky thing. Right? She wasn’t ready. Fuck no, she wasn’t. They had so much to do before that. Way too far away.

Junia’s blue eyes scrutinised her. She felt truly seen by those eyes and the accidental lie she told was laid bare to this woman.

“Hmm, lying will not deliver you into my good graces, just so you’re aware,” Junia said coldly.

“Ok, it wasn’t entirely a lie,” Ann said, scratching an ear nervously. “Like, yeah, I may have had some daydreams about it a few times, but they were that. We’ve known each other for like two months. I don’t want to rush into shit before we’re both… no, all of us are ready. Rosalyn gets a say in this, too.”

“That is good to hear,” Junia nodded. “Commitment to one’s pursuits is important, but caution benefits just as much. Caution being something you two seem to lack. Now, do you have plans on how to accomplish this should the time come?”

“I mean, isn’t that a bit private?” Ann asked.

Junia looked completely unphased. Was this the same woman who’d been blushing as she ran out of Kat’s bedroom? “Normally, yes, but I need to look out for my family. I will push aside awkwardness to have some of the conversations Katlyn is likely avoiding.”

“She’s like that,” Ann nodded. “Sorry, just feel really awkward talking about this kind of thing. I have, uh, the necessary equipment to make sure that is done if we get to that point.” Ann said without giving too much information.

Junia raised a pristine eyebrow, eyes flicking down to Ann’s waist, then back up. “Not from the glimpse I caught.”

“Christ, woman, you’re really persistent about this,” Ann groaned. “It’s part of my Warped side of my body. Trust me, the anatomy is there for both ends of reproduction. No, you couldn’t see it. No, I will not be showing it to you.”

“I wasn’t going to ask that you do,” Junia said in her flat manner. Then she laughed. “You do bristle when someone applies pressure. Apologies, that was something of a test, and it was the most uncomfortable conversation I could conjure at the moment.”

Ann felt her heart race, then calm. All that to get a rise out of her.

“I needed to see how you’d respond to someone questioning you, your devotion, and your abilities when it comes to Katlyn. Relax, that is over. It is cute how fervently you answer these questions, though you probably shouldn’t share that much with anyone else.”

“Only did it because you’re her sister,” Ann grumbled. “Figured you’d take my head off if I fucked this up.”

“Annita, I’m a diplomat. I couldn’t hurt you if I wanted to. Sure, my influence could have you as good as dead, but should you have a mind to, you would easily overpower me. Not the point, though. How has Katlyn been during your months with her?”

Ann watched as Junia’s posture relaxed, her gait slowing and swaying slightly. Her eyes softened, and her lips quirked up in a smile. Despite this, she still got the feeling that all of these movements were calculated. It fit together too well.

“Could I ask you something first?”

“I feel that’s fair.”

“Are you… putting this all on? Like, the attitude and face, and all that. I seem to be pretty good at reading people after Orenous woke me up, and you feel… forced, almost.”

“Ah. Well, yes. I guess I am putting on a bit of a front. It’s something I’ve grown used to doing over the decades. My personality is sometimes harsh to interact with. Ironically, picking up on social cues isn’t something that comes naturally to me. Instead, I have learned to integrate through study and preparation. I have learned to adjust my mask to better set those around me at ease. Honestly, that a diplomatic Path was even offered to me was a surprise.”

“Huh, ok,” Ann nodded. Sounded like some of the autistic people she’d known. “Sorry, don’t want to make you uncomfortable. You can just be you, if you want.”

“It’s fine. After a time, the masks became part of me. It’s like changing clothes. One mask for a certain situation, then change to another. It might not be the healthiest way of doing things, but it’s what I’ve learnt.”

“If it works for you, then that’s cool,” Ann said with a shrug. They rounded a corner into a wider courtyard with servants bustling around. “But, yeah, back to your question. Kat seems happy. Never known someone who’s as happy to take a punch as a kiss. She can be a lot to handle sometimes.”

Junia giggled. “Oh, the entire kingdom knows that by now.”

“Heard she got around?”

“Quite. Being long lived as we Alfhindur are, she’s had time to figure out who she is and who she likes. Many girlfriends. Has she shown signs of that possessive streak yet?”

“Yeah, that was a couple weeks ago. After the whole Brawler’s Guild incident. Do you mind a little more detail about our relationship?”

“Go ahead,” Junia said, voice wary.

“Rosalyn likes things kinda rough, and Kat found out she had problems with us embracing that.”

“That makes sense. Always the first one into a fight or trying to help those in trouble,” Junia nodded.

“We had a big conversation after that night, and I can tell she’s trying. I still see it in her eyes, but she’s holding back. No clue if it’ll ever be gone. There’s a part of me that finds it really attractive.”

“I think I can see that. Someone who looks out for you and your safety is an attractive concept,” Junia nodded. “I am glad she’s opened up to you two about that. I was worried it would cause problems like it did with her last relationship. If that were to happen, with you being the Chosen of Orenous, it could be disastrous.”

“You’re telling me,” Ann laughed. “Orenous definitely has a jealous side. She doesn’t control me, but I’m here to do a job for her. Being between a Goddess grumbling about my ex and having to work with the kingdom would be super awkward.”

“Branching off my previous question, Rosalyn? How did that happen? Katlyn never seemed the type to share in her affections.”

“That one took a bit,” Ann sighed. “I think she liked Rosalyn from the start, but didn’t let herself acknowledge that for a while. Eventually, she gave in. Not sure if it was me or Rosalyn who convinced her, or if it just ate her up and she finally decided to try, but it’s been working out really well since.”

“I’m interested in that dynamic. It’s uncommon, for certain. If it’s working for you three, I have no complaints.”

“Well, if you want to know,” Ann chuckled, nudging Junia with her shoulder, “Kat and I are pretty similar. We get all competitive and push each other. Rosalyn’s got her own streak of trouble, but she can also be a good voice of reason. So far, she’s balanced us out really nicely. Love her to bits, and I think Kat’d tear someone’s head off if they offended her.”

“So she implied during our talk,” Junia nodded. “Ah, well, I wish the best for you three. How have preparations for the announcement been going?”

“No clue,” Ann shrugged, shoving her hands in her waistband. “Rowena’s been working on that part. We were a bit busy in the Seed. That’s like two weeks away, right?”

“Correct. The city will be seeing an influx of merrymakers for the festivities, so her advice to make this proclamation then was wise. You will, of course, have my support in this. I hope I can stay long enough to witness the reveal.”

“Thalten still having issues?”

“Not worse than they were having. Loose ends that I wish to see tied up. The disputes on pricing for the goods and taxation have been settled, for now. Farmers will still want more of their own profits, but we were able to establish an acceptable middle ground. The largest outstanding issue is with the hunters of the region. Thrundol clans can be a challenge to negotiate with.”

“If Lucia’s anything to go by, I can sympathise,” Ann laughed.

“Quite. It will take time, offerings, and a concession or three before we can get them to agree to terms. I will need my staff to discuss the best path forward. I have lists, but I can’t foresee everything.”

“No one can. Apparently not even the Gods,” Ann said, giving her a comforting pat of the shoulder. Junia flinched at first, but didn’t pull away.

“Sorry. Physical contact is also a struggle I’m working on.”

“Think I should be the one apologising. I’m kinda a touchy person, so I didn’t really think.”

“Yet most people would find that action normal,” Junia sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Sometimes I wish I were more normal. Could I ask you something? Not so much you but as a Chosen of your Goddess?”

“Uh, sure? Not sure how that’ll work, but there’s a first for everything,” Ann nodded.

“Am I not cut out for romance? I have this gnawing sensation that I’m just not enough for the concept. I have to fake so much of my personality that I’m not sure if anyone can really fall for me.”

They stopped walking, Junia settling down on a bench to wait for the response.

“Shit, that’s a heavy one,” Ann said, tapping her foot claws against the stone. She thought for a moment, then felt a tug in her. Something that seemed to want to guide her. Curious, she listened, letting her thoughts follow the feeling. “I don’t think you’re out of luck on that front,” Ann said slowly. “It’s more that you’re going to need to find someone who can keep up with you, if that makes sense? Your brain works on a different frequency. Not everyone’s going to understand it. That’s just life. I do get a feeling, and being perfectly honest, this is the first time I’m feeling something like this, that Orenous agrees. There’s something out there for you. Someone. I think you just need to be patient and keep looking.”

Junia’s face fell, but she nodded. “I have heard this before. Don’t look so concerned. That it comes from Orenous as well gives me solid hope for the future. I will be fine. Thank you for your advice. By the way, did you know your ears droop when you’re worried?”

“Kat’s teased me about that a couple times,” Ann laughed, helping Junia stand. “Rosalyn likes to play with them, too.”

“Absolutely adorable. Your tail is quite expressive as well. I don’t even need to use my skills to read your emotions. Fitting for a Chosen of Orenous, though you may want to practise hiding those feelings. Many can use them against you.”

“Well, as the leading expert on masks, mind teaching me?”

“I may consider it,” Junia nodded, completely serious. “Duties call, and it’s getting later in the morning. Let’s head back to my sister before she decides I’ve been the one to rip off your head.”

They chatted about nothings on the way back. Food mostly. Junia had a particular fondness for fruits, and Ann took the time to detail several that she was familiar with. Strawberries and cherries intrigued Junia, but she said that she’d never seen something like them. Blueberries, however, had survived, and they discussed pies and other uses.

By the time they got back to Kat, Ann had Junia smiling and talking animatedly about her favourite bakery out in Thalten, complete with an invitation to visit if they ever made it that far south.

“Was about tae come lookin’ fer ye,” Kat called, waving. She and Rosalyn were where they’d left them, though Rosalyn had climbed on top of Kat, laying with her back on the princess’ chest. “The talk go alright?”

“I find her acceptable,” Junia nodded. “More than that, I approve. Keep this one safe, Kat.”

“I’ll feckin try,” Kat grinned. “Got me hands full wit’ ‘er and Rosalyn ‘ere.” She attacked Rosalyn’s sides with vicious tickling.

“I need to go, but I’ll see you later. All of you. I want to have dinner with the family, now that I’m back. There is also a ball this week I believe you three should attend. Consider yourselves invited and do not skip on this one, Kat. I’ll send you details later. For now, farewell,” Junia said with a nod. She turned and glided through the pillars into the palace.

“Ye ok?” Kat asked, putting a hand on Ann’s paw, looking up.

“She had questions, but nothing I couldn’t handle,” Ann said, sitting cross-legged by Kat and Rosalyn.

“Kinda surprised she didn’t ask me anything. I’m dating her sister too, right? Shouldn’t I get all the grumpy big sister interrogation like in the stories?” Rosalyn asked.

“I think she saw me as the more disruptive person,” Ann leaned back on her hands, looking up at the stone roof of the cave. “Needed to make sure I wasn’t going to be a problem for Kat.”

“Shite, she talk tae ye about an heir?” Kat groaned.

“Yeah.”

“Gods above, she’s so worried about that ‘cause the pressure’s on ‘er and she’s scared she can’t figure out a partner. Sorry ‘bout tha’.”

“Nah. We had a talk, and Orenous guided some of the conversation. She’ll find someone. I’m almost certain of it.”

“Well, that’s good an’ all, but we’ve been invited to a ball,” Kat said, grunting as she lifted Rosalyn bodily off her and sat up. “We had plans. Now we’ve gotta add shopping tae the list.”

“Shopping?” Rosalyn asked, looking up.

“Right,” Ann gasped, eyes widening. “I’ve got a dress. Kat’s probably got something fancy, but you don’t.”

“Oh. Oh you’re right, I don’t,” Rosalyn said, eyes widening in realisation. “At least, not fancy enough for something like this. I’ve got good clothes, but yeah, they’re good for my family and my family still doesn’t have much and that’s not great for like a noble ball is it? I don’t wanna embarrass you or Kat. Ugh.”

“Now we’ve got a mission,” Ann laughed.

“Dress up the li’l lamb,” Kat nodded.