The first day on the job was not as pleasant as Flora had hoped. First, she had slept in. She realized too little too late that she had not set any sort of alarm clock and had missed the crowing of the roosters from how deep a sleep she was in. Second, she woke up to find Leon pounding on the door to her apartment.
She woke up with a rush of fear and panic. It took her a moment to remember where she was and how she got there. Hearing the sound of pounding outside did not help, and she had to rush out of bed to go get the door. She was partially grateful for having slept in clothes last night, but not so grateful for just how ragged she looked. When she opened the door, Leon was quick to comment on just that.
"What's the matter with you? You look like you slept in a barn!" He exclaimed, making his way into the common room without so much as a "hello" or "how do you do?" Flora just rubbed her face and came in behind him, hoping to rub the tiredness out of her eyes.
"The King told Dante to tell me that I left some stuff here, and I've come to collect. Here's a bag." He swiftly handed Flora a canvas bag not unlike the one Dante had used last night. She numbly grabbed it before realizing he must be expecting her to help. Knowing that arguing would be futile, Flora sighed as she resigned into helping Leon.
With a lot of grumbling Leon made his way into the bedroom closet, immediately rummaging through the clothes he left in there. He haphazardly stuffed them into a second bag that he brought, and tossed the others towards Flora.
"I don't wanna keep those ones, do something with 'em will ya'?" Leon asked, continuing to rummage through the closet. "And the books! I'll send a list but some of those are my books, and I want them in my room." Leon huffed, pulling clothes out of a trunk from the back of the closet.
"Yes Master Leon, as you say." Flora sighed, picking up another jacket that Leon had tossed her way. While he wasn't the Beast Master anymore, it felt wrong not referring to him without some sort of title.
The pair went on like this for some time, Flora assisting and Leon complaining the entire time. By the end, Flora's bag was much larger than Leon's, and she was surprised she managed to fit it all in one bag. She set hers down with a sigh, taking a long look at the now empty closet. I suppose it will soon fill up again with my own clothes. I suppose I'll have the money now to buy something nice for myself. The thought was welcoming, and something that Flora looked to in the midst of her many new responsibilities.
"Ah, I almost forgot." Leon started, grabbing his and Flora's bag. "You have a meeting with King Erick this morning." He informed her, his rough voice in contrast with his casual tone. "I think it was supposed to be at nine?" Leon tilted his head, clearly trying to remember and failing.
Flora quickly glanced at the clock on her nightstand and found that it was well past nine. It was half past eleven, and well past any acceptable tardiness. Flora moaned in despair. Curse Leon and his forgetfulness, who expected him to remember that on time? Flora thought bitterly, rushing to grab some nice clothes and look more orderly.
Thirdly, on her first day on the job, Flora was late to see the king.
Flora walked as fast as she could while still being socially acceptable. Eventually she found King Erick's office, flanked by two of the Royal Guard, Dante notably absent. Thank the gods for that one saving grace. Flora grimaced as she pulled her livery straight, adjusting her badge and fussing with her hair before entering. The guards simply nodded as she got to the door, hesitating before knocking.
"Come in." The muffled voice was clearly Erick's, and Flora took a deep breath before entering.
The king's office was much larger than her own, with large windows set at the back wall casting light into the room. Like her own study, bookshelves stuffed to the brim covered the walls with paintings set in the spaces in between. Unlike her room, these paintings depicted the royal family, including the late King Richard and Queen Esther. Flora sent a quiet prayer for the rest of their souls before turning to King Erick who was occupied with the papers on his desk, the pen in his hand scribbling away. He paused to look up.
"Ah, Flora, I was wondering if you were going to come." Erick said, a slight frown tugging the ends of his lips.
"I'm very sorry, Your Majesty, please forgive me." Flora humbly replied, bowing low. A part of her worried that he would hold this against her and find someone to replace her. I mean, what kind of person is late on the first day of the job? Especially one as prestigious as this… Flora thought miserably as she waited for Erick's response.
"Well, I suppose it's partially my fault." King Erick replied, returning to his paperwork. "I'm sure Dante played another one of his harmless jokes again." Erick sighed, gathering up his papers and straightening them out before setting them on another pile before turning back to Flora. She straightened under his gaze, his stormy blue eyes piercing right through to her core. Nervousness began to creep its way into her heart.
"I want you to prepare for the Spring Inspection." Erick began. "I will be pushing it back by a month, since you're still new. I'll send a page to bring down the documents to your room later today. And," He paused, reaching for a different stack of papers on his desk. "These are for you. It's your new schedule and loose ends that Leon left." Erick finished, handing the stack of papers forward.
Flora took a tentative step forward, gingerly grabbing the papers from the king's outstretched hand. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Flora nearly squeaked out the words despite her attempts not to. The king gave her a brief, faint smile.
"That will be all, unless you have any questions?" Erick asked, leaning back in his office chair. A million thoughts raced through her mind as Flora thought about what would and wouldn't be appropriate to ask her king. I knew the Spring Inspection would be happening this year, but I've only ever been on the receiving end. What do I do on my end? Count all the sheep of the kingdom? Flora decided that this was most definitely not something to ask the king. Or anybody. Especially not Leon.
"I think I'm good." Flora did her best to hide her anxiety with a forced smile before bowing to the king and taking her leave. She didn't make room for herself to slip up and hurried out the room and down the hall before she realized she was totally lost. Finding the King's study had been easy, everyone knew where it was and easily pointed her to it. Now she had to find her way back to her own rooms, and was nervous to ask anyone lest she make a fool of herself.
Sucking in a steadying breath, Flora quietly walked down the maze of hallways, taking note of the paintings she saw and the turns she took. It didn't help her find her rooms any faster, but at least she got an idea of what halls lead to where.
Grateful to finally be back in the place she called her own, she did her best to settle into the office with her stack of papers. It wasn't easy, and Flora fidgeted not unlike Condor on the cross-ties. Perhaps I should get a few things of my own to add in here, make it feel more like my own space and less like a stuffy old closet. Flora thought to herself as she finally read the first document, her regular schedule for each day.
Flora frowned as she realized that she had already missed some of her duties, which were to overlook various training exercises of both animals and farm hands. She sighed and pushed out of her chair and pulled her boots back on before heading out to her next appointment, all the while she was running the logistics of what she would need to prepare for the Spring Inspection.
Flora trudged out to the stables to observe the horse training for the day. It turns out that it was raining outside, and Flora had to navigate her way through mud and water. She had neglected to check the weather through her windows in her rush to get to her next appointment on time. She arrived just in time, walking into the barn a soaking mess, hair plastered to her head and jacket sagging heavily against her arms.
Unfortunately, Dante was also there. It made sense, since it was the guards' horses that were being trained today, but that didn't stop her surprise as Flora saw him just outside of the training ring. Of course he noticed her right away, and swaggered his way over to her. Flora groaned internally, and prepared for more of his tomfoolery.
"Hey Flower! I'm so glad you could make it." Dante exclaimed while wrapping an arm around her shoulders, ignoring the fact that she was soaking wet and trying to hide a shiver. "And just in time it seems!" He finished, gesturing to the arena as a rider mounted one of the horses.
The horse was a large black gelding and its fur shined with good health. The gelding's mane and tail were carefully tied in tight knots, and its hooves feathered out just past the hocks but left the hooves clear. Flora had never worked with this horse before, and wasn't sure what kind of handling he required, until she saw who was riding the gelding.
Flora realized belatedly that it was King Erick on the horse, his golden horns shining in the light that filtered through the large windows of the arena. His broad shoulders were set back as he urged his gelding into a canter, keeping an easy seat with the horse's smooth gait. He wore a plain grey vest and leather padded riding pants, clearly meant for work more than show. Flora couldn't help but admire the easy stride he kept as he put the horse through several dressage moves, making it look effortless.
I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing here. Flora thought nervously. He clearly knows what he's doing, and Dante is already here, so why am I here? Flora shifted her weight as she watched King Erick ride his horse, unsure of what to say or do in the situation. Thankfully, it didn't take long for her to find out.
"I much prefer you here than that old cat." Dante started. "He insisted on always making sure nothing happened to Erick. Pfft." Dante flung a hand as if swatting a fly. "As if he hasn't been able all his life. But I suppose it's not a bad view." Dante finished with a mischievous gleam in his eye, smirking at Flora. She felt her entire face flush red with embarrassment.
"Unlike you Dante, I try to be professional while at work." Flora retorted, but it was cut by the fact that her face was now beat red and that she couldn't look him in the eye. Dante only laughed before turning back to watching King Erick ride, pushing his horse into the more complicated moves of dressage. It was then that Flora was grateful that she wasn't looking at Dante, because Erick fell from his horse.
While practicing the airs above the ground with his gelding, King Erick's horse landed wrong and lunged forward, throwing Erick off balance before tipping over entirely. He landed head first into the sand of the training arena, and Flora gasped as the gelding nearly landed on top of him as it tried to recover from the trip.
Dante wasted no time, launching himself over the railing and hurtling into the arena towards Erick. Flora followed suit, catching the horse by the reins as it began to spook from the commotion. Sand and dust plastered to her still wet clothes, but Flora ignored it as she worried over the safety of her king. Dante leaned over King Erick as he righted himself, wiping sand off his face and clothes. For once, Dante was not smiling but very serious. He checked over King Erick, helping the king stand back up.
"Well, I think you've certainly had more graceful landings." Dante remarked, his features returning to their usual aloof state. Erick cut him a glare that would have killed Flora on the spot had she been on the receiving end. Then it softened.
"Well, I believe you're the one who jinxed me. Telling everyone about how I never fall?" Erick replied, matching Dante's smirk with one of his own. Dante barked a laugh before clapping Erick on the shoulder. Erick turned to Flora, who was still holding the gelding, unsure of what to do with herself. Would he be offended that I didn't ignore the horse and go right to him? Would he be upset that I;m handling his horse? Flora felt the usual panic set in but forced it down with a smile, hoping that neither of the shifters would notice her fear.
"Thank you for catching him, Flora." Erick walked up to grab the reins from Flora, moving stiffly. He might be alive, but the fall clearly hurt him. Dante seemed to notice it too as he stiffened, his face going back to that serious overtone.
"Of course, Your Majesty. I can put him back in his stall, if you would like?" Flora did her best to not sound shaken as he nearly loomed over her. She didn't want her king to risk further injury by taking care of his own horse, but knew that it wasn't her place to tell him otherwise. She could only hope that he would take her advice.
Dante moved up next to King Erick and gave him a look Flora hadn't seen before. She couldn't quite figure it out, but by their expressions it was almost like the two were having a silent conversation. She shifted her weight and tried her best not to look awkward as the moment continued to stretch for what felt like an eternity. King Erick quirked one eyebrow, and Dante smirked before the two turned back to Flora. She did not like them being so close, and was sure they could smell the fear from her.
"Yes, it would be better to leave him in your care. I should be getting back by now anyway." King Erick shifted uncomfortably and Dante gave him a pat on the back.
"I'm sure good ol' Odysseus will be fine in Flower's care. I hear she's great with geldings and stallions." Dante winked at Flora, causing her to heat up with embarrassment and bafflement at the statement.
King Erick rolled his eyes. "Perhaps you should go and I'll stay then and save the poor girl from your crude manners." Erick retorted. Dante feigned injury, dramatically holding a hand over his heart.
"Why Erick, you wound me so!" Dante put on a dramatic voice as if he were in a poorly written play. "I would never even dream of doing something so heinous!" His face belied his words, as he couldn't help the childish smile that splayed across his lips. King Erick simply elbowed him in the ribs, returning a somewhat mischievous yet also cruel smile.
"I'm sure Aunt Martha would love to hear your reports for the day." Erick began, and Dante actually looked hurt this time as he winced at the mention of Lady Martha, King Erick's Aunt and Advisor. "In fact, now that you mention it, you should go take care of my duties for a while. How long is my dear Aunt visiting for?" King Erick's smile was almost feral as he detailed Dante's upcoming duties. "Yes, I like that. You will go, and I will stay here and rest." King Erick finished, looking satisfied with himself.
I sincerely hope I didn't just get mixed up in something bad. Flora felt her anxiety rising as Dante heaved a sigh and went off to his new duties. Something tells me they don't act like this around other people. Is that bad? Should I be worried? Flora had to swallow hard to stuff her feelings down as King Erick turned his attention on her.
He made an attempt to return to his usual impassive expression but failed as he broke into a soft laugh. "Sorry Flora, Dante and I are more like brothers, I didn't mean to get you caught up in anything." He explained, and Flora noticed that he seemed genuinely at ease, a far cry from their hunt just yesterday. "Shall we get going?" He asked, motioning towards the exit of the arena.
"Right, yes, of course! I mean, after you." Flora stumbled to reply, nervous as she realized that she was yet again alone with the king. He gave her a soft smile and nod before leading the way out of the arena and to the barn. Flora noticed that he now walked with a limp, but didn't dare make any comments on it.
Flora followed King Erick down the aisle of the barn before setting up his gelding - Odysseus - up on the cross ties. She quietly and efficiently removed his tack while Erick took a seat on a nearby bench. He said nothing as he watched her with his piercing stormy blue eyes, and Flora could feel heat rising to her face. She was worried she'd do something embarrassing, feeling as if he were scrutinizing her every move.
Eventually, Flora couldn't stand the silence anymore and said something. "Is your Aunt Martha really that bad?" The moment she said it she instantly regretted it. Why was that the best thing I could say? You could have said anything and you asked that! Flora silently berated herself for her stupidity.
King Erick barked a loud laugh before responding. "While my Aunt may be an important member of my court, she is only valued for her position. She has a tendency to give us all a headache." He replied, and the tension in his shoulders seemed to loosen almost imperceptibly.
Flora nearly sighed with relief that she hadn't angered him. She still remembered the very real possibility of becoming a pile of ash. At least, that's what she had been told. Dragons were quick to anger, and freely used their gift of fire. So why hadn't he? Maybe it's because he's only been king for a few months. Flora thought, anxiety prickling the back of her mind.
"Here, let me help you with that." King Erick got up and made to grab the saddle from Flora, but winced as he put weight on his leg. "On second thought, maybe I'll grab the harness instead." He corrected, refusing to sit and watch. Flora admired that he at least wanted to do things for himself, and knew it was not her place to stop him, but couldn't stop the worry that the fall from Odysseus had hurt Erick more than he let on.
She agreed with gratitude and the two took the bundle of horse tack into the tack room. Flora was all too aware of King Erick at her back, unsure of how she should feel. It was an honor to be trusted by her king, but was also nerve wracking to be around a powerful dragon shifter. She pushed her feelings down as she helped put away Odysseus' saddle and tack, hands fumbling with the twisted leather of the reins.
"Here," Erick gently took the reins from her hands, his firm hands brushing hers as he fixed the reins and set them up on the rack. "They can be a little tricky sometimes." He told her, a spark of amusement in his eyes. He knows you're nervous and now he'll know your embarrassed! Flora could feel her entire face turn red as she mumbled her thanks and began putting away the rest of Odysseus' harness.
Maybe he's secretly just as bad as Dante, and will find enjoyment out of this. Flora thought in resignation, as she couldn't see why else the king would be amused by her fumbling like a newborn calf. She turned to leave after putting everything away, and found him waiting for her at the doorway to the tack room. He still hadn't returned to being completely impassive as she had usually seen, but rather had the hint of a smile and amusement still glinting in his eyes. He looked ready to say something, but before he could a page came running in.
"Ah, Beast Master Acker, I've been looking for you." The boy sounded slightly winded, as if he had searched the whole barn before finding her. "I was told to ask for your assistance in the cow barn. They didn't tell me why, just to find you." He finished.
Flora frowned, a million possibilities running through her mind. The cow barn was not nearly as grand as any of the horse barns, but still had its fair share of troubles. A cow could be lame, sick, or even calving at this time in the year. She sincerely hoped that calving was off the list for today, as it would require the most time and work. She turned to King Erick.
"Please forgive me, but I must be going." Flora bowed, doing her best to be polite. She didn't want to risk offense given he clearly had more to say, but he only shook his head as if to clear his thoughts.
"I understand, you may go." He replied. And with that, Flora was dashing off back into the rain soaked world as she headed to the cow barn.