Kai crouched low in the shadow of the towering marble columns, his crimson eyes darting nervously toward the grand double doors of the Queen’s chamber. The tiny creature in his arms squirmed and let out a high-pitched yip, its soft, floppy ears twitching as it nuzzled into the fabric of his shirt.

“Shh, buddy,” Kai whispered, glancing around the hall. The sound of his own voice seemed unnaturally loud, ricocheting off the stone walls. “You gotta work with me here. This is a surprise, okay? And a good one this time. No more broken vases or flooded kitchens. We’re going for adorable.”

The Queen loved unique treasures, and what could be more unique than a mortal puppy? Sure, her usual idea of treasures involved ancient jewels or cursed relics, but Kai figured it was time to mix things up.

“This is gonna blow her mind,” he muttered to the puppy, adjusting his hold as it squirmed again. “She’s gonna take one look at you and—”

“Kai.”

He froze.

The voice was smooth, authoritative, and far too close for comfort. Slowly, Kai turned his head to find Draven, fellow consort and the Queen’s ever-serious captain of the guard, standing at the end of the hall. His arms were crossed.

“What,” Draven said, his tone clipped, “is that?”

Kai shifted his weight awkwardly, trying to shield the puppy from view. “Uh... this? Oh, you mean this.” He held the puppy up like a prize, grinning sheepishly. “It’s, uh, a diplomatic gift! From, uh... the mortals! Super rare. Very prestigious.”

Draven’s eyebrow arched so high it practically disappeared into his hairline. “A puppy.”

“Yeah! Look at him!” Kai waggled the little creature slightly, as though that would somehow bolster his case. The puppy yipped and wagged its tail as it looked up at Draven. “He’s a natural charmer. The Queen’s gonna love him.”

“She’s going to love throwing you in the dungeon when that thing chews through the velvet drapes,” Draven shot back.

Kai winced but shook his head stubbornly. “You’re underestimating him. He’s got... personality.”

Before Draven could respond, the puppy wriggled free, landing with an ungraceful plop on the floor. It immediately bolted down the hall, tiny claws clicking against the stone as it disappeared through the Queen’s open door.

Kai’s eyes widened. “Oh no.”

Draven groaned, already pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is your funeral, Kai.”

Kai didn’t wait for more commentary. He sprinted after the puppy, whispering frantic apologies under his breath. “Your Majesty, wait! Don’t freak out, it’s, uh, totally under control!”