The Moon and the Flower

Frantic footsteps could be heard throughout the Palace of Flora. They came from the king’s dressing room, where King Sun was. His dressing room basically was a massive walk-in closet, with a sliver chandelier and other painted decorations. Each one was painted by his daughter when she was 6. Don’t ask him why he let her in his room with a paintbrush, but he was thankful that he did. A grand mix of a dress and suit hung on a hanger on the rim of a closet. Sun hadn’t out it on yet because he was panicking. His breath was baited, and his knees felt brittle. The room he was in thankfully wasn’t destroyed already even with his apparent panic attack, yet he doubted it would stay that way.

“Calm down, you’re fine.” He whispered while pacing, “You’re okay, you’ll be fine.”

He’s been like this for a half hour, just pacing and whispering. This wasn’t ideal as he had an event he has to go to. It’s in an hour, thankfully, but he still didn’t need to waste time. Each king from the Circlet of Kings were coming to his palace at 3:30. It was 2:58, so he had time. But this is always a constant issue of King Sun.

You see, ever since he was a cub, he’s had an awful case of anxiety. There wasn’t a time in his life where he didn’t remember being deathly afraid of the public eye. He’d always have the same symptoms too; baited breathing, racing heart, blurry vision, violent shaking and tears. All the same things would drive him into a panic attack too. And it always involved people no matter what it was. This event was especially harder because it was a counsel about his daughter’s disappearance. He clenched his fists at the thought, worrying about his sweet pea.

“You’re doing this for her. No one else.” Sun whispered to himself, taking another of many deep breaths.

The monkey turned to the dress he’d picked out for the meeting.

It was Flora’s signature colors of velvet green and pale gold, paired with royal sliver details. His crown sat next to the dress. It was more intricate than his daughter’s, but had the same colors. He walked up to the dress and picking it up by the hanger. The king put it on a low hanging shelf before transforming into a fly. He zipped into the dress and transformed back with a poof. He knew this wasn’t the least bit useful, but he liked doing it. His tail went over to the crown and passed it to him. Without thinking, he caught it in midair before placing it on his head. The only thing missing now was heels, which shouldn’t be an issue. He’d placed them in front of the mirror close to the door. A few steps to the mirror and he slipped them on. The orange monkey admired himself in the mirror for a moment, taking in his gorgeous body.

“Yep, just as hot as my 20s in my 30s.” King Sun chuckled smugly, “Probably should start leaving now.”

He glanced at the clock before whipping his head over to it.

“Already 3:12?!” The monkey gawked at the clock, “Fuck, Moon’s waiting for me!”

Sun dashed out his dressing room and into the couple’s bedroom.

In no time at all he was stood at the entrance to the counsel room, panting like a mad man. He limped inside to find Moon already in her throne. She wore an elegant but simple hanfu with lighter colors than his, but she did wear a black choker with a leaf charm in the front. Her hair was also in a braid sprinkled with silver glitter, fitting perfectly with her crown. Everyday Sun’s remind about why he loved Moon. Today was no exception.

“Are you okay?” Moon asked, staring at her husband.

“Almost.” Sun panted.

By his wife’s face, he knew she could tell he was a mess. He let out a low whimper before limping over to his throne.

Each of Flora’s thrones had the empire’s colors, which determines where the couple sits. For example, Aira’s throne is white and gold as a symbol for their element air. Flamba had crimson and bronze for fire. And Aquaria has turquoise and VERY pale teal for water. The thrones were all sat around an oval table made of marble. A few glass bubbles with candles in them acted as lights, hanging in the air. Below the lights, a gorgeous spread was laid out on the table. Counsels have always included food as a way to lessen the tension. Sun saw a wine glass of bubbly was in front of his throne when he sat down.

“What’s this for?” Sun chuckled dryly, looking at his wife.

“Figured you need it for this one.” Moon responded.

Her face had this tint of pink. Her lips were so pump yet fragile, her dusty green eyes paring well with her dark royal indigo fur. They still shimmered like the day he met her, warming his rich golden honey eyes. His own apricot orange fur couldn’t match hers. He had freckles too, which must’ve passed down to Persimmon. A cozy feeling set over his racing heart. She’d always helped him calm down during attacks, even went not trying. He swiped up the glass before sipping. It was peach bubbly, his favorite. Damn it he’ll never get over his wife.

“Want one too?” The orange monkey asked, waving over a waiting servant.

“Aww, Why not. It would do me some good too.” The purple monkey signed.

Sun turned to the servant with the name tag Nancy.

“Excuse me, can you bring over a glass of mango wine for Moon?” He chirped.

The servant nodded before heading back to the kitchen. Nancy was voluntarily mute, so didn’t talk much to anyone besides the cook.

A few minutes later and Nancy was carrying a tray with a glass of Mango bubbly and two apple tarts. She placed the glass and tarts on the table before putting 2 small pills on top of Sun’s tart. These pills were King Sun’s anxiety medication he took before every social gathering he attended. The servant had given him the recommended dosage, which he was supposed to take. The only issue was that Sun had a habit of bumping up the dose to 4 if under extreme anxiety or stress. He knew this could bite him in the butt later, so he only did it in REALLY high stress situations. Plus he had Moon and Persimmon to worry about, so he wouldn’t go too far for them.

The smell of the tarts was addictive enough to drive Sun crazy. Yet there was more to come, so he tried to contain himself. Moon attacked her tart the second the servant left.

“Whoa! Are you good?!” Sun laughed hysterically as Moon caught her breath.

“I was hunger, whatever!” Moon huffed, her embarrassment clear.

“No it’s fine. I like went you do that.” The orange king purred.

His queen hummed a response while going back to the tart. Sun finally picked up his tart and took the pills off the top. He placed them in his drink before taking a bite. It was just as good as the smell, making Sun feel like he was ascending. In no time he’d forgotten why he dreaded these meetings. There was always his third favorite thing in the world there, food! He got halfway through the tart before deciding to take the pills. One big swig later and the pills were gone. The couple ate in silence while enjoying their food. A knight came into the counsel room, standing before the king and queen.

“Your friends have arrived. We’ve welcomed them in.” The Knight announced.

“Thank you,” Sun smiled despite the twist in his gut, “Bring them in.”

The man in armor bowed before walking out the door. A ton of footsteps headed for the counsel room, not helping Sun’s gut. Thankfully, the pills took effect and untwisted his gut enough so he could breathe. He took one last deep breath as the footsteps breached the door. It swung open to reveal Flamba’s royal family first. Then Queen Heaven and King Romeo, then Aqua Oceania and Benjamin. Each couple sat at their respective thrones in silence. Not much was said until Sun opened his mouth.

“Greetings everyone.” The King of Flora said, “I brought you all here to speak of a serious issue…”

All eyes fell on him in worry as he regained the strength to speak.

“My beautiful heiress has been kidnapped.” He stammered, a quiet sob leaving his mouth.

“Oh my…” Oceania muttered while her husband stared in shock.

“Do you have a magic signature to track?” Satanic Bull King asked.

“Yes. It’s a moon element, one I’ve never seen before.” Sun answered.

“Typically Moon magic is found in the Kingdom of Willow.” King Romeo pondered, “The abductor must be from the Kingdom of Willow.”

“The magic also seemed from a young lady. A teenager at best.” Moon added.

“Her crown was found off the northeast of the church. She’d never willingly leave her crown.” Sun pondered, wondering whatever the reason was for this kidnapping.

“This must’ve been for some form of payment.” Queen Heaven offered, “No one would dare entrap a princess of her status unless for payment.”

“You must be right. Being caught comes with a hanging.” Madame Iron Fan muttered.

Her brow was furrowed as she thought, crisp red nails tapping the marble.

Sun felt a glass appear in front of his bared claws. It was another glass, this time with spiked lemonade. He could tell this lemonade was more vodka than lemon by the smell. Nancy was standing on the wall behind him, giving a comforting smile. His tail started to wag behind him and his eyes got glossy. She must have noticed the weight on his shoulders as there were another 2 pills in the glass. Sun could’ve sworn he was about to cry, but his glamour hid it. He grasped the glass and took a swig. The fizzy alcohol relaxed his thoughts as the sound of chatter continued and forks clanked.

— — — — — —

Choked, panicked sobs filled Peony’s bedroom. Her gagged sobs continued as she thrusted item after item into a large satchel Persimmon gave her. A variety of necessities lay scattered across her bed like a flashlight, lighter and matches, and a notebook for burning. Flashes of Persimmon cries echoed through Peony’s head, begging the redhead to find her. One partially paralyzing scream made Peony bite her tongue so hard that it bled. She packed even more rapidly, throwing items into the leather sachet. The surrounding room was dark, only lit by a single candle on her desk. She took a shaky heavy breath before shoving the last thing in her satchel.

“Oh Persimmon…” Peony whispered to herself, “I would’ve never left you if I’d know you were in danger…”

The redhead scooping up the satchel, letting it hang off her shoulder. Desperation carried her as she ran out of her room and to her parent’s treasury quarters. She tore open the door before dashing to her knight’s armor. It’s bronze shined with the radiance of the sun, painted with sliver branches. Delicate cherry blossoms were sprinkled across the chest plate and weaved around the sleeves. All were painted by the flora princess she loved so much. She rested her hand on the glass her armor was held in along with her sword, feeling the energy flowing off it.

“You may have never known how much I’ve loved you before, but I swear to change that…” The horned girl muttered aloud, a few tears leaked from her eyes.

A small flame formed in her hand before it engulfed the glass box. It burned away the glass, revealing her armor. She took it off the holder before putting it on. Each piece cradled her in its arms with gently grace. Her hand stroked her sword as she felt how it hugged her body. She looked down at her chest plate at the garden thriving across her body. The sting in her eyes only fueled her.

“I swear I’ll find you, even if it’ll cost my life.” Peony whispered, more tears falling as she spoke, “I couldn’t bear to live without you.”

With one last deep breath, she ran out to the door. She ran and ran until she made it to the back door. A loud huff could be heard from behind her, one that terrified her to their core. Metal gears cranked with anger as she turned around. It was one of the robotic servants she made for her parents. This one’s name is Rex, and he’s known for being huffy for no reason.

“I thought you said you were loyal to your parents.” Rex growled, annoyance clear by his face.

“I-I’m not sneaking out!” Peony stammered.

The bull clone out his metal claws on his hips.

“Really? You don’t look the part.”

“You have no reason to accuse me. I’m doing something I should’ve done earlier.”

“And what is that?” The bull clone asked, light steam coming from his nose.

The redhead suddenly lost her words. Her mouth was open, yet no words came out. Rex tapped his foot like an angry bunny waiting for her response. Finally, she spoke up.

“... I’m looking for Persimmon.” The fire princess murmured.

The clone’s disbelief was written on his face, pausing before continuing.

“You know thats dangerous right?!” He scolded, “You could get us both in trouble if you got through with this.”

“But I have to! We both know that in the time it takes for all kingdoms to work together she’ll be dead!” Peony pleaded, voice filled with desperation.

Rex’s eyes squeezed his eyes shut before facepalming. A low very mad-sounding growl left his throat, thicker steam leaving his snout.

“Fine, go ahead. Just know you BETTER come back with that clumsy mess of a princess. Alive or dead.” The bull clone signed.

Peony felt his glare get harsher as she turned to the door.

“Thank you so much!” The horned girl whispered, putting her trust in Rex.

She could only pray he wouldn’t tell on her as she opened the back door. A light breeze blew through the doorway, carrying her hope for her. Her bangs rocked back and forth in the breeze with each step. When she was outside, the door fell shut behind her. A shiver ran down her back as the realness of it all hit her. Fear welled in her gut, but she pushed on. Her will lead her to her dragon’s pen. It was a decent stable, big as a commoner’s house. It was made out of the wood from cherry trees and smelled of them too. Pulling open the door revealed a pen similar to a horse, with hay begging and draped blankets.

“Psst, Firefly!” Peony whispered.

A pile of hay shifted a bit before a dragon head popped out. It had smokey scaled and amber horns, glaring at the princess for waking him from his nap.

“I know this is a bad time, but I need you!” She whispered again.

The dragon gave her a “go on” stare. The redhead signed deeply before responding.

“I need to go retrieve Persimmon. I’ve let her down before, I won’t do it again.” She murmured, her heart aching as she spoke.

The dragon’s eyes soften the slightest bit. He flapped his wings to blow off the rest of the hay and wagged his tail. Peony signed in relief, digging inside her bag.

“Thanks boy, here.” The horned girl said, holding out a big piece of Turkey.

Her dragon howled with joy, prancing over and taking the meat from her hand. He turned around to where Peony could climb onto his back, which she did. The feeling of his warm scaly skin felt so familiar after dozens of rides with him. He already had his reins on as well, which meant he really wanted to fly. With a chuckle she grabbed the reins and commanded him out of the pen. He obeyed immediately so excited. They walked into an open field before taking off. Or the dragon took off before Peony was ready. The wind caressed her face and brushed her bangs out of her face. Her heart thundered in her chest as they flew over the moonlit town of Flamba.

“Okay, head towards The Kingdom of Willow!” Peony commanded her dragon.

He nodded, stirring them north. The redhead stared into the open sky above her. The sun guided them as they flew, into the unknown beyond Flamba She took a deep breath with tears welling behind her eyes.

“I’m coming, my light…” Peony whispered to the sun, praying for safety as she went to return her love.