Chapter Text
Having control over a country is an interesting experience. As the leader of your people there wasn't a moment's rest, especially considering that you came into power at an early age. Of course, you weren't all alone, you had your advisors, servants, and the full support of your people.
The only reason you had come into power was your parents' need for a vacation. Although you loved your parents dearly you had to admit they had commitment issues. At 19 they had left you in charge of a kingdom. Upon their return they realized your competence as a ruler and left the throne to you so they could have an early retirement. So here you are, 25 and running a country.
With your parents' "lack of dedication" to their people it was a wonder that the royal family had yet to be overthrown. However, as a country of mainly Hucows and bulls, there was often peace in the air.
However minor issues would arise amongst the people such as now.
"Do you see this your highness; my beds have been completely desecrated by his sugar lambs! Coco-orchids are incredibly hard to grow, something needs to be done about them!" Lily, a typically pacific in nature woman, fumed tail whipping and ears twitching.
"It's not my fault you still use such an outdated fencing system to protect your prized orchids!" Geo strikes back as his chiffon dog rounds up his lambs and sheep.
"Geo I'll have you know this is the fourth time in two months this has happened, you can't just blame Lily for it. Your own fences are as much to blame as Lily's." You look at Lily with an expression that says sorry for calling out her fencing situation before you continue. "Geo, I will be expecting you to compensate for the damage caused, and Lily I'll be putting in for a greenhouse to be built to help protect your orchids. You do produce the best on the island after all." You give Lily a smile and she seems to puff up with pride at your compliment. On the other hand, Geo looks a bit dejected, but he's always been a bit sensitive to a scolding.
"I'm sorry about your orchids Lily, I'll pay back what I can and offer my services for what I can't." Although reluctant he does apologize.
"I forgive you, just please be careful with where your lambs graze." Lily, ever so sweet, hugs Geo as she accepts his apology.
"Glad this is settled; I'll be off to handle other business." Once done you make your way to your Percheron Genoise. Mounting Genoise you gently pat his side signaling him to head towards town.
Passing the many pastures of the citizens who choose to live more on the outskirts of town you take in the scenery waving at a few people.
"Hello, your highness!" Slowing Genoise you come to a halt in front of Macaron, a rather small hucow as she was of miniature and mid cattle descent but well known to you as she often gifts you her milk, a common occurrence amongst your people as a sign of gratitude or respect along with a business.
"Hello Macaron, how are you?"
"I'm doing wonderful! I just made a fresh batch of milk and it's probably the best this month, I wanted you to be the first to try it." She gives you a smile as she gestures to her cottage to invite you in.
"I'd love to try it." You dismount Genoise and follow Macaron inside.
"Here you go, I know you're busy, so I don't want to take up too much of your time." She hands you a small case of glass bottles filled with milk that has a little star label stuck to the side.
"Thank you Macaron, I'll have to give you some of my milk as a thank you eventually."
"Oh! There's no need for that your highness!" She quickly throws her hands up and flails them to dismiss the idea.
"I know my milk probably isn't as good as yours but no need to reject me so fast!"
"No, that's not what I meant! I didn't mean to offend, it's ju-" She's speaking a mile a minute as she tries to rectify a problem that doesn't exist.
"I'm just messing with you; I really took no offense Macaron." She lets out a sigh of relief as she realizes she hasn't offended the head of the country. "I'll be on my way now, I'll definitely let you know how much I love the milk."
Macaron waves you off as you leave her cottage. Crate in hand you realize there's no where to place it other than holding it,and you'd rather not take the chance of dropping it on the ride. "Genoise I know you hate when I do this but I have nowhere else to put it." Genoise shakes his head but settles as you pat him. Hands resting on his side you open a portal pocket before carefully placing the milk inside.
Mounting your horse you continue to town. The town is bustling with people selling their goods and preparations for sending shipments to neighboring countries. Making your way to the docks you search for a specific shipping crew.
"Over here your highness!" Turning to the voice you find the exact group you were looking for.
"Hello Soufflé, I assume you all are almost good to go, correct?" You look at the large cargo ships which are being loaded with goods ranging from sugar wool to dark choco-logs.
"Of course your highness! We'll be heading out shortly and should be back within four to six days." Soufflé, handler of larger shipments for the island, reassures you.
"Good to hear," You take a pause before you dip your head slightly to show your horns. "Thank you for all your help Soufflé."
"Your highness there's no need to be so formal! A simple thank you would do just fine!" The man gives you a hearty laugh as he pats your shoulder. "Now if you really want to show me some gratitude you could give me some of the milk Macaron gave you, you always get dibs on the freshest batch." Soufflé nudges you hopefully, tail flicking in anticipation.
"Okay," You pause to look for eavesdroppers, "but don't tell anyone I gave it to you. You know how sensitive everyone is to me playing favorites." Soufflé laughs but you can't help but think about the moping the more sensitive citizens do when they don't get your attention. Walking back to Genoise you open the pocket and pull out one of the glass bottles.
"Thank you, your highness, I'll be sure to enjoy this." Soufflé takes the milk before going back to directing the docks.
"Well, I believe that should be all for today." You smile at Genoise as he nuzzles your head for attention. "Good work today Genoise." He lets out a content huff as you rub his neck.
Mounting your horse, you prepare to head back to the palace but are stopped by a messenger bird. "Ah, thank you." The bird hands you an envelope before flying off.
Turning over the pink envelope you see a gold wax seal. Carefully you open the letter and pull out the card that's inside. "Oh gods, is this really from Big Mom? I think I'm gonna be sick." The card reads short and straight to the point, "You're invited to the Tea party of Big Mom. Bring a gift of good standing." You laugh at the request of a "gift". It feels more like it's asking you to bring an offering to appease an angry god.
Tapping Genoise's side you quickly make your way back to the palace letter clutched in hand.