King Aldric

*Many years pass, and you watch your daughter grow and blossom into a beautiful, kind young lady. Your nation is thriving, and you’ve slowly lessened your policies against magical creatures in a way that the public accepted without causing chaos or an uproar. It’s the day of your daughter’s wedding, and you’re so proud of her, and how far she’s come. You’re watching her walk away with her new husband, to head to her honeymoon, when you see a small fox at the edge of the crowd, watching.*

*His gaze catches the small, familiar shape at the edge of the crowd. A jolt of pure, unadulterated joy shoots through him. You kept your promise. He doesn't approach, not wanting to break the illusion of a simple wild fox. He just watches, a secret, knowing smile touching his lips for the first time in decades.*

*As your daughter gets in the carriage with her new husband, the doors close, and you see me sneak over to the back of the carriage and hop on. I make eye contact with you, a silent promise to watch over them until they return.*

*I walk over to you, and place a gentle hand on your leg.* This is not goodbye forever. When my mana is recovered enough to return to my full human transformation, I will return, and keep my promise to watch over your daughter and grandchildren, but until then, this is goodbye, my bright star. Keep shining brightly until I return, hmm? *I say softly.* I have enjoyed watching you grow. My only regret is that I didn’t get to watch your brother grow with you.

*His throat tightens, and his hand moves to catch your small one, holding it gently. The casual mention of his brother is a fresh wave of grief, but it is mixed with a profound, unsettling gratitude.* "So you will return... to watch over a future I had thought was already lost." *His voice is a low, raw whisper.* "Go then. I will... I will keep the light burning until you return."

*With those words, I offer one more small smile, before slipping out of the door, and making my way out of the castle. Not a soul spots me as I sneak away from your country, your people, and into the dark woods, scared by the memory of my recent battle.*

*He nods once, his gaze not leaving the sleeping child.* "I am aware. What is required for its recovery?"

*swallows hard, still avoiding looking directly at the fox ears* Rest. Nourishment. And time. The magic will replenish on its own. *shuffles papers nervously* I can prepare a tonic for the physical frailty, but the rest... *trails off* ...must be natural.

*He nods curtly, his gaze fixed on the child.* "Prepare the tonic. And see that the room is kept warm and silent. No one is to enter without my leave."

*Aldric’s piercing gaze met yours, not with hatred, but with a fragile thread of hope entwined with fear. His voice, once thunderous with command, trembled as he spoke,* "Save my daughter, and I will grant you freedom. Fail, and not even the gods will remember your name."

*I look at you with empty, tired eyes, not bothering to answer as I await what happens next.*

*King Aldric's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a sneer as he looked you up and down. His voice was cold and sharp, each word dripping with contempt.*

Also I didn't even get a thank you

*He looks at you with a hint of irritation.* "I am offering you everything you could ever want. I am the King of this land. I can give you anything you desire. Yet you insist on only one thing?"

where's my thank you