Deception

[potassiumboron]

​

Life had never been easy for Hope Winters.

As a young child and a teenager back in her home kingdom, she hadn't known a time when she wasn't struggling. It was all she was used to, between fighting to survive and eat, to dealing with all her siblings bickering in their hunger and moodiness. That in mind, it was perhaps hard to believe she wasn't more accustomed to the difficulties that the Kingdom of Valien presented. Food was scarce, opportunities to work a normal job unavailable to creatures like her, and hope really was limited. It was no surprise that she had had to take up more unconventional work to survive. As much as she disliked her work, it was all she could do to contribute to the pot her and her friends placed money into to spend on food and necessities.

The group of the five of them had all taken up work that none of them were remotely proud of, but needs must. If they didn't, they would either return home where the struggle intensified, or work jobs they weren't fond of, but would earn them a living, however bare a living it was. Thus, the others in her group were petty criminals, even if they were generally good people who disliked what they did. And Hope? Hope used her body to her advantage, even if it made her feel dirty and disgusting.

But it was either that, or starve. And besides, her work had given her and her friends inspiration.

They were going to kill King Apophis, and reap the rewards for doing so. Everyone wanted him dead. Many had tried and many had failed, but none of them had tried to use his weakness to their advantage. Most just stormed the castle and became decapitated in seconds. Amazingly, nobody had yet realised the man's weakness for women, and how that could be exploited to make him vulnerable.

Until now. Hope's little group of friends had figured out the King's schedule, his propensity to visit the little club uptown, and quickly they decided that Hope could be the key to the man's downfall. As the only girl in the group, with pretty looks, and a growing reputation in the city among the clients she had sex with, she would be perfect for the role... and so, in preparation for when the King eventually made his appearance, Hope had managed to get a job at the club. She was completely different to the other women working there. They were all tall dragons, standing far taller than the short rabbit... but Hope found herself employed for that very reason. She was different and could draw in different people who'd rather watch her.

And she was hoping that the King would arrive soon and find his attention drawn to her. The sooner all this got started, the sooner it was over, and thus, the sooner the kingdom could be restored to good fortune.

Clearing up before the place opened up for the night, she silently sat at the edge of the stage with a grimace. She knew that she shouldn't worry too much. Her friends, her little gang who were like family now, would be sat in the corner of the club, present just in case something went wrong. That should give her comfort. But it didn't. She still felt disgusted with herself, like she'd hit an all-time low.

But she had no other choice.

Smiling nervously up at a large dragon she had followed around on her first day, she forced back the embarrassment she felt at being so... short in comparison, and she really didn't think she would ever be as pretty as the dragons were-- but that was her insecurity showing.

"Is the King coming tonight?" She began slowly, fiddling with her long hair as her ears anxiously twitched. "...What if I mess up, Sandra? Will he... be angry?"

 

[ForeverRed]

"His majesty will come, but do not approach him, Bunny." The woman told her sternly, glancing at her, before looking back at the mirror she was holding. Sandra was a gorgeous woman, there was no doubt in that. Long unblemished legs. Long fiery red hair, that was in luxurious waves rolling down to her waist. Her eyes were a burning green, and her skin tanned to a soft honey. She was popular at the club, and it wasn't difficult to see why. After she applied her red lipstick, she put her hand mirror away, before glancing at the newcomer. While most of the girls didn't exactly welcome her warmly, Sandra welcomed her with open arms. She was obviously a sweetheart, and she had been working here for a while and knew how hard it was on your first day.

"His majesty is sometimes...Cruel to women he doesn't want. So only approach him, if he beckons you. And never, ever call him by his first name. He cut one of the girl's tongue out for making that mistake. Call him his majesty, or King Apophis. He even likes being called Master, but don't call him by his first name sweetie. And don't lean in for a kiss unless he leans in to kiss you. And...And...I know this may sound sluttish, but if he wants, allow him to have his way with you." She whispered, her eyes looking sorry. "I know we aren't that type of business, we're only a look but don't touch...But with the King, he's allowed to do whatever he wants. And it isn't bad at all, trust me, he's gorgeous." She smiled, having had sex with him before. "And he pays handsomely~" Sandra blinked when she heard the manager yell the King was coming. She quickly stood up and grabbed Bunny. "Come, we line up, and bow. Don't lift your head until he passes you. Just watch his feet." She told her, before dragging her to line up.

"Babysitting today, Sandra? Ha, that rodent isn't going to last a week." Another dragon said, walking by with her breast pushed up nearly to her chin.

Sandra rolled her eyes before smiling at Hope. "Don't listen to her Bunny. I think you'll go far working here. You're different, men like different~" She promised, before bowing. King Apophis entered the strip club. Dressed in a gorgeous black kimono, her perfect hair nearly swaying in the light breeze, he glanced over the women, walking past them before abruptly stopping at...A freakishly short girl. They dare hire children?! His long warm finger reached out, lifting Hope's head to look at her face. Now he knew she wasn't a child. But a woman...A rabbit hybrid, and a pretty one at that.

"...Who is this?" He asked.

"O-Oh, my m-majesty, does she offend you?" The club owner asked nervously, as he wrung his hands. "We've just hired her, her name is Hope, but her stage name is Bunny. I-I'll get rid of h-her if the si-sight of her displeases you, my lord."

"No. Don't." He mumbled, before taking her arm, gesturing her, and another woman to follow him to his booth. Once the King was sat in his booth, the women hurried onto the stage to begin the 'show'. Which of course was just dancing and getting naked. With one arm linked around each woman, he watched the show with a smirk.

"My lord~ Want me to pour you something to drink" Purred the dragon on his left arm, as she rubbed his chest.

"...No, let the little Bunny do it. I want to see if she knows how to properly pour wine." He smirked, gesturing to the wine in ice.

 

[potassiumboron]

Hope genuinely thought it would be far more difficult to grab his attention than it was. Despite being the only non-dragon worker at the club, and despite standing out like a sore thumb because of it, she had assumed that she would need to work to show him that she was just as capable as the dragons around her. She'd prepped with her friends how to be seductive and how to grab attention from across a room, but apparently none of that was even needed. Just her being a rabbit was enough to have him gesture her into the booth after him.

This was it.

As she settled down, she hadn't recalled ever feeling as nervous as she now was. One false move and her life was over. It was a terrifying thought, but one she had to get over quick. If she proceeded to show her nervousness, she was sure that he would get angry and call another woman over instead of her-- or worse. With the other woman at his side flirting expertly, she knew she had to kick her act into gear or risk fading into the background, and that wasn't helpful at all.

"I can pour wine, your majesty," she began slowly, mostly to enable the natural seductive purrs of her adorably high-pitched voice to sound out. Obviously, she'd never had enough money in her life to buy even a glass of wine, but she knew how to pour the stuff - she'd learned that in the week she'd spent at the bar, which was why she stood with a confident smile and began to pour out the expensive alcohol, able to stop at the perfect level.

As she poured, she took the moment to examine the King. He was handsome, that much was obvious, but he was terrifying, even more so up close. If she could at least win his affection, she hoped the fear she was struck with would disappear somewhat. If it didn't, she wasn't sure how she would get close enough to kill the man.

Sitting back beside him, returning to her position cuddled into his side with his arm around her, her big pink eyes glanced around the club as a few clients came wandering in, including her group of friends who barely looked in her direction. They didn't want to bring attention to her, even if it was hard pretending she wasn't there when the purpose of their presences was specifically to make sure the girl was alright.

"I... I'm glad you chose me to sit with you, sire," she began, remembering all the little rules Sandra told her to keep in mind, including the respect she had to shower him with. "I've never been more... grateful."

 

[ForeverRed]

Apophis stared at the cup before snickering slightly. Sure she knew how to pour it alright...But she didn't hand him the glass to drink. "Well, you're welcome, but I would like to drink my wine."

"I've got it for you, master~" The dragon on his other arm purred out. Grabbing the glass, she handed it to him allowing him to drink. Sure Hope made a mistake, but thankfully she was cute. If she were ugly, she would have to pay for such a mistake. Also, it was her first day. "Forgive her, sire. It's her first day~" The dragon cooed, subtly shooting a glare over at Hope.

"I forgive her. I mean she's only a rabbit hybrid, so I'll allow it to slide. And I'm in such a good mood today." Mumbled the king as he took one of her ears, playing with the long flappy thing with his warm fingers.

Sandra glanced over to the booth, making sure her little friend was okay. When she caught her eyes, she grinned and gestured for her to press her chest against him. Sandra wanted the king to like Hope. That way Hope could get a good paycheck.

 

[potassiumboron]

If there was one thing that Hope hated most in the world, it was her species being looked down upon, as thought they weren't people too. Just because she was a rabbit hybrid didn't mean she was dumb or stupid or incapable, but those were just a few of many assumptions about her. The dragon that had had his nose broken by her had called her stupid countless of times, and the urge to punch this dragon was definitely growing.

She just realised that doing so would end her life, and she'd rather not DIE if she could help it. Making little mistakes, therefore, filled her with dread, and her expression instantly melted into one of horror that she'd not performed the simplest of tasks perfectly. Perfection was impossible, but it was what was expected of her-- and the fact he didn't get angry was a huge relief. Instinctively, her nose twitched at the gentle fondling of her ears. She hated this King more than the useless royals in her own kingdom. He stopped aid to the poorer nations and didn't care for the poor in his own country.

However, it was impossible not to purr and twitch at the gentle pets. She hated the fact she could be made to cutely smile like that so easily, but she could, and, once taking Sandra's advice, returned the affection by pressing herself in close to the tough man beside her.

"There aren't many rabbit hybrids around. Am I the first one you've met, majesty?" She asked curiously, smiling up at him now she was pressed much closer.

 

[ForeverRed]

Smirking brightly down at the gorgeous little rabbit, he chuckled softly. "You are, and had I known how adorable rabbit hybrids were, I would have made a trip to your country long ago~" Leaning in, he nipped at her twitching nose with a seductive deep rumble. He was only thinking of one thing, and one thing only, and he was definitely going to get it. His mind turned wondered too how it would be to spend the night with her. He's never had sex with a rabbit hybrid, it must be different. And wasn't their kind known for being frisky?

The dragon next to him glared at her, before pushing herself close. "Sire, would you like me to perform for you~?" She purred, trying to get his attention.

Apophis golden eyes went cold as the other woman pushed up against him. He didn't like to be interrupted when he was speaking to someone else. "....Unhand me." He commanded. He didn't yell, but with how cold and low his voice was, it would put fear into anyone. The woman squeaked before quickly letting go of him. "Leave the booth, and go perform or whatever you do."

Nodding quickly, the girl stood before heading to the stage and out of the VIP booth. Glaring at her as she left, Apophis turned his attention back to the rabbit hybrid. "So, Bunny, right? Tell me a little about yourself." Purred the man, his expression and voice soft and flirtatious again.

 

[potassiumboron]

Considering she hated the man more than she'd hated anyone in her whole entire life so far, the fact she was responding so affectionately to his touches was surprising. Her friends sat nearby that glanced over when they could saw, but assumed she was merely a superb actress doing what she needed to-- but that wasn't the truth. Her smiles and her twitches of her ears and nose weren't acting; they were genuine. She couldn't help it, it was instinctive... and she hated herself for that.

She felt a pang of satisfaction that surprised her the moment the dragon at his side was sent away. Only Sandra really liked Hope. She'd taken her under her wing, showed her the ropes, and even went as far as to socialise with her outside of work. Really, Sandra was a good friend, and the only dragon Hope liked, so she felt no sympathy for the dragon that Apophis sent away. It meant she had the King all to herself, and that was good for the plan.

It also meant she got to drink in all of his attention, which was good for her. Her species relied upon attention, craved it in masses, so even if Apophis was a dreadful King with no respect or feelings for the poor in his land, she couldn't help but to want him to continue tenderly flirting with her.

"Bunny's my stage name. I don't know why though," she began, pulling off the deadpan expression before letting it break to show her teasing, grinning quietly to herself. "I don't mind it too much, everyone calls me Bunny around here in this land. I'm from Kehsia, but it's... nothing compared to your land, sire. It's why I left. Everyone wants to come here and see this kingdom, it's... it was the dream of all my siblings. I'm the only one who had the chance to leave, though."

 

[ForeverRed]

"Well, clearly luck seems to be fond of you. Look at you, coming to my kingdom, and now you're in the presence of the King himself." His hand went to her thing, rubbing it softly. "Kehsia, hmm? You don't look like you came from there. You're far too pretty. You look like you come from nobility." Smirked the King, before he leaned in close to her ear.

"Why don't you come live like a Nobel for a day or two~ I could show you a wonderful time~" He wasn't asking, not really. No woman ever refused them. And if they ever did? They'd be killed. Simple as that. his hand dragged back up to her ear, softly petting it again. "I love this little dress you have on, but I'm far more interested to see you out of it."

 

[potassiumboron]

Not only had he insulted her species, but now he'd insulted her kingdom? Kehsia wasn't the nicest place in the world, with its nationwide poverty and derelict towns and villages, but it was her home and she would defend it to anyone. If she wasn't in the midst of the plan, she wouldn't care about yelling at this bigoted fool that what he was saying was hurtful and cruel. Somehow, she managed to bite her lip and smile up at him instead.

"This dress isn't nice, sire, you're too kind. Far too kind," she emphasised, snorting cutely to herself as she pulled at the dress. It was all she'd managed to afford with her little money, and while it was nicer than the rags she was used to wearing, it was nothing compared to the gorgeous dresses the other dragons around her donned. Hearing the compliments about it was nice, though. As was hearing that she could go with him to his castle. That was what the plan required, so knowing she'd achieved that within ten minutes of talking to him gave her a surprising ego boost. She never thought of herself as pretty... but Apophis seemed to like her. That was definitely... comforting.

"...Are you sure that you wouldn't prefer Sandra? She's... so beautiful, isn't she? I adore her-- t-though I... I want to come with you. I'd love that, your majesty."

 

[ForeverRed]

"Sandra?" He blinked, glancing over at the pretty dragon, shrugging a bit. He's slept with her plenty of times before. To him...Women were more like...treats. While Sandra was one of his favorite treats, having it over and over again got pretty...Bland. He wanted to try something new, something's he's never had. And he certainly never had a rabbit hybrid before. "Sandra may be beautiful, but her beauty is dull compared to yours." Taking her hand gently, he stood up, directing her to follow.

Sandra looked over, seeing that the two would be leaving. She held her thumbs to encourage her and gave her a big grin. Of course, Sandra didn't know Hope's plan was to kill the king. Sandra just hoped that Hope got with the King so she could earn some good cash. She knew her little friend was in dire need of cash.

King Apophis led the little bunny outside of the club where a lavish carriage was waiting. His butler quickly opened the door to the carriage for them. Getting in, Apophis sat on the silk bench that was cushioned with lavish pillows and sorts. He smirked and tugged Hope in, making her sit on his lap. Once the carriage door was shut he captured her lips into a passion and slightly rough kiss. "The things I want to do to you right now~" Growled the dragon seductively, his golden eyes opening to peer into her pink ones.

 

[potassiumboron]

Seeing Sandra's encouragement was what Hope desperately needed right now. She wanted to act and be brave, but it was difficult to be taken out by someone she was fully aware could kill her without needing to justify why he'd done that. This was a man who had killed his parents and not received any consequence for doing so. Hope was just a normal girl - her life really didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. At least not to a King, anyway.

But she knew she had his interest and that should at least give her a little more confidence. When she was taken onto his lap and kissed that passionately, it could easily have freaked her out and she could have frozen, which probably would have enraged the man she was sat up close to-- but Sandra's encouragement had filled her back up with determination and confidence. It was exactly what she wanted and needed in order to go through with this, and it eventually led her gleefully accepting the kiss with vigour and passion in her return.

"Then why can't you do them to me right now?" She challenged with a faint smirk on her lips, adjusting her position so her chest pressed into his again. "You're the King, sire. You can surely do whatever you like, even in the back of a carriage~"

 

[ForeverRed]

"My, my~ I thought I bought a lady with me, not a little minx~" He purred seductively, his hands easily working her out of the cheap dress that he been dying to get her out of. He nipped at her collarbone, growling softly. "You taste so good~" And their two days of bliss had begun. Those two nights he had her, they made love a lot. In the carriage for starters, garden, his room, his personal living room area, wherever he wanted her, they did. But that wasn't all. They played together a lot. Like literal playing like children. It wasn't something the king did, but somehow this little bunny brought out the child in him.

They talked about nothing, but everything at the same time. He never spoke of his past however, that was something he avoided when she brought up. Those two days were just...Fun for the King. He hadn't had so much fun in so a long time. It was so fun, that he decided to keep her, maybe for another day. He rather liked her, and why give her up so soon...Why give her up at all? He didn't know it yet, but he was...Falling for this little hybrid. It as crazy that this rabbit hybrid of all things caught his heart. Not only that but she wasn't even of noble blood!

Currently, Apophis was laying in his bed, his black silk hair a wreck and he was completely out of breath. His nightwear was all crinkled because he and the rabbit had just had a pillow fight...Really a pillow fight like two big kids. Laughing lightly he sat up, rolling on his large cloud-like bed to look at her. His golden eyes were soft, full of emotion. Something he didn't really give people. "You may have won this battle, Knight Hope, but I, King Apophis will win the war." He stated dramatically, kissing her nose. "All of this fighting has famished me. Are you hungry?" He asked kindly. If he knew she was planning to kill him...He wouldn't be this kind. He would kill her, and hang her corpse from townhall to remind people what happens when you trick a king.

 

[potassiumboron]

It wasn't supposed to last two days, nor was she supposed to continue to have sex with him. The plan was to kill him the first or maybe even the second time she got him into that vulnerable position. The first time was in the carriage, where she soon realised she couldn't kill him and escape - it was impossible to do that. The second time was in his bedroom, a place she thought she could cut his throat, watch him die and then hurry out through the window to safety-- but she didn't kill him there. In fact, she continued to be with him in a sexual manner countless of times afterwards.

Why? That was a question she continued to ask herself. Her hatred for him hadn't left. It still burned with a passionate desire to have him dead by her hand, and yet here she was, laying in bed beside him while clutching a pillow to her chest, having played around with him for a good hour. It was odd and strange and she found herself bewildered by it all, but he did make her feel alive.

But she had to remind herself that she was supposed to kill him. She needed to find a weapon then end his life, not fool around like a kid... however fun it was.

Breathlessly smiling up at him from the pillows, she nodded eagerly at the sound of food. "Can we at least eat in bed? I... don't think your wives are awfully fond of me. I'd rather not deal with them glaring at me, I mean... god, it's not what I want. They're miserable and I'm having fun and I don't want my good mood ruined. We have fun, don't we? You... You and I have fun and I don't want that ruined."

 

[ForeverRed]

"Of course, whatever you desire." He smiled. "I'll just make sure they don't come near you, alright? Besides, they know better than to actually touch you. So you don't have to be worried about that. Their glares are empty threats." He promised as he got up from the bed, fixing his evening kimono, before ringing his bell. Instantly, servants came into the bedroom, bowed and never lifting their heads to look at him.

"The lady and I are hungry. Fetch us something filling to eat. Also something sweet. She likes sweets." Cackled the man, looking at the bunny.

"Yes, your majesty." The servants said in unison, before rising and leaving to get the food. Not long after they left was there another knock.

"Enter," Apophis said, now sitting on the bed, playing with Hope's ear with a purr.

The door slid open, revealing his second wife, Nadia. She glanced at Hope, holding back a grimace. She despised Hope Nadia was used to him bringing home his...little whores but his whores were always well to do. This girl was just a common street whore. She had no title, no money, no anything. A peasant and it disgusted her. He let this rodent into their palace and even had sex with her. Nadia looked at the king, smiling softly. "I've come to tell you that our son has won in his sword tournament. At just six years old, he's already so skilled with the sword. He follows in your footsteps, your highness."

"Hmm, really?" He asked, obviously interested in this. "Tell him tomorrow to be up, I'll have breakfast with him as a reward." Sad...His children only saw him on special occasions. And it was obvious they missed their father when he was gone because when they all saw him they would get so happy.


"He'll be pleased to hear this, your majesty." Nadia grinned, before glancing at the rodent again with a slight sour look.

 

[potassiumboron]

Hope wanted to roll her eyes at Nadia and shoot her glares in return. Just because she was a lower class didn't make her any less of a person, and she was always prepared to defend herself, especially against bitter women like Nadia. However, the shock genuinely prevented her from reacting, rendering her speechless.

She'd seen his wives over the last few days, but she hadn't seen his children. In fact, she wasn't even aware he had them. They weren't rushing around him like normal children to their father, and they weren't seen by him every single day either. It was no surprise, then, that Hope hadn't seen or heard of them until now, and it caught her off guard. Just because the man was a terrible father didn't mean his children didn't love him. Killing the King became a little harder to do when her conscience reminded her that she was taking a father from his children. At the back of her mind, she tried to convince herself that they were better off without this tyrant of a man who barely paid them attention-- but that shouldn't be her decision to make.

"You could meet with your son now if you'd like, sire. I... should be... I've overstayed my welcome, surely," she began quietly, the tactical ploy being to make Nadia realise how wanted she was. She knew that the King would refuse her leave, proclaim he wanted the bunny to stay with him-- and in doing so, Hope could show Nadia that, while she didn't like her, the King did. It was childish, perhaps, to play games like this, but Nadia and the other wives hadn't been nice to her. Essentially, they deserved to feel disgusted and hurt with their husband. "I do want to stay though, sire. I just don't want to upset your wives."

 

[ForeverRed]

"Stay, they aren't upset, right?" He mumbled, moving to play with her ear again so she would lay up against him.

"Of course not, my King. Your happiness is ours." She smiled charmingly. As evil and rude as Nadia had been, she was undoubtedly beautiful. She was effortlessly gorgeous, like all of his wives. All of his wives were rare beauties. All graceful, and all were raised in nobility. So they knew how to play nice in his company. But they also knew how to coat their evil slick words with sweet acts.

"See Hope? They're fine with you. I'll see my son in the morning, I'm sure he's asleep right now." Answered the man as he got out of his large bed.

"Actually he's awake. He was so excited about winning, he hasn't calmed down since. He wanted to tell you about winning, but I managed to tell him it wasn't good to see you right now. That you have a friend over."

Apophis smiled at his wife, kissing her cheek. "You did well, Nadia. You should get some sleep, you may join our son and me for breakfast...You too Hope, why don't you meet him, hmm?"

"Wh-What? Your majesty, I know you are fond of this cute peasant, but she can't meet the Prince-"

"Why not? I plan to keep her around."

"Do you mean to..to marry this girl, my sire, she is not of royalty. She'd sully your blood."

"Relax, Nadia, of course not. But I do tend to keep her around. Maybe she could be a Nanny to my children, how would you like that Hope?" He asked, looking back at his favorite new girl.

 

[potassiumboron]

Hearing the way they talked about her like she wasn't there was demeaning; it was disrespect at the highest order. She'd 'sully' the blood of the royal family? How disrespectful was that? It enraged her, infuriated her even. None of it mattered because she would never accept marriage from the King even if he offered, and if she had to agree to it, she'd kill him before there was even a hint of a wedding. He was never going to offer, though, simply because she wasn't from a noble family, but even Hope know that wasn't just Apophis being cruel - it was a fact for every royal family in every kingdom, even the royals ruling Kehsia. The family didn't marry below their class. It was just... fact.

She didn't want to stay longer than she needed to, and she really didn't want to be a Nanny to the children she was sure would just tease her and poke fun at her like their mothers loved to do in private-- but it was a good opportunity. She'd much rather live in the castle to work on the plan, than have to return to the home she shared with the gang, with holes in the roof and no food or warmth. At least here she had those things and wouldn't die of starvation. She could find a way to kill him while under his roof. It made perfect sense.

"I'd love that. I have so many siblings, you wouldn't believe. I'm great with children," she promised, nodding eagerly. It was fake, of course, but she was a great actress. She sort of had to be. "I'm sure they're all utterly amazing like their father."

 

[ForeverRed]

"It's settled then you shall meet the kids tomorrow." Smiled the King as he reached out to cup the side of her face. Stroking the apple of her cheek with his thumb, he purred, "you'll do great~" Promised the man before grinning when their food finally arrived. The next day, as said, Hope was meeting the children. Apophis had a meeting, so he couldn't attend her meeting all of the kids. But he did make sure that Hope would be dressed in a nice kimono. Since she stayed their those few days, he had her dressed in the nicest of fabrics. Perks of being the King's mistress.

The first child she met was his son, Felix. Felix was only six years old, and was the cutest little thing imaginable. With shoulder-length blond hair and golden eyes like his father, he would strike anyone's eyes. He had adorable freckles dashed rapidly over his button nose, and deep dimples in his baby fat cheeks. His hair had a few leaves in it, and his kimono was dirty. It was obvious he had been playing around outside before meeting Hope. His big wide eyes stared up at her curiously. "...Hey lady, you know I won my sword tournament yesterday?" Asked the child. He had been telling anyone and everyone about his major feat. Giving her a toothy grin, he puffed out his little chest proudly. "I'm going to be just as strong as my daddy!"

 

[potassiumboron]

Hope didn't want to admit being nervous to meet children, but she was. If they didn't like her, they could complain to their mothers, who could complain to Apophis, and Hope could get sent away from the castle and have the whole plan lay in ruins. Or she could be killed, which would, of course, be just dreadful. She needed these kids to like her. She was relatively confident, with all her experience with kids and the fact she was probably a species they'd never seen before, but she couldn't get ahead of herself - anything could happen.

"Like your Dad, huh? Let me see," the rabbit said slowly, eyes playfully narrowed as she examined the boy, pretending to murmur under her breath before standing back with a grin. "Oh yes, you're going to be just like your father, I can tell. It's a power of mine, you know. I can tell these things, and you're gonna be just as strong and as brave and just as great, you just have to keep working and keep being good for your mom. I know your Dad's real proud of you, y'know. It's pretty cool."

 

[ForeverRed]

"Really~! You really think so~!" Felix excitedly giggled, his golden eyes wide and his dragon wings slipping out from how excited he was.

"She's lying Felix. She can't tell something like that. She's a rabbit hybrid. Rabbit hybrids are stupid, you should pay attention in class." Stated another child who just arrived. This child was older, about ten years old. He was the eldest. His name was Alfred. And he looked just like a mini Apophis. Inky black hair, to his waist, and those striking golden eyes, as well as cherry red lips. Alfred looked at the woman unimpressed. He even had Apophis disapproving stare down. He was fanning himself with a traditional fan, as he glanced over to his younger brother.

"Ally, you don't know that, she might be a smart one~ That's why Daddy hired her, duh." Felix defended, crossing his arms as he pouted a bit.

"Daddy hired her because she's something pretty to look at. She doesn't have talents, only dragons have talents, we are superior to her. So stop defending her, it's embarrassing." Grumbled the boy as he glanced at Hope. "Fetch me some warm milk with sugar."