I know this is a very short chapter, but I wanted to release this today. The next chapter will release tomorrow, diving into Moon's first 'date' with River and the warriors reaction to Toffee. I wanted to touch on why the Queen let Toffee interact with Moon so much, so her knowing his 'monster' self is important to me, I think.

Sorry for the wait but expect more soon!

(Toffee POV)

Two Years Later, Butterfly Castle

"Catch me if you can Toff!" Moon shouts while using her magic to make a rainbow slide. Oh, silly Moon. I charge my magic and leap into the air, landing on the rainbow. Grinding on top of it, I slide down and catch my best friend, gently placing her on the ground.

"I win Moon." I say with a cocky grin. She huffs, earning a chuckle out of me. "But that was impressive. Didn't know you could make a solid construct like that with your wand."

"I am getting better at my magic…silly lizard." She pokes my cheek. I follow her into the castle, donned in her 'Mewnman' disguise she makes me don whenever I'm inside her home. I don't mind it, honestly. But…feels like a part of my self is surprised just to be her friend. If her parents didn't murder monsters, I would be able to walk around in my normal form here. Alas, I could be myself during our nightly adventures.

Pondering about our friendship, I cannot believe two years have passed so quickly. From finding that lonely blue-haired magical girl and her offering to be my friend…now we are attached by the hip. Best friends that will never let anything tear us apart. Feels…nice. Rasticore still has reservations about my friendship with Moon, but he will hopefully understand my mindset regarding everything one day. "So Moon." I ask, ending my thoughts for the time being. "What is planed for today's agenda?"

"Well…a royal event is happening and my Mom wants me to be a part of it. Not sure what it is though." She grows a worried expression. "I mean, she knows my magic is better and that you are protecting me whenever I'm outside the castle walls."

"Very true." I place my 'human' hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry so much."

"Yeah." She sighs and we continue walking. Getting to the throne room, we spot the Queen growing a fond smile on her face. "Hey Mom. Um…it's okay if Toffee joins us?"

"Why of course! My favorite solder always watching out for my little girl." The queen gave me a warm smile, it felt nice. I'm willing to bet my tail that if saw my real self, she would chop my head off. Regardless, I smile back, giving a respectful bow. "You can join my daughter for the announcement of her engagement."

"Engagement?" Moon asks in confusion. Why she is surprised is beyond me however; being around for years, I'm well aware of royal's being arranged for marriage for generations at this point. Not that shocking, but Moon is young. Likely doesn't know better, though her angered reaction to the word has me nervous. "Mom, I don't want to have my future picked out for me. I'm going to be Queen after all."

"Yes dear." The queen says softly, placing a hand on Moon's puffy shoulder. "But you need to be ready. Only two more years before you need to get married dear." Moon just looks annoyed at this point, but just grows a…oh no. She has that look.

"But mother, what if I pick out my own husband?" I pray she doesn't turn to me…but opening my eyes, I spot her giving me that look. I sigh and walk up to the Queen.

"Your majesty, if you don't mind." I take Moon's hand gently and we walk toward the nearby hall. My face turns bitter. Is she stupid! No, control your temper…the spell will cancel out. "Moon…you do realize that I'm…that thing, correct? The thing your parents want to kill? That they hate?"

"But Toffee! I just wanted to shut my Mom up." She sighed looking at her heels. "Please, just play along."

"I cannot." I say bluntly, earning a sour look from Moon. "We are friends and sadly…even if we are very close, we cannot be anything more." I close my eyes, expecting a slap or something painful to hit me. But nothing happens. Opening my eyes, Moon gives me a somber look of understanding. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine Toffee. I understand." Moon walks ahead, but gives me a smirk. "But I'm still doing what I want." That…sigh. I just stand tall and follow my best friend back to the throne room. She turns to the Queen, seemingly waiting for the two of us. "Hello Mother. I was just talking to my friend. Sorry for the intrusion."

"No dear, it's fine. I assuming you talked with him about your future?" Moon just nods. "Excellent. But I want you to still humor the other princes we called over to visit the kingdom. The first one is going to be River of the Johnson Family. Please, take some time to know him."

"Okay Mom." Moon sighs and walks off. I begin following her but I am stopped by the Queen. She gives me…a smile. But I know that look. She wants to say something to me.

"Your majesty, is something wrong? I will leave if you desire."

"No, just…sit down." She makes a chair appear with magic, which I sit down on. "I know that you are really a monster." My body freezes for a second before instantly get into combat stance. "I won't harm you…yet."

"Of course." I hissed. "I am just another mindless creature you and your kind will end. But…humor me. Why did you let me speak with your daughter for so long, if you knew the truth this whole time?"

The Queen grows a somber smile. "Because…she was happy. You was her first friend and after how nice you have been treating her, I allowed this 'friendship' to continue."

"And I'm assuming you want it to end?" I ask rhetorically.

"Not yet." She answers, leaving me very confused. "See…you can never marry her."

"I am well aware of that. I'm sure you know this, but I talked with Moon about that very topic moments ago." I say bluntly.

"Good, you understand. But it isn't about your kind or anything." My kind. I want to blast her damn head off but…stay calm Toffee. That isn't proper. "It's because of the system."

"You do not have to say anything else ma'am." I say calmly, having controlled anger. "Just tell me this. Am I still allowed within the castle walls and visit your daughter? If not, I will leave." The queen stays silent, as if contemplating her choices.

"You can still visit and you are well aware of your standing with my daughter. Even if she isn't." I sigh, agreeing with her. Moon will likely be happier with River, assuming they get along with one another. "You can leave now Toffee. Thank you for discussing this matter with me."

"It was my pleasure your highness." I say gritting my teeth. The moment I walk out of the throne room, I feel like breaking something. Anger…frustration…rage… These emotions were awakened but I hate them. Venting out my anxieties over my monster self is not proper. I should be proud of being the last of my race. I'm a warrior that lived many years. But the one thing I have been wanting for a long time, a friend, I cannot have. Thankfully, I still have some time with Moon before things will come to a close.

"Toffee?" I turn, spotting Moon looking confused. "Is something wrong? You seem angry."

"I'm just running on low time my friend." I turn to her, having a somber look in my face. "We should meet this River person. You will be getting married to him most likely."

"Come on, I can make my own choices Toffee." She runs off, smiling innocently.

"Keep thinking that Moon." I say sadly. Walking behind her, I let sadness take over and dark thoughts cloud my mind. But I will not accept them…being Moon's friend is more important than anything else.