"Andy? There's an emissary from the kingdom of Shaodan in the throne room. He wishes to speak to you." Tsukasa entered the kitchen with a frown.

Andy raised an eyebrow but nodded and headed to the throne room. She sat down, waiting for the emissary to speak.

"Queen Andaka, I am Chancellor Tirgis. I am here on behalf of Prince Tiberius. He is shocked and angered at the actions of court wizard Soltar and wishes to make amends in order to prevent hostilities." The man in the bright robes bowed deeply.

Andy nodded, "Though we had our struggles with Soltar, we doubted your Prince's place in his actions. We assumed he was most likely acting of his own accord, but was still unsure. Prince Rajani has barely left our castle, so we were unsure why they thought he'd be after the throne again."

"Soltar was paranoid at the news of Prince Rajani's return. His Highness ordered him to do nothing, but he refused to obey. He was worried you would blame him for the injuries incurred to your son. I have been authorized to present you with these favorites of his harem in hopes our friendship will be sealed."

Tirgis stepped aside to reveal two women, dressed in Shaodan finery. Both wore collars, thin leashes snapped on and held by him. They kneeled on the floor, their eyes on the floor. One was a redhead, the other pale blonde. They had their hands clasped and the redhead had a bag beside her.

"Oh.." Andy said quietly. "Tell Prince Tiberius they will be taken great care of."

Tirgis bowed once again. "You honor us. I will relay the message. Good day." He approached and handed Andy the leashes, then made his way out of the castle.

Andy sighed and stood, removing the leashes from their collars. "I'm Queen Andaka, but you can just call me Andy. I can show you to a room if you'd like, but you do not have to stay. I'm not in the business of keeping people as slaves."

The redhead looked up sharply. "Your Highness? You do not wish to add us to your harem?"

"While I do have a bit of a harem, everyone in it is there of their own free will. They are free to do as they please with their time and are free to leave the castle any time they wish."

"We have nowhere to go." The blonde whispered, her eyes still locked on the floor.

"And as I told the emissary, you will be taken care of. I just want you to understand you are free. You aren't forced to be here or do anything you do not want."

Both women looked at each other, then the redhead spoke again. "I don't know how your Highness feels about women, but we are blooded in battle and are fierce warriors. We will gladly protect you if you have need."

"Thank you," Andy smiled. "And what are your names?"

"I am Hala. My bonded is Rika."

"I will show you to a room and then introduce you to everyone." She stood again and led them down the hall toward her wing. She found an empty bedroom and opened the door for them, "You can stay in here. If you ever need anything, my room is the big one at the end of the hall."

Hala nodded, Rika bowing and slipping inside. Hala paused "Why do you not keep slaves? It is customary when winning a battle or war."

"I tend to treat people like I'd like to be treated. I wouldn't appreciate being owned, so I try not to own anyone or control what they do."

"You are quite different, your highness." Hala gave her a smile. "I believe we will stay. I hope we do not disappoint you if you call on us."

Andy gave her a soft smile, "I'm sure you are tired from traveling. I'll let you rest a bit then show you around and introduce you to the others."

Hala bowed and entered the room, closing the door behind.

Andy sighed and headed away, going to the kitchen.

Tsukasa raised his head from the chess game he was playing with Yuki. "You look unhappy. What happened with the emissary?"

"I was given a few slaves from the Prince's harem. They don't really understand why I don't like having slaves."

He nodded in understanding. "Let me guess, they have nowhere to go and are quite frightened?" He scowled as Yuki made his Queen vanish.

"Of course," Andy answered.

"We'll make them feel welcome. What are their names?" Yuki gave her a smile after sticking his tongue out at the Fae.

"Hala and Rika."

Both men looked at her in shock. "They're women?!"

Andy nodded, "Apparently they are warriors."

"You know they don't usually like men. Only when they decide it is time to procreate do they join with them. They may believe you are the same.." Tsukasa gave her a knowing look.

"I'll talk to them," Andy sighed.

Yuki chuckled. "I'd love to hear that conversation. Checkmate."

Andy shook her head, before giving Yuki a small smile. She headed back out of the kitchen and waited a while to check on Hala and Rika. She finally went to their door and knocked.

Hala opened the door, then bowed. "Your Highness. You wish us to entertain you?"

"I just wanted to talk. And maybe show you around."

The warrior looked surprised, but nodded and opened the door wider to admit Andy inside. She went to the bed and sat down beside Rika. "Are we not pleasing you?"

"You're fine," Andy assured. "I just wanted to let you know a few things. I hope it is not a problem for you, but other than my younger sister and myself, everyone else in the house is male. I've never been offered women before." She sighed, "There's Yuki, my son who, though he looks older, is only a few years old. There's the Fae Prince Tsukasa and his bonded Daiki. There's a man named Kei. And then there's the seven men I share relationships with. I hope that it won't be a problem."

Both women laughed softly.

"We are not like our sisters. We enjoy both sexes. We are bonded, but not exclusive. We have no problem with your men." Rika smiled brightly at her.

Hala cocked her head. "Your son is grown but not? Is it a problem of the mind?"

"No. He is part Fae and a magician. The magic made his body grow faster, so he seems like an adult but in many ways he's still the child of his actual age."

Hala nodded thoughtfully. "He is gentle then? We have had bad experiences with wizards."

"He's wonderful," Andy smiled before looking down, "I don't know if you've heard of Dakon, but he is the one who attacked me and produced Yuki. But Yuki is nothing like him."

Hala's eyes darkened. "We know that evil man well. We were freed from his lust by his death. I am sorry you had to experience his sickness. We will not hold his parentage against your son."

Andy nodded thankfully. "Why don't I show you around then we can get some food if you're hungry?"

Hala nodded, getting off the bed and approaching her slowly. She bent at the waist and softly kissed Andy, then drew back quickly. "Forgive me. You are quite beautiful."

Andy gave her a soft smile, "Thank you. And kisses are always available," she winked.

Hala laughed, then motioned to Rika. "Show us your castle, Andy. Unless you would rather do something else?"

"You should see where you are living," Andy grinned. "You have free range of anywhere except my sister's wing." She led them down the hall, showing them the pool before leading them throughout the castle. "Outside we have an area for the animals, a training grounds, and a garden."

Rika looked out the window, then screamed. "There is a flying beast outside with a man riding him!"

"That would be Kei. He's a dragon shifter."

Rika stared at her. "A dragon shifter? You said he was a man."

"Well.. he's a man who can turn into a dragon.." Andy chuckled nervously. "He's really harmless, I swear."

Hala gave Rika a hug. "No one here will hurt us. We have her word." The redhead watched the pair through the window. "The other man appears quite happy."

"That's Yuki," Andy smiled softly as she watched.

"Your son. I see the resemblance." Hala gave her a smile. "Lead on, please."

Andy showed them her old wing and the ballroom before leading them to the kitchen. "We do have servants who cook and clean but a lot of the time we just cook for ourselves," she admitted.

"We cook well. We would be happy to cook for all of you." Rika said quietly.

"Thanks. Normally we take turns. Not sure who is cooking today though," she entered and glanced around.

Daiki was whistling as he removed something from the oven. He placed the pan on top to cool, then looked over his shoulder. "Andy! You're just in time." He noticed the other women and bowed. "Welcome to the castle. I am Daiki Kadoya."

"What are you making?" Andy looked curious.

"Roast lamb. I am anxious for you to try it. My own recipe." He gave them a bright grin.

"Smells good," she smiled.

Hala and Rika studied him quietly. "You are Q'tan?"

He nodded. "Is that a problem?"

Rika blurted out "Why are you here and not in your own realm?"

Hala turned red as Daiki laughed softly. "My T'lasiem is Ambassador to Andy's court. And my brother in laws are here. Where else would I be?"

"His brother in laws are two of my boyfriends. One is full Fae and the other is half," Andy admitted.

The women nodded slowly as Yuki walked in and reached for the cookie jar.

"Hi, baby. I saw you had fun with Kei," Andy smiled softly.

"Hi, mommy. Yeah, we're training for battle. He thinks I'll be safer up in the air." Yuki took a bite of cookie as Daiki frowned. "You're spoiling your appetite."

Yuki laughed. "Never happen. And that smells really good. When's dinner?"

"Hopefully soon," Andy chuckled before moving and kissing Yuki's cheek.

He returned the kiss, then noticed the women. "Our new residents?"

"Yeah. Meet Hala and Rika."

The magician bowed. "Pleased to meet you. I hope you won't be scared off by us."

"I hope so too," Andy chuckled. "I think they'll fit in fine though."

Yuki chuckled. "I'm bored now. I think I'll go bug Ryu since Kei is fawning over Kaia again." He waved as he left.

Hala raised an eyebrow at Andy. "I see what you mean about him."

"Yeah.. he's interesting in the least," Andy chuckled again before looking at Daiki, "Do you need any help finishing up?"

"That would be most appreciated." Daiki turned back to the stove and reached for the serving platter. He moved the roast onto it, then looked at Andy. "Could you get the sides ready to serve, then call everyone in?"

Andy nodded, filling large bowls with the sides before heading outside. She looked for everyone to let them know dinner was ready.

Soon everyone was gathered, Kei and Kaia walking in with clasped hands.

Andy rolled her eyes at them before moving to sit at the table. She offered Hala and Rika seats before she sat herself down.

They sat down cautiously, eyes moving from one person to another.

Tet gave them an amused look. "We don't bite, I swear."

Both women blushed.

Andy pointed around the table, "That's Tet, Kiba, Yamae, Ryon, Ryusei, Raj and Kenji."

Daiki grinned. "Who's hungry?"

"Are you going to poison us again?" Kiba snarked at the Fae archer.

"Only you today, lunatic." Daiki began filling plates and handing them out.

Hala and Rika exchanged confused looks at the banter.

"The guys like to joke around a lot," Andy informed.

"Those words would not usually be a joke." Hala watched Kiba's expression.

"We are family. Those two act like they hate each other, but if either was in trouble the other would run into hell for them." Ryusei explained softly before beginning to eat.

"Yeah, everyone here is like family to us. We joke and play but if something were to happen, you better watch out," Andy smiled as she watched the men eating.

Daiki waited expectantly for reactions, laughing when both Ryusei and Yuki devoured their food and held their plates out.

Andy chuckled before starting to eat, giving Daiki a smile.

He blushed slightly, then went darker as Tsukasa gave him a soft kiss. "Guess it's a hit." He refilled the two boy's plates with a happy smile.

"Seriously ears, this is fantastic. We should permanently attach that apron and lock you in here." Kiba finished his plate and sat back in contentment.

Andy laughed, "Well, Hala and Rika said they can cook. We have to see if they can beat Daiki."

"Uh oh. His crown is threatened." Tsukasa chuckled as Daiki just grinned.

"Challenge accepted."

Hala gave him a sly smile. "Just you wait."

There was a chorus of 'OOOO's and then laughter.

Andy grinned as she watched, happy that the girls were getting more comfortable. She finished her food then went to start the dishes.