A Fickle Fingered Fate
How strange it is
One would think an army of monsters marching across the lands of Mewni would cause more of a stir, but to Miakoda's surprise, they managed to rather easily slip through the wilder parts of the territory and avoid the humans almost altogether. They rode until the light began to fade, then stopped to set up camp, just beyond the border of the Mewni kingdom. The moment they crossed the boundary, the princess felt a shudder roll down her spine. Toffee lightly rested a hand on her back, holding her steady against him as he turned his mount to face the gathered monsters.
"We'll rest here for the night," he announced. "Start setting up camp. Scouting parties secure the area."
The monsters spread out, moving like ants in a sort of organized chaos as they swiftly began to set up the camp. Toffee shifted the princess to sit directly on the unicorn's back, and she instantly missed his warmth as he slipped from the saddle. He stretched briefly, then reached back up, wrapping his hands around her waist.
Miakoda blushed, feeling self conscious as his fingers sank softly into her flesh, and once again he held her as if she were weightless. Her velvet slippers landed softly in the cool grass, tickling her ankles. She adjusted her skirts, smoothing them out as Toffee patted the equine's flank, letting it walk off to join the other unicorns that were gathering around a wagon, already beginning to graze.
The reptilian reached under out of his shoulder guards, undoing the clasp, the leather falling open, exposing his shoulder. She swiftly looked away, blushing as he removed the armor. He chuckled. "I have a shirt on," he stated.
"O-okay," she replied, without looking up.
The monster shook his head, peeling off the leather and chainmail, revealing the white linen shirt beneath. He shifted it to lay over his arm, then took the princess's hand, leading her over to the wagon where the unicorns were. Tossing the armor inside, he lowered the gate and hoisted her up onto it. "Wait here while we pitch the tents. The unicorns will keep you safe."
"Isn't there anything I can do?" she asked. "I feel guilty just sitting around..."
Toffee chuckled lightly, patting her hand. "It's best to just let the men get everything done. They're used to things going in a certain order and adding someone else into the mix would throw them off. Don't worry, though. It won't take long, and then we can all rest."
So the princess waited on the wagon, idly swinging her feet under her skirts as the monsters went about their duties around her. As Toffee said, it wasn't long before the tents were up, the king's being the first to be finished. All of the tents were large, most shared by three or four monsters, while Toffee had his to himself, though now he had a new addition to his space. It appeared that monsters were very sociable creatures, and sharing close quarters didn't seem to bother them.
The king's tent wasn't near as extravagant as the one Miakoda had seen used by her father. Granted that had been in the fields not too far from their castle, so the heavy furniture could be carried the short distance with relative ease. Then again, he hadn't gone out for war like Toffee had.
Her trunk had been moved into the tent, set on the large hemp sheet that served as the floor along with the bedding-a makeshift mattress stuffed with feathers that could be rolled up and stored away. A lantern hung from a hook at the center of the 'ceiling', providing light, but not heat as it was magic inside instead of flames. Toffee only had a small backpack, and despite the small space within in, his fresh shirt and pants didn't have so much as a wrinkle. His sword was propped up against one of the posts, and she couldn't help but stare at it.
The reptilian noticed the look as she entered, but said nothing about it as he adjusted his collar. "Why don't you get dressed for bed?" he suggested, already walking towards the flaps. "I'll be checking on my men for a while, I'll return with something to eat. So you can take your time to unwind a bit."
She drew in a breath to speak, but it caught in her lungs, refusing to let her respond with anything but a nod and watch him leave. As little as she knew him, she hadn't wanted him to go. Unlike sitting on the wagon, where she could watch the monsters work, she was stuck in the blank tent walls with only her thoughts. She didn't want to be alone. She didn't want to think.
Her hands started to tremble, even as she tightly gripped the strap of her knapsack. 'Don't be such a baby,' she scolded herself. 'You HAVE to do this! It's no different than if you were marrying Prince Thomas...except he wasn't a lizard.'
She remembered meeting Prince Thomas for the first time, how she felt nervous but a little excited. She had hoped he would be her very own Prince Charming, come to sweep her off her feet and into a happier life. At first, that's what it had seemed like. She'd been smitten with him, adoring his bright red hair and alluring smile, the way he seemed to listen to her every word and spoke honestly of himself. She'd been enchanted.
But all enchantments end, and hers shattered like the glass of her bedroom mirror.
The Prince and his parents had been invited to stay a week at the castle, to get the two to-be-betrothed heirs a chance to get to know one another. The week had been about to end, Miakoda had voiced her disappointment that the Prince would be leaving as he walked her back to her room after supper, saying that she still wanted to spend time with him to bond. He'd said he felt the same way before pushing her quickly into her room, closing the door behind them. She'd blushed and giggled at the scandal, being alone in a room without a chaperone-her mother would have been furious. But she'd been naive, believing there could be no harm in them talking more in private.
He didn't want to talk. She wasn't sure exactly what happened in what order, the events such a blur in her mind after it was over. But she remembered screaming no over and over, pushing him away until she fell back against her mirror, his fist slamming into the glass as flames flicked across his fingers. The guards had burst in before he had carried out his last threat, dragging him away as he shouted and cursed her.
She knew she had escaped from something worse than just the kiss he'd stolen and the bruising on her arms, but the damage had been done. Miakoda had never been very comfortable around men, and Thomas had made it even harder. She tried to work through it, forcing herself to go about her life as if it hadn't happened. But she still caught herself having moments of weakness.
Just like the one she was currently having.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly forced her fingers to release the strap of her bag, and pulled it off over her head, setting it down by the trunk. She opened the lid, and fished around until she found her brush. It was made of silver, the bristles white and soft, yet strong enough to cut through the tangled curls on her head.
She also took out a sleeping gown before closing the lid and using the trunk as a seat. It wasn't very comfortable, but it would serve its purpose well enough. Getting out of her dress was a bit tricky as she had a hard time reaching the ties behind her back, but it and her corset finally made it into the trunk as she donned her sleeping gown. It was a thick cotten, lined with wool for warmth as autumn was already well underway. Best of all, it was big enough to hide the curves of her hips, thighs, and tummy.
Once dressed, she untied her ribbon, letting her curls fall around her shoulders, swinging her head to feel the freedom of their movement. She sighed softly, and lifted a thick lock in her hand, stroking it with the brush, feeling calmer already. She could remember how soothing getting her hair brushed as a child had been, when her mother had set her in her lap as they sat in her rocking chair. When she hadn't been fighting with her father, her mother had been a sweet and loving woman, giving her hugs and kisses whenever she was close by.
Miakoda's hands moved automatically, preforming the task of brushing her hair as her mind wandered off. She stared at the floor without seeing it, a soft smile on her lips as she recalled memories of her childhood with her mother. She missed her dearly, and she began to wonder how she'd react to the news of her sudden betrothal.
'Probably blame Father. Not that she wouldn't be right to an extent...' she mused, pulling her hair over one shoulder as she continued. 'Still, I suppose I should send her a letter or call her on a mirror. But what would I even say? Hi Mother, sorry we haven't talked in almost two years, but I've got some great news to share. I've grown two inches, my hair is so silky since I started using this herbal shampoo, and-oh yes I almost forgot! I'm getting married to the king of monsters. Oh no, the mirror broke? Well, I guess I'll have to tell her the rest when she storms the castle with a mace in hand.'
She giggled slightly at the mental image, her fingers twisting her curls into a braid. "And what, pray tell, is so funny?" came Toffee's voice from outside the tent. "Mind if I come in?"
Miakoda's cheeks warmed. "Oh, uh, no-go right ahead," she replied, wrapping the braid around her head like a crown, tying it in place with her ribbon. "I was just...er, amusing myself."
The reptilian pushed the flap aside, holding a wooden bowl in one hand and a canteen in the other. He paused briefly, and blinked. "You certainly look different with your hair all tied up." Letting the flap fall shut behind him, he crossed to her side, holding out his offering. "It'll be chilly tonight, try to keep yourself wrapped up."
She smiled slightly as she took the bowl and canteen. "Thank you," she replied automatically, then stopped. "Wait, you say that as if..."
He cocked his head. "As if...?"
The Princess swallowed, fighting hard to not look away under the weight of her embarrassment. "As if...you won't be here."
"It wouldn't exactly be for the best, now would it?" he said with a charming smile. "After all, there's only bedding for one, so if I remained we be occupying the same space. Not really proper, wouldn't you agree?"
She glanced at the bedding, and felt something twist in her stomach. "We're going to be married," she replied, turning her gaze back at him. "It's hardly improper for a wife to sleep beside her husband."
"Yes, however, we're only betrothed at the moment."
She gave an amused huff. "Hardly a scandal-we'd be forced to wed regardless, nothing more."
He arched a brow. "I didn't think you'd be so adamant to have me beside you, Princess. Surely a monster isn't your first choice in a partner for life."
Miakoda waved the issue aside. "You're different, sure, and not at all what I expected for a husband for myself. But you haven't been cruel to me-the daughter of your enemy-and so far no one has had so much as a crossed word against you. So how bad could our marriage be, you know?" She suddenly wished her hands weren't full, they kept itching to wring at the folds of her sleeping gown's skirt. "Besides, I don't want you to be uncomfortable. You said it would be cold, and I highly doubt you have another tent and bedding since armies try to travel with only what they'll need."
Toffee couldn't help a slight smile on his lips as he folded his arms. "Actually, we do have spares, but I wasn't planning on using them tonight." She frowned in confusion, and he could all but see the gears turning in her head. "I intend to keep watch for the night."
Her eyes widened. "All night?" she gaped. "Surely not! You've been in a battle today, and riding across the countryside with a second rider in your saddle-that hardly calls for a loss of sleep!"
He held up a hand in a soothing gesture. "I'll be fine, Miakoda. I've gone for several days on very little sleep before, so I'll survive. I just want you to be comfortable as well as safe."
"Sleeping beside someone is hardly uncomfortable," she countered, even as her face started to turn red. She cursed her maidenly shyness. "You act as though I've never shared a bed before."
A corner of his mouth twitched up. "With a man?" he inquired slyly, his tone slick as oil.
She balked, nearly dropping her dinner as she sprung to her feet. "N-no! Of course not! I meant my cousin Capricorna!" He chuckled softly, and her eyes narrowed. "You're teasing me, aren't you?"
He grinned. "A bit."
"By the Goddess, that was mean!" she accused, even as she smiled and fought back a giggle. It felt good though, to have a moment of light humor to break the tension. It was as if he'd purposefully steered the conversation right under her nose until it was exactly where he wanted it.
Toffee shrugged his shoulders, spreading his hands in a helpless gesture. "I found myself unable to resist," he stated, then folded his arms behind his back, his expression gaining a bit more of a serious quality. "You should eat while it's still warm. Then try to get some rest. We'll be arriving at the castle tomorrow."
Her smile dropped slowly from her lips. "Will we be married tomorrow?"
"The day after," he replied. "I'll need a bit of time to set everything up, and it's no good for us to jump into a ceremony after the journey back."
Part of her felt relief, another felt dread. She was a little scared yet wanted it over with already. "I'll be ready whenever you are."
He nodded, turning to leave. "I'll be close by if you need anything, so don't hesitate to call for me."
'I don't exactly want to sleep with him, but I don't want to be alone,' she thought as she watched him disappear. She sank back down onto the trunk, staring down at the roasted meat and wild berries in her bowl, feeling her stomach churn at the very idea of eating.
She was awakened with a start, bolting upright. A cold sweat broke out on her brow as she clung to the fur covering her, her fingers trembling from something other than the cool air. She held her breath, the nape of her neck prickling as fear crept down her spine.
Slowly, she stood, wrapping the white fur around her as she listened. It seemed too quiet. No insects chirped or hummed, the only noise she could hear was the faint sound of a crackling fire.
She took a hesitant step, swallowing the lump in her throat. Setting her weight down slowly as to avoid making noise, she crept over to the tent flap. With a shaking hand, she undid the tied leather holding it shut, and hesitantly poked her fingers out, slightly drawing the flap open just enough to peek out.
A loud howl split the stillness. She screamed before she could stop herself, leaping away from the flap as she clamped over her mouth. Mere seconds later, Toffee burst inside, sword in hand. "What happened?"
"What was that noise?!" she exclaimed, still fighting to calm down, her heart racing with fear. "Something woke me up, and when I went to see what it was...!"
The monster's shoulders seemed to sag slightly with relief as he slid the sword into its sheath, stepping closer to place his hands on her shoulders. "You'll be safe, Miakoda," he stated softly. "My men are handling things."
"What THINGS, Toffee?" she demanded, hugging the fur tight to herself. "I've never heard anything make that kind of noise before!"
He was silent for a moment, as if not wanting to answer. "Wrathgans. They've been circling the camp for an hour, looking for a meal."
The princess felt her breath catch in her throat. Even in Mewni Wrathgans were feared. Four-legged beasts with long legs, whip-like tails, and quill-covered shoulders. Their bites always resulted in a terrible infection, causing a horrible sickness that tended to be fatal. Hundreds of years ago, they were believed to actually be poisonous or cursed due to how much a victim suffered before death became a welcomed relief. Miakoda had even lost an uncle to a Wrathgan bite.
Toffee gently squeezed her shoulders, running his hands soothingly over her arms. "You don't have anything to be afraid of," he assured softly. "We've handled their kind before. They won't get past my men."
She trembled under his palms, and stepped closer. Instinctively, he drew his arms around her, tucking her head beneath his chin. "Please-I don't want to be alone with them out there," she begged. "Please don't leave."
The reptilian sighed softly into her bound locks. He had the strangest urge to pull that ribbon out, and let her candy pink curls fall around her shoulders. "Alright, if it will put you at ease, I'll stay."
"Thank you," she mumbled against his shoulder, lingering in his hold for a moment longer before drawing back. She looked at him with a sudden frown. "You're cold."
He raised a brow. "How so?"
She rolled her eyes, and grabbed his hand, holding his fingers between her palms. "Your fingers are like ice, that's how."
Toffee blinked, then chuckled. "I suppose I am."
"Suppose nothing, you'll catch your death sitting out there in nothing but a shirt," she scolded, tugging him towards the bedding. "At least get under a cover where it's warm. I've got plenty to spare."
She pulled him along beside her as she sat down, removing the fur from her shoulders to throw it over his own. The warm enveloped him like a cloud, her own body heat trapped in the fur. It made his muscles relax, accepting the offering without a second thought.
He watched as she tucked him in, like a mother bundling up a child. It was endearingly amusing. Once she seemed satisfied, she hurriedly burrowing under the remaining covers, pulling one around her shoulders as she scooted just a hair's breadth closer, glancing uncertainly at the tent flap.
"They won't make it here, Miakoda," he assured. "Don't be frightened."
"Easier said than done," she replied quietly, a blush surrounding her periwinkle crescents. "I've only ever seen pictures of wrathgans, read and heard terrible stories about them...lost my uncle to them."
"My condolences," he murmured. "That must have been hard on you."
"More so on my father. To be honest I barely knew my uncle, even though he came to visit as often as he did." She shook her head. "I regret not letting him be closer to me. I mean, his daughter-my cousin Capricorna-is my best friend. Yet I hardly knew her father."
"And what kept you from bonding? Was he cruel to you at any point?"
She shook her head. "No, not that I remember. But...when I first met him, I was still pretty small-four I think, and I was tiny for my age, so everything seemed so much bigger than me. My uncle was a mountain of a man, even now he would easily tower over me, and to someone so small, that's already intimidating."
"Anyway, the day I met him, I had been hiding behind my father, too shy to want to meet a stranger face to face. He barged into the grand hall, loud and lumbering-I remember thinking he was like some big wild beast that would break anything he touched. As he started talking with my father, I started tuning them out, wanting to go play with my toys instead of standing there for what seemed like no reason. And then...he grabbed me."
Toffee arched a brow. "Grabbed you?"
"And tossed me into the air like a doll," she finished. She huffed, shaking her head. "It scared me, so much that I started crying and Father had to have a servant take me to my mother to calm me down."
She stared down at her lap, unconsciously chewing her lip. "He hadn't meant to scare me, in fact he regularly tossed Capricorna like that and she lovds it. But after that I never let him get close enough to grab me again, and he never tried, but up to the last time I saw him he always reminded me and everyone around us how he'd 'traumatized' me for life."
The princess shook her head. "Now it seems like such a stupid reason to avoid someone. I'm ashamed to say I didn't even cry at his funeral, in fact I barely remember it, aside from holding my cousin as she cried the whole time."
"Just because you didn't cry doesn't mean you didn't love him, Miakoda, even if only as your uncle by blood. The fact that you feel guilt for not being sad means that his passing did have an effect on you," stated Toffee, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And not all people express grief through tears. Everyone feels in different ways."
A smile graced her lips, drawing his eyes to the pretty pink bow of her mouth. "You know, you're pretty easy to talk to, I think. I haven't told anyone that before."
Smiling slightly, Toffee drew her to his side, wrapping the fur around them both. "You can always come to me, Miakoda. There's always a safe place at my side for you. Don't forget that."
Yawning, the woman allowed herself to lean more easily into his side, her eyes dropping shut. "That's nice to know," she murmured. "I'll listen to you too..."
Within moments, her breathing deepened, and the mewman was asleep on the monster's shoulder.