Fox queen

You stable the horses and wagon, and walk the short distance towards the palace. Everything you see and hear paints a different picture than when you went to confront Halid. You and the girls receive pleasant greetings, there’s humans walking hand in hand with monster girls, and everyone seems much more accepting.

As you approach the gate, the guard eyes you and nods. “We were told to expect your party this week, magus. The queen gave instructions to lead you in when you arrive. If you would follow me?”

You nod, and follow. Maya bounces up to your side, holding your hand. “I like it here! I’m pretty sure I’ve heard of this Queen Sella. She’s ruled for almost ten years now, and her mother was a kitsune! Since she took the throne, she turned the kingdom into a haven for monster girls.”

Rachel approaches on the other side. “I’ve heard of her as well. Many of the people who used the portal from our side were told to head here, so there’s quite a few people from the new world here. I heard reports that a few women came here as well, setting up groups with girls like Elys who weren’t as interested in men.”

You smile. “That’s wonderful! This is a model for what the old world could be. I’m very excited to meet this Queen Sella.”

Soon, you’re lead to a grand throne room. As you walk in, your eyes are drawn to the figure on the throne, smiling at you as you approach.

Queen Sella is a tall, elegant woman who appears to be in her middle years, possibly about fourty. She is still very beautiful, with long red hair, and a pair of fox ears. Seated beside her is a man of about the same age, affectionately resting his hand on hers. Running around in an adorable display of childhood ignorance of ceremony is a fox eared young girl of maybe eight years, a fox tail flicking behind her as she plays.

The Queen stands and steps down from the throne to greet you. “The magus Josh. King Trevor’s message arrived a day ahead of you. It seems that in a short time you have already changed things for the better.”

She has a soothing, pleasant voice, and clearly is comfortable in her position. “Trevor explained why you’re here, and as I’m sure you’ve guessed, we here are happy to ally ourselves with you.”

She chuckles. “But where are my manners! Let me introduce my husband, Nathan, and my daughter, Frey.”

You smile and introduce the girls, a process that takes a while. Sella raises her eyebrows at Kali, but waits to the end to ask. “Kali? As in the Kali that was missing for the last couple years?”

You nod, used to this question by now. Sella looks at you. “I never thought I would see a redeemed Lilim. Congratulations to both of you. I understand you’re on your way to Itria, but I would ask you to dine with us tonight to seal our alliance. I wish to discuss several things with you and your family, and doing it here would be cumbersome.”

You smile. “It would be my pleasure, your highness.”

She laughs. “No need for that, Josh. Sella will do. Like it or not, you’re our leader, at least for now. While I appreciate the light touch you’ve taken, I imagine you will return from dwarven lands to find strife among the Allied Kingdoms. The remaining two are...less accepting, let’s say.”

You nod. “So I’d heard.”

“No matter. We can discuss this over dinner. For now, please, relax. Feel free to explore the palace, there are baths near the guest quarters. A guard can direct you. I have other business to attend, but I look forward to seeing you and your family at dinner.”