trans girl | useless lesbian | retro game and tech enthusiast | cat witch

icon by @draekos


in lesbnyans with @lenalia @batelite @yuria and @doricdream


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plush.city/@darkwitchclaire

zandravandra
@zandravandra

(continued from Part I | Act I | Act II | Part II-2)

The knight's utterly perfect mask of politeness let no other emotion shine through as he handed the letter to the young lady before him. A piece of the finest paper, impeccably folded, sealed with the unmistakable crest of the head of state. "Once again, thank you for your services throughout the past years."

"Of course," the lady replied, her flowing curls bobbing as she curtsied. No sooner had she returned to a standing position than she began tugging at one of the corners of the paper, as if to test the solidity of the wax seal. "Please give my best to Her Majest—ah. My apologies."

"There is no need for apologies, milady." The knight waved to the other two ladies present. "We are among friends here, and these are unusual circumstances. City and Crown will both need time to adapt."

The lady smiled, reaching up above her head to lightly touch the knight on his left cheek with almost unearned brazenness, her fingers slipping under the locks of dark speckled grey hair that framed his face. She ran her finger along the long scar, then gave a gentle pat. "You always were my favorite," she said as she turned to leave the room.

The second woman stepped forward, spitting image of the first if not for the overcoat and hastily-tied ponytail. She had been standing in front of a painting of the princess, now increasingly a rarity even in remote parts of the castle such as this one. Perhaps those in charge of the redecoration effort had left this gatehouse for last.

The knight looked at the painting for a moment, then turned his attention to the second woman who bore its subject's face. He produced another letter, sealed like the first. "Thank you for your services throughout the past years. The Crown hopes that the accommodations will enable you to thrive in whichever path you choose to take."

The second lady accepted the letter. "Thanks. Uh... is there any chance we can get help with the whole..." she made broad circular gestures around her face. "Situation?"

A moment, then two. A polite nod, filled to the brim with decorum. "The Crown understands your situation. The methods used were, as you know, quite powerful. And while reversing them completely is currently not within the scope of possible options, rest assured—"

"Wait, so I'm stuck like this!? For real?"

"Rest assured," the knight continued, "that Her Majesty had no shortage of people throughout society who wished to emulate her appearance. As time passes and portraits are replaced, so too will the finer details make way in the people's minds for the Prince's new image."

The lady seemed unconvinced. "Yeah? So I just gotta sit and wait for people to forget this face, is that it?"

Whatever emotions the knight may have had, he kept them in check. "All previous restrictions on appearance are forfeit. This face is yours now; you may do with it as you see fit. The references listed in the letter I have given you will help you further with other aspects of your presentation, if you so wish."

Her face scrunched up for a long moment, then she sighed. "I guess that's fair. Thanks." She looked over to the third woman—sitting on a corner bench, also looking at the painting that shared her face—then back at the knight. "Sorry. This has been, like... kind of a shock, you know?"

"Of course, milady. Recent events have been unexpected for us all. The near future will require patience and understanding, but perseverance will see us through." He motioned to the door with a gloved hand, indicating with the lightest of touches that it was time for the woman to leave.

She did. "Good luck out there," she told the third and final woman with a sympathetic nod.

Her turn had come. She stood up and walked over to the knight, looking up into his eyes with an unblinking, steely-eyed stare.

"You have already received your letter," the knight said, just as stoic.

No reply.

The knight sighed, the first crack in the perfect defense of his etiquette showing at last. "Why are you here, sir?"

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