I Am Not Zachary's Dog

The sound of surprise from the people around me was no surprise. After all, I was just finding out her identity as well. No wonder her presence earlier was so familiar to his, she was Sir Malikai's younger sister.

Every noble and servant has heard about the Klaw family's disaster. Both of Malikai's parents died in the fire that burn down the entire Klaw Estate. After the flames had been put out, everyone searched for survivors, only to find a young eleven year old boy hiding in one of the secret rooms under the estate. His younger sister, Lillian Klaw, was never found. Many believed she died in the fire or perhaps even unleashed a fire ability that caused the fire.

After that day, Malikai became cold towards everyone and only spoke political matter to others. His only friend, King's Candidate Zachary, later signed a blood contract with him and he became a priest for Zachary.

~~~~~~~~~~

When I open my eyes, I find I'm laying on a bed. My entire body aches as I sit up, only to find myself being stared down by a man.

Once he notices I'm awake, he rushes to my side. "Lily, are you feeling okay?" His voice is filled with worry. Do I know him?

"Is Lily my new name?" I tilt my head as I ask the question, obviosly clueless to the reason he called me that name.

~~~~~~~~~~

My eyes go wide as I realize what this means. In a soft voice, I ask, "Li- I mean Kippy, do you remember anything from before you were nine?" I can't hide the sadness in my voice as I ask.

Her eyes go wide at my question before softening. She says in a shaky voice, "N-not really. I only remember waking up i-in the woods." Her eyes glaze over and tears well up in her eyes. I'm sure she is confused. After all, she doesn't know who her parents are/were, her foster parents treated her like she was trash, and she was sold into slavery.

Hoping to console her, I reach my hand out and caress her cheek. "My name is Malikai Klaw. I just so happen to be your brother."

Her sadness is soon replaced by surprise as her head shoots up at me and her eyes widen. "What!?"

I smile at Kippy's reaction. A small laugh escapes my mouth before a knock is heard at the door. In an instant, I feel my joy dissipate. Who dares to interrupt my reunion?

"Sir Malikai, King Zachary has asked for us to return with. . .Lady Klaw." Even while in a different side of the country he finds a way to ruin my happiness.

I sigh before turning back to face Kippy. "We need to head back, I'm sure Zachary will be happy to see you." A natural smirk appears on my face seeing her here, alive, in my care.

My deep thought is interupted when she asks, "Who is Zachary?" Oh sh*t, how am I supposed to explain that he's her fiance!?

"Uhh. . ." There is a long pause before I answer, "He's a friend." I try to play it off but, her suspicion doesn't lessen in the slightest.

Shrugging her shoulders, she doesnt continue asking. Instead, she stands up and walks to the mirror before turning back around at me. "What the h*ll did you do to me!?" The temperature easily drops a few degrees.

~~~~~~~~~~

My anger can be felt just through the drastic change in temperature. His expression filled with a hidden amusement at my bratty personality before walking over and placing a braclet on my wrist. At that moment, I couldn't help but fall as my knees grew weak.

Steadying me after I fall into his embrace, his warm voice says, "This should help you control the changes but, your appearance was given to you by Celestine, the goddess of the moon." I can't help but smile when I take a deep breathe and his scent fills my lungs. He reminds me of a far off home that I've returned to after a long journey.

We head out the door and I see a familiar figure. "Leon?" He turns towards me with his awkward grin. "Hello Ms. Klaw!" It's easy to see he is uneasy around me now. Is the Klaw family important?

I look towards Malikai to find an answer only to see him turn and walk off with me in tow. Waving goodbye, an audible sigh of relief could be heard from Leon. What, is Malikai mad? Am I in trouble!?

~~~~~~~~~~

When I stop, Kippy didn't stop in time and bumped into me. She gasped and looked up at me worriedly. "Am I in trouble?" Her voice sounded like that of a mouse.

"Why would you?" I'm confused. Why would she think I'm mad? Is it because of how I act around others? "Sorry, I don't care for showing emotion in public. Especially to Leon, he's just another one of Zachary's dogs."

Kippy looked at me confusingly, "I thought you were also contracted to Zachary?" She slightly tilted her head when speaking.

A laugh escapes my mouth, "Maybe so but, I am not Zachary's dog. I only did it because I didn't want to lead the Klaw house but, I also needed enough backing to find you." I poke her in the forehead towards the end of my sentence. "Now come on. We need to get going. Zachary is already impatient since he knows you're alive and not in his protection."

I reach out my hand to her. Taking it, she looks at me curiously but, before she can ask her question our scenery has changed from the auction to a gate before a castle. I wait for her to take in her sights before pulling her to the gate where two guards await. In a joyful tone, I say, "Welcome to Cloud Castle!"