Chapter 89: Another pan victim.
Sienna had accomplished three things before breakfast: daily morning exercises which were live streamed, giving the twins a bath and talking Queen Honey Thunder into stopping the harassment of the poor servants that were only doing their jobs. All three had been accomplished, although her side project in the backyard had been abandoned by both people and bees, until Honey Thunder stopped buzzing threateningly.
The whole family had finished breakfast. They were preparing to start an official round of harvesting under Sienna’s guidance.
She was rolling up the sleeves of her arms when Geo walked into the courtyards, stopping at the table and behind Sienna’s chair. "We have guests."
Ali raised her small hands. "Mama, fold for me too." The little one had run upstairs to change into a shirt and pants like her mama. She had even chosen a yellow shirt and black pants, similar colors to what Sienna had on. Her soft rubber boots which were lined with fox fur on the inside and outside were the cutest thing Sienna had ever seen.
"It is a delegation, ma’am." Geo added, when he noticed that Sienna didn’t seem to be taking the news of guests too seriously.
As she folded the arms of Ali’s shirt, she frowned. If a delegation was knocking on her door, they were there for Elias. The bastard had decided to work from home today. Sienna had a feeling he was just afraid that she would run off with the children after that neck pinching episode.
"They are from the White snake tribe." Geo shared.
Sienna stiffened. She had heard some of the guards discussing the escalating feud between the white snakes and fox tribe. A delegation from an enemy tribe meant trouble. "Are they here to collect debts or pay them?"
The guards from the fox vanguard who were protecting Sienna and the children from close by exchanged glances.
Then Kroton, who was clearing plates with Soren blurted, "Because there is a White Snake princess on the compound. I was watching the migration of shorebirds last night and I saw it. The Lord and guards, returned with Mija, the most loved but scandalous princess of the White snake tribe. I think she was kidnapped."
Sienna’s hands fell from Ali’s shoulders. She turned slowly, eyes narrowing at the fox lord himself who had finally decided to come out of hiding.
"Get me some tea, Timothy." Elias commanded, sitting down like nothing important was happening.
Sienna slapped her hand on the table. "You kidnapped a princess and didn’t tell me? And you brought her here!" Her voice rose like a storm. "Do you think this my home is a dungeon where you can keep prisoners? Our children live her for crying out loud! I live here!"
Elias picked up a spoon, tapping it against a table. He wondered what she would say if she knew about the prison cells on his estate. She and Ali were probably the only ones that didn’t know about them.
"Answer me." Sienna growled.
Timothy placed the tea before Elias and he sipped it as if nothing had happened. Before she could explode again, he shrugged. "Her ship was attacked by some unknown thieves. I saved her life and brought her here for...safekeeping."
Some of the guards chuckled.
Timothy tripped on his way back to the kitchen for cookies. As he fell, he was chuckling.
Sienna jabbed a finger at Elias. "Safekeeping my foot! I know about the ongoing feud. You’ve dragged us all into tribal politics now. Urghhh, I should just strangle you with some of those bean vines."
Elias raised his eyebrows. "You are my wife, so you have always been involved in tribal politics. It was just that your role was more passive before. Now, you are going to have to be more active. And, it starts with hosting our guest." He looked at the guards. "Bring her."
***
When they brought her out, Princess Mija was a vision of venomous elegance. Her hair was pale silver, braided with tiny scales that shimmered. Her eyes were slitted emeralds, gleaming with disdain. Her dress was long and white, clinging to her a second skin, and her lips curved in a perpetual sneer.
She hissed the moment she saw Sienna, baring little fangs. Then, with the grace of a spoiled cobra, she lunged to bite.
The guards leaped into action.
Sienna, unfazed, swung the pan which was never far from her. Clang! Mija’s head bounced back, her his turning into a startled squeak.
As if the bees disdained her behavior, one buzzed down and stung her right her sharp backside. Mija shrieked, clucthcing her rear, hopping in circles like a snake forced forced to dance.
The Snake delegation which had been invited him found her like that. A woman wailed, "Our princess!"
Sienna raised the pan and pointed it in the direction of the snake delegation. "If I hear one hiss or you take one step forward, my bee army will descend on you faster than you can change into your full beast forms. So, do not make me bury you in my garden as fertilizer. Your princess tried to bite me in my own courtyard. If she wants to play wild beast, I’ll treat her like one."
Mija, still hopping, wailed, "You barbarian! How could you hit me and make your bee sting me? Do you know who I am? I am the jewel of Jeralbum White-Fang, the Lord of the White Snake tribe. I am__"
Sienna cut her off with a glare. "The only royalty that matters to me is the lion beast one, because they rule the beast world. Even then, I have tangled with Princess Evira twice and won. You are nothing more than a serpent with bad manners. Now sit down before I use this pan again."
Elias coughed delicately, starting to regret pulling his wife into tribal politics. "Sienna, perhaps...moderation?"
Sienna snapped, "Moderation? You brought a snake princess home and dumped her in my backyard like contraband. If she tries to bite me again, I’ll moderate her teeth into the compost heap and yours will follow."
Elias leaned away, hands raised. "Okay, do what you must. Just don’t kill her here, blood would get into my tea."
Mija gasped. Were they crazy? "You can’t touch me. My father will send armies!" she declared, puffing herself up.
Sienna scoffed. "Armies? Sounds like you White snakes are plotting a rebellion."
Many people gasped.
Sienna leaned forward, "Since you have eaten my food, it is time to work while my husband and your people iron out politics and business. Follow me to the garden. I hope you can weed plants."
Mija gasped, scandalized. "Manual labor? You can’t make me do that. I am royalty!"