Mama Fox

<Cleodora>

“No, obviously not! Why would I want to go back there?” (Z)

She wanted to stay.

Lying in bed, Cleodora silently stared up at the ceiling.

Zuri wanted to stay here with her.

A small smile made way to Cleodora’s face.

The fruits of her work in their relationship were already blooming. If it wasn’t already obvious by those particular words, then Zuri’s earlier petition confirmed it. She too missed their dates, lone conversations and even… even their private time together. A truth that caused Cleodora’s heart to race wildly. The future she dreamed of for so long was fast approaching. With every day that passed, Zuri and Cleodora’s relationship grew a slight bit more.

Sure, the steps they were taking were small, but they were quick to accumulate. With the occasional soft push from Cleodora to the rare, gentle pull from Zuri, the journey they embarked on together had already led them halfway up the mountain. Their relationship was developing smoothly. And, to Cleodora’s observations, so was Zuri.

It won't be too long until the kids are born.

Cleodora felt her head become light at the thought.

Imagining Zuri cuddled next to her while their kids happily played in front of them was too sweet.

Cough!

…Of course, given Zuri’s general dislike for physical touch, that might never happen, but Cleodora still liked to dream.

If she was lucky, the arrival of the kids might soften Zuri enough for that to casually happen.

Their arrival could be the straw to finally break the camel’s back.

They were already growing closer by the moment.

If things continued like this, the future she dreamed of would truly—

“We need to get rid of her now!" (Z)

Cleodora’s smile gradually faded.

…Unfortunately, one big obstacle stood in the way of that future.

Recalling Zuri’s words, she couldn’t help but sigh.

For whatever reason, Zuri was convinced Nori was trying to ship her back to the Palace. And this was despite her explicit word that she wasn’t. Due to this belief, the progress in their relationship halted as Zuri became uncharacteristically guarded at all times. Her focus had completely shifted into studying any moves her perceived enemy took. Interpreting even the most mundane of actions as an attack.

Nori.

The Second Princess, now Cleodora’s sister-in-law, was a kind person. From the moment they first met, she treated Cleodora like family. Welcoming Cleodora’s dirty, undeserving form with open arms and a warm smile. From personally bathing and feeding Cleodora to including her in family activities, Nori made sure Cleodora wasn’t without. She, along with the rest of the Royal Family, was Cleodora’s true family long before she and Zuri got married.

All this to say, she wasn’t the type to go back on her word.

A fact Zuri seemed to completely ignore.

Cleodora didn’t want to get rid of Nori.

She was helpful, caring and supportive. And although Cleodora’s and Zuri’s relationship hurt due to her presence, that was mainly caused by Zuri’s overthinking.

“I’ll handle this.” (C)

That was the promise Cleodora gave Zuri.

…Regardless of her fears being unfounded, Cleodora still intended to keep her word.

She needed to get their relationship back on track after all.

‘I have to get her to leave…’

A task much easier said than done.

Being direct could come off as rude; telling her the real reason would be impolite, and asking her to leave without reason was downright disrespectful. Cleodora needed a reason. A decent enough one that Nori wouldn’t take offence and would leave happily. Given the situation, Cleodora had two options to solve the reason dilemma. Since she didn’t have a reason, she would either have to create or find one.

Of the two options, the latter was the best.

It wouldn’t be so easy to fabricate a reason from nothing.

Closing her eyes, Cleodora steadied herself.

…For her love, there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do.

Even if she had to face their family.

It was a cool morning in the mountain.

“Have I adopted a shadow?” (N)

Freezing at the words suddenly uttered by Nori, Cleodora refocused her attention back on the dishes in front of her.

…Perhaps she had been a little too obvious in her pursuit for a reason.

“A-Apologies, Princess.” (C)

Done with the dishes, Cleodora picked up a tray containing breakfast and marched into the dining room.

Nori, carrying a tray of her own, followed shortly.

“Princess? I know you’ve been away from home so long, but surely you haven’t forgotten me.” (N)

The light teasing in her voice made Cleodora lick her lips.

“You’re right… sister.” (C)

It wasn't right to create arbitrary distance between family, no?

Cleodora took a seat next to Zuri, who stared up at her with a silent gaze.

The question held in her eyes was clear: What’s the plan? Having promised to handle it, Cleodora didn’t want Zuri to worry. But, without informing her of the specifications, it was natural for her to do so. Cleodora decided to reassure with a quick wink. She would find a reason to get Nori to leave in no time. Sadly, the act was poorly received as Zuri’s eyebrows knitted together.

Screeech.

‘Ah?’

The free chair beside Cleodora was pulled out.

…Why had Nori abandoned her seating at the head?

“There’s no need to hold back, you know? Just call me like you used to.” (N)

“…Sure.” (C)

She smiled up at Cleodora.

A quiet expectation hanging in the air.

“Nori.” (C)

“Good girl!” (N)

Nori reached up and petted Cleodora.

After that, breakfast continued in complete silence.

Awkward silence.

There was a lot to say about that seemingly casual remark. Kitsune custom demanded elders, those of a higher-ranked tail, to be addressed by title alone. Back when Cleodora had been a kid and first met Nori, she naturally hadn’t known this and kept calling her by name until much later on. An honour withheld for those the elder deems as equal or at the very least worthy. Glancing over to Zuri, Cleodora gauged her reaction.

She was yet to receive that honour.

Seeing Zuri absentmindedly eat her food, Cleodora let out the silent breath she was holding.

…At least that didn’t bother her too—

‘Oh no’

Small, pure white flames flickered on and off all over Zuri.

Nori, whose view of Zuri was obstructed by Cleodora, abruptly broke the silence.

“Say, Cleo. Are you busy with work today?” (N)

“…No. I will be staying home.” (C)

The best thing to do now was lead the conversation and hope it was enough to distract Zuri.

“I managed to complete today’s work ahead of time.” (C)

“Ah, what great news.” (N)

Nori stroked her chin as she adopted a thinking pose.

“I was thinking that we should start your lessons.” (N)

“Lessons?” (C)

Her eyes concentrated on Cleodora.

“Yes, it’s vital for one to learn how to raise kids. Not to mention taking care of Zuzu.” (N)

At those words, Zuri finally spoke up.

All restrain falling to the wayside.

“Sister! I am more than capable of—” (Z)

“Now’s not the time to be stubborn, Zuzu.” (N)

Sadly, Nori was quick to counter.

She leaned forward on her chair, made eye contact with Zuri, and spoke in a calm, clean manner.

“You are pregnant, remember? Even if you can now, you soon won’t be able to. I’m merely preparing Cleo here for the near future.” (N)

At her words, Zuri paused, hesitated as though about to say something, before ultimately looking off to the side.

A grave mistake.

“Also, I know you don’t like those, but they’re good for you.” (N)

Nori, following her eyes which happened to land on her plate, didn’t let Zuri go.

"I expect a clean plate, or we’re not leaving the table.” (N)

“…Seriously?” (Z)

“Seriously.” (N)

Nori turned back her attention to Cleodora.

“Are we good for the lessons?” (N)

“Yeah, I mean… yes.” (C)

“Lovely!” (N)

She then got up from her seat, walked to one opposite Zuri, and nonchalantly sat down. For the next couple of minutes, Nori watched as Zuri slowly ate the vegetables she greatly disliked. After Zuri finished, looking worse for wear, Nori took her hand and led her to the bathroom. Claiming she needed to help properly clean Zuri’s supposedly neglected tail. As Zuri was dragged away, she looked back at Cleodora with pleading eyes.

…Okay, Cleodora could somewhat understand Zuri's desire to get rid of Nori after witnessing that.

The whole week had been like that.

Nevertheless, it didn’t mean Nori would go back on her word or that she was out to try to coerce Zuri.

She was merely helping around, albeit in a bit of a rough manner.

‘Lessons, huh?’

An opportunity had presented itself.

Surely, Cleodora could find a reason to get her to leave if they spent enough time together.