Micro May Day 14: The King's New Prize
This story's prompt was: Tiny rulers and pets. The king is not to be messed with.
I'm slowly shuffled forward as magical chains of light keep me from moving too fast. The northern kingdom in the Wickerwilds was always known for its magic and wizard's academy. That was until one day someone cast a spell to shrink the whole kingdom in an instant. No one was sure if it was an accident or an attack, but to this day they haven't figured out how to reverse it.
That leads me today. Our village was nearby but not affected. I and many others were glad to have the King out of the picture, as he was a selfish man bleeding us dry. There was a huge celebration with the thought that the king would no longer be able to enforce his will on us. Oh, how wrong I was.
I was led to a magic circle, with multiple tiny wizards holding my magical binding in place. I can't even run or try to fight back, as they barely give me enough room to move. As they set me where they want me, they start to chant some kind of spell. The magic binding starts to go around my wrists and ankles, and it feels like they are digging deep under my fur and skin. It doesn't hurt, but it feels wrong all the same.
It ended, and the glow of magic stopped, and I can feel like I can move again.
"What happened?" I asked, unsure of what to make of all this.
"Binding rune, to make sure you don't get any funny ideas." One of the wizards said.
I try to turn and step on the wizard, but my body stops moving as I get close, and a sharp pain runs from my ankle to my foot. I cry out, and it doesn't stop until I pull back.
"You will not be able to harm anyone that is part of this kingdom. Trying to leave the castle will result in the same." He said
I'm still breathing hard from the pain as I try to focus.
"Come along now; the king wishes to see all of our new servants; you have a lot of work to do to catch up on because of your insolence."
"What?!" It is all I can get out until my limbs start to glow again and my body moves on its own with the wizards.
"Maybe the king will go easy on you, since you're the same species." The other wizard laughs.
If everything I've heard and seen of him is true, I doubt it. We soon reach the throne room, with some other villagers to the side. I can only assume that they have gone through the same thing. I'm walking up to the throne to see a small speck of a fat opossum laying on a pillow. It would be humorous to see him get what he deserved if it wasn't in such a dire scenario.
"Another one for our royal collection?" He asks, sounding bored.
"Yes, your majesty," the wizard replies.
"Very good, you may return to your duties."
"Yes, your majesty." The wizard bows and walks away.
The king starts to sit up a bit, looking me over.
"Do you have a name?"
"A-"
"Trick question; it doesn't matter anymore, pet. That is your new name, as we have decided to have you work for us personally."
I stare blankly at him as he expects something.
"I see you will need to be trained. First lesson: you must be grateful to your betters." He snaps his fingers, and I fall to all fours. I'm stuck like this and can't move.
"It is an honor to serve your king. Don't forget that. We also have the means to make sure you play your part." He shows that he can also control me, as he has to crawl closer before stopping.
"Is that understood?" He lets me get back up.
"Y-yes, your majesty." I'm still a little shaken up from that.
"Grand, now you will carry me around for a bit; I wish to see the garden."
Unsure what to do, I offer my hand as a step, allowing him to climb on.
"Needs work, but it will do." He gets up and walks into my palm. I walk off, marking the start of my service to the king.