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Chapter 22: Judgment

Lily awoke once during the night when Zeta was crawling back into her arms, but it was

late morning by the time she finally got out of bed. She opened her eyes to see Zeta's brown

eyes staring back into hers. The white and black rabbit had scooted up next to her on the pillow,

and she smiled as Lily opened her eyes.

"Good morning, Lily!" she squeaked cheerfully. She wrapped her arms around Lily's

neck and pulled their noses together. "Did you sleep well?"

Whilst Lily couldn't remember any of her dreams, she had a sense of their

unpleasantness. However, she saw no need to burden Zeta with that information: they were

only dreams, and she didn't want Zeta to think she'd been responsible for the disquietude of her

mind in any way. "Fine," she answered. "You?"

Zeta grinned, "I was very comfortable," she replied meaningfully. "It's pretty late. Katya

left. I can go see if they have any breakfast left if you want."

"Alright."

Zeta pushed herself up and crawled over Lily before sliding off of the bed. Lily turned

over to watch her bound out of the room, and then she slid out of bed herself. She went to the

bathroom to pee, and a few minutes after she came back out, Zeta returned with two cups of

coffee, a banana, and a bagel.

"There wasn't much left," she said apologetically. She offered Lily the bagel.

Lily accepted the baked good. It was cold, but at least it was something. She'd get

something better at lunch. Zeta ate the banana, and they sat together as they ate and sipped

their coffee.

They spent the rest of time before they headed to the palace looking for something to

watch on tv or cuddling. Lily held Zeta in her lap as the rabbit browsed the channels, and Zeta

finally ended on some herbivore cooking channel. Lily watched with mild interest, but at least

half of her attention was always on the rabbit in her lap. Lily was embarrassed by her

breakdown after they'd arrived yesterday, and she didn't want to burden Zeta with her fears

again. Instead, she did her best to savor the moment; she wanted to have this as a happy

memory if things didn't go as they hoped.

Katya reappeared to get their lunch orders then disappeared back to Ellie and Jason's

room after she had delivered their subs. Lily hoped that Katya was trying to give them privacy

rather than trying to avoid them, but the ginger cat was emotionally guarded. And her visits were

brief, so Lily didn't know.

All too soon, it was time to head to the King's court. Katya brought Lily her uniform top

from the SUV and Zeta a pale green, button-up sleeveless blouse.

"Ellie said you could borrow this," Katya told the rabbit as she handed her the shirt.

The blouse was a little small, but Zeta was pleased not to have to wear her dirty uniform.

They met Ellie and Jason on the sidewalk out front. Lily gave her a perfunctory nod of greeting.

"You're ready for this, right?" Ellie asked pointedly. "You're not going to back out at the

last minute?"

Lily scowled at her, "I'm ready. I hope you're ready to keep up your side. You're not

going to throw me under the bus, right?"

"As long as you keep up your side, I'll keep up mine," Ellie returned grimly.

It was clearly an uneasy truce. Lily supposed the rabbit had enough reason to distrust

her. Maybe Zeta was right that an apology would help reduce the animosity between them, but

Lily wasn't ready to offer one. If Ellie and Jason kept up their end and she actually got out of

this, then she might apologize.

They started the walk to the palace. Lily soon noticed the disturbing number of red foxes

in the capital. After her experiences with the Duchess, just the sight of another of her species

caused a growl to rise in her throat. Lily swallowed her fury. The King was also a red fox, and

her fate rested in his hands. Whether she liked it or not--and Lily loathed it--these vulpines

held the power in Vulpinevan society, and one bobcat didn't have a chance against their

capricious wielding of that power. If Lily escaped the noose, it would only be because one red

fox had overruled another.

As the white brick façade of the palace came into view, Lily felt anxiety once again rising

in her throat, and she wanted to turn tail. She could go back to the Maplesburg tunnels. The

Duchess might find her, but she'd have to catch her. Lily wouldn't let herself go down without a

fight. It wasn't being killed she was afraid of so much as giving in, but now she was doing just

that, giving in to the King's judgment. If he judged against her, it would be too late to fight.

However, she and the others kept marching forward. Lily forced herself to keep putting one foot

in front of the other. She felt like she might throw up.

A hand clasped hers, and Lily tore her eyes away from the front of the palace. Zeta's

brown eyes were gazing up at her sympathetically, and the white and black rabbit gave her

hand a squeeze. Lily's nausea subsided. Her anxiety didn't disappear, but it felt less

overwhelming. Lily didn't know how much Zeta could do, but she knew for sure that she would

give it her all. Lily wasn't in this alone.

They made their way into the throne room and were lucky to be among the first

supplicants to arrive. A group of river otters were ahead of them, but Lily didn't pay attention to

what they said. Her eyes were fixed on the crowned fox on the enormous golden throne. He

was wearing a violet vest embroidered with gold and a velvety crimson cape along with his ruby

and diamond studded gold ringlet. As the otters moved away, his amber eyes met hers, and she

felt a lightning bolt of fear go through her. She quickly looked down, noticed the others bowing,

and hurriedly bowed herself.

"Your Majesty," Katya spoke. "We've brought you the witness you asked for." The ginger

cat looked at Lily, "This is the former officer, Lily Schulz, who helped-"

"I recall, thank you," the King cut her off crisply. He gestured toward them with a wave,

"Escort them to the sitting room."

A pair of guards, a lynx and a wild boar attired in velvet magenta jackets, stepped

forward from the group on the right of the King's throne and silently pointed toward their left with

their long pikes.

Lily and company allowed the guards to escort them out of the entry hall and into what

might have been a cozy sitting room if not for their collective anxiety. As nervous as Lily was,

she could also feel the trepidation of the other cats and rabbits like electricity in the air. The five

of them all crammed together on one of the powder blue embroidered sofas with Lily on one

side, Jason on the other, and Katya between the two rabbits.

Zeta placed her hand on Lily's thigh. "It'll be okay," she whispered.

Lily put her hand on top of Zeta's. There was no running away now. The boar blocked

the door they'd entered through, and the lynx blocked the one deeper into the palace.

Their wait was surprisingly brief. The King must have cut his royal court short because

several minutes later, the regally adorned red fox walked hurriedly into the room and stopped in

front of the opposite sofa. His amber eyes met Lily's, "You're Lily Schulz, yes?"

Lily nodded nervously.

"Come with me."

"Wait!" Zeta yelped.

The King turned his head to stare at the rabbit in shock.

Zeta seemed to realize the impropriety of her outburst, but she went on, "S-sorry, Your

Majesty, b-but you can't judge Chief Schulz u-until," she took a deep, calming breath. "You can't

judge her until you know everything good she's done! The Chief may have worked with that

fiend, but she didn't want to! She would have been killed if she refused! We know she would

have because that's what that fiend tried to do the first time the Chief saved someone from her,

and that wasn't the only time Chief Schulz has put her life on the line to protect prey! During the

attack, she saved me and others from one terrorist and then took on three wolves all on her own

to save another group of prey! And that's only the recent stuff! The Chief always puts her life on

the line to protect those she leads and those she serves! I can tell you more stories, but you

need to know this thing with that monster isn't who she is!"

"I assume by 'fiend' and 'monster' you mean the Duchess of Gooseberry," the King

stated matter-of-factly.

Zeta shrunk in her seat, "I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she murmured nervously. "I didn't

mean to offend you."

The King smiled slightly, "Don't worry, My Dear. I'm sure those are apt descriptors for

what the Duchess has done. But more importantly, I don't want you to fear for your chief. I

promise I'll bring her back to you." He looked at Lily again, "Now that I've heard your colleague's

impassioned defense, would you come with me?"

Lily nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

She stood, and the King motioned toward the door guarded by the lynx. The lynx

stepped aside to let them through then followed them into the next room, shutting the door

behind them.

The next room was much like the one they'd left except that the trio of sofas had been

substituted with a semi-circle of four powder blue, silver embroidered armchairs. In addition, the

hearth was paired across the wall with the one in the other room. A closed door leading deeper

into the palace was guarded by an enormous black bear. Lily hoped she didn't upset the King

somehow; she didn't want to get anywhere near such a dangerous animal.

The King sat in the chair closest to the door they'd entered and motioned for Lily to take

the seat next to him. Lily sat where he'd indicated. The King sat back in his seat and regarded

Lily pensively.

"Go on," he prompted. "Tell me everything you know of the Duchess' actions."

Nervously, Lily began. She started her story with the death of Chief White, explaining

why she'd sought the position of chief of police and her excitement when she thought her

potential had been recognized. She told him about her first meeting with the Duchess and how

she'd disillusioned Lily, how she'd implied without stating outright the consequences of

disobedience.

Lily explained how her accompliceship with the Duchess' murders had begun. At first, it

had only been disposing of bodies, and with the first few, Lily hadn't had the stomach to

examine them; she'd simply burned the remains away from the Duchess' estate. However,

she'd eventually examined one of the bodies and seen the terrible wounds and, even more

disturbing, the stitching, and she'd understood the extent of the vixen's cruelty.

She'd known then that she couldn't simply comply, and she'd begun to examine the

bodies for any physical evidence that could undeniably link the murders with the vixen.

Unfortunately, she wasn't trained in forensics, and she couldn't ask anyone else to help her;

she'd only been able to collect so much, what Katya had already shown him. Over the course of

two years, she'd continued to collect what evidence she could, but then her contact with the

Duchess had suddenly ended.

Lily had soon found out that the Duchess had left Vulpineva on a trip to Europe, and for

several months, a heavy burden had been lifted from her. She'd hoped the Duchess would

never return, but of course, the vixen had returned. When Lily had heard of the vixen's arrival,

she'd been filled with dread; she'd known that it was only a matter of time before she'd receive a

message and there'd be a body to dispose of. However, that message had never arrived, and

another six months passed without Lily being called upon to dispose of a murdered prey. Once

again, Lily had begun to hope. Perhaps the Duchess had left her murderous hobby behind and

taken up some new diversion. And then Daniel Planter's body had been found.

At first, Lily had assumed some new killer was involved. Yes, the wounds were similarly

gruesome, and the stitching was eerily similar. But she and the Duchess had had an

arrangement, and the Duchess had never shown any concern for how her victims' bodies were

disposed of before. The next apparently related murder had been even more extravagant in its

display of the body, and when evidence had pointed to Ellie Bennett, someone Lily couldn't

stand, she'd been all too ready to dismiss the similarities to the Duchess' murders. Clearly,

rabbits could be just as twisted as foxes. There had been an altercation between Ellie and the

second victim, and Lily had suspected a connection to the Planter boy would be brought to light

as well. However, Miss Bennett had been proven innocent, and with no other suspect, Lily had

begun to reconsider her dismissal of the Duchess' involvement. When Katya had brought her

the witness testimony of two "badger-like" figures at the home of the murdered family of

squirrels, Lily had known the truth.

Lily had called the Duchess for an explanation. Why hadn't she maintained their

previous arrangement?! Disappearances had been bad enough, but with the gruesome murders

all over the news, prey in Maplesburg were terrified. How did the Duchess intend to hide her

actions when she was displaying them for anyone to see? Moreover--though Lily didn't tell the

Duchess this--the private inspectors were likely to piece enough evidence together to lead

them to the Duchess before long. The Duchess had glibly explained that an artist needed to

exhibit her work and told Lily to handle any suspicions by any means necessary.

Lily had indeed attempted to stop the Duchess from being discovered, not for her sake

but to stop the private inspectors from stumbling into her grasp. She'd stymied investigations

and used threats to keep the inspectors off of the case. However, she had failed, and she'd had

no choice but to leave the inspectors to their fate. Lily had expected to find the inspectors'

bodies soon after leaving them in the Duchess' dungeon, but they had never materialized.

Partial bodies of another two rabbits had been found, and then the cultists had attacked.

Lily finished her story by explaining how she'd incurred the vixen's wrath. She didn't tell

the King about the militia underneath Maplesburg or their preparations to remove the Duchess

should she become too tyrannical.

When she was done, the King spoke, having allowed her to tell her story uninterrupted,

"Thank you for bringing your account of events to me. I apologize that you've had to go through

this. You and your friends are free to go."

Lily stared at the royal tod, flabbergasted. "That's it?!" she finally managed to choke.

"You're not going to do anything?!"

The King frowned concernedly, "It's a delicate matter, but I suppose if you want to know

how I plan to proceed, you deserve to be told. You understand I will deny all of it if you go public

though, yes?"

Lily didn't know what she had been expecting. Of course he's not really going to punish

her! Nevertheless, she wanted to hear what ineffectual admonishment the King was going to

bestow upon the vixen. "I want to know," she demanded.

"Very well," he replied patiently. "First of all, I do plan to issue you a pardon. Publicly, it

will be for assaulting the Duchess, but it will cover your complicity in her crimes. Second, I will

have the Duchess placed under house arrest whilst a formal investigation into these

accusations is performed. Her governing powers will also be suspended during this

investigation. How long that will last depends on her cooperation and the credibility of her

assurances that she will discontinue these actions and not seek retribution on those who

brought these crimes to light. However, she will ultimately be cleared of wrong-doing, and her

privileges will be restored. As long as she refrains from reverting to killing prey, that will be the

end of the matter."

"I understand," Lily meowed gloomily. She was glad to hear the King was at least going

to do something to stop the murders, and she knew it was no small thing that she was to be

pardoned. How convincing she'd find any promises from the Duchess was another matter.

"I'm sorry I can't promise you justice," the King returned sympathetically. "One day,

perhaps, there could be, but the fractures in Vulpinevan society have not yet been healed. You

saw this first-hand during the attack, I'm sure. Vulpineva still needs the diplomacy and guidance

red foxes have become specially equipped to provide, and that means we must continue to be

more than we are. Even the Duchess has served that end as Maplesburg's Interim Governor.

She's done much to mitigate a situation that easily could have inflamed tensions between

predators and prey, not only in Maplesburg but across Vulpineva."

Lily thought his excuses were a lot of hot air, but she knew better than to say so. "What

about the private inspectors?" she asked instead. Ellie and Jason had agreed to help her, and

while they hadn't had a chance to add to Zeta's testimony, perhaps this would make them even

for her failure to save them before.

The King blinked at her in confusion, "I said I'd prevent the Duchess from seeking

retribution, did I not?"

"You did, Your Majesty, but the inspectors are a special case. The Duchess was very

anxious to get her hands on them when I was chief of police, and I doubt that has changed.

Whether what she wants with regard to those two is 'retribution' is a matter of interpretation, and

I'm sure she'll use that to her advantage if you aren't specific. She considers them her pets."

The King hardly looked less confused for her explanation, "Pets?"

"You'll have to ask the Duchess or the inspectors more about it," Lily admitted. "But

that's what she called them. I'd suggest you make it clear capturing them again is off the table."

The King nodded hesitantly, "If you think that clarity is required, I'll tell the Duchess as

much. Is there anything else?"

"I don't think so, Your Majesty. Thank you for listening."

The King stood, "I'll bid you a good day then. It may take a few days to put preparations

in place, but I'll act on this as quickly as possible."

Lily stood and bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The King exited through the door guarded by the black bear, and the lynx let Lily back

into the first sitting room before following the King. Lily paused a moment to pensively regard

the others, still seated on the sofa, before crossing the room toward them. She heard the door

close and turned to see that the boar had also disappeared.

Stopping between the couches, she addressed the two cats and two rabbits, "We're free

to go. The King is going to put the Duchess under house arrest, but-"

Lily was interrupted as Zeta leapt up from the couch and, with a powerful jump, hurled

herself at her. Lily's lightning-fast reflexes enabled her to catch the doe around the waist, and

Zeta wrapped her arms loosely around Lily's neck. Grinning wide, Zeta pressed her nose to

Lily's.

"We did it, Lily!" she exclaimed joyfully.

Lily smiled back and nuzzled her nose against Zeta's, "We did. Thank you for your help,

Zeta," she murmured affectionately.

"You can make out after you finish what you were saying!" Ellie demanded annoyedly.

Lily smirked at the irritated rabbit then looked back into Zeta's brown eyes. Lily wanted to

kiss her, and she saw her feelings reflected in the doe's eyes. Cautiously, Lily began to turn her

head to the side, slowly parting her jaws. Zeta turned her head reciprocally to align their mouths

perpendicularly, and then their mouths met. Lily felt Zeta's smoother tongue slide against hers,

and she gently pushed her own tongue into the rabbit's mouth, her tongue sliding into the gap

between Zeta's incisors and molars. They only kissed for a moment, but in that moment, Zeta

was the only thing in the whole universe that mattered. Lily would have kept right on kissing her,

but Zeta pulled away, smiling lovingly.

"I think you'd better tell them how it went," she murmured warmly.

Lily looked back at the three mammals on the couch: Katya merely looked embarrassed,

but Ellie and Jason were visibly nonplussed with wide eyes and mouths slightly ajar. Lily felt a

little twinge of embarrassment herself, and she made eye contact with Katya.

"Didn't you tell them?" Lily asked embarrassedly.

Katya shook her head slightly, "I, um, didn't think it was for me to tell."

"What?!" Ellie yelped. "Do you mean the reason Katya's been spending so much time in

our room is because the two of you have been fucking?!"

Lily felt her ears getting hot, and she set down Zeta and scowled at the white and dark

brown splotched rabbit, "That's not what we've been doing."

"Can we get back to what the King said?" Jason mewled peevishly.

Ellie frowned at the brown tabby, "Think about all the crap she's given us, Jason!" She

glared at Lily, "I want an explanation for that hypocrisy!" she demanded.

Lily looked at the white and chocolate doe awkwardly, "Sorry," she muttered. "I don't

have any excuse; I was being a jerk."

Ellie gawked at Lily with her mouth agape, "D-did you just apologize?!" she gasped.

Lily sighed wearily, "Yes. I did. I'm also sorry I wasn't able to save you from the

Duchess. I asked the King to specifically tell her to leave you and Jason alone for what that's

worth."

Ellie closed her mouth but blinked in surprise, "Really? Thanks. I'm, uh, glad it turned out

alright for you too."

Lily nodded in awkward acknowledgement. "The King told me I'd get a pardon. As I was

saying before, the King is going to put the Duchess under house arrest and take away her

powers, but only until she convinces him she won't start murdering prey again or seek

retribution on us. She's not going to be found guilty of her crimes. They're going to conclude it

wasn't her after all."

Ellie rolled her eyes and sighed grumpily, "That figures. If he were smart, he'd never be

convinced, but knowing her, she'll have convinced him in under a week. She almost had me

believing she'd changed when I got captured."

Lily frowned in confusion, "When did that happen?"

"It was just before we came here last week," Ellie explained. "I got away in less than a

day. Well, someone let me go, anyway. But she was insistent that she planned to make Jason

and me happy living with her. I'm still not sure she didn't believe it herself. She's delusional."

"I'd never trust her either," Lily agreed. "But unfortunately, it's not up to us, and the King

couldn't resist mentioning the job she's done in Maplesburg."

"He didn't want to disrupt her work there when we talked to him before," Ellie admitted.

"Like I said, she'll be free again in no time. Let's just hope the threat of further repercussions is

more effective than the slap on the wrist she's getting now."

"What are we going to do until then?" Jason asked. "Until the King intervenes, there's

nothing to stop her from catching any of us."

Zeta, who was still standing in front of Lily, answered, "They can come stay in the

tunnels with us, can't they, Chief?"

Lily looked down at the white and black-splotched rabbit, "If they want to," she agreed.

"We'll go back to my parents' house," Ellie decided. "Thanks for the offer."

"I'll come with you, Lily," Katya stated. "I don't think the Duchess has any idea I was

involved, but it's better safe than sorry."

Lily smiled softly at the ginger cat, "We'll be happy to have you, Katya."

They made their way back to the hotel and ordered dinner. This time when Zeta

suggested so, Lily let the rabbit lead her up to Ellie and Jason's room with Katya.

Ellie gave them a confused look as she opened the door, "All of you? Is there something

wrong?"

"No," Zeta piped cheerfully. "Lily and I just thought we'd come be sociable. You don't

mind, do you?"

Ellie glanced toward Jason uncertainly but then shook her head, "We don't mind. Come

on in."

Katya distributed their Indian food, and then she sat on the orange mesh desk chair

while the others sat on the end of the bed with Lily on one end next to Zeta and Jason on the

other end. Lily had gotten chicken tikka masala, and Zeta had gotten chana saag. Lily didn't

remember what the others had gotten, but they all seemed to be enjoying their food. They ate in

silence for several minutes before Ellie spoke.

"So, Zeta," Ellie began hesitantly. "How long have you and Lily been together?"

Zeta looked at Lily sidelong and smiled, "Since yesterday? It's not really official until

Petunia signs off on it, but I don't think that will be an issue. She told me she's going to meet us

in the tunnels when we get back so that she doesn't have to wait any longer. She's very

excited."

Ellie frowned in confusion, "Petunia?"

"Sorry, Petunia's my current partner. We've been thinking about adding a third to our

relationship. I suggested Lily, and she told me to go for it. She liked Lily when they met before."

"So it's going to be a polyamorous relationship then?" Ellie clarified. "I've always

wondered what that would be like."

"It's not so different as long as you're okay sharing," Zeta stated. She smiled up at Lily

amusedly, "I think there's plenty of bobcat to go around."

Ellie looked at Jason a moment then shook her head, "I don't think that would work for

us. I'm not sharing Jason with anyone; he's mine."

Lily resisted commenting on the rabbit's possessiveness. She was trying to get along

with the couple. Zeta likes them. Jason can be a rabbit's toy if he wants to be.

"It's not for everyone," Zeta agreed. "Just like monogamy isn't for everyone. I can go

either way, but I think the three of us will be so happy together. That's what's important. How

about you and Jason? How long have you been together?"

"We've been working together for over five years, but we only started dating a little over

a month ago."

"Have there been any challenges being with a carnivore, erm, besides, you know?" Zeta

finished awkwardly.

"Only the smell of his food, but I'm starting to get used to it," Ellie answered cheerfully.

"And really, as horrible as our experience with that witch was, it only brought us closer together."

Lily felt a twinge of guilt. She'd intended to put the animosity between her and the couple

to rest, but she hadn't been able to stop herself from silently deriding the pair. She wasn't sure

how long the Duchess had deprived Jason of food, but she knew the vixen wasn't one to give

up easily. Lily didn't need to know everything that had happened to know he must have suffered

horribly. If the two were not only still together after such a horrific experience but felt even closer

afterward, then it wasn't fair for her to denigrate their relationship. She could only hope she'd be

as committed with Zeta and Petunia.

"I do think it was brave, Jason," Lily murmured uncomfortably. "However else I feel, I

think it was brave."

"It was really brave," Zeta agreed.

Jason looked away toward the window, "I wasn't that brave," he mumbled

embarrassedly.

Ellie put her hand on his leg, "I know you don't like to think about what happened, but it

was brave, Jason. You were willing to die rather than hurt me."

Jason glanced at Ellie uncomfortably, but he didn't reply. Lily had a feeling not

everything was being said, but she didn't want to press matters. It was at least partially her fault

they'd gone through any of it.

"I'm sorry I brought it up," Zeta murmured self-consciously.

Ellie smiled at her patiently, "It's okay. Whether it's never mentioned again or not, it's

something we'll never be able to forget."

They finished eating in silence. Once they'd disposed of their to-go containers, Lily

thought it might be time to head back downstairs, but Zeta didn't show any signs of leaving.

"You'll have to tell us when you move back to Maplesburg," Zeta declared cheerfully.

"I'm sure Petunia would like to meet you. We could all go out for dinner. Flora and Pete could

come too. Do you know other predator-prey couples in Maplesburg?"

Ellie gave Lily an uncertain glance, "Um, sure, that would be nice. I don't know any other

predator-prey couples though."

"I thought maybe there was some sort of group for them!" Zeta returned with some

surprise. "How did you meet Flora and Pete?"

"Flora was my friend in high school," Ellie answered. "I hadn't heard from her in years

until recently."

Zeta blinked, "So it's just a coincidence that you both ended up in a predator-prey

relationship?" she asked puzzledly.

"Maybe it's contagious," Ellie jested.

Zeta grinned and turned toward Katya, "Looks like you're going to be next, Katya."

Katya looked embarrassed, but she returned a small smile.

"Actually, I was going to see if my sister was interested," Ellie stated. "Sorry, Katya, I

haven't done that yet. I'll do it right now." Ellie hopped up and bounded around the bed to

retrieve her oversized phone from the light wood nightstand. She returned to her spot between

Zeta and Jason and began typing away with her thumbs.

"Wait, you're not joking!?" Zeta responded in surprise. "Katya's going to date a rabbit

too!" Zeta turned to Lily with a pleased grin, "If there's not a group for predator-prey couples, we

can start one! We might have four already!"

Lily smiled back at Zeta affectionately. While she wasn't sure that was something she

was interested in, she appreciated Zeta's enthusiastic attitude. Zeta's optimistic personality was

very different from Lily's, and that was one of the things Lily liked about her. Lily could use some

optimism in her life. Zeta had been right that things would turn out alright with the King, and Lily

hoped she'd be right again that Lily would be a good fit with her and Petunia.

However, Lily couldn't resist an awkward glance toward Katya: Katya didn't make eye

contact with her, and Lily looked back toward the rabbits. There were plenty of rabbits in

Maplesburg. Why was she interested in Ellie's sister particularly? There might not be many

interested in cats, but it still seemed strange. A month ago, she would have strongly objected to

the idea of Katya getting involved with another Bennett, but now she didn't know what to feel.

Katya wasn't her responsibility anymore; Katya herself had made it clear that whatever

relationship they'd had as police chief and rookie officer was over. Maybe she should be happy

Katya had found a better pair of friends, but Lily still wished the ginger cat wouldn't push her

away entirely. Maybe they could start over. If Lily was no longer her mentor or commanding

officer, then perhaps they could be friends.

"Can I send her your picture, Katya?" Ellie queried.

"Did she already reply?" Katya asked shyly.

Ellie smiled amusedly, "Farida's quick. She accused me of trying to pull a prank on her

though. She wants you to hold up three fingers to prove you're real."

"Um, alright." Katya held up her right hand with three fingers raised and smiled shyly.

Ellie took her picture and started typing again. Lily was fairly certain Zeta was holding

her breath in anticipation. She looked up from the rabbits and her eyes met Jason's sea-green

eyes. He quickly looked away embarrassedly, and Lily felt a shot of embarrassment herself. She

could tell that neither of the inspectors really knew what to think of her now, and Lily hardly

knew herself. With the promise of her pardon secured and the warm feelings blossoming

between her and Zeta, Lily felt more at peace than she had in years. If the inspectors didn't hold

any ill will toward her, then perhaps they really could put their enmity behind them.

"She wants your number," Ellie piped genially. "Should I send it to her, or do you want to

see her picture first? She's my size with brown on her hands, feet, ears, and scut and a black

spot on her back."

"You can send her my number," Katya murmured bashfully.

Less than a minute later, Katya's phone buzzed on the desk next to her. She quickly

plucked it up and scanned the screen. "She wants to video chat. I'll see you-all later," she

explained hurriedly in an apologetic tone. The ginger cat quickly left the room.

Ellie watched Katya leave with a satisfied smile, "I knew Farida would be interested!" she

declared. "I hope Katya likes her!"

"I hope so too," Lily murmured in agreement. Whether or not Katya would have anything

to do with Lily anymore, she wanted her to be happy, and she had seen Katya's excitement

when Ellie's sister had texted her.

Ellie gave Lily a conflicted look as if she didn't know whether she was being sincere, and

for some reason Lily didn't quite comprehend, Lily felt the need to prove to her she was. A

month ago, or even thirty-six hours ago, Lily would have scowled or snapped something about

how she didn't need to like Ellie or her family to want Katya to be happy, but now, she stood and

stepped over in front of the white and chocolate-splotched rabbit. Ellie looked up at her warily,

and Lily realized that, because of her stature, she was looming over the rabbit, a position the

herbivore was bound to find aggressive if not threatening. On impulse, Lily crouched down onto

her haunches so that she was now the lower of the two, though given her size relative to Ellie

and the bed, her head was still as high as Ellie's shoulder. Ellie blinked at her curiously if a little

uneasily.

"Well?" Ellie squeaked after a moment. Lily could tell she was trying to sound annoyed to

cover her anxiety.

"I want to apologize, Ellie," Lily murmured awkwardly. Now that she was crouching in

front of the rabbit, her thoughts fled, and she wasn't sure what exactly she'd wanted to say.

"You already apologized," Ellie reminded uncomfortably.

"Not enough," Lily emphasized ashamedly. "I was worse than a jerk: I hurt you, Ellie. I

put your life at risk because I wanted to hate you. I'm sorry. Even if you'd given me good reason

to hate you, what I did would have been unacceptable, but you didn't. I was entirely at fault. If

you can find it in your heart to forgive me, then I don't want us to hate each other anymore."

After a moment of silence, Ellie responded, "I accept your apology. If you're done being

a jerk, then I won't be a jerk to you."

Lily felt relief slowly evaporating the malaise of her humiliation, and she offered the

rabbit a little smile, "Thank you, Ellie. I promise that I'll try to put being a jerk behind me."

Ellie slipped off of the bed, landing so that she was practically on top of Lily; although,

she wasn't that much higher standing than sitting on the bed. "Stand up," Ellie commanded.

Lily stood, and the rabbit wrapped her arms around Lily's waist and hugged her,

pressing herself close to Lily's belly and lower chest.

"I told you I'd give you that hug you've always wanted," Ellie teased good-humoredly.

Lily gently wrapped her arms around the rabbit and hugged her back. Despite a little

embarrassment, this felt good, and Lily hoped even more ardently that they could put the past

behind them. Perhaps she and Ellie would never be the best of friends, but perhaps they could

be cordial with each other.

"There is one thing you have to do before I'll forgive you though," Ellie asserted.

Ellie broke away, and Lily looked down at her disconcertedly. She'd known that at some

point the doe would feel emboldened enough to make demands. She hoped it wasn't a demand

she couldn't accept, or their truce would be short-lived.

"I want you to promise you'll be good to Zeta and Petunia and do your best to make

them happy," Ellie pronounced.

Lily smiled, both relieved and a little touched at Ellie's request, "I will," she promised.

"Good!" Ellie piped. "Then I forgive you. Not everything you've done is something I have

the right to forgive, but I forgive what you've done to me. And if you make Zeta and Petunia

happy, I'll let the burden of those other things be something you deal with without my input."

Lily dipped her head in acknowledgement, "Thank you, Ellie."

Lily sidled past Zeta to return to her spot, but Zeta hopped up and caught her in a tight

hug. Lily hugged her back firmly though she was careful not to hurt the much smaller doe.

Zeta pressed her face into Lily's creamy white chest fur and murmured fondly, "We'll do

our best to make you happy too, Lily. Thank you for apologizing. I hope we're all going to get

along going forward."

"I'm sorry too, Lily," Jason murmured.

Lily looked up from Zeta to regard the brown tabby skeptically.

"I, um, I accept that I caused our breakup and that I didn't love you as I should have. I

think the choice I made was right, but I'm sorry that I hurt you in the process."

"I'm sorry I held a grudge for so long," Lily replied reluctantly. "We weren't right for each

other, and it's better that we figured that out before we were stuck married or partnered at the

same station. I just wish we'd realized it sooner."

Jason dipped his head with an uneasy diffidence, "You're right. I held onto what

happened for too long too. I hope you can be happy with Zeta and her partner."

Lily nodded perfunctorily. She might like it if she and Ellie could get along, but she would

be happier if she and Jason simply ignored each other. She looked back down at Zeta in her

arms and warm affection melted her annoyance with the tabby.

"Let's go back to our room," Lily breathed. "I thought last night might be the only one I'd

get to be with you, but I'm going to cherish every day and night we have together just as much

as I cherished that one."

Zeta nuzzled her chest affectionately, "Carry me. If Katya's busy we'll find somewhere

else where you can hold me."

Lily easily hefted Zeta across her arms. She smiled at Ellie, who was watching with mild,

amiable amusement, and bore her companion out of the room.

Katya was still on the phone with Ellie's sister, but she waved them in anyway, looking

happier than Lily had seen her since the private inspectors had disappeared.

"Let's go into the bathroom to give her some privacy," Zeta whispered. "I need to take a

shower anyway."

Lily carried Zeta into the bathroom and set her on the cool, white tile floor.

Zeta looked toward the walk-in shower at the far end of the narrow room then glanced

up at Lily. "Do you want to get in with me?" she asked.

Lily frowned, "You know I don't like to get wet, Zeta," she reminded awkwardly.

"Once you're already wet, it won't bother you, and I'll make sure I get you nice and dry

when we're done," Zeta reassured. "Besides, I can give you a good scrub, and you can do me.

It'll feel good!" Zeta finished cheerfully.

Lily considered the rabbit conflictedly a moment then nodded in agreement, "It'll be nice.

Getting wet isn't that bad unless you get cold."

"I take it you don't like swimming then," Zeta remarked.

Lily stared at the rabbit as if she'd lost her mind, "All of that salt or chlorine in your fur

and the water in your ears?! Of course not!"

Zeta grinned amusedly, "I agree about the water in your ears, actually. I don't like to

submerge; I only wade. We could go to a lake beach sometime. You wouldn't get salt or

chlorine in your fur then."

There's still the sand, Lily thought darkly. After merely laying on the beach she'd be

licking sand out of her fur for hours. Next to the horrors of swimming and beaches, taking a

shower didn't sound so bad at all.

Zeta adjusted the temperature, and the two of them stepped into the shower. Lily winced

as the first streams struck her, but she stoically allowed the warm water to soak her fur. She

didn't enjoy the feeling of her fur clinging to her skin, but she didn't complain. She moved out of

the way so that Zeta could get wet too. When they were both thoroughly soaked, Zeta grabbed

the partially opaque plastic bottle and squeezed some of the greenish, mint-scented liquid into

her hand.

"I'll do you a bit at a time so you can rinse between and won't get too cold, and then you

can do me," Zeta suggested.

"Alright. Do you want to start with my head?"

Zeta nodded, "Crouch down so that I can reach."

Lily complied, and Zeta began to massage the shampoo into Lily's fur. Lily kept her eyes

closed, enjoying the feeling of Zeta's clawed fingers gently kneading through her fur and

massaging her head and face. When she was done with Lily's head, Zeta stood out of the way

to let the streams of water rinse her, and then she moved to Lily's neck and arms. Bit by bit Zeta

shampooed Lily's fur. Lily slowly stood as Zeta moved down her chest, and her heart pumped

faster as the doe's fingers worked down her belly.

"Rinse again," Zeta instructed.

She stood back under the arc of the streams, and Lily brushed her hands through her fur

to help the water wash away the minty foam. When she'd finished, Zeta stepped between her

and water.

"Turn around, and I'll do your back."

Lily complied again, crouching again so that the doe could reach her upper back more

easily. Zeta began kneading the shampoo into Lily's black-spotted sandy tan fur, and again Lily

slowly stood as she worked her way down. Zeta's fingers kneaded at the base of Lily's bobtail,

and then her hands worked their way down the tail, one on the top and the other underneath.

Lily's heart thumped again as Zeta's fingers massaged the intimate area. If only Zeta's fingers

would slip a bit lower. Lily's body tingled with anticipation. Was the rabbit only going to tease

her? Showering together had been her idea!

"Rinse again," Zeta breathed.

Lily could hear her own desire in the rabbit's soft voice. "Can you help?" Lily murmured.

Lily stepped backward into streams, and Zeta moved with her. The rabbit's fingers

began to run backwards through her fur as the warm water flowed over Lily's back and

shoulders.

"Alright, turn around again," Zeta directed.

Lily turned back to face the doe. Zeta turned around and squeezed more shampoo into

her palm. Turning back, she stepped under the shower, her hand outstretched with the slimy

liquid. Her eyes fell on Lily's hips, and then they raised to meet her eyes.

"Where do you want me to wash next?" Zeta murmured softly.

In response, Lily brought her right hand under Zeta's and gently wrapped her finger and

thumb around the rabbit's wrist. Carefully, she guided Zeta's hand between her legs. Lily's heart

pounded against her ribs; she was nearly panting her breaths. Lily could feel Zeta's heart racing

too, the artery in her wrist pulsing rapidly as the doe watched her own hand with rapt attention.

Slowly, Lily lifted Zeta's hand until cool shampoo and warm fingers touched her vulva. Lily

started slightly, taking a sharp breath as electric tingles shot up from her loins. Then she

released Zeta's wrist to put her fingers under Zeta's and pressed Zeta's hand against her, firmly

holding her in place.

Both of them stood perfectly still for a couple seconds, Zeta's eyes fixed on her hand

between Lily's legs and Lily watching the rabbit intently. Had she done the right thing, or was

this too soon? They'd only been together a day, but Lily knew the rabbit, and since she'd

opened herself up to Zeta's affection, her own affection had grown like a fire in her chest. The

flames leapt blazing hot now. Lily wanted this; did Zeta want it too?

Zeta looked up, a fond smile spread across her muzzle. "So that's what you've been

waiting for. I was worried you were more uncomfortable than you were letting on," she teased

affectionately.

Still gazing up into Lily's eyes, Zeta slowly moved her fingers, one gently brushing

between Lily's labia, and Lily took another sharp breath of excitement.

Zeta's grin widened, "It's been a long time for you, hasn't it, Lily? Just relax; I know what

to do."

Lily loosened her hold but kept her hand under Zeta's. Zeta continued to brush her

fingers over Lily's vulva. Her other hand slipped past Lily's and under the first, and a pair of

fingers found Lily's clitoris and began to gently caress and circle the sensitive nub. Two fingers

of Zeta's other hand pushed between Lily's labia and began to brush between her inner labia.

Panting and moaning, Lily submitted to the ecstasy of the doe's subtle caresses. Zeta's hands

were small, and she could have squeezed more fingers inside her. However, the rabbit seemed

content with the gentle stimulation, and Lily wasn't going to complain: she was swimming in a

warm sea of euphoria with waves of ecstasy. The waves lifted Lily higher and higher until one

swept over her, and she gasped with intense pleasure. Electric bliss inundated her senses as

Zeta's fingers continued their expert simulation until finally the intensity of her euphoria

subsided, and she was able to focus again.

"Th-that was incredible," Lily moaned. "You're a goddess, Zeta."

Zeta looked up at her and giggled, "Heehee, aww, thanks, Lily. I'm glad I made you feel

good. I take it you're glad you took a shower with me then, hmm?"

Lily beamed down as the white and black rabbit, "I'll take a shower with you anytime you

want."

Zeta grinned, "So, should I finish your bath now?"

Lily nodded, smiling adoringly.

Zeta washed Lily's rear, legs, and feet, and then it was Lily's turn to wash her. Lily began

with Zeta's head, gently massaging her fingers over the rabbit's face and running her long ears

between her fingers. Zeta was small, so Lily let her rinse after her head was done but then did

her entire body in one go. She washed her neck, arms, torso, and legs but skipped over her rear

and scut. Crouching as she massaged her fingers through the thick fur on the bottom of Zeta's

second foot, Lily looked up to see the rabbit watching her impatiently.

Lily grinned roguishly, "What's the matter, Zeta?"

"You're a tease!" Zeta protested.

"Oh, so you wanted me to finger you too, huh?" Lily teased with mock innocence.

"I'm going to push you over and sit on your face in a minute!" Zeta declared with playful

ferocity. "And good luck breathing with the water running down my ass!"

Lily narrowed her eyes slyly, "If you tasted too good, I might just have to gobble you up,

bunny," she growled softly. "Rinse off, and I'll finish you up."

Zeta obeyed, and Lily got a little more of the minty shampoo and crouched in front of the

doe again. Gently, Lily massaged her fingers over Zeta's rear and through the longer fur on her

scut. She caressed her sudsy fingers over the doe's vulva then scrubbed a finger over her anus.

Lily put her hand under the streams to rinse it off then cupped it to catch some water, which she

splashed between Zeta's legs to rinse her as well.

Finally, Lily caressed her finger pads over Zeta's fuzzy, wet vulva again then gently

pushed her index finger inside her. Zeta let out a little gasp and put her hands on Lily's

shoulders to steady herself. Lily pushed her finger deeper into the doe's vagina: she could feel

Zeta's hot, moist walls gripping her, but she thought another would fit. Lily removed her index

finger then carefully squeezed it along with her middle finger back inside. Zeta moaned in

pleasure as Lily's fingers pushed their way inside her, squeezed tightly by the doe's excited

vaginal muscles. Zeta's not-so-blunt claws gripped Lily's shoulders, but Lily didn't try to push her

hands away, accepting the sharp pain as a surrogate for what Zeta was feeling. Lily found

Zeta's clitoris with the pad of her thumb and gently caressed it as she slowly moved her fingers

in and out. Zeta's high-pitched moaning increased until rapid squeaks were punctuated by sharp

gasps. Lily's furry fingers were soaked with the rabbit's juices, and her attention was absorbed

by Zeta's body and the sounds and movements of her ecstasy. Lily's own genitals were excited

again, and she was even more enraptured now than she had been on the receiving end.

Lily wasn't sure how long they'd been going or how many orgasms Zeta had had, but

suddenly, Zeta's claws gripped her even tighter, piercing her skin, and Zeta let out an ear-

piercing squeal. Lily was so stunned by the sound that she froze with her fingers halfway inside

the doe. She stared at Zeta with growing concern as the white and black doe gasped squeaky

breaths.

Gradually, Zeta's breathing slowed, and her brown eyes met Lily's; she gave Lily an

exhausted smile, "Thanks, Lily, that's enough."

Lily carefully pulled her fingers out of the doe. "Are you okay?"

Zeta smiled amusedly, "I'm fine. That was fantastic; I guess you aren't so out of practice

after all." Her eyes fell on Lily's right shoulder and widened in concern. "Are you okay?!" Zeta

yelped. "You're bleeding!"

"I'm fine," Lily comforted. "I'll wash it up before we get out." She brought the two fingers

to her nose and sniffed them before giving them a long lick: Zeta's juices had a subtle herbal

scent and flavor like grass clippings mixed with thyme. "Mmm, I might have to eat you still," Lily

jested.

"Between me and Petunia you'll have all the rabbit pussy you can handle," Zeta returned

jovially. She wrapped her arms around Lily's head and hugged it to her chest. Zeta held her

silently for a second then murmured affectionately, "I love you, Lily. Petunia's going to love you

too."

Lily closed her eyes and sighed happily. She didn't know whether she deserved to be

this happy after everything she'd done, but if fate or Zeta had decided she did, then she'd

always be grateful. "I love you too, Zeta," Lily breathed.

Lily rinsed out the shallow puncture wounds Zeta's claws had made in her shoulders.

She would keep an eye on them and lick them regularly to make sure they didn't get infected,

but she didn't think they were deep enough to be a concern. They got out of the shower and

wiped their fur with the thick, white towels before taking turns drying each other fully with the

blow drier. They brushed their teeth, and then, finally, they exited the bathroom.

Katya was no longer talking to Ellie's sister, and she gave them an embarrassed look

from her seat on the white sheets of her bed as they crossed the room. "Um, are you done?"

"Yep!" Zeta piped. "How was your call with Farida?"

A joyful smile spread across Katya's face, "Great! She had to go study, but she wants to

meet in person as soon as possible! As soon as the Duchess is gone, I'm going to go visit her!"

Lily was glad to see Katya so happy, and she let a warm smile of her own spread across

her muzzle.

"That's fantastic news!" Zeta declared cheerfully. "You'll have to tell me how it goes, and

if she visits Maplesburg, we should all go out together."

Katya smiled shyly, "Yeah, we should. I'll let you know." Katya got up from her bed and

went into the bathroom.

Zeta retrieved the tv remote, and then the two of them climbed into bed. Lily propped up

a pillow to lean against then lifted Zeta into her lap. Zeta found some corny sci-fi movie to

watch, and Lily watched it disinterestedly as she held the white and black-splotched rabbit. Lily

gently touched her nose between Zeta's long ears, breathing her warm herbal scent, now tinged

by the faintly sweet mint of the shampoo. Somehow, everything had worked out alright, and with

Zeta in her life, Lily believed she might have finally come to the end of her long nightmare.