{"sf1_id":2024517,"sf2_id":"Rm0OqyRe","title":"Chapter 23: Sentencing","author":"HeatherOBunn","words":9625,"posted_at":"2023-07-15T14:28:00.000Z","tags":["Attraction","Cat","Chapter","Cohabitation","Duchess","Fox","Home","House arrest","King","Love","Noncompliance","Novel","Pet","Police","Predator/Prey","Punishment","Reprimand","Reunion","Squirrel","Thriller","Tod","Training","Vixen","Wolf","dinner"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2024517-chapter-23-sentencing","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/Rm0OqyRe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/bc/e8/bce8b64d-7671-40d2-8a49-cde9b4c3e5c8","description":"#23 of The Murderess of Maplesburg: Reign of Terror\n\nThis is the penultimate chapter of The Murderess of Maplesbug: Reign of Terror. Rita deals with the implementation of her training program. The King arrives to reprimand her.","content":"Chapter 23: Sentencing  \nRita made her way to City Hall at her usual time Monday morning. The third week of the  \ntraining she'd devised had begun, and while Rita wasn't participating this week, she was  \ninterested to see the initial reports generated over the weekend as prey had checked in at their  \nhost predators' homes. The vast majority would have reported no issues, but any with  \nirregularities were automatically flagged for review. While the police were responsible for  \nfollowing up on any serious issues, Rita had been browsing the flagged reports as a gauge for  \nhow smoothly the training was going. The past two weeks had been satisfactory, and she  \nexpected this week would be no different.  \nAs her week of training was over, Rose was no longer living with her in the hotel suite,  \nbut she would be at work this morning. Rita planned to take the twenty-three-year-old red  \nsquirrel with her when she left despite the continued cold behavior she'd received from Heather  \nand Terrance on Friday. She might spare Heather herself the fate of becoming her pet, but she  \nwouldn't allow the squirrel's petulant incivility to sway her from her decision regarding Rose.  \nRita entered her office to find her devoted personal assistant already at work. Rose  \nhopped up from her desk and scampered over to greet her though she stopped before getting  \ntoo close and flicked her bushy tail behind her head shyly. Today, she was wearing a  \nsleeveless, button-up yellow blouse and a matching yellow bow, which was tied around the  \nmiddle of her bushy red tail.  \n\"G-good morning, Your Grace!\" she squeaked.  \nRita closed the distance between them with two quick steps and crouched down to  \nscritch Rose behind her rusty, tufted ears. \"Good morning, Dear. Are the check-in reports  \nready?\"  \n\"I-I don't know,\" Rose squeaked nervously. \"Aunt Heather hasn't told me.\"  \nRita stood and gave the diminutive squirrel a comforting smile, \"Don't worry; I'll ask her.  \nIs she still upset with you about all of that brouhaha from last week?\"  \nRose shrugged hesitantly, \"I, um, I haven't really talked to her.\"  \n\"I understand, Dear,\" Rita soothed. \"I'll return shortly.\"  \nRita turned on her foot pad, her midnight blue velvet gown rippling around her ankles as  \nit twirled. She marched back out of the office between the characteristically acerbic Felicia and  \nlaconic Franz and down the hall to the Council Chair's office. Heather was at her desk, studying  \nher computer monitor. She spotted Rita as she entered, and her expression soured.  \n\"Your Grace?\" she greeted with undisguised annoyance.  \nRita stopped a few steps in front of the churlish squirrel's desk, and the idea of finding  \nsome pretense to lead Heather down to the abandoned record stacks for a speedy dispatch  \nflitted through her mind. Leniently, Rita instead offered the squirrel what she hoped was a  \npleasant smile. \"Good morning, Heather. I was just wondering about the check-in records for  \nthis week's training. I wanted to examine them to ensure there weren't any complications.\"  \n\"I'm taking care of that,\" Heather replied curtly.  \nRita frowned slightly. \"I would like to look over them. You may continue to review them  \nas well if you so wish,\" she graciously allowed.  \n\"Don't worry about it. City Council will handle everything aside from your daily court  \ngoing forward,\" Heather returned coolly.  \nRita could see that politeness alone would avail little, but if she slew the insolent squirrel,  \nobtaining the records might become even more inconvenient. \"I really am sorry about the  \nconfusion with Rose last week,\" Rita offered. \"Truly, I was only attempting to give her what she  \ndesired. She was the one who broached the idea.\"  \nHeather gave her a skeptical look, \"I'm sure my niece was emotionally confused, but I  \nseriously doubt she offered to become your slave apropos nothing.\"  \n\"She was curious about my relationship with Inspector Bennett, I'll admit, but I had no  \nplans regarding her until she came forward with her request. I know you believe I tricked her,  \nbut I was quite skeptical when she first divulged her desire.\"  \nHeather sighed wearily, \"If I forward you the reports, can we stop discussing this?\"  \n\"If you wish, Heather,\" Rita agreed magnanimously.  \nHeather nodded perfunctorily, \"Fine. They'll be in your inbox before you get back to your  \noffice. Have a good day, Your Grace.\"  \n\"A good day to you as well, Heather,\" Rita returned politely. She swung around  \ndecisively and strode out of the office.  \nRita returned to her office and switched on her computer. She logged on and found  \nHeather's email with a link to the folder containing the flagged check-in reports at the top of her  \ninbox. Rita clicked through the link and began scanning the first report, but she paused at the  \nsound of a soft cough from the floor by her chair. She looked down at Rose questioningly. \"Yes,  \nRose?\"  \n\"H-how was Aunt Heather?\" Rose murmured nervously.  \n\"She seemed well,\" Rita answered.  \nRose gazed up at her worriedly for a second before clarifying, \"I, um, I meant, how was  \nshe to you?\"  \n\"As civil as can be expected.\"  \n\"She's still angry,\" Rose interpreted weakly. \"I, I'm sorry, Your Grace.\"  \n\"It isn't your fault, Dear,\" Rita soothed. \"I might have believed your sincerity without my  \nlittle test.\"  \nRose didn't seem comforted, \"I, um, I think I should talk to her.\"  \n\"It would be nice for you to patch things up with her,\" Rita agreed. \"But you needn't if you  \ndon't want to. After we leave, you'll never be obligated to speak with her again if that's what you  \nprefer. Don't concern yourself on my account. Would you like to sit with me awhile?\"  \nRita was sure her willing pet wouldn't turn down an opportunity to sit in her lap, so she  \nwas surprised when Rose answered, \"Thank you, Your Grace, but, um, I need to go to the  \nbathroom first. May I sit with you when I get back?\"  \n\"You may.\"  \nRose offered her a small smile, \"I'll be back soon, Your Grace.\"  \nRita bemusedly watched Rose as she exited the office with a restrained haste. Maybe  \nshe really does need to use the restroom. Rita returned to scanning the check-in reports. She'd  \nlooked over a dozen by the time Rose returned. Rita's curiosity was piqued when Heather  \nhesitantly followed her in; Rose appeared harried while Heather looked conflicted between fury  \nand embarrassment. Heather's dark eyes met Rita's, and she shifted toward the latter. Rose  \nreturned to her desk, and Heather stopped in front of Rita's desk.  \n\"Your Grace,\" Heather muttered uncomfortably. \"I, I suppose I owe you an apology.\"  \n\"Do you?\" Rita returned curiously.  \nHeather nodded reluctantly, \"I misjudged you, Your Grace. Rose told me it really was her  \nidea to become your 'pet'. I hope you understand now why that wasn't an appropriate request to  \ngrant, but if it was her idea, then I apologize for the accusations I made.\"  \nRita smiled politely, \"I accept your apology, Heather. Is that all?\"  \nHeather nodded perfunctorily, \"Have a good day, Your Grace.\" She didn't wait for Rita to  \nrespond with her own nicety before swinging around and tromping out of the office.  \nRita watched her go amusedly before giving Rose a conspiratorial grin, \"I take it you only  \ntold her the truth you wanted her to know.\"  \nRose smiled shyly, \"Sh-she's even angrier with me now, but I didn't want her to be upset  \nwith you.\"  \n\"Very loyal of you, if unnecessary,\" Rita complimented. \"Did you still wish to sit with me?  \nPerhaps you should after your unpleasant exchange with your aunt.\"  \nRose nodded bashfully. Rita stood and bounded across the small room to scoop up the  \ndiminutive squirrel, cradling her in one arm. Rose smiled up at her with an expression of blissful  \nadoration. Rita returned to her seat and placed Rose on her left thigh before returning to reading  \nthe report she'd been interrupted from. Rita's left hand absently caressed the squirrel's head  \nwhile her right hand scrolled through the document on her trackpad.  \nReading through the reports took most of the day with a midday break for lunch and  \nRita's royal court. Court was overall uneventful. Terrance was present to act as her advisor, and  \nhe seemed a bit more cordial than he had on Friday. The majority of the supplicants might have  \nbeen better described as Rita's fans; they asked for personal advice or simply came to thank  \nher or wish her well. However, one supplicant--a fox squirrel in a brown jacket, white dress shirt  \nand pleated brown skirt--brought a diagram and map detailing a series of raised walkways  \ndesigned for small animals to keep them out from under the feet of larger animals. Rita thought  \nit was an interesting idea, but she knew she wouldn't be in Maplesburg long enough to see it  \nthrough nor did she have the engineering knowledge to determine its feasibility. Terrance  \npolitely told the squirrel that they would look into it and accepted the sketches.  \nBy six o'clock Rita had finished with the flagged reports. Many of them had been flagged  \nfor clerical errors while the greatest number, forty or so, we flagged because the prey had never  \nshown up. The latter were the most worrying as well as the most troublesome for the police  \nsince it was their task to determine whether the prey in question might be dead, relocated, or  \nshirking their training. More interesting irregularities included prey who had switched predator  \nhomes last minute, predators who had ended up hosting more prey than they'd been assigned,  \nand complaints entered by predator or prey in the comments section of the online form. Most of  \nthese involved issues with the accommodations provided by predators--including sleeping  \narrangements, cooking smells, and the need to share a bathroom--or with demands made by  \nprey on similar topics. Only one report noted that a prey had left to stay with a friend at a  \ndifferent predator's house for fear of their own safety. Rita made a note to ensure that the police  \nhad followed up on this report tomorrow morning. In addition, she tagged the reports with  \ninconsistent prey numbers or assignments to examine whether any of the predators in question  \nwere hoarding prey or, conversely, shirking the training by passing prey off to someone else.  \nOnce all of this was done, Rita shut down her computer and stood to leave. Felicia had  \nalready gone home, but Franz would be waiting. Shortly after hiring him, Rita had asked the  \nbadger to follow her at a distance and keep an eye out as she walked to and from the hotel  \neach day. She had chosen Franz over Felicia, despite the puma's size advantage, in part  \nbecause Felicia had children to get home to while Franz had none and in part because the  \nbadger seemed more committed to his duty as her bodyguard. Felicia was more likely to easily  \nkill an attacker, but Rita felt Franz was more likely to jump between her and a bullet.  \nRose was also still at her desk, but she looked up hopefully as Rita sauntered around  \nher own desk. \"Is it time to go home, Your Grace?\" she queried.  \n\"It is. See you tomorrow, Rose.\" Rita continued toward the door.  \n\"Y-Your Grace?\"  \nRita stopped and turned her head toward the squirrel, \"Yes?\"  \n\"Would, um, could I, um, could I take you to dinner some night?\" Rose asked shyly.  \nRita smiled amusedly, \"You may. Did you want to come back to the hotel tonight? We  \ncould have dinner downstairs.\"  \n\"M-maybe not tonight, Your Grace,\" Rose replied.  \n\"Tomorrow night?\"  \nRose smiled shyly and nodded, \"Tomorrow. I'll, um, I'll pick a restaurant for us to go to,  \nYour Grace.\"  \n\"Very well, is that all?\"  \n\"Yes, Your Grace.\"  \n\"Have a lovely evening, Rose. I'll look forward to our dinner tomorrow,\" Rita chirped  \ncheerfully.  \nRita made her way back to the hotel. She noticed Franz creeping along--as well as the  \nbulky, striped badger could creep--the other side of the street and smiled amusedly to herself.  \nShe returned to her room and had a quiet meal with the disgraced Edgar before channel surfing  \nand then showering and crawling into bed.  \n\\* \\* \\*  \nThe next morning, Rita contacted the chief of police to follow up on the report from the  \nprey who'd left their assigned predator's home for fear of their own safety.  \n\"Your Grace?\" the cat answered uncertainly.  \n\"Good morning, Officer O'Connor. I wished to follow up on one of the check-in reports  \nfrom this week.\"  \nThe cat was silent a moment before asking, \"Which one?\"  \n\"There was one flagged because of a comment the prey made. They said they'd joined a  \nfriend at another home because they 'were afraid for their life.' Did you check up on that one?\"  \n\"We did. It turns out they showed up during a family dispute. A family of dogs, you can  \nimagine what that sounded like. The poor little mouse left as fast as she could.\"  \n\"Oh dear, well, I'm glad it wasn't anything serious. Is our mouse doing well with their new  \nhost?\"  \n\"Well enough.\"  \n\"Alright, good work, Officer. I'll let you get back to it. Have a pleasant day.\"  \n\"I'll try,\" the cat replied dryly. \"Goodbye, Your Grace.\"  \nRita hung up. Next, she went through the other reports she'd tagged to look for hoarders  \nor shirkers. She didn't find any hoarders, but she found that two of the predators who had lost  \ntheir prey to someone else this week had lost them the previous two weeks as well. She phoned  \nChief O'Connor again.  \n\"Your Grace?\" he answered again.  \n\"Hello, Officer, I need you to arrest two predators,\" she paused to examine the names on  \nthe reports.  \n\"What did they do?\" the cat asked warily.  \n\"They've shirked the training every week,\" Rita explained. \"Monika Friedel and Greg  \nMcCowen. Bring them to the Courthouse, and I'll decide their sentence.\"  \n\"What is the sentence for dodging the training?\" the cat asked worriedly.  \n\"I haven't decided,\" Rita returned. \"I'll determine it case-by-case.\"  \n\"Alright, Your Grace. I'll call you when we have them. Do you need a ride to the  \nCourthouse?\"  \n\"Miguel will take me. Thank you, Officer.\"  \n\"Uh-huh, see you soon, Your Grace.\" He hung up.  \nRita had lunch, and as she was finishing, her phone rang.  \n\"We got'em,\" Officer O'Connor meowed as she placed the receiver to her ear.  \n\"That was quick,\" she commented.  \n\"They didn't put up a fight. Are you ready to head over?\"  \n\"I'll be there in a few minutes. Thank you, Officer.\" She hung up. \"Rose, inform Heather  \nmy court is postponed until two this afternoon, one hour only.\"  \n\"Yes, Your Grace.\" Rose picked up the phone on her own desk.  \nRita strode out the door and turned toward Franz, \"Franz, fetch Miguel, we're going to  \nthe Courthouse.\"  \nFranz nodded and lumbered away hurriedly.  \n\"Do you need me?\" Felicia asked.  \nRita eyed the enormous puma contemplatively. She didn't know what type of  \npunishment these two predators might deserve, but she wasn't going to make the same mistake  \nas with Officer Schulz. Chief O'Connor could only be trusted so far. She nodded, \"Meet us  \nthere. You'll have to walk, but it isn't far.\"  \n\"Did something happen, Your Grace?\" Felicia queried.  \n\"Just a pair of lazy beasts who think they can shirk the training. We'll see how  \nunpleasant they are before I decide their fate.\"  \nThe puma grinned toothily, \"Sounds interesting, Your Grace. Justice in action. Let's hope  \nthey're particularly nasty.\"  \nRita smirked, \"Don't get your hopes too high, Felicia. They may have perfectly adequate  \nexcuses for their disobedience.\" In fact, Rita rather hoped at least one of them was deserving of  \na harsh punishment. She doubted death would be appropriate--they were carnivores--but  \nmaybe a few lashings wouldn't be out of place. She hadn't heard the sweet sound of desperate  \nscreams for mercy in some time.  \nRita made her way out front where Miguel and Franz were waiting in Miguel's silver  \nsedan. The silver tabby dropped them outside of the Courthouse a few blocks away and took  \nthe car to find somewhere to park. Felicia sauntered up the sidewalk only a minute later.  \n\"Well?\" the puma asked impatiently. \"Where are the reprobates?\"  \n\"Perhaps Officer O'Connor is waiting inside,\" Rita answered. \"Let's see.\"  \nThey met the tuxedo cat coming up the tenebrous stone steps as they proceeded toward  \nthe dungeon. The black and white tom gave Felicia a wary look before addressing them.  \n\"I was just coming to get you, Your Grace. They're this way,\" he meowed.  \nHe led them past a few blocks of cells to a pair of cells where a female wolf and a gray  \nfox tod were being held. The wolf on the right had tanish gray fur and was wearing a white  \nblouse printed with pink roses. The tod was wearing a well worn back denim jacket, and his  \ngray, black, brown, and white fur was unkempt as if he hadn't had time to brush himself this  \nmorning. Rita was disappointed to see one of them was a fox, even if he was from a different  \ngenus.  \nRita turned her attention to the wolf, \"I presume you're Ms. Monika Friedel, yes?\"  \n\"Mrs.,\" the wolf corrected tersely.  \n\"My apologies. Would you like to explain why you haven't been participating in the  \ntraining I designed to improve predator-prey relations? Do you have something against prey,  \nMrs. Friedel?\" Rita questioned acerbically.  \n\"N-no!\" the wolf yelped anxiously. \"Of course not! My reason is I have five children, all  \nyoung. There's not much room for guests, but more-\"  \n\"It's your duty to make room,\" Rita cut in. \"Everyone has to make sacrifices. The prey are  \nputting a great deal of trust in predators when they stay with predators they don't know.\"  \n\"I understand, Your Grace! That's what I was saying! They keep sending me such little  \nprey! I can't ensure their safety with five rambunctious children! They're not bad kids, but  \nthey've only begun their own training. And I can't be there every minute!\"  \nRita nodded understandingly, \"I see. You could have requested specific prey via the  \nonline form. Were you aware of that?\"  \nThe wolf nodded bashfully, \"Yes, but we don't know any well enough to ask them to stay  \nwith us.\"  \n\"I'll speak with the Council Chair and make sure you're assigned a larger prey for the  \nfinal week. Would a deer be large enough?\"  \n\"I think so, Your Grace. Thank you.\"  \n\"Think nothing of it,\" Rita replied graciously. She turned her head toward Officer  \nO'Connor, \"She's free to go.\"  \nThe uniformed cat unlocked the wolf's cell, and she quickly left with a grateful nod at  \nRita.  \nRita turned her attention toward the gray fox tod. \"What's your excuse?\" she asked  \nsharply.  \n\"Wasn't my fault,\" he replied gruffly. \"Prey left themselves.\"  \n\"Any idea why?\" Rita pressed.  \n\"Nope,\" he returned laconically.  \nRita glanced at Officer O'Connor, \"Do you have any idea what the problem was?\"  \nThe black and white cat scoffed, \"Maybe because his house is a dump. I wouldn't want  \nto stay there; I'd be afraid I'd get fleas!\"  \nThe tod's amber eyes widened in rage, and he snarled, \"We don't have fleas!\" He glared  \nat Rita, \"They wouldn't stay with us! Was that my fault?! Why was I arrested?!\"  \n\"I'm terribly sorry about that,\" Rita apologized contritely. \"I suppose I assumed predators  \nwould be responsible if something went awry. That was unfair of me. This wasn't your doing of  \ncourse. I'll see if the Council Chair can arrange something for next week. Perhaps you and your  \nfamily can be the guests with some prey instead. Is that agreeable?\"  \n\"Suppose so,\" the tod answered reluctantly.  \nRita gave him what she hoped was a friendly smile, \"Thank you, Greg. Do you have the  \ninternet at home?\"  \nHe snorted derisively, \"Of course.\"  \nRita tried to patiently hold her smile, \"Well then, I'd encourage you to look up the Vulpine  \nInitiative when you get home. They should have some resources to help you with your situation.  \nWe foxes need to provide a positive example to other species, whatever our color!\" She finished  \nher patronizing advice with her best enthusiastic smile, which was no less condescending.  \n\"Thanks for the advice,\" the tod replied dryly. \"Can I go?\"  \nRita nodded, \"He's free to go officer.\"  \nThe cat opened the cell door, and the gray fox plodded out and toward the exit without  \ngiving them another glance. Felicia watched him disappointedly as he went.  \n\"I thought for sure you'd punish that one,\" she grumbled.  \n\"Being poor isn't a crime,\" Rita returned sharply. \"He did nothing wrong.\"  \n\"He was rude though. You could have punished him for that,\" the puma groused. \"I  \nwanted to see someone suffer.\"  \n\"Come back the next time there's a litterbug to sentence,\" Rita returned. \"There's no  \nexcuse for littering! If their offense is bad enough, we could have an execution!\"  \nFelicia grinned toothily, \"For littering?! Now that's justice!\"  \nFranz and Officer O'Connor seemed disturbed by Rita's suggestion and even more so  \nby Felicia's enthusiasm for the draconian sentence.  \n\"Let's hope it doesn't come to that,\" Officer O'Connor remarked uncomfortably. \"I think  \npeople have gotten the message with the lengthy community service you've given litterers. I  \nhaven't seen so much as a cigarette butt on the street in days.\"  \n\"Excellent!\" Rita chirped. \"Your predecessor believed I was being unreasonable, but  \nevidently, it's worked! It's disturbing to think that some people don't value the health of our  \nenvironment or the beauty of our city enough to locate an appropriate receptacle!\"  \n\"I agree it's been a positive change overall,\" the tom agreed diplomatically.  \nRita and her bodyguards returned to City Hall in plenty of time for Rita's royal court.  \nThere were no proposals today, but there was a rabbit that looked rather like Ellie. Rita  \nquestioned him, but he didn't know the private inspector. She made a mental note to remind  \nOfficer O'Connor that capturing the cat and rabbit couple was his responsibility. There may be  \nmore pressing matters, but Rita wanted her pets returned. She suspected Rose would be  \njealous, but she had explained to the squirrel her intention to recapture the inspectors. Once  \nsomeone belonged to Rita, they couldn't be allowed to get away.  \nAt a quarter after five, Rita shut down her computer and stepped over in front of Rose's  \ndesk. Rose was wearing a sleeveless, red gown with a slit up the right side, showing her leg to  \nher mid-thigh. Rita was wearing the same midnight blue velvet gown that she'd worn yesterday,  \nand it tickled her to think that Rose had dressed up for their dinner date. Had Rita been a red  \nsquirrel or had any interest in them whatsoever, she might have found Rose's dress alluring.  \nSubtle censorship was indeed more suggestive than bare reality. As it was, Rita was a bit  \nflattered by the squirrel's efforts but mostly amused.  \n\"Are you ready to go, Rose?\" Rita asked. \"Where did you decide to take me?\"  \n\"Do you like Indian food?\" Rose queried shyly.  \n\"I've enjoyed it when I've had it before,\" Rita replied. \"It wasn't one of Gustav's  \nspecialties.\"  \n\"Whose?\"  \n\"Sorry, Dear. My chef at the manor. You'll get to meet him,\" Rita paused as she  \nconsidered the disconcerting fact that she'd heard nothing from the manor since she'd been in  \nMaplesburg. \"Assuming he's still alive,\" she added with a wistful sigh. She hoped her servants  \nwere alright, but maybe even more than that, she missed her family home. Her job in  \nMaplesburg was stimulating, but the city lacked her estate's quaint charms and all of the  \nnostalgic memories associated with them.  \n\"I hope I get to meet him,\" Rose replied quietly.  \n\"Is the restaurant far?\" Rita asked, returning to the more pleasant topic. \"Can we walk, or  \nshould I ask Miguel to drive us?\"  \n\"It's a little far to walk,\" Rose replied worriedly. \"Maybe I should have picked someplace  \ncloser.\"  \n\"Don't worry, Dear. Driving is what he's paid to do. Miguel and Franz can join us.\" To  \nRose's uncomfortable expression she replied, \"At another table, of course.\"  \nRita led the red squirrel out the door, stopping to address her guards. She turned first to  \nFelicia, \"You can go home now, Felicia. Have a pleasant evening.\"  \n\"See you tomorrow.\" The puma strode away at an unhurried pace.  \nRita turned to Franz, \"Rose and I are going to dinner. Tell Miguel to fetch the car, and  \nwe'll need you to join us too. I'll cover your and Miguel's meals.\"  \nFranz bobbed his head in acknowledgement, \"Thank you, Your Grace.\" He hastily  \nlumbered away.  \nRita and Rose leisurely made their way downstairs. Miguel pulled the car up in front of  \nthe stately red granite edifice a minute later. Rita crouched to scoop up Rose in the crook of one  \narm and carried her down the concrete steps to the silver sedan. The fluffy silver tabby opened  \nthe door with an exuberant grin.  \n\"Franz told me you'll be paying for our dinner, Your Grace. Mighty generous, thank'ya.\"  \nRita gave him a pleasant smile, \"Of course, Miguel. I can't ask you to work overtime with  \nno dinner. You like Indian food, I hope.\"  \n\"Love it, Your Grace! Do you enjoy spicy food yourself?\"  \n\"As long as it isn't too spicy,\" Rita returned. She climbed into the seat behind the driver's  \nseat and placed Rose in her lap. After buckling her own seatbelt, she wrapped her arms around  \nthe diminutive squirrel, holding her firmly to her belly.  \n\"Do be careful driving,\" she instructed as Miguel climbed in in front of her. \"Rose doesn't  \nhave an appropriate seatbelt.\"  \n\"Always am,\" Miguel replied cheerfully.  \nWith Franz in the front passenger's seat, Miguel drove them across town and parked on  \nthe street a couple blocks from the restaurant. They walked the rest of the way with Rita in the  \nlead, Rose close on her tail, Franz close behind the squirrel, and Miguel a body-length behind  \nthe badger. The restaurant was named India Palace, and the golden limned sign featured a  \npainting of the elephant-headed Ganesha. Inside, the wooden tables and floor were illuminated  \nby the warm glow of several broad, conical lamps in golden yellow and burgundy. The  \nrestaurant was bustling with servers visiting the crowded, rectangular tables.  \nThey were greeted by a tufted titmouse wearing a green bowtie. \"Table for four?\" the  \ntiny, bluish gray bird chirped.  \n\"Two for two,\" Rita replied. \"My associates would like a table a discreet distance from  \nours.\" She indicated Franz and Miguel with a nod of her long, auburn and white muzzle.  \nSharply turning their head, the bird surveyed the busy restaurant. \"One group will have  \nto wait,\" they concluded.  \n\"I-I'm sorry, Your Grace,\" Rose fretted. \"I should have made a reservation.\"  \nRita looked down at the diminutive squirrel with a gentle smile, \"Franz and Miguel won't  \nmind a little wait, I'm sure.\"  \n\"We won't, Your Grace,\" Franz replied dutifully.  \nMiguel, on the other hand, looked a little disappointed, \"Aren't we eating with you and  \nyour little friend?\"  \nRita offered the cat an apologetic smile, \"Rose really did want it to be the two of us.  \nSorry, Miguel.\"  \n\"So I'm seating you two,\" the titmouse clarified. \"This way.\"  \nWith hopping steps, the bird led them through the front room and into a second room on  \nthe back right. Inside there was a long, empty table with triangularly folded \"Reserved\" signs  \nand several smaller tables, one of which was open.  \nThe bird transferred two cardstock menus from under their wing into Rose's hands by  \nsome miraculous slight-of-wing movement. \"Your server will be here in a minute,\" they noted  \nbefore exiting the back room with a hop and a flutter.  \nRita accepted a menu from Rose and sat in the seat closest to the front wall. Rose sat  \nacross from her, but only the rusty tufts of her ears poked above the table.  \n\"I hope they have a better chair for you,\" Rita remarked. \"If not, you may sit on my lap  \nwhile we eat.\"  \nRita couldn't see the red squirrel's face, but she could hear the embarrassment in her  \nvoice, \"Th-thank you, Your Grace.\"  \nTheir waiter, a dapper, yellow-furred slender mongoose in a royal blue vest, arrived a  \nfew minutes later. He noted Rose's predicament immediately, \"I'll have someone grab you a  \ndifferent chair and water glass,\" he stated. \"Anything to drink besides water?\"  \n\"We'll have a bottle of cabernet,\" Rita answered.  \n\"I'll be right back with it.\"  \nHe left, and Rita leaned to the left side to peer under the table at Rose. \"Did you want to  \norder an appetizer? I'll pay for everything, don't worry.\"  \n\"I'd like to get the daal,\" Rose replied. \"It's soup though, not something we can share,\"  \nshe added apologetically.  \n\"I'll try some too then if you recommend it,\" Rita returned.  \nRose nodded, \"It's good.\"  \nRita smiled at her warmly and sat back up.  \n\"Um, Your Grace?\" Rose called.  \nRita poked her head back under the table.  \n\"I, um, I want to pay if that's alright,\" Rose told her embarrassedly.  \n\"If you'd like to. Should I have not ordered the wine? I can pay for that.\"  \nRose shook her head slightly, \"It's fine. After, um, after we move to your estate, I won't  \nreally need money, will I?\"  \n\"I suppose not. In our agreement, it was going to me anyway, so I guess you may as  \nwell spend it as you like now,\" Rita replied amusedly.  \nRose gave her small smile, \"Right, thank you, Your Grace.\"  \nRita sat back up again in time to see a sea otter carrying a higher seat to their table.  \nRose saw them too and hopped out of her seat. She climbed into the new one with ease when  \nthe otter had swapped them. Rita wondered whether she was happy to be sitting at the correct  \nheight or disappointed that she hadn't gotten to sit in her lap.  \nThe mongoose, who wasn't much larger than Rose, brought their glasses and wine in  \ntwo trips. He rolled a step ladder from beside the wall to the side of their table to pour their wine  \nand water into the respective glasses. Rita and Rose ordered the daal appetizer, and Rose  \nordered the palak paneer for her entree whilst Rita ordered the mutton sekuwa. Shortly after  \nthey'd ordered, Franz and Miguel were seated at another table on the far side of the room.  \nDespite now being able to make eye contact with Rita, Rose remained quiet, perhaps even  \nshyer than usual. After a few minutes, Rita grew bored of surveying the other patrons, including  \nthe apparent birthday party of a family of cats that had arrived at the reserved table, and  \naddressed the squirrel again.  \n\"Are you having a good time, Rose?\"  \nRose nodded shyly.  \n\"Would you like some more cabernet?\" Rita lifted the dark green bottle.  \nRose nodded, and Rita refilled her glass. She topped off her own glass as well and took  \na sip.  \n\"I like your dress,\" Rita tried after a few more seconds. \"It suits you.\"  \n\"Thank you,\" Rose murmured softly, keeping her eyes on her lap.  \nRita studied the squirrel for a second longer before asking, \"Is something wrong, Rose?\"  \nRose shook her head, not looking up.  \n\"You aren't having second thoughts, are you? It's not too late if you've decided being my  \npet isn't what you want.\"  \nRose jerked her head up, \"It is!\" she cried anxiously.  \n\"You seem like something's bothering you,\" Rita pressed gently. \"Are you upset Franz  \nand Miguel came along? I doubt they can hear us over the yowling.\" The cats were a rowdy  \nbunch, but Rita didn't begrudge them their excitement.  \n\"No, Your Grace,\" Rose murmured, turning her dark eyes down again.  \n\"You don't have to tell me,\" Rita comforted. \"But I would like you to have a good time.\"  \nRose looked back up and regarded Rita uncertainly for a moment. \"Do, um, do you like  \nme, Your Grace?\"  \n\"Of course I like you, Dear,\" Rita replied genially.  \n\"Do you like-like me?\" Rose pressed anxiously.  \nRita regarded the squirrel for a second, wondering if she was about to lose her pet. \"You  \nare a squirrel, Rose,\" she answered apologetically.  \nRose's eyes returned to her lap, \"I understand,\" she murmured sadly.  \n\"That doesn't mean I won't care for you,\" Rita amended. \"I can't change who I'm  \nattracted to, but that doesn't mean you won't have my affection.\"  \n\"I love you, Your Grace,\" Rose replied melancholically.  \n\"I appreciate that, Dear,\" Rita returned sympathetically. \"I'll try to love you as one loves a  \npet, and I'll endeavor to make you happy. But you have until we leave for my estate to really  \nmake up your mind.\"  \n\"I want to be with you!\" Rose replied in distress. \"If, um, if you don't feel like I do, that's,  \nthat's okay.\"  \nRita could tell Rose was conflicted, but she didn't know what else to say to her. She  \ndidn't want to lie, to tell Rose she would reciprocate her romantic feelings. Rita didn't even know  \nif she could feel those feelings. She enjoyed having sex, and she felt a tenderness toward Ellie  \nand Jason. But love, at least the romantic kind, wasn't something she could remember  \nexperiencing. How does one even know when one has? Rita assumed you simply knew.  \nThe yellow-furred mongoose brought their daal and then their entrees with the help of  \nthe sea otter, and they ate their respective meals in awkward silence. Rose seemed depressed,  \nbut Rita didn't know how to cheer her up. When all four of them had finished eating, they  \nreturned to Miguel's car. The sun had dipped behind the tops of the highrises, and the rusty red  \nlight glowed between the silhouetted buildings and stretched their shadows far in front of them  \nas they walked.  \n\"How'd you like your dinner, Your Grace?\" Miguel inquired amiably.  \n\"It was delicious. I'll have to ask Gustav to hire a cook who knows how to prepare Indian  \ncuisine,\" Rita replied. \"Did you and Franz enjoy yours?\"  \n\"We did, thank'ya,\" Miguel returned. He looked down at Rose, who was walking a couple  \nsteps in front of Rita. \"How'd you like yours, Little Lady?\"  \n\"It was good,\" Rose answered tersely.  \nMiguel unlocked the car, and they climbed in. Rita picked Rose up off of the seat to hold  \nher as before, but the squirrel seemed uncomfortable this time.  \n\"I'll take you to the hotel then drop Miss Fletcher off at City Hall if that's alright, Your  \nGrace,\" Miguel suggested.  \n\"That's fine, Miguel,\" Rita replied.  \nA few minutes later, the car stopped outside of the Regina Hotel. Rita contemplated the  \nsquirrel in her lap for a moment.  \n\"Do you want to come in, Rose?\" she asked.  \nRose looked up at her hesitantly then nodded. Rita picked her up in one arm and  \nclimbed out of the car. Miguel, who was holding the door, eyed them bemusedly.  \n\"Have a good night, Miguel, Franz,\" Rita chirped briskly. She carried Rose up the stairs  \nand into the lobby without looking back.  \nAs they rode the elevator up to the twelfth floor, Rose, who was seated on Rita's left  \nforearm, leaned her head against Rita's shoulder, and Rita petted her head with her free hand.  \nRose let out a wistful little sigh. While Rita had initially been ambivalent toward the idea of  \nmaking Rose her pet, she realized now that she would be disappointed to lose her. She would  \nshow Rose that her lack of romantic interest wouldn't translate into a lack of affection or  \nintimacy.  \nA hopeful Edgar was waiting in the main room when they arrived at Rita's suit. His  \nexpression shifted to one of worry as his eyes fell on Rose.  \nRita jerked her muzzle toward the servants' quarters, \"Bed,\" she commanded sharply.  \nThe chastised pine marten scurried into the other room and shut the door.  \nRita hopped up on the bed and set Rose on her right thigh. She caressed her right index  \nfinger over one of Rose's tufted triangular ears and her thumb across her cheek. Rose pressed  \nher cheek into Rita's hand. Rita brought up her left hand and massaged both of Rose's cheeks  \nand ears while gently holding the red squirrel's head between her hands. Rita realized it would  \nbe a simple movement, a slight twist, to snap the squirrel's neck, but Rita felt no impulse toward  \nthis violent action. She could sense Rose's growing contentment, the squirrel's little body  \nrelaxing, yielding to Rita's gentle ministrations, and it aroused in Rita a feeling of deep pleasure.  \nFor only a few caresses, Rose would give herself to her; she would become Rita's toy and  \nsupplicant. It was delicious to possess someone's life for so little. Rita normally had to restrain  \nher toys. Even Ellie and Jason had their cell, but Rose gave herself by choice, was compelled  \nonly by her own feelings. It was a new flavor of dominance that Rita found she enjoyed  \nimmensely.  \n\"Do you want to take a shower?\" Rita murmured after a few minutes. \"You can use the  \none in the other room, and when we're both done, I'll help blow you dry.\"  \n\"Can't I take a shower with you?\" Rose asked anxiously.  \nRita smiled softly, \"Soon. When we're at my estate. Do you need help with your dress?\"  \nRose shook her head. Rita set Rose on the bed and dropped onto the marble floor  \nherself.  \n\"I'll leave the door unlocked if you need anything. Just have Edgar let you in when you're  \ndone,\" Rita instructed.  \nRose climbed down the red-violet bedspread, and then Rita opened the door to the  \nservants' quarters for her. After doffing her dress, Rita proceeded to the main bathroom and  \ntook her own shower.  \nA damp Rose was waiting on the pink rug in front of the shower when Rita got out. Rita  \nhad expected her as she had heard the door open and shut a few minutes earlier. Rita retrieved  \nthe blow dryer from under the sink and dried Rose's rusty fur before drying herself with a pink  \ntowel and the hot air. There was no toothbrush Rose's size, so after brushing her own teeth,  \nRita made a quick call to the front desk to have one delivered. The skunk, Clyde, arrived a  \ncouple minutes later.  \n\"Do you have another prey staying with you?\" he asked when she opened the door to  \nreceive the toothbrush.  \nRita accepted the paper-wrapped brush, \"It's only Rose again. It was somewhat of a  \nspur of the moment decision though, so she didn't bring her things. Thank you, Clyde.\"  \nThe incurious skunk smiled affably, \"Anything I can do, Your Grace.\"  \nRita let the door close and took the toothbrush to Rose in the bathroom. She then sat on  \nthe bed and waited for Rose to come out. When the squirrel emerged, Rita patted the red-violet  \ncomforter on her left. \"Come here, Rose,\" she called gently.  \nShyly, Rose crept across the room and climbed up the comforter to sit beside her.  \n\"Well, now what do you want to do?\" Rita inquired cheerfully. \"We can watch tv. If you're  \ntired, you can go to sleep. I'll hold you if you like. Your sheets are still on your bed from last  \nweek, but if you wanted to, I wouldn't object to allowing you to sleep with me.\"  \n\"I-I can?\" Rose squeaked nervously.  \n\"You can,\" Rita affirmed calmly.  \n\"I don't mind what we watch, but I'd like you to hold me,\" Rose decided shyly.  \nRita hopped up and retrieved the remote from the dresser before propping up a plump  \npillow and reclining at the head of the bed. She gestured with a curled finger, \"Come here,  \nRose.\"  \nRose eagerly, but shyly, crept across the bed. She stopped beside Rita uncertainly. Rita  \nscooped the squirrel onto her belly then ran a hand down her back from head to bushy tail. After  \na few moments of hesitation, Rose curled herself into a tight ball on Rita's abdomen, and Rita  \ncontinued to stroke her as she searched for something worth watching. Rose was soon sleeping  \npeacefully, and she didn't even wake up when Rita scooped her onto the bed to curl around her  \nbefore pulling up the blankets and going to sleep herself.  \n\\* \\* \\*  \nRita pushed down the red-violet comforter and white sheets. Rose was still curled  \nsnuggly against her belly with Rita's own bushy auburn and white tail covering her. Rita pulled  \naway her tail and ran a finger down Rose's spine.  \n\"It's morning, Rose,\" she murmured.  \nRose blinked open her dark eyes and yawned before uncurling and stretching with her  \nback pressed against Rita's thigh and her feet poking into Rita's belly. Rita gently pushed the  \noffending feet away, and Rose yanked her legs in, looking up at Rita with a look of surprised  \nembarrassment.  \n\"S-sorry, Your Grace,\" she stammered.  \nRita smirked softly, \"Don't worry about it, Dear. Were you comfortable? Did you sleep  \nwell?\"  \nRose nodded, \"Yes, thank you, Your Grace.\"  \n\"No second thoughts about coming to my estate then?\"  \n\"No, Your Grace, I want to be with you.\"  \n\"I'm pleased to hear that. Let's have breakfast, and then we'll see what's happening at  \nCity Hall today. We won't tell your aunt you spent the night in my bed. We wouldn't want her to  \nget the wrong idea, hmm?\"  \n\"N-no, Your Grace,\" Rose squeaked.  \nRita donned her lace-decorated satiny black gown while Rose put her red dress back on,  \nand then they had breakfast in the dining area downstairs before walking together to City Hall.  \nThe morning started off quietly. Rita called the chief of police to remind him of his duty  \nwhere her escaped pets were concerned, and then she looked through the midweek status  \nreports from the training. As before, few had been flagged, and Rita examined these to see if  \nany serious issues had arisen. However, Rita was disturbed just before noon when Heather  \nraced into the office with a frantic expression and her bushy tail flicking agitatedly.  \n\"The King is here!\" Heather yelped. \"He-he's in my office!\"  \nRita smiled amusedly, \"Old Frederick must be impressed with the work that we're doing.  \nHe's asking to see me, I assume.\"  \nHeather nodded rapidly.  \n\"Send him in then. I'll be honored to entertain His Majesty.\"  \nHeather dashed back out the door, and Rita sat back in her chair contentedly; she'd  \nknown Frederick would be impressed with the new training she'd devised, but she hadn't  \nactually expected the honor of a personal visit. On the other hand, the King rather liked her.  \nPerhaps he simply needed an excuse to visit his favorite Duchess.  \nA couple minutes later, the regally attired tod, who wore a deep purple vest over a  \ncreamy white, embroidered shirt and a red and purple tartan kilt secured with golden buckles,  \nentered the room followed closely by two of his guards--a lynx and a wolverine wearing their  \ncustomary magenta jackets--with Franz and Felicia close behind them. Rita calmly stood from  \nher chair and sauntered around in front of the desk to curtsy respectfully.  \n\"Your Majesty, it's an honor to receive a visit from our illustrious monarch,\" Rita greeted  \nwith grave solemnity.  \nShe peeked up with a small smirk and a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. Rita was  \nyoung for a Duchess, and she'd been even younger when she'd inherited the title. The King had  \nhelped her set affairs in order after her parents' untimely deaths, and they'd built a friendly  \nrapport. Rita's ostentatious display of respect when others were present was a private joke  \nbetween them. The King returned a half smile, but Rita could tell something was bothering him.  \nShe popped up to attention, her amusement whisked away.  \n\"I need to discuss something with you in private, Rita,\" the King explained. \"If you would  \nask your guards to leave us, I'll do the same.\"  \nRita quickly looked to Franz and Felicia, \"I'll be fine. I need to speak with His Majesty.\"  \nFranz and Felicia left, and the lynx and wolverine left after them. Rita glanced toward  \nRose, and the red squirrel leapt up from her desk and scurried out after the guards. Rita stiffly  \nwalked around the King and shut the door before turning back toward the grizzled tod. She tried  \nto appear less nervous than she felt.  \n\"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?\" she asked nervously.  \nThe tod sighed and shook his head wearily, \"Rita, Rita, Rita, what happened to 'Uncle  \nFrederick'? We're alone now, aren't we?\"  \nRita allowed herself a small smile, though she could tell the tod had something  \nunpleasant to tell her. Had her home been burned to the ground or ransacked? The tod wasn't  \nreally her uncle, and the familiar name didn't seem appropriate at the moment. However, Rita  \nfelt it was prudent to humor the monarch and amended her question.  \n\"I apologize, Uncle Frederick, but I can tell something's bothering you. I'd hoped you'd  \ncome to commend the new training we've been testing here, but I can see that isn't the purpose  \nof your visit.\"  \n\"It isn't, but I'm impressed with what you've accomplished nonetheless,\" the King replied.  \n\"However, I'm afraid you'll have to cut your work here short. I've received a very disturbing  \naccount from one of your former officers, two of them in fact, and two private inspectors. They  \ntold me you've been murdering prey. Is that true, Rita?\"  \nRita didn't answer for a moment as she processed what Frederick had told her. The two  \nprivate inspectors had to be Ellie and Jason, but she didn't know who the officers might be. Lily  \nSchulz was an obvious guess. She should have been arrested and executed weeks ago! Rita  \nwould deal with her and the incompetent Officer O'Connor at the soonest opportunity, but for  \nnow, she had to answer the King's question. Frederick was a judicious ruler; it wouldn't be like  \nhim to sling baseless accusations. Still, Rita didn't want to admit outright in case that forced his  \nhand.  \n\"I've dealt with my subjects in a manner consistent with my rights as their absolute ruler,\"  \nRita answered evasively.  \nFrederick sighed wearily again, \"I understand. I'm sorry, My Dear, I have to place you  \nunder house arrest while we sort this out. There will be an investigation. We'll make it  \nconvincing, but ultimately, your name will be cleared. We can't allow the public to know one of  \nthe nobility, a Duchess no less, has engaged in serial murder.\"  \n\"Thank you, Your Majesty,\" Rita breathed with a sigh of relief. She knew Frederick cared  \na great deal about the harmony of Vulpineva, particularly between predators and prey, so she  \nhadn't been entirely sure he wouldn't confine her to her estate for the remainder of life. She had  \nof course known that execution would be out of the question.  \n\"However,\" the King went on sternly. \"You must never kill another prey or anyone for that  \nmatter. You may not seek retribution on those who brought this to me, and I've been told to  \nspecifically order you not to attempt to capture the private inspectors. I understand that some  \npredators have these urges, but it's our duty as red foxes to rise above those base instincts. Is  \nall of that clear, Rita?\"  \nRita curtsied, \"Yes, Your Majesty. Might I be allowed to complete the new training  \nprogram before I go? In all honesty, I've found such predator instincts rather lessened since I  \nbegan my work here or perhaps before that even. I've developed a new appreciation of prey,  \nand I assure Your Majesty that refraining from killing them will not be something I struggle with  \ngoing forward.\"  \nFrederick smiled slightly, \"I'm pleased that you've taken an interest in governance. We  \nmay not have the role that we once did, but our guidance is still important. And I'm glad to hear  \nyou've found a way to overcome this struggle. However, I must insist you return to your estate  \nimmediately. I'll make sure the program you've started isn't forgotten, and if you wish, after your  \nname has been cleared, we can discuss Vulpineva's predator training programs further.\"  \nRita curtsied again, \"Very well, Your Majesty. I'll look forward to discussing this subject  \nwith you further.\"  \nFrederick opened the door to the office and gestured for Rita to follow him. She grabbed  \nher clutch from her desk and followed him out of the office. Outside, there were several more of  \nthe King's guards filling the hallway behind Franz, Felicia, and Rose. Even the irreverent puma  \nseemed a bit uncomfortable.  \n\"Franz, Felicia,\" Rita addressed her bodyguards. \"I'm afraid I must cut your employment  \nwith me short. On His Majesty's command, I'm to return to my estate straightaway. I'll be happy  \nto provide any recommendation you might need for future employment, and if you would  \nconsider moving to my estate, I'd be happy to employ you again there.\"  \nFranz nodded gratefully, \"Thank you, Your Grace. I'll consider your offer.\"  \n\"I don't want to uproot my kits as you know,\" Felicia added. \"But I'll be asking for that  \nletter. I guess this is goodbye, Your Grace. It was nice knowing you.\" With that, Felicia turned  \nand shoved her way between the cluster of magenta-jacketed guards and disappeared.  \n\"I'll wait until you've really left, Your Grace,\" Franz put in awkwardly.  \nRita gave him a small smile, \"Thank you, Franz.\"  \n\"Two of my guards will escort you to collect your things, and then there will be a car  \nwaiting to return you to your estate,\" the King explained. \"I hope we can have that discussion  \nbefore long. Farewell until then, My Dear.\"  \nThe lynx and wolverine stepped forward, but before they could lead Rita away, Rose  \ndashed between the lynx's legs and threw herself to the floor, clinging to Rita's ankle with both  \narms.  \n\"Y-you aren't leaving me here, are you, Your Grace?!\" the red squirrel wailed.  \nRita crouched and scooped Rose up, cradling the squirrel in her arms, \"Of course not,  \nRose. You'll be coming with me. It's a bit sooner than we expected, but that doesn't change  \nanything.\"  \nFrederick eyed the squirrel, disturbed, \"I'm not sure it would be appropriate. Given the  \nnature of the, uh, the situation, I'd-\"  \n\"I shan't break my promise!\" Rita cut him off. \"I told Rose she could live with me, and  \nthat's that. I promise you she'll be perfectly alright, Your Majesty!\"  \nThe King regarded her probingly a moment before nodding, \"Very well, but I'll be  \nchecking in on her wellbeing the next time we meet.\"  \nRita nodded, \"Thank you, Your Majesty.\"  \nRita set Rose down to let her grab her own bag, and then they all made their way down  \nthe curved marble staircase and out the front of the red granite edifice. There were several  \nvehicles waiting, and the King headed toward a white limousine whilst the guards led Rita  \ntoward a black one. Frederick stopped to wave before climbing into the vehicle. Rita waved  \nback then climbed into the front-facing seat through the door the wolverine was holding. The  \nwolverine and lynx sat on the bench seat facing hers, and Franz sat beside her. Rita held Rose  \nin her lap.  \n\"Do you have luggage?\" the lynx asked coolly.  \n\"I have some things to pack but no bags,\" Rita replied.  \n\"There are some in the trunk,\" the lynx informed her.  \nIt was only a few blocks to the hotel, and the limo soon stopped outside of the limestone  \nbuilding. The wolverine climbed out first and held the door while the rest of them followed. The  \nlynx collected a black, rolling suitcase, which would have been large enough for Rita to fit in,  \nfrom the trunk. Rita led them inside and up to her room. The two royal guards stayed close to  \nher as if they expected her to attempt to escape. Franz brought up the rear.  \n\"Edgar!\" Rita called as she pushed in the door. \"Grab your things; we're going home!\"  \nEdgar poked his head out from the servants' quarters and his dark eyes widened as they  \nfell on the royal guards. \"I-I don't have anything, Your Grace. What's going on?\" he asked  \nnervously.  \n\"We're going home like I said. If you don't have anything to bring, help me pack. Grab  \nyour toys.\"  \nEdgar disappeared back into the other room. Rita packed her other gowns into the bag  \nbut kept her clutch with Judith's knife. One should never be completely unarmed. Edgar  \nawkwardly carried the sex toys Rita had bought when he'd been enjoying the pleasure of her  \nintimacy out of the other room to add to the bag. Franz, Rose, the wolverine, and the lynx all  \neyed the pine marten and sex toys with expressions ranging from surprise to embarrassment to  \ndisgust. Rita watched the humiliated pine marten placidly. After all, if he had never released  \nEllie, they might not be in this place. It dawned on Rita that she might never get her former pets  \nback now since the King had forbidden it, and her anger toward the hapless Edgar flared. Edgar  \nzipped up the suitcase, and then they returned to the limo.  \nAs they reached the limousine, Franz halted and gave Rita a quick bow. \"Your Grace,  \nit's been an honor to work for you. I'll consider your offer and get back with you soon.\"  \n\"Alright. Until then, Franz.\"  \nRita guided Edgar into the limo then sat once again on the front-facing bench seat. Rose  \nscrambled up between them, and Rita placed the squirrel in her lap. While the seats were large  \nfor Rita with her feet barely poking over the edge, the seatbelts of this bench had been adjusted  \nfor her size. Edgar could make do, but they were much too large for Rose. After buckling herself  \nin, Rita hugged the squirrel tightly to her belly. She wouldn't lose the one pet she still had.  \nThe wolverine climbed in after them, and the lynx entered last after putting the suitcase  \nin the trunk. When they were all secured, the wolverine signaled the driver, who Rita hadn't  \neven had a chance to see, and they began the northward drive to the Belmont estate.  \nThey'd been on the freeway for ten to twenty minutes before anyone spoke. Rita was the  \none to break the silence.  \n\"So, have the two of you been working for His Majesty long?\"  \nBoth of the guards nodded. \"Five years,\" the lynx offered.  \n\"Quite a while then,\" Rita returned pleasantly. \"I don't think I've heard either of your  \nnames. This is Rose,\" she petted Rose's head. \"And that's Edgar.\"  \n\"I'm Elsbeth,\" the lynx returned.  \n\"George,\" the wolverine added laconically.  \n\"Do either of you have relatives who might be looking for a job?\" Rita inquired. \"My  \nprevious bodyguards were both wolverines, but I'm equally willing to hire a dedicated lynx.\"  \n\"Du'know. I'll ask,\" George replied.  \nThe lynx looked at him sharply, \"You know why we're doing this, right? She's being  \nplaced under house arrest for murder.\"  \nThe wolverine shrugged, \"Sounds like she might need a bodyguard or two.\"  \nElsbeth huffed irately, and her yellow eyes fell on Rose, \"Does she know?\" she  \ndemanded.  \n\"Y-Your Grace?\" Rose squeaked nervously.  \n\"She doesn't!\" Elsbeth hissed, outraged. \"'Her Grace' is a serial killer! Of prey! They say  \nshe's killed dozens, maybe hundreds!\"  \nRose craned her neck back to look up at Rita fearfully, \"D-did you?\" she whimpered.  \n\"Of course not,\" Rita replied firmly. \"The idea I've killed hundreds of prey is just absurd.  \nYou know I'd never hurt you, don't you, Rose?\"  \n\"Yes,\" Rose squeaked. \"I trust you, Your Grace.\"  \nRita petted the squirrel's head again, \"Then don't worry. This will all get sorted out.\"  \n\"It's all lies then, huh?\" Elsbeth pressed disbelievingly.  \n\"I'm certainly not going to plead guilty to whatever baseless rumors you might have  \nheard,\" Rita replied icily.  \nThe lynx snorted derisively. They rode the rest of the way in silence.  \nRita was relieved when the limousine finally stopped outside of her manor. She was  \neven more relieved to see her home apparently intact. She hadn't known what the cultists might  \nhave done after she'd been captured. Rita set Rose on the seat beside her and shoved the door  \nopen. She climbed out and stopped to survey her grand family home. Even if it's still intact, it's  \nnot the same, Rita thought wistfully. Boots, Wolfgang, Johann, Howard, and who-knew-who-  \nelse were all gone. Rita had helped to pick up the pieces in Maplesburg, and now she had to do  \nthe same here. Rita's heart leapt as the thick oak door began to creak open. Who would it be?  \nGustav? One of the other kitchen staff? Someone she didn't know? Her jaw dropped in shock  \nas her eyes fell on the towering figure dressed in a tuxedo that had seen better days and heavy  \nsteel-toe boots.  \n\"Boots?!\" Rita gasped in disbelief.  \nShe couldn't believe her eyes, but the human was unmistakable. Yes, his jaw was  \ncovered with gray stubble, and he had one arm in a sling and a brace around his neck. But it  \nwas unmistakably Boots! Soaring with joy, Rita bounded up the stone steps. Boots crouched  \ndown, and Rita threw her arms around his middle--or at least as far around as she could  \nreach--and hugged him, pressing her cheek against his chest and breathing his familiar scent.  \nHis huge, furless hand stroked her head, and he choked out a sob, \"Mistress. You're  \nback, Mistress.\"  \nRita closed her eyes and sighed contentedly, \"Oh, Boots, I thought I'd lost you. I couldn't  \nbe happier seeing you again. Who else is here?\"  \n\"All of us, Mistress. We lost Johann, Wolfgang, Howard, and Edgar, but the rest have  \nbeen waiting. We knew you'd come back, Mistress.\"  \n\"Edgar is with me,\" Rita informed him. \"And I've brought one more member to add to our  \nfamily.\" She broke away from the human and called them, \"Edgar, Rose, grab your things and  \ncome inside! Everyone's waiting to see us!\"  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"The Murderess of Maplesburg: Reign of Terror","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2023989-chapter-22-judgment.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2024903-chapter-24-a-whole-clowder-of-cats.json"}}