Dog of War

“Did you not rest, love?”

 

Camila pricked at Cordelia’s voice. She barely managed to keep the curling of her vines contained to the parts not holding her pet. “...No.” How could she, after everything that had happened? If even one more thing went wrong, she surely would rebloom on the spot. She had to stay vigilant. “You know we don't need to rest every day, I can wait until she's fully recovered, it's perfectly f—” A gentle prod at her core stopped her words dead in their tracks.

 

“It is not ‘fine’, Camila.” Cordelia's tone was commanding. “Princess needs care you won't be able to provide if you're staying up every day for a month. You need to get some actual rest, especially after so much wilting.”

 

What free vines Camila had twitched anxiously at the thought of letting Princess out of her sight for even a moment. She knew Cordelia was right, of course. She had shed a lot of biomass yesterday and needed time to recover. Even just the ten days until Princess was off Js would be a long time to go without any rest. Otherwise, Princess may have to spend a few days without her as she rebloomed. That was much worse. “I'll get some tonight.” She stroked her pet yet again, as she had done countless times throughout the night. Her happy murmurs were one of the only things that had kept the stress at bay. “I just—after everything that happened—”

 

Cordelia's vines gave Camila's a squeeze of comfort where they intertwined. “I know.” She joined Camila, brushing Daisy's cheek. The girl stirred in her sleep at the touch, cuddling ever closer to her pinnate with a smile. “Honestly, I don't think I'd be able to rest either, if Daisy went through something like that.”

 

“I talked to a few sophonts after Jess went into low power,” Camila changed the subject. The thought of something happening to Daisy as well was unpleasant, and the last thing she wanted to entertain.

 

“Oh?”

 

“Canceled Princess’ appointments with Acaulescent, told Viola fae was right, and reached out to Ezra.” Camila figured she might as well make some use of the time as she watched over Princess for hours. The conversations didn't help her restlessness any.

 

“What'd they say?”

 

“Acaulescent sent her condolences.” The therapist had been distraught, truthfully, and went on at length about how she had seen no signs of actual intention to escape. Conflict and anxiety over staying, but they ultimately gave way to acceptance. She had also offered to extend her services to Camila as well, a kindness she politely rejected. “Viola's autoreply said that fae is on a trip of some kind, and won't be reachable until fae returns. I'm sure fae’ll point out my failure to heed faer advice.”

 

“Fae will not!” Cordelia huffed. “If Viola does, I'll have a stern talking-to with faer.”

 

That almost cheered Camila up enough to make the rest of it not hurt. “Thank you, love.”

 

“Of course.” The two Affini shared a moment in each other's comfort. “So what'd Ezra say?”

 

“They didn't say anything.” Camila distracted herself, brushing a finger across Princess' lips, and a few vines through her hair. They were so soft. “The messages were marked read, and I even tried to follow up, but I never got a reply.” They had been part apology, part commiserating, and part forgiveness. The silence was worse than any response. If what Ezra was going through was anything remotely as bad as Camila's ordeal, she needed support. She had been far too harsh on them for what was ultimately her own mistake.

 

That got Cordelia's rhythm to reflect Camila's anxiety. “I see... I'm sure she'll be fine, she's probably just taking it a bit rough. She likely just needs a bit of time, that's all.” Camila could feel the worry in Cordelia's core only growing. She hoped she was right, for Ezra's sake.

 

“I also talked with Captain Flint. Xe contacted me, actually.” That had been the most painful actual conversation of them all. Xe didn't do anything besides offer comfort, advice, and support, but Camila still felt awful. It was as if she could feel xer disappointment through the chat logs.

 

Cordelia leaned her head against Camila's own, picking up on her feelings. “You know the Captain wouldn't think ill of you.”

 

“I know.” That just made it worse. Truthfully, the disappointment she felt was her own at the thought of letting the Captain down. Xe was the one that convinced Camila to stick with Princess and to believe in herself. If it wasn't for xem, she would've gotten some other Affini to look after her. She wouldn't have gotten to know the wonderful and sweet sophont hidden underneath all the pain. She wouldn't have hurt her.

 

“We need to get them up, breakfast is soon,” Camila changed the topic again, not wanting to dwell further on the subject. She was bound to spiral if she did.

 

“Camila—” Cordelia stopped, the tension bleeding from her rhythm. “Alright, but we're not done talking about this. It's not healthy to keep avoiding your feelings.”

 

“She's right, Miss." Jess’ lights had returned to full strength, and she now faced Camila. “Though I guess I'm pretty bad at that myself, huh? Good morning, by the way.”

 

“Good morning, cutie,” they both replied, giving the AI some much needed attention. Jess' antennae wiggled happily as she shifted between green and pink, emitting happy beeps and garbled noise. The nerve of her to call Camila out while being cute on top of it! Even if she was right.

 

“I'll tell you what, how about we both resolve to get better at sharing our feelings?” Camila traced along the seam of Jess’ jawline, a rather sensitive spot according to her schematics. She’d rather not chastise Jess at length, snapping at her like she did was already an overcorrection. She needed kindness and care, not punishment.

 

“Ahjdyklxhwsxh! Yes Miss!” It was a good thing Princess and Daisy were on Zs, or else Jess surely would've woken them. Her little mechanical twitches and the reminder that Camila had more than Princess to dote on vastly improved her mood. She'd make an adorable floret in time.

 

“What a good little program you are.” Camila cooed as Jess relished in the attention. She gave the adorable beeper a few moments to recover, then sprang her trap. “Actually, I was hoping to ask you for a favor.”

 

“Y-yeah?”

 

“As much as I would love to keep Princess in my vines and dote on her every second until she's recovered, she wouldn't be able to leave my vines again if I did. While that would be cute,” stars, it would be so cute, “it's not what I want for her. Cordelia was going to take over for me a few times, and I was hoping for your help as well.”

 

Jess took the bait, antennae swinging upwards. “With Princess? Of course!”

 

“Wonderful~” This time Camila targeted an even more sensitive area, working a vine into the swivel joint of an antenna. “What a good little maid you are~”

 

“Hxsdhjdaxxhjxzzsgz—!” Jess' lights cut out, and her twitching stopped, but only for a moment. She quickly rebooted with an adorable- and oddly familiar- pout on her face. “Miiiiss!”

 

Cordelia joined in on the assault, getting the other antenna. “Sorry cutie, it's true, you're absolutely adorable~”

 

Jess nearly crashed again as they both doted on her, crying out in electric ecstasy. Camila and Cordelia each immobilized limbs to keep her twitches subdued. Yes, it was a good thing indeed that Princess and Daisy were sedated, although it was a pity that they would miss such a delightful show. Camila’s thoughts turned to her future collar as she doted on the AI. An opportunity to bring her expertise to bear; it would be a simple matter to encode a private channel into it, which fed directly into Jess’ data stream. It could give praise and comfort as needed, or emit a subsonic frequency she was trained to enjoy. It could even take on the duties of her digital haustorium when it came time.

 

Camila would have to work on the schematics when she got the chance. Jess wouldn't take nearly as much work as Princess had, she was already close. She also was unlikely to seek domestication unprompted. She'd certainly jump on the opportunity to be connivents with her ‘highest priority’ when asked. For now, it was nearing time for the Hab merge, and the florets needed their breakfast.

 

Cordelia broke off the petting at the same time Camila did, leaving Jess to recover. Camila had begun to prepare the appropriate grafts for Princess' xenodrugs, when a thought occurred. Princess was hers now. She worked to disentangle her upper half from her lover as she mixed the cocktail of drugs in her mouth, soaking the vine that was her tongue in them. She was on practically half of all the classes; Ms, Js, and Ss to manage pain and assist recovery, alongside her now standard Ds, Es, and Gs. The Z counteragent too, of course. A blend befitting a floret. As Daisy began to stir, Camila leaned down to kiss the princess awake.

 

 

-_-_-_-

 

 

Princess felt something soft against their lips, and another thing, soft and wet and squishy filling their mouth and pressing against their tongue.

 

And tasty.

 

Very tasty. Faintly like Mistress' berries, actually. All their muscles were still heavy with bliss so moving was out of the question, and the fog in their mind had only grown thicker since yesterday. They couldn't do much more than suck on it, but with how full of the yummy juices it was, they didn't really mind.

 

It's just a dream like the last few times anyways.

 

Oh yeah, this had happened the last few days, hadn't it? That just meant they should make sure to enjoy it, since they'd wake up soon. It was kinda odd though, because Mistress said their Class Z didn't let them dream, and she was always right. Maybe it was because the dream was of Mistress? They could even feel her all around them, and the hand brushing through their hair certainly felt like hers.

 

“Woah. Mistress, why don't you wake me up like that?”

 

Huh. Daisy hasn't been in them before.

 

“Princess is just being trained a little differently, petal, though I would be willing to oblige~”

 

“Oo—mmph~!”

 

Miss Dawnbloom too? Wait—

 

Princess' eyes blinked open to find Mistress' own filling her vision, sparks of purple and pink scattering across the infinitely deep pools of gold, each bursting into more sparks, which burst into even more, without end. They could feel themselves sinking deep into those bottomless pools...

 

Also she's kissing us.

 

And they were kissing. Wait, they were kissing? If they were kissing then... did that mean... They could feel the gears in their head jam, or maybe just fail to spin? All their thoughts were so sticky and, stars, they felt so hot! The fire in their stomach building so high, everything else could only be reduced to ash. The way her tongue filled their mouth, the way it moved, it felt so wonderful.

 

She was probably actually kissing us those other times, yeah.  

 

But she didn't even own them then! Wait, what about the other stuff in the dreams? Was the groping real too?

 

Mistress broke the kiss with a loud ‘plop,’ her tongue slowly drawing away from their own and taking any care Princess had with it. If Mistress had been playing with them in their sleep, that was probably just the right thing to do. Mistress always knew best! Plus, it was kinda hot to think about how much they belonged to her before they realized it themselves.

 

“Good morning, Princess~” The Affini's voice was as perfect as she was, ringing clearly through the fog in their mind.

 

How is she so pretty? And perfect and amazing?

 

Princess found themselves panting and moaning, struggling to form a reply. Their worries weren't the only thing that her tongue had stolen. “Hahhh... Haiii,” they managed after what felt like hours of effort.  Princess could practically feel Mistress’ vines brushing away their few remaining thoughts as she ruffled their hair.

 

“How are you feeling?”

 

“Uhh—” That was a good question, but thinking was so hard.

 

Honestly still a bit tired, and like someone replaced our bones with soup. And also our muscles and brain. It’s pleasant, though. An all-encompassing warmth, a blissful nothingness, soaking everything.

 

“Soupy, ‘n kinda sleepy, but good.” Daisy snuggling back up against them felt so nice though, and her skin felt so soft against their own. Every brush of contact brought with it electric jolts, arcing pleasure coursing through their body. Whatever they were on, it was strong.

 

Huh, if Daisy is still here, where's Jess?

 

Princess lolled their head to the side—huh, they could move, kinda—and sure enough, Jess was there, blushing pinks and just out of reach. Not that they could reach, that was still beyond them apparently. Smiling wasn't, though. “Mornin’, Jess.”

 

Purples and reds immediately took over. “Mor-mor-morning, Princess.”

 

Mistress' laugh was so pretty. Her scritches set off fireworks in their head as she turned Princess back to look at her. Explosions of pleasure in a thousand shades of color, slowly fizzling out as the feeling burned into their being even as fresh bursts took their place. Oh, how they wished they could nuzzle into the touch, that they could stay in that moment forever. “Yes, I imagine you are tired. You'll need plenty of rest the next few days, and I expect you to get some after we get you dressed and fed.”

 

Food sounds good, and being fed sounds even better.

 

“Yayy.” Princess wanted the nap mostly, heart surgery was far more taxing than they had thought. They had done day-long rucks that were less tiring. Yet they couldn't deny they were also looking forward to breakfast. Dinner last night had been... yeah. If they weren't leaking from the petting, they surely were now.

 

The way Mistress toyed with us while helping us chew was really hot.

 

“Why don't you four cuddle and rest a little longer, while Cordelia and I make breakfast?”

 

Oh. Cuddling sounded good. Rest too.

 

She'd have to put us down, though.

 

That did not sound good, that sounded very un-good actually! “But—!”

 

Mistress interrupted them, tracing long, soothing strokes down Princess' back, jolts of pleasure shooting up and down their spine. Their protests and pouting quickly gave way to moans. “I know, Princess, but you already spent the night sleeping in my vines. If you don't take a break, you won't be able to leave them again. As cute as that would be, I think Daisy and Jess would like to spend time with you too. You'll be in them again soon, okay? I promise.” She read them like an open book, anticipating not just their reaction, but the exact reasons and any counterargument they could have made. Well, that's why she was in charge, and they were just a pet.

 

There’s only one thing to say.

 

“Yes, Mistress.” The words felt so natural now. They belonged on their tongue like Princess did in her vines. That they had ever denied their place seemed so silly.

 

“There's my good girls~ So brave for me~” The words came with a final bit of petting; behind their ears, under their chin, that oh-so-special spot at the base of their skull. Their vision went white as they cried out, they were good girls!

 

We're good girls! Good girls! Good girls! Good girls! 

 

“I know this isn't going to feel good, but just let Claire or Jess know if you really need me, and I'll be right there.”

 

Princess was pretty sure they responded with another cry of “Yes, Mistress!” It was expected of them after all, but they didn't really register it. When they finally came to, Mistress was already gone. They were propped up on the pet bed with a series of pillows and cushions; Jess was sitting on their right, Daisy on their left, and Mr Bear tucked in their arms. They found themselves immediately fighting back tears. Going from being in Mistress' vines to her not even being in the room was like leaving a warm sleeping bag in the freezing morning.

 

Mistress wants us to be strong and push through this. It's just until breakfast is ready, and then she'll hold us again.

 

Princess fought back tears. How were they supposed to be strong? Mistress had shown them just how weak and helpless they truly were. They couldn't do this on their own!

 

“Aww, it's okay Princess.” Daisy moved to cuddle up to them, pressing Mr Bear into them as she did. The comfort of their girlfriend as she hooked a leg into their own and nuzzled into them lessened the feeling. “I think I know what you're going through right now, and it's not always going to feel like that, okay?”

 

Jess took her free hand, laying against Princess’ other side. Her weight and warmth offered its own form of comfort. “Y-yeah, post-domestication separation anxiety goes away after the first forty eight hours in ninety seven point four percent of cases with proper treatment!”

 

See? It doesn't matter if we can't do it by ourselves, because we're not alone. We'll be fine.

 

That's still two days, and they still weren't brave.

 

No, but we don't have to be. Mistress will always take care of us, and Daisy and Jess are right here.

 

They did trust Mistress, and being cuddled by two other sophonts was making it hurt a lot less, actually. Princess lay their head against Daisy’s, sighing with content. Their other half was right. “Thanks. Is helping.”

 

Daisy moved to give them a peck on the cheek, and let their head rest on hers again. “‘Course!  What’re pinnates for?”

 

That's right, Daisy was their pinnate now. Princess still didn't fully understand what that meant, and the way their thoughts stuck together meant they weren't about to figure it out. It was kinda comforting to know that they'd never be apart, at least not for long.

 

Wait, is Jess also our pinnate?

 

They weren't sure they felt the same way about her that they did for Daisy. Even if she was pretty cute and holding her hand felt nice. Pinnates supposedly weren't always romantic either though, and they did prefer her being around to her not.

 

We have a lot in common too.

 

Princess figured the specifics didn't really matter right now. Mistress could help them sort this out when it came time. They just needed to rest like they were told to, and their eyes felt so heavy when they were this comfortable. Two of their favorite sophonts were right here. And as they dozed off, they were finally starting to feel warm again.

 

Princess jolted awake some time later, as the overwhelming comfort of their Owner washed over them. A blazing inferno before the campfire they had built. She was a sight to behold as she entered the room; seemingly glowing in some strange way, her song perfectly matching her radiance. Every blooming flower and curling vine had its place in her music, and as she picked them up, they were once again where they belonged. They could only weep with joy as she rested their face on her breast, stroking their back. “Aww, did you really miss me that much?”

 

“Uh-huh.” Princess tried to sniff back their tears, but they wouldn't stop. They wished they could grab onto her, and bury themselves in her until the aching went away. They felt so small.

 

“Such brave girls for me~” Mistress’ tone was soft and caring as she dried their face for them. “I promise it won't hurt so much next time, but it's very important that you stay strong for me today, okay petal?”

 

“Y-yes Mistress.”

 

“Good girls~ Would you like breakfast?”

 

“Mhm.” Princess' tears began to dry. It was impossible to stay sad for long in their Mistress' warmth.

 

Stars, we love her. We love her so much.

 

“Jess, are you joining us?”

 

“I-I'm going to, uh, clean up and get dressed for the day.”

 

“Alright cutie, but if you change your mind, we have a seat for you.” With that, Mistress carried them out, giving Princess just enough time to smile at Jess before the door slid shut between them. A brief glimpse of the forest that was Daisy's—their?—living room later and they were being placed in Mistress' lap.

 

“I may have gone a little overboard, but I really wanted to make up for compiling your first meal as a floret.” Nothing in front of Princess was new, but it was loaded. Steak, eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast were practically overflowing almost in defiance of the plate's large size. Oddly, they were sitting much closer to the table than usual. Odder still, given that they couldn't move and princesses relied on others, the utensils were next to the plate.

 

Maybe Mistress just doesn't feel the need to hide them anymore? It was kinda hot when we knew she had them, though.

 

Princess whimpered, swallowing back pooling saliva as thin vines laced around their arms, and into their mouth. They tasted lightly of berries, and the way they played with their tongue was maddening. “I also wanted to make sure you understand you know you still have agency, even if you are reliant on others like a good little princess should be.”

 

Huh? Wasn’t that the point of being a floret?

 

“Wha?” Speaking with the vines in their mouth was difficult.

 

“Well, I promised you that I would make you feel like a pet, and while most of the things I'd like you to try will need to wait until you've recovered more, the xenodrugs you're on are actually perfect for some others. For example, dollplay. A bit more emphasis on all the ways you rely on others, and that you are owned. Allow me to demonstrate—” Princess' eyes went wide as Mistress puppeted their hands with more grace than they had ever possessed, taking up the knife and fork and using them to cut into the steak. A tap, stroke, and circle later and she was helping them chew as the delicious meaty juices flooded their mouth. They moaned reflexively, suckling on it greedily as the xenodrugs took the flavors to new heights. Mistress gave them equally mind scrambling scritches as she whispered into their ear, “Although if you would like me to personally feed you like usual instead, just ask~”

 

Mistress wasted no time in using Princess’ body to put an egg on toast like it was a natural extension of herself, like it belonged to her and not them. Which was the case now, they supposed. She owned them. Having Mistress use their own hands to feed them just really drove it home. The heat was dizzying, and all they could do to show how much they liked it was throaty whines and needy whimpers. That the choice was how they were going to be fed only made it worse.

 

Dirt, this is hot. Do we like it more than the other way, though?

 

There was

 something missing, or maybe just off, but they couldn't possibly figure it out. Thinking about that through the sticky sweetness caking their thoughts was a tall order. Doing so over the bit of perfectly crispy hash browns she fed them as her vines played with their tongue was very difficult. The petting and gentle coos made it truly impossible. It'd likely have to wait until after the meal.

 

And what a meal it was. Princess quickly lost themselves to the mindless bliss of it all. Mistress would rotate through each of the offerings, only to focus on one for a few bites or mix up the order. They never really knew what was next until it was being fed to them, even with their own hands doing the feeding. Just tap, stroke, circle, stroke, and the endless delicious surprise that came with it. Everything was so tasty too, and the occasional sips of juice to wash it all down were so refreshing.

 

Princess did manage to figure out one of the things missing though, lost somewhere deep in the meal. That thing Mistress did where she delayed a certain tap—she wasn't doing it anymore. The best part of being fed was how they had to follow her lead for everything! Being unable to chew or even close their mouth because Mistress didn't tell them to yet was just—gosh they were getting heated just thinking about it! And how she sometimes waited until they begged her wordlessly—

 

No, wait, we're losing the thought.

 

Right. As hot as this was, it somehow felt too much like feeding themselves. Sure, they were relying on Mistress like a good princess should, but it wasn't the same.

 

Maybe she can't do that because we're healing?

 

“Is something wrong, petal?” Mistress' voice pushed through the thick cotton clouding their mind, the vines holding their jaw loosening. Of course she would pick up that something was off.

 

The words came with shocking ease. “Uhm—Other way please. Wanna be fed.”

 

“Of course, petal.” Mistress' voice was free of any judgment as she removed the utensils from Princess' grasp. It was when she placed their arms around Mr Bear that it suddenly clicked. They hadn't been able to cuddle him the whole time! They smiled as Mistress' vines took up their place in their mouth again. “Anything for my little princess~” Her fingers worked their scalp as a vine brought up the fork now, and fed them with a tap. Something about the way she said that felt so nice.

 

Yeah, this feels much better, even without the pauses.

 

If only they had figured it out sooner, they could have enjoyed more of the meal.

 

It was still pretty hot and we're really high.

 

Princess couldn't help but giggle at that.

 

“Something funny, little one?” Mistress asked.

 

“We're hiiigh.” They couldn't help but giggle again, and heard someone snorting from across the table. Oh, yeah, Daisy was here! Princess couldn't really focus their eyes enough to see more than her blurry shape, but it was nice to know she was there.

 

Mistress joined in on the laughter. “Yes you are, cutie~” Her tone was similar to one used for a child, as she tickled Princess' nose. “If it helps, I think you're right.” Tap, open. “An adorable little princess like you has no business pretending to be able to feed themselves~” Stroke, close. Circle, chew.

 

Something about the way Mistress said ‘little princess’ was so gooey and nice, kinda like the steak she fed them. Princess hoped she'd say it more. Stroke, swallow. She probably would. Mistress was really good at picking up on stuff like that.

 

Princess lost themselves to the meal again, to the soothing pets and simple Orders, to Mistress' praise, telling them what a good girl they were for letting her know. They didn't realize it was over until the vines retracted from their mouth, and Mistress cradled them in her arms. They would have fallen asleep instantly if it wasn't for the fingers scratching their head. She promised they'd get to take that nap as soon as she changed them. That was good, they were really tired.

 

Mistress set them down in the bathroom, the mossy floor tickling Princess' feet. The girl in the mirror looked so out of it. Her eyes were only half open, but they could still see her glassy, empty stare. Her lips were wet with spit and she was actively drooling. She didn't seem to care that her breasts and soft tummy were on display, her nightie doing more to show them off than hiding them. Not to mention her dripping, soaked panties. She was also covered in scars and there was a large red flower in her chest; they both looked painful. They really liked her bear though! It looked a lot like—

 

Oh. That's us.

 

Princess giggled at their reflection; they forgot just how cute they were!

 

The door opened, and Princess saw Miss Dawnbloom enter through the mirror, Daisy following behind. She was already dressed for work in her garden. She looked good in anything, but she really pulled off the overalls. She darted in front of her Owner, and Mistress turned them around in time to receive a kiss from their pinnate. Her lips were electric, and they could faintly taste the breakfast on them. The kiss grew heavier as Daisy leaned into them, reaching around to grab their ass. Arcs of pleasure coursed through them, sparking at every touch. She pulled away with an audible ‘plop!’, a strand of saliva still connecting their tongues. It only broke as she wiped her mouth on the long sleeve of her shirt. She followed up with a peck on the cheek. “Thanks for the show, that was hot as hell.”

 

Show?

 

Daisy left nearly as quickly as she came, waving and calling back as she did. “I gotta do garden stuff, I'll come by for cuddling after!” Miss Dawnbloom gave Mistress a nod, and followed after her pet.

 

“Don't worry, Princess, she'll probably finish up before you're done with your nap. Let's get you changed.” Mistress turned Princess back to the mirror, and they were once again struck by how they looked.

 

Ah, that's what Daisy meant by ‘show.’ Goodness, we're a hot mess.

 

Mistress tugged down their panties with a wet shlick. Princess blushed, realizing that they had been leaking just from being fed again.

 

Maybe it’s normal for princesses ? Being fed and taken care of is normal , and being pampered  is too. If that makes us leak or cum or whatever, it’s probably just normal .

 

Yeah, that sounded right! It's not like princesses dressed themselves anyways, and Mistress seemed happy to clean them off, and the warm towel felt so good as it gently rubbed against their clit. Getting new panties was fun too! Mistress always picked out the cutest things for them, and the pink panties were definitely cute! They even had cute little bears on them that looked a lot like Mr Bear!  

 

The nightie came off next. Mistress tapped Princess’ elbows before lifting their arms for them. She really wanted to keep them in the habit of following her Orders. It was soon replaced with... another nightie? It wasn't see through like the one they slept in though. It was solid pink, cut low enough that the flower stuck out, and short enough that their panties were just barely visible beneath the white trim. “Mistress?” They questioned as she tugged the poofy sleeves into place. Sure, princesses didn't choose their clothes, but it was odd.

 

Mistress pulled them into her lap. Oh gosh, they felt so small, and their reflection only made it worse. There was something else about it that was hard to place that made Princess feel the good kind of funny. “Sorry, petal,” she apologized as she began to brush their hair. “This—” Mistress gently poked the flower in their chest, “needs space, and you—” She poked their nose, making them giggle, “need to be able to rest easily. So no corsetry or tight clothes until the vet says it's okay.”

 

“Awwwh.” Those were the best though!

 

Mistress gave Princess a scritch behind the ear; they quickly forgot their disappointment. “I know, dear, but I think you'll really like today's outfit.” She did not let up, continuing to scramble their thoughts as she brushed their hair, slipping their coin into a pocket on the skirt. “If you don't, just let me know like you did with breakfast and I'll change you.”

 

Oh. The coin.

 

“Uhm, Mistress, th-the coin—it's—” The words were stuck in their throat. Even with the absurd amount of xenodrugs they were on, even with not wanting to keep any more secrets, even with her comforting presence enveloping them, it was difficult to just lay their ace-in-the-hole flat on the table after a lifetime of clutching to it. “It's, uh—”

 

“Got all your cute little files and secrets on it?” Mistress sounded amused, as if they had done something she found adorable. She didn't even slow as she transitioned to braiding. “I already know, petal.”

 

What? Since when? And she didn't say anything? But—but all the killing, and—

 

“Huh?”

 

“We don't have to talk about what you did in the wild if you don't want to, it's safe to say that's all in the past now. Your future is here.”

 

Princess didn't know what to make of that. Neither of them did. Mistress had seen the depth of cruelty they had done, and it hadn't changed anything. They could feel her endless love pouring into them, stronger if anything.

 

Maybe if we talk about it we won't feel so guilty all the time? Maybe we can even sleep without Zs again.

 

“Uhm, later? We still think about that stuff a lot, and maybe talking about it would help? Our head is too soupy right now.”

 

“Of course, Princess. How about you focus on relaxing and just enjoy the transition to life as a pet until then? I think you both deserve that.” Princess hummed. That certainly sounded nice.

 

Mistress tied a ribbon to the end of each braid, announcing “All done~” in a song-like manner. The petting suddenly stopped as Mistress stood Princess upright in her lap, so she could see her reflection. Leaning down, she whispered into their ear. “How's it look? I think it suits a little princess like you.”

 

Princess wasn't sure what to make of their appearance, or the warm, gooey feeling burning in their tummy, but Mistress was right. They definitely felt small, and they definitely felt like a princess. There was something about the simple nightie, and the small peeks it gave of the colorful patterned panties underneath. The way Mistress was holding them just slightly below standing height made their knees knock inwards, the pigtails, the ribbons in them that matched their nightie. With Mr Bear clutched to their side it was all so—so—

 

Innocent?

 

That, and something else that Princess couldn't place. They were feeling really hot, and their thoughts were getting really sticky again. The only thing they could really focus on was the way Mistress whispered ‘little princess,’ their reflection, and how good it all felt.

 

“Aww, does my little princess love how she looks?” Mistress cooed, scritching up the back of their neck. “So sweet and precious for me?”

 

Princess' xenodrug soaked mind could handle no more, overloading. “Awabah?”

 

We're Mistress' little princess!!!

 

Mistress drew Princess up into her arms, placing their head on her breast, not missing a single beat of petting. “That sounds like a ‘yes’ to me~”

 

It was a yes.

 

“Now, let's get you cuties to bed.”