Day afterwards
Estrid felt herself get shaken up from her deep sleep having been awake far too long last night opening her eyes to see a kemonomimi butler with dark brown hair with a thin beard, the butler having a pair of dog ears and tail. He let out a small sigh as he saw her look up at him. “Good, you’re awake. Hope you had a good night’s sleep, your highness.” He said as he walked away towards a black cart with two plates and two small bowls on it, with the butler pouring coffee into a cup. “Please pull the blanket more up.”
The princess gave him a confused look before looking down in which a small blush formed on her cheeks as she pulled up covers having forgotten her nude form. “Sorry.”
“No apologies needed, here. For your hangover.” The butler walked up to her with coffee in hand, which she gave a respectful bow as she took a sip from the coffee wanting to get rid of her not too bad of a headache. She saw him look at his wrist watch. “Her majesty will be waking up in around 30 seconds.”
“Majesty?” Estrid asked out loud, confused. Most of Esta’s staff had called her girlfriend for the enshrined spirit of Lapiliszna. Rarely has she heard the term majesty used to be referred to her.
The butler just walked up to the other side of the bed pulling over Esta’s side of the blanket in an attempt to cover up the quite nude elf. “I’m from Eyjaria, born and raised. My mother was an Akuanist.” He said in a calm stoic tone, certainly lacking the general warmness that Akuanists were famous for. He started walking back towards the cart to pour the Jarlynja a cup of coffee.
Esta raised her head with a pained look on her face, “Ny’Jon, coffee please.” She said with a hurt tone, raising a hand to hold her head. “Is the Ashdew remedy ready?” She looked over at the butler, still holding up the blanket.
“Yes your majesty, it’s ready. Now please cover yourself.” Ny’Jon said with a sigh as he walked towards the cart pouring the elf a cup of coffee. Estrid couldn’t help but notice him being rather swift in all of it, as the butler was quick to get back to Esta with a cup of coffee and a small bowl which she couldn’t help but notice having a very strong and distinct smell.
“What’s an Ashdew remedy?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at the butler who already was at the cart again having picked up a small bowl that had the same type of smell coming from it as he walked up to her.
"It’s an Akuan remedy for hangovers, it tastes as bad as it smells.” He said as he put the bowl on the nightstand, Estrid looked at the bowl, seeing a disgusting combination of ash, bone marrow, and a combination of herbs and mushrooms. The color of the soup is a dark gray color, and the texture looked similar to that of wet concrete. The smell of it could only be explained as something took a wet dog and sprayed it with skunks. Only noticing how horrible it smells now that it was up close. “My mother taught me how to make it, and I regret that cooking lesson every day of my life.” The butler said in what Estrid could only assume was meant as a joke but his stoic personality makes her question it.
Esta took a sip of the coffee, not bothering following Ny’Jon request for her to keep herself covered. Then placed down her coffee cup. “You won’t ever get used to the taste, that’s what the coffee and water is for.” She picked up the bowl with both hands. “It’s easier if you drink it all in one go.” She gave a pain expression, one hand on the bowl and a second hand pinching her nose. Drinking the disgusting remedy without thinking twice. When she was finished, she placed the bowl back on the nightstand and gave a shiver. “Spirits it get worse every time I try it.”
Estrid breathed in and out to prepare herself as she followed her girlfriend in this, drinking it all in one go. The taste was utterly terrible as she swallowed it all. Her eyes were so completely wide open as she finally got through it all. Being quick to drink up her coffee and water to get that damn horrible taste out of her mouth. Having pushed the blanket away as she did so, having felt needed to almost rush to the glass and cup. Making the butler sigh as he averted his gaze from both the royals in the room.
Esta rolled her eyes at her butler, taking a long sip of her coffee. “Ah, I feel much better already. Shall we get dressed for breakfast? If we don’t Ny’Jon might end up crying.” She gave a small laugh, teasing her favorite confused Akuanist.
“The breakfast is ready here, your majesty. I can leave the room for you two to eat in private.” He said bowing his head low as he handed them two plates of smashed potatoes, gravy and fried chicken. “I have made your favorite, your majesty.” He gave the two another bow as he stood in front of the elf.
Esta gave a large clap, as the dish was placed on her bed tray. “Ayay! Thank you very much Ny’Jon! Come here so I can give you a hug for being an extra good Akuanist day.” She said with a genuine gleeful tone. Smiling up at him.
“I’m not an Akuanist…” He said with a sigh yet got close enough for her to give him a quick hug. Knowing full well that it is better to not annoy her.
Estrid just giggled from where she was sitting as she started eating from her own tray, watching the two’s interaction.
She gave him a side hug, planting a kiss on his cheek. Then released him, starting to dig into her favorite breakfast. Quietly muttering under her breath, in an almost childlike tone. “I like chicken.”
The butler’s cheek flushed up from the kiss and hug from his boss with him walking away towards the cart staying in silence not wanting to disturb the two royals. Not leaving since he needs the Jarlynja’s approval.
“You two are very close, huh?” Estrid said in a small teasing tone as she looked between her girlfriend and the butler.
“I only do what I get told, your highness.” Ny’Jon says trying to sound stoic, though he was clearly embarrassed
Esta gave a laugh at that. “Oh, is being told to make me my favorite breakfast and not gossip about how I’m eating a sinful meat also part of your job? I don’t remember telling you that.” She says with a smirk. Taking a moment to eat her fried chicken in a joyful manner.
“Well I am also here to please you, it’s part of my job.” He said in a simple manner, as he picked up their two bowls and put them on the cart.
“He is also not an Akuanist so he wouldn’t consider it sinful.” Estrid spoke up before taking a bite from her own chicken, smiling as she looked at their two’s interactions. Remembering how much Esta had talked about him and gushing about him when she was drunk yesterday.
“Thank you.” Ny’Jon said in a sigh happy someone recognised him for not being a darn Akuanist. “I’m an Ulvriktruar.”
“That willfully moves to Lapliszna, a famously Akuanist country built around a single ethnic group of Akuanists.” Esta takes a bite of her mashed potatoes. “Also has the prefix that Nys’tat’en speakers use. That’s just a little suspect, don’t you say?” She raised a sassy eyebrow at him. “Also if you are a Ulvriktruar then why are you so.” She does a hand gesture, “Not showing your warrior spirit as others might be in your shoes.”
“You pay your staff quite well here, and I always wanted to be a butler. So I went to the Royal Service Staff academy in Vakrestrender, when I graduated I was offered employment for your staff in Lapliszna. Working here pays more than it would for other places the academy offers.” He said with a degree of pride, trying to hide the fact he didn’t quite get high enough scores for the Jarl’s staff in Vakrestrender but he was still pretty close to it damn it. “The warrior spirit does not need to come from overpowering others, it is about continuing in spite of adversity and hardship. That is strength, that is the warrior spirit.”
Estrid raised an eyebrow towards Esta giving her a curious look. “What do you exactly mean anyway about him not ‘showing it off’?”
“Oh come on, if he isn’t clearly an Akuanist, then the only other option is a Hjørdist and we know his mother was an Akuanist.” She rolls her eyes, taking a sip of her coffee.
The butler scratched his thin brown beard nervously as he looked away, his cheeks being flushed. “I-I am indeed an Hjørdist, my father was a Hjørdist." He was a bit embarrassed about it, mainly from the jokes he knew his boss would make about it.
Estrid just let out a low chuckle as she finished the last bit of chicken and gravy she had left. “Well he has been quite respectful in where he has been looking.” She held the blanket up to ensure it was still covering her up.
Esta finished her food as well, “So he might be a Hjørdist if he is this uncomfortable.” She mutters, taking a final bite of her chicken. “So, a Eyjarian Hjørdist, decided to be a butler, went to the finest academy for it, and then willingly moved to Lapliszna to be on my staff?” She said not believing any of this at all. “You know we are in Borea right? The East bit of Borea. Not the West with all those andies and their nonsense.”
“Yes I have looked at a map, your majesty.” Ny’Jon in a bit sarcastic almost sassy tone as he picked up their plates putting it on the cart. Normally he wouldn’t add such a tone in his voice but by gods it was getting to him.
“Okay… New theory~” Estrid said in a slight teasing tone as she smiled at her girlfriend wanting to be part of this. “What if he willingly chose here so he could serve the oh so beautiful you~” She gave Esta a kiss on the cheek as she wrapped her arms around her. “Especially with this sight to see~”
“Well, East Borea is known for its mountain ranges~” Esta returned a kiss to Estrid on her cheek. “Maybe he just wanted to see the sights~”
Ny’Jon’s grew a degree more redder at the comments being afraid that the Jarlynja might have seen his eyes having betrayed him at unfortunate moments of weakness. “I-I should probably leave you two be.”
“Oh so it is the reason?” Estrid teased, raising an eyebrow at him.
“No it’s not.” He said turning around away from the two royals.
“Awww~ Maybe that’s why and I suppose I can excuse you after…” She gave a teasing look over towards Estrid. Whispering into her girlfriend’s ear, “Want me to have him kiss you on the cheek?”
“How about we both kiss him on the cheek at the same time?~” She whispered back letting out a giggle as the butler was about to walk out of the room despite no approval to do so.
“Ny’Jon, come here for a moment~ It’s nothing that bad I promise~” She teases him, doing a hand gesture to come over to them.
The butler let out a small but did as he was told and walked over to the bed, his hands behind his back. “Something I can do for you two?” He asked politely.
Esta gave a soft giggle, as the two royals leaned over to give a kiss to his cheek on the cheek. Watching him blush and squirm as they did so. “Now you can leave us~” She gave him a pat on the head, scratching his ears.
Estrid let out a soft giggle as well, seeing him stutter and be a deep red as the two leaned away from him, having allowed the blanket to fall off them.
“Prince Torster asked to meet with you later, y-your highness.” He stuttered out as he took the cart and quickly left the building almost stumbling over himself as he did.
“Aww he is very adorable, I understand why you like him.” Estrid said, looking at Esta as she laid on the bed.
“I still think he is just confused but spirits he is just so adorable to bully.” The elven woman gives a giggle, pulling Estrid in for a hug. Planting a kiss on her cheek. “Plus he is a really good cook.”
“It was some very good chicken.” Estrid cuddled up to her girlfriend before letting out a sigh. “I was so distracted by his cute little run earlier that I almost forgot about the fact that I should go talk with your brother.”
“After whatever Killjoy is doing, I think we can take a special trip to an animal sanctuary. It’s not a Akuan religious thing but I really want to show you it.” Esta gave a squeezing hug to Estrid. “I probably have something to do or sign while you two are talking.” She gave a tired sigh, just thinking about work.
“I’d love to, but for now let me just enjoy your warmth for a moment.” Estrid said, snuggling her head against Esta’s neck, her arms around her waist.
“Make sure to wear extra layers.” Esta snuggled back, wrapping her arms around Estrid.
_
Torster took a sip of his coffee cup as he waited for the Norgsveltian princess to arrive at the table he had reserved for the two of them. With him wearing a more casual outfit, with a black dress pants and a white dress shirt, with his expensive fake black fur coat hanging on his chair. He had decided to have the two meet at one of the few Hakonffee’s cafes in the country. Having been set up by some of the rare, more wealthier kemonomimi in the country. He had before tried to convince his father and sister to give more rights to the kemonomimi majority population in Lapiliszna but well, with his sister’s general less than stellar interest in politics and his father’s only focus on the country being how much it benefited the Blåskovian aristocracy and military, his attempts was more than just futile. His only hope was that his older brother would be far more… Sapient ruler then his father in the future. His thoughts about his family’s politics being broken by the sound of the cafe’s door opening in which he saw Princess Estrid enter. The princess was wearing a black winter coat, one which the prince couldn’t help but notice being almost the same type of jacket his sister had worn a lot. Making him smile warmly as he saw it gesturing to the two to come to his table.
“Morning Prince Torster.” Estrid gave a warm smile, “Let me get a coffee first, then I take a seat.” She spends a moment getting a cup of coffee, before taking a seat at the table. She pulled at her black coat closer to her. “Goodness it’s a blizzard out there, is the weather in Borea always like that?” She gives a look towards the prince.
The prince let out a small chuckle at that. “Not always, though being in an interior country it ends up being quite a bit worse compared to nations like Rikevaarland.” He took a sip from his coffee again giving the princess a small moment to finish ordering her coffee. “Even for Blåskovian elves it can be a bit too much at times, never understood how tieflings and kemonomimi are so adept at handling East Borea’s cruel coldness.”
“Honestly though, I can’t understand how the Akuanist evolved here” She shakes her head, “While Esta and I were traveling here, I saw one of those Borean bears and they are just monstrous looking. Seems like everything on this continent evolved to just harm people.” She takes a sip of her coffee, feeling the warmth of it.
“It is curious how Blåskovian culture took a completely different lesson from the Borean climate compared to our Akuan counterparts.” Torster let out a small sigh thinking about the different development the two cultures went through. “Though I doubt you’d be interested in an historical lesson, I hope the hangover between you and Esta wasn’t too bad? The two of you did get a little bit too drunk last night.”
Estrid gave a shiver remembering the taste of the Akuan soup. “Her favorite butler gave us a sort of horrid tasting soup, Ashdew I think it was? It cleared up the hangover but Gods, it tasted completely horrid.” She had to take a longer drink still trying to get the memory of the remedy out of her mind. “How was yours? I saw you take more than a few sips of wine last night.”
“I had a few glasses but with help from my wife I was able to at least walk and have my wits with me.” He said with a small chuckle leaving his lips as he took another sip from his coffee. “I was fine, just needed a bit of coffee and food then I was back to normal. Didn’t need any horrid remedy to get me back on my feet.” He had a small teasing tone saying that.
The princess gave a small chuckle, “I take it you had to have it before too?” She gave a warm smile towards him. “Though I take it you didn’t want to meet with me in private to ask about my hangover and I do I have a few questions of my own if I am not overstepping.”
“Never tried it personally, but I have seen my older brother try it during his college years.” Torster had to muffle his laughter thinking about Wilan almost puking on the floor when one of their maids gave him a bowl of whatever the hel that remedy was. Having to calm his brother down for thinking their maid was trying to poison him. “It is just to ask, I had some questions about you and Esta, if you don’t mind.”
“Well, I answer some of yours if you answer some of mine about her. She’s kind of closed off about some things.” She took a sip of her coffee. “You can go first, and just let me know if I’m overstepping on something.” Estrid gave a polite smile.
He nodded his head at that, his expression turning a bit more serious. “I’ll try to not occupy your time too much.” He took a sip from his coffee. “How are things going between you and Esta? Hopefully the two of you haven’t had any fights?”
“Not really, she can be a bit childish but other than that she is quite reasonable. Well besides the odd time she wants to cause a bit of chaos.” She gives a smirk at that, “She does love messing with uncle Olav and Jørgen.” She reflects on the memory of the two of them, taking Jorgen’s collection of pristine figurines and taking them out of the box. The jarl almost blew a fuse at that. “Would you mind if I asked about Esta relationship with your parents? She seemed quite… strange when I brought up meeting the king.”
The prince let out a sigh as he fell quiet trying to think of the right words for it all. “Its… complicated. Our family isn’t normal, our father neglected her and I think she is desperately trying to get his approval. I am certain that’s why nothing gets changed here when I know she has the power to do so.” He scratched the back of his head nervously. “In contrast, our mother, well. Our mother was cruel towards Esta, at her best she would neglect Esta. At her worst Esta would be beaten.”
Estrid took a few moments to take it all in, not sure how someone as kind and sweet as Esta could come from such a horrid family. Almost unthinkable honestly, for a parent to treat their child like that. “Thats… huh…” Taking another sip of her coffee, not even knowing what to say to that.
“It’s a lot, I understand. Take a moment to process it.” Torster said with a somber look on his face, giving the princess a moment to take it in.
The Norgsveltian princess scratched her hand nervously. Trying to think what to say, but words failed her. They sat there letting a few moments pass by before speaking again. “Could you explain why she considers the maid, Ny’Kuil her mother then? I can understand if they’re very close given the situation but calling her real mother seems a bit… Much. I hope I am not overstepping here.” She gave a worried look towards the prince.
The elven prince gave her a slow nod hearing that, falling quiet for a moment. Seeming deep in thought before finally speaking up. “Ny’Kuil practically raised Esta, more so than either of our parents did.” He took a small sip from his coffee cup, looking down at it. Once more seeming lost in thought. “Neither she nor my brother got much love from our mother, and father hardly cared about any of us.”
Estrid thought to her own parents raising her, sure they could be a bit strict at times but never unloving. “I see, is… Ny’Kuil still alive? I’m sorry if that sounds harsh but I hear and read things about Borea that honestly made me quite a bit scared of visiting here in the first place.”
“She is, she has recently taken some time off from work but other than that she is alive and well.” Torster did not blame her for her question, half the reason he was working with parliamentarians was for that reason after all. “She deserves a moment of rest for all she has done for my family after all. The gods blessed us with her.”
Estrid gave a warm nod, and a sigh of relief. "That’s good to hear then, I hope to meet her one day. Given how much Esta gushes over her.” She gave a soft smile. “I already met Ny’Jon, so meeting another person she loves to talk about would be nice.”
“I’m certain you will one day, mainly because Esta would want to ensure you meet her.” Torster let out a small chuckle. “Ny’Jon is her head butler isn’t it? You must tell him that me and my wife are rather impressed by the staff’s ability to ensure Esta’s parties go as smoothly as they do despite her…”
“Flirtatious personality and creative way of describing someone’s finer features?” Estrid jokes, giving a small laugh. “Believe me, I get it.”
“…Yes that.” He gave her a polite smile, having in reality been trying to find a kinder way of saying ‘sociopathic tendencies’. “Eitherway he does a good job dealing with her, I just hope the poor guy doesn’t regret working for her.”
“I hope not, I can see why Esta likes messing with him so much after this morning. Poor guy was practically flustered with embarrassment.” She gave another small laugh.
“I hope you haven’t been infected by my sister’s flirtatious nature now. She creates enough trouble alone.” Torster let out a small chuckle, one that was from amusement though he does genuinely hope his sister hasn’t influenced the Norgsveltian princess too much. “My brother has told me that she acted flirtatious towards even the Fylkir, I can’t imagine him taking that well.”
“Why? Is the married man hoping to get lucky~” Estrid teased him, with a grin. “Nope Esta has not infected me at all.” She took another sip of her coffee. “As for her flirting with uncle Olav, it’s all in good fun. Wilhelmina thinks it quite hilarious with all her jokes and effort she puts in. During his anniversary on the throne, she helped Esta sneak in and hide in the closet.”
“Please tell me she was wearing clothes.” Torster couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh fearing the absolute worst.
“That time she was.” Estrid slipped out another chuckle. “Goodness she ruined his birthday cake, oh gods or the time she used the box to-”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Torster interrupted her, letting out a weak chuckle. The ‘box’ present is one his brother has seen way too many times. Which brought at best a chuckle and… way to flirtatious comment from Wilan when he saw Esta doing that or an annoyed sigh from him. “I’m surprised you’re rather flippant about it? Not sure how I’d feel If my wife did that to men who could be her father.” He shook his head at the ridiculousness of it.
“It’s just in good fun, and making uncle Olav uncomfortable is very fun.” Estrid kept chuckling. “She does take it too far sometimes, but usually it’s just harassing him and making him embarrassed or upset before we take our leave.”
“Well as long as she doesn’t get too wild and doesn’t catch a crush on him I guess everything will be fine.” The elven prince took a sip from his coffee.
“We thought about switching it up, harassing Wilhelmina for a little while. Though I picture she won’t be as fun as Olav.” She finishes her cup of coffee.
“As fun as I can imagine you two had with bullying the poor Fylkir. I do have some questions to ask.” Torster let out a small sigh trying to find the correct way to go by this. “Has my sister… In any way or form acted… weird? As in, perhaps being very clingy?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Ah, well… I really hope you don’t take offense but…” She thinks for a moment. “No more weirder than the other East Boreans I ever met. N-not that it’s a bad thing to be weird or anything.” She was quick to add that detail in. “It’s just well… I mean… On my way here, I saw a sign that said no Kemonomimi allowed and across the street from that store it said hang your local elf. It felt so extreme and insane to see such hateful stuff just out in public.”
“Ah. Well, that is East Borea for you.” Torster joked trying to lighten the mood with a chuckle though it came up as painfully weak. “Trust me I do get what you mean. My mother sent me to the Royal University in Osfjord for that reason, and wanted me to be more… ‘innocent’ as she put it.” He had spent years studying in Osfjord when he was in his 20s and well it almost became a culture shock when he returned back to Blåskog.
“I mean, Esta is a little bit.” Estrid moving her hand around in a circle. “Borean but I never heard her be really hateful towards groups of people at least. I guess your mother was right about the university, you haven’t called me anything hateful… Yet.” She cracks a smile.
“Nor am I planning to.” He let out a genuine chuckle this time shaking his head in amusement. “I will always be thankful that my mother sent me to that university. It’s where I met Velina.” His voice was warm, smiling at a memory before a small frown formed on his lips. Almost like a flinch. Though he was quick to take a sip from his coffee cup to try to cover it. Finishing his cup as he did so.
“How is she taking the culture shock? I’m still going through what happened at the airport when we landed. Not to mention how everyone treats Esta here.” She wasn’t going to be rude and ask why he stopped smiling for a second. It probably was just an East Borean tick or something. “On that note, how are you handling how Nystapi people treat her?”
“Velina was well surprised, but she got used to it after all these years. Blåskovians treat her well and she looks different from the Zrei and average Blåskovians to avoid the same treatment that elves usually get from kemonomimi here.” He chuckled as he thought back to a moment when he needed his wife to talk with one of Esta’s maids as they were rather afraid when he tried to talk to them. “I think it’s all a bit much, though I do not want to offend the Nystapi by criticizing the way they follow my sister’s rule.” He tried his best to hide his big dislike of the effective cultish worship his sister got from the Nystapi people.
She gave a shrug. “Kinda scary seeing her be a leader while also knowing she sleeps with the nightlight on and cuddles plushies. I don’t really know much about how she governs honestly, she always told me she was a ceremonial ruler and religious head of the Nystapi Akuanists here.”
“On paper she is practically an absolute monarch, in practice her laziness has let prime minister Liljeström do most of the administration letting her be more ceremonial.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Though he can only do as far as he can with her approval, there been times that because of my father’s involvement there been much needed reforms that been blocked after he called her to block them.”
“Ah, I understand.” Estrid didn’t really understand but pretended to be out of politeness. “So he’s very unusual for then? I’m not too sure about the history of Nystapi and when I ask Esta. She usually says it’s boring and changes the subject.”
“Depends on what you consider unusual. He is quite democratic and normal. For East Borean standards.” He made clear to add the last part, knowing fully well that Norgsveltians and well most democracies has different opinions on it.
“I mean…” Estrid tried to think of the least offensive way she could explain what she meant. “East Borea has an ethnostate, a theocratic socialist authoritarian state, and a bunch of other autocratic stuff around. So like… Well I hope you get what I mean.”
“Well. Liljeström is what I can best describe as an authoritarian democrat.” The elven prince took a moment to think more on how to word it. “Him and his Nystapi People’s Party has a dominant position in the legislature and administration. With some… harsh censorships at certain times. But overall there is an element of letting democratic participation and not abusing the law. It’s not fair… but well it is far better than rest of East Borea.”
“Oh well at least umm…” She scratched the back of her head. “Can we stop talking about politics?” Estrid gave a weak smile towards him. Truly understanding why Wilhelmina and Jørgen was always so avoidance towards it.
Torster couldn’t help but let out a warm laughter, not too loud but one that was louder than his usual chuckles. “You do seem to fit well with Esta.” He gave her a bright smile.