I had been a pet for over a month now. A few things had changed. Kijin tied my collar to the bed every night to make sure I didn't get down, he said he was determined to have a pet who slept on the bed with him. I think it had something to do with his pride, when he wanted something, he was determined to get it, or he felt like his pride had been bruised.

He rarely hit me now. Instead, when he was angry with me, he would ask questions. Since we could talk, I would explain any issues I had. He usually understood and helped me with my problems rather than beating me for my ignorance.

We had started going out more, though I was strictly forbidden from speaking any language with other Kiavians were present. We ate meals with his family, went out to the city to oversee things or solve problems, and some evenings were spent with his friends.

I hated being paraded around like a prized necklace. Other Kiavians liked to pet me without warning, or gush over what pretty coloring I had. Kijin especially loved to show off my blue eyes since all the other Kiavians had only tan ones. I stood out here even more than I did in my own clutch.

I seldom bit anyone for touching me, except for a male Kiavian who kept petting me lower and lower on the inside of my neck. Afterwards, Kijin rushed me back to his room and sternly lectured me for a while about how I wasn't allowed to bite because while I may be privileged, I was still only a pet. When he was finally finished, I explained what happened. He seemed regretful of reproving me, but his pride still forced him to punish me by not giving me an evening meal. It was made up for the next day when I had a large morning meal waiting in my bowl.

That was another change. He traded out my kitchen bowls for a fancier set. They were wider, so they could hold more food and water, but heavier, so I had to lean down to drink. There were also more blankets scattered around the room that I could drag around to sit or lie on since the floor was so hard.

One night, I was sitting contemplatively on the balcony with Kijin leaning on the railing beside me. I was only allowed out there if he accompanied me. It was a nice, cool day, perfect for lounging outside and looking at the city. It was fascinating to study, even if I hated it.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Kijin after the silence had stretched between us for a long time.

I glanced up at him, my mind blanking. What was I thinking about? When my memory returned, I answered honestly. "My clutch." The sands of the desert looked tempting. I wanted to run across them, seeking out my family. The sand would feel so good under my feet as compared to the hard sandstone I was subjected to here.

"You're thinking about escaping, aren't you?" he asked softly, looking out into the city.

I didn't move. I wouldn't deny the truth. If he were in my place, he would be thinking about the same thing. Maybe being a pet to a prince was better than to a Kiavian who worked me to death, but I knew I wasn't born for this. I was born to be a leader. To be free to make my own choices. I couldn't deny that part of myself.

I turned my gaze to what I could see of the city between the railings. "Are you going to help me?" I didn't know why I asked that. Maybe I thought this was supposed to be the part of the story where the prince had a change of heart and freed me, then returned to his family and informed them that I had run away, but not to look for me because he didn't care much anyway, even though deep inside he was ecstatic that I was happy on my own.

Or maybe not.

He scoffed at me. "No."

My tail twitched as my hope was shattered into a thousand sharp pieces that bit into my heart. I got up and started to prowl back into the bedroom. The city nor Kijin held any interest for me now, they were only reminders of that hope, reminders that pushed the shards deeper into me, punishing me for my moment of weakness.

"The truth is, I've grown accustomed to having you," said Kijin, turning as well. "You make my life much more interesting."

I turned to him, allowing a biting, mocking tone into my voice as my ears pinned back angrily. "I'm so glad my pain has brought you entertainment."

"I didn't mean it like that, Arala."

"But you said it like that." I glared at him. "I'm not one of your phytens. I'm a sentient, living creature who never did anything to harm you until I was brought here. My people have done nothing to yours, yet you treat us like prisoners." My voice rose, becoming more heated. "A hundred years ago, Ajae lived in peace, as we had done for centuries. Then your ancestors, the ones you praise above all other Kiavians, thought it would be fun to create an entire species of pets, even though we are your equals and have done nothing to deserve this fate." I stood to prove my point, baring my teeth a little. "But you'll never understand that because Kiavians are too selfish and heartless to see anything beyond their own desires." I studied his eyes, not caring if he decided to freeze me. I was going to be punished anyway. "I pray Aqir strikes all of you down when the time comes." I spun, walking upright back to the bedroom. I went to the bathroom and shut the door loudly, then sat in front of the tub, leaning against it. He's going to have me destroyed for that.

I heard Kijin walk up to the door a short time later. He didn't knock, or open it, he just stood there. I could see the shadow of his feet under the door, unmoving. After several long moments of nothing, he walked away without a word.

I drew up my knees, lowering my head to rest on them. I just want to go home, Aqir. Is that too much to ask?

I stayed in the bathroom for several movements. I was getting hungry, and I couldn't stay there forever, so I slowly opened the door, looking around. Kijin was gone. But my bowl was filled with jujan, so he must have been thinking of me before he left. I began to eat, relaxing a little as the first bite touched my tongue.

Kijin returned as I finished off the bowl. We looked at each other without a word, then I returned to my food. He sat on the bed, giving me a wide berth. "My father's side of the family," he said, "is known to be proud. We make ourselves out to be the heroes in every story. We feel there is no flaw in our ways. I have always been told that Ajae do not have true feelings, Ajae are not anything like Kiavians, for we are a superior species. We took them from lives of miserable existence in the wild and gave them comfortable homes while they provided us with companionship. I always believed it. I was so proud that I didn't see how we stole you away, forced you to give up your language, and made you out to be senseless creatures. I have... been a fool. My entire species has been fools, but that all started with my grandfather, who we, as proud members of our family, painted to be a benevolent leader. In truth... I think he was a sadist. I've seen how my father's eyes grow afraid when he speaks of him. I heard the rumors that he beat his Ajae for minor offenses and often killed them. I was too proud of my family to see it clearly though." He stopped, leaving an awkward silence to fill in the space. An unspoken "I'm sorry" hung in the air, but he didn't say it.

I poked at the jujan casings for a moment. "Then..." I hesitated. The last time I had asked, I had been disappointed. "Will you let me go?"

He was quiet. It wasn't the immediate "yes" I was looking for, but at least he was considering it. "No." The answer was soft, almost apologetic.

Tears swam into my eyes. "Then why are you telling me all this?"

He blew out a breath, running a hand up his hair. "I had to say something. It's been eating away at me all morning. I understand that what my family has done is wrong, but I can't just release you. My family would tease and scold me endlessly, my kingdom would think I can't handle a thing as simple as watching over an Ajae."

Pride. I was going to be stuck here forever because of a stupid Kiavian's pride and fear. I dropped my eyes to the floor. I pushed aside the jujan scraps and went to my favorite rug, curling up on it. My tail coiled around to brush my face.

"Arala, please... don't... don't be upset. I just—I can't..." Kijin sighed heavily. "Please don't hate me," he whispered.

One of my ears flicked. Why would he ask that of me? He's admitted he knows what he is doing is wrong, but he won't change any of it. He treats me like his pet. Why would he care if I hated him or not? He has always wanted me to fear him. To fear, oftentimes, is to hate. What does he expect of me? "Why do you say that?" I whispered before I could stop myself.

"What?" he asked.

I raised my head, twisting so I could see him. "What don't you want me to hate you?"

He licked his lips, glancing around the room. "Because... I enjoy your company, Arala. More than I thought I would. I know I often treat you as a pet, and I don't treat us as equals, but... you've become almost a friend to me. I've had friends, and I've been quick to replace them, but I can't ever imagine replacing you. You're somewhat special to me. It's peculiar, and I don't know why I'm thinking like this, I'm not exactly sure how I'm feeling. But I want you to stay around so I can sort it out. I... I don't want to lose you, Arala. I don't know why, I just don't. And I'm sorry for keeping you because of that reason, yet I'm not sorry at all." He stood, pushing both his hands through his hair.

I still didn't understand, but I stayed silent. What is he trying to say? Why would he enjoy having me around? I don't interact with him like his other friends. I wish I could look into his mind, or better yet, his heart.

He let the silence sit between us for a moment. "Let's talk about something other than my emotions. You said you hope someone would strike us down when the time came. What does that mean? Who is supposed to be striking down Kiavians, and why?"

I didn't really want to tell him all that, but I could see in his face that he wasn't going to let it go. Maybe he was asking out of curiosity, fear, or concern for his people. Either way, I had to answer, so I shifted to sit up more comfortably. "Aqir is the creator of the world. He created everything, including you and I. Ajae worship him because of all he has done for us." Kijin had on the edge of the bed and motioned for me to sit on the bed with him. I reluctantly climbed to the foot of the bed and made myself comfortable in the middle of it so he had to turn around. "He... he sent us a prophecy when the first Ajae was taken as a pet. He would send a savior to the Ajae. He would be a royal of mingled blood; poised to take over a place of power; with a deep connection to Ajae. When the time comes, he is going to free the Ajae. Many hope he will destroy the Kiavians in the process. There have been many prophecies since of him, and many Ajae who have come forward with whom they hoped was the savior, but something was always off. We're still waiting, Still hoping."

"Hoping for my people to be destroyed?" he asked, a little heat marking his tone.

I looked him dead in the eye. "Wouldn't you?"

He dropped his eyes first, glancing to the side. "So, Ajae believe in a god who can save them? Kiavians believe in no such thing."

"I've heard. Aqir is... displeased with the Kiavians to say the least. He wants them back for some reason that I don't understand, but he knows best."

He scoffed. "Well, Kiavians certainly don't want him. We don't need a god to solve our problems. We're doing fine on our own."

I lowered my ears. "At the cost of others." He narrowed his eyes a bit. "I don't care if Kiavians come back to Aqir or not. I should, by Aqir's commandment, but frankly, I think the world would be better without them. So please, keep disrespecting him. I'll be eagerly waiting for his punishment even if it takes a hundred more years."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I was rather cold to Kijin for the next month. Yet he continued to try to be friendly to me. He gave me all the fruit I wanted; he respected my personal space; he made conversation and jokes, especially on the days I didn't want to talk, which was often. He still insisted I sleep on the bed, but only because he thought I would mess up my back sleeping on the floor. He got me a separate blanket and pillow for me at the foot of the bed, so I didn't have to share covers with him. I noticed we went out less again. He went to evening meals with his family, but had the others served in his room, or took it outside with me. He always asked if I wanted to have evening meal with him and the family, and I always declined. If he had to go into the city, he asked if I wanted to go. Most of the time I refused, but occasionally I felt like stretching my legs, even if it meant hundreds of eyes staring at me. He also made sure other Kiavians didn't pet me and kept a close eye on me so enforce that.

I wasn't sure what to make of his change in attitude. Some days I found I was actually enjoying his presence. He could tell stories quite well, and in such a comical manner I occasionally had to press my lips together to keep in a laugh.

Thoughts of my family began to dwindle as I lost hope that I would ever see them again. Kijin had made it clear he wasn't going to give me up, and there was no way I could escape the city alone. But, I was almost... content some days. My life as a pet could have been far worse. Other than the fact I was always locked up in Kijin's room, which I had come to think of as my own, I felt like I was almost an equal to him. I was allowed to do most of the things I wanted, and I never had to cower before him. It was beginning to feel like home.

"Arala!" shouted Kijin, entering the room, arms full.

I flicked my sensitive ears back, sitting up. I had been lying on his bed, reading a Kiavian children's book. Since I knew how to speak the language, Kijin was also introducing me to reading. "I'm right here, Kijin. I'm always right here."

He grinned at me. "Right. Sorry. I bought you something." He dropped his things on the bed beside me, holding them up one-by-one. "Drawing paper, a charcoal pencil, and an eraser. I figured after you got a good grip on how these work, you could try painting too.

My ears perked forward as I took the supplies. "Drawing stuff?"

"Yes! That way you don't have to wait until we go outside."

"This is wonderful." I looked up into his eyes as he sat beside me. We had taken to usually staying on the same level as the other, another symbol of our equality. "Thank you."

"Of course. Just let me know if you need more or want to try paints." He returned my gaze. I wasn't sure, but something familiar passed through his pale eyes. Something I used to see in my parents, yet different.

I used the art supplies after evening meal. Kijin was reading quietly in his bed, and I was sitting on a chair. I looked at the blank sheet, then up at him. It's only fitting that I first draw the person who gave me the paper. My hand was unuse to holding a pencil, but I figured it out as best I could. The outline of his face came first. It was shaky, but the black against white was so sharp and beautiful I didn't mind. After a while, his eyes and nose were sketched in. I had discovered the magic of the eraser while trying to draw symmetrical eyes. It was just like clearing sand from a sand drawing.

There was a knock on the door as I was filling in the hair. I jumped up, scurrying to the other side of the bed to hide the drawing and myself. I still didn't like encountering other Kiavians, even if Kijin was there to watch me.

The aforementioned Kiavian glanced at me, then shook his head a little and walked to the door, opening it. "Vlo. What brings you to my room at this hour?"

His brother stepped in casually. "I wanted to talk to you for a moment. Am I interrupting anything?"

Kijin shrugged. "No. I was reading."

I silently crawled under the bed so I could watch them better without being seen. Vlo glanced around the room. "Where is your Ajae? I'm told you spend enormous amounts of time with her."

"She's around here somewhere," said Kijin. "Arala? Are you going to come out?" I knew I could stay hidden if I wanted to, he wouldn't punish or even scold me for it. But I also knew he would like me to come out, just to keep up appearances in front of his brother. He had mentioned to his family that he had renamed me a while ago since he wasn't 'feeling' the name Aunjil anymore.

I slunk out from under the bed, keeping a wary eye on Vlo as I sat beside his brother. "There she is," the prince I did not belong to purred, crouching down to be eye-level with me. "Just as fine as ever. You never bring her to meals anymore, when you come to meals, that is. I thought you would bring her everywhere, but instead you stay in your room with her." He grinned wickedly at his brother. "I wonder why that is? Could it be that you've taken my suggestion to heart, and to bed?"

My stomach roiled. Kijin and I had a very awkward conversation not too long ago about why he had kissed me that one night. He told me it was Vlo's idea, which made me extremely cautious of the other prince. If he said it to Kijin, that meant he was thinking about it himself. We also talked about Ynette, who I hadn't seen since that night they mated. Apparently, Kiavians make love with more than just their proper mates. It went directly against what Aqir had commanded us, and made my face turn embarrassingly warm when Kijin spoke of it.

My 'master' was silent, clearly trying to think through what the best answer would be. As he thought, Vlo reached forward to pet me. I stepped backward, prepared to duck behind Kijin's legs if I needed to.

"She doesn't like being touched by others," said Kijin.

"Then you two do have a close bond." Vlo stood, smirking. "I knew it." I lowered my ears nervously as he looked down at me. "Did she put up a fuss?"

I looked up at Kijin, who was already staring at me, my eyes wide. "Yes," he said after a moment. "She's quite a fighter. She's settled a little now, but only when we're alone. Sometimes... I think she enjoys our time together." He glanced at me again, asking me a question with his eyes. My face stayed blank. I didn't know what to tell him. He was right, sometimes I did appreciate his company, but I wasn't ready for him to know that. His eyes shifted to disappointed, then he looked at his brother. "What did you want to speak with me about?"

"Right. I wanted to warn you that Father plans on speaking with you about how much time you're spending with your Ajae. I don't know when. I didn't tell him anything. You can tell him whatever you want, but I can't take any promises that he'll be pleased. I don't know how he feels about that sort of thing. Just wanted to give you a heads up."

Kijin nodded. "I see. Thank you, Vlo, I appreciate it."

His brother grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. "I've got your back, brother!"

Kijin did the same. "That you do. And I've got yours. I'll see you later, Vlo."

The other Kiavian backed out of the room. "I'll see you in the morning, Kijin. Take care of that Ajae, all right?" He turned, closing the doors behind himself.

Kijin waited for a moment, then looked at me. "I'm so sorry about that, Arala. I didn't know what else to say."

I shrugged. "You didn't tell him anything. He assumed." I prowled back over to the bed, getting my drawing things and sitting in my chair again. Kijin drifted over to look at the mostly completed drawing.

"Is that... me?" he asked hesitantly.

I nodded, beginning to finish the hair. All that was left after that was his ears. They were so weird, stuck almost flat on the sides of his head. He couldn't move them like I could move mine, and they were made of the same skin as the rest of him, while mine were covered in fur. I wasn't completely sure how to draw them.

"That is really good. You are talented, Arala."

I glanced at up at him and gave him the smallest smile. "Thank you."

What do you think of the prophecy? Do you think Aqir will really destroy the Kiavians? Check out some of my other stories, like Stupid Hormones, which is a really short, really easy read. 

Stay happy!

~AJ.