Intention
A Thursday Prompt story
© 2024 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by :icontechnicolorpie:, color by :iconmarmelmm:
Prompt:  kindness (special condition 365 words)

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The tiger caught a movement to his left in his peripheral vision, and he dropped the trowel beside the rose bush, stood, and bowed.  “Good morning, my Lady,” the gardener said respectfully as he surreptitiously wiped his paws on his apron.  “My apologies – “
“No need, Bustani-jih,” Lady Alys said.  The female leopard and Regent for the young Emperor Vladmir was dressed in a cream-colored sundress.  She was accompanied by an ocelot mel wearing uniform and the rank of sergeant.  “It’s a fine morning.”
The tiger nodded and glanced up.  “Hmm, may rain this afternoon.”  The planet Maratha had no need for weather control.
Alys smiled.  “That gives us time to talk, Moka.”  She glanced at the ocelot.  “Leave us.”
The sergeant’s ears went back.  “But my Lady – “
“I gave you an order, Tarli.  I expect it to be obeyed.”
“But – yes, my Lady.”  The ocelot saluted before pivoting and walking off, his tail snapping back and forth to show his anger.
Alys watched him go before turning back to Bustani.  “He’s been getting too far above himself of late,” she sighed.  “I expect I’ll have to have him killed before he does something stupid.  Those are very pretty roses,” she said with a smile as she changed the subject.
Moka nodded.  “They will be,” the tiger said, “with due care.  What did you want to talk with me about, my Lady?”
“Vladmir surprised me at breakfast today.”
“Yes?”
“Yes.  He told me that he wanted to be known as Vladmir the Kind.  Have you been telling him things again?”
“He asked me what I thought were the best qualities in a ruler,” Moka replied.  “There’s a lot of those, but benevolence and being seen to care for his subjects seemed to touch him deeply.”
“I hope he lives long enough to demonstrate it,” she said.  “His father didn’t rule long enough to show Terrans that he cared about them.”
Moka nodded, his tail swishing.  “I hope he learns that lesson as well.”
“I think he will.  Of course, Felix was ruthless, but even that can show caring.”
“Very true, my Lady, and his idea of fixing Terra will go a long way.”
“Yes.” 
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end