One moon later...
We sat in a circle on a large bamboo mat with some snacks in the middle to nibble on.
The owners and Madam didn't gather up for lunch to fill their stomachs (out of hunger), but to try out local delicacies.
From grilled bugs, roasted animals, to fruit and plants, we collected during our explorations.
"You seem to be used to traveling a lot, Little Miss," Romeo commented as we waited for the rest to come for lunch.
"I grew up in a circus," I answered, "We rarely stayed in one place for too long. The caravans were our homes."
"Then, you are definitely going to fit right in," Romeo said, and I felt a wave of happiness wash over me.
I felt welcomed, except by Madam. I knew I wasn't her type, and they refused to tell me her preferences.
Instead, they would say she was a bully and that I shouldn't take things she said to heart.
I realized they overheard when Madam accused me of being a dog in heat, desperate for their attention.
I mean, she wasn't wrong, so why would they try to defend me? Her words made my skin crawl because they reminded me of my situation, and I frowned when the males reassured me that I was not a dog in heat.
I should be sharing them with Madam, not fighting against her for them, and their sudden favoritism was turning us against each other.
Getting into fights with a higher female who could crush you like a fly was not the way to go, no matter how much you were favored at the moment. The male's attention was not worth losing your life over.
"I'm a sheep in heat and...and I'm desperate for your attention," I admitted, clutching onto my white dress before quickly straightening the wrinkles, "I'm the bad one. Not Madam, so... so don't blame her only."
They went silent, even Madam, who was on her way to us, stopped. I felt a knot form in my stomach and began to sweat.
The fear would never leave, no matter how much I tried to convince myself that they were not going to get rid of me. Once they got bored with me, it would be the end.
I expected the atmosphere to become awkward after that, but instead, I was passed around like a furball and got my fair share of hugs and pats.
I shook my head, wiggling my fingers in Madam's direction, through the gaps between the males' arms, "Madam... hug Madam too. She deserves them more...more than me."
My voice was shaky and I felt like crying, but I swallowed the lump in my throat. I had to prove that I was not trying to make her jealous. "Madam...hug her."
They didn't listen, and I ended up laying on Karrak's lap, whose palm fell heavily on my butt cheeks.
"Ah!" I covered my mouth, wincing in shock.
"Will this ease your guilt, Little Miss?" he asked, "If you think you deserve a punishment, I can give you one."
His hand struck my bottom again, harder this time. It stung, but it somehow made me feel better.
"Yes, please," I whispered, humiliation burning through my whole body, but I didn't care. If this was the only way to appease Madam, then so be it.
Karrak took my word seriously, and his hand came down hard. I winced in pain, but didn't have it in me to feel sorry for myself.
Even a sheep like me knew the rules of the jungle: befriend the higher female or be her enemy.
I didn't want to make an enemy out of Madam, even though she made it clear that she didn't like me sometimes and then other times she seemed fine with me.
Regardless of her feelings, she still allowed me to stay with them. I owed her that respect.
Romeo stopped Karrak's wrist in mid-swing, asking what he was doing.
"Little Miss asked for it. It seems to be the most efficient way of cheering her up," Karrak said and rubbed my aching behind with his rough hand.
It was supposed to be soothing, but his hands were not made for gentle caressing, so he ended up making it worse.
"Ugh," I groaned in pain.
Romeo took over, his gentle touch slowly melting away the sting, making me jerk away from him.
"Spoil...Madam," I mumbled in frustration and pressed my cheek against the bamboo mat, "Not me."
Karrak's hand went up again, coming down hard on the exact same spot he had hit the first time to prove a point. I cried in pain but didn't protest.
"She's not used to receiving affection, and probably thinks she will get killed for overstepping boundaries," Karrak said, "She's a smart little sheep who knows her place and that she has a lot of work ahead of her to earn our love and loyalty."
Romeo sighed and retreated to his seat next to Karrak, preparing me a plate of my favorites.
I sniffed and took a bite of the offered buttercup. I chewed on the plant and swallowed it with a big gulp.
"Feed Madam too," I pleaded, "Please."
Romeo paused at my request, and I was afraid he would refuse to comply, but he did. He picked up a piece of grilled meat and leaned over the mat to bring it to Madam's lips, getting his fingers bitten in the process.
"Ouch!" he grunted, shaking his hand. He looked at the indents on his fingers and then back at me with a soft smile, "Shall I give it another try?"
"..." I didn't know what to say, speechless.
I didn't expect her to be that angry.
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
Don't forget to vote with a powerstone. Thank you!
╚════════════════╝