As I stood there, watching this display of fey celebration and magic, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder mixed with apprehension. What had I just become a part of? I saw Tiger's penned-up shoulders relax a little bit. He by far understood this world better than I did. Maybe cats from our world have their origin from here? I placed a hand on him in a calming motion.

Adrian's lean-in was filled with a mixture of worry and skepticism. "What did you just do and how? I'm not sure we want to be bound up with this lot," he whispered, his dark green eyes searching mine for an explanation. I met his gaze, offering a smile to mask my own uncertainty.

"Honestly, Adrian, I don't know. It was like something just took hold of me, and I... went with it. But let's not dwell on it right now," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "What really concerns me is this family bond thing with Barnaby and the Goddess's involvement. It's worrisome, but I couldn't see another way to sway him. At least this way, we have what we need to survive while we figure out our next steps."

As I spoke, Tiger came closer, nudging his head under my hand. I began to scratch behind his ears, a gesture he'd loved since he was a kitten. "Seems I've always been something like a parent to you," I mused to Tiger. "Though 'mother' doesn't sit right with me. Let's stick with 'Alex', okay?" Tiger gave a slight nod, not wanting the ear scratches to stop.

It was then that Barnaby approached us, a curious glint in his eye. "Well, this is an unexpected turn of events," he mused, his gaze lingering on me. "I knew you had been touched, changed, metamorphosed, but not to this extent. And now, Alex Cheshire..." He grinned at the name, clearly enjoying the play on words. "There's more growth ahead for you. And I must know, who do you call mother? Her influence is woven into your magic. Meeting the mother of my daughter would be quite enlightening." His words made me cringe inside.

I bristled at his assumption, but kept my voice steady. "That's privileged information, Barnaby. And it's not part of our deal." His insistent curiosity about my past, my family, felt invasive, a reminder that in this fey world, nothing was truly private.

"That is privileged information, Barnaby. You will have to bargain for that, and it is a steep cost," I said, trying to maintain a semblance of control in this rapidly evolving situation.

Barnaby's response came with a sly smile. "That is Father or Lord Cheshire to you, my dear," he corrected me with a tone that mixed amusement and authority. "This is a bargain we will speak of later. For now, I have some introductions to make. Our family, even in these trying times, is one of our greatest assets."

With a grand flourish, Lord Cheshire clapped his furry mitts several times, summoning two Fey ladies. "These are two good friends of mine, ladies like yourself. This," he gestured to the lady on the left, "is Lady Lysandra Frostwhisper the 33rd." Adorned in shades of purple, her pale blue skin shimmering slightly, she curtsied gracefully. "And on the right, we have Solara Sunbloom the 3rd. Your elder by far." The woman to the right, with her bright yellow hair and dressed in a vibrant red gown, offered a dignified nod.

"Solara has taken Lysandra under her wing, as she will with you. Both you and Lysandra will be ladies-in-waiting. Solara will teach you everything you need to know to be a proper lady of the courts." Turning to Adrian, he continued, "Adrian and Tiger will accompany me. They must be prepared and educated swiftly. I will not entertain any objections at this point."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

With that, Lord Cheshire led us toward a flap in the tent. Pulling it back, I was startled to see marbled hallways on the other side. I had been certain this tent was in the middle of a plaza. Lord Cheshire caught my surprised look and rolled his eyes. "Did you really think we had all these Lords and Ladies sitting in the middle of a filthy city ruled by Mankin? No, as I said earlier, this was all premeditated, planned, coerced." He stepped through, leaving us to follow.

Tiger rose, his massive form casting a shadow that seemed to momentarily darken the space around us. He glanced at me, his eyes conveying a mix of reluctance and loyalty. "Must... listen?" His voice, a deep, gravelly rumble, echoed the conflict within him.

I met his gaze, understanding the weight of his question. Tiger had always been more than just a companion; he was a protector, a friend, and in many ways, a part of my own identity. "Yes, Tiger," I said softly, my voice laced with an encouragement I hoped would ease his worry. "For now, we must listen and learn. It's the only way forward."

He looked at me for a moment longer, his expression softening. It was as if he was seeking reassurance not just from my words, but from the connection we shared. Finally, with a slight nod, as if accepting this new, uncertain path, he turned and lumbered away, following the direction Lord Cheshire had taken

Adrian turned to me, his expression fraught with unease. "I do not like this, Alex. We should stay together," he voiced his concern.

I shrugged, feeling a mix of resignation and determination. "We've been given our bed, Adrian. After feeling that absolute binding of the word, I don't dare find out what breaking it feels like. Please, go. I'll be fine. I have to..." My voice trailed off into a sigh. "I have to learn to be a lady," I finished, my fingers forming air quotes, an attempt at lightening the gravity of our situation.

As I looked down at my new body, a wave of sadness washed over me. The reality of my transformation, the weight of my new responsibilities, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead filled me with a sense of longing for simpler times. But there was no turning back now.

Watching Adrian follow Tiger and Lord Cheshire with a resigned expression, I felt a twinge of apprehension for the path he was about to embark on. Their figures soon faded from my sight, leaving me in the company of the Fey Ladies. The rest of the Fey gradually disappeared behind their own tent flaps, leaving the space around us quieter, more intimate.

Turning to face Lady Solara Sunbloom and Lysandra Frostwhisper, I bowed awkwardly, still unfamiliar with the customs of this new world. Solara corrected me with a shake of her head. "A lady curtsies," she instructed, her tone regal yet imbued with patience. "Refer to me as Madam or Lady Sunbloom. You may use first names among yourselves, but remember to use proper titles in official settings. Now, what do you already know?"

Swallowing nervously, I answered, "Ah, well, I only became a Lady a few minutes ago, so... nothing really. I can sense magic, and there's a part of me that... enjoyed the negotiation with Lord Cheshire." I caught myself just in time, correcting my informal reference to Barnaby.

Lady Sunbloom nodded, seemingly unfazed by my lack of knowledge. "From the beginning, then. You are still young, but I believe we can have you ready in several hundred years. Ambitious, but doable. There are many things we need to discuss." She moved towards one of the tent flaps, then hesitated and instead turned to a wardrobe. Opening it, a burst of light and a gentle breeze escaped from within. "You will be welcomed into my mother's court. We will immerse you properly in the Fey realm. It won't be easy, but I believe you're capable. Just remember, never let your guard down. Lysandra and I are your only sworn allies here, along with my mother."

Before stepping through, she paused and added, "If you find yourself in a tight spot, let that part of you that bargained with Lord Cheshire come out to play." With those final words, she stepped through the wardrobe.

Lysandra followed, giving me an encouraging smile and nod. I stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath to brace myself. This morning, I was a man. Now, as the day drew to a close, I had transformed into a woman—a magical Fey, no less. The enormity of this change weighed heavily on me as I contemplated what other surprises and challenges lay ahead. With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, I stepped through the wardrobe, feeling the door close firmly behind me, marking the beginning of a new, unforeseen chapter in my life.