“…to be an assistant to me, and live by my side.”
“Assistant?” You asked.
“I believe another term for it is a lady-in-waiting,” Princess Alisa clarified. “Though in your case, I suppose you would also act as my bodyguard. This situation has demonstrated that our safety barriers can be fooled, and until we can figure out how to keep this from happening again, I will need to be extra careful. Or so Drake says.” The young woman rolled her eyes but gave the older man an affectionate smile.
The wizard nodded firmly.
“And in any case,” the princess continued. “It would be nice to have another companion to talk to.”
You tilted your head. “Um, please forgive my skepticism, princess, but how can I be your lady-in-waiting or bodyguard if I can barely squeeze through doors or sit up without hitting my head on the ceiling?” Shifting back on your haunches, you lifted your forelegs to display your claws. “Plus, I don’t exactly have functional hands anymore.”
“We thought that would be one of your concerns,” said the princess. “Fortunately, Drake has come up with a solution.”
The older man stepped forward. “While you slept, I was able to analyze the magic that had been used on you. With the information I’ve gathered, I can not only recreate the curse but alter its effects as well. For instance, I can remove the mind warping aspect, thus allowing you to keep your own mind while still gaining a human form. I can also give you complete control over the transformation so you would be able to switch between forms whenever you need.”
A feeling of nervousness built within you as you realized what he was suggesting. “Wait, so you’re saying you want to curse me again?”
Princess Alisa gently stroked your muzzle to lend some comfort. “Only with your permission. And this time, it won’t be a curse so much as a tool you can use. I understand this is asking for a lot of trust from you when we have only just met. For what it’s worth, however, I give you my word we will not take advantage of you. If you still have misgivings, it would be entirely alright to refuse.”
You thought about it for a bit. To be honest, the benefits sounded pretty good, all things considered. There was one last detail to clarify, though.
“Um, I wouldn’t have to be a man again, would I? That body kind of holds bad memories for me now.” Finding it difficult to grimace with your reptilian facial muscles, you made do by covering your eyes with a talon.
“Oh no, certainly not,” the princess laughed. “You will be given a form much more fitting for a LADY-in-waiting, and you will have a say about your appearance. So, what is your decision?”