Dog of War

CWs:

Princess happily crawled across the soft pet bed, towards the pile of plushies stacked in the middle. Relying on Mommy the last few days had been relaxing, but being able to move again was betterer ‘cause they could play now! Standing made them all dizzy, but Mommy said that would go away soon, and that little princesses didn't need to walk if they didn't want to. She even picked out a super cute dress that was easy to crawl around in just for them; Mommy was the best!

 

The selection of plushies before them was huge! Princess had got a lot of them when they were out with Mommy recently, though they couldn't remember exactly when. Before they got all hurt, prolly. They had been so busy napping or playing with everyone they hadn't even named them all! A few were—The princess bunny was Ms Elizabeth, the moth was Emily, the sharkie was Smoothie, and the fox thingy was Stinky! There was also a robot, and a beeple, and a few others. Princess had only one more spot left on their team though, so they had to pick super duper carefully! It was really hard, ‘cause they were all so cute!

 

The robot looks strong, but we already have Mr Bear and Sir Slithers for strength.

 

It was honestly unfair that Mr Bear counted as a pick, even if they made the rules. Princess could hardly bring themselves to leave them back at the pillow fort long enough to collect another plushie! They had to cuddle him for a while before grabbing another. They did need something more useful, though.

 

Umm, how about Emily, then? We don't have any flying ones yet, and moths are pretty quiet! Those could be useful!

 

Ooo, yeah! She was super cute too! Princess grabbed Emily from the pile and crawled back to base as fast as they could. ‘Base' being a large pillow fort they had built with the help of their second in command on one end of the pet bed. They passed through the blanket gate and into the cozy space inside; there was just enough space to be upright on their knees underneath the blankets. In the center were the plushies they had gathered; Sir Slithers, the snake, Cookies, some kinda brown animal they’d never seen before but looked really cute, and Levi, which was a really big slug looking thing with cute nubby antennae. Mr Bear was there of course, just off to the side. They quickly placed Emily with the rest, and gave Mr Bear a big hug—he always made them feel so much better!

 

“The moth, huh?” Jess, Princess' second in command, smiled. She was sitting near the entrance on guard duty. She had spent much of the last few days at their side; cuddling them, giving them pets, telling them how cute and good they were. Daisy had too much trouble just laying around all day to be around all the time, but Jess was always there. “Why'd you pick that one?”

 

“Uhm, Emily can fly and see stuff from above all sneaky, so we can find out about Daisy's—sorry,” Princess giggled, remembering they weren't supposed to call her that right now. “Sir Warlord Deathspike’s base and we can plan better!”

 

“Oh, reconnaissance is a great idea!” Jess gave her a head pat, making them whimper. Every touch felt so good, no matter how light, and a head pat made their brain all goopy and soupy really fast. “Such a clever little princess! So you're ready, then?”

 

“Th-thanks, and yeah.” Princess wiggled happily, blushing as they clutched Mr Bear to their face. The nice words made them feel all floaty and fuzzy, even if Mommy wasn't the one saying them.

 

“Alright, I let Daisy know we're starting. So, what's the plan?

 

“So, uhm—first we gotta send out Emily so we can see the enemy's defenses! Everyone else stays here until then.”

 

“Okay. I'll be right back, Princess.” Jess took up Emily and crawled through the exit. Princess lay down in the small pile of plushies, enjoying their softness and cuddles. It didn't hurt anything like a few days ago, but being alone was hard for little girls like them, even if it was only for a moment. Their second in command didn't keep them waiting long, poking back in a moment. “‘Emily’ has some photos to share.”

 

Princess sat up in the plushies and everything started swirling around them, so they used their free hand to keep steady. “Ooo, lemme see!”

 

Jess moved Levi to sit next to Princess, pulling them close to help them stay upright. She brought out their pad and they scrolled through a few photos. They giggled, Daisy looked so silly with that eyepatch. Wait, they needed to focus. Her fort was bigger than theirs, but it didn't have any cover. It also had a lot of blue blankies scattered around it, with a big shark plushie on them. Oh! One of the pictures was just Daisy blowing a kiss at the camera. They couldn't help but get all blushy and wiggly again, gosh they loved her. “So, what's the plan?”

 

Huh? Oh, right, the plan.

 

It'll be hard to get past the moat with such a big shark defending it, but it's open, and Daisy doesn't seem to have anything that can fly.

 

Princess could hardly mount an air attack with just Emily though, and she didn't seem strong enough to carry any of the others and drop them in. Daisy would be able to see them coming too, she could stand up in her base. Hmm, this ‘play’ stuff was harder than they thought.

 

Mommy said we're not supposed to think too hard about this. They're toys, we just gotta have fun!

 

They were thinking really hard for such little girls, and Mommy was always right. A bit of a plan would be nice, though...

 

Well, Levi can probably goop up the sharkie, and Cookies can help the rest cross?

 

That sounded like it could work! They could—

 

“Princess Verdun, you are surrounded!” Wait, Daisy? But she was supposed to be defending! How were they supposed to play without rules?! “Surrender now, or else I'll uhhh... I'll tickle you senseless!”

 

Princess poked their head out of the fort to see Daisy standing there, all five of her plushies arranged around the pillow fort. The sharkie wasn't even in water! “Daisyyy!”

 

“Sir Warlord Deathspike,” She corrected.

 

Princess frowned. “You're breaking the rules!”

 

“I'm the bad guy, I should get to break the rules.” Daisy snapped the band of her eyepatch; Princess just kept pouting. “Also there were way too many and I wanna cuddle already, we've been setting up for like an hour. Besides, this is supposed to be fun! Let's just make a big pillow fort and cuddle in the plushie pile or somethin’!”

 

There weren't even that many! Like, maybe ten!

 

“Rules are fun!” Princess weakly tossed a pillow at Daisy, missing by a lot and making her laugh. They crawled back inside, “Jeeesssss, help us out! Daisy's being a meanie!”

 

“On it, Princess!” Jess grabbed a spare pillow as she left the fort and Princess followed after, taking Mr Bear with them. The robotic maid flung the pillow, smacking Daisy in the face with a soft ‘poff!’

 

Daisy caught the pillow, holding it to her face as she fell over. “Oh noooo, a fuzzy pillow gently tossed into my face, Sir Lord Deathspike's only weakness! I am undone! Blehhhh.” Princess giggled, Daisy was being really silly!

 

“Target has been handled, Princess!” Jess said happily, which made them giggle more and more until they fell over.

 

Daisy lifted the pillow off her face to smile at them from underneath. “Sooo, can we cuddle now?”

 

Cuddling did sound nice… however, “We're still mad about you ignoring the rules and calling them unfun and junk,” Princess huffed.

 

“Aww, I’m sorry Princess.” Daisy got up and made her way over to them, giving them a hug. It took a lot of effort for them not to hug back. “Look, why don't we play something else? We can stack those blocks again or mess with the playdough or somethin’.”

 

Stacking blocks was pretty fun, but we wanted to play fort!

 

“Don’ wanna!” Princess flopped over to their other side, turning their back on the meanie.

 

“I think the little lady is starting to get cranky,” Jess patted their head, “it is almost her nap time, after all.”

 

“We're not cranky!” They both whined. Staying upset was really toughies with how good pats felt, but now they were both being meanies!

 

“Is someone getting all fussy cuz they need a naaap?” Daisy snuggled up from behind them, making them shiver. She was super soft, and her fingers teasing across them felt even betterer than the pats!

 

“We don' need ta nap.” Princess yawned, feeling extra sleepy all of a sudden. All the crawling around and playin’ and junk must've taken a lot out of them. Prolly ‘cause they hadn't really moved a lot the last few days and had been playing the last two hours.

 

Mommy said little princesses needed plenty of rest, and the vet did too. ‘Sides, it is getting close to nap time.

 

The xenodruggies were also making sure they didn't get too excited or play too much either. Resting sounded really good. “Mebbe a little cuddling might be niceys? We're ‘eepy.”

 

“Of course, Princess.” Jess laid down, snuggling in-between Princess' arms and taking care to avoid the flower in their chest, and keep Mr Bear between them.

 

Daisy was already hugging onto them from behind, and cuddled up even closer, intertwining their legs as she nuzzled into them. Being sandwiched between two of their favorite sophonts like this was the best, and the xenodrugs made it even better. Everything was just so cozy and warm and comfy and nice.

 

So wonderful and safe too.

 

Princess felt themselves start to fall asleep, but they did their best to stay up. They didn' wanna leave this yet, but it was so so hard for little girls like them. They faded in and out of a waking dream, never really losing the feeling of Daisy or Jess, time slipping by as they floated along. Then they felt a familiar prick deep inside.

 

Mommy!

 

Princess got out from the cuddle puddle and jumped up to their feet to meet Her, or at least, they tried to. They lost their balance right away, stumbled, and fell over, the pet bed quickly rising to meet their face. Vines swept them up into Mommy's arms where they belonged, petting them all over, and Princess felt their whole everything turn into that goopy soupy goodness. Cuddling with Daisy and Jess was good, but Mommy was the bestest! “Aww, did my little princess miss me that much?”

 

“Uh-huh!” Princess nuzzled into the flowers and moss of Mommy's breasts as much as possible, breathing Her scent deeply as they clung on. Each breath filled something deep within. Being without Her didn't hurt like it did before, but gosh did they like Her being around much better. “Missed you lots!”

 

“Well don't worry, you'll be in my vines until nap time,” She purred, Her large fingers scritching in that special place at the back of Princess' head that filled their vision with stars, and they pressed into Her eagerly. Being able to move again was so nice! Now they could actually enjoy Mommy ‘stead of just laying there. Mr Bear was pressed into their arms, “Lunch is ready, by the way. Cordelia is getting the table set, but I'm sure she'll be happy to come get you if you want.”

 

Ooo, food sounds great!

 

Daisy yawned, “I can walk, thanks.”

 

“I'm gonna get everything here ready for her nap.”

 

“Of course.” Princess felt Mommy shift Her attention back to them as She made that rumbly clicking noise that made them feel all funny. “Now let's get you fed, little one.”

 

Mommy always seemed to be super hungry around them lately. Princess hoped She was eating too.

 

 

-_-_-_-

 

 

Camila had never felt so full. Whatever ravenous thing that lurked deep inside her core was absolutely feasting on the meek, vulnerable darling Princess had become. She had never expected her regressed state to be so enticing in its innocence, its guilelessness so enrapturing. Even as her vines snaked up their thigh, the delight in their rhythm was merely at touch, carrying no trace of sexual desire. It wasn't what she truly wanted for the girls, but it was too delicious to not indulge in it from time to time. If by some unlikely chance Princess didn't want to do this again, Camila would simply have to give her a nudge in the right direction.

 

It was unlikely it would come to that, given how happy Princess had been the last few days. Of course, being a newly domesticated pet had something to do with it, but watching her play through the cameras made it clear there was more to it than that. She took to being a sprout like a horse to water. All it had taken to be drawn out was a couple words, some class H to help them stick, a B to fog the memories of adulthood, and a specialized W. That such sweetness had been so shallow beneath her surface—Princess was truly full of delights.

 

Camila could not wait to draw out every last one.

 

Right now, however, it was time to feed them. Camila sat at the table, placing Princess in her lap as Cordelia swept her own pet up into her vines, doting on her before doing the same. “It's fish tacos today, cutie, but if you don't like them, I have something in the stasis fridge ready to go,” she explained, taking in Princess' wonder at the plate before her. Stars, she was just too cute!

 

Camila was honestly a little nervous about the dish. The last time she gave them fish hadn't gone well, but she needed to know if it was seafood in general or just the dish. This was a Terran species, prepared exactly to the recipe and only contained ingredients she had enjoyed in it. She didn't let her nerves come through however, it might upset the girls and ruin the test.

 

“Here comes the airship~” Camila sang, making noises as she brought the taco to Princess' face. Purely for enrichment, as she wouldn't open until given the proper command anyways, but it was cute to watch her bounce excitedly.  She got her moment of truth with a tap, stroke and circle; Princess' hum of delight quickly took any worry she held.

 

Camila let the little one chew, and then had her swallow so she could speak. “It's really good, Mommy! Thank you!”

 

“I'm glad you like it, little one.” Camila gave her a small scritch, letting the joy in her core soar and pour into her pet. Her pet. That was something that brought boundless joy even two days after filing the requisite paperwork. There would be a contract, of course, and she was hers even without the forms, but it was still something to have it recognized by the bureaucracy. The girls in her vines were legally Princess Verdun, first floret. Perhaps second floret as well, if that's something she wanted.

 

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Camila’s vines crept upwards as she continued to feed Princess. It was impossible to tell if the whimper earned was from touch or taste, but it hardly mattered. It all belonged to her anyways. She fiddled with the waistband of their panties, pink with cartoon tiaras decorating it. She slowly worked towards her breasts, as another vine traced up and down her spine. The implant was ready today, the only thing delaying it from its home now was Princess' recovery. Vera had been adamant about the full month when she asked her the other day, and that wasn't likely to change during today's check up either.

 

It was frustrating that the girls couldn't have the peace of mind the implant would bring for so long, but it wasn't all downside. They would have plenty of time to establish how life as a floret looked for her, and fill out the contract. Camila gave Princess another bite, and traced a circle around her nipple, eliciting a whine. She could hardly wait until the Js were through to show her everything that entailed. It didn't help that she was so vulnerable like this.

 

“Muh-Mommy?” Princess' voice was heavy with need and confusion that only fanned the flames of Camila’s hunger.

 

She gave her nipple a pinch, and Princess gasped as Camila feasted. “Just let Mommy make you feel good, okay?”

 

She slackened in Camila’s grip, giving herself over to her administrations with a smile. “Oookayyy.” Frost and fire she was perfect.

 

“There's Mommy's little girl~” Princess shuddered at the praise, and Camila wrapped a vine around her other breast. She gave Princess another bite as she traced the waistband of the cutesy panties—it was playing with her food, she supposed, but that was something they both enjoyed.

 

Camila knew just about every sensitive point on the girls’ body by now, only her most private parts had yet to be fully explored. Something for later. They were hardly needed at the moment regardless, if the last few meals were any indication. She broke off a piece of the taco and gave Princess a tap, placing it on her tongue, paused, then gave both of her nipples a playful flick.

 

Princess let out the most delightful squeak, quickly turning into an equally delectable high pitched whine. Best of all, however, was how her mouth remained unwaveringly open even as she played with her breasts; her conditioning was holding strong. Camila couldn't help but relish in how utterly sublime it all was as her hunger gorged itself. Could she even feed herself anymore? She would have to make sure to train that out of her, if only to drive home that she was reliant on others. Perhaps next time she had snacks.

 

A stroke up Princess' thigh elicited a pathetic whimper—oh, she was already starting to leak, she must have missed this as much as Camila did. Goodness, the girls were precious. It would be best not to go overboard on the first proper session. Even if the xenodrugs would keep her heart rate low, she was only just well enough for such play. She gave her the commands to close and chew, along with her reward; a scritch in the place she was to associate with doing good, and whispers of praise. “Well done Princess, such good little girls for Mommy.”

 

Princess made a long, throaty moan as she continued to soak her panties and started to grind into Camila’s lap. Now that simply wouldn't do. Vines lashed out across her from the waist down, binding her to the spot. She stroked her throat, and fed her the next few bites without delay as a soft punishment. From the sound she made and the fluctuations in her rhythm, it seemed like the message was clear—Camila was in control when it came to meals, Princess was only to let her know if the meal wasn't to taste.

 

Point made, Camila let her mouth linger open with the next bite sitting on Princess’ tongue, giving her breasts a playful squeeze. It was important to let her know she wasn't truly upset with her, just that she had stepped out of line. Positive stimulus was far better than negative when it came to training, but effective training used both. She took the opportunity to explore the rest of her floret—Princess had been getting rather plush herself lately. Her thighs and arms were so wonderfully pliant, and the fat building up around her stomach was especially nice. This was the body of a well kept pet. Circle. If it weren't for the scars littering her body, not a sophont alive would believe she had ever known the meaning of work.  

 

Camila gave her nipples another soft pinch, delighting as she felt her shiver through dozens of vines. Stroke, tap. Truthfully, she had been coming around on the scars ever since Princess' impassioned speech in the hospital. ‘A symbol of what she had been saved from’ had a certain appeal. Princess whimpered, and she slowly traced a circle under her chin. She gave her a scritch when she didn't begin to chew until the circle was fully done. She figured the matter of the scars could be left up to her. When this part of her recovery was over, her Gs would have run their course. Stroke, tap, squeeze, flick. Ahh, she made the most wonderful sounds.

 

Talking about it then would be the perfect time. Gauge how Princess felt about her body, ask her about biomods, do a full check in. Stroke, circle, pinch. Camila had a few ideas, some mandatory, but most optional. Plus there was still finding alternatives for her collar. One idea stood out above the rest, but Princess deserved choice in that matter. She was truly spoiling the girls, but no more than a princess should be. Stroke, squeeze, tweak, rub. That was a while off though, and she was starting to lose sight of the precious, adorable, moaning mess of a girl in her vines.

 

Princess was muttering “Mommy” over and over in-between gasps and whimpers, drooling freely. Her eyes were glazed over, and she swayed side to side even with the support of vines. Her panties were utterly ruined, the vines underneath them slick with fluids. Ah, Camila ended up going a little too far despite herself. Oh well, it was kind of cute how worked up she got from a bit of simple feeding. It was time for a break though; as fun as seeing how many times Camila could make her cum would be, she was already at her limit.

 

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“You did so well, Princess.” Camila whispered, now feeding her without delay. “You made Mommy very proud. Now be a good little girl and just relax.”

 

Princess made a weak protest even as they went limp. It was sweet that they wanted more, but it wouldn't be healthy to push it; it was getting close to their nap time anyways. Camila gave them another round of praise as she finished the meal, lifting them up into her vines and brushing the hair out of their eyes so Princess could gaze into her own. “There's Mommy's little princesses.” 

 

Princess' innocent smile warmed her core as the girls babbled incoherently. By the Everbloom, she was so precious when dropped this far. Camila gave her one final tap, then inserted a specialized graft for giving little sprouts their medicine. She followed it with a relatively new command; a double stroke from her jaw to her cheek and back. Princess began to nurse the xenodrug mix from the vine, her eyes drifting closed.

 

Camila carried Princess to the bathroom and laid her down on the changing table she had installed. It was maybe premature, especially given that she elected to forgo padding this time, but it was still nice to have. It folded seamlessly into the wall, so it wasn't like it took up any of the ample space. Perhaps it would get to have its proper use in time, but it was just as good for changing sodden panties. It seemed best to introduce her to one potential part of the dynamic at a time anyways. Not every little sprout was padded after all, and it'd be a shame for her to reject it because she piled on too much at once. Although, she would be adorable in it.

 

Changing Princess was a quiet affair as they continued to suckle from the vine; the play and the feeding had really tired the poor girls out. They even needed help to fully lift their legs when Camila stripped off the soaked panties. They clutched their bear in the cutest little way, murmuring as she cleaned off all the watery cum with a warm cloth, but that was all. They remained still and pliable as Camila dried them off and replaced their panties—the new ones were white with a large teddy bear face front and center. It only took two minutes, maybe three, before the girls were lifted back into her vines.

 

Princess sighed with content as she finished the contents of the graft; Camila removed it, ruffling her hair as she nuzzled into her breast. Stars, it never ceased to amaze her that such a precious thing had been buried under the blood-soaked sophont she had first met; that she had found her way home through her.

 

Camila entered the florets’ shared room, the lights already dimmed. Jess looked up to her, waiting silently. The maid's soft blue glow was the brightest source of light. Cordelia would be taking Daisy on a walk like usual, stopping somewhere nearby to keep her busy until Princess’ nap was over.

 

Camila lingered as she came to the side of the bed, savoring the moment just a bit longer.

Princess needed plenty of rest as part of her recovery, but a minute or two for herself wouldn't hurt. Her soft breaths were so soothing to her still recovering petals, and stroking her back in time with them was therapeutic. She took her time as she arranged a proper nest for Jess and Princess out of the neatly folded blankets; thanking the maid quietly for her efforts with a few vines of her own. She couldn't delay forever though, and it soon came time to set her down.

 

Princess stirred as she was pulled off Camila’s breast. “Mmn, Mommy?”

 

Camila couldn't help but put her right back. She was only so strong. “Mommy's here, Princess, I have you. It's time for your nap, little one.”

 

“Mmm, nap sounds good. We're ‘eepy.” Princess fidgeted with the mosses of Camila’s chest. “Can we sleep here Mommy? Please?”

 

“I'm sorry Princess, but no.” The words weighed a ton as Camila dredged them out of herself; Princess' sad whine cutting through her core. She immediately went into damage control, stroking, sushing, and rocking her; everything she could do to soothe the pet. “Shh, shh, shh, it's alright, petal. I'll stay until you fall asleep, and I'll be there when you get up, alright? And look—” She turned to give the girls an angle. “Jess is going to be with you the whole time, Mr Bear too. I need you to be a brave girl for me, okay?”

 

“Okay,” Princess sniffled, her voice muffled by her bear.

 

“Such a good princess for Mommy,” she cooed, giving her a bit more comfort before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I love you, my perfect little girls.” With that, she lowered her into the bed like the delicate thing she was.

 

“Love you, Mommy,” Princess mumbled as Jess snuggled into her. She was asleep not even five minutes later.

 

Camila turned her attention to the other sophont present. “Thank you for watching her so much recently, it means a lot to me. You know, Cordelia is more than willing to help out, if you want a break.”

 

“Oh, it's fine Miss, looking after her is fun.” Jess took a moment to adjust her position, for Princess' comfort. “Though, uhm, I did have a favor to ask, if that's alright?”

 

“Oh?” Now this was interesting, Jess never asked for anything and her lights had shifted to a solid yellow. “What is it?”

 

“Can I get her ready tomorrow?”

 

 

-_-_-_-

 

 

Jess could feel the gentle hum of her cooling system in her fingertips as she worked the brush through Princess' hair. Miss Verdun had taken some convincing regarding her capabilities, and only relented when Miss Dawnbloom encouraged her to. Even so, Miss Verdun asked her to wait until Princess could walk easily with assistance, but the day had finally arrived. The Affini had still insisted on getting them up and fed herself, but was suddenly called away for an ‘emergency’, leaving the rest up to Jess.

 

Getting Princess dressed had been everything she’d hoped it would be. They had both been nervous as Jess took her hand and led her to the bedroom; one for the lack of their owner, the other for the realization of her fantasy at hand. Stripping her out of her nightie with a few words of reassurance assuaged both. Even with the stability gained from spending so much time with the girls, Jess still crashed when she changed her panties. Miss Verdun had left quite the mess for her, and the embarrassed noises she made as Jess cleaned her off were just too much. It was less than a second in absolute, but Princess definitely noticed. Luckily, all it did was fluster her even more.

 

Now Princess lay in the pet bed, wearing clothes Jess chose, that she put on them, happily filling out a coloring book that she compiled for her as she brushed their hair. Was this how Miss Verdun felt all the time? It was intoxicating! No wonder she acted so defensively about giving it up for even one day. She'd have to properly thank her later, but she had Princess to herself until noon, and fully intended to take advantage of her. Of it. Not of Princess.

 

Although—

 

Jess cleared the errant data from her RAM, trying to focus as many processes as possible on the task at hand. The brushing was done, and it was time for braiding. Miss Verdun had insisted on the pigtails while she was regressed, to help build a few associations with the mental state. The end goal was for Princess to be able to find her way to it without hypnosis in the future. The clothes had come with a few similar stipulations as well as the panties, but had allowed her much greater choice. A simple rose gold with pictures of bows for the underwear, and an appropriately short dress to match. The ribbon was the same color, its velvet shimmering as she tied one into each pigtail. “All done~”

 

“Thanks Jess!” Princess’ smile was as sweet as ever. “Can we see?”

 

“Of course.” Jess grabbed Princess' pad from nearby, opening the front camera and holding it up for her.

 

“Ooo,” Princess turned side to side to examine Jess' handiwork, clearly happy with what she found. Goodness, she was adorable. “It's super cute! You're almost as good as Mommy!”

 

Jess’ burgeoning pride rapidly deflated as she set aside the pad. It wasn't like she could expect a higher placement than Miss Verdun; there was no usurping their Affini in a floret's mind after all, but it still hurt. She pushed past the sting and executed a smile, giving the girls a head pat. “Of course. It's my pleasure to assist such an adorable princess grow up to be a lovely lady.”

 

Princess wiggled, failing to hide her blush in her stuffed bear and shakily taking up the crayons again. “Th-thanks Jess.”

 

Dirt, she was cute. It didn't help that Princess was so innocent and naive at the moment, so completely defenseless. There was nothing stopping Jess from stealing a touch, or even a kiss. Why, even if she still had the strength or desire to resist her, if Jess told her it was normal she'd certainly believe her.

 

In fact, why stop there? Princess wasn't going to complain, and Miss Verdun could hardly blame her. Jess knew perfectly well just how enticing the Affini found Princess, and she had gone much further than a simple kiss. She could even—

 

[FORCE REBOOTING...]

[REINITIALIZING...]

 

Something was wrong with her, Jess realized. Some sort of defect must have snuck its way into her programming. She kept having these thoughts, and they had only grown more persistent, more severe. What was happening to her? Ever since Princess had become a little sprout, it was like there was a shift deep inside. She could hardly recognize what she was feeling; her system merely labeled it as ‘lust’ but it wasn't like the one she knew. Looking for online resources didn't seem to turn up much besides florn either.

 

Maybe Jess should talk to Miss Verdun about this? No, even if the Affini would definitely try to help her, she might keep her away from Princess! She'd rather be reformatted than be separated from her. Miss Dawnbloom would simply add a step to the process, so she was out of the question too. Who was left? Mx Amaryllis? Fae was out of the sector and had gone dark shortly after getting Jess’ chassis finished. Anonymous chat rooms were anything but, and thus had the same issue as Miss Dawnbloom.

 

Who else did Jess know? Captain Flint had been over a few times, as had several of Miss Verdun’s co-workers, but that was when she was still just a Hab AI with a slightly complex personality matrix, they had never properly met. Oh! The answer had been right in front of her—Syr Rubus! Ze had even told her to contact zem if she needed any help. Ze knew her systems, ze had even been the one to stabilize her code and emotional drivers. If anyone could help her get this sorted it was zem. Jess compiled all the data she could and sent it off, along with an explanation and her worries.

 

“Uhm, Jess, what's this mean?”

 

Princess' question snapped her attention back to the physical, she was pointing to a blank page of the coloring book. That was odd, from what Jess understood her mental capacities hadn't been affected at all. Then again, with the mix of xenodrugs she was on, her thinking was far from unimpeded. Jess gave her a headpat, moving to more fully see the book. “Let me see if I can help you out, okay cutie?” It was kind of adorable to see Princess get confused over a simple coloring book.

 

Until Jess saw what the trouble was. ‘Draw your mental illness!’ in big letters with ‘And how the Affini will accommodate that difference in ability to make you the happiest you can be!’ just below them, in a smaller font. What the frost?! This was supposed to be for new florets! This is what she gets for blindly going with the top compiled coloring book without vetting it. A quick digital browse through the rest of its contents showed it was the only thing like that in it, and the rest of the book was fine. Apparently it had been made by a floret for itself before its owner—an Affini named Mortis, who seemed odd even by Affini standards—wiped its memory of making it. From there it had caught on, and was now compiled for incoming volunteers in Domestication centers all across the protectorate.

 

Well, if it was good enough for that, certainly this should be fine? There was nothing to do but damage control anyways. “It just wants you to draw the kind of stuff that made you sad, and how Miss Verdun helped you with that to make you happy.”

 

“Oh! Okay!” Princess happily returned to doodling. Jess had just enough time to relax before she realized with horror what the girls were drawing; a collar next to an explosion, a stick figure with a bleeding neck, standing next what she could only assume was a pile of bodies in snow, and another, with something brown around its neck, going up and off the page. Ohhh, Miss Verdun was going to be mad. She had no idea what that last one was about, but the other two could not be more clear.

 

Princess seemed unperturbed by the portrayals of her trauma. She just hummed happily as she doodled an absolutely adorable rendition of herself in the corner, with Miss Verdun petting her from off screen, and telling her it was all over now. Maybe she wouldn't be too mad? Princess simply flipped the page and started coloring in the vines and the floret on the page.

 

It never ceased to amaze Jess how well off Princess was despite her past. The horrors of the Accord seemed unimaginably cruel, and they had been on the receiving end of some of the worst of it. It was devastating to think that outside of the compact, sophonts treated each other so unkindly. Yet Princess had somehow managed to stay strong through all of that. It hadn't even taken two weeks for her to be able to move past it enough to accept help, despite that help brushing up against the very trauma that she needed it for. Mulch, she had even been willing to try experimenting with her gender just days into being in the Compact!

 

Princess wasn't just admirable, she was downright inspirational. She had never been afraid to work on herself, even from the start. She had been the one to insist on using Jess' name, even though she had a bad history with AI! And that was her first day! Sure she was still working on a number of things, but she had only just accepted her pethood. It may be years before every rough edge was rendered smooth, but with an Owner to help her she'd surely get there. One day, she would be not just happy, but confident in her place. She'd be more stunning than ever then.

 

Huh, maybe Daisy was right. Maybe Jess did have a crush on Princess.

 

A message pinged through, interrupting her revelation.

[KnightoftheRAMTable]: Ah, Jess, it's good to hear from you! Sorry it's taken so long for me to return the message, I was busy reassembling one of my pets and I spent a few compressed hours analyzing the data you sent me just to be sure about it. What you're feeling is perfectly normal, you just seem to be developing a dominant side! It's not uncommon for Hab AI's, there's several things that can result in it, from floret mode to the natural care for their registered inhabitants. Feeling guilty over wanting something like that from a sophont is common even amongst Affini. The current circumstances are tricky however, I urge you to talk it over with her owner.

 

Jess’ cooling system immediately kicked into overdrive. How a few sentences could contain such an overwhelming amount of information was beyond her. She was very literally struggling to process it. She still wanted Princess to boss her around, but right alongside those fantasies were ones where she shoved them to the floor and pinned them down, cataloging their every reaction as she toyed with them. That… meant she was a switch, right? What did that mean for the three of them when Princess was so submissive?

 

The line of thought was broken as Jess' highest priority snuggled herself into her arms. “We’re allll done with that coloring book, it was really fun! Can we cuddle now?” Princess studied her face, frowning. “Are you okay, Jess? Your face is super red.”

 

Why did she hardcode the chassis’ lights into her emotional subroutines? Jess didn't have time to process this, nor dig deep enough into the local network for the clock speed to do so, and Princess was in no state for the conversation regardless. She quarantined the data for later, with a note to unseal it when time was ample. “Sorry Princess, I was just thinking about how cute you two are, we can cuddle now.” Not a lie, and with how red Princess got, it was certain to stop any further questions. She gave her a scritch around where Miss Verdun always did just to make sure, relishing in her halted gasps. “Why don't we watch some cartoons while we relax?”

 

“Y-yah!”

 

Jess laid down with Princess, setting up the pad to play something called ‘bumpo and Friends,’ and wrapped her arms around them. She may not have answers, but this was more than enough for now.