The sun was beginning its slow descent behind the rolling hills of the Eleanore estate, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Naomi, in her white fox form, found herself lounging in the royal garden, basking in the warmth of the fading light. It was a rare moment of peace, one she had almost forgotten to appreciate amidst the constant political wrangling and magical chaos.

Lady Seraphina, dressed in a soft, flowing gown that glimmered like moonlight, was carefully tending to a patch of flowers-purple irises, lavender, and even a few roses that appeared to have no right being so exquisite. It was a calm and delicate task, one that Seraphina took as seriously as anything else in her life. Naomi couldn't help but watch as Seraphina carefully snipped a rose stem, muttering to herself.

"Lady Seraphina, you've been staring at that rose for a while now. Are you going to name it or just let it wither away?" Naomi asked with a dry chuckle, her bushy tail flicking in amusement.

Seraphina blinked at the fox, raising an eyebrow. "Are you insinuating that I am overly attached to flowers, Yuki?"

Naomi's ears twitched. "Not at all. I just don't want you to develop a sentimental attachment to it and start sending it letters. You've already started to call it 'my dear' under your breath."

"I do not!" Seraphina protested, her cheeks turning slightly pink. She glanced down at the rose in her hands. "Well... maybe I did, but it's just so beautiful. Can you blame me?"

"Oh, absolutely," Naomi teased, stretching out lazily, her paws resting on the ground. "You know, if you spent as much time talking to the courtiers as you do to your flowers, you might have more than one nobleman vying for your hand."

Seraphina turned her head quickly, eyes widening. "What are you implying? That I should flirt with people to gain influence?"

"Wouldn't hurt," Naomi said with a sly grin, "though I don't see why you need to flirt with anyone when you're already this powerful." She pointed her nose toward Seraphina's confident posture, which always seemed to exude an air of royalty, even when dealing with something as simple as flowers.

"Flirt?" Seraphina gasped dramatically. "Are you suggesting I should go around batting my eyelashes at all the noblemen?"

Naomi shrugged, keeping her tone nonchalant. "You know, it might work. You've got that *mysterious allure*-don't think I haven't noticed how Lord Cedric tries to sneak glances at you whenever you're not looking. He's like a dog in heat, really."

Seraphina sighed, dramatically placing her hand on her forehead as if fainting. "The tragedy of my life," she moaned with mock despair. "Surrounded by such *impressive* men, and yet, no one understands my true potential." She shot Naomi a playful glance. "Perhaps I should enlist your help, Yuki. You know, as my 'wingfox.'"

Naomi blinked in surprise. "Excuse me? You want me to help you flirt with men?"

Seraphina gave her a knowing look. "Oh, you've been getting quite close to a certain someone, haven't you?" she asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Naomi's fur stood on end. "What? No! I'm a fox! *I* don't flirt!"

"Oh, I see through you, Yuki," Seraphina continued, her voice low and teasing. "You've been spending quite a bit of time with *Leon*, haven't you?"

Naomi's face, as much as it could express, went slightly pale. Her tail twitched anxiously. "What do you mean 'quite a bit'? I'm *not* spending time with him. I'm-uh-I just happen to cross paths occasionally." She stammered, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of Leon's name.

Seraphina chuckled softly. "Sure, sure. You *happen* to cross paths with him while he's glaring at you from across the room. And then you *happen* to be in the same room as him when he's brooding over his destiny, whatever that is."

"I'm telling you, we're just-friends!" Naomi said quickly, her fur puffing up as she sat up straight. "We just happen to... have similar interests. And I'm a fox. I don't have feelings!"

"Uh-huh. Sure." Seraphina grinned, a knowing glint in her eye. "Just make sure you don't get *too* close. You never know when a dramatic romance might break out. Or worse, a *wedding*."

Naomi's heart nearly leapt out of her chest. "Wedding?! No, no. I'm just... just a fox! I couldn't *possibly*-"

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Seraphina said thoughtfully. "You *are* quite charming for a magical fox. I've seen how the court ladies dote on you. Maybe we should introduce you to the prince. He seems to be a fan of yours, too."

Naomi stared, completely dumbfounded. "The prince?! What does he have to do with anything?!"

"Well, why not? He's *always* talking about how much he loves foxes," Seraphina said with a grin. "Maybe you should visit him sometime. Show him just how magical you are."

Naomi opened her mouth to protest but then thought better of it. "You know, Seraphina, I think you might be onto something. Maybe I'll just... disappear into the forest for a while."

Seraphina laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, don't think you can escape that easily. You're my fox, Yuki. And I have plans. Big plans." She leaned closer and whispered, "Besides, I'm not done with you yet."

Naomi blinked, uncertain if she should be flattered or terrified. Before she could respond, Seraphina snapped her fingers, and a servant appeared, holding a tray of freshly baked pastries.

"Pastries!" Naomi's tail flicked excitedly. "Now this is what I'm talking about!"

"I knew you'd come around," Seraphina teased, offering Naomi a small pastry. "Eat up, Yuki. You've earned it. And no more running off to avoid the royal prince, okay?"

Naomi grabbed the pastry, taking a big bite. "Fine. But only because this pastry is amazing. The prince can wait."

Seraphina smiled fondly at her. "You really are one of a kind, Yuki."

Naomi's tail wagged slightly as she polished off the last of the pastry, enjoying the moment of peace. "Well, if I'm one of a kind, you should probably start calling me 'Yuki the Magnificent.'"

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Sure, Yuki the Magnificent. I'll make sure the royal court knows all about your extraordinary abilities... like eating pastries."

"Hey," Naomi said with mock offense, "I'm a very skilled fox! Just you wait-soon, I'll be the kingdom's *official* food tester. My talents are unmatched!"

Seraphina laughed, shaking her head. "I'll hold you to that, Yuki."

And as the sun set behind the castle, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, the two of them sat together in the garden. The world outside may have been full of chaos, but for a brief moment, all was calm, and the only thing that mattered was the warm company of a fox and her favorite human.