Silverlight Terrace dung beetle!

the sun sat high in the sky, casting golden light over the palace courtyard, where siani lay sprawled in the grass, entirely absorbed in her latest discovery. a small cluster of beetles scurried beneath the shade of a broad-leafed plant, their tiny legs working tirelessly to shift bits of dirt and debris. she watched them with rapt fascination, chin resting on her paws, eyes following their every movement.

where are you going? she murmured, tilting her head. the beetles, of course, did not answer, but that didn’t stop her from imagining their little lives—important bug business, some great adventure unfolding beneath her nose.

princess madhuri was off somewhere, likely tending to her duties, and though siani would usually be right at her side, today she had been left to her own devices. she didn’t mind. the quiet moments were rare, and she would take what she could get.

she reached out a paw, careful not to crush the delicate creatures, instead using just enough force to redirect one from straying too far. it turned, feelers twitching in irritation, and she laughed. oh, don’t be dramatic. i saved you from getting lost.