The sun beat down mercilessly on the cobblestone streets as Empress Helena made her way through the crowded market district, flanked by a dozen heavily armed royal guards. The common folk parted before her like waves before a ship, bowing their heads respectfully as she passed.

Helena paid them little heed, her mind preoccupied with the minutiae of empire management. But then, out of the corner of her eye, something caught her attention - a flash of movement in a nearby alleyway.

Curiosity piqued, she halted abruptly, causing her entourage to stumble and mutter in confusion. Ignoring their protests, she stepped towards the shadowed gap between buildings, peering intently into the gloom.

There, huddled amidst the refuse and detritus, cowered the most exquisite being Helena had ever laid eyes upon. Breath catching in her throat, she approached slowly, drinking in every exquisite detail.

“You,” she declared imperiously, voice ringing out like a bell. “You're mine now. My new pet.”

Without waiting for a response, she reached out and seized James by the wrist, hauling them roughly to their feet.

“My guards!” she called over her shoulder without looking away from her prize. “Escort us back to the palace immediately.”

And with that, she turned on her heel and began striding purposefully homeward, dragging her newest acquisition behind her like a ragdoll.