Chen

For such a small dog, he always had a big heart. Chen was the runt of his litter, the smallest and weakest among the other pups. Where others were chosen quicker because of their rambunctious energy and extroverted personalities, both of which were well-sought after by merchants and noble women, Chen would hide. Aversion was his greatest skill. Anyone who attempted to touch him would be met with whines of discomfort, the little one refusing to look, move, or acknowledge them. Playing dead, some called it. Despite his disposition, it was the young prince of House Din who sought after the dog, seeing him as a kindred spirit. Like the dog who wished nothing more than to be left alone, the young prince, Tao, wanted his life to be his own. Instead, Tao was fated to be a pawn in the schemes of his family, betrothed to a woman he had never met. His life, though sheltered, felt like it was over before it truly began.

Both man and dog lived similarly for the first few months of their new lives. Chen, named after the courage that only his master could see, would hide, periodically, behind furniture, waiting for others to leave before he came out to eat. Tao, likewise, wished he could hide and avoid the strangers who strode through the castle, though they bore him little heed. It was difficult, being neither fully needed nor acknowledged, yet forbidden from hiding from their duties. Tao had inherited a castle, becoming a king in name alone within a small, unimportant kingdom. He was little more than a figurehead while his wife, an older and well-studied woman, ruled. Without any real responsibilities, Tao spent most of his time trying to befriend the little dog. Treats and attention did not give him much headway, and though the little dog would progressively come closer, it remained at a safe distance away.

Life would be thrown on its head when Baatar, a lesser Vampiric Khan, appeared at their gates, followed by a dozen of his personal entourage. Letters had previously been sent demanding both supplies and manpower, and though the threats had been severe, no one imagined that he would grace their backwater kingdom. Despite the situation at hand and the dogs' unremarkable small size, Chen refused to be turned away. While soldiers balked at the presence of death, and the larger palace dogs, bred and trained for battle, returned to their kennels, the little one bared his teeth against a lord of death. Although it shook terribly, it snarled and snapped, defending its masters.

Wordlessly, the Vampire left. The change, though unspoken, was palpable, becoming the grounds for his elevation. Chen had defied death and saved countless lives.