Chapter 1: Introduction
Kiko entered the palace, her leather kimono flapping slowly behind her. Her black hair was held tightly in a bun, with a few errant hairs escaping around her face to frame her delicate features. She approached the throne, bowing deeply to the Divine Empress.
The room was bathed in shadows, with slowly flickering candles casting eerie outlines of the walls and Empress. She was a fearsome sight, her immense bare feet draped over the throne, dwarfing Kiko's dainty shoes.
The Divine Empress was known for her eccentricities, her vanity, and her enormous feet that had a distinct odor.
Kiko conflicted within herself, her heart pounding in her chest. A small smile played on her lips as she remembered the Empress's reputation and the stories that spread of her peculiar punishment methods.
"Welcome, Lady Kiko," the Empress spoke, her voice velvet smooth but gravelly with age. "I see you have come dressed in your archaic attire.
Your out-of-fashion toenail polish color does not suit you, my dear," the Empress remarked, her eyes narrowing slightly. Kiko blushed, lowering her head. The Empress gestured for her to kneel, "Come closer, my dear." Kiko hesitated, but obeyed, crawling forward on all fours. The Empress squinted at her toes and snorted disapprovingly.
"Your choice of nail polish is most unbecoming, my dear. Come, let us remedy that."
Kiko sighed, a tear trickling down her cheek as she climbed back to her feet. The Divine Empress had always been known for her demanding nature, but today seemed particularly harsh.
The Empress beckoned for the Tickle Maidens to approach. Three women clad in white robes strode towards them, their expressions serene yet focused. Their tongues darted out, caressing their lips in a practiced and intentional manner.
"Follow them," the Empress commanded.
Kiko hesitated but did as she was told, following the maidens to a nearby chamber. Once inside, they closed the door, surrounding her with their sweet yet overwhelming presence. She felt her heart beat faster and her eyes widen as they approached her.
"M-may I ask what we are doing here, ladies?" she asked, a tremor in her voice.
"Tickling therapy, my dear!" One Maiden announced, baring her tongue mockingly at Kiko's feet.
"Wh-what? Please, I don't understand," Kiko stammered, her palms slick with sweat as she fumbled with her clasped hands.
"Well, my dear Lady, you've managed to upset the Divine Empress, may her greatness live on forever, with your archaic and out-of-style attire," the second Maiden clarified.
"Today, you'll learn to conform to her figurative as well as literal tastes, and toe the line more carefully."
Kiko gasped, her eyes widening at the words. "Tickle therapy?" she whispered, her voice filled with dread.
The Maidens chuckled in response. "Yes, my dear. And not just any tickling but with our tongues. It's our specialty," the third Maiden said, her voice oozing confidence.
A shiver ran down Kiko's spine as the Maidens came closer.