Andromeda looked down from her throne to see a bubbly purple Coatl by the name of Poppy dragging a mysterious, ghost-like Nocturne as pale as a sheet by the hand. The queen's first instinct was distrust. The Nocturne had a wide grin on his face that the Coatl seemed oblivious to, his freckled face full of nothing but blissful and naive joy.

"Heyyy Queen Andromeda! I made a new friend today. Introduce yourself, Doopliss!" Poppy snuggled up to the Nocturne affectionately.

"Hello, Ms. Queen, I am Doopliss! I happened upon this lovely home you've made after being separated from my traveling theater group. Poppy here took me under his wing, and told me you would be happy to give me a place here to call my own," the Nocturne's voice had an underlying layer of mischief to it that the Queen picked up on almost immediately.

Andromeda's bright blue eyes shone with judgement. Poppy's face however, was too adorable to resist, and her tough exterior began to melt.

"...I do not trust this one."

Poppy's expression started to shift into one of sadness. Andromeda quickly changed her tone.

"However...I will allow him to stay."

Poppy's trademark smile was back. He flew up to his Queen, giving her a big hug. "OH thank you thank you thank you!!!"

Andromeda closed her eyes, slowly bringing a claw up to ruffle his feathers affectionately. Her expression hardened again when she met eyes with Doopliss.

"...Rainwater will be keeping a close eye on you. If you dare hurt a single scale on any of my subjects...you will face dire consequences." her voice rang inside his head. Doopliss nodded, his mischievous smile never fading.

"Oh, don't you worry, slick," he mumbled under his breath.

With that, Poppy escorted him out of the room cheerfully. Rainwater emerged from the shadow of the Queen's throne.

"Why are you letting him stay? You know he's up to something, right?" Rainwater inquired.

"Quiet, you," she turned her head the other way.