Her Highness
A story of confused love, and when it doesn't connect, and finally walking away.
The scent of heat, perfume and ego flooded the gilded temple. The lights from the torches bounced off the pillars and walls, illuminating the tapestries - images of an anthropomorphic lady cow were the focus, her flowing aquamarine hair flowing down her immaculate figure as she was worshipped, physically, carnally and emotionally by her throngs of followers. Within the temple, at the raised dais, sat the personification of the goddess emblazoned on the walls. Legs crossed, her fingertips circled the edges of her throne as she surveyed the dozen people surrounding her. Each person looked different - some with broad shoulders and ruggedly masculine, others waifish and feminine, some wolves, some foxes, others horses and badgers and so much more, all looking up to the image they adored.
"You look lovely today," one of the badgers said as he petted the cow's leg. The others murmured in approval. The cow smiled and stroked the badger's cheek. The badger's eyes rolled in the back of his head from her touch, whimpering.
She spoke. "Mmm, keep that up and I'll let you top me tonight." The crowd sighed wistfully in response. "Or perhaps more. I haven't had a threesome in quite a while, after all. I could use a good beating."
One of the figures sighed heavily, and stood up. The ursine's broad shoulders carried his large frame well, his eyes obscured by his long hair. "I'm sorry, but I can't anymore. I just... can't."
The cow looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"I was under the impression we were dating, but this... this isn't what I want." The bear kept his head lowered, but his voice stayed firm.
She frowned at him. "What more could you want? I gave you a special spot. I even wrote your name near mine on one of the scrolls."
His voice cracked with emotion. "But then, why this? Why the temple?"
A fox slinked away from the bear, scrambling over to the other side of the cow's throne. She stroked the fox's head, smiling, before addressing him again. "I need the attention. It's what I desire. Don't I deserve it?"
The temple erupted in agreement.
The bear moved the hair from his eyes, bloodshot and teared up. "All I wanted was you. When we met, I knew you as this... incredibly smart, sweet girl. Amazing. Fun to talk to. But this... " He sighed and opened his paws, gesturing at her menagerie. "I can't really date you, with this."
"Hey, I stopped actively taking suitors when we started dating. I changed for you!" She scowled at the belligerent bear.
He shook his head. "I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I've watched you talk to your followers. The things you tell them, that you would never tell me... How was I supposed to feel loved?"
Her scowl turned into a sneer as she raised her voice. "You're not perfect either, bear. When I found you, you were married in an open relationship, and I ignored that for you!" A few of the throng tsked at the bear.
The bear visibly shrugged. "I know I'm not perfect. I screwed up, a lot, but the heart of my problem is still here. I love - loved you, but the way I saw you look at that badger... You never looked at me that way."
"I gave you a place to stay!"
He shook his head. "The big gestures were nice, but... I want someone who puts me first when we're dating."
"I did!" She looked confused and flabberghasted.
"You say you did, but yet you were here, every day. And some of these people, I couldn't compete with, even if I wanted to." He gestured to the crowd. "I can't be them, and you want... you want them."
He turned his back to her, and walked away. Her voice bellowed, echoing through her temple. "Fine! Go your own way!" She shook for a moment, then sat down in her throne, muttering. "He's just acting out." An effeminate horse and stocky badger crawled to each side of her throne, petting her shoulders and nuzzling her.
The bear opened up the doors and let the light in and took a last look behind him.
"I'm not good for you, but... you're not good for me either. I'm sorry," he whispered.
The closing door's clang echoed. Soon, it was drowned out by the murrs and passionate growls of her congregation.