Starsign

Ten silver beetles.

That was how much his king was selling him for. Perhaps it was for the best, Starsign tried to reason as he watched a dusty golden king approach his own, this way he'd get to see the world, even if it meant leaving behind the one he'd always known.

Starsign watched the kings exchange beetles, before a tail lash from his own - not own, not anymore, he reminded himself - drew Starsign forward. "This is my best male," his father told the king," Good luck, Citronus."

Citronus? Starsign repeated in his head. An odd name, though he'd heard much odder in his days. The king bore a skull upon his head, thick leather straps securing it there, with more of the same spikes of leather binding around his extremities. Despite his appearance, the king smiled kindly as Starsign bowed," Your majesty."

"Starsign." Citronus returned, testing Starsign's name on his tongue," I have a slot for a subordinate male in my pride. Your purpose among us will be to train up my current heir."

"And once he's grown?" Starsign couldn't help himself from asking.

Citronus' lips curled up into a smile, exposing sharpened fangs," There may be a permanent place for you."

Starsign returned the grin.