The Fox Who Served Fools

Freya Lyon is the Nine-Tailed Fox who has guarded the Noxen royal line for five hundred years, repaying the founding emperor by sacrificing a tail each time. On the eve of her final blessing ceremony she disperses her power as the ritual demands—only to be publicly blocked, humiliated and beaten by the arrogant, jealous Consort Jynna, who shatters the blessing token. Celestial order falters and the kingdom's fortune destabilizes. Though the royals know her true nature, suspicion and selfishness prevail: under the inept King Cedric Grant and the indulgent Empress Dowager they repeatedly harm her. Hardened toward the corrupt Grant descendants, Freya still bears the people's suffering with her remaining strength. When her power returns, she unveils her immortal might, quells the rebellion, and punishes the treacherous.