The lioness trotted slowly down to the edges of the lake shore. The sun was hot upon her back and yet the grey furred femme still felt chilled. She hadn't slept well the past few nights, having fallen more poorly, and today it felt as if her fever was at its peak. All she wanted to do was be warm and yet no amount of direct sunlight seemed to make her feel better. No, the fever had to spike and break before she'd begin to feel well . . . .
All Nawiri could hope though was that this wasn't it. She had been luck to have lived to adulthood as it was, as so many sick cubs never made it with such weak and frail bodies. But she had no heiress in mind yet, and hadn't yet picked a king. No, she'd be fine she told herself, and so long as the rest of the pride didn't realize just how awful she actually felt then no one would need to worry. It was hard enough she hadn't found a proper escort or taken a king, but she wasn't ready yet. . . . They were still getting back on their paws and she was still quietly mourning the loss of her first love.
Yes, it was her duty as queen to choose a new King and begin bringing forth new blood but. . . . well. . . . . Everything had happened too fast, far too fast. She was hardly an adult, and with the war and secondary plague that had struck everyone. . . . well. . . Nawiri had been granted her position during a time of unrest. Self-doubt wasn't something she often felt but today she was feeling particularly low. . . .
She couldn't, wouldn't let her pride down. No. Now if only this fever would break she could better perform her duties and assist those whom were really sick.
Red and blue eyes peeked down at her reflection of the water, taking a moment to study her form. For the most part she was luck - she often fought aches and pains and fevers, but she still had a sheen on her coat and other than looking a little tired looked healthy. How many members were smeared with blood, covered in vomit or wasting away from starvation? How many were struggling with every breath and fought just to live one more day. . . .?
Too many. And they didn't deserve to see a sulky or uncertain queen. No. It was time to put on a face, a smile, and continue on. It was what her mother had to do it was what she had to do and it was what the future heiress, whomever that might be, would also have to learn.
Lowering her head, the grey and black striped femme drank. She'd rest by the lake side for awhile before beginning her rounds. . . There were members to care for, to check up on, and new faces to better get to know.
