The Queen walked around him, staring at him, sizing him up. Sol had just told her his real name. He wasn't sure what was going to be next, whether she would attack him or something else. After thinking about it, he had decided that he didn't want to go back to 'Nera, that he want to stay here and be with the Queen. She was the first female he had ever felt a strong attachment toward, despite her being a lioness. When 'Nera found out about his betrayal, they would send killers after him, he was sure. “I was sent here to kill you from the pride I was from.”
He gave a bow of his head to her. By now she must be raging. She would want to kill him, he was sure. “Before you attack me, please understand that I now want to leave my pride, that I want to be with you and only you.” He explained. His chest felt like it was burning. This decision could cost him his life and even Ajani's. “I would like to prove myself to you, show you that I am on your side.”
The Queen went up to him and raised his head. “My lovely Sol. It is nice to finally know your real name. Calling you Rose felt to deeming. Sol fits you much better, a true fighters name.” She said with a smile. Her soft tail wrapped around his. “You have given yourself to me and I am pleased. I have an idea of a way you can prove your loyalty to me, along with showing me your strength. I have an arena where disobedient slaves fight. I want you to fight the slaves and kill them.”
Killing, that was something he could do. “Alright. Just direct me and I'll do what you wish.” He said to her.
“Tomorrow my love. For now I want you to tell me a story. Tell me about your travels.” She said as she laid down. “The adventures of Sol-Lucius. The beautiful fighter.”
He laughed and began to tell her a story, or one of his missions, he told details, something he usually didn't do. However he did avoid 'Nera pride member names. He did not feel comfortable saying where he was from yet or telling her any of his pride members. She ended up falling asleep while he told his story. It had been a long day for both of them. He rested his head down next to hers. If he wanted to, he could kill her now or escape, but that was the old Sol. The new Sol wanted to be here, he told himself.
The next morning he woke up, not by the sun, but a push. He opened his eyes and saw guards around him. “Time to prove yourself consort.” they said with a grin. He was pulled to his feet, despite being half asleep. As they walked, he peeked into a couple of the dens. In one that was heavily guarded he noticed a lioness about his age. She looked like the Queen, but younger and softer. He waned to look at her more, but was pushed.
“Don't go making googly eyes at the princess now. The Queen would be most upset. The princess is a disgrace to our Queen and is being treated as she ought to.” one of the guards said. Sol wondered what the princess could have done to tick her mother off. Later, when the Queen trusted him, he would ask about it.
They approached a pit. Surrounding a pit like thing were lions and some other felines. The Queen was there, watching down, looking at him. In the pit he saw a couple leopards. They looked like they had been maturated. Sol wondered what kind of condition they had been in. Looking up at the Queen he saw Ajani next to her. His eyes were a mix of fear and anger.
“The stakes are different now my Sol. You lose, you do not lose just your life, you lose your friend here as well. However I also want to know his name. His real name. You will tell me it now.” She ordered, he claws extended, near Ajani's face. “If you do not I will not hesitate to kill him. Fools like him do not deserve to live in my land.”
Sol looked down, then back at the Queen. “His name is Ajani.” Sol called up. He saw the anger in rise.
“See now that wasn't hard. Now Ajani here will join the slaves. As long as he behaves he will not be killed.” The Queen pushed him away from her and he was escorted away from her. “If he is disobedient I will have you kill him Sol.”
“Yes my Queen.” Sol said with a nod of his head. He hoped that wouldn't happen, because he had no idea what he would do. He couldn't kill Ajani, but he couldn't betray the Queen .
The guards then pushed him down in the pit. The fight against the leopards was quick. They were too weak to really fight. Sol ended their lives as quickly as he could. “Good job Sol. You will be the perfect consort.”
Another group was pushed down. Sol fought one at a time, this time it was harder as there were more. However only one could leave the pit alive, so they were not all gaining up on him and instead they would pick each other off as well.
At the end, Sol's fur was dripping with sweat and blood. The Queen cheered him on. “That is all for now Sol. You have proven you are a strong fighter. Now come and join me as my consort.”
He climbed out of the ditch with the help of the guards. He walked ot the Queen. Once he was sat down next to her, a golden crown was placed upon his head. “You are mine, but you can have as much gold as you like.” she whispered before giving his a kiss. “Just as long as you remain loyal to me.”
“My loyalty will always remain with you.” He looked at the land. This was his new home, a new start.
WC: 1,062
