10 July 2012
"My lady," The Prince knelt, holding her pale hand to receive his tender kiss, "Please allow me the honour of escorting you across the courtyard."
The Princess, with long curled hair to her hips and a small, dainty tiara on her brow, smiled at her Prince's gesture, "You may."
Soria, the great white lioness, padded softly behind the pair as they walked. Her massive paws made barely a sound on the cobbled stone of the courtyard. All men of the guard gave her a wide birth, she relished the power.
"It is a fine day today," Mónne observed to his Princess, "Are you not bored of the castle's confines when all of the countryside calls to you?"
The Princess turned her icy blue eyes to her Prince, "I have no time for enjoyment whilst there is work to be done."
"That is much to the pity, Your Majesty, on such a glorious day."
Soria padded up to the Princess' side, a low grumble coming from deep in her chest. For a moment, Mónne drank in the beauty of her rich, pure white fur and crystalline blue eyes. The lioness' body was sleek and heavy with muscle yet there was a softness in her features as she surrendered to the touch of the Princess' dropped hand.
"If I may be so bold," Mónne ventured, vividly aware of her raised eyebrow, "As to offer my assistance with your work?"
"I do not see how you could help me," Her voice cut through the air coolly.
Mónne faultered in his stride for a moment, looking hurt. At this she added, "My Prince will not even give up his brother to his Princess."
He smiled, "Joha is a common fool, my lady, if I knew his whereabouts I would happily tell you."
Her eyes narrowed, "So you know what I seek in these lands?"
"I do," Mónne lied.
"Do you know where it is?"
"I do not."
"Then you are useless." The Princess turned on her heel as they completed their stroll across the courtyard, heading to her chambers.
"My lady -" Mónne called after her, "Won't you join me for dinner?"
Her anger at his improper address kindled a mix of suspicion and flattery. She longed for her Prince to seek her company, and now, at last, he had. She could not resist but glance over her shoulder and smile.
The Image Realm | 8 • Opuss № I