Lion Head Mesa Earthly scene

She allows herself to sink into the embrace, narrow muzzle pressed to the bony crux of Eset's shoulder, pulse singing in her ears. A breath comes shakily from between her lips. I don't want to do something that would hurt you or Tuna.
Minya had been nothing like this, and for a moment, Inji misses it. There was no bartering or bribery to be done within the savannahs; no caste, only work where it was found. Work that bought you food, a bed to sleep in — and what was to be made of work that could bring you power?
Power that you're not sure if you even want?
I hope you're right, she sniffles, reaching one foreleg up to wrap tight around the dusty shoulder of Eset. I don't want to lose this. Eset, herself, her Queen, her life as she knows it; any of it.