Lion Head Mesa Acceptance

He imagined she would be busy, raising two whelps. He did not press for more — it was neither his business nor his interest to know. Instead, he focused on the little girl before him. Puppy blue eyes set into a small, cute face, and then she was kissing him, leaving the scent of milk on his face and nose.

His heart ached for Satsu. Warm memories filled him, back when she had nursed him. He had been safe, content with his ignorance of the world, and now... Now he knew grudges, resentment, and crushing sorrow. The Prince was too young for such troubles, but still he would bear them.

The girl, Toula, pressed herself into his muzzle, still staring at him as if she were starstruck. He swallowed roughly as Treva mentioned the girl liked him. He admitted, I... I like her, too... She was sweet, still innocent. She could not hurt him like others could.

Siptah swiped his tongue over her forehead, then nuzzled between her ears before he looked furtively back to Treva. I wanted to apologize for my reaction the other day. It... it was not befitting of a Prince. He had seen her as a threat, then. He wasn't sure she was one any longer.