Politcal Future (Chapter 3)

Young Prince Ahadi and Princess Erevu fidgeted at their parents' side. The two cubs were relieved to not have to sit through lessons, but unfortunately there was a reason for the cancelation. The royal family watched as three unknown lionesses approached, entering the neutral lands that were designed as meeting areas for parties of opposite prides. No lion was to claim these areas and usually the reason was there was not much to be obtained. Mohatu and Bibi rose to meet the approaching group. Conversing with the first lioness for a moment. Neither of the royal children knew what was happening, but surprised reflected in their eyes when a cub suddenly appeared before them. She was a pretty little thing. Her fur was a pale cream with a tiny spot under her left eye. She had dark patches around both of her eyes which were a deep shade of blue. "This is Princess Amira, the youngest daughter of the King and Queen of the TallLands," the leading lioness explained, her eyes warm as she gazed upon the cub who gave a beautiful smile. "She is quite charming," Bibi commented as she gazed at the cub. But Ahadi and Erevu were not fooled; they clearly saw the arrogance in the cub's expression, her eyes holding a haughty expression as she peered around. The twins hoped that this would be just a simple visit and then Amira would be gone. Out of sight and out of mind.

Unfortunately, they did not realize Amira's true purpose until much later.

"What do you mean I have to marry her?!" Ahadi demanded. His two-toned blue eyes blazing with anger as they moved from Amira to his parents. Erevu was quiet, her red eyes wide in shock as much as he was. They had not understood the true reason that the party from the TallLands had came and their parents obviously didn't decide to explain the reason until much later. But now... Ahadi glared at Amira who was sitting looking like the perfect cub. To the adults it seemed that she was the perfect child. In the few minutes that she was here, Amira had charmed the pridesisters and also the King and Queen. She acted so sweet and was oh-so-cute. It irked the royal twins to no end. And the idea that Ahadi had to marry this little minx? Absolutely disgusting. "It is common tradition for royals of different prides to marry," Mohatu explained. "It builds friendship and can offer good resources for difficult times." Ahadi's expression was dark, clearly this explaination was doing nothing but making him madder. Seeing this, Bibi took over from her mate. "You don't have to marry her now or in the near distant future," Bibi soothed. "Betrothals are set up as possible matches for political reasons mainly. But it can be changed later on if things do not work out. You wouldn't have to marry her until you are young adults." The aging Queen's words were soothing and Ahadi felt his anger slowly fade. He gave a slow nod, but he had no intention of marrying the snobby little cub. Amira could be bright and cute all she wanted, Ahadi had no interest in spending his life with a stuck up little lioness who obviously was never properly disciplined. He would go along with it for now, but Amira was never going to be his bride.