Chapter Text
Mira's ears twitch at the sound of clashing wooden swords; the training of the new soldiers occupies most of her attention. Her eyes move between the ranks, always alert to movements executed incorrectly or imprecisely. A single poorly executed strike or defense in battle can cost the life of any of these young men and women, and so Mira makes sure everyone knows what to do.
Moving to the other side of the training field, Mira decides to focus her gaze on her prize-winning team, affectionately called the Saja Boys. And the sight is exactly what she expected; they don't take training seriously.
Abby, a burly, large, and muscular lion, has Romance, a smaller lion more built for agility than hand-to-hand combat, trapped in a powerful chokehold.
On the side, Baby sits watching the alphas grapple on the ground, and Mystery—Mira isn't sure if he can see much beneath his fringe. They are both omega and beta, respectively.
All four are lions, they joined the royal army at the same time as Mira, and all five form a formidable pride of lions in battle, as well as being friends. But they're all pretty idiotic when they're all together and out of combat. That's why Mira is standing there now, staring at the scene, shoulders slumped and eyes narrowed, with a frown that makes the nearby rookies back away.
Baby simply retreats behind her and stands at attention. Mystery follows right after. Abby's grunts as he chokes Romance continue, and Mira's ears twitch with stress.
— (Intelligible choking sounds coming from Romance) — Mira blinks.
— Are you finished? — She asks calmly. Abby and Romance freeze, Romance looking dangerously close to fainting. Abby releases Romance and stands up in record time for a guy his size, salutes, and stands at attention.
— Ma'am, yes Ma'am! — He doesn't look at Mira. Romance comes to his feet, staggering, breathless.
— Ma'am… — Romance stops and gasps for air, — Yes, Ma'am…
—Tell me again, why are you my captains? I don’t know what I was thinking when I chose to promote you…— Mira reprimands, Baby and Mystery nodding in agreement behind her, until she turns to look at them, — And you? You’re more responsible than that, why let this happen?— She asks, shaking her head in denial, and Baby and Mystery follow her action, but lowering their heads.
— I’m sorry, Ma'am, it won’t happen again, Ma'am…—
Mira sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose and rubbing her eyes.
—That’s what I always hear, and I still allow myself to believe it. — She raises her head and addresses all four men in front of her now, — Go back to training, one more hour, and then you’re all dismissed.— Hurried footsteps make Mira turn around, and find a secretary of the queens, Celine and Miyeong.
—Good afternoon, General.— The young man nods respectfully. —Your Majesties request that you appear in their office for a meeting. The subject to be discussed will be explained by Their Majesties on site.— The young man waits for Mira's dismissal and leaves. Mira sighs, already considering possible scenarios for this meeting.
—Baby, you're in charge.— Abby and Romance's sighs are silenced by a "SHHH" from the group's omega. Mira smiles, amused by the situation; she knows Baby restores order when necessary.
X~X~X
The office doors open and Mira enters, waving to the feline guards at the door. At the desk in front, Celine, the current alpha of the pack, and her mate, Miyeong, sat with expressions somewhere between forced resignation and slightly amused hope, with a touch of apprehension.
—General, please, sit down.— Celine points to the chair in front of the desk for the other alpha, letting out a sigh, quite painful if you ask Mira, —I have a proposal for you, and I expect you to consider it very carefully.— The woman's serious look convinces Mira that she really should be careful with her answer.
—I'm listening, Your Majesty.—Mira speaks and waits. Celine lets out another sigh, looks at Mi-Yeong, her eyes as if asking if they are really going to do this, and Miyeong elbows her in the ribs.
—Ughh... Mira, I'll be direct, I feel that if I beat around the bush I won't be able to do this.— The alpha looks into Mira's eyes. —I imagine you must have sensed my daughter Rumi, my heir, coming into heat, right?
—Well, yes, Madam, I noticed.— Mira has been training the young heiress since childhood, of course she not only noticed Rumi's heat coming, but also observed how the young princess, lately, for the past two years or so, has been making advances towards Mira… — But if you'll allow me, Your Highness, why does that matter?
— It matters, Mira, but first let's drop the formalities. Mira, you're a great old friend, we fought side by side when I first took over this kingdom, and you're still here, serving the kingdom and being a good friend... — Celine stares at Mira, — But, answer me a question, Mira. — Celine puts her fist to her mouth and clears her throat, her tail wagging disinterestedly; she's stalling. Miyeong knows this and elbows her again.
— That hurts, Miyeong! Hmph, woman... — Celine's tail wags from side to side, annoyed. Miyeong elbows her again.
— Then speak quickly, or I will. — Miyeong threatens. Celine huffs again.
— What do you think of Rumi, Mira? Be honest. — The question catches Mira off guard, her eyes slightly widening.
— Ah well, Celine, Your Highness, Miss Rumi is a very interesting young woman, yes, interesting, so to speak, intelligent, clever, strong, she has her convictions and is not easily persuaded, she is an example to be followed by many.— Mira decides on the basic answer, what she thinks someone's alpha mother would like to hear. Even more so if that alpha mother is Celine, and Celine being the queen herself, Mira tries not to look away from Celine's eyes, which were staring at her.
'I'll be killed if I say what I really think of the young heiress...' Mira thinks, sweating.
—Hmm, I understand,— Celine's tone says she's still not convinced, —That's great, but Mira, answer me again, but think of Rumi as a potential omega.— Mira can't say she wasn't surprised by the idea. She certainly wasn't expecting anything like what she's being asked. Her cheeks burning and Miyeong holding back laughter certainly don't disguise Mira's surprise in any way.
—Ah, well, Your Highness, I— Mira is interrupted by Celine.
— Just answer, Mira. And I already told you to stop with the formalities. — The queen points out. Mira opens her mouth, but no words come out immediately, so she closes her mouth again, watching Celine's ears flatten, probably in irritation, yes, that must be it, very irritated. Celine huffs, Mi-Yeong beside her covers her mouth, hiding how much she enjoys her mate's expressions.
— Do you desire her? Do you see yourself marking her, Mira? — Celine says more incisively, with a frown. Mira's face is certainly the same shade as her hair now, her ears twitching, flattening and returning incessantly, her tail tucked between her legs under the table.
— I-I, I'm fine — The poor general can't even form a sentence at the moment, 'How on earth did I get myself into this situation?', but Mira takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself, closing her eyes and lowering her head, before raising her gaze again. — Yes, if you'll allow me the audacity, Celine, Princess Rumi is an omega, and a very attractive person, but I believe many must desire her… — Mira feels jealous at this thought. She clears her throat, her tail wagging before stopping.
— Her scent is addictive, I've found myself drawn to it many times, and if I were to mark her... It would be an honor, my friend... There would be no greater honor, but it completely depends on Rumi, I couldn't force anything on her, I would never allow anyone to hurt her, and that extends to me. — Mira is certain her face is permanently flushed, never to return to its original pale skin tone.
Celine doesn't seem very happy, judging by her claws digging into the wooden table, but she was the one who asked Mira to speak. Mi-Yeong smiled at Mira, her ears gently lowering to the side of her head, her striped tail swaying softly. The older omega then covers Celine's right hand, giving a gentle squeeze, and bringing the alpha's hand to her lips, smiling against her skin, and Miyeong laughs as Celine rolls her eyes, defeated.
— Mira... — The name is said with a deep, heavy sigh, followed by a short growl. — I, Ryu Celine, Ruler of this kingdom, by the power granted to me, grant you the blessing of courting Princess Ryu Rumi, my daughter, in union through mating.
Mira's eyes seemed about to pop out of their sockets; she understood the words, but couldn't reason, couldn't think of anything. How should she respond to this? She must look like an idiot if Celine's expression tells her anything.
— Do you accept? Or not? — Mira heard, but still couldn't answer.
— Look, if you're going to keep looking like an idiot, I'll reconsider! Maybe I'll give Rumi to a prince or princess of my choosing.
— What? — A silent beat passes, Mira suddenly attentive.
— No! — Mira finally manages to answer, and it's a cry, — I mean— I— I accept, Your Majesty… — Mira's eyes burn; she imagines there must be tears. Her ears are pressed against the sides of her head, her agitated tail wraps around her legs and then breaks free, wagging from side to side, never stopping, anxious.
Celine nods and rises from the chair at the head of the table, Mi-Yeong following her soon after. Celine looks at Mira, who seems to be caught between disbelief and gratitude.
— Great, I trust you, Mira. You are my most esteemed General, as well as a friend. — Celine sighs, abandoning her regal posture, — And before you ask why you, I say that I couldn't choose anyone better for my Rumi. — Celine sighs again, but she smiles this time. — I couldn't, not after seeing how Rumi looks at you, or how you look at her, and in fact, I could... I could even teach you a lesson for staring at my cub like she's a piece of meat so many times that I gave up keeping count!— And there went the smile. A giggle beside the alpha queen breaks the tension that was about to build, and saves the lioness who was already huddled in her chair under the older alpha's gaze.
—Well, at least now, there won't be any reason to think of so many ways you could torture Mira, Line.— Miyeong winks playfully at Mira. —Rumi wouldn't be very happy if you, Line, hurt her great love.— The omega queen laughs as the general blushes even more, her eyes averting in embarrassment, but with a smile appearing on her face.
Celine and Mi-Yeong approach Mira's chair, and Celine takes the opportunity to deliver one last warning. She stops beside Mira, who remains seated, placing her clawed hand on the woman's shoulder and squeezing tightly.
—If you hurt her, Mira, you can imagine how your fur will look like a tapestry on my wall-
Slap
—Stop it! Line!— Miyeong has her hands on her hips, and Celine is cowering, rubbing the spot where the omega slapped her, her tail curled in the air. With a pout, when Miyeong pushes her towards the door, Celine still turns her face over her shoulder and growls at Mira. Miyeong pulls her ear. The door closes, and Mira is suddenly alone to lose herself in her thoughts.
X~X~X
The door slams shut on Celine's growling face, and Mi-Yeong releases her ear, which trembles slightly, sensitive from the tug, before standing up again.
—Growling at her now won't help, Line.— Miyeong says, resting her face in one hand, chuckling slightly at her wife's reaction. Celine huffs, turning and walking heavily down the corridor. — Besides, she's our friend, you know Mira, you know she won't be bad for Rumi.—
—Hmph!— Celine raises her chin, crossing her arms and continuing on her way. Miyeong rolls her eyes and follows her wife; the guards exchange a light, amused glance as the two turn the corner.
—It's no use growling... I'm the queen... I can do whatever I want... I'll show her what happens— Miyeong, who had been watching Celine's tail wiggle and murmurs, had to hold the alpha by the waist, who had tried to turn around, snuggling into her neck to prevent her from going back to the office and undoing what she had done.
—Stop it, love, you're not going back there and undoing this, you can't...— Miyeong kissed Celine's chin, smiling against her skin, her striped tail entwining with Celine's smooth tail.
—Of course I can... I'm the queen.— Celine buried her face in Mi-Yeong's hair, the scent of her mate distracting her from her decision. The sweet, floral, and dense scent calmed her. —Rumi is still so young... She's still just my little girl, Mi...— Celine's voice sounded muffled. Miyeong huffs, amused. Celine pouts.
— Mi... It's true! You're so mean.
— Am I? Or are you being too dramatic? — Miyeong laughs, takes Celine's hand and runs a few steps, quickening the alpha's pace.
— I'm not... — Celine looks away, glancing at the path ahead, which is leading her and her mate back to their quarters. — I just think Mira is too old for Rumi... — She muttered, opening the bedroom door, allowing Miyeong to go in first.
— Uh-huh, and then why finally bless her? — The omega smiles ironically over her shoulder.
— That's beside the point, I regret it. — Celine stamps her foot and heads to the closet, changing into something more comfortable for the day. Miyeong snorts a giggle into her hand, trying to hide her laughter, but she can't hold back and bursts into laughter. Celine's eyebrows are furrowed in a cute frown along with her lips, ears, and tail.
— Mi! Seriously! Rumi is too young... Her heat is too close, and what if that was just a lapse in judgment?? Mira is... very intense! And direct! Did you hear what she said? How audacious!
— Well, love, you asked her to speak. — Miyeong purrs, breathless from laughter, now in a lighter dress, sits on the bed, patting the mattress for Celine to follow her. Then the omega's expression becomes slightly mischievous, — You were much worse in the past... If I remember correctly, you stole me from Jung Seo at the altar right at the moment of "speak now or forever hold your peace." — Celine blushes, her scent betraying her embarrassment with a soft wisp of smoke, lying down next to her wife, huffing.
—That has nothing to do with it. Besides, Mira is still too old for Rumi...— Celine continues, laying her head in Miyeong's lap, —Too experienced, too... worldly.— The tigress rolls her eyes at the jaguar's tantrum, who is now in feline form, her soft fur under Miyeong's fingers.
—Hmm, were you less 'experienced' when you finally chose me?
—That's not what I meant... Don't try to make me the subject of this story.
—And what did you mean, Line?— Miyeong teases, smiling.
— I- —Celine sighs, settling herself on the mattress. Miyeong lies down on the jaguar's broad chest, one of Celine's paws encircling her waist and pulling the omega closer. —I just don't think I'm ready to see our cub grow up yet.
—See her grow up, or accept that she's grown up?— Miyeong asks, her open hand resting on Celine's chest, tracing the slightly lighter hair, more subtle than the main gradient, of her collarbone and neck.
The alpha looks away from the omega, sighing, and buries her face in Miyeong's hair.
— Well, love, our little girl isn't just our little girl anymore, Line. — The omega says softly, pulling away from the embrace and adjusting herself to kiss Celine's chin. — She's quite grown up now… She loves now. She loves someone who isn't just the two of us. Someone who will take care of her as much as we do, someone who loves her as much as we love her.
Miyeong holds the alpha's large paw at her waist and squeezes lightly.
—Love… soon she'll form her own bond. She'll have her own alpha to give a few ear tugs when this alpha is growling at the wind. And soon, our little girl… our Rumi… will have her own cub to care for and teach, along with Mira.— Miyeong smiles against the alpha's fur, which growls at the mere thought of how this will happen. —It's natural for you to feel this way, love, but think about how happy you'll be making Rumi… And think about how Mira would never hurt her.
Celine huffs again. —I should have made her sweat more…— Celine's tail twitches in irritation, and Miyeong, laughing, wraps her own tail around Celine's to make the alpha stop.
—You almost made Mira cry, Line!
— Hmph, I'll do worse if she gets all flirty... — Celine says with a conviction that makes Miyeong roll her eyes.
— You're so mean. — The omega gives Celine a quick kiss on the chin.
— You love me. — The alpha smiled mischievously, even though her smile still held a hint of sadness, and her scent was still a little cold because of it.
— Hmm, yeah, I love you. — Miyeong looks at Celine's face, releasing a subtle command in her perfume, the overly sweet floral scent. — Promise you'll be nice to Mira, she's still your friend.
— No promises~~ — Celine replies softly, absorbing her wife's scent, a small mischievous smile appearing at Miyeong's hairline.