[-Isabella-]

Khalida walked quietly to her mother's chambers, paying attention to the sounds of conversation and giggling floating down the halls from some of the other chambers. She didn't want to get caught along the way, not feeling up to speaking to anyone else right now.

When rumors had reached her that her father had locked her mother away, and that some of the pride and his followers seemed to have turned against her, she had hurried to come home from her visit to her sister to check on her mother and see how things really were.

As she reached her mother's chambers she saw a guard standing outside and lifted her head slightly, putting on her best imperious look. "I'd like to see my mother," she said in a confident tone.

"I'm sorry, I'm not supposed to let anyone in," the guard said, sounding almost regretful but firm nonetheless.

"She is my mother and I command that you let me in," Khalida said again, her tone leaving no room for argument. Though she knew it wasn't the guard's fault, he only had to carry out orders, she wasn't about to be denied because the king was in a bad mood.

The guard hesitated a moment but then nodded and stepped aside. Khalida nodded curtly and entered the chambers. Her mother had been sitting quietly but stood as she came in, seeming surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you," Khalida replied, taking a moment to take in her mother's appearance. To her relief the lionesses looked healthy. Taking a deep breath she said, "I heard it...It's not true is it?"

"That he wants to be rid of me? Yes I think it is." The white lioness didn't seem surprised, or even resigned, just tired, as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders.

"But why?" Khalida demanded angrily. "He's all but ignored you for this long. Why care now?"

"I don't know. You know how he is. I just...All I can do is hope he sends me away."

"What instead of..." Khalida growled under her breath, unable to bring herself to say it. "We have to do something, he can't do this!"

"He is the king, Khalida. He can do whatever he likes."

"Well you’re my mother, and I won't let him hurt you!"

"I'll be okay," Airi soothed, just wanting to comfort her daughter if she could.

"You don't know that," Khalida insisted. "Anything could happen. What if...what if you go home. You told me your home was nice... Wouldn't they take care of you?"

"Maybe. I really don't know, it's been so long."

"You told me once, that your pride was special. That they had...gifts. Is it really true?"

Airi hesitated a moment, but seeing the almost hopeful look on her daughter's face she nodded. "Yes, it's true."

"Is that...why you've barely changed?" Khalida asked, almost hesitantly. As time had passed Khalida had noticed her mother didn't seem to age as some lions did, still looking youthful in a physical sense. Unsurprisingly that had caused some gossip and suspicion among their pride.

"Yes. My pride doesn't...age as most lions do."

"I know lions talk and..is that why he's trying to get rid of you?"

"It could be part of it."

"I wouldn't be surprised," Khalida muttered, knowing all too well how the king felt about anything he deemed 'odd', 'unexplained', or out of place in any way. "I don't care what he says, I promise I'll help you get out of here."

"I know you'll try, but if you can't-"

"I will," Khalida interrupted. "Trust me."

"I do trust you. But I don't want you to feel bad if...if things don't go well."

"Things will be fine, you'll see." Feeling a renewed determination Khalida hugged her mother gently and said goodbye before turning to leave.

Meanwhile Airi watched the younger lioness go, worried not for the first time that she was taking on too much, putting too much expectation on herself. She feared that challenges were coming that even her determined daughter wouldn't be prepared for.