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The last light of evening cast a dreamy glow over the pride’s resting grounds, bathing the cliffs in soft lavender and gold. The air was cool, touched by the salty breeze from the sea, but Dreamland was wrapped in a warmth of her own making—herself.
She sprawled atop a smooth sun-warmed rock, her pastel-hued coat shimmering like a mirage in the fading light. Pale pinks and blues blended seamlessly over her sleek form, an ethereal beauty made real. And oh, did she know it.
A flick of her tail. A stretch of her long legs. A perfectly timed sigh as she lazily watched the world around her.
And then, as if on cue, Neptuneus approached.
“Ah,” Dreamland purred, not bothering to lift her head. “Here comes my favorite lion to bother.”
Neptuneus stopped beside her, arching a brow at her dramatic display. “Should I be flattered or concerned?”
Dreamland finally glanced up, her luminous eyes dancing with mischief. “Both,” she answered sweetly, rolling onto her side so that her pastel fur caught the light just right. “Tell me, my king, did you come to admire me? Or are you here on some dreadfully serious business?”
Neptuneus exhaled, ever patient. “Perhaps a bit of both.”
Dreamland grinned, stretching lazily before rolling onto her stomach, resting her chin on her paws. “Well, I suppose I’ll allow it. But do hurry—I’m terribly busy looking magnificent.”
From a distance, the other lionesses shot wary glances their way. Dreamland was beautiful, yes—but she was also insufferable in the most deliberate way. Snarky, playful, utterly shameless in her teasing. She toyed with them, danced around their patience, but never truly let anyone close.
Anyone except Neptuneus.
“So,” she continued, flicking her tail idly, “What could possibly be so important that you’d disturb my beauty rest?”
Neptuneus gave her a knowing look. “I’d like you to oversee tomorrow’s patrol.”
Dreamland’s ears twitched. “Mmm, sounds dreadfully dull.”
“The border has been restless,” he added. “And you… have a way of keeping things interesting.”
Dreamland hummed, her gaze sweeping over him thoughtfully. “Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear king.” Then, after a beat, she sighed dramatically. “Very well. I’ll grace the patrol with my presence. But if I get bored, I’m blaming you.”
Neptuneus shook his head with a quiet chuckle. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Dreamland smirked, watching as he turned to leave. But just as he stepped away, she called after him, her voice laced with syrupy amusement.
“Oh, and Neptuneus?”
He paused, glancing back.
She stretched luxuriously, her pastel fur gleaming under the fading sun. “Don’t miss me too much.”
And with that, she curled back up on her rock, a self-satisfied smile playing on her lips as the night settled in around her.
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