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[Roleplay Post]
The warm glow of dusk bathed the den site in soft amber light, casting long shadows along the rocky cliffs. The scent of milk and sun-warmed fur lingered in the air, mingling with the salty breeze rolling in from the sea. In the heart of the pride’s nursery, nestled among the smooth stones and dried grasses, lay Dolceleche—a vision of golden perfection, her sleek coat shimmering like melted honey in the fading light.
Her beauty was undeniable, but there was a sharpness beneath it—a quiet, watchful tension. She lay curled around the pride’s cubs, her tail sweeping protectively over them, her golden eyes half-lidded as she groomed one absentmindedly. She was a broodmother, yes, but not a mother. And certainly not a fool.
The soft padding of paws announced his presence before he spoke.
“Dolceleche.”
She didn’t look up as Neptuneus approached, though her ears twitched at the sound of his voice. “My king,” she murmured, her tone smooth but distant. “To what do I owe this visit?”
Neptuneus regarded her quietly, taking in the careful way she positioned herself between the cubs and the world beyond. “I make it a habit to check on those who guard our future.”
Dolceleche let out a soft hum, nudging one of the sleeping cubs closer to her warm flank. “How noble,” she mused, though there was no true warmth in her words. “And yet, it is curious. You trust me with the pride’s young, but do you trust me?”
Neptuneus did not answer immediately, and that silence made her finally lift her gaze to meet his. Her eyes were rich and glitteringl, but cold—always searching, always suspecting.
“I claimed you as part of this pride,” Neptuneus said evenly. “I trust that you will protect it as fiercely as you do these cubs.”
Dolceleche’s expression remained unreadable. “You claimed me, yes. But trust…” She tilted her head slightly. “That is something I have never been given freely.”
Neptuneus studied her, unwavering. “Then let it be earned.”
For a moment, there was only the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. Then, Dolceleche exhaled softly, her tail flicking. “Perhaps.”
She lowered her head, resuming her grooming of the tiny cub nestled at her side. “For now, my concern is these little ones,” she murmured, her voice gentler now. “They are innocent. They do not scheme. They do not betray.” She gave a quiet, mirthless chuckle. “A pity they won’t stay that way.”
Neptuneus watched her for a moment longer before nodding. “You protect them well.”
Dolceleche did not thank him. She simply curled more tightly around the cubs, her golden fur gleaming in the dimming light.
Neptuneus turned, leaving her to her vigil. She was his lioness now—but she was no fool, and neither was he. Trust was a fragile thing, and Dolceleche had spent a lifetime without it. Only time would tell if that would change.
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