Chapter 2 Breakfast

Queen Anise was walking in the hallway of rock castle admiring the many things Shakira had done her first paw print on the wall, a sketching of her first kill, the bones of her first kill all distant and quite fond memories. She is so young yet it seems she has grown since then so much in fact that it was time for her to see the village for the first time but first it was time to take her up to the castle for breakfast.

Shakira was waiting at the mouth of the cave on the castle grounds her parents had told her it was tradition for young cubs to sleep in the cave to prove they were strong enough to survive but she never quite understood why. "I hope mum gets here soon i'm getting to anxious I finally get to go to the town" she said to no one in particular she just needed the opportunity to talk.

Finally her mother arrived at the cave "Shakira darling I am pleased to announce that not only will you go see the town but your father and I spoke last night and we both agree you are mature enough to live in the castle with us full time now come with me for breakfast" said queen Anise with eyes only for her child.

"really mum? I get to live in the castle I can't believe it will i get my own room i've only ever seen the one room i the castle do we sleep together do we_?"

she was silenced by a paw held up "all questions will be answered after breakfast" the queen said her hand was firm but her face was kind.

They walked up to the castle and went into the eating room for the meal she was treated by a wizened white leopard who showed her to her fathers side and the stone table like her mother and father the white leopard was cloaked in some white robe she always wondered why but never bothered to ask she thought as long as all these changes had been happening.

"dad mum why does everyone in the castle including you and with the exception of me wear these robes? I just don't understand. Is it a tradition?" parroted Shakira excitedly "thats one way to put it" grumbled a nearby tiger guarding the doorway to the meal room "Shakira I think it's quite rude you had not asked what the name of the kind sir who helped you to your place at the table" said Shakira's father quite crossly.

Anise sensed an argument and decided to intervene "his name is Brutus and we will tell you about robes when we get to the town now it's alright dear she can be curious if she wants to and Shakira fathers right don't forget your manners" she said Shakira quietly thanked Brutus. After that near fight was dispelled they ate quietly and Shakira slunk away from the table while everyone was finishing. When she stopped outside the castle on the edge of the grounds for she noticed a strange noise coming from a shadow "who's there?" she called out demandingly.

"why should I tell you?" a meek but indignant voice answered back "what gives you the right to know, my business is my own" Shakira was quite fazed at having been spoken to like this but perhaps she shouldn't have bossed "I am princess Shakira and I was worried you wanted to cause trouble in the castle you are awfully close" she said less ordering this time.

the voice softened answering more eagerly this time "i'm very sorry princess my name is Shere Kahn I didn't mean to speak to you like that, I have heard so much about you like how you are going to the village where i live this evening I will be anxiously awaiting your arrival I hope I will be able to get a glimpse of you" Shakira was so confused why didn't the boy come out of the shadow what did he mean catch a glimpse of her Shere Kahn spoke suddenly "I must go I am not wearing my cloak with luck I will see you again once again i'm very sorry goodbye" and with that he left.

Shakira all the while was wondering who was this mysterious boy? why didn't he want her to see him without his robe on? these things perhaps would be answered shortly for her mother was calling her back to the castle. When she got back queen Anise proudly proclaimed "now my child my only child it is your time you your father and i will go to the town you will see the people for the first time"

what will She learn? would she see the mysterious boy there? and what kind of responsibilities will she have now that she is going to live in the castle and train to become the new queen? she would find out now.

To be continued

(this next chapter is going to be something special be prepared for the feels)