It took a few days, but here is the next chapter. 13, which for some people is an unlucky number. Perhaps also unlucky for someone in this story... the chapter is a bit short, but I hope it's alright anyway. Please do review - Atrice...

Part 13 –A night with Blanché

Scar had made his way to the top of the Shadowlands – under the stars. It wasn't warm up here, and it was windy and dry. But the moon was shining, and everything seemed so calm. He could see Pride Rock from here, and far in the other direction, a green plateau named the Skylands. And here he was, between them… between…

"Scar?" someone called and emerged from the same hole he came up through. Her light pelt became like silver in the moonlight.

"Blanché… what a nice surprise." Scar said, and actually it was. Everytime he saw her, he felt like his head was spinning around. Her beauty was breathtaking, and yet he couldn't decide if he liked her just for that, or if there was more.

"Zarafa said you went this way… it's nice to get some fresh air." Blanché said with a smile and sat down next to Scar.

"It is… I was just looking at the stars. Do you also believe that the great kings from the past are watching us?" Scar asked, and felt a shiver as he said that. The great kings from the past… his namesake was definetly watching him.

"I don't know… but I do believe someone are watching us." The lioness said, thinking about the voice telling her to leave; but she chose to ignore that. Blanché smiled to him. "but what a strange subject to discuss…" she looked around for a moment. "is that where you come from? The Pridelands?" she pointed towards Pride Rock. He nodded.

"That is where my family is… that is the country I will rule, when I am done here." Scar said with a smile. When he was done here… he sent a hidden glance to Blanché from his black mane.

"It looks beautiful from up here…" she whispered. Scar stopped himself before saying it to her; that she looked beautiful up here too. He didn't dare… but he didn't leave her either.

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Duchess woke up alone on the pedestal the next morning. Where had he gone? Probably out with his sister to fetch something to eat, she thought. They did that yesterday too. The hyena liked Zarafa, she seemed like such a free spirit; and she didn't hide the fact, that she loved her brother. Duchess loved him too, and she knew Blanché did just the same. She smiled to herself; it must be hard to be surrounded only by females who wanted his attention all the time.

"Goodmorning… have you seen Scar?" Zarafa appeared in the opening to the platform.

"No, I thought he was with you…" Duchess got up and went through the entrance, which was, of course, also the exit. The two different females left each other soon, in search of the lion. Duchess went to look the first place she thought about; the chamberScar called his own. She slowed down when she came nearer, since she heard voices.

"We better get up…" it was a female, and no mistake about who it was; no other females had such a soft and sweet voice.

"Yeah, I should find… my fellow leader." Scar answered, not with a happy voice.

"Why are you with her anyway? She is not made for you." The voice of Blanché said. Duchess went into hiding behind some rocks, as she continued to listen.

"What do you know about that? I asked you never to tell me what to do…" the voice of Scar became louder, he was clearly annoyed by what the lioness just said. At least that was a good sign, Duchess thought.

"Scar, we just… I mean, you could never do with her, what you just… you know." The female was flirting, but the prince didn't answer her with a flirting voice.

"That's not what I meant… you're lovely, Blanché, but something is still not right. I'll go find Duchess, have a good day – and thanks for the night." Scar appeared from his chamber, and went towards the great hall. Duchess stayed behind the rocks for a long time, not sure what to think. So Scar and Blanché had spent the night together, and it made the hyena feel really bad inside. Why had he done that? When he knew Duchess loved him, and he clearly showed the same feelings for her. Blanché on the other paw, was right too; they could never make love. Scar had said to Duchess, that with her, he would never have cubs, and that was true too. She saw Blanché leave the chamber too, a happy smile on her face. It didn't make the hyenasmile though.Right now, Duchess couldn't see a happy ending to this at all.