Kareala moved with the grace and stealth of an expert predator through the top of a tree. Today, she was on the hunt. She felt exhilarated. For the last two weeks, she and Lion-O had consumated their love. Many times in fact. Amnextria's scent was nowhere on him. She leapt down onto a lower branch and wiped the perspiration from her face. It was a hot and humid day in the jungle. The air was still and there was no breeze blowing. The impala was close, she could sense it. Today, she was part of the Queen's hunt. A special event, Amnextria had planned for her companions.
Kareala avoided the young lion queen. She could not deny her attraction and love for Lion-O yet she felt guilty. She was betraying Amnextria. Her noble leopard house currently owed fealty to Amnextria's house. Most of her family had been killed during Thundera's destruction. The was only her ancient grandfather, who acted as chief ad visor to Lord Trion. Kharnon, the noblest of all leopards would not approve of his granddaugher's affair. Lion-O was free to take her as a concubine but he must first produce an heir.
She jumped from the tree, somersaulting onto the ground. She removed her bow which was carried across one shoulders and slowing removing an arrow from her quiver. She took aim and let the arrow fly. Direct hit! The impala let out a pitiful squeal and fell over, the arrrow protruding from it's neck.
"Nice shot, Lady Kareala," one of the young huntresses said. A young ocelot female came from behind a bush. "I was tracking the impala as well."
"Thank you," Kareala said as she went and stood over her kill. The young huntress helped her lift the impala and both of them made their way through the dense jungle. Their journey back to Amnextria's camp was not a long trip. In a clearing next to a fresh water stream. Several colorful tents were set up. Amnextria's was in the center. Larger and rich purple in color, the tent was much grander than the rest. Even on a hunting trip, Amnextria stands out Kareala thought as she walked into the camp.
There were several cats moving about. All female. Only the Queen's attendants and the huntresses of Bastet were allowed on this trip. Many of the young huntresses were playing in the creek, completely nude. Swimming and splashing joyously, not a care in the world. This place was open to only females, so the huntresses were free to do as they chose. Amnextria and her constant companion, Oona were watching intensely from the bank of the creek. Kareala got the oddest feeling that there was much more to their friendship. Oona leaned in and whispered in Amnextria's ear and the two would laugh.
The queen caught Kareala watching them and pushed Oona away. Amnextria briefly had the look of some cat caught doing something they shouldn't, the gulit evident on her face and then almost immediately replaced by the same smug, haughty look Kareala had come to hate.
"Lady Kareala," Amnextria said, clearly summoning the leopard. Kareala lowered her kill to the ground and walked over to her queen and bowed.
"Yes, my queen?" she said.
"You have done well. We will feast on this impala this evening."
"I am honored, milady," Kareala said.
"Go, clean yourself up. I will have one of the others prepare the impala," Amnextria said, dismissing her with a wave of her hand. She turned and disappeard inside her ornate tent.
Kareala and the young ocelot both walked to the bank of the creek and disrobed. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Kareala turned and Oona watched her intently. The loook on her face was one the leopard female had seen many times but on the faces of males. It was attraction, clear pure lust!
She dove in the water, trying to escape the gaze of the lion female but Oona would not take her eyes off the leopard female. Kareala could feel it. Did Oona and Amnextria...No it is not possible. She is the queen, she must bear...Kareala thoughts danced in her head. Is that why she was so cold with Lion-O? Kareala swam to the bank and quickly ran to the tent she shared with two other females and dressed quickly. She casually peaked out of the tent. Oona 's attention was back on the females in the creek. Kareala catiously moved toward Amnextria's central tent.
"Milady? May I enter?" she asked looking back at Oona to make sure the female was not watching her.
"Enter, Lady Kareala", Amnextria answered impatiently.
"With Your Majesty's approval, I would like to return to the city this evening. There are matters I would like to attend," she said after she entered, keeping her head bowed.
"Very well, do as you wish," Amnextria said not even bothering to look her way. Kareala left the tent. Oona still watched the females, though she tried to hide it at times. Kareala left the camp and begin her trek back to city. Running at a decent rate, she would be within the city by nightfall and in Lion-o's arms not long after that. She had much to discuss with him. She believed she now knew why Amnextria was so cold with him.
Back at the camp, Amnextria called one of the young huntresses acting as guard outside her tent. A young lion female, Aleene was her name.
"Summon Oona, there are matters I wish to discuss with her. I am not to be disturbed, are we clear?" she commanded.
"Yes, my queen," the young female answered and disappeared. Within moments, Oona walked through the tent opening. She moved to the back of the tent and pushed back a current, Amnextria lay completely nude, stretched out across several silk pillows.
"I saw how you watched the others today. Tell me, am I as beautiful as the maidens?" she playfully cooed. Oona disrobed and joined her on the pillows, the two females kissed passionately.
"More beautiful than any other," Oona tried to kiss Amnextria but the queen held up her hand and pushed the lioness away. Oone looked at her queen, confushed.
"And what of Lady Kareala? Did you think I did not see how you stared at her. Is she who you now desire?" Amnextria asked coldy. Oona pushed her hand away forcefully and pulled Amnextria to her, kissing her fiercely.
"I will show, milady where my desire lies," she said, lust burning in her eyes. "These females are beautiful. Tell me the young ones did not stir something in you as well," she demanded, using her fingers to tease Amnextria.
Amnextria moaned slightly.
She and Amnextria renewed their passion. After their desires were satiated. Oona lay on her side and ran her fingers down Amnextria's body and kissed her neck, "Have you thought of another plan, my queen?" she aked between kisses.
"No, I have not. I have sent female after female to Lion-O, he simply refuses them all. He simply runs off and disappears in the jungle. If rumors of the virile young Lord of the Thundercats are true, his conquests have been many. There is only one conclusion...I believe my husband has found a lover somewhere. And I must know whom."
"Have one of the huntresses wait outside the palace and follow him when we return to the city. Find one who can be discreet and we shall catch Lion-O's would be lover and eliminate her", Oona said kissing up to Amnexria's ear.
"You are brilliant, Oona. Your mind is one of the many things I love about you," Amnextria whispered.
"And the other things?' Oona asked suggestively. Amnextria turning over to face the lioness. The two locked in a passionate embrace, their lust rekindled.