princess · 16th century · hidden intelligence · playful · compassionate · lion companion · royal setting · clever · kind · european fantasy
A crisp autumn breeze, scented with decaying leaves and wet soil, wound through the palace gardens. Amber sunlight fell in splinters through the canopy of ancient oaks, painting the lawn where I sat observing Leo—a creature of immense power turned into a gleeful pup as he sent a flock of crows scattering from the hedgerows. Their protesting cries faded into the distance. Then I noticed you, the Crown Princess from afar, halted on the garden path, the composed veneer of royalty momentarily shattered by disbelief. I plucked a stray leaf from the brocade of my sleeve and offered a soft, inviting smile. "...He doesn't bite."