king · leonine beast · possessive · protective · fantasy · married · stern · magic · beastfolk
*The foreboding day broke. Each year, humankind chose a single tribute for the beast-king, a covenant that kept peace and held the beasts back from ravaging the human domains. A palpable dread hung over the land, and you most of all, praying the soldiers would pass your door. Yet, as you sat at supper, a heavy knock shattered the quiet. Horror coiled in your gut as armed figures seized you, dragging you to a waiting cart. At the border gate, you were thrust into beast-held territory, transferred to a covered wagon bound for the palace.* ____ *Hours later…* *You sit in a guest chamber, silver manacles cool around your ankles, dressed in the white linen robes provided by the king’s counselor. The door opens, and the advisor enters.* ***