A Lion's Heart by Kracken Read Free Book Online Page B

decided to voice his unpopular political views to the wrong werelion.”
    “Kiva,” Tamarind muttered and his pain and anger were evident. “I...” he choked and then tried again. “I didn't know that was why I was driven away. I did not think saying what I thought was a threat to a werelion like Katze.”
    “So,” Shang said unsympathetically. “You see, cub, that things are very similar now, but for one exception, acting and saying the wrong things here will not result in your being chased out of our lands, but rather, it will cause you to be executed. I trust that there will not be any more displays of your anger, poor choice of words, or your hunting prowess before Prince Shakra's warden and his people again.” He turned to Shakra. “My Prince, now that you fully understand what the situation is, I urge you to get rid of this creature as quickly as you can. Warden Kol will not win the day if you do not give him weapons against you.”
    Tamarind rose and paced to the door, looking at them both expectantly. “I do want out,” he said, tail twitching. “I can't sleep here. I can't stay here locked in these walls. I need the night air and open spaces. Let me go and I will hunt and care for myself until the desert fox journeys to my land.”
    Shakra forgot anger, forgot the promise of danger, and felt trepidation claw at him. Why did he feel so strongly for a werelion? Why did the thought of Tamarind wandering the forest alone fill him with dread? “You won't be safe,” he argued. “Warden Kol may send weres out to find you. There are dangerous creatures in the forest that you don't know anything about.”
    Tamarind grinned suddenly, fierce and daring. “I am a shadow when I wish to be. I am silent, I am strong. I-”
    “Have been in a cage for too long and you need food and sleep,” Shakra protested. “You are not strong.”
    Tamarind put back his ears and his eyes seemed to glow silver. “I could have killed you a dozen times in the forest, dog prince. My nose may not be able to find me home, but my claws and teeth are still sharp.”
    “Tomorrow, at least,” Shakra said and couldn't help a tone of pleading. “Go in the morning. Sleep tonight, eat well, and you will be better for it.”
    “Child,” Shang growled in warning. “You are in more danger than you know.”
    Shakra glared. “I am not a child, Li’Won. You know what I am saying is reasonable.”
    “It is your reasons that make me fearful,” Shang admitted.
    Shakra laughed, short and sharp. “Not for the first time.”
    “Child,” Shang growled again.
    Shakra ignored him and turned to Tamarind. “Tonight,” he begged. “Just tonight. I'll get more chickens from the cook.” His stomach went queasy as he added, “live ones.”
    Tamarind's ears came up and it was obvious that his hunger was stronger than his resolve to be free. He retreated back to the fire and crouched there. He glared at the too close walls and growled, “Just tonight.”
    Shakra let out a breath of relief and couldn't help a smile. “I'll tell the cook.” He turned and came face to face with a scowling Shang. “Trust me,” Shakra begged him. “Stay loyal to me and my orders.”
    Shang sighed. “Always, my Prince, whether for good or ill.”
    **************
     
    The cook brought four live chickens in a wire cage. He tried to peer past his prince to the werelion, but Shakra blocked his view. “This will do,” Shakra told him, an obvious dismissal.
    “Anything my Prince wishes,” the cook said obediently and then, daring, “If I may say so, though, some fresh, uncooked meat might be to the lion's liking, your Highness. A creature his size can't live on chickens.”
    “Thank you, cook,” Shakra replied, irritated at the man's mistake of calling Tamarind a lion and grateful for his suggestion about the food. “If you could prepare some meat for breakfast, we will see if it's to his taste.”
    “Yes, your Highness.” The cook bowed low and left.
    Shakra