The Tiger Within 72 Wild Rebellion Part 2

"When I came here as a doctor, the First Prince, Bastil took a liking to me. He had me come to dinner with him. I was young and naive. I thought he really liked me." Mally tried her best to defend herself, even though there was no need. Kyera could see where this was going without the need for a map.

"He bedded you and you became a beauty." Kyera finished explaining for her, but to Mally's surprise there was no anger in her words. Her face didn't show disappointment, but there was a touch of pity in those amber eyes. "still doesn't explain this." kyera reminded her bringing her attention back to the magic lines on her wrist.

Mally nodded tracing the lines with a forefinger. "Every Beauty has one. It's called a Beauty Mark. If we ever get lost, the Emperor can send guards to rescue us." she said the words in a sing song voice and Kyera felt the anger in her heart. 'Rescue'... that was laughable.

"So if you came home, you would have lead them right to us." Kyera sighed shaking her head slowly. She pulled the leopard into her arms and pet her hair.Mally nodded, feeling safe again in her old friend's arms. "Do you still serve Bastil?" Kyera asked, even though she was fairly sure she knew the answer.

"No. I sometimes keep Clovis company now, and play with his little girl. I mainly tend wild ones and help treat the injured or the sick. At least that's what I do officially." Mally added with a bit of a grin. Kyera smiled as well, the mischievous pleasure was infectious.

"Unofficially?" Kyera asked, playing along with her friends antics. Mally grinned, it was a look not unlike the fabled Cheshire cat. It hinted at all the wicked and playful things she had zipping and buzzing around that darling brain of hers.

"I have been leading a Rebellion!" Mally exclaimed seeming entirely too proud of herself. Kyera once again caught off guard, she offered a imploring look at Mally. The leopardess laughed "Alright Alright. It's time I explain." she conceded as she walked to the stone slab and began building a tiny fire. Kyera joined her, carefully arranging sticks to make a safe little flame.

"Yea, you've mentioned it twice now and I am still not sure what treasonous act I am now parlay to." Kyera replied with a chuckle. Mally smiled fondly, setting a kettle on the fire. She stopped and stared at Kyera's face taking in the joyus details of her face.

Though she hadn't seen her in nearly 5 years, the happy glow in her eyes had been missing much longer than that. Kyera glanced up, sensing she was being watched and gave her a concerned smile. "Something wrong?" Mally shook her head quickly.

"No. Not at all. I just missed this. I mean Jamir and Fama are great people as are our other mates but… I missed you, Ky. They aren't like us. They were never wild." Mally explained as she began to prep herbs for the water. There was a affectionate tone to her voice as she spouted off names Kyera had never heard.

"I see, they were born here then, in this gilded cage?" Kyera asked and Mally chuckled, the look in her eyes extremely appreciative. There was something about two these woman that could form a bond deeper than blood ever touched.

"You know, we have looked for a way to explain this place for years. You've been here what, 2 days and already have the perfect suggestion." Mally all bit scoffed in disgust. Kyera had always had a way with words. "At any rate about the rebellion. It is nothing treasonous, well depending on who you ask."

The word choice there didn't escape Kyera as she took a deep breath and let it out as a sigh. The tigress turned, placing her back to the stone slab and leaned against the pillar it sat on. "So who are you undermining the authority of now?" she asked, knowing Mally's tendency to bow to no one, no matter if she truly should. Wild and headstrong it was a wonder she had survived this long among the unforgiving humans.