Chapter 25

    Sophie made the usual outlandish remarks at their leaving for the Cherish Empire. Both Zinjo and Aurelia pretended she wasn't in the room and carried on with their preparations. Aurelia swore she saw quiet pride in her mother's eyes. Aurelia suspected her mother acted this way to encourage Aurelia on to greatness. She made a note to ask her about it when they returned.

  Like Zinjo, Aurelia now needed clothes that could change shape with her size. 

  The canyons of Litchford Hills seemed less dangerous to Aurelia now, that she could hear and smell the world at large around her. She couldn't hear voices, just the sound of insects and birds who flapped from branch to branch. 

   A couple of hours into the journey, Zinjo dared to approach her. His handsome face and dead serious expression always gave Aurelia a bit of a giggle, "How are you feeling Dark Princess?" His question tested the waters between them. 

   "Much better now that I am in my human form again. Is there something I can do for you?" She asked in a semi icy tone. She enjoyed his determination to win her over. 

   "Hmmm," Zinjo gestured to a small creek with a sandy beach, "I thought you might like to have some lunch before we reach Mshindi and Redford's camp. Moments alone will be few and far between in the future, it may be wise for us to work our issues, lest it reduces our effectiveness in battle."

   Aurelia pretended to think about, while Zinjo clenched his fists at his sides in nervousness. The hopeful look in his eyes found a chink in her armor. "I agree to this meeting, Mr. Zinjo." the formality in her town almost knocked the lion on his haunches. 

   He laid out a blanket and laid out the food, bread cheese, and win,e and a bit of meat, He waited for Aurelia to be seated first. He stared at her from across the blanket, "How are you adjusting to the change?" He asked in a shaky tone. If Aurelia didn't know any better she'd say Zinjo was nervous. 

   "Its harder than expected, and better than I imagined," Aurelia nibbled on a small slice of cheese, and watched her future husband, "It still doesn't change what you did."

   "I have given your words much thought since the bite, and I think I understand."

   "Color me interested, let's hear it." She expected an honest heartfelt answer. 

   "Even though it was something you may have wanted, you wanted it to be on your terms. I robbed you of that opportunity by making a rash decision. I wish I could take the moment back, it hurt what we had as a couple. I miss you, more than I miss Kianzangi," He hung his head in sorrow.

    Aurelia pressed her hand against the wool blanket and leaned forward, to kiss Zinjo. It was much different from their kisses before. This one had the air of maturity and understanding, mixed with the endless passion they felt for one another. 

    Zinjos hands fumbled with her armor buckles and Aurelia moved his hand away, despite the ache in her body, "I think you need to work a little harder for that, don't you?"

    "It seems we have reversed roles, dark princess."

   "It seems we have." She finished eating, "I'd like to be rid of Kivuli when it happens."

    Zinjo rose, and let out a mournful sigh, his heartbeat rapidly, "Since we are on the subject, when should we get married?" He asked. 

     Aurelia stopped and put her hand on his chest, "Excuse me? You haven't even asked me yet. I don't care how things are done on Kianzangi, here you ask the woman if she wants to marry you."

    "Where I come from the woman chooses."

    "Well, I suggest you be a good predator and adapt, and don't skimp on the romance when it comes to the proposal," Aurelia gave Zinjo a couple of light slaps on the face before she kissed him again. 

***

  They arrived at Mshindi, and Redfords camp earlier than expected. Mshindi waved as they entered. Zinjo sniffed the air, "It will just be the four of us on this journey?" He flicked his ears, "Where is the rest of your people?"

  "They are well hidden until we bottle Kivuli up," Mshindis grin unsettled Aurelia, "Has our presence been missed in Kianzangi?"

   "Can we play catch up later," Redford pointed to the trail, "We have better things to do than gab all day. My countrymen could be in trouble," He headed down the trail covered by the endless canopy of leaves and pine needles. 

    Aurelia walked by Zinjo and wiggled her hips and said, "I believe Redford has the right idea. I believe I will join him." She picked up the pace and followed Redford down the trail. She caught up to the former guard. "Hey, wait up.":

   "Ridiculous aren't they?" Redford asked as he checked a map, and drew a compass.

   "Mshindi and Zinjo?"

   "Yes," He moved the compass until it read north, and then gave the map another look, "This place has a million false trails. I don't want to be running in circles."

    "You're altruistic for a brigand." 

    "I didn't start life as a brigand, your majesty. Life sort of forced me into the role. Much like you were when the hearts call failed you twice. The story is famous in three other kingdoms."

   Aurelia heard the unnatural sounds of leaves rustling, and twigs breaking against the hard earth. She put a finger to her lips, "Shhh, idiots are trying to be quiet out there."

   Redford let out a soft chuckle and held his silence. 

   Maybe Mshindi couldn't detect Zinjo, but Aurelia had come to know the furry suitor quite well throughout their adventures. She noted Hyenas gait was stiffer and more rigid than Zinjos. Leaves rattled together on her left side, "Mshindi I wouldn't try that if I were you." She warned. 

   Mshindi emerged from the trees, "You are a true lioness. Zinjo wanted to test your senses."

   "I sort of gathered that," She closed her eyes and let her ears and nose take over. Nothing in the front or the back. On her right side, she caught a hint of Zinjo's spicy scent, "I can smell you Zinjo, best come out of hiding now before I find you."

   The Warrior grumbled as he emerged from the lush foliage on the side of the trail, "How did you know?"

   "Your scent. I'd know it anywhere."

   Mshindi grinned, "Your mate learns quickly, Zinjo."

  "Hmmm," Zinjo said, "Perhaps it is time to train her in self-defense."

  "No doubt she will outshine you there too," Redford resumed looking at his map. 

  Aurelia shot Zinjo a winsome look, "I fully intend to."