Chapter 7 First....

        The queen urged Zinjo to bathe before they spoke again. Aurelia led her future husband to the tub area where a fresh bath awaited him. He began to strip in front of Aurelia who closed her eyes tight and put up  her hand. "Zinjo, you could've waited for me to leave." She fumbled around and almost fell in the tub. 

       Zinjos' strong hands guided her to the chair in the corner, "You smell embarrassed," He commented as he sat her down. 

     "I'm not embarrassed, I've never seen a man naked before," Aurelia stroked the muscular chest and felt dizzy with excitement. Apart of her wanted to join him in the tub. A part of her said to savor the first steps into the world of romance, and let things unfold at a natural pace. 

     "Is my form displeasing to you?" He asked, once again, the small hint of worry sat on the edge of his tone.

     "Are you kidding? I am very pleased with it. In our culture, we wait until marriage or until we are in love before we get naked," Aurelia heard the splash of water and she moved the chair next to the bubble-infested tub.

     Zinjo ducked his head underwater and the clear liquid went crimson, "Do you wish to follow the customs of your people?"

     She had a choice? Aurelia wondered what he meant by that, but let go. "I am not ready to take things further, I'd like to get to know you better."

     "I agree," Zinjo said as he held her hand. "I appreciate your honesty."

     Aurelia snagged a brush from a nearby counter and began to straighten Zinjo's matted mane, "Do you feel bad about the were hyena?"

     He turned and crossed his arms on the edge of the tub, a crown of bubbles on his head, "In nature does the hawk feel terrible about the mouse he eats, or does the spider have sympathy for the fly? The hyena would not have stopped until he succeeded."

     "Why do you think they are here?"

      "I cannot say for certain. While lions and hyenas are not the friendliest of neighbors, we did our best to keep the peace with them." He paused, "I have some things at the Inn could you have someone retrieve them?"

      Aurelia nodded, "Yes, of course." The bubbles sparked her curiosity, what treasures lay hidden beneath foamy cover? The urge to jump in with him came again, and she pushed the chair back from the edge.

     ``Is something wrong?" Zinjo asked.

     "N-n-no...I find myself tempted to join you in the water."

    "You could if it pleased you."

    "I have a feeling it would please me very much," A question bounced around her head, "Do you have some sort of charm that makes women fall in love with you?"

    Zinjo cocked his head to the side, "Not that I know of," he scratched the top of his head, "Perhaps we should test your theory out? I am curious now."

     "Not," the words of Aurelia were given weight by the steel in her tone. 

     "Are you not curious?"

     "I am, but the idea of another woman touching you is repugnant to me."

      "The only woman I see is you," He pulled her into his face and he softly kissed her on the lips. The sweetness of his touch and the gentleness of his lips put Aurelia's body into overdrive. She wanted more, so she kissed him back more firmly, it still wasn't enough. She wanted to know the secrets of men and women behind closed doors. 

      Their lips parted and she kissed him on the forehead, "How did I get so lucky?"

      "I wondered the same thing myself," sincerity owned Zinjo's proud voice.

      "We best get you dressed, Mother is not fond of waiting." Aurelia came to this decision before she gave away her virtue, even though it's what she wanted to do more than anything. 

****

      Sophie's demeanor had changed in the last hour. This time she greeted Zinjo with a warm smile, "Please forgive my rudeness. I judged you too harshly on what you were and not who you were. I am pleased to welcome you into our family."

     "There is nothing to forgive. I assume you wish to know about the were hyenas?" Zinjo asked with a soft growl.

     "Yes, I need to know if they will be a problem in the future." 

     "Like he would know mother, he just got here," Aurelia fumed with her arms crossed. 

     "The hyenas are as old as the lion. Once they were mortal enemies and great battles were fought between the two tribes. As the war raged on both hyena and lion numbers began to dwindle like water during the dry season. A group of lion and hyena children banded together to make peace. Through their actions, both tribes prospered again. Then one day the Hyena people vanished, and no one knew what happened to them," Zinjo finished his tale and knelt before the queen, "I swear allegiance to your daughter and you. I will help protect your lands, and treat your daughter with respect and dignity she is due." Zinjo's raptor yellow eyes regarded the queen with deference and respect.

    Sophie pressed a hand to her chest, uncertain what to say. After a few false starts, she finally found the words, "I gladly accept your offer Zinjo," She turned to her gothic-dressed daughter, "Do you mind terribly if I ask him to look into this matter?"

   Aurelia shook her head and even smiled a little, "As long as I can help."

   "It will make our bond stronger, and you stronger," Zinjo rose and pulled Aurelia close to him. She enjoys the comfort she felt around him, she appreciated the lengths he would go to protect her. 

   Sophie's eyes went nostalgic at the sight of the young couple, "Are you sure Aurelia, these hyena men are no laughing matter."

   "I want to be taken seriously as a ruler. The last two years have thoroughly trounced my reputation. I intend to change the public perception of me. I will not be mocked any longer," She growled fiercely. 

   "Very well. I ask you two to find out if these Hyenas are a threat to Shadowfen, and if so to help come up with solutions to combat them. I will have papers drawn up stating you both have the authority and funds to carry out your assignment." She paused and gave Zinjo an apologetic look. "May I have a moment alone with my daughter?"

   "I will wait outside," Zinjo padded to the door without ise.

   Sophie motioned Aurelia forward, "How is he?"

    "Mother, he is the best birthday present ever," She clapped her hand to her mouth knowing full well Zinjo heard every word, "He kissed me and I drifted to heaven a little. He is not in a rush to bed me either. I am falling for him, and glad to be doing so." 

    Sophie embraced her daughter, "I am afraid to let you go. Ever since your father vanished on that diplomatic mission, I have tried to see you as a little girl and not the strong young woman you have become. I didn't stand by you through your trouble, and I should have. Zinjo is going to make a fine husband. Take this time to work out your potential problems."

    Aurelia smiled, "Don't worry we will."