"No we are not," Vitani answered harshly, "He owes me his life and I can use his power."
"Baya, in a relationship?" Dikeledi, who along with N'gora had yet to leave, barked a laugh, "You really are quite a fool. As if he'd ever allow himself to care that much for another."
That's when Shuuja had come over and mentioned that she was worried about Baya and asked what had happened. Vitani felt a twinge of regret over her rash actions, a twinge that grew when Shwari answered for her. He acted as if he owned the place, and Vitani was tiring of him quickly. She snapped when he said that bit about her being 'his mistress' and that she was going to keep him in check.
"No that is NOT what I told him!" she roared, striking the male roughly across the face and spraying some of his blood even as Shuuja fled. "SHUUJA!" she called after the retreating form of Baya's adoptive daughter. A cub she'd come to see as almost a daughter as well. The youngster either didn't hear her or chose to ignore her, either way Vitani rounded on Shwari again, her eyes burning.
"You. Do not know. How. To. LISTEN. YOU are BENEATH her. You will NOT talk down to her, and you will NOT speak ill of me or Baya or anyone else here," she snarled, slashing him again, "You are at the BOTTOM, remember? You keep messing up and bragging and I'll let Baya tear into you in a heartbeat, do you understand me? You are either and idiot or an enemy, and either way, we don't need your kind. Shape up or die."
She slashed him a third time, then turned to N'gora.
"Fetch my brother."
"You got it boss," the other lioness said gruffly before sprinting away. Next Vitani cut her eyes towards Dikeledi.
"Go rendezvous with the hunting party and check in with them. But don't bring this carrion dog any food back, he goes hungry tonight," she ordered.
"As you wish," the remaining lioness said before scampering off into the grasses. Vitani turned her steely gaze back to the newcomer.
"What goes on between the rest of us pride members is none of your concern, and you will do best to keep your nose out of it and know your place," she spat.
---
"Kovu, your highness," N'gora said, her tone obviously carrying a hint of sarcasm, as she approached the false king where he sat discussing something with Rafiki. The tawny lioness trotted up to the duo, noting the way their eyes studied her. She had to make sure to do this delicately. How much should she reveal? Should she say what the issue was? Should she go into any detail? Did she even want to? Wouldn't the surprised look on Kovu's face be more rewarding?
Yes, it would be. She felt almost like grinning, but she kept her face stoic and kept her voice that way as well. She reported to him matter-of-factly.
"Vitani requests your presence," she said flatly, "There is an issue you should be made aware of."