Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 21: Mothers

POV: Roseis and Rojo

(Roseis)

The light orange tigress sat on a rock that had a rock-based backing to it. Like the walls of the throne room, the back had a series of animal paws, claws, and tail prints on it. This tradition had started with Queen Daisy, an Elk who was the tenth herbivore on the throne. However, it wasn't the reason why Daisy placed her hoof on the back of the throne. She did it as a reminder that everyone belongs, as everyone has a chance to rule. The markings were made out of mud, clay, or even what the Native people call paint.

This kicked off the tradition that only the great rulers will have their paw print marked on the throne, but it had to be voted and earned. King Arrow, her father was not one of them, nor her grandfather before him. The tradition states the ruler has to be recommended by at least five animals outside their family group. So, none of the Felidae could vote for her father or grandfather.

It didn't help that most of the animals didn't really like her father. It's not that he was bad, but Roesis had to admit that Arrow wasn't always thinking about what was best for the island.

The stone floor was warming up as the sun reached its peak in the sky. This allowed light to reach everywhere in the throne room of the giant cave. The light reflected the mud prints everywhere. Roseis loved to see the ceiling, walls, and floor also light up with prints. It's the reason why this was her favorite place, and have declared this was the place where visitors met her, instead of another chosen location.

*Note: Each ruler can rule how they see fit. However, only great rulers are recognized through time. Scribes of Native People will write the name by each foot. The ruler must be voted by the majority of the population of the island to earn the right to mark the stone. This is done when an heir has been chosen by the Stars of Fate.*

She looked at the pale blue sky. Roseis was using all her energy to keep the island's weather stable. Like a Phoenix, she was in charge of keeping the weather calm. However, she knew was not the only one, which helped with the illusion.

Queen Lily, her mother, wasn't a Phoenix as she married into the Royal line. So, the last lineage of the Royal family was African Elephants. They didn't know about Roseis because Phoenix was tasked with helping keep the weather stable.

All Roseis did was ensure that major storms were kept at bay. So, the fires, tornadoes, and floods remained controlled.

Upon watching the clouds, she breathed deeply. *I wonder how my cousins are doing?* Roseis thought with a smile as her ears twitch from distanced footsteps. She thought of the African Elephants who were always welcoming and offer to protect and guide Leona after she was given the DNA.

*Note: The Royal Family will often refer to the previous rulers' kin as cousins. This is because all Royal families no matter the species are believed to be related to the first rulers: King Sun and Queen Breeze. Being part of even distant relatives of the Royals means you have a high rank even if your blood gift is limited or not existed.*

Roseis looked to her right at the hallway that led to the guest caves as well as one of many exits of the cave. The Royal Cave also guarded the Royals by having ledges that were ten feet high. Carven's can lead to death or life depending on how well you know the routes.

To her left was the hallway that held her cub's rooms, the nursery, and a kitchen area. Mason mostly ate there and sometimes prepared the food for us.

Yes, even the cave ensured that the Royals couldn't be easily killed. However, all rulers slept in the throne room or near one of the exits. This allows the cubs to escape and live on.

However, the Bengal Tiger knew that one of her ancestors, a Marine Iguana named King Seaweed, had been murdered during his reign. That was another way to claim the throne by killing the ruler and their cubs. Even, if it was done via bloodshed. The Stars have been known to be very picky about who rules.