Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 23: Traitors

(Regina)

Regina couldn't believe it. Could it be that Azure is a traitor? However, why make it so obvious Regina heard Rojo's voice but kept her gaze on the Falcon, and Azure knew she was being watched as their eyes met with much hatred.

"Your grace?" Rojo asked the Tiger Queen in an uneasy tone.

Regina could sense that her mother had the same feeling that she felt. It might not have been as clear of Azure's nature if Crystallum never spoke out of turn.

"It was to ensure my son's safety," Roseis said suddenly. "The more that knew of Rex's mission or even his nature, it could be hazardous to him and those around him."

Regina heard Rojo and a few other siblings whimper. She looked at her mother.

"What do you mean?" The Snow Leopard finally dare to speak ever since this meeting started.

"What do you mean?" As Roseis looked at her again she thought of Rex and how much courage he must have to put himself in harm's way. She took a deep breath, stood up, and move to sit in front of her mother's throne.

*If anything happens to Rex, then I would have to protect my siblings.* Regina thought as she was using her body as a shield, blocking Crystallum. However, was relived that Crystallum is preventing Azure from any attacks.

"I know it seemed silly to tell Rex that he should keep his nature a secret. I even knew he was going to end up telling you guys the moment I said not to." Roseis started as her yellow eyes seemed to soften. "But there are things, a young cub, that you still have no idea what is going on."

"But....." Regina started but was cut off by a shriek that Azure had made. She didn't know what it meant, but her mother knew, and most likely Rex would have known.

The Snow Leopard missed him and realized how much she had depended on him. Rex would offer to translate tongues of certain species. So that Regina, Adamas, Crystallum, and Carbunculus wouldn't be kept in the dark.

"Azure, give me the rest of the report," Roseis said and cut herself short.

"He did leave the village with the fox as they followed Cursor. However, after they near the bridge of light. I couldn't see him anymore." Azure said coldly.

At this point, Regina didn't want to turn around and look at the Peregrine Falcon.

"What do you mean?" Roseis said with fear in her voice, and Rojo looked just as afraid.

However, none of them got an answer as screams, roars, and howls were heard from outside the cave. Regina saw her mother move like a cheetah as bounded off her throne and to the opening of the cave. The Snow Leopard decided to follow her mother's lead and noticed that Azure didn't look all that surprised.

Once Regina got a good look, she gasp in horror. Creatures and animals of every tribe seemed to be flooding out of the forest and onto the fields. At first, Regina thought it could be a mistake that this wasn't what it looks like. Maybe a Trabea sanguis was spotted and causing trouble, or fire is going wild.

But no matter how Regina could give a reason for this behavior. She knew what it meant. This is not an accident but a sign of war and treason, and her mother only confirmed her fears.

"I understand now," Roseis spoke in almost a whisper.

Regina could hear her mother growling and fighting the urge to bear her teeth, which was a sign of a challenge.

"Finally, I thought you will never check on me, but I will give you hope that everything I said about Rex is true," Azure said as Regina and Roseis looked at her with fear and anger.