Beauty in the beast world-Chapter 307: Honor

[LION TRIBE]

The entirety of the Lion Castle was filled with hustle and bustle. Many arrangements were being made across the tribe that resembled the beginning of a celebration. It was rather a duty-driven mindset that all the tribesmen had. Their beloved king was dead and they were still mourning but that did not stop them from performing what they must for the tribe’s good. Coronation of the new king must be done as soon as possible to strengthen themselves against an unknown force that had killed their late king.

Being one of the strongest tribes in Beast City, they had certain criteria to meet. They must never show themselves as weak and those that can be easily trifled with. Many tribes might have shown their sympathies for the tragedy that befell the Lion tribe but it was nothing but mere courtesies. Most out of them were predators in the shadows waiting to pounce when the time was right. As much as the Lion tribe was revered, it was also an object of ire to enviable Beasts who wished for power.

Noah thought the same as he looked at all the preparations happening around him. He had to admit, it left a bitter taste in his mouth to take his father’s place when it had been only a few days after the latter’s burial. Like a normal beastman, he wanted to continue mourning his father in peace. But peace has never been an option for the royalty. Not to him nor to his parents. They have to constantly stay on their toes and fulfill the role given to them. His babies too will face the same in the future.

Here he was about to ascend the throne that he might not be worthy of. Maybe he would have been ready in a few more years if his father had lived to counsel him but now....he felt like he was nothing but a youngling gaining crown just because he was born privileged. The turmoil in his head kept spiraling to the worse until it stopped when he heard the sweetest voice to ever exist. The voice that he was blessed to hear to the end of his life.

"Noah?" Could the songs of the spring morning bird sound this sweet? Noah couldn’t help but wonder and the answer to that was simple. No sound in this world could match the sweetness of his Baby dove.

"I was searching for you everywhere," Lyra said as she made her way toward the balcony where Noah stood, "What happened, sweetheart?" her eyes softened as she observed his haggard face.

As soon as his mate reached him, Noah wasted no time in pulling her into a hug. Lyra likewise returned the hug after a moment of surprise. She soothingly rubbed his back and waited for him to talk. She already had a vague idea about the reason he was so upset but instead of assuming, she wanted to hear it from his mouth. She believed that having patience in a relationship is very important.

Her guess turned out to be true when he parted his lips and said, "Everything feels overwhelming, I don’t think I’m ready to take on my father’s responsibilities. I don’t feel worthy. Will my tribesmen accept me as their king?"

Lyra tightened her hug, "I understand, no one saw this coming. Father in law...he was a good person, a good king, and mostly a good father to you. So much so that I want you to be like him toward our babies like he was to you" She pulled away from him and looked up at him, "I’m your mate, when even I think like this, then it will not be surprising for some of the tribesmen to compare you to the late king. The King that they were not expecting to lose so soon"

"Noah, I will be honest with you," She said while holding his hand, "I think it will be hard. Very hard if worse comes to play but worry not. I have seen your tribesmen, dear, they love you. They adore you and our babies as their princes. And I can say with certainty that they will do the same when you ascend the throne"

"But that is a privilege" Naoh argued sadly, "I started receiving it the day I was born as the King’s son. My father’s valor and reputation extended to me.....that is all"

"Don’t say that" Lyra couldn’t help but say, "I believe you are thinking too low of your tribesmen. Noah, they respect you for You. They are ready to follow their commander, their prince, and their well-wisher"

"I know" Noah agreed at last. He had been spinning around the circle blaming the tribesmen when in reality, the problem was him. He knew that they would wholeheartedly welcome him as their new king, he knew his soldiers would celebrate, he knew all of this, and yet his mind was in shambles, "It is me.....I think I’m lacking, I don’t want to disappoint men who have put their trust in me" novelbuddy.cσ๓

"Then prove your worth," Lyra said making him frown, "I heard about the ritual of duel that had sometimes taken place when tribesmen feel confused about naming their next king. But now, instead of them, you, the king seem confused. So prove your worth to your own self"

Noah smiled, "You want me to duel? Are you not worried about me getting hurt?"

"Not at all" Lyra was quick to answer making him stunned. She looked quite resolute as she added, "Sweetheart, I trust you. I know that you are worthy and want you to see it for yourself. I don’t want you musing on your reign in uncertainty, I want you to be sure and secure like I and your tribesmen are regarding you"

Noah felt his throat choke up with emotions. And unlike before, all of these new emotions were good. His beautiful mate had once again proven why he had chosen to become hers. Her confidence in herself and others around her was what drove him to her. She was like a light that made sure to brighten others’ life.

"I will fight," Noah said with an ultimatum, "I will earn my seat with honor"

Lyra smiled, "And I will be with you, always supporting your fight for honor"