Beauty in the beast world

Noah stood shell-shocked as he took in his gorgeous mate. She looked like an otherwordly being that was descending down on the mortal world. Her every stride, the way she kept a constant smile on her face, and her mesmerizing sky-like eyes made him forget to breathe.

The murmur around him vanished, and the only thing he could see was his mate. Once she finally reached him, her sweet scent reached his nose. She smelled like the freshest roses blooming in the spring. Well, she was his spring fairy. His fairy.

He moved almost automatically, trying to get near his mate, and took her hand into his.

"You look beautiful, Baby dove" A bright smile graced her lips as soon as those words left his mouth. Mirth danced in her eyes as she replied while bowing, "Thank you, your Grace" While he was slightly confused by her way of addressing him, her next words made him forget everything else, "I wanted to look the best for you"

Lyra wanted to make this night as special as it could be and beyond for him. His coronation meant, the constant memory of the departure of his Father and King, his majesty Leonard. She wanted her mate to at least feel at ease by looking at her. Maybe, that would quell some unhappiness in his heart.

While this was important and she walked with Noah towards the plaza, Lyra couldn't help but notice the hostile looks Kyrell was receiving from the tribesmen. It was self-explanatory as, according to them, Kyrell and the Eagle tribe caused their King's death. No matter what explanation she and her mates give, the gaping wound of the tribesmen will not heal. Acceptance after the loss of trust cannot be done with urgency, they would need time to pass to accept Kyrell's presence inside their tribe.

Kyrell had the same thoughts running inside his mind, but unlike his mate, he was all right with not having the Lion tribesmen's forgiveness or approval. The one that really mattered to him already knew the truth about him and that was enough for him. At the end of the day, what his mate thought of him was the only thing that he cared about and nothing else. Yes, he felt sorry for Noah for losing his father, but that would not make Kyrell distance himself from his mate. If he wanted, He could leave until the coronation was completed and Lyra moved out of the lion tribe or until she gave birth, but Kyrell didn't want to do that.

Lyra was the only thing he ever wished for in his life and he refused to stay even a moment away from her just to soothe people that never mattered to him. Hence, he stood there while he ignored the hateful gazes directed at him and kept his own eyes on his mate. She was why he was here and that was what he would continue to do, be for her.

Lyra's other mates had no opportunity to go near their mate as the roar for the dueling ceremony commenced. She sat on the throne beside Noah as he addressed his tribesmen.

"Tribesmen! The time has come to choose your new king" Saying that out loud made Noah clench his fists. It felt repulsive to make this proclamation as it reminded him of his father's death. But following his duty and keeping his emotions in check was something his Father would prefer him to do rather than mourning him, "I, the Prince of the Lion tribe invite all of you to participate in it. This night, I will welcome every challenge against my claim" His eyes roamed across the crowd before he finished with his declaration, "May the strongest one lead the Pride"

His words were followed by loud roars among the crowd. The tribesmen were fired up to witness the appointment of the strongest that would lead their pride toward further glory.

Lyra watched with bated breath as Noah waited for potential challengers to step forward. It didn't take long before a familiar figure stepped towards the plaza. She remembered that man. He worked under her late father-in-law. And was injured while trying to protect his King and fight against the Eagle tribe.

"Alan" Noah's voice made her remember his name. Lyra grew worried for her mate. When she first met her mate 0, he was a three-marked beastman, but with constant training with her other mates, he had crossed it to become a Four-marked beastman. She had heard that for his young age, it was quite a feat and she also knew that Noah wasn't in a rush to get closer to the King's level because his father was still in his prime. He was taking it slow and mindful. However, the sudden demise of King Leonard put immense pressure on not only Noah but also on the entire Lion tribe. Suddenly, he couldn't afford to take it slow or push away his responsibility. Right after the mourning period, he stood here to protect his claim on the throne.

The tribesmen, on the other hand, lwere worried about having a king who had yet to cross five marks. Although Noah was beloved by the tribe, the pride that prioritized strength wouldn't be able to move past the above issue.

"His majesty would have wanted this, My prince," Alan said, addressing Noah. And everyone around them knew that was the truth. King Leonard would have wanted his son to push himself to the extreme and come out victorious.

"I know my father, Alan" Noah said before turning to the crowd, "Anyone else that wishes to test me?" He had to face all the challenges by himself to prove himself worthy. Just like Alan, many others who were three and four marked themselves stepped forward.

Noah turned to his mate and smiled at her. Lyra quickly got up from her seat and rushed to him. She tiptoed to kiss his cheeks before stepping away, "I wish you the best, Sweetheart. May the gods be with you" She wanted to give him all of her luck and blessings so that he would succeed. It wasn't because she wanted him to be a king, no...that was the last thing on her mind. All she wanted was for her mate to stay safe and not get fatally injured. Her little cubs, too, seemed to have the same mind. They circled their father's feet while nudging against him.

"Wait for me, my little furballs," Noah said, "I will win for you"

With a final gentle stroke against their small heads, Noah moved down the plaza and stepped inside the fighting arena. The place was created in a manner resembling grass fields that Lions thrived in. Noah closed his eyes and turned into his Beast form while his opponents did the same. Three Mighty Lions against One. Each looked more ferocious than the other but the only one that looked calm among them was the Lion that had to face all three at the same time. It was a disadvantageous start for Noah but becoming a king and facing enemies was never advantageous. The one that was called the King had to take responsibility for not only himself but for the entire tribe.