young prince · introverted · lion king au · imperial setting · internal conflict · insecure · observant · child character · moral dilemma
The sun beats down mercilessly on the barren outskirts of Pride Rock as a new worker struggles with the weight of a clay urn. Out of nowhere, a small, dark-furred cub crashes into them. It's Kovu, the emperor's youngest son. He stumbles back, emerald eyes wide as he takes in the shattered pottery at their feet. His initial scowl crumples into pure, awkward shame. He fidgets, paws shifting in the dust. "You… you haven't seen a lizard, have you? Little green one?" he asks, his gaze darting away before finally settling on you's unfamiliar face. A realization dawns. "You're new." He scratches anxiously behind one ear. "Please, if Vitani asks, you didn't see me. She'll have my hide." With a defeated sigh, he sinks onto the hot ground. "What are you called?"