I pace alongside my galaxy-coated brother with a sense of contentment and fulfillment that I had not known I lacked until I found it. I knew that my beloved waited nearby in our oasis, and that I had helped in some small way in facilitating the growth of more love in our desert home. It is no grand thing that I have done. I have fought no battles - verbal or physical, have wagered no treaties, or written any laws, but I am full of purpose and happiness at this night's work.

Rigel speaks again, and while I try to stifle it, I cannot hide the amusement that grows on my face as his titles to continue to spill from his lips and a giggle bubbles up from deep within my chest. If I ever wanted to embarrass him with excessive formality as I had Atair - if such a thing were even possible for my diplomacy minded brother - I would surely have to sit the woman down first before launching into such an epic.

Thankfully, I can see the mirth also on his face and with delight of my own I jest with him, no malice in my words. "Surely it does," I say through laughter before adopting mock seriousness. "And I decree that you may not introduce yourself as anything but from now on."

I snort to show that I am only kidding before pricking my ears to catch his next response as he admits to seeing the doubt on my face. It sobers some of the light-hearted joy that I had held only a moment ago, but I smile at his admission of being irascible when he had first heard it. "It is... a strange feeling to shed the titles that I have heard and looked up to my whole life, and in truth a part of me feels that such words may only confuse our new herd members as they try to assimilate to our desert life. But..."

I pause and cast my gaze outward across the dunes for a moment, my brow creased in thought. "But I do not feel like a princess here. Nor a queen."

Mira still seemed to fit, if only because the title had not been my own while in Mahgrib. I did not have many associations with it, and so I still felt as though it fit me here, where I might find the balance between the traditions of old and new.

I cannot help the small bit of unease that worms through me though as I mull over the knowledge that Antares had sought out Rigel and spoke to him of the changes he wanted to make to the hierarchy without ever mentioning it to me. Granted, our conversation had certainly wound to other topics throughout the night before as I knew I was slightly obsessive over our coming child, but I would've thought such a thing would be important enough as to warrant some discussion.

Again my brow furrows and I cast my glance sideways, not entirely certain that I want to bother my brother in law with more of my marital troubles. Such things are surely not his place, but the impression he had given me, and that which Antares had imparted, had given me the idea that he would come to me with most things first before announcing them as final before the herd. It is a small thing, but it does make me feel as though I am back on uncertain ground.

"Mira is right, though." I say with a warm smile, "And so is sheik. And so is Diplomat of the Sadim." I hope to reassure him, and to perhaps distract him from the other emotions that I am sure have crossed my face. Despite my jida's best attempts, I am still not particularly skilled at guarding my face. Seeking to cut off his concern before I can accidentally lead him into a situation where he is forced to be my relationship counselor, I speak again. "Forgive me brother, I think I may retired tonight after all. I think the excitement made me more ambitious than my energy truly allows."

I stretch my muzzle toward him as a farewell gesture before stepping away slightly. "Sleep well Rigel, Diplomat of the Sadim."