Mandaryn's Den

Years have gone by. Endless nights flashing by have allowed Emperor Mandarin much time to ponder if his decision was correct.
"Prove to me there's no weakness in your heart," the deity had told him. It echoed in his mind, over and over again. When he allowed Apedemak to complete his ceremony, his place in the Celestial Kingdom had been assured. In exchange, he had to surrender what distinguished him as mortal: emotion, love, attachment, intimacy; everything was gone.
What is an eternity? For him it was watching everything pass by, wistful for simpler days. Those around for the when he was mortal were long gone now. The allies that stood by him were scattered in the stars, while he still walked the lands they all considered home. Their experiences were now "legends" retold by a new generation, modified to fit an agenda praising him. No one is around to suggest any other opinion anymore. A pedestal had been built to place him above mortals.
When he appears, bright eyes turn toward him, but the contact is always broken as their heads lower into a bow. They cannot look at him for long, because he is not like him. He is more like the sun than a lion. He is the body of light guiding them through the dark; he is also the shadow holding them by the throat, because they fear him more than anything. He is above mortals. He has no simple name to them, only a list of titles and years. No qualremain in him to suggest he was like them.
He is above mortals. Every emotion is hollow, every relationship is dull and distant. Every conversation is one-sided, because no opinion can cross his own. His expression rarely changes, having to maintain the image of a perfect being. In his core he knows that he isn't one. He was once a mortal of flesh and blood, defined by his strengths and flaws. He misses the days he looked toward the sun in the horizon, burning with a passion to conquer. He misses the gentle laugh of Emperor Izumi as he chided him for being a spoiled brat, long ago. He misses his mother's guiding words. He misses the sound of his name. He misses his siblings.
He is above mortals, and yet his heart trembles with mortal feelings. He longs for a connection and surrounds himself in lovers, but they are that in name only; his home still feels empty at the end of the day. No one looks at him, only up to him -- as mortals should. He is Divine, above them. The Divine Emperor has no weakness, but he would die without a second thought if he could change things, because he is alone and it's all his own fault.

Emperor
Current: Divine Emperor Mandarin
The title of Emperor/Empress regnant was once passed from parent to child as a successive position. Now, the role remains in the possession of fourth Emperor Mandarin, who is considered undying. The Emperor is the ruler of the territory, bound to keep the area safe and ensure the happiness of those living within their land. Despite that responsibility and power, the Emperor can be ousted from their position by those under them. This ensures that the pride remains with a ruler that has to respect them and earn their approval.
Emperor/Empress Consort
Current: Emperor Consort Haze
The Consort - either Emperor Consort or Empress Consort - is the main partner and official spouse of the Emperor/Empress. The Consort can either be a betrothed chosen to rule alongside a Crowned Prince/Princess or a lion that the Emperor marries after beginning their rule. They hold the closest relationship to the Emperor, and often live a life of luxury. Although the Consort is not expected to participate in ruling the pride, they often serve as the head of the lionesses, mediating between the lionesses they interact with daily and the males of the pride.
Royal Children
Current: Duchess Aya, Duchess Yumi
Direct members of the royal family, which mainly include the legitimate children of the Emperor and Consort, and their descendants. Cubs born from relations of the Emperor and an unranked lioness or broodmother often do not receive a title, and are treated as common lions. Those who do receive a title are naturally born into luxury and respect, and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds their honor. Their titles may or may not pass to their children. If a child of the Emperor is chosen to be the next ruler, they become the Crown Prince/Princess.
Paramour
Current: Yasoji, Miyuki
Paramours are the Emperor's romantic pursuits outside of the official union of the Consort. This relationship is acknowledged by many in the pride, but none would dare directly ask about the relationships outright. This status is generally kept a secret (at least, as much as it can be) and so the title technically does not exist. Being in the monarch's favor does come with its benefits in terms of preference for resources, though it does have a potential to quickly fall apart. This status is not necessarily permanent, and so Paramoursrun the risk of being ousted should they fall out of favor in any way. Any children born from these individuals do not inherit any royal title unless they are given one.
Royal Guards
Current: Sir Hash, Lady Mukuro
The role of Royal Guard was once passed down through generations, but now can be chosen specifically by the ruling pair. Royal Guards' duties include protecting the royal family and following the direct orders of the Emperor, including following them into battle, and into the afterlife. They are highly respected for their service and are considered knights of the royal family. This of course, entitles them to honorary rights, such as eating first during mealtimes and the ability to chose what pridemates are safe to keep in the pride. However, the Guards never rest in their quest of protecting their ruler, and because that requires much physical prowess, Guards never live into their eldery years. Their replacements once chosen must kill their predecessor to take their role. The deceased Royal Guard would then receive an honorable burial to honor their dedication and service to the pride.
Counts
Countess Yukiji, Count Hash, Count Yukimura, Countess Specter
Lions closely related to the Emperor or favored by them are given the title of Count or Countess. It distinguishes their relation to the crown but does very little beside that. Regardless, those of this rank live in the same luxury as ranks above them, just with no authority to order anyone around. As the title is given, it may not be passed down if the Emperor doesn't wish it.
Barons
Current: Baroness Ono, Baroness Mukuro
Nonroyal members of the Royal Hunting Party are given the title of Baron or Baroness. This title is often passed from parent to child, though only one child of the title-holder may inherit it, and only one member of a family may hold it at a time. This title distinguishes the bearer as a highly esteemed member of the pride, and though they are not due respect, they often receive it.
Subordinate Males
Current: Broodpapa Sorley, Count Yukimura,Finn
Sub males are generally male cubs who were born into the pride and were allowed to stay. They are different from the Royal Guards, and rank below them. Their task is to protect the den they are assigned to and generally keep order. The sub male assigned to the Nursery Den acts as an aid to the Broodmothers as well as their protector.
Commoners
Current: Ash, Sage, Kumo, Izumi, Maya, Miyuki, Yasoji, CinnabarCua
Commoners are just that: lions that common. They do not have any particular special role assigned to them and merely live their lives within the territory. They serve in the Common and Lower Hunting Parties.
Broodmothers
Current: Micah, Kino, Rafe, Tabi,Maroon, Cubsitter Slate
Broodmothers act as the caretakers for all cubs in the pride, making them very important . They are often lionesses who are nurturing in nature, as they work the best with cubs. They also often have a questionable relationship with the Emperor where they bear illegitimate children who may or may not serve a purpose for the pride...
Broodmothers in training are called Cubsitters.