Ladybug's moment of peace was suddenly squashed when the alpha sidled up to her and sniffed at little Leksea who was completely absorbed in her nursing.
"Not mine," he rumbled disapprovingly.
A chill gripped Ladybug's chest. When a wild stallion claimed a mare with a nursing foal, there was always a slight possibility that he would not accept it. That created a dangerous situation for the foal as the stallion would see it as a rival to his own future young, and this would inevitably lead to tragedy.
This was thankfully almost nonexistent among the more intelligent Witch's Ponies, but it seemed that something about Leksea bothered the alpha enough to trigger this instinct. Maybe some of her old scent still lingered, or perhaps her behavior made him uncomfortable. Whatever the case, this would have to be dealt with quickly.
So, driven by urgency, Ladybug cast another quick spell on the alpha. As had happened previously, the stallion's attitude changed instantly.
"Mine!" He declared proudly, nudging the filly affectionately.
In response, Leksea instantly paused in her nursing to gaze back at the large stallion. Her little eyes blinked, and just like with the alpha, her demeanor changed. "Father!"
Both stallion and filly nuzzled each other affectionately. It was a touching scene, but Ladybug was in no mood to enjoy it. Leksea's behavior was out of character, to say the least. As if in agreement, the foal twitched her head as if dislodging a fly. "Wait, why did I do that? This is not my father."
Unperturbed by her words, the alpha continued bumping her head with his nose. Distractedly, she allowed it even as she glared at Ladybug. "What did you do!?"
"I simply cast a spell to make the alpha believe you are his foal in order to protect you," Ladybug said in confusion. "It was in no way directed at you. I have no clue how it could have caused this."
After a few seconds of tense silence, Leksea seemed to calm down.
She eyed the big stallion thoughtfully. "Well, at least I still have my mind. And this is not so bad, I guess. But if anything occurs to you as to the cause, tell me immediately. I have no desire for any more surprises.
Relieved, Ladybug agreed.