Wondering how to get the lion on it? Royal icing seems practical but wouldn't it run down? Not very familiar with royal icing maybe I can use a stiff consistency? 

Also for the eyes can I just use vodka and black gel color to "paint" it?

Maybe use candy melt for the lion and decoration as well? I'm dipping the whole apple in candy melt.

Definitely use royal icing. You would need to make a pipable consistency, yes. Check out this post, to see if it helps: http://www.sweetambs.com/tutorial/royal-icing-consistencies/

Doing it with candy melts would be a pain since you have to make sure it is at the right temperature, it will clog up your piping tips if it gets too cool - too runny and it will run down the side of the apple. 

You can use the vodka/gel colour on RI. You could also just dip your fine paintbrush straight in the gel pot.

Thanks it with fondant and royal icing. :)