"Do you understand why we ask this of you?" Mother inquired.
I nodded. "It is my responsibility for the benefit of the pride."
From an early age, I had been taught that as I was of noble birth, I was a suitable bride for the aristocracy, so when I was only a few days old, my parents had taken me to Rafiki's tree. He rattled some gourds and stirred around feathers in a tortoise shell while waiting for a sign from the kings of the past.
"Sarabi is a fine match for Prince Mufasa!" he announced after several minutes.
I never cared for Prince Mufasa. He was headstrong, and he always seemed to get himself into danger without stopping to think. From what I could tell, he had mellowed out somewhat with age.
Now that I was a lioness rather than a cub, the day had arrived for us to recite our vows and live in matrimony. The wind blew flowers from the trees as if nature itself celebrated our union.
"Mother, may I go to the water hole before the ceremony begins?" I asked.
"You're thirsty? But of course! It's just your nerves. I was anxious on the day I married your father. Have a quick drink, but be back as soon as you can!"
Thanking my mother, I ran to the water hole, intending to walk back as slowly as possible. My thoughts were swirling like dead leaves in the wind. I lapped the water, trying unsuccessful to calm myself. After all, I was soon to be the princess. I must accept my new role with regal dignity.
"Do you come here often?"
Looking toward the voice that had interrupted my thoughts, I saw Prince Mufasa.
"My prince, I did not realize you were here," I replied.
"The royal court can't hear us out here," he remarked. "You don't have to be formal."
I said nothing.
"Sarabi, do you want to be married to me?"
No, I did not. However, neither of us had any choice in the matter, so why should we bother to discuss our feelings?
"It is an honor to wed my prince," I responded. "Our union will bring prosperity to the kingdom."
He shrugged. "That's not what I asked. I wanted to know if you were happy about becoming my princess."
I was still unsure how to answer him. "Are you happy about it?"
Prince Mufasa sighed. "To be honest, I'm not sure. I never had any sisters. What do I know about communicating with the opposite gender? What if we can barely stand the sight of each other? How then will we share a lifetime together?"
"I will be a dutiful wife," I promised. "I will obey you and serve you well."
"Zazu's obedience and service are second to none, but I wouldn't want to marry him."
Unable to help myself, I started laughing. When Prince Mufasa realized what he had just said, he too chuckled.
"I want you to rule at my side, not under my paw," he stated. "If you believe we can manage, I would like for us to try becoming friends."
He seemed so different than the headstrong, impetuous cub I had known. While he still lacked his father's majesty, he was indeed transforming into someone fit to be king.
"Yes, we can try to be friends," I answered.
Mufasa smiled, and for the first time, I wondered if perhaps there would be a day in the distant future when we might at least grow fond of each other, even if we never felt love.