Chapter 3: Hakuna Matata
Nala sat in the corner of the main chamber. She had been crying for a long time. The other lionesses noticed her and talked amongst themselves. Nala pretended not to hear them.
"Is that Nala? Why hasn't she been on any hunts with us?"
"Haven't you heard? She's Scar's queen! Sarabi said so herself."
"I sure hope she is alright."
"Of course she isn't alright! She's crying!"
"Ladies, let's not get off the subject. We still need to solve our issue. The only place where there is any hope for food is the nearest jungle. The one with the scent of that strange fruit."
"We can't do 're Plains animals! It's unnatural."
"Right now it's our only hope for food. We can't send a whole party there because we need them here for in case any herds pass through. We need only one lioness. We don't want too many lionesses to be gone because it takes days to walk there."
"I'll do it." Spoke up Nala, "I'll investigate the jungle."
"Um, fine," said the puzzled lioness, "The position is all yours."
Good, thought Nala, I need some time to think anyway.
As Nala left the cave, the lioness called to give her one last piece of advice. "There is a rumor of a loner lion living in the jungle, Nala….er.. Queen Nala. Be careful!"
Scar noticed Nala walking into his chambers.
"Listen, Nala, I'm sorry about earlier. Please just accompany me again tonight. I want us to talk."
Nala was not hearing any of it. "I'm leaving today. I'm investigating the jungle for food."
Scar's remorseful disposition faded. A snarl took its place.
"And what if I say 'no', my dear queen?"
"Then you won't be eating any food until the next year's rainy season." retorted Nala contemptuously, "I need some time to think, and we need food.
"Fine," he griped, "But please, my dear Nala. Please return to me soon."
"I'll see what I can do," spat Nala as she left the cave.