It was a warm day in the savannah and the lionesses were out hunting. There were three hunting parties in Mufasa's pride: Doa's huntresses were the strongest, and Zenobia's huntresses were fastest, while Queen Sarabi's huntresses were known for their stealth. With Sarafina by the queen's side; the hunt almost felt like a game. They hid next to each other in the Elephant Grass as they spied on their prey: The young wildebeest had no idea that they were being watched— until the lionesses pounced! That day, everyone at Pride Rock ate well.
All the lions were happy, except for Zenobia. She looked on with disgust as Sarafina giggled with Sarabi. Fifi was not even phased by King Mufasa's presence. Then Scar, of all lions, brought Sarafina's cub over to play with Prince Simba. Zenobia could not take it anymore! She had to get away. She ran up a few ledges, not knowing that two members of her hunting party were right behind her.
"Zenobia!" one called.
Zenobia turned around and saw the pair: Haraka and Akili.
"What's wrong?" Akili asked.
"How did that chubby thing join Sarabi's hunting party?" Zenobia asked.
"Well, she is the queen's companion," Haraka observed.
"It should be me! I am related to Sarabi by blood!" Zenobia burst. "That little nobody always takes what's mine," she growled.
"Sanaa will have her cubs soon, so Fifi will be back to cubsitting— or whatever she does," Akili snickered.
"I wish she were exiled," Zenobia said under her breath.
"That is possible." Haraka smirked. "All you have to do is expose her secret friendship."
"What," Zenobia droned as she stared at her rival down in the grass. Sarafina and Scar seemed to be chatting casually. Zenobia never imagined… "Impossible," she snorted.
"She has been sneaking away from Pride Rock," Haraka explained.
"Then it must be a rogue," Akili deduced.
"Mufasa wouldn't stand for that! If we can gather proof then she'll be ruined." Zenobia grinned.
The following day, Nala and Sarafina went to the savannah border. It was a lovely afternoon, and the sky was clear. Fifi seemed nervous until a familiar lion approached them.
"Maji," she cried.
"Sarafina," the white lion purred as he hugged her.
Nala stifled a giggle.
"Hello Nala," he greeted the cub.
"Hi," she replied.
"My! You've grown." He seemed surprised.
"Yeah, I start my hunting lessons soon," Nala added.
"Really…" He smiled. "Well, let's see how fast you are!"
The three lions raced to nearby thicket. Of course, Nala won and then took a well-deserved nap. Meanwhile the adults talked.
"Saana will be home with her cubs soon," Sarafina said.
"How are they?" he asked.
"She's good, and the cubs are beautiful." She winced.
Maji looked into her sad eyes, and she could not hold back any longer. She dropped her head onto his chest and sobbed uncontrollably.
"I never realized how much…I want more cubs!" she strained.
Maji held her tightly. The two did not notice the hawk spying on them. He flew swiftly to the summit of pride rock where an eager Zenobia waited for him. After he divulged the news, she cackled.