You all know what happened next; that's right, the part where Simba gets his 'marvelous surprise'. I don't want to leave you hanging so I'll skip straight to the scenes you didn't get to see. Here's what that takes place after my tragic little speech:

"It's madness allowing hyenas in the pride lands!" spoke one of the lionesses who, in her shock, forgot to keep her voice down.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, I hoped you would be more open to a little change. I understand that it may take some time to adjust to our new neighbors but I'm sure we can all learn to get along," I tried to console them.

"You're insane!" said the same lioness, with new confidence she made herself heard to everyone at the gathering.

"If this is what you choose to bring upon us then together we shall stand against you and fight for our home!" Sarabi announced, encouraged by the cries of the other lionesses whose grief for their deceased king now turned to defiance.

"Take into account that you are by far outnumbered, making this a battle not likely won" I responded, maintaining my composure. "It would be in your best interests to not step out of line."

"We shall not take orders form the likes of you! If death is the consequence then so be it!" the queen declared, sorrow hatred burning in her eyes.

"You are quite brave, brave but foolish. May I remind you that you still have the option to reconsider your wager of war; I suggest you take that option while it is still available," I spoke, my voice cold and piercing.

"No!" a weak and whimpering cry broke through the gravely silence.

"Nala?" Sarafina addressed her quivering daughter.

"P-please… I don't want to see anyone else die! We have enough lives to mourn!" the cub wailed.

"Indeed we do," Sarabi uttered a heavy sigh while despairing murmurs were exchanged through the crowd.

"But how can we just stand by and do nothing while these filthy creatures take over the pride lands," Sarafina protested.

"Hey! Who you callin' filthy?" Shenzi was the first of the hyenas to speak.

"Can't you guess?" replied the lioness.

"How about you keep your mouth shut before we shut you up for good," the female hyena retorted.

"Let's see you try!" she snarled.

"Silence! No more blood shall be spilled tonight," spoke Sarabi, her voice still bearing its proud commanding tone.

"Good, I'm glad that you have finally been brought to your senses," I spoke. It looked as if Sarabi was about to say something in reply but she managed to restrain herself. The other lionesses herded the queen to her dean, affectionately nuzzling her in hopes of easing her pain. Yet she could not look into their eyes.

"Tyrant," Sarafina mumbled under her breath, looking back and seeing the savage bloodthirsty faces of the hyenas crowding on the ledge above her. Her face contorted in disgust, possibly at the symbolism of it.

"Did you hear what she said Scar? We'll be happy to tear her limb form limb for you; she's really asking for it," said Shenzi.

"Yeah, c'mon Scar! We're getting hungry," Banzi complained. "Some lioness meat would sure be a treat!" Shenzi and Ed laughed in agreement. I could not bear to look at the foul creatures, I shared in the lionesses' discontent but sacrifices had to be made to ensure my rise to power. I have no regrets.

Yet secretly I hoped that the lionesses would somehow kill off the hyenas; that would be ideal. But unfortunately Sarabi and her entourage would make sure that I don't overstay my welcome without the presence of my 'supporters'. And half hearted apologies would unlikely be enough to lessen the loathing she had for me, yet maybe I could at least-

"Hey are you ignoring us or what?" said Banzi in petty annoyance.

"If only I could," I sighed.

"Didn't you hear? We're hungry!" he repeated.

"I fear there isn't enough meet in the Savannah to fully satisfy your appetites. After all, one hyena can eat about 32 pounds of food at one time," spoke a lioness, stepping out of the shadows.

"Really? How is it that you know so much about hyenas, eh?" asked Shenzi.

"I'm full of useless facts," she replied, sitting beside me with a sycophant smile. "Now would you mind if Scar and I had a little alone time?"

"You didn't tell us you had a girlfriend Scar," Banzi chuckled.

"I don't, now leave."

"C'mon guys, we'll get some grub and let em' have their alone time," Shenzi teased, making her way down the cliff with her hyena companions following behind her.

"What is it Mavu?" I asked. "I thought you would to with the other lionesses mourning your beloved king."1

"Mufasa, oh he was never the leader I know you will be," she leaned closer.

"What do you want2?" I looked away yet she walked over to meet my gaze.

"Oh nothing, I just thought you might like some company," she pressed herself against me.

"Hm…I wonder why you suddenly became so interested in me," I pretended to think. "Oh could it be because I'm the king now and you're a conniving deceitful lioness who is looking for some personal gain like say…power? I have a special word for lionesses like you, but I'll save that for later."

"Takes one to know one," her face turned to an irritated scowl.

"Well I admit, we do have common interests."

"Indeed, I think we have a lot in common," she agreed.

"I don't know if that's a good thing, how could I sleep at night knowing there is someone like me out there?" I smirked.

"Yes, very funny. But I seriously think we could make this relationship work."

"Relationship?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Oh Scar, won't you take me as your loving queen?"

"Sorry but when I have a mate I want her to be affectionate and trustworthy, not a gold-digging bimbo as likeable as Zazu."

"Aw, you're just too cute you hopeless romantic" she giggled. "So is that to say that you're not interested?"

"Oh was I not clear? Do you want me to rephrase that?"

"Hey, it was worth a try, but if you did reject me I thought you'll be more suave about it."

"Well then sorry to disappoint."

"I didn't want it to come to this but I guess I have to use blackmail," she sighed.

"What?"

"I know your little secret! And I'm going to tell," a wicked smile returned to her face.

"And which secret would that be?"

"How about the one where you plotted with hyenas, killed your own brother, and banished his son."

"Yes, go ahead and state the obvious," I rolled my eyes. "As if the lionesses don't already suspect most of that."

"Not the part about Simba, once I tell them they would surely go looking!"3

"Oh did I forget to tell you, the hyenas reported him dead," I regretted those words as soon as they came out of my mouth, what if it was all just a trick and I was the idiot that fell for it. All those accusations might have been just suspicions, but now I confirmed them! Oh well, nobody listens to Mavu after her last little white lie4.

"That's not what I saw. The little nuisance was scampering to safety through a crop of spiked brambles while your dimwitted accomplices stood there admiring the scenery."

"Tell me then, how are you so well informed?"

"I stalk you…sometimes…a bit. Now may I remind you that you still have the option of marrying me; I suggest you take that option while it is still available," she smirked.

"Just don't quote me."

"Consider it done, your highness. So what shall we do now that we're engaged?" she smirked.

"Engaged?"

1 You probably forgot that this story was supposed to be about Mavu, eh? Don't worry, so did I. Or you can say that I was creating suspense or something, whatever works for you.

2 I knew exactly what she wanted but I was curious to hear what false-hearted reply she thought up for me. Mavu once had her hopes set on being queen, did plenty of sucking up to Mufasa, but unfortunately for her Sarabi got the lead role and I'm guessing she's now up for a second try.

3 Monkeys always look, apes always tell.

4 Sorry to get your hopes up but I can't tell you about this one. Mufasa made it law that it should never be spoken of in the pridelands, and with good reason. Usually I wouldn't think twice about breaking Muffy's laws but I assure you that this one is with no doubt well worth keeping.