Chapter 10
Hisani laid his head down on the floor in exhaustion. He glanced to the side, afraid to meet the shaman's eyes. He didn't want to tell her about Idhara, but he had to tell someone! His parents were dead; they couldn't help him, not from the stars in the night sky, or wherever they were in heaven. Aside from Adaeze, he had no other family. He was alone. His face hardened and his eyes snapped. He pressed his front paws into the ground. His claws slowly appeared and scraped the floor.
In front of him, Amina looked down and closed her eyes. She thought over all Hisani had said. She couldn't believe it. Idhara, his own wife and the Northern Valley's queen having a relationship with the guardian Nyoka? The whole thing was unthinkable not to mention unimaginable… but it was real and true. If Hisani hadn't told her that he and Adaeze saw the queen and guardian together, and if Hisani hadn't gotten a confession from his wife, Amina would never have believed. No one would, really.
A thought crossed her mind. Who else knew besides the two royals? Thoughtfully, Amina spoke Nyoka's name. Quickly, realization dawned. Nyoka… the older brother of the second guardian, Imani… And Imani's son, Maabade, the princess's best friend! With Imani's son and Hisani's daughter having a close friendship – and the princess's mother and the young lion's uncle being in an adulterous relationship – surely Adaeze told him! And if she did, did Maabade tell his parents?
Amina shook her head. Those were questions for another day. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Hisani looked defeated, older than his age. She licked her lips, mulled over what she wanted to say, and then spoke in a gentle voice. "Hisani…"
His mane was hung over his eyes and face. He didn't look at her directly, but at a side glance, then spoke. His voice was quiet, distant and cracking with pain. "I can't let this go, Amina."
The leopard winced. This wasn't the Hisani she knew. This was more like a lion who hadn't slept in three weeks let alone three days. His body was shivering. The air wasn't cold. Amina stared at him. The action was coming from a place inside Hisani that was so deep, no mortal eye could know. But Amina, as a shaman, knew: Hisani's soul, which was probably still aching at the reality of his life, at how different everything was. But it wasn't just his life affected. It was anyone who knew Idhara and Nyoka by relationship, such as marriage and parenthood, or even acquaintance and friendship. Whether they knew it or not their actions would change the way they were viewed by all, starting with their families.
Her ears rose to the sound of his voice. Amina strained to listen.
"What they've done is a crime… a sin… And until they see the Lord in the afterlife, I shall be their earthly judge. I am the king." Without warning, Hisani's voice began to rise. "No matter what my relationship with them, I cannot let this go! This may be personal, but it's also political. I have to look out for my kingdom, my subjects, my pride, and most importantly, my daughter!"
Amina continued to stare. She didn't dare speak, and he wasn't finished. For all she knew he was just getting started.
"I have to do something about this!" His voice was almost a hiss. He got up and started pacing, his tail twitching back and forth behind him. Then he turned his gaze to the leopard.
Amina was shocked but not overly surprise. Hisani's eyes were wild, not maniacal, but if he wasn't careful and didn't control himself they would be. And if they turned maniacal he would probably leave and do something foolish. Amina felt a chill. What could she say to calm him?
"They cannot get away with such an atrocious act! They just can't!" He took in a deep breath, let it out, and slowly began to calm down. He panted and sank to the floor, burying his head in his paws. "Amina," he said without looking up at her, "tell me, is there any law in the Northern Valley that talks about this? Any law that you remember from your old master…?"
Surprise fell over the shaman again, this time near knocking her over. How could he ask that? Had he already forgotten the cheetah case? Amina remembered how he looked that day: stone faced with emotionless eyes and a dry voice. Now the king said that he and Adaeze saw Idhara and Nyoka as they were coming to the trial procession of the cheetah case. If that was true, why didn't Hisani seek her counsel after the trial ended?
Amina's ears fell. She knew the reason. Hisani must have been so full of hurt that he had to know the reasons why his wife would cheat on him, reasons that couldn't wait. Amina shut her eyes, grateful that Hisani didn't prod her to answer his question. She searched her mind, but the answer was as clear as daylight.
A small while later, she opened her eyes again and spoke softly. "Well, Hisani… there are some ways, not quite laws, but –"
He groaned. "I don't care if they're laws or not, just…" He drew in another breath, and let it out shakily. "Just, please, tell me what you know…"
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Maabade could see shock bouncing in the eyes of his parents, his father especially. The older lion's gold hazel eyes snapped when his son started speaking. Now he was up, pacing and grumbling. His wife however was quiet, still in her seated position, her head bowed low, probably going over what she heard in her mind. Maabade couldn't fault their different reactions. Like his mother, he went over other scenarios in his mind. And like his father, he grumbled. Now he sighed and shook his head. It was true. Adaeze's tears that day were no joke. Maabade knew she would never cry like that unless something was seriously wrong. An image of her flashed in his mind. He found himself missing her now more than ever and he wondered if she was all right wherever she was.
Imani rejoined his family, but his eyes, though still angry, they were also pained. "My own brother…" His voice was a faint whisper. "W-why would he do this?" Before either his wife or son could answer, he stomped the grass with a paw. "He knows better! He knows Idhara is married to our king! Does he even know the emotional damage he has inflicted on any of us?! Does he know this could cost him his job as a guardian?" He felt his blood boil, felt his fury shoot out through his nose and clenched teeth. It showed in his eyes as well.
Atiya spoke, her voice gentle. "Imani…" When he faced her, she continued. "Sweetheart, it's not just him, it's Idhara too." She glanced at the ground, her ears falling against her head. Her expression became thoughtful. It was then that the conversation she'd had with Nyoka came to her mind. In fact, that conversation happened a week ago. "Nyoka asked me if he'd ever find a mate…"
Her husband looked down at her, confused. "What did you say?"
"I asked him why he would ask, and that if he liked someone. He said it was possible, and that I didn't know her."
His mother's words caught Maabade's attention. "Yeah?" he asked, tilting his head to the side.
Atiya nodded. "When I asked if she was of the pride he hesitated."
Imani clutched the grass with his fore claws. He breathed deeply. "He lied to you, Atiya. If he hesitated then that means the lioness he's interested in is of this pride." Another deep growl emerged in his throat. "The problem is –"
Here, Maabade finished. "The problem is that the lioness he's interested in happens to be our queen, who is already spoken for."
"And it doesn't matter who started it or how long it's been going on. The point is Idhara and Nyoka have been discovered, and Maabade as you have said, Hisani already confronted the queen?"
"Yes."
Imani glanced at his mate. "I guess that explains why he's been sleeping outside for the past three nights."
"It makes sense," Atiya replied. "He doesn't want to be around her."
Maabade shook his head. "I know you're worried about the king. You are his friends, but Adaeze is mine." Small tears near gathered in his eyes. He sniffed. "She's so distraught and I don't blame her."
Atiya reached out and touched her son's paw with one of her own. "Adaeze is a strong lioness, son. She'll get through this. She has her father," she gave him a smile, "and she has you. Her father will need her more than ever now, and she'll need you."
He met her eyes and nodded. "She told me she was going to talk to her mother. I have the feeling she might do that today." He looked down. "I wonder if she already has," he said softly. Maabade rose as did his mother. "If you two don't mind I'm going to go find her." When his parents were both staring at him, he slowly broke down. "I am so sorry. I should have told you three days ago, but I didn't know how. This isn't something you tell your parents every day." A few tears fell out of his eyes before he could stop them.
The parents exchanged glances, and Atiya came up and nuzzled her son. "It's alright, Maabade. Shh, it's alright." She eyed her mate, silently asking him to bring extra comfort to their torn son.
Imani came forward and bowed his head. He put a paw on the young lion's shoulder. His expression was somber but on the inside he was burning with anger towards his older brother. "We understand why, Maabade. It's alright, really." Imani let out a hard sigh and looked to Atiya. He stepped away from his son, came near to her and whispered in her ear. "I'm going to find Nyoka. I should find him before Hisani does." He stepped back and they met each other's eyes.
Atiya licked her lips. "Don't hurt him, Imani. Find out why this happened. Don't let your emotions control your reasoning and judgment. Done a terrible wrong or not, older or not, Nyoka is still your brother."
He wanted to ignore her words, but she was right. He sighed and shook his head. "I can't promise honey… He's really done it." He nuzzled her and licked her cheek. Without saying another word he turned and left.
When he was gone, Maabade removed his head from his mother's shoulder. "Mom, if it's okay, I'm gonna go find Adaeze…"
Atiya was about to reply when a figure some few feet away caught her eye. She gestured behind her son with a nod of her head. "You won't have to."
"What?" He turned around and saw her coming. She'd been crying from the looks of it. Maabade's heart sank and swallowed. "Uh, Mom –"
Atiya nuzzled him gently. "Don't worry about me. Take all the time you need with her." She walked past him in a direction from Adaeze's.
"Hey, Mom," he suddenly called out, and when she turned her head, he said, "I love you!"
His mother only smiled. "I love you too," she called back and resumed her walk.
When she was gone, Maabade looked in the direction which Adaeze was coming. Now the two were face-to-face. There was genuine sorrow in his eyes, agony and pain in hers. Without speaking, Adaeze rested her head on his shoulder, trying desperately not to sob again.
Maabade didn't speak for awhile but when he did his voice was kind. "There's a waterhole behind me. Let's go over there."
With her head on his shoulder, he led her to the waterhole. They lay down in front of it side-by-side. Maabade sighed quietly. It would be awhile before they would talk.
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Hisani looked at the shaman intently. He went over what she said in his mind. First off, there was no ancient law. It was clear that no Northern Valley monarch ever dealt with this situation so close to heart and home. Still, Hisani had choices. He could punish them; they needed that! As he said earlier, he couldn't let it go, no matter how personal. Idhara, who was not only his wife and queen of their kingdom, not to mention leader of the hunting party, she was also Adaeze's mother. She was the princess's mother. How could he punish her without hearing Adaeze's thoughts? Her opinion mattered the most, especially now. She was most affected by this, and any decision he made would affect her more.
He didn't want to judge Idhara, but her actions and her reason, or lack thereof, simply could not go without some justifiable punishment. And the pride… could they continue looking to Idhara for leadership unaware that she was doing this? Having an affair with a lion who was not their king? Hisani shrugged. They didn't deserve to be kept in the dark. And they don't deserve a queen who would do such a terrible, life changing thing, either! Hisani knew what he had to do, at least where Idhara was concerned. It would kill him to do it, but it had to be done. He couldn't let his feelings get in the way of his job, of his want to bring true righteousness back into his pride. He had to somehow rid his pride and his kingdom of the filth that had been lingering right under his nose for eight months.
Knowing what he would have to do to Idhara that left Nyoka. Hisani hadn't had a chance to speak to the guardian. The anger after his confrontation with Idhara had been too much. But Nyoka – Hisani wondered if Nyoka would tell him the reasons he so desperately wanted and needed to know. If Nyoka still cared anything for his king and friend, then he owed his leader enough to be truthful. And if the truth came out, then what was Hisani to do? He shut his eyes tightly, gritted his teeth. As hard as it would be, not just on him, but Nyoka's brother and his family, Nyoka also had to receive some sort of punishment for this act. Though his friend hurt him deeply, Hisani had to be lenient, at least for Imani's sake and for the lion, who, Hisani knew would one day become his son-in-law.
Hisani exhaled through clenched teeth and opened his eyes again. They met Amina's. She looked at him deeply, like she was seeing into his soul. She felt herself relax a little. She knew that whatever he would do it'd be in the best interests of everyone. This wasn't about him, not anymore, not after the day was over.
Amina pawed the ground nervously. "I hope I've helped, Hisani." Her eyes looked sad.
He gave her a small gentle smile. "I think you have, Amina."
"Still, I do apologize that there were no laws about this."
He held up a paw. "I expected that there wouldn't be. I doubt that the past kings and queens ever dealt with this sort of thing. But," he flashed another grateful smile, "thanks anyway."
She smiled. "I'm happy to help, Hisani. That's what I'm here for."
Hisani walked up and wrapped his head around hers, hugging her. "You're a good shaman. You have been for years. Don't let anyone, not even your family, tell you otherwise. And you are trustworthy, for which, I am deeply thankful."
Amina gave him a friendly lick on the cheek as he pulled away. "I have to be. Without me who else would you trust, other than Adaeze or Imani, right?"
He laughed softly. "Good point." He was quiet for a while, then, "Well, I should probably go. I wanna get this over with as soon as possible, and I have to find Nyoka and get his side."
"I wish you luck."
"Thanks, I'm gonna need it."
"Well, if it helps I'll pray instead."
Hisani smiled again. "Now that I'm definitely gonna need. Thanks, Amina." When she dipped her head in respect, he turned, found a branch below the one he stood on, and leapt down. He repeated this same pattern until he was at the bottom and running through the grasses.
Amina watched him, the sadness still in her eyes. She felt sorry for him, his daughter, the second guardian and his family. She even felt sorry for the pride who would sooner rather than later find out about the unfaithfulness of their queen and the guardian who swore to protect them. She closed her eyes and offered a prayer to the still blue skies.
Lord, please be with Hisani and his daughter as they go through this trying time. Be with the pride and Imani and his family as a painful truth is revealed to them. And, please be with Idhara and Nyoka as they receive whatever punishment Hisani gives them. Please, let it show them the error of their ways.
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Maabade had never seen Adaeze looked so defeated and hurt in all his life. A quick and sudden anger gripped at him, squeezing his heart and chest. He growled lowly. He wanted to find Adaeze's mother and demand to know why she would cheat on her husband, and more importantly, why she would – Maabade stopped his thoughts of emotional distress. The lioness beside him needed his comfort. He remained quiet for another moment, licked his lips, craned his neck down to the water to grab a quick drink, licked his lips again, and stared at her, his eyes filled with a raw pain.
He swallowed a lump in his throat and spoke, his voice thick. "S-she actually told you not to bother marrying? That with any luck… you won't marry…?"
Adaeze shrugged, her mouth quivering. "Yes, she did, but I told her that one day I would."
A flicker of hope skittered across the young lion's heart. "I'm glad," he said softly.
"I wasn't going to lie to her, Maabade." She looked at him full in the face, her eyes though still hurting now deep and intense. "She may be my mother and I her daughter, but I am nothing like her!"
He put a paw atop hers. "I know you're not, Ada. I know you're not." If he ever admitted it to anyone, aside from his parents, he, like Adaeze's father, knew her better than her own mother. He continued. "And if, one day, marriage is in our future, I will be true to you."
Adaeze gave a slow nod. "That's… what I said to her. That, if you and I do marry one day, we would be faithful to each other." Despite the emotional hurt, she gave a quick blush. "I'm sorry. She made me so angry that –"
Maabade reached over and nuzzled her lovingly. As he pulled away, he licked her cheek. Their eyes met and he smiled warmly and gently. "It's okay. I'd have said the same thing. And it needed to be said." He shrugged lightly and winced. "It sounds like she doesn't want you to know the real reason she did this."
Her ears fell. "No…" She sighed hard. "What am I gonna tell Dad? I told him that if Mom couldn't give him a reason then that maybe she would give me one." Her mouth fell, her chin started to shake. "Maabade…"
"You tell him the truth, Adaeze. It may and will hurt, but you can't keep it from him… Tell him the truth and when he asks if you said anything else just tell him what you told me."
She looked into his eyes and she was more grateful to him than she ever was in the past three days. With this, she loved him even more. And what she told her mother was true. There was no better lion for her to marry than the one she was beside. Adaeze's heart filled with hope for her future. Maabade would make a wonderful mate and king to her queen. She sighed again and put her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Maabade." A tear fell out of an eye and down her cheek. "Thank you."
He shifted and put a paw around her back. "I'm always here for you, Ada. Always, I promise."
She smiled and they stayed that way for a long time. When the moment was over, though neither really wanted it to be and Adaeze pulled away from him, she looked at the waterhole for a few heart beats and spoke.
"I meant to ask earlier but I was in too much shock over my mother, but where're your parents? How did… how did telling them go?" As she expected he sighed heavily, his eyes overshadowed by the moment he must have had with his folks before her arrival.
"They didn't take it well. My father… I thought he was going to attack something. He paced, growled and muttered. Even his eyes showed how angry he was." He took a drink of water. "My mother was also shocked, but in a calm way. Then she told us something she and Uncle Nyoka talked about a week ago."
"What was that?"
Maabade braced himself. "Uncle Nyoka asked her if he'd ever find a mate one day…" Then he started to tell her his mother's exact words of the conversation. During it he could see Adaeze's eyes snap, her tail switching beside her angrily. But while he spoke she did not interrupt. When he was through she got up and paced around in a circle. Maabade watched her. He wasn't about to stop her or tell her to calm down. She had every right to have these kinds of reactions.
She lay down beside him again and chuckled ruefully. "You think Nyoka would have found a single lioness in the pride instead of my mother!"
Maabade winced slightly, but she was right. It was a question he'd asked himself many times over the last few days. Why didn't his uncle find a single lioness of the pride? His parents said that there were a few females who grew up with them, his uncle, and the king and queen. Surely any of one of them would have made a good wife for his uncle. Were they not interested, didn't think of Nyoka in romantic terms, or was it him, or both? And what in all things possessed his uncle to have an adulterous relationship with the queen in the first place? Maabade looked down at the grass sadly. These questions couldn't be answered not until his uncle came right out with it to Imani. It was then Maabade realized that he had to tell Adaeze about his father.
"Ada," said the young lion in a hushed voice. "Before you came my father said that he was going to find my uncle…"
She looked at him, her eyes and face firm. "Then I hope he finds him before my father does."
"You haven't seen him have you? Your dad, I mean?"
She shook her head. "No, I haven't. He's probably with the shaman getting counsel."
Maabade could only agree with a silent nod, but he had this feeling deep in his heart that after today changes would be made. They were changes that would affect not only them, his parents, Adaeze's father, but the entire pride as well. Maabade leaned closer to Adaeze, who again, rested her head on his shoulder. The dark brown lion only had one thought in his head.
"Any changes made today will have been yours and the queen's fault, Uncle. And all because of a single act of wickedness, reason given or not…" The lion closed his eyes. "I pray that Hisani doesn't go easy on either of you."
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Imani found Nyoka doing something he had never seen his brother do. He was wandering. Imani forced the quick and rising anger back to his stomach. Just the sight of his older brother and knowing what he did was sickening. How was he going to talk without resisting the urge to attack him? Imani bristled, wishing time could go back. He wondered if God had made a mistake when he and Nyoka were born. Was he supposed to be first? Why couldn't he have been? He was the more responsible one. Oh, Nyoka was responsible but in his own twisted way. He always had a different way of going about responsibility.
When they were cubs, Imani looked up to his older brother, even idolized him a little. Though they were from the same litter, only a few things separated them from looking identical. Nyoka, being born first and a few minutes before Imani, was stronger and the tuft of black mane on his head would give him a mane that flowed. His eyes, however, were not the same color as Imani's. Nyoka had inherited their mother's blue green eyes. But Imani inherited the eyes of their father, the golden hazel color. And Imani wasn't as strong looking or as muscular as his brother, but he was strong and a little muscular in his own way. And instead of a flowing black mane like his father and brother, Imani's – though still the color black – was sleeker.
Their looks never mattered to Imani. He never really paid attention. He was just happy to be alive and healthy. And he was also thankful to have a loving wife and son. Imani smiled as he thought of them. No question or doubt in his mind. He was a very lucky lion. The smile soon left his mouth as he forced himself to think and focus on the current task. His brother was still in his line of sight.
He took in a deep breath, let it out, and called in a loud voice, "Nyoka! We need to talk… now!"
He watched as Nyoka stopped and turned around. Bracing himself, Imani walked up to meet him. Nyoka was also walking… in his direction. The brothers stopped a few inches from each other and didn't speak for a minute.
Then, Nyoka broke the silence. "What brings you here, Imani?"
Imani was surprised. Usually his brother's tone was hard, not this time. "I want to talk to you, and I wanted to do it alone which is why Atiya isn't with me."
Nyoka gave a nod. "Okay, what about?"
Imani let out another slow breath. This wasn't going to be easy. It'd be the hardest thing he'd ever done. He looked Nyoka full in the face, his eyes never leaving Nyoka's. "I know about you and Idhara."
The older guardian's heart fell into his stomach. His mouth opened a little, his eyes were wide, but he didn't speak. A shiver ran down his back and traveled, making his front legs tremble. When he got control of himself, he swallowed a lump in his throat. His teeth chattered as he tried to form the words. "W-who told you, I-Imani…?" He almost didn't want to hear the answer.
"Maabade told us, both me and Atiya," his brother replied solemnly.
So, Adaeze did tell Maabade what she had seen. What could he say now? Sure, he was busted but he had been busted three days ago though not directly. "I see. Well, he didn't want to keep it from you, right?"
At this, Imani growled softly. "Don't try and act innocent, Nyoka. This is serious. What were you thinking sleeping with the queen, the wife of our king?!"
It was the question Nyoka had asked himself every day for three days and every day, week and month before that. In truth, a truth he couldn't admit, he himself had no idea. What could he say to explain it? Nothing would make it right anyway.
He sighed. "Look, I don't know what I was thinking, all right? I wasn't!"
"How long as this been going on?"
Nyoka winced. That was a question he'd hoped wouldn't be asked, but since it was… He shut his eyes. "Eight months…" he said quietly.
A giant and loud roar spilt through the still air, echoing to all corners of the Northern Valley probably. That sound, Nyoka knew, wasn't from any lion other than the one standing in front of him. Nyoka opened his eyes again and could have sworn he saw his father. It never really donned on him the striking resemblance Imani had to their late father. His gold hazel eyes were ablaze with an angry fire. He was breathing heavily through his nose. Nyoka shook his head. Despite the shocking look, he was the older brother, not the younger. He had to keep control and not cower. This was, after all, not the king.
Nyoka tried to speak. "Imani, I…"
"Eight months? Are you out of your mind? There are only a few lionesses in this pride our age, your age! You could have asked any one of them to be your mate! Why have an affair with the queen when she is already committed to another lion! A lion she's been married to for three years! A lion she had a cub with! A cub who will one day be our next queen!"
A low growl formed in Nyoka's throat. "Listen, brother, I don't know!"
Without warning Imani smacked Nyoka in the face with a paw, not enough to leave any claw marks, but enough to knock the wind out of him. "Stop saying, 'I don't know'! There has to be a reason! It didn't just happen! Something like this never just happens!"
Nyoka was dazed, but also amazed. Imani never tried to strike him before. But, Nyoka reasoned mentally, he did deserve it. And Imani had a point. Something like this never did just happen. Nyoka knew deep in his heart the real reason for all of this, but he wasn't about to tell Imani, or Hisani, or anyone if his life depended on it. And he had the feeling that before this day was over, his life probably would. He got over the sting of the blow to his cheek and faced Imani again.
"Well, this did just happen."
Imani scoffed and threw his head to the side. "This will cost you, Nyoka. You do know that?"
"Of course I know that. I'm not an idiot!"
"You knew what it will cost and you did it anyway, and for eight months… You may be older than me by a few minutes, but I never knew it would make you this stupid."
"Imani, listen to yourself. My being older than you has nothing to do with this!"
He looked back at him. "Oh, yeah, Nyoka, well then tell me, what does?"
"I…" Nyoka hesitated. He had to quickly think that one through. He could be honest about it but it would only pain everyone more, and the royal family or at least the king and future queen, had enough pain on their hearts because of him and Idhara. Then there was Idhara… He couldn't pin all this on her, even if she did start it. He was also at fault, he followed through. He could have stopped it, and tried a few times over the months, but… What kind of lion who would he be if he did that? He and Idhara had been friends when they were young.
In fact, at one time, nearly four years worth before Hisani became king, they all were. Nyoka, Imani, and Atiya, Idhara, and Hisani, and the other few lionesses… They all grew up together, but later, when they were young adults, responsibility, and Hisani's ascension to kinghood pointed their friendship in a different direction. And that wasn't a bad thing. It was necessary. But for a moment, just for one moment, Nyoka wanted to have that back, to have what they had so many years before. The camaraderie, the brotherhood and the friend like love they all had for each other …
Nyoka's mind was made up, but it would cost him more than he could imagine. That's okay. He was ready and wanted to do this. Never again did he want to live up to his name. He didn't want to be the snake that was cold and cruel and selfish. No, he wanted to be the lion that was willing to pay the price, even the ultimate price, for someone else's desire to sin.
Imani was getting impatient. "Well, Nyoka?" he shouted.
Bracing himself, and praying he was about to do the right thing, he readied himself to speak when another voice, one not Imani's, sounded from behind his brother.
"Imani, leave Nyoka alone."
Nyoka looked ahead, while Imani turned around. The brothers were shell shocked as they watched the king coming to them. They bowed their heads in respect.
"Sire," said Imani. "Nyoka and I were just –"
When Hisani came closer, they could see that he wasn't the same Hisani they'd known for several years. Imani looked concerned. "Hisani, are you alright?"
"Go home to your family, Imani. I need to talk with Nyoka privately."
The lion was about to protest but he knew better than to argue with his king, even if he was a longtime friend. "Yes, your majesty." He bowed his head deeply and strode past him.
When he was gone, Nyoka looked in Hisani's direction, fear playing in his eyes. "Hisani, please, I beg of you, let me explain."
The king of the Northern Valley sat down in the grass. His expression was weary but also thoughtful, and willing to give the lion in front of him a chance to say what Idhara couldn't three days earlier. An answer to why this terrible act was committed.
"Go ahead, Nyoka," he said gently. "I'm listening."
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By afternoon, the sun was slowly starting to sink. The king and his lead guardian were on their way home. The walk was in complete silence. Neither lion spoke. Hisani caught a glimpse of Nyoka out of the corner of his eye. The guardian was lingering back, his steps slow. His head was bowed almost to the ground, his expression clearly pained. Hisani couldn't begin to fathom the feelings that were working their way through his own mind. Had what he heard was the truth? And if it was true, why didn't Idhara tell him right then? He went through Nyoka's testimony, no, confession in his head.
"It's my fault, Hisani…" The guardian's words had been hesitant, fearful. "I seduced her. I-it was a terrible, awful moment of weakness on my part. I talked to her, flirted with her, and nuzzled her. She tried to resist, but –"
The words had torn Hisani apart inwardly. His best friend, one of only a few friends he trusted with his life, the life of his family, and the lives of his pride and subjects had seduced his wife? Now, in the walk, Hisani closed his eyes, an anger of betrayal forming through his body, hurting his head and breaking his heart. One of the worst parts was that this affair happened eight months ago and continued until three days ago. He remembered Nyoka's answer when he asked if Nyoka and Idhara had seen each other in the last few days.
"No, we haven't. Why continue when you already know? Why create more trouble and damage?"
The response had surprised Hisani. From the start he expected the lion to say that it was Idhara's fault. That she caused it. Why hadn't he said that? Why make his life harder by admitting he was responsible when he could have lied to save himself? The whole matter was confusing and full of a trust and love Hisani would never get back. He wasn't even sure he wanted it back. The hurt was simply too much.
Hisani shrugged as a fact came to him. Nyoka, despite everything he did in the last eight months, was a lion who had gotten himself entangled in something he didn't want getting out of control, but it did. And Hisani knew Nyoka wasn't a liar. He never lied to him before any of this started, and he wouldn't lie about something that clearly was the truth, and the answer to the question Hisani had asked himself for three whole days.
As they neared home, Hisani recalled the rest of the conversation. Nyoka had said something Hisani never imagined.
"Don't punish Idhara for my foolishness. She told me it was wrong but I didn't care. All I thought of was me and my selfish desires. Please, don't punish her because of me. I started this mess, and I only want to make it right with an offer."
Hisani had been unsure, but he asked anyway. "What's that?"
"Punish me however you see fit. Strip me of my title as lead guard and give it to my brother. He's worthy, loyal and true. He's the lion you need. The lion you should have had from the beginning. Demote me, or better yet don't make me a guard at all. Banish me. I deserve it."
Hisani couldn't believe that this was a lion he grew up with. A lion he loved like a brother, a lion he trusted. Why Nyoka would sleep with Idhara for eight months, get caught with her, and want to spare her any punishment and fault, and then ask Hisani to put all the punishment on him? Up ahead they saw the lionesses, the other guardians, Idhara, Adaeze and Maabade. There was a kill in the center.
Hisani stopped, Nyoka did the same. The king turned to him with hollow eyes. "Go and inform everyone that we're having a meeting," he said. "Over there in that clearing with plenty of shade."
Nyoka looked in the direction Hisani's eyes were staring. He nodded and did as told.
Hisani watched him, his heart pounding. He could see Nyoka trying to avoid Idhara. Nyoka was seriously repented but that wouldn't save him or Idhara from what Hisani was about to do. But he had to do it. And by the end of the day Nyoka would get his offer.
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The lionesses, guardians, the queen and princess all met with Hisani in the place which Nyoka led them to. They all sat in a circle, and thankfully, Idhara did not sit beside Hisani. He no longer wanted her by his side. She no longer earned the place. Adaeze, however, sat next to her father on his right side. Hisani smiled. It is appropriate. She is my heiress, he thought.
"Sire, what is all this about?" asked a lioness curiously.
Hisani sighed audibly, his ears falling. He met eyes with the lioness and soon his gaze fell on everyone. He spoke somberly. "I am sorry to take you from the kill, but I have some grave news, which has just recently come to my attention and cannot be hidden from you any longer." He waited a moment. No one spoke. Good. This was going to be difficult enough without questions. Hisani sighed heavily and continued. "I have learned that adultery has been committed by two members in this pride."
As Hisani expected, murmurs flew across the lionesses. A lioness turned to the king and asked in surprise, "Who sire? Who would commit such a crime?"
The terrible burden was about to crush Hisani under its crucial weight. "A royal and a guardian…" he said, pain filling his voice.
The murmurs came again. When they were through, the same lioness spoke up. "But…" She stopped, clearly at a loss for words.
Hisani knew he couldn't keep speaking it out in short sentences. He hoped desperately that Nyoka would step forward, Idhara too. To his surprise and partial relief, the dark brown blue green eyed guardian took a step up.
"It's me," he said in a strong voice. He noticed Imani growl. He ignored it. He shot a glance in Idhara's direction, as if silently asking her to step forward.
"Who's the other? Who's the royal?" asked another lioness, and for the third time, murmurs spread. No one dared look at the princess. Everyone knew she was pure, and the king's daughter. She would never do such a thing, and with a lion old enough to be her father! Plus, she wasn't married. That left only one other female royal, since the guardian was male. Their eyes turned to the queen. And realization hit them hard like a stampede of zebras and antelope, wildebeest and gazelle. The horrible sounds echoed in each of their hearts. The queen didn't move, but everyone, even the guardians, could see something in her eyes. Guilt, or a silent admission, no one knew. But it was there. They all knew her well and they couldn't believe it.
Hisani looked at them, a terrible shadow in his eyes and face. "Yes," he said quietly. "It is your queen… Like Nyoka, she too is guilty of this –" He paused, shivering and Adaeze laid her head on his shoulder. She refused to look at her mother. Disgust and heartache still plagued her and would for a long time. For a moment, she felt Maabade's loving and empathic eyes on her.
"Why, Idhara?" asked a lioness, her eyes snapping not with anger, but with hurt, a hurt she knew everyone felt. "Why cheat on Hisani, our king?"
The queen didn't speak, but Nyoka did. "It was my fault, the whole thing. I started it."
"Why, Nyoka? Why do this when you knew she was Hisani's?"
"It was a moment of weakness. A weakness I could've controlled but didn't. It caught both of us off guard, but we were in too deep before we realized what we were doing."
"You're a guardian. You're supposed to keep the laws and protect us!"
Nyoka didn't flinch under their sharp gazes, not even Imani's who was looking ready to tear him apart. "I… I don't know, but now that we've been discovered, it's over, fully and completely. Never again will this happen. I am sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused all of you." He looked to the princess and gently bowed his head. She didn't reply. He didn't expect her to. He did the same to Maabade, his sister-in-law, and brother, but all he got from Imani was a snarl, Atiya a look of disappointment, and Maabade shock. Nyoka stepped back. He knew this wouldn't be easy and the days ahead would be harder.
The air was tense and silent. Before any word could be spoken, Hisani addressed his pride again. "I have made a ruling, and it is to be followed without question." He waited and when no one spoke he continued. "Nyoka, you are to be stripped from your title as lead guardian, and your brother, Imani, is to be the new leader. You're to start all over again from basic training up. I will not banish you because you are Imani's brother, and the Northern Valley is your home. You have nowhere else to go. You will have to gain trust with everyone again, including me. Do you understand?" He turned to the lion.
Nyoka looked at him, stunned. He felt grateful for this second chance. "I understand completely, sire."
"And what of Idhara?" wondered a lioness in the back.
Hisani's heart beat faster. "Idhara, my wi-" No, he couldn't call her that, not anymore. He near choked on his words. "Idhara is to be stripped of her title as leader of the hunting party." Slowly, he turned to Idhara. She didn't speak. Sighing inwardly, he turned his head and met eyes with a lioness in the front to the left. He'd known her his whole life. Yes, she was responsible and trustworthy enough.
"Who will take over?" yet another lioness asked.
He managed a small smile, his eyes on a light brown lioness with light green eyes. "Sabiti will, if you want her…"
Again, the murmurs, but no one objected. The lioness came to him stunned and bowed, kissing his front paws. "Thank you, Hisani."
"You're welcome."
Sabiti went back to her place, receiving quiet whispers of congratulations from the lionesses.
"Hisani, what of Idhara…?" This time, it was Imani who spoke. "You're just going to take away her title as lead huntress?"
The question pierced Hisani's heart. He stared at the guardian and then his eyes roamed over the faces of his pride until they finally stopped on Idhara. He felt heartache and irreparable hurt tear at him. "No." He took another deep breath and said in the loudest, most commanding voice he'd ever use, "As of today, the Northern Valley has no queen! She has brought shame on us all!" He lowered his head and looked at her. Tears of deep pain began falling down his cheeks as he said, "Never in my entire life did I ever think you'd live up to the meaning of your name…"
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Sabiti 'Reliable', and Idhara (yep, that's right) means 'Shame'.
Author's Note: All right, everyone. That's the last chapter for the time being. Since this week Christmas is coming, I won't write anymore until after the holiday. I hope you all have a blessed holiday with your families and friends. Take care, all of you.