Zira lay with her head on her paws as she watched Vitani and Kovu trot around the cave, eyes wide and excited. They had both opened their eyes the night before and Zira had encouraged them to go and meet their pride-mates. Zira had tried hard to contain her joy when she discovered Kovu had shared Hami's eyes, she hoped he was watching them now.

The two cubs approached Panya who was sat, like most of the pride, watching the cubs. Zira purred as Vitani let out a tiny squeak and fluffed up her fur at the lioness. She was going to be a fighter. Kovu however just sniffed Panya's paw before gently batting it with his front paw, out of curiosity rather than aggression. Nuka watched nearby, his expression unreadable.

Zira scented the air. Scar was coming. The king had been very kind to the pride during their stay, insisting they got first share of the prey that was brought back by his pride, he had personally visited them everyday to make sure they were comfortable and happy. He was a good king.

Zira watched as he padded in. He paused for a moment as he looked at the cubs. Vitani was still acting wary of Panya although she was slowly approaching the lioness.

Kovu had sat down and was looking around the cave, his tiny ears pricked as he looked at Scar. He clumsily got to his feet and began moving towards Scar. Scar flicked his ears and went to meet the cub. As Scar approached him, Kovu stopped eyes wide, he then reached up to sniff Scar's nose, Scar bent his head down, their noses briefly touched. Scar purred in amusement as Kovu sat down. Scar gave one last glance at the cub before approaching Zira. Zira held her breath. She knew it was wrong so soon after Hami's death, but she felt something for Scar, just like what she had felt for Hami. Every time he came near her she had to contain the emotions that were churning inside of her.

"Zira." Scar dipped his head respectfully.

"Scar." Zira returned the nod.

"If you wouldn't mind leaving your cubs, I would like you to come to pride rock with me."

"Of course Scar." Zira was slightly reluctant to leave Kovu and Vitani but she knew her pride would take care of them, she got up and padded after Scar. As they approached pride rock the crowds of hyenas parted to make way for them. Closer at the base stood a few lionesses, resentment filled their gaze.

"What's the matter with them?" Zira muttered.

Scar leant towards her.

" A few sunrises ago I was forced to banish a treasonous lioness called Nala. She would not submit to me. I was forced to banish her. She was very popular." Zira looked at the lionesses. They should be grateful to have such a caring king. Zira growled at them as she passed.

As they began to climb the rock, Zira's legs felt shaky. Zira sighed, that's what happened when you lay down for several days. Scar sat himself at the end of the horizontal ledge of the rock. Zira followed suit.

"Zira I would like your pride to join my own." Zira gasped, this exactly what she had wanted, she and Scar would rule side by side!

"It would be my honour Scar." She said dipping her head.

She looked at her paws and slid out her claws, just like Scar. She felt more powerful already, no wonder he kept them out!

Scar turned his head away from the horizon to look at Zira.

"Zira, Iwould like Kovu to be king after me." He said

Zira could barely retain her excitement, Hami's son would become the next king under the guidance of Scar, this was too good to be true! But why Kovu?

"It would be my greatest pleasure, but why him, why not Nuka or Vitani?"

"Nuka lacks the, skill set a king requires." He said slightly awkwardly, Zira didn't mind, she completely agreed with him.

"Vitani is bold and courageous, but I see something in Kovu. A great potential." Zira purred.

Scar was making the best choice, she hoped to have his cubs someday but announcing Kovu as the next heir would solidify the alliance of the two prides much sooner.

Scar beamed.

" Well that settles it. As soon as that blasted mandrill returns we will get on with the ceremony." Zira tilted her head.

Seeing her confusion Cleared his throat and began to explain.

"Here in the pride lands it has become somewhat of a tradition for that old fool to present the new heirs to the throne on top of this rock. I would announce it myself but my pride won't except Kovu unless the mandrill does it, but a few days ago now he left and no one knows where to."

Zira nodded. She braced herself to ask her next question.

"Why do your pride disrespect you like this, you are a wonderful king?" Zira braced herself for fury but was instead met with calm.

" I don't think they accept me fully or the hyenas, their my brother and his son died suddenly, leaving me to take the throne."

Scar turned to her, Zira was taken back by the intensity of his gaze.

" I actually killed my brother." Scar said simply.

Zira didn't comment, she knew his reasons would be justified she held her breath.

He turned to face the horizon, wind buffeting his mane.

"He was respected, yes, but foolish. Brains were not his forte. He wouldn't listen to me about my ideas of an alliance with the hyenas, an alliance that would end the feud before our two species, so I had to act."

"What about his son?"

"He has been brainwashed by his father, I did what I had to do."

Zira knew she should feel horrified but instead she felt sympathy.

She brushed against him.

"I killed my father and my cousin. I understand. They too were blind to the truth."Scar grinned and put his paw on Zira's shoulder and pulled her closer.

"Zira, we were obviously destined to meet, I look forward to the countless moons we will spend ruling together, we will usher in a bright new age for the pride lands. We will make anyone who stands in our way understand."

Zira purred, Scar's soul shared the same justifiable darkness as hers, they would most likely spill blood during their reign, but it was for the greater good. Zira couldn't wait.