It was time.
Never before had Mohatu felt so nervous, scared, sad and joyous before, as he paced back and forth outside the pridal cavern. Several questions flew through his mind.
Was Mzungu going to be alright?'
Were the cubs going to be alright?'
How many would there be? Boys or girls?'
Would he be a good father?'
He couldn't take it. He yearned to run into the den to his mate's side to see to it that she and the cubs were going to be alright. But he knew that wouldn't do. Nearly an hour earlier, Mzungu had grown restless and woke him. She told him that it was time. Petrified, Mohatu sent for Rafiki, who made it from his tree to Pride Rock faster than Mohatu could ever fathom. Rafiki shooed Mohatu and the lionesses out of the den for the delivery, and warned them not to come in until they were invited.
The thing that had Mohatu most nervous was that Rafiki had never before delivered offspring. He claimed to have seem Hekima do it time and again, but he had never done it himself. With a wince, Mohatu silently prayed that Rafiki knew what he was doing.
Suddenly, Mohatu was pulled out of his trance by a gentle, inquiring voice. "Your Majesty?"
Mohatu started, his heart pounding fiercely against his ribcage. He turned to see Yolanda, standing at a respectful distance. She looked worried. Mohatu gave her a grateful smile. It would be nice to have someone to talk to. "Oh, hello, Yolanda," he greeted, approaching her, "you know you don't need to address me so formally. You're my mother-in-law!"
Giving him a warm smile, Yolanda trotted over to him. "You're a wonder, you know?" she asked fondly. "I believe you're the first king I've ever known to insist that others don't address him formally."
Flattered by Yolanda's coment, Mohatu put his ears back and smiled benevolently. "I guess I just never thought I could get used to it," he replied.
Keeping the smile upon her face, Yolanda leaned forth and nuzzled her King. "Oh, Mohatu," she purred, "I can't tell you how proud I am of you and Mzungu. You've both come so far through so much. I don't think I could have done it."
"Of course you could have," Mohatu reasoned, "Mzungu learned everything she knows from you." He drew back and grinned at her. "Like mother, like daughter."
Yolanda gave a small laugh. "Yes," she replied. There was a small silence as she considered him, reverently. "You know, I see so much of your mother in you. Her love, her tenderness...she would have been so proud of her little boy."
These words touched Mohatu. He felt tears welling up in his eyes. But he didn't want to cry before Yolanda, or anyone else. He had somehow achieved complete and utter respect from his kingdom, and he didn't need to lose it.
Just then, Mohatu felt someone touching his shoulder. He turned to see Rafiki, grinning broadly. Mohatu's heart leapt into his throat. "Rafiki, is" he stammered.
Rafiki gently placed his index finger over Mohatu's lips, silencing him. "Shhh," he soothed. After a second, he pulled his finger away, and placed a hand on each of Mohatu's massive shoulders. "It is time."
Mohatu's heart pounded rapidly against his ribcage, and he could hear his own heart pounding. He gulped. With a nervous gaze, he looked to Yolanda. He turned and saw her, but not the strong, sassy Yolanda he usually saw. Yolanda's proud eyes were filled with tears of joy, and a gay smile came upon her face. She nodded to him. "Go on, Mohatu," she whispered, "your Queen awaits."
Feeling a tear run down his cheek, Mohatu nodded back to her, and then turned to the cavern. With slow, meaningful steps, he made his way towards the den. As the shadows of the cave fell upon his face, he froze. Slowly, he looked over his shoulder to see Rafiki standing only feet away. A proud smile came onto Mohatu's face, and he turned around and embraced the mandrill. Rafiki, caught off-guard by this, took a moment to realize what was happening, then embraced Mohatu back.
"Thank you...my friend," whispered Mohatu.
A wave of joy and comfort washed over Mzungu as she saw Mohatu's figure materialize from the shadows of the den. She saw him draw closer, slowly, nervously. Apprehension filled his teal eyes, as he silently entreated her permission to come closer. She gave him a tender smile. "Come on over, Mohatu," she invited.
That was all Mohatu needed. He took the last few steps over to his mate, who was laying on the dusty floor of the den. "Mzungu," he greeted, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "Are you alright?"
He leaned down to nuzzle her. She purred, and rubbed her head against his soft, full mane. "Never better, my love." Mohatu pulled away, finally, to look into her soft amber eyes, which were ablaze with pride. "Ready to see your new heir to the throne?" she asked.
Mohatu gulped, and nodded. Mzungu pulled one of her arms away and wrapped it around the other. Mohatu squinted, and saw a small golden bundle of fur cradled in his mate's arms. Mzungu tenderly licked the sound sleeper. The cub mrr'ed, then rolled over onto its back, and continued to sleep.
Upon setting eyes on his child, Mohatu's heart flooded with joy. His eyes began to fill with tears, and a wave of oblivion came over him. "Mzungu..." he whispered, awe-struck.
Mzungu smiled at him. "Say hello to your new son, Mohatu," she whispered.
Mohatu fought past the lump in his throat. "Son?" he squeaked.
Mzungu nodded, then turned back to her son. "Yes," she whispered tenderly, "my little prince."
