Sarafina watched as Zira walked away, following her mate Khali. A tear rolled down her cheek, and there was a lump in her throat. Somehow, she never thought she'd have to say goodbye to Zira. They had been best friends since they were cubs, and Zira had been there for her the whole time. She tried feeling some joy for her friend at finding a mate, but all she could feel was sorrow; her best friend was gone, probably forever.

Vunja nudged Sarafina with her muzzle. "C'mon Sara. Let's go." With a sigh, Sarafina turned and followed the gray-tan lioness back to the cave. Shari was the only other one there, looking for all the world like she was dead. Only the rise and fall of her chest indicated life in her. Vunja looked at her mother with concern in her brown eyes. "She's gotten so thin." She murmured to Sarafina. "I'm really getting worried about her."

Sarafina looked over the former queen, realizing that she had indeed gotten very thin. She pushed back her concern and told Vunja, "I'm sure she'll be fine." She said, although in truth she had her doubts. The former queen looked too skinny to make it mroe then a few more days.

Vunja shrugged dejectedly. "I guess. I've gotta go, I'm on hunting duty. See you later?" Sarafina nodded, so the princess left the den, leaving Sarafina alone. Well, Shari was still there, but she wasn't paying the former rouge any mind, so it was as good as being alone. She laid down, curling her body in a half circle, her head laid forlornly on her paws. Tears burned at the back of her eyes, a few sliding down her cheeks.

Suddenly, she heard pawsteps, and a new voice spoke. "I'm sorry about Zira." She looked up to see Runju looking down at her with kindness in his blue eyes.

She used the back of her paw to hastily wipe away her tears. "Oh, uh, hey Runju." She said, her voice still a little teary. "Yeah, I'm really gonna miss her."

Runju gave her that crooked smile she loved. "Zira's going to be a queen. You should be happy for her." He said.

Sarafine smiled sadly. "I know. But I can't stop thinking about how I'm never going to see her again."

The dark gold lion laid down next to her, his shoulder brushing against her's. "I understand. But Zira's gone on with her life. She's got a mate now, and she's going to be Queen of the Tall Grass Pride. She's happy now. It's time for us to be happy now." He rubbed his muzzle against her cheek, letting out a purr. "You know I love you."

Sarafina closed her eyes, a purr rumbling deep in her throat. "I love you too, Runju." The two lions stayed that way for a while, taking pleasure in each other's company. Sarafina felt the sadness melt away as she stayed by Runju; his presence made the pain leave.

Days passed. Sarafina missed her friend, but she found comfort in Runju, glad to be able to spend more time with him now. Vunja and Kuuma were also a comfort, reminding Sarafina of their sister. Scar was even more distant and moody than every before, isolating himself from the pride. Sarafina had wondered vaugly before if he'd had feelings for Zira, but she'd decided not to mention it because she wasn't certain, and she knew Scar would hate her for bringing it up if it was true. Now she realized that the prince alost certainly had a crush on Zira, and Sarafina felt guilty for not having said anything earlier. But what could she have done? Zira was in love with Khali, and he with her. She couldn't have changed anything, only made Zira feel guilty for breaking the prince's heart.

In time, it became apparent that perhaps it had worked out for the better that Zira was gone. It happened in the night, the loneliest time there was. Sarafina woke to the sound of crying, and lifted her head to see what was happening. Kuuma, Vunja, Ahadi, and Uru were crowded around something the former rouge couldn't see. She got hesitently to her paws and made her way over to them, almost certain of what she would see.

And she was right. Shari was lying on the ground, her body stiff and motionless, her green eyes closed, never to open again. She seemed smaller in death, more vulnerable, more weak, more tired. But now she was gone, gone to see her Nyeusi once more, and on her lips was a small smile, showing that her last moments had been happy, unlike the rest of her life.

Now, she was at peace.