PASAKA NJEMA! HAPPY EASTER!

Thank you guys so much for your support and staying with me! Thank you to those who have left reviews! Left reviews checking up on me and the PMs for checking up on me! You guys made me cry when it showed how much you cared! OMG THANK YOU! I REALLY HAVE MISSED YOU GUYS AND I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH! I know I have been m.i.a. forever, but after my husband left me, I got a job! A Car! And I recently got a promotion at my job! And this all happened within a year and a half! I tell you, when God has things happen for a reason…IT'S FOR A REASON! I have been so blessed since he left and I couldn't be happier! I feel so much lighter, I SLEEP better than I ever have, and I wake up with a smile on my face! I feel like I can laugh and joke around more and just all out have a good time and enjoy life!

Now, do I hate him? No. I pray for him and hope he found whatever it was that he was looking for. He did what he had to do.

Kashling09:Welcome to the story my love! Here is the next chapter! You'll find out here what happened with our favorite duo!

Katerinag02:Welcome love and thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you are enjoying the story! Lol I will definitely be finishing this story, but yes it may take me a while lmao. I will take a look at the story! I think she is in one of my favorite authors list! And omg! How many times did you read them!? 0_0!?

Guest(1):I sure will dear!

TLK Fanatic: I am doing so much better! Thank you so much! And here is the update for ya!

Dawnheart:Aww how sweet! Gotta love our grandmas!

Tyrannosaurustex:Hey dear! Yes I am back even if it is still scarce! It's totally fine, no worries! We all get busy! I hope you are doing well too! I appreciate you sharing a part of your life struggles with us. Please let me know if you ever need to talk! How are you doing with this virus things going around? Thank you so much for being a loyal reviewer, friend, follower (meaning for the story lol) for this long and leaving long reviews! It means so much to me!

Shibli:Welcome to the story! And I have actually been meaning to get into GOT, so now that I've seen your review, I'm going to have to watch it! Thank you for reviewing and your support!

Kary G:Hey love! How has writing gone for you now? Thank you so much for your support and for reviewing! I really appreciate you saying that (me sharing my life journey with you). My readers are another entity of family for me and you guys have been so great to me: sticking by me, checking up on me, still reading the stories (even if I take 10 years and a day to update). I feel like I definitely owe you guys an explanation of what was going on. I love seeing the reviews pop up in my email and my heart swells when I read how much you guys are enjoying my stories and how supportive you have been!

Mimoo01:Hello my love! Yes I am back, a little slow lmao, but I'm still here! I am doing so much better! Mheetu is coming around to the idea of his mother being in a new relationship and now that he has a daughter, he doesn't have the energy to be mad at her lmao…he needs to cool down and he is not a fan of his father Mansa.

Shadow:I feel for her too a little. I think all of us at least one time has been in a predicament of wanting someone and them not wanting us back. Mufasa, yea, that part is going to be difficult to write. Simba and Nala, they needed a de-stresser lmao! And Maeva, she's a villain lmao she's never good!

Lily The Omega Wolf:Yes! More! Thank you for your words! I've wanted to write a little more, but I found myself stuck for a long bit of time. Simba and Nala, yep! They're grown lmao! 'They go bang'…I fell out of my chair reading that! Scar is a butthead and is only in things for himself. Will always love the Regal Sarabi! My state of mind is indeed a lot better than it was and I couldn't be happier. Nights get to be a bit lonely, but all in all I'm good!

Lioness creator: Hey lovely! Yes everything has been wonderful and I am so blessed! I'm glad I killed this chapter for ya! I felt like I was all over the place! Zira is a whole ass lmao but we love her at the same time huh!? Thank you so much!

Jaylonni Love:Maeva has destroyed everyone's last good nerve lmao and she just may piss us off again in this chapter -_-. It ain't there to teeter no more lmao! (I'm done! Lmao). Whack a bitch lmao! I can't with you! I'm going to need to message you for some puns and stuff! You are too funny! She will get hers in the end!

Mason:Hey love! Yes my dear I am still here for ya! Just slow with the updating lol. Have a lot going on now, but they are blessings! Thank you so much for your kind words and sticking by me! It means so much that you don't even know!

Wolfs Honor:Hello Love! Yes my love I am back lol just slow, but is that really anything new lmao. Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry about all those deaths you all have been through, praying for comfort for ya!(I know it's been about a year though)…if you ever want to talk or share anything with me, my PMs are always open! Simba is a very strong character and that means you must be strong as well, especially having to go through all that. Hang in there dear one! I really appreciate your support as well through all this. I'm glad my stories were a little light for you during those sad times for you…that kind of reminds me of myself as well when my parents got divorced years ago…all I watched was lion king and looked at lion king pictures…that was my escape and I didn't realize it until I was older and it dawned on me.

Will Of Anubis:Welcome love! I'm curious as to why you made this your screen name…I love Egypt! Thank you dear and yes I am doing so much better! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Jonny2b:Hello love! I hope things have gotten better for you as well! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Onto the chapter!

Chapter 27- Bliss and Bad Memories

Nala P.O.V.

(Flashback, you all remember the mention of Nala's friend Kenya? ;))

"Come on, Nala. We are not going that far."

"Kenya, we can't go too far, it's almost dinner and I do not want to witness you getting hit again. I thought they were going to kill you last time."

"Oh please! They love a challenge!" She laughed at this and I failed to see the humor in this. It was 2 of our bigger males against her and she was with Uchewa, our shaman, for a week and a half. "And you worry too much."

"And you don't worry enough. I'm serious!" My friend stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at me with an incredulous look on her face.

"I'm not afraid."

"I know you're not, but besides my mother and brother, you're all I have here. I don't want to lose you." I was trying to get her to understand the severity of the issue. A smile crept across her face though and she nuzzled my cheek a bit.

"Alright, Nala I hear you. Let me just introduce you and then we can leave." Now walking in sync with one another, we soon came upon a pasture of the greenest grass I had ever seen and also noticed that there were 5 males just lounging about and laughing. I hope she was just introducing me to the place and not the males because that could end up bad for us.

"When did you find this place?! Them?!" Kenya just laughed her famous mischievous laugh.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"I did ask…" I answered her grinning a bit.

"Let's go say hello." And with that she took off towards the group and I had no time to think. I looked around cautiously, living in this pride will do that to you, always feeling like someone is lurking somewhere just watching. I especially feel this way because, ya know, I'm betrothed to the prince…gross.

"Wait! Kenya!" I knew wouldn't hear me, even if she did all she would do is ignore me, so I slowly chased after her. She was always such the rebel. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments and my mouth is slick, but as far as really acting out, yea, she had me beat.

"Hey there, Kenya. Who's your shy friend?" I looked up to see this red-ish brown looking lion with a fair brown mane starring dead at me…no thanks dude.

"This is here, Kamari, is my best friend, Nala." Kenya answered him side eyeing me.

"Nice to meet you, Nala."

"Likewise." I had to keep my statement short, but sweet in hopes that he got the indication.

"I see our Rebel is here."

"And hello to you as well, Mtoto." Mtoto was of a golden color with a brown mane. He seemed better than the other one. "I see Chunga is doing what he does best, sleeping." Our eyes wondered over to a large dark brown lion near the watering hole with a black mane.

"Mmm mmm mmm." My friend was shaking her head yet laughing, "I wonder what his second favorite thing is…"

"Yea, you don't want to know that." Being startled by this new voice, I jerked around and came face to face with another large, yet younger lion than the last and he was of a tawny color like myself with a black mane with his claws slightly out. Now him, he was pretty. He was the most to look about Kenya and mine's age and I don't know why, but this one intrigued me a bit and I felt it a real struggle to look away.

"Hi, Nguvu." Strong is definitely what he looks like, I would not want to mess with him, but his gentle voice gives him away.

"I see someone snuck away again!" Coming in at the speed of light was another male, this one was also of a tawny color fur like my own with a black mane and I knew instantly that he was Nguvu's brother.

"Whoa! Slow it down there Tamu. You know don't want to knock into a new friend like you did with the last." Their eyes went to Kenya and she glared playfully at the youngster.

"Yea, I'm still healing."

"I said I was sorry! I didn't mean t-"

"Chill out kid! I'm kidding! I have to give you a hard time. You should know me by now."

"Yea yea…"

"Yea." Nguvu rustled the top of Tamu's head and I giggled a little. I could tell that they were close and it made me yearn for my own brother and I to be close again. I did miss him a lot.

"Who are you?!" Being brought out of my thoughts, I refocused my eyes on the two brothers in front of me when the younger one spoke, but before I could speak, someone would answer for me.

"Her name is Nala." He had come up to my side and leaned in a bit…this annoyed me. I glanced a bit to Kamari. Who gave him permission to speak for me? I think Nguvu noticed right off the bat.

"K, would you let the woman speak for herself please?"

"Someone like her should have an introduction."

"I'm fine on my own…thanks." I made another short answer, but I made sure to look him in his eyes, but his grin told me he still didn't get it.

"Ooo! I guess she told you." Nguvu laughed towards me and Kamari's grin spread even wider,

"For now, but she'll come to my side soon enough." Who did this guy think he was?

"Oh I will, will I?" He leaned further into my ear.

"Oh yes."

"Kamari! That's enough!" Making another 180 turn, the sleeping lion Chunga was walking to our group, "Why is it that every lioness you mean, you have to hit on or try to get with?"

"Just taking lessons after you, Uncle." I rolled my eyes so hard and weirdly they landed on Nguvu and I found his eyes already on me.

"You did not learn that from m-"

"Uh, how is Tamu here again…"

"Anyways, Nala I apologize for my off-off spring. He doesn't know how to behave himself." With that, Chunga pushed his nephew so hard that he toppled over and I laughed.

"It's alright. I sense that he was dropped on his head a few times," I shook my head in a mocking manner," Poor thing." I had them all laughing now and we all enjoyed our time together. I learned that Chunga is the father to Nguvu and Tamu and Kamari is their cousin while Mtoto was adopted into their coalition a year ago. Getting caught up in our conversations, I looked up at the sky.

"Oh, Kenya we gotta get back! I'm sure they're looking for us!" She tiredly looked up at the sky as well.

"Ugh, great…" We got to our paws and the guys stood up with us.

"You all going to be ok?" Nguvu had dark green eyes that showed so much concern for us, but I felt it was so for me. He and I kept looking at one another throughout the time we were there and we were constantly stealing glances at each other.

"I-I'm sure we'll be fine." I did my best to hide my worry, but I failed miserably and I knew he didn't buy it.

"What if we walked back with y-"

"No!" My friend and I both yelled. They would all surely get into a fight. I know that this time Kamari was actually trying to help and I didn't want anyone to get hurt, not even him on how much he annoyed me.

"No, Kamari we will be fine. I'll take the wrap for it."

"Kenya! We were both here!"

"And I'm the one who brought you. That's why I didn't tell you where we were going that way you would be innocent."

"I'm only innocent because I'm supposed to marry Hasani."

"I know. But come on, let's get back." The brown colored lioness and I headed off, but someone would stop me before we could completely leave.

"Nala." A paw had gently grabbed my foot and I slightly turned around to see Nguvu.

"Y-yes?" Why was I stuttering?

"Are you sure you guys are going to be alright? I could stay out of sight, but could help if you guys got attacked." My eyes grew softer for him.

"We will be ok or at least I will. Kenya on the other paw…" We both looked out to her as she was slowly getting further from me.

"I hope we can see each other again." I turned back to him and he head was only centimeters away from mine and it took everything within me to not hug him.

"If we live through this night." I giggled a little and he leaned in closer, but I took a step back and cleared my throat.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be forward."

"No, it's not that. Our pride would come looking for you if they picked out your scent on me."

"Understood."

"Come on, Nala. You wanted to leave."

"Coming." I called out to her and looked once again to Nguvu," Goodnight."

"Goodnight, beautiful." That would be the last time I saw him and his family. Kenya and I made it back to our pride and it seemed as if we might get away with-

"There they are." My stomach made its way up to my throat. We were surrounded on all sides and my breathing increased. What was going to happen? What were they going to do?

"Speak now!" Abasi. I knew he would head this off if we were to get caught and he is as ruthless as it comes. He has though made sure that his son is not to put his paws on me until we are married. My orbs took in Kenya and her features were nothing like I had seen before. She was beyond angry and irritated and I could only wonder what she would do now.

"Speak about what?"

"Don't toy with us little girl! Where were you two?" Wazimu and was the biggest lion in our pride next to the king and my father and he seemed to always be what his name meant: mad.

"I was minding my business like you all should be doing." I really wish she'd stop, but she had a look of determination written on her face and that flame would not get put out easily.

"Kenya, please…" I whispered to her.

"You being a part of my pride makes whatever business you think you have, mine."

"Well, I'm not telling you anything and Nala is not a part of this so let her go to bed."

"Oh no. She's here with you, she is definitely a part of this and one of you had better start speaking."

"I already told you she had nothing to do with where we were today. I didn't tell her a thing-"

"Ah!" That escaped my mouth, for I had been startled by a nose on thigh and I glanced back to see Hasani. I should have kicked him. "Move!"

"Dad…she has a faint scent of another male…" Crap. That was the same side Nguvu had touched my leg before my left. I grew stiff.

"So that tells me you were both that coalition that's outside of our borders…" I didn't like Abasi's slick tone and I didn't like what he was insinuating. We hadn't been with any of them, well, at least I wasn't. I don't know what Kenya and Mtoto did when they went off together for a bit and I didn't care to ask then.

"We didn't do anything."

"Nala, you of all lionesses should know where your place is and who it is that you belong to."

"Belong to!? She's not a pawn!"

"It would be wise for you to keep your mouth shut missy! I'd thought you would have learned your lesson from the last time." My boiled as he brought up the last time that they beat her for running off and all she was actually doing was trying to find more food at the time.

"Abasi please," I hated begging, but there was this sick twisted feeling in my stomach that was telling me that tonight was not going to end well, but I would do my best to keep it from coming true, "We just went for a walk. We didn't do anything! We won't leave again…i-it won't happen again!" His eyes pierced my own and they told me several things that this night, one of us would pay.

"Oh, I know it won't happen again…" He walked closer to us until he was directly face to face with my friend and I. Kenya lifted her and didn't flinch. My eyes darted back and forth.

"So," I gulped, "Wh-what will our consequences be?"

"Well, one of you will be made an example out of…" His eyes fell on Kenya, "Again." No! Not again!

"And you won't get any!" The group looked in a direction and saw my brother, "Nala is to come with me. You heard Kenya say that she wasn't a part of it. If she is to be queen one day, she needs to be able to do her duties in one piece. She will not be tainted either." The king grew stiff, I'm guessing he wasn't expecting my sibling to show up.

"Get out of my site and go with your brother." His command was low and the terror that flowed within me stopped me from moving from my spot. Tears started to form in my eyes as I starred at the lion before me. He's going to hurt her or kill her tonight while I'm spared. I feel it.

"Nala?" My eyes landed on my friend, that fire still burning in hers, "Go."

"Kenya, I can't-"

"Daima Dada Yangu…"

"Ra-rafiki Yangu S-sikuzote." She nodded her head and I slowly walked towards my brother, never taking my eyes off the defiant lioness. Once my brother and I were away from the clearing, we heard.

"NOW!" Screams of terror filled the night and I stopped dead in my tracks.

"No!"

(End Flashback)

"NO!" I screamed myself out of my sleep and sat in an upright position.

"Nala!? What's wrong!?" Lovely. I sweet night of bliss and I'm awakened by a real life nightmare, "Why are you crying? Did I hurt you? Please don't say I did. I'm sorr-" I held a paw up and shook my head.

"it's not you." My voice was barely above a whisper, but I know he heard me. I hadn't told anymore much about Kenya, I think I may have mentioned her a couple times, but never really went into depth about her.

"Then what is it?" He pulled me in closer and I gladly fell into him. I needed comfort right now and I only wanted it from him.

"My friend Kenya from the old pride."

"Oh yea, I remember you mentioning her.

"I remember the night she got killed. I'll never forget her screams…" Her screams will always echo in my ears and my eyes will never forget the sight when I saw her the next day. They had left her out for display as an example to anyone if they thought about disobeying the king.

"La, I am so sorry. No one should have to go through that."

"I miss her, Simba. I think that's another reason why I am now the way that I am. She was an influence on me to not take crap from anyone. I could get away with some things because I was supposed to marry that brat."

"I guess that's not going to happen anymore is it?" He licked my cheek and my tears started to dry up. His betrothal and mine were now voided because of what we did last night and we didn't care. We wanted each other equally and that's all that mattered.

"I guess not." I nuzzled his neck back.

"Maybe, we uh, should go and get some water."

"Yea, probably a good idea." I laughed a little. As we walked down the sloped path to the entrance, we picked up two scents and we eyeballed one another: his grandparents.

Muziki P.O.V.

My mate and I decided to spend the morning together and sat on the edge of Pride Rock. We did miss it here and it was always a great feeling to be back home. As far all of the chaos going on though, seemed very off because these lands are usually filled with peace and harmony.

"What do you think of this fight that's about to pursue?" Kubwa asked me and I looked to him.

"In what instance?"

"Every aspect: who's going to win? What will come of this? Who will survive…" His hazel eyes were on me and I looked away concerned.

"I don't know, my love. We all know what the Mala Mala Pride is capable of and what their reputation is. My biggest concern though is the young adults we have here, our grandson being the main one." I saw him out the side of my eye nod his head.

"He needs to be protected, but without him knowing. He's the future of this pride and it needs to be preserved."

"I'm glad you already know he's going to fight it."

"You and I will be near him, hopefully he won't suspect what we are doing."

"And we can have backups from other prides to help as well."

"Sounds like a good plan." In hearing whispers behind us, I turned slowly to see Simba and Nala rounding the corner from being at the peak.

"You know you can't sneak around with us here…" They both froze in their tracks and stared at my mate and I. We turned fully towards them and an inkling hit my brain and I raised an eyebrow, "What were you two doing at the peak?" They both began to look a bit uncomfortable and did their best to think up of an answer.

"We, uh…" My Grandson stammered.

"We were just.." Nala, at a loss for anymore words.

"Um…" A smile crept upon my face and Kubwa turned to look at me, we knew exactly what happened. I took them both in fully. Simba: looked confused yet satisfied and Nala: glowing, but a bit embarrassed. I noticed though that she pressed closer to Simba. I already knew Kubwa and I would be on the same page, so we decided to mess with them.

"Saying um and uh, is actually telling us everything we need to know." My mate eyed them carefully and they both sat down and passed a quick glance at one another.

"Kn-know what?" Ever since he was a cub, he has never been a good liar and he should know that, we know, that by now. I left the smile on my face and started to shake my head slowly from side to side and he let out a sigh, "Alright, alright…what gave it away?" I gave him a look. Was he serious?

"Sweetheart, we were young once too."

"You were?!" Oh, so now the 'grown up' has jokes? Ok, ok, I got him. Time to put him back in his place.

"Mmm hmm, but were married our first night…" Nala buried her face in Simba's shoulder and he pinned his ears, but smirked a little. This tells me, he's going to keep making this like it's not a big deal.

"Well, times change, Bibi." The statement was said low, but funny, he looked me dead in my eyes and all I could do was stare at him.

"And what about you, young lady?" Nala quickly removed her face from her love's shoulder and looked at us.

"I can't say anything." Simple and up front. She wasn't going to lie or even try. Kubwa and I just started to laugh a little. These two kind of remind me of my mate and I.

"Did you at least enjoy yourselves?" They both blushed instantly .

"Ya know, I'm really not feeling this conversation right now…"

"You either discuss it with us now, or your parents later, and let me add, they won't be as understanding as we will are, because you know, times change."

"Bibi!"

"What?" I was laughing harder now.

"How are you going to use my own words against me?"

"Because times change."

"Grandpa…"

"Huh?"

"You know what, ok ok, you win. Our parents would probably be super disappointed in us, but whatever." As I studied his face, I could tell that he was struggling with the decision they made last night…bit late for that grandson. But the story finally came out and we were ok with not getting details, we didn't need any more visuals than what we already had. My mind went back to when Kubwa and I had our first time together after our ceremony. It was a beautiful day and everything had gone through perfectly: no interruptions, no one objected, and the weather was beyond exceptional. I pray to the kings above that these two will have the same one day.

Nala P.O.V.

That was definitely an awkward conversation to have with the matriarchs of the pride, but better than them than our mo-

"Nala! There you are!" Mothers…

"H-hey, M-mom." Why was I stuttering? I guess, I feel that maybe she already knows.
"I've been looking for you since last night. Where have you been?" My mother found me under one of the prides tanning rocks by myself. The tone in her voice told me that she was somewhat worried and then somewhat of concern.

"Uh, yea I'm fine. How are you?" When I noticed an answer didn't come, I looked to her and she had a quizzical expression.

"Iiii, didn't ask how you were, I asked where have you been?" Crap. I'm just giving myself away! I may as well plaster a banner across my head that says, 'just slept with boyfriend!'.

"Oh, heh, yea, I uh, I just wanted to sleep outside last night and then I wanted to sun bathe here on my own-"

"Spill it, Nala." Her face went from that quizzical look to pure 'I know what you did last summer'.

"S-spill what, Mom?" I glanced off into the distance to maybe try to get some sort of help, but none would come. I don't why I was lying, I guess I was trying to give myself some time to think up of a really good excuse, but I know deep down I knew I didn't and would have one. My mother has been my best friend and she knows me just as much as I know her.

"Nala…" That was a warning and I hung my head. I may as well get this over with.

"I know, I know," I sighed out loud.

"I mean, you and Simba were both gone last night and this morning-"

"Yes, yes I know. But it seems like you already know." Irritation was seeping into my soul and I did my best to keep it at bay, but with my mother and her badgering, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my composure for much longer.

"I was hoping I was wrong..." She didn't sound angry, but it's worse because she sounds disappointed, "Nala, we all just had this conversation yesterday!" Aaaand there it goes.

"I know we did-"

"Especially coming from your father-" Whoa, wait. My father? This irritated me. How dare she even try to let that lion have a say about anything in my life and right now is when she decided to side with him? I don't think so.

"Seriously, Mom!? Dad?! Now you decide to agree with him?"

"Because he would have been right about this time! And I will always give credit where it's due."

"Credit….yea, ok. Spare me." I stood up not wanting to finish the conversation I was trying to avoid. I considered her acting this way, but agreeing with Mansa was another thing.

"Don't you dare walk away from me when I'm talking to you!"

"I'll talk to you when you're not siding with that lion. He is not my father and shouldn't have a say in anything I do with my life." I came to a halt as she ran in front of me to cut me off.

"Have. A. Seat." I was fighting the internal demon named defiance as she chorused through my system. I bit the inside of my cheek as my mother and I have a starring contest. She took a step closer to me, "I said…take…a…seat." Slowly I sat down, my aqua's never leaving hers. "I'm going to say this one time and one time only, I am your mother and you will not talk to me like that nor act like you don't have any sense towards me. Am I clear?" I fought hard to not make a snide remark or at least fix my tone. "I get that you're an adult now, but you are still my daughter and you will respect me." I studied her face and I could tell she was not messing around. Her eyes were now a dark blue and that told me that she was beyond angry now and I needed to check myself.

"I apologize, Mom. I just can't believe you're agreeing with him, and after everything he put us through."

"Nala, for something like this, he's right and does have a point. You're an adult yes, but a very young one at that."

"You already said that."

"Nala-"

"I'm sorry." A heavy sigh escaped her mouth and I knew she too was trying to keep it together and I wasn't making it any easier.

"Sweetheart, I'm not trying to keep you from being happy or growing up, I just want you to have a clear head and think about the what-if consequences." She was right, I knew that much. I honestly don't think we cared. We had gotten to know one another well enough since we moved here and it was nice to just be able to let go for a minute. Not a thought or care in the world: just me and him.

"I know, Mom. I guess we just didn't care for that moment. All this practicing and stressing about this war that's coming. Who is going to die? Who's not?"

"I know we are all stressed about it, trust me I get it. Your mind is all over the place as well as your hormones," can she like, not use that word? "Things can get crazy, but we have to stop and think for a minute of outcomes."

"Well, if there is a consequence, then so be it, we will handle it."

"And what if there is an outcome to where there is not a choice and you end up going back?" My eyes met hers. That didn't cross my mind. "You'd have them both fighting to death over you. Now, mind you, I'm sure Simba would win, but still, that ever so 'what-if'…you know Hasani won't fight fair or someone else would jump in." Mom was right. We all knew who would win in that fight and Hasani would definitely tag team someone in to take on Simba.

"If it came down to it to make a choice to save Simba and the Pridelands, I'd go back-"

"And if there was a cub involved? You really think Abasi would let it live?"

"No." My answer was quick because it was the only one. He'd kill it and then either kill me or have me beaten. Abasi has always been one to exert his power through physical force. He's killed cubs before over the smallest of things, me having a cub from a rival pride? Yea, you do the math.

"You are still my daughter and I will protect you until my last breath."

"What do you mean?" What was she planning? What was she thinking?

"Don't worry about it for now. Just know that if you are and the Pridelands do in fact lose, you will not be going back." She was scaring me now because there was a knowing sense in her tone and that parental instinct was in full force.

"I won't ask any more questions, but how mad at me are you?" Her face softened and she closed her eyes.

"I'm not mad mad, Nala, just disappointed and with everything going on. I just don't want it more complicated for you."

"I understand and I'm sorry."

"You know Sarabi and Mufasa are going to have to know." Now my eyes grew.

"Th-they have to know?"

"Yes…" She laughed a little.

"Well, we already spoke to his grandparents this morning."

"Oh yea? And what did they say?" Why she got a little giddy about this shocked me.

"They made it funny and less uncomfortable."

"Well maybe they'll be there when the king and queen kind out." I sighed at her statement.

"Oh brother." Mom and I shared a laugh and then my mind drifted off again to my nightmare.

"Well, it wasn't all bliss all together…"

"Sweetheart, the first time is alwa-"

"No I didn't mean that part," I felt a small sense of hear rise to my face, but it left as quick as it came and I looked up at my mother, "I dreamt about Kenya…" She gasped quietly and pulled me in.

"Oh, honey."

"Why did she have to die? Why did he do that to her? She was so young!"

"Baby, he felt threatened by her. Because if a lioness that small and young were to challenge him, who's so say that everyone else would too and then he'd be the king of nothing. It's an ego thing."

"I miss her so much."

"I know sweetheart, I know." I cried into my mother's embrace and she held me tighter. This pain in my heart I felt would never subside. I felt weak right now and I hated it. I felt emotional and I hated it. My moment of happiness in my life was interrupted by a never ending moment of horror. I'm grateful for my mother being here right now and she can push her disappointment for me aside for the moment. She knew I needed right now and I had no problem being a cub.

Maeva P.O.V.

I'm glad we got a break today. This training was hard work, but you would think I would be used it after how my mother trained me all this time.

"Jeez that was awkward." A voice I knew all too well entered my ears and I saw to my right the golden prince and he seemed a little…different.

"And where are you headed, Sir?" He turned to look at me and his scarlet eyes grew.

"Nuu, nowhere. Where are you headed?" Was he serious? I was laying down in a shady area alone until he walked by.

"I'm not headed anywhere," I chuckled, "I'm laying down…" His eyes got shifty and he glanced around. What was his problem? I stood up.

"Right…" He began to walk away, but I wouldn't let him get away that easily.

"Hold on there."

"Huh?"

"What's your malfunction? Why are you so on edge?" I crept closer to him and picked up on a very annoying and overwhelming scent hit my nose and I grew angry. "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?"

"Maeva, don't."

"Did you really seal the deal? Really?!"

"Maeva!"

"You're both promised to someone else and you go and do this!?"

"I think all of us saw this coming? We've been together for a while now and-"

"But not as you were recently!" I was beyond pissed. That means that any plans I had to get him were going to be extra hard now because he already gave himself to someone else! Oooo he makes me so angry!

"That's none of your business! And it's none of your business what I do with my life."

"Your father is going to be pissed!"

"I am going to tell them, but on my own time."

"Not if I get to them first!"

Author Note:

That chapter felt long and yall can see that it took me forever lmao! For those of you who are an essential worker such as myself, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! EVERYBODY! PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

I do not know as of right now when the next chapter will be up, I'm a manager and an essential worker so I am super swamped at work.

Please let know how you liked this chapter! What can I improve on? What was your favorite part!?

Question For This Chapter: Where is your favorite place to shop!? Yes online does count too!

~Nala-Nay~