King Mufasa paced on the ledge just outside the den of Priderock. It was in the early hours of the morning and the sun hadn't risen yet.

Mufasa's mate, Queen Sarabi, had just gone into labour. Since female lions don't like male lions around when they are giving birth, Mufasa had to wait outside wondering what is happening inside.

He had a lot of faith in his strong mate to handle it fine, but, as a first time father, he couldn't help being worried. He had no idea birth could take this long.

After a while, a lioness came out of the den. Mufasa turned expectantly towards her.

"You can go in now, Your Majesty," She smiled.

Mufasa entered the den, tentatively. The other lionesses moved off to give the King and Queen some space.

Sarabi had her head raised, exhausted, but okay. Mufasa approached her and nuzzled her before looking down at her front paws. There lay a tiny lion cub with golden-brown fur and brown cub spots. It's eyes were closed and it's ears were folded against it's head.

"It's a boy," Sarabi told him. It had only been a few moments, but Mufasa loved him already with all his heart.

"What are we going to name him?" Asked Mufasa, who couldn't take his eyes off his beautiful mate and adorable son.

"One of the boy names I have been considering was Simba," Sarabi replied. "I think it suits him."

"Then that is what we shall call him," said Mufasa.

Sarabi smiled and then yawned. Giving birth is definitely exhausting. She tucked her son in her paws and lay her head down. She was soon fast asleep.

Mufasa, on the other hand, was not in the least bit sleepy. He watched as his mate and child, slept peacefully as his heart swelled with love and happiness.

After a few moments, he turned towards a pale-tan lioness with teal eyes. She was lying in the corner of the den, her stomach bulging. Her name was Sarafina and she was expecting really soon.

Sarafina had been adopted by Mufasa's parents, King Ahadi and Queen Uru, when she was less than a few weeks old. She had been abandoned at the edge of the Pridelands and the pride was unable to locate her parents.

Mufasa took care of her as though she was his younger sister. He felt responsible for her well-being, especially after she had lost her mate, who had been good friends with him, a month after she became pregnant.

Mufasa moved over to her and lay down beside her. "Hey, Fina. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, thanks," she answered. "It puts my mind at ease to know that my cub will have company." Sarafina smiled in the direction of Sarabi and Simba. "He is really cute, by the way."

Mufasa smiled. "Thanks," he said. "Yours will be too."

Sarafina smiled and nuzzled Mufasa before lying her head down to go to sleep.

Mufasa went over to his usual sleeping spot beside his mate and lay down. Before his eyes closed, he envisioned a happy life ahead of him, blissfully unaware that it would be tragically cut short.