The next few days were hectic from my point of view, as I ensured Nala was never uncomfortable or under stress (she never was of course, and began to get quite ratty when I wouldn't leave her in peace for ten minutes). Not only that, but my vow to get the pride back together was taking place in leaps and bounds. I called a meeting with the rebels, and they showed more than a passing interest in the birth of Tanabi, including an endless number of questions about him. In particular, the younger ones showed an interest, particularly those with cubs themselves. no doubt because they hoped for mine and Nala's choice for their cub to be betrothed to our prince.

For this reason, amongst others, many of the rebels felt the need to return, and my meetings with them were going places. Even Shuku was noticeably subdued from last time, and even spoke to me civilly.

"I understand that I may have been slightly rash in my estimations in our last meeting, dear King," she said. It troubled me, deciding whether she was being sincere or sarcastic, but I went with it in hope.

"And for my part, Shuku, I accept and understand your feeling, and hope they will be rectified in the future. I ask you and your sisters to return to our cave, and live in harmony, so that the newborn may grow together in the right environment."

"I cannot argue with what you say, your majesty. For once you speak with wisdom beyond your years. It is no good for our cubs to grow up in an environment of intolerance and war. We must teach them peace and love."

And so, after a few exchanges, the pride was restored once more, but for how long?

"Simba, dear, I was asked again this morning about who will be dear Tanabi's bride as he grows older," said Nala, for what felt like the hundredth time.

This subject pained me intolerably. I did not want the power to chose one cub over another, and Tanabi himself seemed to have taken no particular preference for any cub, male or female, to help in my decision. Once again, my loyalty to tradition was being thrown into question.

"Nala," I began.

"Yes?" she replied eagerly.

"You know how when I was young I said that the arranged marriage tradition would be the first thing to go when I was King?"

"Ha ha!! How could I forget, to Zazu. Little scamp that you were then!"

"Heh, yeah… Erm, well, I was thinking. Maybe, I had that one right? I can't chose a suitor for Tanabi now! Look at him, he's got so many friends, how can we chose one over any others?!"

"I see where you're coming from Simba, and it's bothered me too. But haven't you noticed a sort of mutual attraction between Tanabi and Sholina?" she asked hopefully.

"I can't say I have," I replied tersely, feeling a bit annoyed at her perseverance.

"No, me neither really…" she laughed. "It is a stupid idea, isn't it?"

"Very," I agreed.

"Then, maybe – in this case - you were right when you were a cub!"

I was glad when she said it. A huge weight had suddenly been lifted off me. The rest of the pride didn't take it greatly, but had the sense to accept my decision. Without a suitor then, young Tanabi would be free to make his own choice, and as the sole hope for our future, many mother lionesses watched proceedings between he and their cubs with great interest in the coming months.

What was true was that there had certainly been a large litter of cubs in the pride. Clearly, some of the lionesses had been busy, but at least it meant there were plenty of each others age for them all to play with. Though Tanabi was ever-popular, he made particularly with two sisters, Sava and Ella, who were part of the litter of a young lioness who I had relied upon regularly, Mtifu. At the time, I hadn't realised how important and strong our friendship would be, but in the future, I would be glad of Tanabi for his friendship which led to the loyalty of Mtifu, there was no doubt.

In the meanwhile, however, I had a cub to father and teach…

"C'mon Dad, tell us another story! Pleeease!" said little Tanabi.

"But its time for bed!" I replied, smiling.

"Aww! But I'm not tired. Can't I go for a ride with Pumbaa?! Huh?!"

"Not now, Tani! Maybe tomorrow."

"Well, how about a story then, I like one before I go to bed."

I sighed, "OK," I replied exasperatedly, "which one?"

"Uh, uh… the one…about… hyenas!"

"Again?!" I said. It was his new favourite, the story of his mum and dad's adventures in the elephant graveyard. I'd told it three times this moon.

"Yeah yeah yeah!! It's really cooool!!"

I smiled. "Well, OK. It started when my dad showed me the Kingdom…"

An hour later, and the exciteable cub was finally asleep, curled up against my side. I treasured the moments when he was asleep. He was at his cutest when he was curled up in a ball, with his ears flattened. Plus, as an added bonus, he didn't talk when he was asleep.

"You look shattered, dear," said Nala wickedly.

"Oh, I feel it," I replied, "was I ever this much trouble?"

"Oh, much more," butted Sarabi, amusedly.

"Just feel lucky he doesn't bite you ear like you did to Mufasa!"

"Yeah, well, maybe. But if he doesn't bite my ears, he still sure knows where to hurt," I said, laughing.

Nala and Sarabi laughed, "All good training for the future for him, dear," Nala grinned.

"I sure hope he never kills an antelope with a bite there! Nothing deserves that kind of treatment, even a hyena!"

We all laughed. Life was pleasant, despite my mother and Sarafina growing older by the day, ever closer to their deaths. But somehow, this didn't matter, as it was never mentioned, and we seemed to skirt over the issue, though it was plainly obvious that my mother in particular was no longer in any condition to join the hunts. She was instead in charge of helping look after the cubs whilst the mothers were hunting. She relished the job, after she had missed some of my growing up, this was sweet payback.