I surveyed the lion with immense distaste. "Jimbala," I said to him, disgust not very well hidden.
"Simba, old enemy!" he said with mock joviality. I already disliked this lion, and not just from knowing how he had acted in the past. Usiku growled warningly to my right, as Jimbala sat next to Shuku. "Greetings dearie," he said to her, "my, we still haven't learned to control that free spirit have we?!" He then turned to Shuku. And how are you love?"
My jaw very nearly dropped wide open. All along, a former member of my Pride, had been… With this, this…
Amidst all the mock hatred shown between the two prides, all along these two had been secretly lovers? I didn't know what to say. I looked at Usiku, and, though she didn't show quite the same shock as I did, I could tell she was surprised.
"Difficult to understand, isn't it?" began Jimbala, "about why we would do this."
I didn't answer, and he didn't continue. Silence reigned for a few long seconds, before I plucked up the courage to say something.
"What I find more difficult to understand, is what pleasure you take out of killing lion cubs."
He looked at me murderously. Though he himself was a very old lion; at least twice my age, he was physically huge, and very intimidating. His wild mane only accentuated that image.
He didn't answer the question, no doubt because he had no real answer to it. But he had things to say nonetheless.
"You know there is no secret to my actions," he said. "We don't get on, and we rather regret that you Pridelanders feel you're better than us. So naturally, we have to keep reminding you that we're here…"
"That holds no weight with me," I replied. "So you want our land? I thought we'd arranged something about that ages ago. We gave you extra land to live off. What else would you have us sacrifice?"
"Oh, I appreciate that land. It's mighty useless, mind, no herds ever go near it" he said. "No, what I really object to is the fact that you still seem to need us, yet don't allow us any respect for our efforts."
"I don't follow."
"No? How shall I put it? Let's just say… you, Simba, are married to a product of my pride." He grinned wickedly, at what he supposed was a new and shocking revelation.
I didn't flinch. Obviously, I already knew this, so his attempted shock tactics on this count didn't seem to have worked. He hadn't been expecting that.
"Do you not understand? Related to my pride?! Whatever will everyone say?" He grinned again, sure that I'd be shocked into submission this time. I wasn't about to let him have that pleasure though…
"They won't mind too much, they all know already," I lied, hoping that word wouldn't get out.
"Really?" asked Jimbala, to Shuku, surprised. She gave a non-committal grunt, suggesting that she wasn't sure.
"Minor details anyway," said Jimbala, trying to get back on top of the situation. There was another small silence, before Usiku, of all people spoke up.
"What exactly is it you want here anyway?"
Jimbala surveyed her with distaste, "What's it to you, you meddlesome, irritating filth?"
I roared at him in anger. He looked up at me.
"Shuku was right, you do have a terrible temper, Simba!"
I narrowed my eyes at him. Around in my head, I'd been wondering what to do and whether to try and find out about the motives of this cruel King. But now I'd made my mind up. The truth was, I just didn't care. I wanted him away and out, and Shuku with him.
"Get out," I said quietly.
He laughed. "Out? Oh, that is something I don't intend doing. You see, Simba… Why I'm really here is to take your place as King. I thought killing your cub would be a warning b…"
"My cub?"
"Yes… your cub."
"My cub is not dead."
"Yes he is… isn't he?" he looked at Shuku for guidance. She said nothing.
"You lied to me?!" he screamed, "you told me the future King was dead!"
"I thought it'd make you happy," she cowered, into a heap on the floor.
"Useless!," he shouted, "I thought you were competent!"
"But…"
"Never mind. You are no longer useful anyway. You may leave."
"What?"
"I said, you may leave. I don't want you as my Queen, oh no. You were merely a pawn in my gaining power! Foolish girl, you didn't seriously believe I'd want a Pridelander as my Queen did you?! Ha, ha!"
Shuku looked downtrodden. I was unsure whether to care or not. In order to delay Jimbala though, I asked him another question, "How long has this been going on? You and her?"
He thought for a moment. "Long enough," he answered, if you considered that an answer.
"Now," he began, "Do I have to fight you, or are you going to step down?"
"He's not going to step down!" came a voice from up above the ridge. It was Sarafina.
"Oh, more difficulties," said Jimbala exasperatedly. There was again a brief silence. Jimbala stared at Sarafina hard, and she back at him – it was like a reunion of hatred.