The time has come for the next chapter. Thanks to all of those who have read the story so far. I don't want to be a nag, but PLEASE REVIEW ONCE FINISHED READING. It really makes an author's day! Well, I have done enough blabbing, so on to the story!

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING!

Hell is yourself and the only redemption is when a person puts himself aside to feel deeply for another person.

-Tennessee Williams

"Gaudium?"

Gaudium looked up from his meal to look at Illya, who had a curious expression on her face. He took this time to take in her appearance. The young lioness had crystal blue eyes, and her coat was grey with splotches of black all over. She was quite a looker. Gaudium sighed, and then responded.

"What is it Illya?"

"I never thought of this until now. Why don't you have a mane?"

Gaudium sighed, and looked at the ground, a single tear coming down his face, his guilt consuming him.

"It is a long story."

Illya looked at the one she had once desperately wanted to kill with sympathy. While she was still immensely angry with him for killing her father, Illya understood how Gaudium's childhood played a factor in his later actions.

"If you're not comfortable telling me about it you really don't have to."

Gaudium sighed again, and then looked up. "No, no, you deserve to know. I'll tell you."

He went next to Illya, and sat down beside her, staring at the stars that littered the night sky. "Can't believe it. Three weeks ago, you wanted to rip my heart out, and now I'm using you as a therapist."

Ilyya chuckled. "No, your heart is fine right where it is. And I don't think I'm being a therapist. No, I think I'm just being a friend."

Gaudium was shocked. "You really consider me a friend? I mean, I killed your dad!"

Illya shook her head and gave the young lion a friendly nuzzle. "No, you didn't. Scelus is the one who killed my father. I think that Scelus and Gaudium are completely different lions that share the same body. Scelus is a bloodthirsty killer that cares for nothing besides blood. Gaudium is a king, funny, and gentle lion who has suffered abuse, and also feels guilt for the actions of Scelus. Gaudium is my friend. I have already killed Scelus."

Gaudium looked at her in amazement. "You don't know how good that just made me feel. Illya, you are amazing."

The lioness chuckled. "You still didn't answer my question."

"Birth defect. My mother's labor was incredibly painful."

Out of nowhere, Illya nuzzled Gaudium under his chest, but this was not the friendly nuzzling that the duo often did. No, this was different. She leaned into Gaudium's ear and began to whisper.

"I don't want this to destroy the friendship between us, but I really have to admit something."

"What?"

"I love you, Gaudium. I love you a lot."

Gaudium chuckled. "Well it seems that our relationship has escalated quite quickly, for I'm in love with you as well. Not that I really understand what it means, but I most definitely feel something mushy."

The former prince licked Illya on the cheek, causing her to blush. She nuzzled him, an affection that he quickly returned.

"So where the hell do we go from here Gaudium?"

He sighed, and stared in the direction of the Pridelands. "I'm very homesick. I miss the Pridelands a lot, and I feel that I owe my mother a major apology. I want to go back, but there is no way I'm leaving you."

"I completely understand. Go, it's no problem. Why? Because I am going with you. I said I'd practically be your stalker, and I intend to uphold that intention."

Gaudium chuckled, before nuzzling Illya. "You are too much. We'll leave at dusk tomorrow. I also heard through the grapevine that I'm an uncle. That's why we are leaving so quickly. I want to be there for the presentation."

"Sure. We'll leave whenever you say so."

The two lions stared off into the night sky, completely and totally in love with each other for eternity.

Well, that is all for now! PLEASE don't forget to leave a review, and I will have the next chapter up whenever I possibly can. Until the, take care and drive home safely!