The Lion King:
Responsibilities
Chapter 2
Shadow was a unique lioness with a pelt almost as black as night and a yellowish brown belly, muzzle, and ear tufts. Her eyes were bright gray and bordered by light brown eye ridges. There were few lions that resembled her – in fact she was the only one any of the Pride Landers had ever seen with ebony colored fur.
"You take my breath away every time I see you," Timir said softly, coming upon his mate while she dozed under an umbrella tree.
The coal black lioness looked up as her spouse nuzzled her. "How was your day with Timira?" she asked affectionately.
"Quite amazing," Timir replied, lowering himself down and resting his chin on Shadow's back. "The king made the most surprising proposition today about our daughter."
"What proposition?" Shadow asked, looking over her shoulder at her husband.
"He wondered if we might consider having his son betrothed to Timira." He looked expectantly at Shadow.
"Betrothed?" Shadow gasped.
"Not many lionesses are given such an opportunity," Timir pointed out. "I mean our daughter would be queen someday. Just think of the privileges she'd have being a part of Simba's family. Her whole life would be set."
"But does she even like Kopa?" Shadow asked.
Timir nodded. "I believe so. I've seen them play together sometimes." Timir nudged Shadow with his muzzle. "He's a very good lad. We'd be fortunate to have him for a son-in-law someday."
Shadow thought about it. "It sounds like you've already made your decision," she noted with a raised eyebrow.
Timir shrugged. "I just want what's best for our daughter."
"It's a huge responsibility," Shadow noted.
"And no other cub in this pride is as responsible as our daughter."
Timira hid from her parents a few yards away, gaping at Timir and Shadow through the thick veil of tall grass. "Me, marry Kopa?" she gasped softly.
Shadow took a deep breath. "Okay, let's arrange it."
Timira turned about and silently hurried away, not hearing anymore of the conversation.
"Let's tell Timira," the golden lion suggested.
"No, we'll wait till she's older," Shadow replied. "This would put too much pressure on her and she should enjoy her cubhood while it lasts."
Timir frowned. "I think it's best we discuss this with her now. I mean, obviously I'm thrilled about this arrangement but Timira may not be. If she doesn't wish to marry Kopa, wouldn't it be better if we knew this now instead of right before she walks down the aisle?"
"I'm not saying we wait that long," Shadow scoffed. "Just let her be a child for another year or two. Then, we'll sit her down and explain the arrangement. By then, she should have a good handle on what she wants out of life and whether or not she would be happy as Kopa's queen. If she doesn't want Kopa for a mate, then we call off the betrothal. I'm sure the king would agree. He can't be any more certain of Kopa's feelings for Timira."
"Your parents are betrothing you to Kopa?" Boga gasped.
Timira nodded, regarding Boga and her brother Babu uncomfortably. The three cubs had gathered near a fallen tree trunk where they thought they'd have some privacy.
"What's 'betrothing' mean?" Babu asked.
"It means Kopa and Timira are going to get married," Boga explained.
"What?!" Babu scoffed. "They can't get married. They're not grown-ups yet."
"I mean, they'll get married when they grow up, Idiot."
"Oh." Babu paused a moment. "You're going to say no, aren't you?" he insisted, turning to Timira.
Timira thought about it. "I'm not sure."
"She's not going to say no," Boga explained. "Come on, this is awesome! You'll get to be queen. Queens get to do whatever they want!"
Timira and Babu stared at Boga blankly. "I don't think that's how it works," Timira said, sounding uncertain.
"But you and Kopa don't even hang out that much," Babu insisted. "I mean, you're friends I guess but you're not best friends."
"I don't think I have a choice, Babu," Timira sighed. "I have to marry Kopa. It's my responsibility."
Babu's eyes widened. "Wait a minute, do you love Kopa?" He looked appalled. "Oh crap, why didn't you tell us?"
Timira blanched. "What? No, I don't love Kopa!"
"Uh…" Kopa mumbled, standing a couple feet away with Afua, staring at the three other cubs blankly. "What are you guys talking about?"
"And who's in love with Kopa?" Afua added.
Though no one could see, Timira turned bright red under her dark fur. She literally began digging a hole in the dirt to crawl into. Boga grabbed Timira by the shoulders and shoved her towards Kopa. "Kopa, you're not going to believe what Timira heard her parents talking about," Boga said excitedly.
Kopa stared at Timira as she came to an awkward stop in front of him. "Okay, I'll bite. What were your parents talking about?" Kopa asked.
Timira shot Boga a murderous look before turning back to Kopa. "Well, the thing is…"
Continue to Chapter 3