Author's Note: This chapter is short yet important to the development of the story, so please enjoy :)
"Zira I need to request an audience with you, do you have time to speak with me?"
Zira turned from her thoughts and looked to see Sonya standing in her cave way with a sleeping Jasmine in her mouth. She nodded off to where the girl slept the night before and Sonya set her down gently. "What is it, Sonya? I'm very busy."
"Of course," she responded respectfully in a low voice, careful not to wait the cub. "I want to speak with you about Jasmine."
Zira snapped out of her thoughts completely and turned her attention to Sonya. "Has she caused trouble already?!" she hissed.
Sonya looked confused at the question and then realized where she was getting at. "Oh no Zira, she has been the perfect little lady."
Her leader sighed in relief to her comrades answer. "Then what are you concerning me about?"
"I have a request that I would like for you to strongly consider."
"Speak Sonya, stop wasting my time!" she snapped.
"I would like to mother the girl for the rest of her time here," Sonya said carefully.
Zira seemed taken aback by the request because it was last thing she would expect from Sonya. She walked slowly over to where she was standing and sat in front of her. "Why would you want that?"
"Zira I've have taken to the girl and I don't think such a young thing like her should have to grow up without a mother. Can you picture Vitani growing up without any guidance? She told me what happened to her family and I think with love she can find a new one!" Sonya explained with pleading eyes. "Please think of her Zira. This is what's best for Jasmine, I know it."
Zira stayed quiet for moment while she pondered over Sonya's words. She made a valid point and Sonya was one of the most qualified and loyal followers to Zira. Jasmine would be safe in her hands, Zira decided.
"Alright, I can agree to your request," Zira began.
"Please Zira! I want this so bad! You know I can't have them on my ow… wait, wait, what? You are actually agreeing to this?" Sonya said shocked.
Zira nodded slightly, "I am granting your request, I believe you are right with your terms and Jasmine would be best under someone who can watch and look over her while she grows. Plus it will give me time to prepare Kovu. Have Jasmine sit tight with you for the time being."
Sonya was still reeling from the words that she hadn't moved yet. This irritated Zira into a low growl that snapped her out trance and made her smiled big. "Thank you for this, Zira. I know how important she is and I am aware of her purpose for prince Kovu."
She bowed in respect and trotted over to her new adopted daughter and picked her up by her nape. "I'll protect her with my life."
She walked out with Jasmine in her mouth and tears of happiness in her eyes. "Sonya, for you sake, you better hope she does stay safe."
Zira deep down knew it was smart to give Jasmine to a capable lioness but she also was aware that the cub was the only available choice for her son. Sonya promised to keep her safe but even promises can expire at times. But fear made Sonya be careful through the time that she would have the growing cub.
Still, in due time she would meet her son and her purpose will be realize but in the meantime they would be separated until Zira thought the time right. In meantime, she would try to convince herself that it was a good idea to leave Kovu's ticket to the perfect heir in the hands of another lioness.
It was a good choice and if Sonya proves unworthy in anyway, she will pay through suffering.
That night Sonya sat Jasmine in her new bed, which was an old dip in the floor that didn't get any termites. She stirred slightly but Sonya licked her head lovingly and she relaxed. Sonya smiled with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you, Mufasa," she whispered as she settled next to her new daughter.
Please review, all thoughts are welcome, next chapter soon!