Queen Kiara pranced happily back to Pride Rock, already thinking of cub names. She rounded the corner, glancing back to Rafiki's tree and smiling. She sighed happily and lay on the cave floor.

"Kiara? Are you alright?" gasped Kovu, running up to his mate. Kiara looked at him and smiled. Her dashing amber eyes filled with happiness and excitement.

"Of course I am! Guess what?"

"What is it?" asked Kovu, laying with her and staring deep into her eyes. Kiara chuckled slightly before speaking. She rolled over and patted her stomach, which was already conceiving their true cub. Kovu contemplated the stomach, thinking deeply and suddenly it came to him. "We're expecting a cub?!" he gasped, jumping up on all fours.

"Yes, Kovu. Isn't this amazing? It's my life's dream!"

Sarafina came along, with Simba, Nala and Vitani. "What's going on?" she asked, an eyebrow raised.

"As if I didn't already know." chuckled Nala, an eyebrow also raised.

"I suppose you'd like to tell us now?" commented Vitani, annoyed at the waiting.

"Well.." began Kovu and as he explained, this brought some shock to the family and to the rest of the pride who soon joined.

The four teenagers were laying in the wet grass, still waiting for the day to pass. Niobe couldn't help but stare at Namiya, who licked her beautiful fur patiently. Nieera was sat across him and noticed something caught his eye. She knew what it was and she was jealous.

"What?" she asked, trying to get his attention.

"Oh! Um.. nothing." said Niobe, startled. His mane grew more everyday and he also looked quite handsome.

"Good." huffed Nieera. She couldn't hold it any longer. He continued to stare at her sister. Without thinking, she leaned in, planting her muzzle on the side of his and a small tender lick came across him. She smiled lovingly then noticing her sister's expression.

Niobe, feeling humiliated, quickly stood up and wiped his cheek with his paw. He was scared Namiya would abandon him but how could anyone abandon such a lion?

"Why'd you do that?!" he snapped, afraid of what Namiya would think.

"What's going on?" asked Namiya, approaching the two.

Nieera couldn't say anything, she ran away, back home to Pride Rock.

"I'm sorry, Namiya.. she kissed me and-"

"No, Niobe. It's fine." she moved in. "I have something to say." she began.

"What is it?"

"I..I think I'm in love with you.." stuttered Namiya.

"Really?" gasped Niobe. Namiya nodded. "I love you too." they moved in, nuzzling just as sweetly as they did before.

Like Kiara, Sukari was also expecting. Giza was growing bigger everyday. He was a cub now and all he wanted to do was venture out on his own. He'd sometimes play with frogs at the swamp or practice hunting with Anara.

There was a herd of wildebeest and Sukari was hungry. Her stomach moaned for food. When you're pregnant, you're often quite more needy.

"Anara!" she called. She began pacing around the small den until her husband entered with her son. "Please get me food. I'm starving."

"Okay, don't worry. I'll get you some food." Anara looked at her stomach. "Our baby will arrive soon." he stated, nuzzling her.

"Yes.. it will."

"Dad, can I do with you?" asked Giza, cuddling his father's forelegs.

"No, Giza. It's dangerous today. Much more herds, but you can keep your mother company." Anara leaned down and licked his son's head. "I'll be back soon." he said and darted off towards the herd.

"Mommy, daddy said he was a king. Will I be king?" asked the young cub, praying that he would.

"If we find a pride, then yes. But your father has to own the pride." said Sukari, cuddling up to her young.

"Mom?"

"Yes, Giza?"

"When will my brother be born?"

"Well, son, we don't know if it's a boy. But just a couple of more months and your sibling will be here."

Vitani was at the waterhole with Sarafina.

"Are you thinking about having cubs, Vitani?" asked Sarafina, gazing into Vitani's electric blue eyes.

"Hmm.. I don't know. M..Maybe. Just not yet." replied Vitani. She spun her claw around the the water and saw a fish.

"You know, Vitani. Every lioness should have a cub. The first king made that law. If you don't have cubs, your family won't grow.. neither will the pride." explained Sarafina.

Vitani closed her eyes and thought of a question. "Do..do you miss Sarabi?"

"Yes.. a lot. She was my first friend, you know?" Sarafina pulled back some tears then looked into the water. It was now visible to Vitani that she was crying.

"Oh, don't cry, I'm..I'm sorry."

"No.. it's fine. Can..can we go now? I'm really sorry." replied Sarafina. Vitani consoled her as the two began to head back.

Okay, chapter 17! Sorry for the long wait and I actually liked the idea of Niobe falling in love with Namiya.. just goes to show that you don't always fall in love with your betrothed.

And, I'm thinking of finding Vitani a man. Kopa won't be included in this story because not everyone believes in him like I do and we don't want a big fight! :3 Lol.

Anways, Giza is a cub and Sara will pass away soon too - Whoops. I'm giving too much away! O.o

Okay, stay tuned. Thanks for reading, please review! Hope you liked it!