Sarabi woke up and looked around to find someone missing. She got up and walked out of the cave to see her daughter sitting at the peak looking at the stars.
"Anything special you're looking for?"
Starra turned with a gasp as she saw her mother. The young goldish lioness sighed and looked back at the stars, "Is it true that the great kings of the past will guide us when we are lost? "
Sarabi sat next to her daughter, "Yes, kings and queens. But what do you need guidance with dear?"
Starra sighed, "Mother I'm in love-"
"-With Cassiel?" Sarabi had immediately connected the dots. And she seen the looks her daughter had when looking at the light brown lion.
Starra's orange eyes widen as she looked at her mother, "How did you know?"
Sarabi smiled with a small chuckle. "A mother knows. But you shouldn't be afraid to express your heart."
"You're not mad or disgusted that I fell in love with a older lion?"
Sarabi nuzzled her daughter, "Of course not. Love is love, no matter who you love. Remember that, sweetie."
With that the dark beige lioness walked back in the cave leaving her youngest to her thoughts.
...
The sun had rose to start another day. Way deep in the Pride Lands where most of the lions were practicing their fighting. Simba hadn't officially decree a guard but under Cassiel and Malka, they were training in case anything happened.
Right at the moment a sparring match was going on, Cassiel vs Aluna's mate Akida.
"Get him, Akida!" shouted some young lions from one side.
"Cassiel! Pinn him!" shouted Malka and a few others from the another side.
In a bush Starra hid, who was watching the match. The young lioness watched in awed as Cassiel pinned down the well-built creamy, auburn mane lion.
He's stronger than I imagine...
"You're really strong, Cassiel." Tojo complimented his uncle with a smile.
Cassiel nodded as Tojo turned to Malka who were instructing lions to get back to training. As Cassiel watched the younger ones train, he heard rustling in a nearby bush. He walked over and gave it a sniff and smiled. He knew the scent from anywhere.
"Enjoy the show?"
Starra smiled sheepishly as she stepped out, "How did you know it was me?"
Cassiel smiled, "Come on, princess. I knew you since you were a cub."
Starra laughed sheepishly, "Right. Um...great training."
"You think so?"
Starra nodded, "I didn't think you were that strong."
Cassiel smiled, "I'm going to the nearby watering hole, do you want to come?"
Starra's orange eyes brightened as she nodded, "I would love to!"
Cassiel got up and headed towards the large lake on the Pridelands and eastern border with Starra following. But the two wasn't aware of a pair of teal eyes watching with a broken heart.
After getting her drink, Starra stepped back and watched light brown lion drink before sighing.
"I have something to tell you..."
Cassiel lifted his head and looked at the lioness.
"I...I can't do this!" Starra said with her head to the side.
Cassiel smiled, "I know what you're feeling. I always knew."
Starra looked at the older lion with wide eyes, "How did-?"
Cassiel chuckled, "From the way you stared at me. And the way you were worried about me."
Starra blushed as she turned her head. Cassiel smiled and nuzzled the embarrassed lioness.
"I love you too."
Starra looked at the lion she loved with teary eyes, "You do?"
Cassiel nodded and nuzzled the goldish lioness again, who happily returned it with a purr.
-TLKTLKTLKTLK-
Some more time has passed, this particular day Aluna went into labor. Akida paced back and forth as though his life depended on it.
"Calm down, Akida." Malka chuckled as he watched the creamy lion pace in tight circles. "Aluna is a strong lioness. With everything that happened during Scar's reign.."
Akida stopped pacing to look at the pale gold brownish mane lion with dark orange eyes. "I know." Akida took a deep breath before smiling at the light brown lion who sat by the king. "What about you? Are and the princess having any cubs of your own?"
Simba stopped his conversation with Tojo and turned his attention to the older male who refused to meet his eyes. "You and Starra? When was someone going to let me know anything!"
Starra walked out of the now nursery den with her brownish rimmed ears pinned against her head. "It's my fault, Simba. I was trying to find a way to tell you... especially since..."
"Since what!" Simba shouted before he realized he was being unfair. He lowered his head and sighed before he embraced his sister. "I'm sorry, Starra. I shouldn't reacted like that."
Starra nuzzled her brother before stepping back. "I'm glad you're on board because.. what I wanted to tell you and Cassiel... I'm pregnant."
Both of Cassiel and Simba's eyes widened as large as a full moon. Before anyone could say anything, a pale beige lioness exited the cave with proud hazel eyes.
"King Simba, Aluna wishes to see you and Akida now."
Simba nodded towards Aluna's mother, Sage and stood. He waited for Akida to enter before following after. The males entered the cave where Akida beamed with pride and love before rushing over to nuzzle his mate.
Simba slowly approached and after receiving a nod from Aluna, he took a step closer to see two little bundles of fur at the light beige lioness' side.
"Meet Marisol and Maisie," Aluna smiled at the gold lion before moving to lick her daughters.
Simba smiled at the cubs before dipping his head and turned to exit his cave. Feeling like more than ever he wanted what everyone was having.
A family...