Dwala was born in the Southern kingdom. Growing up, she was taught the rules of the kingdom. No matter who's already mated to some one the lionesses has a duty to the king.

Her and her younger brother shares different fathers but the same mother. In order to keep her brother alive, her and her mother promised themselves to the king to bare him cubs.

When her brother grew older he found out about the promise, no doubt from the king's daughter, Princess Afua who her brother had a brief romance with. Her brother challenged King Obasi in order to save her and their mother but was exiled.

After she finally birthed a healthy son for Obasi a pride of white lions attacked.

As the creamy tan lioness looked at the dozens of twinkling stars, she wondered was those who departed up there watching.

"Dwala,"

Dwala looked towards the familiar voice to smile widely. "Brother!" the creamy tan lioness cried, tears falling as she embraced the light cream lion. "It's so good to see you!"

Tojo smiled lightly before motioning with a nod of his head for his sister to follow him. The siblings walked away from the kopje where her small pride was resting until they were officially inducted into the pride, over to wide watering hole.

Tojo sighed as he sat, so did Dwala. "What happened?"

Dwala lowered her head as tears began to fall again. This time more of sadness than joy. "We were attacked. Mother didn't make it, neither did our sister. We barely got out when we could."

"I'm so sorry, Dwala." Tojo nuzzled his sister. "I was coming back. I was hoping to get help since I helped the queen get her kingdom back."

Dwala smiled lightly. "At least we are together now."

Tojo frowned. He nudged the creamy tan lioness, "What's wrong?"

Dwala thought for a moment before sighing. "Afua was pregnant when you left. She gave birth to a male, her current heir."

Tojo's pale blue eyes widened. "I'm a father?" then he realized the mess he's in the middle of. "Shit!"

Dwala frowned at her brother. "Tojo! Kiros is your son, you can't abandon him!"

The light cream lion shook his head. "You don't understand, Dwala! I have a new mate and I haven't told her about my past relationship yet!"

"Oh," Dwala understood before pinning her ears. "You better tell her soon before someone else does it for you."

Tojo was stumped, but knew he had to speak to Auri as soon as possible.

...

As the sun began to rise, Eshe stretched before heading out to start her queen duties. First she stopped and got a morning drink.

"Good morning beautiful." Mheetu purred as he walked over and nuzzled the light brown lioness.

Eshe smiled lovingly as she nuzzled into the tawny lion's dark brown mane. "Good morning to you handsome." but her smile soon faded at the expression on Mheetu's face."My love, what's wrong?"

Mheetu sighed before nuzzling the queen. "It's nothing."

"Mheetu!" Eshe blocked the male as he tried to leave. "Tell me what's wrong! Clearly something's bothering you."

Mheetu looked away before turning his teal eyes back to his future mate. "I understand that you have a lot on your shoulders but I want to help make it less for you. But I'm no help without the title consort and I'll only officially get it when we..."

"..Marry." Eshe finished looking away. She remembers her mother's words and now she understood. With a small smile she nuzzled Mheetu. "Then let's get married!"

~TLK~

A month more has passed. The pregnancies were going well. It wouldn't be long before they give birth.

New life has been happening all around the Pridelands. Aminifu, the elephant leader who helped the kingdom get back together after Eshe defeated Mufasa, was expecting another child as were many of the elephants in the herd.

Many of the other animals were expecting or giving birth and it actually got Eshe thinking about what it it would be to be a mother.

In a couple of weeks she was going to marry her best friend and love of her life. She couldn't wait to continue to Circle of Life and start a family with Mheetu.

"Hey big sister!"

Eshe turned to see Sãhasí who has become a young adult trot over. She greeted her pale brown brother with a head bump. "How's everything?"

It wasn't too long ago that Eshe reinstated the Lion Guard. Sãhasí was the firecrest and leader of the guard. Malka, second in command was the strongest. Tojo the bravest, as Afua's son Kiros was the fastest. Lastly a gold-tan young lion with a light brown mane that joined shortly after the Southern refugees was accepted, Horus was the keenest of sight.

So far everything has been peaceful but she hasn't dropped her guard and doesn't know when she would.

Sãhasí sighed shaking his head. "I wish I came to tell you better news but I was just informed by Horus and Kiros that some animals have been slaughtered."

Eshe couldn't believe her dark brown rimmed ears. If it wasn't one thing it's another.