The sun had begun to rise in the Pride Lands on a new day, casting a warm glow over the land.

Princess Nala had been managing the pride alongside one of her and brothers' friends, Maisie once more, this time organizing the hunting party to participate in the first hunt of the day, as Queen Eshe had been easing up on her responsibilities as her pregnancy progressed. She was now a bit more than two months along, and her stomach had just started to show.

Nala was also attempting to navigate her tentative friendship with Simba, which was a bit difficult when she felt Maisie was watching her every move when it came to the dark gold lion. While she did understand the older lioness' concern, it also irritated her.

Apparently, not only did her younger brother know about the attack on their mother just as the war started but so did the light beige lioness.

But this wasn't the time for such musings, as she took her place at the front of the hunting party, looking back at the gathered lionesses. "Is everyone ready to go?" There were nods and sounds of agreement.

A few of the other lionesses, who weren't part of the group, watched as they gathered. A quick scan showed Simba was nowhere to be seen. Probably still asleep in the den the former Outsiders had been using.

A soft voice came from the main den as the queen emerged, smiling. "Don't leave without me."

Nala frowned lightly, exchanging a look with Maisie. Even though her mother had been taking things easier, she still insisted on joining the hunting party, much to Maisie's chagrin. Her father and Grandmother Sarabi weren't happy with her decision either, but Mheetu was already out on patrol with Jashua, so he couldn't object. And Nala certainly wasn't about to, even if she was concerned. Besides, she had occasionally participated, but only to supervise, so why should today be any different?

Maisie frowned as she watched Eshe join the group. "Um, Your Majesty... I don't mean to be rude, but shouldn't you be taking it easy?"

"I'll be fine, Maisie. I'll just be supervising."

Maisie didn't look convinced but remained silent. After all, the queen was well-known for her stubbornness. She snorted quietly to herself as she turned to look out over the Pride Lands. Truthfully, the entire royal family was well-known for being stubborn.

Why did I agree to serve as an advisor?

Maisie snarked to herself. He adored Jashua and his family, but once their minds were set on something, it was nigh impossible to change them.

Eshe let out a sigh. She was aware that they were all concerned, but she was fine. She fixed her gaze on her daughter. "So what were you planning on hunting today?"

Nala thought about it for a moment before she spoke. "Well, the pride hasn't had zebra in a while, and one of the scouts reported that their herd isn't too far away."

Eshe nodded. "That sounds good."

Nala smiled before giving the order to move, and the lionesses descended the steps and onto the savanna, heading towards the zebra herds.

~TLK~

When they were close enough, the group concentrated on the zebra herd. They crouched low in the tall grass, trying not to make any noise that would startle the herd.

Out of the corner of her eye, Eshe noticed a lone zebra, which had been grazing some distance away from the herd, exposing its vulnerability. "Look," she said quietly to Nala, pointing out the zebra. "Why don't you try going after that one on your own?"

Nala looked uncertain. "Are you sure I can?" She was well aware that she wasn't the best huntress on her own, though she did well in a group.

"You'll never improve if you don't practice. And if things go wrong, the others are here to help," Eshe said encouragingly.

Eshe inhaled deeply and nodded. She stalked forward as Eshe gave the order for the others to hold their positions. She crept forward, getting as close to the zebra as she dared before pouncing. She got a good grip on the zebra but struggled to keep a hold of its neck as her prey began to buck.

When the herd became aware of the commotion, they began to flee, and several of the other lionesses decided to pounce now that the element of surprise was gone. After all, one zebra wouldn't be enough for the pride.

While some of them were successful, Nala struggled and eventually lost her grip, falling to the ground. She grunted and looked up as a shape passed over her. Her teal eyes widened as she realized it was her mother.

"Mom!"

As Eshe judged the distance, she kept out of range of the zebra's kicks. She pounced, but the zebra moved at the last second and aimed a kick at her. The queen screamed as the hooves met their mark and fell to the ground.