Maha

The sun is slowly going down allowing the moon to make its debut in the evening sky. I have not seen my sister Kiara or brother in law Kovu at all today. They must've had went out to attend an important meeting. One of the Pride lionesses named, "Safia" was left in charge of Pride Rock until they had returned home.

My fiancé Rudo and I are both resting at the very top of Pride Rock; wondering our eyes across the gorgeous view of the Pride Lands Kingdom. We enjoy the cool, relaxing breeze that blows amongst us. My chin rests on his front large paws, while he lays his head comfortably on top of my own.

It has been almost a week since Rudo's mom's passing. He is still taking it a day at a time. It is very understandable! Losing a parent can be very hard, especially if you had shared a really close bond like how me and my dad were. I will forever stand by Rudo's side during this difficult time. He was there for me at those sad times when I would often think about my dad and miss him.

"Rudo?"

"Yes, Maha?"

"You know how much I love you right?"

Rudo grows a smile and nod. "Yes! How come you asked?"

I return the smile and continue looking up at the shining stars who make their first appearance in the evening sky. "No reason. I just wanted to let you know."

"Of course my delicate rose! I knew that one already. Our love for each other is so strong, that it is unbreakable. We are truly meant for one another. I am thankful to have you in my corner during this hard time, Maha."

"You're welcome my love! It is my duty to always stay with you during the most happiest and hardest times. Sometimes we all need someone to give us that extra push and tell us that everything will be okay."

"Yeah..."

I take my teal colored eyes from off the evening sky for a few moments and met them with Rudo's. We stare at each other lovingly with warm smiles. I nuzzle him sweetly with a soft purr.

"Alright, break up you two love birds!" Said a voice.

The voice had startled me for quick second. I stopped nuzzling Rudo and see my brother Kion walking towards us. He must have came back from his last Lion Guard patrol for the day and is ready to give Kovu his evening report.

"Oh, hey brother!" I greet.

"Hello, Kion!" Rudo also greets with a simple head nod.

"Good evening guys! Have you seen my daughter Adia anywhere around here? Aala told me she hasn't returned home to our private den yet. It worries us a little...normally, she would be together with her sister Chauna. But Chauna is already home!" Kion explains.

Rudo shakes his head "no" and looks at me for an answer.

"No, I have not seen my little niece since earlier at lunch. That is pretty odd for her to be alone out there without her sister at her side!" I replied. "Hmm..."

"Daddy!" A younger voice called.

We all turn our heads to Pride Rock's rocky steps and see Adia running up to her father Kion.

"Adia!" He smiles widely. "Finally you are home. Where were you all this time young lady?!"

The two share a big hug.

"I was with Aunt Kiara, Uncle Kovu, big cousin Heri and Auni at the borders!" Adia responds honestly.

Kion lifts a brow while looking suspicious. "The borders? What were you doing there with them and what is going on?"

Adia was about to explain, but Kiara and Kovu appear interrupting their conversation.

"We can explain that one, brother!" Said Kiara. She finished walking up the last rocky step with Kovu close behind her.

"Did something dangerous happened at the borders that me and my team should know?" Kion asked, concerned.

Kiara shook her head. "No Kion, everything is fine and Adia is safe. She was not in any trouble!"

"Wait, I'm confused. So then why-"

"A member from the Rough Lands Pride was at our borders. King Akono sent a lion named Ranako over to the Pride Lands to deliver an important message." Kovu shortly explains.

"Well, what does he want?" I asked, now sounding concerned. I sit halfway up and now driven into this conversation between Kovu and my two big siblings. I have only heard little information about the Rough Lands from my parents when I was younger. I don't remember much of who they are or what do they do.

"King Akono wants Heri and Auni's child to be betrothed to one of his children."

"What?!" Kion and I both say together. We look very confused.

"I know I'm not a royal, but why does this Akono guy wants his child and their child to pair up?" Rudo asks, trying to understand. "It's like he wants something from it."

"Because he wants his pride and our pride to join together sharing the same land." Kovu finishes.

"The Rough Lands sharing our luxurious land? I don't know about this one guys..."said Kion unsure.

"And why would it be a problem?" I questioned.

"Sometimes joining prides is not such a good idea. Someone may argue on who is in charge, the lions could over hunt which would drive the prey away from us, and the males would try to mate more than they should and then we would be too over populated." Kiara explains. "Plus, how could we even trust King Akono? There is only one way and that is to go visit the Rough Lands ourselves. You know, think of it as taking notes!"

"But Kiara, your father allowed the outsiders to join Pride Rock and you guys shared your land with us. What is the difference?" Said Kovu, trying to understand her point.

"My father allowed the outsiders to join our pride because, he trusted me and understood how much I loved you Kovu. It taught my father a big lesson to not judge someone's background."

"Well, it apparently it seems like you are judging the Rough Lands background a little bit sis, don't you think?" Said Kion. "Like you said Kiara, let's pay a one day visit at the Rough Lands and see if they are the right fit for our land. Once we have witness who they truly are, then you guys can go on from there with the final decision."

"Our brother is right!" I nod, agreeing.

Kiara looks at Kovu unsure. "What do you think honey?"

Kovu also nods his head. "Yes, I certainly do agree with Kion dear. Before judging King Akono and his pride, we should go meet with them first and see for ourselves. We have never met or seen them before. We only know half of the information from your father. Let's get to know the Rough Lands and see if they are okay for the Pride Lands standards!"

"Wow, spoken like a good King!" Rudo smiles.

Kovu chuckles and so did I.

"Okay then, it is settled. But I suggest we wait until we hear from Heri and Auni on their final choice if they want their son or daughter to be betrothed. If they do not, then it is no point of traveling out there." Kiara mentioned.

"She is right. It would be a waste of time!" Said Kion, nodding.

"Alright, then we will wait for our son and future daughter in law's decision making. It'll give us all time!" Said Kovu.

Everyone nod their heads except for Adia who is still pretty young to process all of this new information in her mind.

Kion yawns and walks away heading down to his and Aala's private den. "I'm getting sleepy! See you guys in the morning. Come along, Adia."

"Yes, daddy!" She replied, while leaping behind him. "Good night everyone."

"Good night guys!" Kiara smiles.

"I suggest we all hit the hay too! Good night." Said Rudo, as stands up on his four paws.

I copy his actions as we both closely walk together inside the pride's large cavern for bed. "Good night!"

Kovu and Kiara both told us good night too, but stay outside the cave a little while longer. I guess they are discussing more about today's event. I truly do hope they can decide on something. It surely is a lot to deeply think about!

Rudo and I lay down in our normal spot against the Cave's left wall. Heri and Auni are already inside sleeping cuddled in the far back area of the cave where the royals usually rests. I slowly close my eyes as I drift off into a deep sleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Clouds dominate the morning sky leaving transitory patches of blue. Though they are mostly white there is a hint of greyness, a suggestion that rain may play a part in the day to come. I open my teal color eyes as I yawn waking up into the new day. I see my right side is empty meaning that Rudo has left. He probably went out to get a drink of water or hunt himself breakfast.

I got up with a stretch and went outside the cave feeling the cool morning breeze. The sky definitely does look like it will rain any time soon today. I am sure the hunting party is hunting breakfast now before it starts to pours! I was suppose to do the morning shift hunt today, but for some reason I felt tired waking up again. This is the Second day in the row since I have been feeling so tired.  Maybe I should go to Amwa's tree later on and see what is wrong with my body.

"Good morning, Maha!" A voice greets behind me.

I am still standing outside in front of the cavern. I stand aside and look over my right shoulder seeing my good friend Auni coming forward. Her pregnancy glow is really starting to show for sure now. Her belly has gotten a bit bigger from the last time I had seen her. Even pregnant she looks amazingly beautiful!

"Good morning, future Queen! How are you feeling?" I greet back and ask.

She smiles, "Good. Just taking this pregnancy a day at a time. I am beginning to feel more adjusted now."

"That is great, Auni! Keep it up."

"There are  two things that I wanted to talk to you about, Maha if you have the time?"

"Yes, of course! Let's go discuss it behind Pride Rock on the rocks."

"Okay!"

We both walk to the back of Pride Rock sliding carefully down the small sides. I allow Auni to choose her own rock first. She picked out a larger one and laid down. I choose a different rock next to her and sat down.

I smile, "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Okay, so you know how we are both engaged right?"

"Yeah?"

Auni smiles widely, "How about we both share a wedding ceremony!"

"You mean like we both get married on the same day?" I questioned.

"Yeah but together sharing the same reception!"

"Hmmm, I'll put some thought into it. I wouldn't mind at all! But I want to make sure if Rudo is okay with it though."

"I totally understand Maha! I wasn't expecting you to give me an official answer now, ha ha ha." Auni giggles.

I chucked. "Right! So, what was the second thing you wanted to tell me?"

Auni looks down at her paws. She stops smiling and her ears lowered. "I don't know if Queen Kiara have told you this already but, this King from the Rough Lands wants Heri and I's child to be betrothed to one of his children. I don't know if I want that to happen. I want the best life for my child as possible. I don't anything to affect his or hers future or the future of the Pride Lands ya know?"

I place a paw on top of Auni's. "Oh Auni, that is such a big decision to make. Yes, Kiara and Kovu had both told me and Kion last night about the sudden news. Whatever you and Heri decide, do not rush into it . Give yourselves a couple of days or even a week to think about it first. This is something very serious and you are right, whatever you guys do decide it will affect the circle of life either way. But let's hope it will be good! Don't blame yourselves on whatever the outcome will be. No one knows yet on what the future holds. We can only hope and pray that it is a good one. Whatever you guys decide for your child, your child would be too young to understand it all anyways. You tell them once they're old enough. Your son or daughter will understand and still love you guys, if you continue being honest."

"You're right."

"You and Heri would have done it for the Pride Lands!"

Auni nodded and sniffed. "I just want to do everything correctly like your sister has done."

I smile. "Auni, even my sister have made a few mistakes while being Queen. But guess what? That is what life is all about. We make mistakes and learn from them. You can't run away every time when you come to a tough decision."

"Exactly..."

"Remember, all of us here at Pride Rock have you guys back no matter what. Your basically family to me now even though you aren't married officially yet. If ever need help on anything or anyone to talk to, don't be afraid to find me okay? I am here for you guys!"

Auni's eyes starts to water. "Thank you!"

We both share a tight hug.

"Also if you ever need guidance, seek the Great Kings. My father told me that before he died..."

"Okay I will! King Kovu had told me and Heri the same thing."

I nod without a word and smiled.

I hope Heri and Auni can come up with something!