*Sarabi's POV*

I sat on top of Pride Rock waiting for Mufasa's return. He went on afternoon patrol with his father and Zazu.

"Sarabi!!"

A voice called my name. I turn around seeing my best friend Sarafina. She's walking up the rocky steps. Her face expression shows seriousness and worry.

"Saffy?"

"Sarabi! I've come with bad news."

"What may be the problem?"

Sarafina sits in front of me. Her eyes are red, which mean she has been crying a lot. "Makaio is gone."

I gasp, "What?!"

"It's been two days. He hasn't returned! I've been searching two whole days Sarabi without food, water, or sleep. A few moments ago I had caught a hare. It'll last me for a couple of hours."

"Oh Sarafina, a hare won't last you at all. You need more food in your system. Your carrying a child for goodness sakes! I'll send the hunting party to go hunt for you."

Sarafina nod with a half smile. "Thank you, my friend."

I hug Sarafina then walk inside the cave. I see Dawn, one of Athena's friends. She's busy grooming her face and paws.

"Sorry to interrupt Dawn, but can you and the hunting party go hunt my best friend Sarafina something to eat? She's fully pregnant and lost her mate. I'll give you all something in return!"

Dawn got up on her paws smiling. "Sure! Anything for the future Queen and her friend. A friend of the Queen is a friend of ours."

I smile back giving her a hug. "Thank you."

"By the way, you don't have to owe us anything!"

With that, Dawn exit out the cave. She went to go inform and gather up the hunting party. Sarafina came inside.

"What did they say?" She ask.

"Dawn doesn't mind at all. She's going to tell the hunting party now. Every since Athena had left the Pride Lands, Dawn took over as leader of the group." I said.

"Cool! This Dawn lioness sounds nice."

"She is! Very sweet too. I'll have you to meet her when she comes back."

Sarafina nod. She laid down with her head over her front paws. I feel so bad for Saffy. She's now alone. I wonder if she's going to stay in the Shimmer Pride. If not, she can join Pride Rock! I'm sure Ahadi or Mufasa wouldn't mind. Sarafina won't cause any trouble.

"Sarabi?"

I walk out of the cave seeing Mufasa and Ahadi.

"Ah, your finally back!"

I rub my face against Mufasa's. He purr licking my nose. Ahadi stood in the back ground smiling with Zazu on his shoulder. I thought about Sarafina.

"Muffy, there's something I need to tell you and your father."

Ahadi step up standing beside Mufasa. "What is it Sarabi?"

"Sarafina is laying down in the cave. She came with bad news. Makaio, her mate hasn't return home in two days. She's been worried sick! Sarafina hasn't eat, drink, or sleep in two whole days. She was busy searching, hoping to find any sign that her mate is alive."

Mufasa shook his head. "That's awful!"

I met my eyes with Ahadi's green ones. "We have to let Sarafina stay here. She's fully pregnant and can't hunt on her own. I know it'll become more work for the hunting party, but they can help! Please let her join. I'll watch her. She won't cause any trouble I promise."

"Hmmm. Where is she again?" He ask.

"In the cave."

Ahadi walked inside cave. Zazu flew off his shoulder sitting on my own.

"Sarafina is expecting huh?" Zazu asked.

I nod at the hornbill smiling. "Yes. Her and Makaio chose me to be the god mother too if something ever happened."

"That's so nice of them! Do you know what gender the cub is?"

"Nope. Guess we all have to wait until it's born."

Zazu smiled. "I love babies!"

Mufasa chuckled. "Maybe one day you'll have your own family, Zazu."

"Awwww, little Zazu's flying around would be cute." I chuckle.

Zazu continue to smile at the thought. Ahadi walked out of the cave.

"I told your friend Sarafina that she can stay here at Pride Rock. Zazu here will show her around tomorrow and go over the kingdom rules." He said.

I hug him, "Oh thank you, Ahadi!"

"No problem, Sarabi. The pride could use more members."

Ahadi went to the back of Pride Rock. Zazu flew away probably going home. Mufasa and I both walk inside the cave to give Sarafina some more company.

"I'm so happy your staying here with us, Saffy!" I say, excitedly.

Sarafina laughed at my excitement. "Me too!"

"Your cub will grow up in such a beautiful, large, protective environment." Said Mufasa.

Sarafina and I both nod our heads.

"When will you two have your own cub?" She asked.

Mufasa's eyes widen. My cheeks instantly turned red as I giggle.

"Well Sarafina, we haven't quite discuss that topic yet." I say.

"But you both are royal, married, and live in a perfect home. What are you two waiting for?"

Mufasa shrug. "I guess the right time?"

I nod, "Yeah."

Sarafina roll her eyes. I laugh at her expression. One day me and Mufasa will have own family. Sarafina's cub will have a friend. Hopefully they'll grow up close and be best friends like me and Saffy did.

Only time will tell...
*************

Months later...

"How is she doing Rafiki?" I ask.

Me, Mufasa, and the rest of the pride are standing outside of the cave. It's midnight, Sarafina's cub has finally decided to come join the world. I'm pacing back and forth like crazy hoping the birth was successful. Rafiki the baboon walked out of the cave.

"It's a healthy girl. Sarafina ask for only you Sarabi to come in." He replied, smiling huge.

I nod leaving Mufasa behind as I rush happily inside the cave. Sarafina gave birth to a baby girl, hooray!

"Sarabi my friend, is that you?"

"Yes, Saffy."

I walk deep inside the cave. Sarafina is found in the far back laying against the cave's wall. In her furry arms a tiny light creamy cub is asleep.

I smile taking each step forward slow. "Oh Sarafina..."

"Meet my daughter, Nala."

"She is beautiful! Her colors look just like-"

"Makaio. I know..." Sarafina said sadly. A tear fell from her left eye.

I gave her a hug. It is true! Nala resembles her father very much so. The nose, fur, ears, everything! The eyes we won't know until after a few weeks.

"Should I invite the rest of the pride in to view our newest member?" I ask.

Sarafina nodded.

I turn around telling Mufasa to let the pride in. One by one lions walk looking at Nala with huge smiles.

"She's so pretty!"

"Has the face of her mother!"

"What's her name?"

"Look at those tiny paws!"

Were the comments from the lionesses. I laugh shaking my head. I sat down next to Mufasa.

"You know Sarabi, I think it's time that we start our own." Mufasa spoke.

I look confused. "Our own what?"

"Family."

"What?! I mean, you're sure about this Mufasa?"

He nod smiling. "Yeah. Soon as my father will step down and give us the crown. When we become the Pride Lands new King and Queen, I'll need a heir to rule after me. Our circle life will be fully complete with a cub!"

"Having your cub Mufasa will be a treasure that I'll always keep, protect, love, and hold." I smile back.

Mufasa nuzzled me. Becoming parents will be tough on me and Mufasa both since it's our first child and all. But I'm sure Ahadi and the kingdom will be thrilled by the news. Just the thought of our son or daughter running around Pride Rock makes me smile even wider. Little Nala will now have a play mate.

Cub making will begin tomorrow (: