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Penzi looked at the two, obviously disappointed in her loss, but walked over to them, “I wish you two a long life together.” She nuzzled Ela
Ela
“May I speak to you...alone.”
Ela
The king asked her about her intentions and the time she spent with Kubali. “I understand how bad it is to be alone, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done. Really I am. But now it’s time for him to take on his responsibilities. I wish you would reconsider becoming Kubali’s queen.”
Ela
The lion cut her off, “I know what I said...and I won’t force anything. But, you must understand that I have to ask this of you. Penzi is his betrothed and I’m afraid if you marry him, what might befall these lands. I can’t force you to let him go because you did help him. You brought him back to me. Still, I must look after my lands.” He looked at her softly, “You have helped him so much...help him again by letting him go. Let him go, but do not tell him we had this talk. I promise I will reward you if you will do this.”
“Like...” she said speculatively.
“There is another male...and he is approaching his mantlement. It would make him...his mother...and me very happy to see a lioness pledge to him. You can be that lioness as a reward for you good deeds.”
Ela
“Then show your appreciation of that by letting him find his place in the circle.”
She looked at him, almost distastefully, “I can’t leave him...I’m sorry.”
“I’m afraid. The gods will be upset because the betrothal is broken. It does not tide well to turn your back on the prompting of the gods. Ela
“Then don’t break his heart. Can’t you see that we’re like leaves in the wind? Why didn’t the gods interfere then? Instead, against all odds, our love has survived and grown.”
He sighed a bit, “Yes, Ela
She tensed at the nuzzle but returned it, feeling more relieved, “Thank you, sire. I will not mention this to Kubali.”
He smiled, “Thank you. Now enjoy your husband.” With that, they separated and she walked back to be by Kubali’s side.
CHAPTER: THE DREAM
It had been a few nights since they had rejoined the pride. She was making new friends and had even been on a very successful hunt with them. That was the best, she thought, having ‘sisters’ again. She could see the young male that she would have pledged to, watching over her. It wasn’t really bad, she thought. She liked have a bit of attention on her and not be it for bad reasons.
Other things did bother her, however. Although the king had accepted her into the pride as his daughter, he still didn’t go out of his way to be friendly to her. Same thing with Penzi. She had mentioned this to Debara and she just shrug it off, “Don’t worry, Ela
They might have told Penzi that she could just wait for him--when Ela
The most disturbing event happened during her sleep. As she was cuddled with Kubali, she feel asleep. She woke up in a dream, to see the land as it was under Taka. The lionesses all looked thin and the lands were parched. She went to Kubali to talk to thing. He turned to look at her, but it wasn’t Kubali’s face that she saw...it was Taka’s...his faced marred by the scar. She gasped and turned suddenly away from, only to come face to face with the king.
“See what you did, daughter? See what you did by your selfishness. You condemned these lands to this horror. If only you would had accepted my offer, this land would not be in this shape. That young lion that I had offered to you...he was the first to die.”
Ela
Suddenly, Ela
She turned to look at him, her breath calming down, “I’m all right...go back to sleep.”
He nuzzled her softly, “Bad dream?”
She purred softly and nodded. “Yes...but I can’t really talk about it. I’ll be fine, love.”
He yawned and gave her cheek a quick lick. “All right dear...if you say so. I’ll be right here if you need me.”
She did not fall asleep, however. Her mind raced of thoughts of the king’s word to her. Would this land fall into a drought because of me? Would Aiheu punish us all for my selfish love? What if he knew that I could never give him a cub? Now I’m not only ruining his future, but the future of a pride.
That last thought stung her deeply. She could never be his queen because of that. There would be no continue of the line beyond him. She looked down and sigh. She would have to leave him...give him a chance to have a future. She nuzzled against him, knowing it would be their last night together. He grunted with satisfaction, feeling her warmth against his body.
The next morning came quickly and she looked at him, fondling his mane like she did the first night. “Thank you for all of the things you gave me.”
He woke up slowly, purring at the fondle. “Thank me for what love?”
She looked at him sadly. “For all of the times we were together.” She sighed, building up her courage. “Love...I have to go.”
His head shot up instantly. “What? Why?” he stammered.
She continued to fondle him gently. “Dear...I have kept a horrible secret from you...something you must hear before you take me as your queen.”
His tongue licked at her paw. “Whatever it is...you will always be my queen.”
“Dear...I can’t have cubs.”
He looked at her stu