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CHAPTER: CROSS WORDS
When Ujuzi had regained her composure, she went back to the others and began to start her campaign to drive off Ela
“Yes, ma’am.”
Ujuzi smiled. “She’s very pretty and very smart. I bet she tells great stories.”
“Oh yeah! There’s this really neat one about two brothers. They get into this fight over a....”
“I don’t want to know,” Ujuzi said quickly but gently. “I want to hear that story someday, so don’t tell me how it turns out, all right?” She nuzzled him gently and began to groom him as she talked.
“Maybe you can tell me something. Does she ever leave you alone? I mean, does she ever go somewhere and maybe the King goes with her--you know, for a little while, maybe?”
Asuri purred at the grooming and looked up to her, “I’m not sure. Why don’t you ask them?”
The Queen held in her tart reply. “Honey Tree, I don’t want them to know I’m asking. I don’t even want your mother to know.”
“But Mom said it’s wrong to keep secrets like that.”
“It’s OK with me, because I’m the queen. Sometimes Kings and Queens need special favors. And I’m asking you a special favor as Queen because this is an important secret, and you are my special agent. A SECRET agent.”
Asuri gasped in amazement, “Gosh!”
“I’m pla
He tilted his head from side to side. “Gee, they MIGHT have, but I’m not sure. I was taking a nap. But yes ma’am, I think so.”
Ujuzi’s ears went back and her jaw tightened.
“Are you all right, ma’am?”
“Yes, Honey Tree. I have this pain in my stomach, but it will be over soon.” She kissed him. “You keep your eyes and ears open. Remember, you’re my special little boy. Only a very clever lion can do this job.”
She let Azuri go and got up slowly, wandering off. Ujuzi’s stomach had indeed knotted up. She remembered that Ela
Mabongo was lying down, taking one of his many naps. His head came up when he saw his wife. He smiled to her, “See...I told you it would wear off.”
“Stuff it, my king...we have to talk about that...” She held back the word she wanted to use, “Ela
He cocked his head a bit. “What about Ela
She moved to look at him, eye to eye, “I don’t know what you two are up to...but damn it...I don’t like it. You spending all that time with her is begi
He looked shocked. “You don’t think...love...I would never do anything like that to you. We spend so much time together because we are friends...nothing more. Most of the time we spend together is when you are on the hunt...and there is little company here other than her. Love...I would never do anything to hurt our marriage. It’s enough to do the right thing without worrying about appearances.”
“But how about the way it appears to ME?? You better watch your step, Bobo! I’ve given you my youth and my cubs! Six years of my life I’ve put into this marriage! I’m not letting some two-bit tramp come along and steal my husband!”
He growled at her softly...apparently agitated. “She’s not a two-bit tramp! She’s a fine lady, and you could stand to learn some ma
“I know that, but she’s subtle. She’s stalking you, and you're standing there like a blind gazelle!”
“That’s enough! Wife, this conversation is OVER.”
The Queen was about ready to say something...until Ela
The King just shook his head. Ela
“Is everything all right?”
“Why shouldn’t it be??”
“Oh nothing. You just seem like something’s bothering you.” She walked back a few paces and lied down, looking at him, “I guess that the others are about ready to go on a hunt...”
Mabongo nodded quickly and rose up. “I...um...need to go also.”
Ela
He shook his head, “Nothing...I just have to...uh...do my patrol.”
“But you already did it...”
He snapped quickly, “I have to do it again...all right?”
Ela
He shook his head again. “Nothing...but I need to go.” Quickly he ran into the grass, leaving an astonished lioness behind.
Later that day, Ujuzi pulled Wehu aside, “My daughter...I think Ela
Wehu gasped, “No mother...you are wrong. I know Ela
“Listen to me daughter...if you watch them like I do...it would be plain to you. She is trying to muscle in on my lion...and I won’t have it.”
“What do you suggest I do? Go and spy on her like you?”
“Yes...exactly.”
“No mother...I can’t do that to her.”
“What are you afraid of? If you are right then you won’t mind looking in on them. If there’s no wrongdoing, there will be nothing to see.”
Wehu stormed off without an answer. Ujuzi smiled...the first part of the plan was done...now to set the trap for her prey. She found Ela
“Yes, queen.”
“She was my first...and I have had many strong children after her.” She smiled softly, “And how many children have you had?”
Ela
Ujuzi just chuckled and shook her head, “That’s a real shame. You know a lioness is not a real lioness until she has her first child.” With that, she walked back to the king and rubbed up against him.
Ela
Ela
He sat down next to her, looking down at the lioness, “I heard what my wife said to you. I don’t know what got into her, it was uncalled for.”
Ela
Mabongo leaned down and nuzzled her softly, which made her jump a bit. “Dear Ela