Potential Heirs

"What's going on?"

Mufasa and Taka watched the shaman in confusion as Kandoro carefully opened a melon, using her thumb to smear the reddish juice over the cub's tan forehead. Nunka gurgled, his large paws churning slightly as his eyes with solid black pupils looked up at the aging mandrill. "He is going to be presented to the kingdom," Ahadi said, though he was watching as Kandoro carefully scooped up some sand and sprinkled it over the robust hairball's head, causing the cub to sneeze as was expected. "But...I thought I was going to be the future king," Mufasa said, his brows furrowed. Did his parents plan on replacing him with Nunka? Uru gave the golden cub an affectionate lick. "Of course you are, little ruler," Uru replied with a warm smile, her gray-blue eyes still sparkling as they had the moment the Queen called them into the birthing chamber. "Then...why?" Taka looked up at his father, then over at his mother. But it was his aunt who replied instead, coming to join the happy little family with Zira peering out from between her front paws. "As the oldest child, Mufasa is indeed the future king, but this presentation is not about who will be the next ruler." Erevu paused a bit, smiling warmly down at the new arrival. "This is going to let the kingdom know that Nunka can be a potential heir, just like you are Taka."

"I don't get it."

Erevu's brows furrowed a bit as if she were collecting her thoughts. "Mufasa will be the future king, but you would be next in line for the throne, Taka. But if Mufasa were to have children, then they would inherit instead. Of course if Mufasa's children are unfit to rule then Taka would still be king. If Taka became king, then Nunka would be next in line, unless Taka has children." She paused as the two cubs seemed to be getting it, the brown lioness smiled. "This is more of a way to assure the kingdom that they will have a heir no matter what the future brings." Before the two princes could reply, Kandoro lightly shook her staff, the dried melons gave a rattle that commanded silence. "It is time," the old mandrill declared, setting the staff down before she carefully picked up Nunka. "Come along, you two," Uru said as she nudged her two cubs. Mufasa and Taka exchanged a glance with each other, then trotted eagerly after their parents, excited for what the future would bring.

End of Part 1.