"Is everything alright, my heart?" Uru asked her husband one day. It was an off day of sorts for the Pridelanders, though this time was so that the pridesisters could have the opportunity to try for cubs or their own. The three royal cubs and two Grass Whispers cubs were growing fast, soon they would not be cubs anymore. The pride needed new cubs in order to keep going.
Ahadi was lost in thought while his mate had been dozing contently at his side, but Uru obviously knew that something was on her husband's mind and her voice pulled the King from his thoughts. Ahadi sighed, his two-toned blue eyes gazing to where the five cubs were sitting before Ua, playing some new game that the yellow lioness had just introduced, before looking away. Uru was quiet, waiting patiently for her mate to speak. After a while, her patience was rewarded.
"Taka is not going to be the next Lion Guard Captain." Uru gave a slow nod, but was not too surprised. Despite the best efforts of his parents, the young males were still just as cruel now as they were when the red-brown cub was first introduced to them. Taka was a good lion, but not the right lion. "I think that would be for the best," Uru said, gently licking one of Ahadi's ear. "I'm sure there might be a better position for our youngest son." Ahadi only gave another deep side and laid his chin on his paws, not looking too hopeful.
Uru's let her gaze drift over the pride, the few lionesses who had chosen not to head for the borders in search of male company. Erevu was resting close to Ua and the five cubs, with Tatu at her side. The young teenager licked one of her creamy-tan paws, swiping it over her head tuft. The young lioness looked so at ease with the world, even if she was the youngest of the lionesses. But youth didn't make her a pushover. Perhaps...
The blue lioness nudged her mate's shoulder, the scar no longer brought such intense feelings of guilt. Ahadi lifted his head and turned it towards his Queen, noticing the bright light that made her gray-blue eyes sparkle. "What is he?" He asked her, when Uru had that look, the King knew that Uru had something in mind.
"What about Tatu?" Uru nodded to the young lioness. Ahadi followed her gaze, watching his oldest niece for a long time, but didn't get what she was implying. "You could train Tatu to be the next Captain. And please, don't use the old gender-related excuses." Ahadi stared at his mate in surprise, his mouth working, but no sound came out. "We don't know if she'll want that kind of life," Ahadi protested. "Do you think that Taka wanted that life when he was only a day old?" Uru inquired, raising a brow. She had a good point there, so the King only nodded. "I'll talk to her later." He told his blue Queen, giving her cheek a gentle nuzzle.
Uru didn't have to wait for her mate's confirmation, Tatu's loud cry of delight was enough to confirm that the creamy-tan lioness had liked the idea. That was one less problem for them to worry about for now. But now there was news that the Queen felt that her husband would appreciate now, an bonus to the possible idea that the guard will continue on long after Ahadi's circle completed.
Ahadi walked up to her and smiled. "I take that you heard her response already." Uru nodded with a smile of her own as she saw the relief in her love's eyes. "I'm sure that Tatu will handle the guard with no problems," she replied, then stepped forward to rub her nose along her King's cheek. "But I have more pleasant news." Ahadi looked at her, his expression puzzled now.
"What is it?"
"I'm pregnant, again."
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