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Sauda nodded. Life was perfect for her. She had a mate, a son, a daughter; their future queen, and apparently more cubs.

"Going after Daddy's tail again, haven't we?" Shani grinned at her little nephew. She had been the cubs' best friend since the day they were born. She babysat them eagerly when Alonzo and Sauda were needed. And nowadays, they were being needed more often because Kiara and Kovu had begun to grow ill because of their age. Simba had already passed away. His death had shaken Sauda hard. Shani was worried how her sister would cope if their parents passed away too. The least she could do was support her at all times.

Shani grinned. "Thanks Alonzo." she gratefully looked at him before going down and nuzzling her niece. "You know, having you and the cubs here is really making me feel wanted." Shani told him as she straightened up. "Before you came, I was thinking of going out to be a rogue. But now, I feel needed here."

Shani smiled at her niece. She then turned around to go out. "I've got to go, Alonzo." she said. "I promised Dad I'd take out the morning patrol. Mom and Dad haven't been feeling very well. I think their time has come." She sadly put her head down. She had always known this day would come, and she had been preparing for it almost her whole life. But now that the time really had come, she was unsure how her heart could bear it.

Shani grinned. "Yes, he is, Carissa." she said. "You'd better listen to your father if you want to become a good queen." She walked out of the den and met up with the rest of her patrol.

Shani led Sayari back to his mother, who had just woken up. "Thank you, Shani." Sauda sighed as Sayari began suckling from her. "Don't mention it." Shani grinned.

Sauda watched Sayari inch towards the entrance. "Your father'll take you too someday." she told him. "But right now, just rest."

Sauda pulled Sayari close to her and licked him. "Stay here." she murmured to her son. She got up and walked up to the entrance of the den. "How's it going?" she asked Alonzo.