King. But I had to take his place.” Chattered Julian.

“Did Marina and Uncle Kasi have cubs?” asked Prince.

“I don’t recall so, Prince. I will visit Marina tomorrow.” Julian replied.

“Wait, you don’t even know if you have a niece or nephew?” Prince laughed.

“When Kasi died, Marina ran away and everyone thought she had died. She was very close to me too and told me she would run away. She said she was near the Shadow Pride. I don’t know the King or any royal members of the Shadow Pride. Marina told me there were only about two members.” Julian told his son.

“Can I come with you to visit Marina?” pleaded Prince.

“Okay but we must leave at dawn. It will be a long journey, Prince.” Julian answered.

Prince was so happy. He jumped joyfully. “Dad, did you like Uncle Kasi?” Prince asked.

“Well, you have to promise to keep a secret son.” Julian said.

“Of course Dad.” Prince said. He would never tell his father’s secret. Besides, Prince knew that there would be major consiquinces if he told anyone.

“Kasi was sometimes nice to me whenever he was around our parents or Marina. One day he said  ‘when I’m the King, I’ll kick you and your family out of the Bora land and he said he would hurt me while he was at it’.” Julian said.

“Seems like you weren’t the brightest pair eh Dad?” Prince said.

“Yes son, I suppose you could say that.”

Julian answered.

“Julian!? Prince?!” someone called. Julian assumed it was Foxy.

“Alright Prince, let’s go back home.” Julian said to his son.

“Julian, where were you? We sent out the lionesses to search for you! It’s afternoon!” Foxy roared.

Julian nudged her.

“Don’t worry about me Foxy. I was just teaching Prince things about Kasi. Tell the lionesses to return.” He said.

“And Ma, I’m going to be Top Defender.” Added Prince.

“Wow!” Foxy was proud of her son even though she knew he’d be defending the pride.

She hugged her son and licked his head and headed into the cave.