right thing to do. I wasn’t hoping for praise and acceptance.”

            “I know, but still… you saved three lives.”

            She stood there and listened as words of admiration, respect, and something she couldn’t place came from his mouth. What was his point? What was he trying to say? Never in her life did she expect to make an impact.

            “I appreciate the help you’ve given me both royal and personal.”

            “Baraka, I…” Etana lowered her head, and he thought he saw a tear streak out of her eye. She turned from him, her chest heaving. “The only lion, other than Takata, that I ever had a connection with was my brother. When I first came here, I expected nothing but the same mockery and ridicule I suffered in my old pride. And this is the first real pride I’ve been in and a part of since my mother took me away. And like you, I didn’t really expect us to have a bond, but we do… and I’m happy about it.”

            His mouth formed a smile. “So am I,” he said. Then he moved into unrehearsed territory. “When Arif told me Njozi’s last dream, I didn’t want to believe it, and then Arif said that the lionesses fighting were Hasira and you. I thought of so many different reasons as to why that couldn’t be. Then I started thinking how weird it was that you weren’t home, sent for Mabaki and Takata, and we ran to the southern side. The image of Hasira hurting you was all I could see. I felt rage and anger.” He paused, the pain of that night still there. “After awhile we stopped. I felt the earth, found hard foundation, thought of you, and we ran again.” He clawed the grass. “The second I saw Hasira on top of you I leapt and pushed her off. Takata checked you and I ordered him and Mabaki to take you home.”

            She shivered. He saw and wanted to ask if she was alright, but didn’t. He, too, shivered, but not from the cold, and continued. “I know Dailia told you, but… in case you didn’t hear me when I returned and whispered in your ear, but when I banished Hasira I knew it was best for everyone, even her.” His throat filled with emotion. “I was so afraid you were going to die. If you had, I’m not sure I could’ve continued being king… or living for that matter. I prayed day and night for you to be well again.”

            “I thought I was going to die that night, Baraka,” she said over her shoulder. “I felt myself slipping from this world, but I knew you would come. I prayed for you to come. I was afraid I was never going to hear your voice again.”

            Baraka walked up and placed a paw on her shoulder. She didn’t wrench or walk away. He felt that spark of energy pass between them. His heart leapt into his throat. He had to say it now.

            “Etana… I love you. You’re the most beautiful lioness I’ve ever known. You’re smart, wise, gentle, and strong. The spirits have blessed you in many ways and you use these blessings without a second thought. I enjoy every moment we’ve spent together. You’ve helped me in ways no one else could. And… this may seem forward, but you don’t have to answer now. You can take all the time you need. If you marry me… if you become the Pridelands queen, I promise you will have the respect you deserve, and the place of leadership that was yours from birth.” After this, he waited, out of breath, and a still beating heart. God, please let her feelings be the same!

            His words left her in shock. Love… He was in love with her? Any feelings he had for her ran that deeply? She was at a loss for words and quickly thought it over. Baraka was the first lion she was ever able to be truly honest with, and the way he responded to that said a lot about his character. After she told him her past, the way he allowed her to lay her head on his was a measure of kindness and comfort, and she trusted him enough to accept that measure. He trusted her, she trusted him. And she, too, enjoyed the time they spent together. They were connected in a way no one could explain or describe. It was just there. It just happened. Every day she heard his voice, it was gift, just as seeing her was a gift to him. Yet now, it was no longer a gift, but a miracle.

            She sighed and turned to him. He looked at her, and almost stopped breathing. To him, it was as though time was standing completely still. He waited, every sound of his heartbeat echoing hard in his ears. At last, she rested her head against his, and purred. He held his breath. Was that a yes?

            She spoke. “I love you, Baraka. I’d say you were a handsome lion, but I don’t know what you look like.” She smiled a bit. “I don’t need to. Your voice describes you. And you yourself have been blessed too. You do live up to your name. As to your proposal…” She kissed his cheek with her tongue, “How’s after the rain season?”

            Her kiss sent warm shivers down his back. His heart leapt for a joy. “That sounds good.”

            They pulled away and she slipped her head under his chin.

            “What of the pride?” she asked after a silent moment. “Will they accept a blind queen?”

            “After everything you’ve done… they see that you make me happy. That’s all they’ve ever wanted. But I don’t care if they accept or not. This is my life, and I want you in it.” He removed his head from hers and just stared at her. Then he touched her cheek with a paw, smiling.

            Soon they were walking home side by side, their tail tufts entwined.

Epilogue: The Queen

Arif paced the floor of his brother’s cave nervously. Baraka simply stared at him amused. “Will you stop pacing? I’m the one who should be doing that.” He smiled.

            The prince looked at him. “I don’t understand why you’re not pacing. Where I’m marrying a second time, you’re sitting there all calm and this will be your first marriage.”

            “Yes, and I want it to be my first and only. I have no reason to be nervous. I’m just happy, as I know you are.”

            Arif sighed. “You’re right; I am happy, happier than I’ve been in a long time. I don’t even remember pacing or being nervous the first time around.”

            Baraka didn’t reply. He could hope that his brother getting married again wouldn’t bring memories of Akase. Now that he thought of it, Arif hardly ever spoke of her these days, perhaps thinking past events would resurface and cloud his judgment. That was the last thing the young shaman needed.

            Shaking himself, Baraka walked up to Arif and put a paw on his shoulder. “Listen to me. You’ll be fine. We both will. After today, all will be right. Now, come on, they’re waiting for us.”

            Arif sighed again and walked out with Baraka. The moment they stepped out of the main den, he knew that the animals were standing in the grass below. They had been called by the winds, and the roar of one of the guardians.

            As Arif and Baraka went to their spots, the pride and their guests stood at attention. The brothers smiled as they met eyes with the ones who had traveled from other kingdoms. There were the rulers of the Eastlands: King Seth, and his wife, Queen Kendra, along with their son and daughter, Prince Jabari, and Princess Nyota.

            And beside them were the leaders of the Northlands, or rather, the Northlander ruler, King Nishati, and his sister, Princess Hidaya. The royal cousins from both sides flashed each other smiles of love and affection. They rarely saw each other, but the same royal blood flowed through their bodies. And as Nishati told his sister when they couldn’t come to Baraka’s coronation, they would be there if he ever married. Nishati turned to his sister with a smile of pride. That day had finally come.

            For the