brother and only niece were in pain tonight.

            In his sleep, his fore claws came out and he clawed the floor of the cave.

Chapter 10: To Dream

Saada watched the cubs. Three played while the others walked around aimlessly, as if searching for something or someone. Saada sighed. The royal cubs’ behavior was obvious and almost contagious to those who knew Arif and Akase. Saada, however, did not know the elder Princess well enough to express her feelings or emotions, but she knew Arif. She felt sorry for him and wanted to help but this was something he had to do alone. Saada felt her heart sink. That was the problem. He was doing it by himself. He was suffering, and his children were suffering.

            And you Akase… are you suffering like your mate and cubs? Saada thought without warning.

            She closed her eyes. She didn’t want to think badly of her best friend’s mate but it was getting hard. She remembered her talk with Arif like it happened yesterday, but in reality it was three days ago. Saada sighed heavily. Was it only three days?

            Her front claws emerged and she clawed the grass. Her blood began to boil and a soft growl came from her throat. Why was Akase being stubborn about her mate’s work? Did she have something against it? Saada’s heart pounded and she willed the bad thoughts of Akase from her mind. She liked Akase, didn’t she? Akase made Arif happy, didn’t she? Saada was saddened. She wasn’t so sure of that anymore. Why would Akase put him through such agony? Three days passed since the argument. Arif still wasn’t home, but Akase returned the next morning. She didn’t speak to anyone though she did thank Kadiri and his mate for caring for her cubs.

            Saada eyed the royal cubs. She could see that Princess Njozi wasn’t looking well again.

            The night after her parents’ argument, Njozi refused to eat the kill. Her brothers, friends, grandparents and uncle begged her to eat but she was too heartbroken. The whole pride had worried. Njozi was taken up into the den by Baraka where her brothers watched over her. Near the entrance Baraka talked with his parents about getting Arif. He was their father and a shaman, but in the end it was Etana who helped the heartsick cub. Baraka allowed her to, knowing this wasn’t an ailment that could be cured by medical herbs. While Etana laid down beside the princess, Njozi’s brothers followed their grandparents out of the cave where they heard Baraka inform the pride. The king’s words were strong and clear. Hasira didn’t object. Dailia had given her a warning glare. The pride slept in the lower caves.

            But neither Arif nor Akase were among them.

            In the midst of the memory, Saada turned to see Njozi lying beside her. Saada smiled and nuzzled her. Njozi relaxed and shifted her body to look up at Saada with a faint smile. “Thanks for taking care of us, Saada.”

            The lioness smiled. “You’re welcome, Njozi. I love watching over you and the others. It gives me something to do.”

            Njozi laughed genuinely, the first real laugh she had given in three days. Saada’s heart lifted. They didn’t speak anymore after that. Instead they basked in the comforting silence.

            Up ahead, Adabu found himself smiling at the two and at the peaceful look on his sister’s face. He had been so worried about her but the same question was still on his and his brother’s mind. Where was their mother and when was their father going to return home? Adabu lowered his head sadly. Did they still love their mother? Adabu knew he did, didn’t he? What about Adisa and Njozi? Did they?

            Adabu lay in the grass, his body overwhelmed with pain. He swallowed. He had to be strong for his brother and sister but the pain was too much. He shut his eyes, his body shaking. A moment later, he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. Through tear blurred eyes he looked up to see Dhani staring down at him. Without speaking, she was at his side and nuzzled him kindly. Adabu sighed and rested his weary head on her shoulder. He was glad she was there.

            Nearby, Adisa watched his brother. His jaw quivered. Would his family ever be the same? Would his parents get back together? The questions were too much. He shook his head. Now he was the one who had to keep balance but he wasn’t sure what to do. He had never seen Adabu breakdown and it frightened him. Would he be next? He wouldn’t be surprised if he were. He looked at Sharif and Sabiha. They were concerned too. Was there no end? He came over to them.

            And Saada watched, her heart melting. She turned to Njozi. “Njozi…” The cub lifted her head to meet the lioness’s gaze. “How would you, Adabu, and Adisa like to go see your dad? I bet you -”

            At this, Njozi jumped up to her paws. All pain in her eyes was gone and there was a smile. It was the same has her laugh had been – genuine. “That’d be great Saada!” the Princess said, her tone full of joy.

            The other cubs, including Adabu, who leaned against Dhani, walked over. “What’s going on?” Adisa asked.

            Njozi faced her brother. “Saada’s going to take us to see Dad!” she said excitedly.

            Adabu and Adisa exchanged glances then their faces lit up. They laughed happily.

            Saada looked down at Sharif. “Are you three okay with this?” she asked.

            “Of course we are, Saada,” said the gray cub. “One of the most important things to us is Adabu, Adisa, and Njozi’s happiness. What kind of friends would we be if we selfishly denied them a visit to their father?” His sisters agreed with nods.

            Sharif’s words never ceased to amaze Saada. Kadiri, I foresee a future Prideland guardian in your son.

            With another smile the lioness rose and the cubs followed. Njozi and her brothers ran ahead, but not wildly or too far. They were just excited. Saada couldn’t blame them. At the mention of having the cubs visit Arif, her heart had skipped a beat, but she ignored it. She couldn’t tell him now. What good would come of it? It was too late. She was too late and it pained her.

            Moments later, they arrived at the Tree of Life. The cubs gathered, three on either side of the lioness.

            Saada called loudly, “Prince Arif, you have visitors!”

            The head of the lion Prince appeared from out of the tree. He stared down, his mouth agape and eyes wide. He saw his children, their friends, and Saada. His eyes were misty and his heart pounded. He was about to speak but the words caught in his throat.

            Then, “Come on up,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

            As the cubs began to climb up one by one, Saada watched intently to make sure they didn’t fall. Arif smiled, as he also watched, but his eyes drifted to the lioness. Saada was so good with his cubs and Kadiri’s cubs. Then, as Saada started her climb, her voice rang in Arif’s ears. He closed his eyes and trembled slightly but not from fear.

            When they were all up, the three royals ran to their father, nuzzling him fiercely. Arif kissed them and then looked up at Saada, smiling. The lioness, along with the other cubs, joined Rafiki near the tree wall to give the Prince and his children time alone.

            Arif stared at his children. “I’m so sorry…” he started.

            “For what, Dad,” Adabu asked.

            “The reason your mother and I are fighting is because of me.”

            Njozi placed a paw on his