“No. It was her idea. She misses you, and so do our sons.” He paused, knowing exactly what his next words would bring from her. “Akase… are you still so angry with me that you would not return to Pride Rock to make sure our daughter is alright after she was taken ill by our fighting?”

            “Hasira told me. She said that you didn’t heal her, Etana did. Why?”

            “You know the answer to that. You were afraid you would see me, which is the same reason I didn’t go.”

            “So Etana heals our daughter instead?” She shook her head. “It should’ve been you, Arif. You’re her father.”

            “And you’re her mother. You should’ve been there too.” He sighed. “Akase, are you ever gonna forgive me? Being a shaman is my destiny. Our kids understand that. They know I’ll always be there for them… and for you, even if you don’t believe it.”

            Akase studied him. “What about when you’re really busy?” she asked.

            Arif groaned softly. He had a feeling this would not end well.

And still in the same spot she lay in, Njozi also had a feeling that her parents talk would not end the way she’d hoped. She closed her eyes. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything. But she knew there was no other way. It was now, after all, her mother’s decision to believe and it was clear to the young cub that she didn’t and or wouldn’t.

            “Njozi, you okay?”

            The cub turned to see Saada at her side. “Hi, Saada, what are you doing here?”

            “I was in the area and saw you.” Saada noticed the cub’s tilted head. She laughed. “Seriously, I was.” She lay down. “Your brothers are with your grandparents today so they’re alright.” A still silence filled the air. “How are things here?”

            Njozi’s eyes lowered. She drew in a sharp breath. She didn’t want to say things were alright. If her mother didn’t believe or chose not to, things would just get worse. Njozi licked her lips, looked up at Saada, and began to speak. And as she expected, the light brown lioness listened to every word. There was no falseness in her eyes, no condemnation written upon her face. It was the same as last time, the night they talked on the ledge at the back entrance of the den. It was so easy to talk to her. Njozi spoke slowly at first, but under Saada’s caring look the cub’s voice grew more confident and strong. When she was through Njozi rested her head against Saada’s shoulder, and Saada wrapped a comforting paw around the cub’s body, purring softly.

            “Thank you, Saada. Thanks for listening,” said Njozi, whispering.

            The lioness smiled softly. “You’re welcome, Njozi.”

            The Princess smiled back and then heard the voice of her mother. “What are you doing here, Saada?”

            Saada looked up at Akase. “I was in the area and saw Njozi alone…”

            “Arif and I were a few feet away. If she needed us she would’ve come,” Akase said sharply.

            “Yes, but I –”

            “Akase, Saada was making sure Njozi was okay,” Arif interrupted. He looked at her, almost hard. “Please, treat her with a little more respect.”

            “Why?” Akase wondered. “The moment I leave she thinks she can take over.”

            Saada was surprised. She stood up. “Akase, I assure you, I’m not trying to take your –”

            “Akase please, let’s not do this. Especially in front of Njozi,” Arif intoned.

            The lioness groaned. “Fine, do what you want, Arif. You always have, right?” She turned, starting to walk away, but she looked at Arif, her eyes burning. “Is she really just your friend? I’m beginning to think she’s more than that.”

            “Akase,” Arif started, but she continued walking. He sighed and slowly turned his head his eyes on Saada and then down to Njozi. He smiled weakly. “I tried, ‘Jozi,” he said softly.

            She looked down. “I know, Dad.”

            Arif nuzzled her. “You know I believe you, right?”

            The cub sniffed. “Yeah,” she said. “Thanks, Dad.” She wrapped herself around his forelegs.

            Arif kissed her on the top of the head and looked up at the sky. It was almost sundown. “We should go home. By the time we get there the meal will have already been caught.”

            With no words spoken, they set off. Njozi walked ahead of her father and Saada. Her mind was abuzz, her thoughts spinning around in her head.

            Meanwhile, Arif and Saada were in quiet conversation.

            “I don’t know if you were really in the area just for being in the area, or just worried about me and ‘Jozi, but thank you,” Arif said as he looked at Saada with a grateful smile.

            Saada smiled in return. “You’re welcome, Arif, and yes I was just in the area and Njozi looked as though she could use someone to talk to.”

            “Well, again, thank you.” He was silent for a moment then, “I’m sorry about Akase. Njozi finally told her of the dreams.” He glanced down. “She didn’t take it well.”

            “Arif… you tried to convince Akase, didn’t you?” No response. “I believe you did, and that counts for something. You defended your daughter because you know she’s telling the truth. And her dreams mean something.”

            “I’ve been thinking about that,” Arif said softly. He eyed Njozi then turned back to Saada. He moved closer. “And I’m not sure what it is, but… I am glad that she is able to confide in you.”

            “She’s a good cub, and you’re a good father and lion, whether Akase sees you that way or not.”

            “Thank you, Saada. That means a lot.”

            She smiled. “You’re… you’re my friend, Arif, and what I’ve said about you being a good lion and father is true. I don’t lie.” She trembled slightly, feeling her heart beat fast. She swallowed a lump in her throat and her jaw quivered.

            He noticed. “Are you alright?”

            “Y-yes, I’m fine.” She felt her stomach churn. She wasn’t fine. She just lied and said that she didn’t. But about him, regarding him and who he was? No. That wasn’t a lie. She could never lie about him for who he was. She felt him walk closer to her until their sides touched. Her heart beat increased.

            Arif watched her. He could tell she was not alright and needed someone to lean on. He felt his own heart beat increase just a little.

            Saada licked her lips and took a chance. She only hoped Njozi wouldn’t get the wrong idea of her intentions, or her father. She couldn’t help it now. Arif being so close was tempting. Saada sighed and rested her head against the Prince’s mane.

            Arif smiled and purred