despite what he was. The world suddenly seemed different. When I looked at him I saw a lion who had been lied to and manipulated all his life. If all he’d ever known was lies, cruelty and deception unless he was given the truth how could we know who he really was?”

“You’ve grown up Kiara. I see a perceptive, kind and brave who is willing to see the potential on all.”

“I’d have run away with Kovu. He asked me too but if we had our prides would have been dived for ever. You really think I’m all those things. The pride,” Kiara replied bitterly.

“Have expatiations of how they want you to be yet are blind to the shining star in front of them.”

“I’ll never live up to those. I wanted to come here to prove to them that I could do something right. Despite what has happened they still want me to change,” Kiara replied, despair in her voice.

“I’m sorry you have to feel that way Kiara I truly am. In time they will come to understand. I think once Imoo and Kopa return the pride will feel safer. In time Kiara,” Bakari said gently, placing a paw over one of her paws.

“I wish they could see me as you do.”

_________________________________________________________________________

       Elsewhere in the kingdom Kopa and Enitan stood at the very waterfall where they had first met. The point they had feared had come for all their love they were realistic about how their relationship would viewed.   

“I remember when we first met, I was scared you were going to kill me,” Enitan said.

“Instead we fell in love. I want to stay here with you so badly. If I hadn’t been a prince” Kopa said, his voice filled with pain.

“Kiara can rule. Your father is still in his prime it will be years before she has to take the throne. Kopa if you want to stay than stay,” Enitan pleaded.

“I want to. Part of me wants to take you with me but a mixed marriage would never be accept.”

“Then I’ll came and we can see each other in secret. Kopa all I want is to be with you.”

“I can’t ask that of you. Enitan you are an amazing leopard who deserves to be happy with someone who will love you. As much as I love you cannot give you the life you truly deserve.”

“Kopa you truly are the noblest creature I have ever met,” Enitan replied kissing him deeply.

___________________________________________________________________________

     The following morning Kopa and Enitan appeared at the river side by side. Realizing what it mean Kiara’s heart did a summersault. Filled with a mixture of emotions she took to her paws. Running through the jungle Kiara tried to breathe vaguely aware of Kopa calling her name. After running for what seemed like hours she stopped on the edge of a cliff, flopping down she hung her paws over the edge. A short time later Kopa found her. Looking up at her brother in disbelief Kiara broke the frosty silence.

“How could you betray Aketch, didn’t you think of her at all?” Kiara screamed.

“I fell in love. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love her. If you believed in yourself more I’d give up the throne and stay here,” Kopa said in a deathly calm voice.

“You love her that much?”

“I do, tell me you will rule and I will stay.”

“I…I can’t,” Kiara replied, hanging her head in shame. “Kovu would never be accept as king, the pride is having trouble accepting him as my fiancé.”

“You’re right. Had you been the only heir things might have been different...”

“Did you think about Aketch at all while you’ve been here?” Kiara asked with a hint of anger.

“No, well not much,” Kopa replied laying down, his eyes filled with guilt. “I know what being in love feels like. I don’t love Aketch. She is my best friend. I’m not sure of marry her is right. She would make a great queen but would it be fair for her to marry a lion who doesn’t love her?”

“I’m sorry that can be queen Kopa I really am. If Aketch ever found out it would break her heart. Daddy would never understand. I’ll keep your secret.”

“Can we just enjoy the next couple of days here? If this is going to be the end then things have to end well.”

“I’ll keep whatever secrets you want me to Kopa. If that will help. I’m sorry I’m too weak to rule. I’m sorry for not being a better princess,” Kiara replied sadly.

“You don’t have to apologise to me Kiara,” Kopa replied licking her cheek.

     Leaving the cliff the pair walked back down to their friends. Arriving back they found their friend’s waiting for them with baited breath. Looks of apprehension were on Kamaria and Enitan’s faces. Seeing their pair’s relaxed demeanour the tension evaporated. With a forced smile Kopa introduced Kiara to Enitan, both talking awkwardly at first and unsure what to say. Seeing the tension Kamaria walked over to them.

“Why don’t we all go on a walk together? This will be our only chance to all be together.”

“That’s a great idea Kamaria,” Kopa replied.

     Leaving the clearing the group headed off into the mountains. As they went they were greeted by Bakari and Zuri’s subjects. Some stopped to talk about problems, other about lions they had seen skirting the border, other mention neighbourhood disputes while some were happy to pass the day. Slowly the group climbed higher into the mountains until they reached the largest waterfall in the kingdom. As the sun set the friends stood on the top of the waterfall laughing and sharing stories while looking out across the kingdom. Getting up Kopa and Enitan slipped off. Watching them go Kiara felt a mixture of emotions. She felt torn between her loyalty to Kopa and her friendship with Aketch.

“Kiara you can’t worry about them,” Imoo said lightly. “Our lives here have been vastly different to how they were in the Pridelands. We have been free to live how we want without expectations.”

“I understand they love each other. It’s just…………Aketch has been dreaming of the day he comes back. Mum and Daddy are expecting them to marry.”

“I know it’s complicated but you have to keep it a secret. If anyone finds out the consequences would be a disaster,” Imoo said gravely.

“Kiara things are going to change when you return,” Kamaria said. “Your pride knew my father Malka well. I am now mated to the son of the lion who cast Malka out, which is complicated enough. Letting slip about Enitan would only bring heartache. “

___________________________________________________________________________

  Two days later the lions and leopard gathered together at the edge of Bakari’s kingdom. Sadness was written on their faces, Enitan and Kopa’s hearts breaking into a million pieces while on the side-lines members of Kamari’s pride stood silently.

“Enitan I will never forget you, being with you have been the happiest times of my life,” Kopa said kissing her.

“I will never forget our time together, you will make a great king one day.”

“Giving you up is the hardest thing I have ever done. Please find love with a leopard who will give you the world.”

“I’ll try Kopa provided you make a happy life with Aketch.”

        Turning away their pair looked at their friends who were saying their own goodbyes. One by one Bakari said goodbye and gave them his blessing. Sadness was mixed with pride at all they had achieved. Facing Kamaria, Bakari saw a light shining her eyes and a glow that he had never seen before. To the surprise of all he bowed before her in return she bowed to him, the ultimate sign of respect.

“Go will the blessing of all. Kopa, Imoo and Kamaria you will forever be part of this kingdom. Should you choose to return you will always find welcome and sanctuary regardless of the circumstances in which you return. Should you never require help you need only ask and I will answer. It is an honour to call you my friends,” Bakari said proudly.

“It has been a pleasure living in your kingdom, goodbye my friend,” Imoo said.

       Facing each other Kopa, Kiara, Imoo and Kamaria looked at each other, one by one they crossed the border and left the jungle. As the lions vanished over the horizon Enitan collapsed into tears looking utterly dejected.

      The return of Kopa and Imoo

       Several days had passed since the lions had left Bakari’s kingdom. As the sun began to creep above the horizon Kopa, Kiara, Imoo and Kamaria crossed the border into the Pridelands. Crossing the border they stood together on the very same hill as Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumba had stood on so many years before. With wide eyes Kamaria looked for the first time on the land her father. In the distance Pride Rock stood proudly in the faint light of the creeping dawn. Watching the sunrise Kopa felt his heart lift with delight to be home at last. Looking across the land Imoo felt a true sense of belonging for the first time in his life.   Standing next to her brother and cousin Kiara felt uneasy knowing everything was about to change.

           With Kiara in the lead the group

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