was sleeping mother and just next to me was lying Kovu. When I made my first move, king instantly opened his eyes and stood up.

“Lay low, Tetesi, rest.”

“No…” I whispered, again starting to cry. Those things couldn’t be prepared, I was really feeling terrible. “It isn’t true…”

“Hush, just sleep.”

“Kiara…”

“Kiara is dead.” Said Kovu with broken voice. “But it’s not your fault. You almost died standing for her… It was a miracle you survived.”

“So I let her die…” I panted. “I killed her…” added with ironical honesty.

“NO!” gasped Kovu. “You did what you could.”

“Indeed!” I thought.

“Tetesi, please, believe me! No one blames you for what has happened!”

“Except of you, sir.” I said.

“No, I would never blame you. I’m far from it!” he assured.

Then my mother woke up and looked on us. She asked with stare what she had to bring, but Kovu just asked her.

“Dotty, tell her. What we think about her.”

“What?” murmured mom, but then instantly said. “My darling… We all are so glad you made it… And we are proud of you. You did well!”

“You have no idea how good I was.” I thought, hiding my smile.

“But queen…”

“No one could demand more from you. You did right thing.” Said my mother and exited the chamber with tears in her eyes. Funny, sometimes I wonder if she knows the truth and then said it understanding what she was really exculpating. Who knows. She is very wise lioness.

“Tetesi?” Asked Kovu. I looked into his eyes. “Never blame yourself. You survived and use that chance. You was destined to die, fighting with two lions. But you made it. That’s a sign from the Stars.” Maybe, but from which ones? I thing that from Kings of the Past only Great Scar would understood me. I hope he did.

“I doubt if I ever forgive myself.” I said. “She was… my student, I had to care about her.”

“Please, forgive.” Said Kovu. “There are still ones here for whom you must take care.” He paused for a moment, then added with shivering voice. “I wouldn’t told you before the mourning after Kiara is over, but you know it anyway. Am I right?” I nodded your head. “I really miss Kiara. But that fact can’t change the simple truth. I love you. I loved earlier, when she was still alive, but…”

“I loved you too, my king. My Kovu.” I replied. “I would never dared to say it before, but now…” I paused too, giving him time to smile. “If Stars decided that I should survive, it happened with purpose. Do you want me to be at your side from now on?”

He nodded his head, exactly as I always imagined it would look. Inside I sighed with relief. It would be really, really stupid to kill your friend in vain.

 

Epilogue

 

Days, months and now even years has passed from that day. Many things has changed, but in the way I liked them to.

It was hard, but necessary to exile Lipizi from Golden Sands. Fortunately Jamaa decided to go with her. I remember that day.

“I loved him, you bastard!” cried lighfurred, when she was for the last time standing before Golden Cave. “Ghibu was father of my cubs… But I loved him… I love them both and you killed them both.” She rushed to pounce on Kovu. Jamaa overturned her and pinned to the ground.

“Please…” he whispered. “Don’t avenge on her.”

“You are not allowed to live here, Lipizi.” Called Kovu. “Your cubs shall stay in pride. We will give them better care than their wicked mother could give.”

“I bet you will, Your Infallibility!” and spat on my mate.

“Are you trying my patience?” asked Kovu with growling voice. Maybe first time in his life he was so angry and merciless. But it was necessary. I noticed as Kauli smiled, very pleased. “Go away.”

She turned east and set off ahead. After few steps she stopped, to look on her cubs, but growl of whole pride hastened her. So she went further and Jamaa followed.

“Wait, Jamaa!” called surprised Kovu. “I have nothing against you. You may stay and…”

“You are noble and right king, my lord.” Said lion with hollow voice. “It’s really unfortunate what happened here. But please, do not ask me to praise your justice. It hurts.” Then he turned back to Lipizi. “I’m going with her, because she is only pride I have now. Farewell, fair ruler. I hope you are satisfied.”

Lionesses sighed with sorrow. Jamaa was favourite of whole pride. But if he willingly defied the king, it was better for him to leave. But <better> not always means <good>.

“Let’s go home.” Said Kovu finally. “Many bad things happened, but we can’t undo them. We could only make sure that none of those mistakes would be repeated in future.”

So we entered cave – smaller and harmed pride. But somehow stronger. We were whole again.

And then it all came… well not to track it had been going earlier, but on better way. I became Golden Queen soon after mourning was finished. But who cares… That wasn’t my aim after all. Kovu was. Anyway I became monarchess and took the responsibility as well as I could. Ask girls, but I think I’m good lioness on my place. Mother says the best since many generations, but mothers always say such a things. I love her also because of that.

With Kovu I had a cub, girl we called Kota. I love her with all my heart, but I never struggled for throne for her. Kingdom has its heir already and I don’t care it’s Kiara’s son. In the very first place it’s Kovu’s son. I love him and he calls me <mother>.

Dhalimu is almost mature now. Yesterday we announced his maturity of three years. We gathered all animals of land before Golden Cave and let them hear the mighty roar of prince. I was standing behind him, with my beloved Kovu by my side. Near were also: my mother (she is doing very well and for her age. I pray she will be with us as long as it’s possible), my little Kota (All right, not so little, she is over two and growing to become beautiful lioness) and all lovely girls of pride. My subjects, my friends.

Gathered animals bowed before rulers of their land, that meant also before me, the Golden Queen. I saw the proud smile of Dhalimu and sparking happiness among all our pride. We are perfect and loving family, ruling the greatest kingdom in Lions Lands. We survived the crisis and dared the tomorrow. We won.

I wonder how should I look on Kiara’s death. Is that was necessary for today’s harmony or I’m just looking for another excuse for what I’ve done? Who knows? I asked Kiara many times, looking on nightly sky above me. She never has spoken to me, but I actually doubt if she hates me. After all used her death in the best way I could.

I’m a murderer. The paws I’m now stroking mane of my mate and king, the same I was hugging my daughter and stepson, the same that carried me on hunting for my pride – the same paws are stained with blood of Kiara of Prideland. My predecessor. My rival. My friend.

But if that is the price I have to pay for peace and happiness of my kingdom, I pay it gladly!

 

 

The End

 

Taka_PL – August 2007

king, my lord.” Said lion with hollow voice. “It’s really unfortunate what happened here. But please, do not ask me to praise your justice. It hurts.” Then he turned back to Lipizi. “I’m going with her, because she is only pride I have now. Farewell, fair ruler. I hope you are satisfied.”

Lionesses sighed with sorrow. Jamaa was favourite of whole pride. But if he willingly defied the king, it was better for him to leave. But <better> not always means <good>.

“Let’s go home.” Said Kovu finally. “Many bad things happened, but we can’t undo them. We could only make sure that none of those mistakes would be repeated in future.”

So we entered cave – smaller and harmed pride. But somehow stronger. We were whole again.

And then it all came… well not to track it had been going earlier, but on better way. I became Golden Queen soon after mourning was finished. But who cares… That wasn’t my aim after all. Kovu was. Anyway I became monarchess and took the responsibility as well as I could. Ask girls, but I think I’m good lioness on my place. Mother says the best since many generations, but mothers always say such a things. I love her also because of that.

With Kovu I had a cub, girl we called Kota. I love her with all my heart, but I never struggled for throne for her. Kingdom has its heir already and I don’t care it’s Kiara’s son. In the very first place it’s Kovu’s son. I love him and he calls me <mother>.

Dhalimu is almost mature now. Yesterday we announced his maturity of three years. We gathered all animals of land before Golden Cave and let them hear the mighty roar of prince. I was standing behind him, with my beloved Kovu by my side. Near were also: my mother (she is doing very well and for her age. I pray she will be with us as long as it’s possible), my little Kota (All right, not so little, she is over two and growing to become beautiful lioness) and all lovely girls of pride. My subjects, my friends.

Gathered animals bowed before rulers of their land, that meant also before me, the Golden Queen. I saw the proud smile of Dhalimu and sparking happiness among all our pride. We are perfect and loving family, ruling the greatest kingdom in Lions Lands. We survived the crisis and dared the tomorrow. We won.

I wonder how should I look on Kiara’s death. Is that was necessary for today’s harmony or I’m just looking for another excuse for what I’ve done? Who knows? I asked Kiara many times, looking on nightly sky above me. She never has spoken to me, but I actually doubt if she hates me. After all used her death in the best way I could.

I’m a murderer. The paws I’m now stroking mane of my mate and king, the same I was hugging my daughter and stepson, the same that carried me on hunting for my pride – the same paws are stained with blood of Kiara of Prideland. My predecessor. My rival. My friend.

But if that is the price I have to pay for peace and happiness of my kingdom, I pay it

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