For the next few weeks Kako and Isha traveled over the hunting grounds with Shenannii. Isha, who had much to learn, paid careful attention and thoroughly enjoyed the outings. Kako had to maintain appearances for Isha’s sake, but everything she saw brought back old memories from happier times. It was a bittersweet experience for her, and she walked quietly, speaking only when spoken to.
Even Baba noticed that something was wrong, and he fretted over his mother’s discomfort, blaming himself for his poor judgment in bringing her along. He just assumed she would want to leave the family she’d grown to love in the Pride Lands and settle down happily. He took careful note of the polite but reserved conversation when she was around, aware that some great secret was been being hidden, but he had no idea what it could be. It had never occurred to him to ask Mabatu just what debt he owed Kako, or why the lionesses all came and kissed her when she arrived. Baba felt that he should speak frankly with her.
When the restlessness of Kako’s season gripped her and she did not gravitate toward Mabatu the way he’d hoped, Baba decided to intervene. He began dropping hints about how handsome and regal the king looked perched atop the rocks, and how good it would be for him to chose a new mate.
Kako would nod, but she would never react the way Baba expected. His efforts at matchmaking were thwarted one by one, and he began to wonder how someone so unresponsive EVER had cubs. Finally, he took her aside one evening as the sun was setting. “Mother? Can I talk to you openly?”
“Certainly! Any time you’re worried, or you just want to talk, I’m here for you.” She padded over and nuzzled him warmly. “What’s wrong? Is it you and Isha?”
“No, nothing like that. I was wondering if you could do me a little favor.”
“Of course, Baba. What is it?”
“King Mabatu’s been really depressed lately.” Mabatu fidgeted uncomfortably as his mother’s hazel eyes regarded him closely.
“And?”
Mabatu scrubbed the ground with a paw uncomfortably. “Well, there’s no other way to say it but to say it. Mom, he’s struck on you. Here you are in the middle of--you know--and he’s going crazy every time he sees you. I can tell. Even though you loved Dad, don’t you think you could give him half a chance?”
She looked scandalized. “Baba, what EVER made you think of this??”
“He’s wanted to ask you out for a long time. This morning he asked me if I could put in the good word for him. He’s painfully shy, you know. Maybe you could help him. And besides, you’ve looked a little like a lost lamb since you’ve been here.”
“That’s very sweet of you. Really it is. But if he’s not going to ask me himself, I don’t feel right asking him. I’m fine--really I am--and I am old enough to take care of myself.” She kissed him.
Baba pawed her cheek. “Isha and I are so happy. We're living the way Aiheu intended, and it does make all the difference. Mom, just see him once. Once, Mom. That’s all I ask. Talk with him. Maybe hunt rabbits together. If you’ll just give it a try, whatever happens is OK by me. And I won’t pester you anymore. Is it a deal?”
“Baba, please!”
“Momma, please!”
“OK, Baba. It’s a deal IF you agree not to interfere anymore.”
“Sure! Thanks, Mom! You’ll be glad you did.”