After Gamu left, the next few weeks passed in a deep river of joy. Rosy dawns nuzzled golden days. Golden days fondled purple evenings. Purple evenings kissed silver stars. Moonlit nights died on the breast of rosy dawns. Day by day, moment by moment, Kubali and Elanna felt their love grow and deepen in breathless beauty. His large paw would gently caress her cheek and turn her deep, soft eyes to face his, and he would draw close and nuzzle her. Times were lean for the two rouges, but safe in the embrace of their love no hint of their low status could intrude on their perfect happiness. Elanna lay with her head on Kubali’s soft mane and closed her eyes. There she would have been content to stay forever with his strong arm about her shoulder.
Then one night a lioness came and complicated their private dream.
She appeared through the grass one night as the two were bedded together. Instantly, their heads rose up in surprise to look at the visitor.
“Kubali, is that you?”
“Well, uh, yes. Should I know you?”
The lioness just smiled, “Don’t you remember the one who gave you milk?”
Kubali stared at her. “Debara?”
The lioness nodded and smiled, moving towards him, “It’s been a while, Honey Tree.”
Kubali rose up and nuzzled his old nurse. But he looked into her eyes, concerned. “What are you doing out here far from home? Have you left my father?”
Debara shook her head. “Your father sent me to look for you.” Tears formed in her eyes. “Honey Tree, I have some bad news.”
“Dad’s not dying is he??” Kubali lifted her drooping chin gently with his paw. “Nursie, surely not Dad??”
“Not your Dad. It’s your brother. He’s dead.”
Kubali took a step backward and sat with a plop, stunned. “Oh my gods!”
Elanna came and sat next to him, rubbing her cheek against his, kissing away his tears. “Poor darling!”
“How did it happen, Debbie?”
“He was hunting with the lionesses. Your father begged him not to go, but you know your brother--he felt more at ease hunting than learning to rule.”
Kubali looked down. “At least he died doing something he enjoyed.” He half-closed his eyes as Elanna nuzzled him and turned to paw her cheek.
Debara sighed softly. “Kubali, you’re our only hope. Could you forget the past and come back with me?”
“Well sure. But what about the lionesses? Aren’t they still angry?”
Debara stroked his mane gently. “You are our only hope of keeping the pride...you must come back. The others have accepted this.” She smiled softly, “My daughter can’t wait to see you.”
“Penzi wants me back?”
Debara chuckled. “She is your betrothed....and you were never that much of a trouble maker...” She bated him gently, “just a normal little brat.”
“That bad, huh? Well I’ve mellowed out somewhat.”
He could feel Elanna’s tenseness. “Yeah, about that betrothal. Debara, this is Elanna. If I am to come back, she must join me. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. Time and trials change people. Debara, Lannie and I have--well--shared our comforts. I love her. I can make no plans for the future that don’t include her--you do understand, don’t you?”
Debara nodded. “You never led Penzi on. You never told her that you loved her. But Honey Tree, she DOES love you, and she HAS told you. If you love me at all, be gentle with her.”
“I DO love you.”
“I know.” Debara nuzzled him softly. “The King will be pleased to see you, and I’m sure he’ll understand. Don’t worry yourself, dear. It’s better if you let me speak to Penzi before you announce.”
Kubali nuzzled Elanna softly, “Come on love. We are going home. You will be my queen and together we will rule the land. You will be my Ka, my conscience.”
Elanna whispered to him softly, “What about Penzi? Can you face her?”
“She will understand.”
“Are you sure they will accept me?” Elanna looked genuinely fearful. “I’ve been alone before--a stranger surrounded by crowds. I don’t know if I could end my life that way.”
“Lannie, we either come or go as a pair. I love my father and I want to help him, but some things are more important than titles and power. Things like love and decency.”
Debara looked at Elanna and kissed her cheek. “Honey Tree, you are good for him. I grieve for my daughter’s loss, but I can’t help liking you.”