Ugas’ love had taken on life within her. Uzuri was both proud and worried. For a while she could conceal her pregnancy, but as days turned into weeks, the other lionesses began to talk behind her back that she had the light in her eyes.
Finally when the changes in her weight and balance began to affect her hunting, there was no need to pretend any longer. Her sister Sarafina was chosen to confront her because of her own daughter Nala. No one would dare imagine that Taka was the father of Nala, nor would they speculate about Uzuri and Taka--it was just too awful to think about!
Sarafina thought of a dozen different approaches and discarded them one by one. Finally, she saw her sister alone and had worked up the nerve.
Nuzzling Uzuri gently, Sarafina purred, “I’m so happy for you, Sis.”
“About what?” Uzuri said tensely. “Have you heard some good news that I don’t know about?”
Fini laughed gently and kissed her. “No, Sis! I don’t see how you couldn’t know about it. There’s a miracle happening inside of you.”
Uzuri did not speak. Sarafina squirmed in the tenseness of the moment. “Look, Sis,” she said at last, “you have a heart full of love. I know how fond you were of Nala, and how you liked to groom her and play with her. And I used to pray that you’d fall in love and have children of your own. Let me be the Aunt that spoils the kids. Confide in me, Sis. Please? Don’t shut me out of this part of your life--I didn’t shut you out.”
Uzuri looked down shyly. “How many times did you practice that speech?”
“A dozen times at least. Only because I love you so much. Hon, you don’t ever have to be alone, not as long as I’m around.”
Uzuri drew close and in a near whisper said, “Pray that at least one is a male.”
“I guess so--but I thought you’d want all daughters. You know that sons are a heartbreak when they have to leave. Unless you’re a queen, anyhow.”
“And who says I’m not a queen?” Uzuri smiled.
“Oh my gods! Not--HIM??”
Uzuri thought for a moment, then burst out laughing. “You mean Old Droopy Drawers! Shame on you for even thinking it!”
Sarafina breathed a relieved sigh. “You had me worried, girl! If you’re a queen, then that time you were gone for three days...you weren’t really sick!”
“I was in season and left for three days. Now I’m pregnant.” Uzuri glanced at her out of half-closed eyes. “You know, with your ability you should have been hunt mistress instead of me!”
“Now, Sis! Spare me the sarcasm and tell me all the details!”
“Well all the details is a bit much--right now anyway--but he’s a king and yes we’re married. He’s a little older but he could charm the thorns off an acacia. He’s sweet and gentle and....” She drew close to Sarafina’s ear and added, “....remarkably entertaining!”
“Oh you little devil!” Sarafina said with a squeal of delighted approval. “Does he have a brother?”
“Don’t you WISH!” Uzuri purred, examining her claws and meeting Sarafina in a sly sidelong glance. “When the time is right, our son will go meet him and take his place as prince. Then he’ll be king someday. Of course that can be postponed indefinitely--I’m having too much fun. Besides, I love him. He’s just like a lonely cub. When you see him, you want to protect him and make him feel happy.”
“I’m so glad for you, Sis! But you’re not going to leave us, are you?”
Uzuri’s pained expression left no doubt how she felt. “When things get better. But right now I’m not going to leave you in the lurch.”
“I love you, Sis. I might just come with you. Little Nala too.”
“Fini,” Uzuri purred, nuzzling her. “My happiness would be complete. But tell me about your mane event.”
“He’s a rogue lion. I don’t want to say too much right now, but we’ve seen each other as often as possible. He’s a little older too, but very sexy. I don’t know what’s best--youthful enthusiasm or the wisdom of age....”
Uzuri giggled. “NOW who’s the little devil!”