Maika

Princess Maika padded out of the Royal Den. The white fur of her paws was flashing in the late morning sunlight. She passed by Nashika, who nodded to the young princess. Maika became a princess about a year ago, and already she had the weight of suitors, cubs and hunting charges on her shoulders. Her father, Feanor, was already awake and eating a shrew on King's Rock. She jumped at the voice behind her. "My dear child?"

"Mother! You're awake." Queen Malkia smiled at her cub with love in her white eyes. "Yes my dear." She coughed. Her voice was so weak and Maika looked at her worriedly. "Here mother, let's get some herbs from the Shaman. You'll feel better." But Queen Malkia shook her head. "No child, I feel it is something more. It is time, my Dear." Maika frowned. "Have you been taking your daily herbs? You will definitely feel better!" Malkia shook her head. "Child, it is time." She said again. "No! Mother, you have plenty of time left! You..." Princess felt tears on her face. Malkia looked a her calmly and nodded. Princess helped the Queen with standing up for one last time.

The Shaman greeted them. Her face fell as she saw the Queen. "It is time, then." Maika nodded with tears in her eyes. Malkia brushed them away. "It's okay my dear. My little one. My time has come, but for you, it is just a beginning." Maika shook her head. The Shaman nudged her away and laid Malkia in a nest. "Rest, my Queen." Maika curled up next to her mother, crying softly.

Within an hour, the entire pride knew about the Queen's condition. They came in to pay their last respects and listen to her wise words. When Maika went back in the den, the Queen's hunting party was there. Lena, Nashika, Kailani, and Kathat were circled around, paying their tribute. They looked up with pain and sympathy as they saw her come in. They all licked her muzzle when they passed her on the way out, trying to murmur comforts. But Maika had eyes only for her mother.

Maika settled down by her mother's side, eyes spilling over with warm, salty tears. "I'm scared, Mother." She felt like a cub again, craving for her mother's warmth and comfort. Malkia looked at her cub, now a beautiful princess. "Child, you have much to learn. Listen to my words and live proudly." Maika listened to her mother's last words about hunting and how to be a good and kind Queen. "Mother, I feel like I know nothing. What if they don't like me? What if they hate me? I can't replace you!" Malkia sighed. "Maika, you are the kindest lioness I have ever known. They will love you the way you are. Just be yourself." Queen talked to her, calmly, trying to comfort her beloved child.

After some time, they laid in silence. Malkia smiled, light in her eyes fading slowly. "I love you, my child, and I love your father too. You shall be a fine huntress, mate, mother, and Queen. Don't worry my child, I will always watch you. Know that I go with love in my heart..." Her voice trailed as she closed her eyes. "Mother. I love you too." Malkia smiled weakly, taking her last breath.

Maika laid her head on her mother's body, tears staining her fur. She shakily stood up. As she stepped out of the den, the whole pride was waiting below. They looked at her with saddened eyes. "The Queen is gone." The pride was silently paying their respects to the great Queen. They will never forget her. Maika looked at them, with her eyes stopping at every member of her Pride. She knew it's gonna be hard from now, but was determined to do her best. For her beloved mother.

1 Year Later...

Queen Maika smiled down at her pride. "It was this day last year that my mother, Queen Malkia passed. I look upon this day with sadness, but also with happiness, because in the last sentence my mother said to me before she died, she gave me strength and advice that I followed and will always follow. Now I feel like I can't hope for any better Pride. I cherish every one of you and I'm grateful for everything you have done for me. I feel special and you are all I could ever want. Thank you."