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Miamoja is a beautiful huntress who joins the Kalahri Pride as part of a trade agreement. She proves her worth immediately, for she is a fierce and graceful predator, and a valuable provider for the pride. She settles into a comfortable routine, befriending the other lionesses in her hunting party, and occasionally sharing a meal with King Matūmaini, who always welcomes new additions to his pride.
It isn’t noticeable at first, but there’s something about the king that she finds familiar, and seeing him makes her heart flutter like a nervous two year old about to go on her first hunt. She starts finding excuses to be around him; dropping off fresh kills, casually meeting him on his patrol route…that she just happens to know. And it’s easy, it’s much too easy, to bump into him. Because eventually, Matū admits he’s been doing the exact same thing.
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They marry after a long courtship, and Miamoja is crowned Queen of the Kalahari. She is much beloved by the whole pride, known or being kind-hearted and generous.
Miamoja and Matumaini’s first litter of cubs, two boys and a girl, were born (amid great celebration) before Miamoja’s coronation. They weren’t named as heirs to the realm until they were almost adolescents, and by that time all three had their own plans outside of the pride. Mrabaha wanted nothing more than to be a roving warrior, living by his strength and wits, while Ashiki wanted to be a Captain of the Guard, for a guard of his own design. His father offered him command of the Kalahari Royal Guard, but Ashiki insisted HIS guard must be built from the ground up. He has it all mapped out.
Sabari, the middle child and only girl, thinks the life of a rogue sounds romantic, after all, her father met her mother as a rogue, and they’re the best couple she knows! Sabari’s secret dream is to meet a young king just starting his kingdom, and build it with him, like her ancestors Sheena and Brond did. Miamoja warns her that life for a lone lioness is hard, but she can’t deny that Sabari is quite a talented hunter, whose skills are likely to attract all the attention she desires, and provide for a pride. With ALL THREE of their children leaving, Miamoja and Matūmaini are quite glum. They’re very proud of the ambitious, confident youngsters, but empty nest syndrome hits them hard. Royal cubs usually don’t take off quite so quickly.
When their second litter is born, they name the resulting cub heir immediately. Not only is he incredibly promising, strong and inquisitive, they want him to grow up knowing the crown is his if he wants it. He will have the same freedom of choice as his siblings, of course, but he will be well prepared (and encouraged) to rule if he is inclined to. The little prince is doted on from birth, and will not begin his education until he is six months old, same as the other cubs, giving him lots of time to just be a child.
First litter:
1. Mrabaha ~ 794233439418 male, treed at age 1.11
2. Sabari ~ 794233439419 female, chased at age 2.1
3. Ashiki ~ 794233439420 male, treed at age 1.11
Second litter:
1. Isiyo ~ male, kept.
Third litter:
1. Kisiwa ~ 794237880064 female, chased at age 2
2. Malima ~ 794237880065 female, chased at age 2
3. Mbawa ~ 794237880066 female, chased at age 2
4. Mpaka ~ 794237880067 female, chased at age 2
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