The Queen had not been seen in a few weeks. There were whispers amongst the wind from some of the older members of the pride, that the new King had done something. The ones who followed him were quick to respond, backing their leader with utmost veracity.

It was on a bright day, when the golden male had made his appearance, gathering the pride to tell the news.

"Where is Aisu?" A shout from the crowd. Steel blue eyes scanned to find the bearer of the words, but found he was coming up empty. He only gave a small nod, as a toothy smirk rose to his maw.

"My friends. Aisu has been absent, but I assure you she is well~" The male started, trying to place reassurance to his words. "She has been ill, so it is best she stay resting. It is a trying time for her after all these last few weeks."

A murmur through the crowd. Some old blood narrowed their eyes, while the newer members just blinked curiously. It was an old voice that spoke out to the King, strong and collected.

"Your words are not very heartening, Dastan." The charcoal male said staring straight at the male, forgetting (or just opting to forgo) any type of formality with the male. "Our pride demands to see the Queen." A murmur in agreement throughout the crowd, which caused a flicker of a frown on Dastan's lips.

"It has been weeks." Denahi continued. Last he had seen Aisu, she had dropped off little Kyu near his den. She wanted to raise the child, but as acting queen, it would not be in her best interest. The young lioness was raised by the Mkulimas, until she was old enough to decide her own rank. "I am saying what the rumors around the pride are. How do we even know she still lives?" The scarred male quirked an eyebrow as he growled his last words.

The two Mpiganis that Dastan had brought in the pride with him were quick to their feet at the final words of Denahi, stalking up towards the outspoken male.

"Now, now." Dastan said cooly. "You seem to be insinuating that something awful has happened. Why...I know you might have not gotten the pride to flourish in your care, Denahi, but...well...I guess that really can't be the same since I have been here." The golden male smiled. "But, if you wish to see your Queen, I will happily oblige. However, I ask you all to remain quiet, and no questions being asked. She has not been well as I said, and I do not wish to burden her more." Dastan gave a small nod towards Impisi and Tycho, before turning away and heading into the den.

"What do you think is going on?" A quiet, female voice -- Qi ---asked to Denahi's left.

"What gives Denahi? Bold words you said there." Another, Citka, from his right.

Both females were related to him in one way or another. Bloodlines of the original royalty.

"I don't trust him." Denahi said quietly, keeping his tone low from wandering ears. Denahi was old. A direct descendant from the original monarch, once taken the crown only to let it fall. "Something just doesn't feel right."

"I wouldn't be surprised if he has your head after that comment." The lighter female, Qi, said from the side.

Denahi shrugged. "So be it. The pride talks about it, so at least it being out in the open can no longer play on deaf ears. Keep him on alert."

As one of the females was about to retort, murmurs amongst the crowd again as Dastan emerged from the den. Behind him, the dark form of his mate, the Queen of the lands, moved slowly.

There was now reason behind the Queen's absent. Just as Dastan had said, the Queen did not look well. Her eyes were dull, slightly sunken in. Those close could see a slight crust built up on her nostrils, and her breath rattled with every passing step.

But that wasn't all. As Aisu moved out of the den, her belly hung low to the ground, swaying slightly with every passing step. It protruded from the sides, the once thin lioness clearly carrying something other than a food belly.

Denahi's eyes narrowed at his niece's appearance. So, this was the reason she had been absent for so long. She was carrying cubs.

And by the looks of it, she would be due soon.

The charcoal female stopped just next to Dastan, a tired smile on her lips as she turned towards the crowd. "I hear my absence has been troubling for some." Aisu's words were quiet, soft. "But, I can assure you, I am as well as I could." There was no hesitance in her voice. A small nudge at Aisu's shoulder caused her dark eyes to turn towards Dastan, as he nodded back towards the den.

"Please excuse me." Aisu said to the small crowd, turning herself as he slowly made her way back into the den.

"I will be in there shortly," Dastan said to the lioness, turning back to address the group of pride members. "See. Now, if we can put all those rumors to rest." He bobbed his head in a small nod, as the King excused himself, following his mate back into their shared den.

"Good going Nahi," Qi said quietly from his side. "Aisu looks just fine."

The older male just shook his head, rising from his seated position on shaky legs. Something didn't sit right with him, but he wouldn't voice it. He had some things to look into, and for what it was worth, he should do it quietly.

As the group began to disperse, the two Mpigani, Tycho and Impisi, remained behind. The female of the group's eyes narrowed. "Dastan would want us to deal with that one." She said to her silent companion, as she bumped his shoulder to beckon to follow.

The spotted white male nodded, remaining quiet as he and Impisi followed the older male.

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