The pride gathered up nearby Mala, listening to his big news. Some roared with happiness, others cheered. Ganiru sat next to his father, puffing up his chest proudly before laughing.
**********
Memka led the lionesses a little farther, now on the scent trail of a zebra. She still smiled, that one cub in her head.
One of the lionesses dared herself to speak. "Well, someone looks happy!"
Another lioness joined in the conversation. "Yeah, you already have a mate and you are a queen, what else can you be happy about? You've gotten everything you have dreamed of except.." The lioness trailed off, knowing it wasn't a good idea to continue. Their queen was always sensitive about being told she was infertile.
"Except what? Having cubs? Correct. But..." Memka began in a hushed tone.