New Beginnings

Chapter forty one

"As you all know your three leaders, Wazimu, Kichaa and Hifadhi, were killed last night in the comfort of their own cave. We killed them for purposes that does not concern any one of you. But I will say this, if you try to find out, you will meet the same fate!" Kovu announced to the few dozen leopards that had  gathered in the field, on Kovu's orders.

"I am about to make a one-time offer, one that can either make or break you. I am the King of the Pride Lands, anyone wishing to start a new life under my rule, is welcome to join me. To live in the Pride Lands," Kovu continued.
"Anyone wishing to oppose me, will meet a very unpleasant situation. Time is of the essence, the ones wishing to join me, now is the time to do so."

Without not much more being said, Kovu stepped back and waited for them to come to him. The males held their mates close to them, the parents kept their cubs close to their chests and the lone ones who were on their own kept their heads bent.

Word of Kovu's cold, strict mentality was not only known in the Pride Lands and the outlands, but also in the nearby lands. No one dated to cross him. The unlucky ones would always meet a grisly end, each one being more gruesome than the last.

After what seemed to be forever, seven leopards, three males and four females made their way to where Kovu stood.
"We would like to join you," one of the females said in a submissive voice. Kovu seemed pleased with the fact that she recognized him as a figure to be feared and respected. If all of them showed this attitude, then there would be no need for bloodshed or even violence.

"Good. Then repeat after me.
'I pledge my loyalty to you, I swear on my life to never betray, deceive or lie to you and I hereby break all ties with any previous leader dead or alive, making you the supreme leader in which I will follow from this point onwards'," Kovu said.

The leopards looked at each other fear visible as they listened to the words spoken by Kovu. They wanted a fresh start, one where they could live in peace without being used and taken advantage of. But was it all worth living under Kovu's rule?

Kiara sensed their trepidation the sheer terror in their body language. And she knew the leopards would never cooperate with fear clouding their judgement. With a sigh she approached Kovu and placed a paw on his shoulder and turned him to face her.

"Let me talk to them, you're intimidating them and they'll end up making wrong decisions, let me handle this okay?" she said softly.
Kovu turned back to scan the faces of the leopards and saw that Kiara was speaking the truth. Deciding it would probably be best if she talked to them due to her kind nature, Kovu consented and went to stand next to Muuaji.

Kiara stepped up and her eyes roamed the crowd, the leopards were obviously terrified of Kovu and despite the prospect of starting a new life in the Pride Lands, the fear overrode that desire.
"For all those who don't know me, my name is Kiara, Queen Kiara if you may. My parents, former King Simba and Queen Nala are here, with my sister-in-law Marisa and my five lionesses. I am also here with Kovu, my husband."

Upon hearing the relationship between Kiara and Kovu, all the leopards let out horrified gasps.
"Yes he's my husband, I married him. I love him and he loves me. He will never hurt me if that's what you're inquiring," Kiara said with a laugh.
The leopards seemed to relax when they heard this. Kiara smiled amusedly and then continued with her speech.

"My husband and I are the current rulers of the Pride Lands and we would like you all to join us, to become what we call pride landers, our subjects. It would be a waste if all of you stayed in Kurusha, with no leaders, no purpose, no one to lead and guide you and give you protection. Kovu and I are perfectly willing to give you all of that. A place to call home, protection, guidance- all of it. But in order for this to happen, you must pledge your loyalty to my husband and me," Kiara said.