TLG: happy ever after

Chapter 15: Welcome to The Tree of Life

Kion and Rani returned from their patrol long after dark. The king and the queen had another busy day of fulfilling their royal duties, so it wasn't surprising that both of them were pretty tired by the time they were approaching to the Tree.

"Today's been difficult. Gosh, I don' remember the last time I felt so exhausted!", the brown-furred lioness sat down in the grass field and let out a loud yawn. "And we still need to talk to The Lion Guard, and check up on our guests...", she added with a heavy sigh.

"I'll do it.", her mate offered.

"Don't you think it'd be rude for me not to show up?"

The golden-furred lion gave her a soft smile. "Don't worry, no one's going to judge the queen for taking her rest after helping the whole kingdom all day.", he said calmly and nuzzled her snout with his own. "I'll finish the remaining tasks by myself, you go straight to the den and lie down."

"That sounds wonderful.", Rani purred, returning the nuzzle, and gave Kion a gentle kiss on his cheek, which instantly turned red. "Thank you, sweetie!", she admired her boyfriend for a few seconds with a wide smile on her face before leaving him alone.

I'm so lucky to have her, the king thought as he watched his girlfriend walk towards their den. He spent the next minutes daydreaming. Well, back to business.

...

"...Didn't see anyone or anything suspicious on our patrol today.", Fuli finished The Lion Guard's report.

"Boring again!", Bunga sighed in dissatisfaction.

"Just as it should be.", The Smartest disagreed with the honey badger's attitude. "It's better to live in peace than fight off bad guys every day."

"Whatever you say."

"I'm with Ono on this one.", Beshte spoke up. "I personally don't miss Janja and his clan's constant attacks on The Pridelands back in the days."

"True.", the king agreed. "Hopefully this peace will last as long as possible. The last thing we need is The Tree of Life being threatened while Rani and I are gone."

"Relax, Kion. Everything will be fine. The Lion Guard and the temporary Night Pride won't let anything bad happen.", the cheetah promised.

"Affirmative. You've planned and prepared for your and Rani's absence well. Don't overthink it.", the egret advised.

"Thanks, guys.", The Fiercest smiled. "Leaving the kingdom is just much more stressful now that I'm king. I don't just protect this kingdom anymore, I rule it as well. Your words really make me feel better."

"And each of us greatly appreciates and admires how seriously you take you responsibility, Kion. However, you do deserve a break from time to time.", the hippo said.

"Yup.", Anga supported his statement.

"Yeah! Whatever you guys said!", The Bravest wanted to feel included, even though he hadn't been listening.

"Glad to hear that.", Kion replied, standing up. "I've got to get going now, I need to make sure Tiifu, Zuri,and Jangwa are doing ok."

Fuli yawned. "Oh, I don't envy you. Their non-stop whining is the last thing I'd like to witness after work."

"There's nothing I can do with that. It's a part of the royal duties.", the king sighed. "Sweat dreams, everyone!", he exchanged goodbyes with his friends and headed off.

...

Kion was taking a familiar path that ran through The Jungle. As the The Fiercest was getting close to the kingdom's visitors' resting spot, a rustling noise came from a dense thicket. He instantly came to a halt and pricked up his ears. "Rani, is that you again?", he called. No one responded, which agitated the golden-furred lion. "Whoever you are, show yourself!", the king commanded, raising his voice. Still no answer. Perhaps it was just the wind, he shrugged his shoulders and resumed his journey.