TLG: happy ever after

Chapter 16: Meticulous planning

Rani's and Kion's eyes widened in surprise. The royal couple was on its way to The Tundra to start their daily patrol when Nirmala broke the news to them. "So... What you're saying is that we now have two pregnant lionesses in the kingdom?", the queen slowly asked after the initial shock wore off.

"Yes. Makini and I are certain."

"Shall we... go congratulate them?", the golden-furred lion suggested, unsure of how to react.

"To be honest, that's not a very good idea. Clearly neither of them planned or expected the pregnancy and didn't take it really well when their state was revealed." , the healer warned. "Both are extremely stressed out right now. Zuri even seemed outraged, so I left her and Tiifu at Royal Mjuzi' tree. I think it's best to let them cool off first."

The younger lioness sighed deeply. "Okay, we'll deal with them later. That does complicate our departure, though."

"It sure does. Knowing Tiifu and Zuri, they won't agree to stay at The Tree of Life if that means missing my sister's wedding. Is it safe for them to travel?, the king asked with concern in his voice.

"Hmm...", the older lioness paused for a moment. "Based on what I heard from the two, they must be on their third week of pregnancy, give or take. Their bellies aren't showing yet, that's fine. On the other hand, given the fact that they've already started experiencing pain in their limbs, a long trip is likely to cause overexertion, which will consequently lead to swelling..."

"Meaning...?", Rani felt impatient.

"Sorry, I was just thinking out loud.", the healer yawned, tired. "In my opinion, it's not dangerous. Besides, the young ladies won't become less pregnant as time passes. So, unless Tiifu and Zuri want to raise their cubs here, the sooner you leave, the less exhausting the journey will be for them. However, you will have to make more stops on your way. Although The Pridelands may not be that far away, better be safe than sorry."

"Got it. Thanks for your advise, Nirmala!", Kion nodded. "We'll figure something out, you should go sleep.", he noticed that she was rubbing her eyes.

"Thank you for telling us. And yeah, you do need to take a rest.", the queen agreed with her boyfriend.

"No problem. I'll be in my and Surak's den if you need me.", the older lioness yawned again, saying her goodbyes, and left.

"Well, one more crisis to handle, I guess.", the king sighed.

"Yep. The problems just keep coming at us, but this one can wait until the evening. Let's go, we have more important duties to attend to!", the brown-furred lioness motioned him to follow her. "To The Tundra!"

...

Later that day...

After the royal couple and The Lion Guard returned from their patrols, they met up with The Night Pride and all three of the visitors from The Pridelands in the grass field in front off the Tree. The sun had already sat, so the group gathered in a circle under the moonlight, which happened to be quite bright that evening.

"Everyone, attention please!", the king said loudly, interrupting numerous ongoing conversations between those present at the meeting. "I'm sure you're wondering why Rani and I have asked you to come here."

"Yeah, what's up with that?", Bunga asked in a suspicious voice with his front paws akimbo.

"We're pregnant!", Zuri and Tiifu exclaimed in unison rather enthusiastically, which came as a surprise to the healer.

"Yes. Nirmala and Makini confirmed that earlier this morning.", the golden-furred lion continued.

Everyone, except for the ones who had already known that, was shocked to find out. Most of them had dumbstruck expressions on their faces, not expecting such news.