Forbidden Love

The Peace the Evening Brings

Chapter 8: The Peace the Evening Brings

A/n: Finally, the last chapter! I'll let you guys read first and I'll leave the rest of the author's note at the end of the story. Please enjoy :)

Kion followed behind Nala as she led her son to the corner where she and Simba usually slept. When they arrived, Simba was already there, sitting on his haunches and observing some paintings on the wall, which were all finger-painted by Rafiki using dried fruits and coconut sap some time ago. The paintings all portrayed the past Kings and Queens of the Pridelands, there were seven generations of them in total. There was one similarity that all seven generations of Royals shared besides being the rulers of the Pridelands; they were all in fact, betrothed to each other.

As Zazu had once pointed out to Simba, betrothals were an immediate custom that must be adhered to by each generation of Rulers, whether they like it or not. Presently, Simba was observing the small finger painting of him and Nala, standing together on top of Pride Rock. He smiled, remembering his union with Nala was officiated on the same day that the painting was painted on the wall.

"Simba, our son is here to see you."

He turned around to see a grinning Nala walking towards him with Kion by her side, who was noticeably struggling to muster up a polite smile as he faced his father.

"Ah, there you are, Kion. I've been waiting for you." Simba said, sensing Kion's nervousness and getting the cheeky idea to say it in a solemn voice to intentionally intimidate his son, solely for the purpose of his own amusement.

"Hey, Dad. Err... Mum said you wanted to have a word with me?" Kion asked in a small voice, as his father gazed at him with an expressionless look on his muzzle.

"Yes, that's right, Kion, there's a few things I'd like to discuss with you. Please, sit down next to me."

Kion gulped and obediently obliged him, sitting on his haunches next to his father while Nala started moving away towards the other end of the corner, just far enough to observe the impromptu meeting while out of ear-shot.

"First off, Kion, I'd like to thank you for your heroic efforts during the battle with the Outsiders," Simba began with a subtle smile, though his voice remained just as solemn. "Your quick-thinking and leadership skills were crucial in our victory against those hyenas and vultures, it's the reason why the Pridelands is still our home and not overrun by the Outsiders. And for that, I want you to know that both your Mum and I are very proud of you, son."

Kion broke out a relieved smile, suddenly thinking that his meeting with his father wasn't going to turn out as bad as he thought it would. But it was short-lived though, as Simba's smile immediately disappeared and the look of seriousness once again returned to his muzzle.

"Now, to the main issue," Simba continued, his gaze pierced into Kion's eyes. "I haven't made the official announcement yet, but I heard you already found out that I betrothed you with Vitani. Is this true?"

"Yes, Dad." Kion replied.

"Okay. So, how do you feel about your betrothal?"

Kion's heart began pounding harder against his chest, he wasn't sure if Simba was simply asking for a personal opinion or he purposely asked the question because he already knew that he didn't like his idea of betrothing him with Vitani.

"Well, I err... I'm very honoured by your decision to betroth me and Vitani togeth-"

"The truth, Kion. I want to hear nothing but the truth."

Kion blinked, slightly taken aback. Okay, now he was very sure that his father wasn't asking for a personal opinion. He paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "Okay, here goes. Dad, I have always been loyal to you and I've always respected your every decision. But... I'm afraid this is the only time where I have to go against your orders. I... I do not wish to be betrothed to Vitani."