Imani looked at him in disbelief.

"Zeus no... I never thought that. You didn't make the rouges come here, and you didn't kill Kalemari. I'm so sorry you thought that. I was just disoriented and confused and angry and...I just should have chose my words better. I'm sorry."

He wasnt talkimg about her sister. But her words still filled the ache in his heart, and he knew he wanted to stay with her, Pride or not. He looked over towards the Queen's Den, and remembered what he'd thought earlier. "Fine, I'll stay." He said with a smile, but then his face changed completely. "Imani, I hate to tell you this but, I know who caused the rogue attacks, I could smell their scent on the rogues." He paused, letting it sink in. "The Queen caused the rogue attack." He said with a sigh, the sudden urge for power hit him. He had always wanted to be King, to make his father proud. He wanted to be a great leader, who would bring the Pride to new heigjts. Tomorrow, he decided. He would fight for the place as King.

Imani buried her head in her mane again, suppressing tears of joy this time. "Thank you." She whispered. She wasn't even sure if he heard her.

But her mood vanished when Zeus delivered the news. "I can't say I'm surprised." She said, casting a glare towards the Queen's den. Because of her, her sister was dead, Imani got kidnapped and she drove another rift between Imani and Zeus.

He suprrsed a growl towards the Queen's direction, then he looked back down to Imani. "Imani, I think that the King and Queen's rule are unfair and full of injustice. And I've been thinking." He paused, taking a breath, "I want to take over, I want to become King. But saying that," he paused again, letting it sink in. "If I successfully be near the King, would you be my Queen?" He asked, looking deep into her eyes, looking for any sign of a yes, because this is what he wanted, him and Imani, ruling over a Pride, having cubs of their own. Zeus couldnt help but smile at the thought.

Words failed her as she processed what Zeus said. She only nodded, unable to utter a word in her joy. She licked Zeus's nose and looked at him more seriously.

"I won't help you defeat the King though. It's not my place to do anything."

He knew the laws of battle pretty well, as he'd witnessed his fathers death. Its was to be a 1v1, the King vs Zeus, no other lions help, they just watch. Loser is banished from the Pride for good. He knew that well, and he knew the risks, but he felt that he had a good vhance. "I know. And trust me, Ive got this." He said, licking Imani's head. "We should probably get rest though." He said

"I second that." She said with a chuckle, eyelids suddenly unbearably heavy. "Wake me up if you wake up before me." She said, flicking his cheek and telling him goodnight before she entered the den, not many lionesses there since it was barely sunset. Imani laid down, her heart still heavy with the loss of her sister, but newfound pride was also there. She was so proud of Zeus, for taking back what was rightfully his. Imani fell asleep easily that night.

After wishing Imani good night, Zeus made his way back to the den. His limbs ached, even though he had been back almost all day. Went he entered the den, he easily fell asleep, holding onto the visioms about his and Imani's future. Him being Kingg, and her Queen, it was all he'd ever want, and hopefully all they were meant to be.

Imani actually woke before Zeus this morning, but they both woke up later than the others. When she peaked into the other den, Zeus was still lying there sleeping. She felt bad waking him, but they were already late.

"Zeus, wake up." She whispered, sticking her head into the den.

Zeus was sprawled out on the ground, peacefully asleep, when a familiar voice roused him. He opened his ryes to see Imani looking at him. He was confused with what she asked, then remembered, he was challenging. The King. He got to his and looked at Imani one last time. "If you dont want me to do this, or if you dont want to be Queen. Just ask." He said with a smile. "It wont hurt me."