The new prince was born and he was a healthy little golden cub. The King and Queen were overjoyed and the kingdom was celebrating. Queen Nala lay in the main den surrounded by the other lionesses who cooed and awwed at the tiny cub. The King was busy with Rafiki arranging the cubs presentation. Zira slipped into the cave and lurked around the edge of the crowd. She found a comfortable perch to watch the goings on, waiting patiently for her chance.

It was mid day when Zira finally made a move. The Queen had finally left the cub, she was being escorted to the watering hole by her adoring hunting party. The King was away from the den finish a patrol with Zazu. The cub was left in the charge of Tama, a young lioness who was a childhood friend of the Queen. There were two other lionesses in the den but they were snoozing quietly. Zira approached the babysitter who lay curled around the cub protectively.

"Well isn't he precious." she spoke through gritted teeth, the lie was bitter on her tongue.

Tama looked up with a surprised smile "Isn't he just. It means a lot to hear you say that Zira."

"I understand. Honestly I have been so angry lately but seeing this cub, It makes me realise how poorly I've been acting." Zira forced a smile as she eyed the cub.

"Zira that's fantastic." Tama beamed "I knew you'd come around eventually."

"Yes it is fantastic. I wonder, could I hold him?" Zira stepped closer, standing over the lioness.

Tama looked unsure "Well... Urm."

Zira frowned "Oh, I see. I'm not trusted to simply hold the cub? I'm not welcome here?"

"No no, it's not like that I just.. I've been put in charge of him and-"

"And you can't let me just hold him for a moment?"

Tama looked down at the cub and back to Zira "Just for a moment." she said cautiously as she sat up exposing the cub.

"Thank you." Zira purred, proud of herself for tricking the babysitter so easily. In one swift movement Zira snatched the cub in her jaws and slashed Tama across the throat before turning and bolting from the cave. She could here Tama's cry of pain behind her as she leaped from Priderock. Zira ran until her paws hurt and she couldn't catch her breath. She slowed and checked over her shoulder. There was no one chasing her too closely that she couldn't take a breather. Scanning the horizon she could see Simba on Priderock gathering the animals, surely to send the looking for her. Zira could also make out some of the lionesses following her trail.

A sudden mewing reminded Zira she was carrying a cub. She dropped it down and glared at it. It should be so easy she thought. Just kill it now and avenge your King. She raised a paw. Just kill it. She looked at the soft little ball of fur. So defenceless, so small. Zira was frozen in place growling at herself. Just kill it. The pathetic little mews as the cub struggled on the ground blindly trying to find some comfort.

"Curses!" Zira snapped slashing the ground next to the cub. She couldn't do it, but that was not a scenario she hadn't anticipated. scooping the cub back up Zira pushed her body and stated running again. It took a little time but she found her destination. She had crossed a stream to hide her sent and carried the cub into the outlands. Once deep enough into the dead land Zira hid the cub amongst some rocks. Quickly she turned away and started running before her maternal instincts could stop her.

She paused before re-entering the Pridelands Zira slowed down. From behind her she heard a low cackle of hyena laughter. She grinned cruelly. "I did it Scar. I have ensured my revenge. Just for you my love, my King."


***

Bad Zira is bad. Sorry if this part it a little heavy, it does get brighter I swear.


Background credit goes to Disney and LionGuardKujenga