“I thought you were worried I fall to Mudiwa?”

“I was wrong. For the first time in my life I was glad I was wrong. You, Prince Kovu can mark a brighter future in Eden if you choose to.”

“And you, Busara? Do you not have any dreams for your own future?”

Busara dropped her left arm down as her right hand held onto it. “I have many dreams. I just lack the means to fulfill them. I should return to bed, I have much to do in the morning. Good night, Prince Kovu.”

“Good night.” Kovu returned to reading the book.

The next morning, Kovu finished draining his bowl of soup. He sighed with satisfaction before putting down the bowl. “I have decided to go after all ten rings of the kings.”

The others at the table looked at him strangely. “You must be joking,” Dayo spoke.

“The rings belong to our family. No one else should have them. Besides I want these monsters out of my country. What about you, Dayo?”

Dayo crossed his arms and leaned back. “I am certainly not getting myself involved in that again.”

“So what will you do, stand idle?”

“I will find something to fill my time. I cannot have you outperforming me.”

Kovu turned his attention over to Busara. “And what about you, Busara? Will you come with us?”

“What?” the others all shouted as one. Each of them looked at the elder prince in bewilderment.

“It would give you the chance to live some of your dreams would it not? I like to think of you as a advisor if you would.”

“Hang on just a minute,” Gamba spoke.

“It may even teach your brother to be more responsible not being able to rely on you.”

Busara stared at Kovu in silence for a moment. She closed her eyes and smiled. “I like nothing more. I will prepare my things.”

Gamba grabbed her arm. “You’re not going anywhere. You can’t just go.”

“Unhand me, Gamba.” Busara pulled her arm free. She stood up. “I am not a servant for your every need. I plan to live my life the way I see fit.” Busara headed toward her room.

Gamba glared at the princes. “Just who do you guys think you are?” Despite his protest both his sister and Prince Kovu did not listen and prepared themselves for their way out of the town.

*

Kovu finished packing up his horse as Dayo stood beside him with his arms crossed. “So you really do plan to make that woman your wife? How will you tell her?”

“The more important thing to remember is who won our bet, I expect you not to interfere.”

Busara walked out of the house with her things. “I am ready to go.”

Kovu took Busara’s things and loaded them up onto his horse. He then mounted the white stallion himself. He reached his hand out for Busara to take, pulling her on behind him. “Coming, Dayo?”

“What else would I do?” Dayo went to his own horse. The three of them rode out of town to their next destination.