He turned looking at Cova as she seemingly understood the situation and normal protocol in such situations; he tried to remember some of the things his father had said to the lionesses and other felines of the pride to get them in the right state of mind and with some moral in order to do the task that was set before them. The problem was that moral had been low for quite a while and wasn?t helped when news got round some were killed, injured and missing out in the pride lands. Someone?s lover, friend or family member.

He looked away from her for a moment as a harsh cold wind blew across the rock face seeming to hiss and tease the for now replacement king. His damp mattered mane blowing in the direction of the wind not freely with it being so mattered.
He looked to her a moment confused and in a mind of thought trying to think of the perfect words to rally his pride up.

?Tell them the sooner we can make sure our kingdom and sanctuary is secured from the rouges or anyone who seeks to do us harm; the sooner we can be at peace and rest. Our pride has never once lost a fight for our kingdom when it has been compromised and threatened; and with the best group of felines the great kings have praised us with we never will? he said looking away into the wind feeling the rain shoot into his eyes making him growl somewhat before looking back to her and blinking rubbing his forearm over his eyes.
?But we need to show our worth despite the conditions we face; such as right now. We all do; even me. It?s what my father would of wanted?.

He padded over to her and brushed some mud off of her cheek and smiled slightly to her for a moment.
?Besides sooner we get this little mess sorted out; we can try and get back to some normality. And you can get cleaned up and take that rest you so deserve?.

He turned his head hearing a voice beckoned up from the bottom of Pride Rock by the steps the pride used to get up to the main sleeping den. He looked to Cova and nodded her to do as he had instructed as he walked cautiously down the steps.
A crack of thunder sounded and lightning flashed the dark pride lands silhouetting the form of the one who spoke a moment ago.

?Who goes there?? he said in a commanding voice keeping alert as he looked down the steps to the one down below.