Zahira

The first lioness of King Jangaa, given in an act of alliance between her father and Jangaa, she's like a mother to Nia, who joined the pride shortly after her. She's very kind, and an incredibly talented hunter. She has dark colors like a savannah sunset, and although she's soft-spoken, when she does speak, lions listen; because her words normally have more insight than any other's. Jangaa waited to name her queen for a while, which is uncommon, most young males pick their first lioness as queen. Then one day he came forward and spoke to her about becoming queen. About how it's a dishonor to her, as sent in an alliance, to not choose her. Then about how how most young kings, when they find a better queen, simply replace their old one, taking advantage of her, and also of the chance with no one to defend her place. He waited, for him to remain open was not only good for the pride, but also because the others would defend her. No one could challenge her rule, no wedding could be forced. Ryn might be older than her, but even the elder lioness respects Zahira. Though the other lionesses vied for the position of queen, they knew it belonged to none other than her. She has ruled alongside Jangaa as queen ever since. She's the mother of Jangaa's two firstborn sons, Babatunde (Baba) and Jumaane, along with Makena and Nakato.