Adhama

Adhama is one of Shade's favorite lionesses in his pride. He sees her as a very capable huntress, and finds her to be one of the smartest lionesses in his pride. He pays attention to everything she says because he respects her the most. He doesn't necessarily see her in a romantic light (pretty much like all his lionesses) but he values her over most of his lionesses, and grants her more privileges than the other lionesses. 

Adhama respects Shade in a similar fashion, She doesn't look to him as a mate, but as her leader. Being as intelligent as she is, she finds herself openly criticizing her king without repercussions simply due to the fact that she knows of how much respect he holds for her. She is free to come and go as she pleases- but that's usually to go hunting. When Shade proposed that she carry his cubs, she was a little taken aback, but as he explained the proposition brought forth by Pamalah, She agreed since she saw the advantage to the pride as a whole.