𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐃 (18+)

01 | stupid crush

"Don't pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one."

Third Omniscient Point Of View.

_____

-fifteen years later-

"Ndaba the girl is still young. You can't do this to her." Queen Thandiwe Ndaba pleaded with her husband. She was next to him, on the floor, on her knees while he sat on his traditionally decorated throne.

He didn't spare her a glance. "She knew this was going to happen. The Nkabinde's are coming tomorrow to discuss the union between them, prepare Thandeka."

"Oh Ndaba, I'm begging you." She lowered her body on the floor, humbling herself before her husband. "This will devastate her."

Nxebalendoda scowled. "You are disrespecting me, Thandiwe. Defying my orders in front of my servants! Leave!" He dismissed her. She sighed, wiping her tears, and walked away.

Nxeba cleared his throat before summoning his personal servant. "Ndabezitha." He knelt before his King.

"You are in charge of picking the best warrior we've ever had. I want the last two to fight before the end of this month. The guard that wins will be sent with my daughter to the Nkabinde Kingdom." He said tapping his foot on the floor.

"Understood, Ndabezitha." Jabulani nodded, already thinking of his options. He's seen the best of the best but really, what does determine the best warrior? Strength? The mind? The heart? What are the qualities a warrior should have?

"Don't disappoint me, Jabulani. I trust you more than anyone in this house." Nxeba finalised and Jabulani nodded before trotting away. His shoulders felt like they were carrying the biggest burden but he wasn't going to let his King down.

. . .

Qophelo was sitting outside with Manqoba, watching all the others train. They've been here since 5 a.m, training. Jabulani, King Ndaba's personal servant, was watching them. For no reason at all, he'd wanted them to give their all in training. Maybe there was something coming up.

It moved Qophelo.

If there was something he needed to prove to anyone, he was going to. When he first was hired to be a royal warrior, he was skeptical. Not because he thought he wasn't strong enough or tough enough but because he did not think the royal house would want someone like him.

"What do you think is going on?" Manqoba broke their silence.

"With?" Qophelo asked, picking up a stick from the ground. He fiddled with it as he looked at his best friend for answers.

"Do you think there's a war coming? I mean, since we've been here we've just guarded the Kingdom from thieves." Manqoba answered. He leaned back on the fence behind them.

"I don't know." His eyes studied Jabulani. He looked stressed but also determined. It was definitely not the war, Qophelo concluded. He trailed Jabu's gaze to one of the warriors, Gumede. He was a fighter, all muscle, but was not the kindest. Picked on new people and always bet on girls. He could fight though.

"Look at how he's looking at Gumede. That loser." Manqoba said.

Qophelo nodded. "I think I have an idea on what's going on but I'm not sure why it's going on."