Amile The Queen

Chapter Sixty Three

***Langalethu Zulu***

His head is throbbing. This is officially the third day in a row and he hasnt had a wink of sleep. He wont call that twenty minute moment of shut-eye sleep because firstly, he was sleeping upright, sitting in Thulis car. It was extremely cold too and he woke up to a dream of his brother crossing over. Its not something he wants to think of right now, his main priority is making sure he is buried in dignity.

The palace is now filled with family, everybody is here and now everyone has seen him. Hes been locked up in the car trying to contemplate how hes going to explain how the hell he got here when they all thought he was dead.

Only his siblings saw him, and they all left without having a talk. It was only about Nontuthuzelos betrayal, it wasnt about how hes been doing this whole time. Three years isnt exactly a blink of an eye, a lot has changed, he has changed, and now things have to change again. Its not going to be easy for anyone.

But he can push that back for the next few days and do what he is supposed to do for the sake of his brother, the family and the greedy ancestors. That is only on the condition that they let him, and not treat him like the ghost they think he is. Return soldier from the dead.

The funeral needs to happen tomorrow before the sun rises, thats how its done here at the Zulus. Unfortunately, he didnt get to witness his first funeral, he was still half dead. That was probably the closest he was to death and heaven. But before the funeral can happen, he needs to dig out his grave, remove the casket and tombstone, because Banzi cant be buried next to an empty grave.

That is what Banzi was planning on doing before he came along and ruined everything. Now just like he did to him, things are falling into his hands.

He glances over at the digital clock on the screen and he heaves an audible sigh of exhaustion before getting out of the car and stretching his long limbs. As he strides towards the entrance leading him into the lounge, he can hear distinct voice shouting at each other.

Banzi was my brother! I will plan his funeral, thats what he wouldve wanted of me! he might have not been here, but he cant and wont forget Balungiles loud voice.

Family politics! This is what he didnt miss about this family; the drama.

You arent fit enough to make those kinds of decisions Balungile. Zwelibanzi was the eldest, therefore the second behind him was Ntombizodwa was cut off.

Me! It is me! And in case you have a problem differentiating between me and Nomalungelo, I was born first.

He cant comprehend why it is KaMalingas female daughters that are sitting and arguing about taking charge of a funeral when it should be the men of the family, specifically MaNdlelas son; its not like there is a shortage. It also doesnt make sense why they are here, Mhlabawesizwe wouldve disciplined them a long time ago.

Silence graced the room when he entered. They all dropped their heads and heavy breathing could be heard from all angles. Khethukuthula was the one who had to decency to stand up.

Bhuti. he chocked on the word.

Mntaka baba. he appreciated that he still could call him that.

Maybe he was the only mature enough to put all of this past them and deal with the matter at hand, and that was burying Banzi. Family politics could follow after.

I went to the hospital last night and told Mgabadeli to bring Nontuthuzelo home, she needs to sit on the mattress. KaMalinga will be the one who will tell her about the ordeal. he spoke softly, so softly that his voice was barely audible.

But not too softly for Balungile to not hear.

Not my mother! That witch is not allowed back here when she is the one who killed our brother! he sighed.