Amile The Queen

Chaper Eighty-One

***Amile Gumede***

I’m startled when I wake up without being squished in his arms. I know this is only my second morning waking up in his bed, but still, I slept in his arms, I expect to wake up there too!
I sat up and stretched my limbs, looking around the room, trying to figure out where he could be. It looks likes it’s early in the morning, the birds are happily chirping away in the sky and the morning sun hasn’t really shone through the window yet, which is a sign that it truly is still early.
One thing I love about this room is the amount of light in it. Other than it being painted white, there is a lot of natural light from the windows, and it makes it pleasant to be in here. Unlike that dark dungeon that I was sleeping in this whole time.
I stand and stretch my limbs before going to the window to open the curtains. I let the cool breeze into the room after opening the door and just sit and let the sun his my skin for a little. I feel refreshed, I even had a good dream. I can’t remember what it was about, but it was peaceful. It’s so unlike me to forget a dream.
I don’t stay out too long because I don’t want anyone from the kingdom to spot me out on the balcony basking in only my sleepwear. This sight should be reserved for only one man.
And here is that man, he’s holding a single cupcake with one candle on it and he is steadily walking towards me with a big smile on his face.
“Happy birthday mkami.” I frowned at him, shifting my eyes from the cupcake to him.
My frown slowly forms into a smile. Is he not going to sing?
“Thank you baba.” I said welcoming the cupcake. I wonder where he got it, especially so early in the morning.
I looked at him before he gestured for me to blow out the candle. Does he even know the significance of the candle being there, normally that is where they tell you to make a wish. I don’t really expect that from him though, he’s a typical Zulu man.
I blow out the candle, and silently make my wish; that this is one of many birthdays I get to spend happy, hopefully with him.
It’s only been a day since we consummated the marriage, and I’m slowly letting him into my heart. It’s like that night opened the door to this beautiful friendship that we have. I still have insane respect for him, but he’s become my friend. I’m not afraid of him like I was of Banzi, I respect him.
“What are you thinking about?” he snaps me from my thoughts.
“I was making a wish.” I say smiling at him.
“Don’t tell me you believe in those things.” I laughed.
He reached over to the cupcake and removed the candle stick.
“I do believe in them, they work.” he used his fingers and scooped up some cream.
“Well, in our days, we would sing for the birthday girl, and then smear them with cream.” he then proceeded to put cream on my nose.
I couldn’t run, the kist was right behind me and I would fall if I attempted to, so I just laughed and let him. He put the remaining on my cheeks and forehead. If I grow pimples all over my face, it will be his fault.
“So how old are you turning today?” he’s pretending not to know, seriously!?
“A lady never reveals her age.” I said laughing.
I don’t even know how old he is, and I don’t wish to find out. His beard and white hairs are enough to let me know that I shouldn’t be in his bed every night. But it’s grown to be my favourite place, I can’t complain.
“Well, lady, the king demands to know at once.” I rolled my eyes at him and giggled.
“Weeh, wavele waziceba.” I laughed even harder, his facial expressions kill me.
He opened his arms and he gave me a tight squeeze. His playful nature has to be my favourite thing about his personality.
“Thank you Mageba.” he brushed my messy hair.
“I wish you had told me sooner, maybe I would have done something a little extra special.”
“There is always next year.” I said pulling away from the hug.
I also scooped some cream and put it on his nose.
“I put too much effort into making that cupcake for you to be toying with it.” he pulled a straight face, for once I thought he was serious.
But he laughed it off when he saw that I was shaken. He must not do that to me. He knows how intimidating he is.
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He had a council meeting today. I know this because I am his designated PA, I handle all his meetings and all the appearances he makes. He doesn’t want to hire another person, he said he doesn’t want another person in his personal space if it isn’t me. I only agreed to it because I don’t have anything better to do, and I get a salary, so it’s all good. But he must not get comfortable, when I want to quit, I will.
I usually go with him to these meetings, but today he said I must stay behind because it’s my birthday, I shouldn’t be working. He also left his phone, because everyone that wanted to call me for birthday wishes was calling me on his phone. By everyone, I mean my immediate family and his brothers, since my phone is dead. Everyone else can’t get a hold of me, because not everyone can have the king’s phone.
I’m sitting in the dining room having my grapes, the one’s I bought yesterday, and I’m logging onto my Instagram using my iPad. I absolutely refuse to use his Mobicel, no way never! It’s only good for receiving calls, not my social media. I don’t know why he bought this phone, I didn’t think I would judge him, until I was actually forced to use it today. I can’t go from a good phone to that, I’d rather stay phone-less.
Birthday messages from ex-schoolmates, from my old and new school, come pouring into my Instagram. The fact the they still remember shocks me. I have an extra large following now since I became queen, I just don’t have time for social media, not like I used to. Nambitha was the one who got the whole world buzzing from her single birthday post. I appreciate it, I just don’t think I can reply to all of them.
“Chomie.” her voice brings me back to real life.
I get up and go give her a big hug.
“Happy birthday chomie!” it’s always a pleasure seeing my bestie.
“Thank you chomie.” she handed me a gift bag. Aw, she didn’t have to.
“I tried you multiple times on the phone and you didn’t answer.”
“My phone smashed last night, it’s dead.” my heart really hurts about that phone.
It was one of the most expensive things I owned. That and all my Apple products, the iPad and AirPods.
“I’m sorry chomie. I’m sure you’ll get another one soon! Is Bayede here, I want to ask him for you. I begged Nkululeko to drive us to Durban for the day so we could shop.” I laughed.
“Are you serious chomie.”
“Yes, I’m serious!” I haven’t even opened her gift.
“Are you going to ask him, because I definitely won’t.” she seemed to think twice about what she said. I laughed.
“I’m joking chomie. He’s at council and he left his phone with me. Maybe Jama can drive us there so I can ask him.” I actually want to go shopping.
Other than having no proper clothes to put together a reputable outfit as the new queen of Zululand, I miss going out. Like really going out, not just going around the village and calling that going out.
“Okay chomie, let’s go!”
I needed to changed first, because I was sitting in my house clothes. I don’t want to end up on gossip columns again for not putting in any effort into the way that I dress. It’s unfortunate that I can’t do much about my hair.
“Are you trying to upstage me?” she asked leaning on the door.
She refused to enter the room as always. I totally understand. Now that I have a clearer understanding of how ancestors work, I know that it’s not easy for her to just walk into a room like ours. For all we know, Mhlaba could be sitting on that bed watching us.
“Last time I was dragged for being a plain jane who doesn’t put effort into looking beautiful. I don’t want that happening, because the next thing, they will start speculating that I’m unhappy in my marriage, when I am happy.” she smiled widely.
“I’m happy if you are happy chomie.” I turned to look at her, remembering that her relationship isn’t as rosey as mine.
“I’m okay chomie, we’re okay.” can she see the pity and sorrow on my face.
“I didn’t mean to throw it in your face chomie…”
“Nonsense! Your happiness is mine bestie, if you are happy, so am I. now let’s go my queen!”
I slipped on my sneakers and we rushed out of the palace. If I calculate correctly, it just hit 11am; it takes us four hours to get to Durban on a normal day, but with Jama’s insane driving skills, we can get there in just over two hours, which means if baba agrees, we might leave at 12pm and arrive at 2pm. That gives us approximately three hours to shop. It’s okay, I can do that.
I hate living so far from civilization.
“Hello Jama.” I give him an enthusiastic greeting, and he returns it with a wide smile.
“Ndlunkulu, happy birthday.” he bowed.
“Thank you.” he’s swapped cars.
We are now going into the royal car. It doesn’t take long before we are on the road to council.
“So how old are you turning now Ndlunkulu.” I know he’s teasing me.
“Jama please, a lady never reveals her age.” I look at Nambitha and we share a laugh.
“And how else are you planning to spend your day?” he asks looking at us through the rear view.
“I was going to sit at home and have some me-time. Not many plans.”
I wasn’t even looking forward to today. That’s why I didn’t even bother to tell baba. But I loved the effort he put in this morning. The cupcakes were delicious.
“That’s boring chomie, now just pray that Bayede says yes, so we can take you out of your misery.”
We arrived at council, and before I climbed out of the car, I checked the time. He’s probably done with the meeting, so I won’t be disturbing him much. Nambitha stays in the car and Jama escorts me inside. It’s very quiet here, not much movement, I’m assuming he’s alone. Jama waits for me outside his office while I knock and let myself in.
He’s on a phone call, it doesn’t look serious at all, he’s talking casually and smiling here and there.
“Here she is right now. .” he said to the person he was talking to.
“Mommy says hello.” he says looking at me.
Why is he talking to my mother. I can’t get used to that! And I know that he’s just repeating what was said to him. They wrap up their conversation and he hangs up before he says I can take my seat.
“Mkami I thought you said you were taking ‘you-time’ today.” I wanted to roll my eyes at him, but I can’t. ngincengile.
“I am. My best friend came to see me and she asked to take me out for shopping.” his eyes lit up.
“Really now?” he leaned back into his chair.
He’s not even trying to be intimidating, but that look of his is making me break into a sweat. All the confidence I had has evaporated. What did I say about not being scared of him again? Is it too late to retract my statement.
“Yes baba. I was here to ask you if I can go.” I stuttered. Not a good sign.
“You didn’t have to come all the way here to ask mkami, you couldve have just called. Of course you can go.” relief.
“Thank you baba.” I stood up and went to give him a hug.
I can’t really kiss him on the cheek because his face is covered in facial hair. I pretended to look away when he opened his drawer and pulled out a bundle of notes. I don’t think I’ve seen so much money with the naked eye. Only in movies.
“Buy me something nice too.” I put out my right hand and accepted the money.
“Mageba.” I thanked.
Now this is the lifestyle I should live. I must be a rich housewife as well, queen title should be accompanied by some good money.
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It is my 18th birthday after all, I deserve to live a little.
We are almost home, Jama almost dragged us out of Tashas because we didn’t want to leave. He was very stuck up today, I even reminded Nambitha of how he was like this last year. How the time goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday; it was just me and my bestie shopping, going in and out of every expensive shop buying whatever we set our eyes on. I finished all the money Baba gave me, and I know that was the goal, but I had ideally wished to save some for rainy days.
Oh I bought! Dresses, shoes, skirts, bags! I bought everything I felt like I needed and more, and I am so satisfied. They were right when they said retail therapy is the best type of therapy.
We had a late lunch at Tashas in Umhlanga, and they gave us a private table as soon as we walked in. They then proceeded to give us a bottle of champagne on the house, only because it was my birthday. Talk about perks honey!
So now I don’t know if I’m drunk, tipsy, or quarter to losing my mind. I don’t think Jama noticed that we were drinking. I doubt he even saw us sneaking in a bottle of champagne into our shopping bags. We plan to open it at home, and hopefully have a sleepover. Only if her man agrees.
It’s just after 7pm when we arrive at the palace. Jama is not talking to the both of us, we literally annoyed him so much during the ride, he ended up pulling the partition up and ignoring us. It was hilarious, but it’s the only taste of life I’ll ever get ever again.
The car has stopped and he comes to open the door for us, I stare at him and crack a big smile. I know he can’t resist it, he’s trying to hold back, but he’s failing dismally.
“I know you love me Jama, you can’t be angry at me.” he laughed and told me to get out of the car.
As I was laughing my ass out of the car, mom stood in front of me with her big belly sticking out. She’s due in like a month from ow. What is she doing here anyway?
“Sefanele sinqakane nani manje ezimotweni.” she’s not very pleased with us.
Nambitha is standing behind me looking like a rained on cat. Mom is looking at the both of us.
“Are you two drunk?” I lifted my finger.
“Mama, I don’t think drunk is the right word.” her eyes widened before she pulled me aside, using my arm.
“Amile are you drunk!? This is no way for a queen to be behaving.” she is clearly mistaken.
“Ma, I’m not drunk, neither is my chomie over there. Just a bottle or two of Moet can’t get you drunk, right chomie?” Jama is standing frowning at the both of us.
Nambitha doesn’t peep a word. I wiggle my eyebrow at mom who now looks fuming mad, in fact, she looks like she’s ready to pop. I give her a big smile, and she can’t even resist me, she laughs and pushes me out of the way.
“You are embarrassing me Amile, we have guests in there.”
“I swear, I’m not drunk. I promise mamam. Look, I can even stand on one foot.” I instantly regretted doing that because I almost toppled over, causing her to laugh even harder. See she can’t be angry at me forever.
Okay, maybe I am a little drunk.
“Go and take a shower, and make sure no one see’s you like this. You too Nambitha. I’m giving you ten minutes, go!”
I didn’t hesitate to run into the house, avoiding the lounge and dining room because I know that’s where the guest probably are. I got to my room with no hassle before I threw myself on the bed, and listened to my head spinning.
Okay, maybe I’m a lot drunk.