Azalea The Queen

Azalea

Both our heads turn to the door, where a fuming Queen stands glaring at the Prince. This is the first time I've seen this side of our Queen. She's always been calm, sophisticated, and grace. It seemed like everything that represented her personality was stripped, and anger was the only thing left.

"Salukazi, yehlisa umoya," Samkelo walked over to his mother and cupped her face. She seemed to be resisting his pleas but against her anger, she didn't say anything.

Mother, calm down

We sat down, and Samkelo told his mother what he had told me. Thembeka's anger didn't subside, if anything it was more fuel than before.

"Now it just makes sense as to why her parents seemed so against my daughter-in-law," Mother said.

"I don't understand why she didn't tell them the truth, why she's still dragging this, this far. She knows I'm your wife, the least she could do is respect me." I looked out the window. The more I thought about it, the more I was getting upset, because it posed as if I was just another person in his life and not his wife. She didn't see me, she didn't respect me.

"Sthandwa sam, I need you to take Mother and go with her to the Qaba's." I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. He saw the uncertainty in my eyes. "I'll join you shortly, I promise." He took my hand and kissed the back of it. Samkelo was very affectionate, his love language was physical contact.

I loved how every chance he'd get, he would either kiss me or grasp my hand. His advances made me feel protected and cared for. No matter the situation, he would just hold me in his own way.

I nodded.

"Salukazi, please don't do anything until I arrive there." He shifted his gaze to his mother who wore a resistance face.

"I may be a Queen, but I am also a mother, and that duty comes before anything. I won't let that girl come here and cause problems after everything she did to you, son." She got up, a new expression mirroring her features. "I'm going to sort this out. You are a married man, focus on your wife." She scolded.

"Mother, this is my mess. I will tend to it." Her son said, that tone of his that demanded attention and submission. It also worked with his mother. "Please, mother." It didn't sound like a plea.

They had a little stare-down, like some sort of internal communication between a mother and a son. My mother-in-law sighed, a sign that she gave in to him. With a disgruntled look, Thembeka beckoned me to follow her. I did.

___

"Excuse me, there was...a matter we had to attend to." Mother's tone was hard and emotionless, as was her face. I almost didn't recognize her. "I believe you have concerns as a mother about your child. But so do I for mine, Mrs. Qaba." She looked poised and eloquent.

"I believe it is rude to leave your guests unattended, especially after such hefty news." Sphokazi, the third wife raised her unwanted opinion. The Queen paid no mind to her.

Mrs. Qaba looked at her husband before shifting her gaze back to us. She seemed calm. Ready to listen to what the Queen was saying. "I'm glad you are aware of my concerns Your Highness, hence we are here." She looked at me, daggers ablaze. "And I believe that this was rather surprising to learn." She didn't have to say it, I was this. I almost scoffed.

The door opened and all eight eyes were directed at those who entered. Samkelo followed by Amanda graced the room with their presence. I looked at my husband, trying to get any reaction from him, to read him and perhaps find out what had happened. But I didn't detect anything from him.

"I would like to apologize for the misconception that has occurred. I believe that your daughter has something to share with you," Samkelo with his gaze focused on the Qaba's, he addressed the matter directly. He shot a gaze at Amanda, everything in me rejoiced at the burning look of anger he directed at her.

But what made me feel happier was what she said after. "Mother, father, I- Sam is not the father of my baby," If it weren't for the tears pooling in her eyes, I would've shot up from my chair and danced. The look of confusion on her mother's face was comical.

"Amanda, what are you saying, what do you mean he's not father?" Mrs. Qaba got up from her chair and faced her daughter. "You mean to tell me we came here for nothing then?" Wow, she was one proud lady. For someone who just found out that their daughter lied about the father of their grandchild, she sure cared more about nonsensical things.

"Amanda, do you realize the trouble you have caused to this family, the royal family?" Mr. Qaba scolded. Amanda sniffled and turned to look at the floor instead. I felt bad for her. She was pregnant and stress was the last thing she needed.

"We will take our leave now. Your Highnesses." Mrs. Qaba, as I had anticipated decided to flee from the repercussions her daughter seemed to have put her through. With her head held high like she didn't insult us in our own home, she tugged her child's arm and left, her husband right after her with apologies. What a nice man.

"Well, that was fun. Seems the only thing you are capable of is attracting problems for this family." The Queen's sister said a heavy sigh leaving her lips. "I don't know how you will lead this nation, quite frankly, I don't think you are befitting to be the next king." She scoffed and exited the room.

"I'm glad that is over. Well, could not have handled it better myself." Samkelo's mother patted her son's shoulder as she left the room as well.

I was still seated. I knew I was happy that the misunderstanding was resolved. But I didn't know how I felt about him at that moment. I had many emotions. He came to kneel in front of me. Taking my hand in his, he coaxed me to stare at him.

"Sthandwa sam, forgive me." He said. His eyes were sincere and deep.

"For what?" I asked as equally. He seemed lost for words. I sighed, just as I expected. "You don't even know what you are apologizing for, then why are you?" I gently yanked my hands from his hold. "I'm not angry with you. I just don't know if I trust you enough to protect me in my absence if anything of the sort ever occurred again." He exhaled, a deep frown between his eyes.

I wanted to ease it but my strong emotions about him were screaming for me to get up and leave him there. Against his look of displeasure, I did. I got up and headed for the door.

"Azalea, I would put my life on the line if it meant protecting you or your honor. I really didn't want this to get this far, hence I kept it from you." I stood rigidly by the door. I didn't want to turn around and see the look on his face. "This is how I know how to protect you," His voice was pleading with me to believe him.
I did, I just didn't agree with it.

"Then it is me you do not trust to protect you."

Because had he told me beforehand, I would have stood beside him and helped him resolve the matter as his wife and his future Queen. Clearly, The Qaba ladies weren't the only ones who didn't see me, my own husband didn't.

I heard his footsteps, but I didn't wait for him as I left the room.