Azalea The Queen

Azalea

"I have to use the bathroom," I whispered to my husband's ear. He turned his head and nodded at me.

"Do you need me to come with you?" He asked as he rubbed his hand on my dress-clad thigh. I shook my head and kissed his cheek. I got up and excused myself. I made it to the bathroom, even though it was really uncomfortable for me with people's eyes following me. Some were kind and admirable, but some were bitter and judgemental.

I did my business, but before I could open the stall, I heard some voices. I wasn't going to entertain them, I was simply going to wash my hands and leave the ladies' room. Until I heard what they were talking about, or rather whom.

"Kodwa iNkosana yintle bandla," One said, a woman. She sounded like she was in love.

(But the prince is beautiful.)

"Sisi, which one because both those men are packing looks." Another one said. I wanted to hear what the first one would say.

"Prince Samkelo of course." She laughed like it was the most obvious thing. "Although, I wonder how he ended up with that girl." She said, more like sneered. Woah there sis, so much hate.

"Maybe something that you don't have. I don't think the princess is the kind to gossip in hotel bathrooms," A new voice said. A stronger but feminine voice. I heard a scoff before I heard the clinking of heels. I opened my stall and got out.

My eyes connected with brown ones. "You heard all that?" She asked turning around. I nodded with pursed lips. She too nodded her head, a small smile on her face.

"Thank you, you know for that." I gestured my hand toward the door where the women who were talking about me had exited.

"No biggie, we sisters-in-law should have each other's backs." I rose an eyebrow. What did she mean by that? Laughing she waved a hand at me. "Sorry, my name is Amara, I'm Zwelakhe's wife." She extended her hand for me to shake. I smiled as I shook her hand.

"I'm Azalea, although you probably know that." I chuckled. She joined me.

"Well, I'll see you around Azalea," She winked and left the bathroom. I smiled looking at the mirror. She was nice, as well as beautiful.

On my way back to the table I spotted the Rivers. My former boss and the woman who fired me from my job for no reason. Just as I tried to maneuver and hide from their gazes. An annoying and squeaky voice called my name. Great stuff.

Turning around I was met with Laila, the little brat. "Laila, hi." I smiled tightly at her.

"Oh Azalea, don't you look exquisite. How long has it been since we saw you?" Mrs. Rivers said in a sickeningly sweet voice. I almost gagged at her face.

"Since you fired me, Mrs Rivers." I returned the sweet smile. She fidgeted with her handbag as she laughed uncomfortably.

"Oh please, you still hung up on that?" I wanted to slap the bitch right across her eyes. "You are a princess now, don't be bitter. Do better." Laila was one annoying little brat. She passed me that condescending smile of hers that I hated so much.

"If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my family." If I had long hair I would've flipped it. Instead, I fluttered my eyes and turned around walking back to the table.

A hand grasped my wrist and pulled me to the bar. Turning around to glare at the person, I sighed as I looked at who it was. Nkululeko.

"You know it's rude to drag a lady across the room like that." I shook my head at him as he asked for vodka. "And drinking shots at a charity event." I scolded as I watched him chug it down his throat. He did the same with the other two shots.

"I'd rather be here drinking shots than be part of that." He pointed his glass of vodka to our family table. I was confused as to what he was talking about. Until I saw Amara and her husband, Zwelakhe standing and talking to the King and the Queen. My husband was seated and not even acknowledging the drama that was probably happening. So was Sphokazi.

"What's going on there?" I took an appetizer from the waiter passing by and shoved it in my mouth. Hmm yum.

"My father's illegitimate son and his wife, that's what." He said. Ah, it made sense now. "My father had an affair with a woman he wasn't supposed to have an affair with. Unfortunately, she fell pregnant. He denied the baby and the woman left the city with her child. Fast forward, grandma looked for the child and brought him back but things had already been messed up." He said, sadness all over his face.

It was heartbreaking to hear how Zwelakhe was treated. "Now, my father can't even be in the same room as his fucking son. The guilt was what was killing him, but he couldn't even admit that to himself. What a coward." He angrily gulped another shot. I turned my head to look at the table again.

Things seemed perfect from afar. Like they were just people conversing about the weather. Little did people know. This is what I hated about rich people. The pretense and the lies. I wondered if there was a child that I needed to know of that Samkelo was hiding from me. I chuckled at my thoughts.

"Who is she?" I turned to look at my brother-in-law and my only friend. "Who was Samkelo talking about back then?" I asked as I grabbed another appetizer from another waiter passing by before shoving it in my mouth again.

"Our sister." He said a solemn look on his face. No matter how many times I hear that there is another sibling, I can't help but be shocked each time.

"You have a sister?" I asked while chewing and looking up at him.

"Had. We had a sister." He gulped down. He seemed sadder than when he was speaking about his brother. "Growing up, the three of us were rebellious kids, after Zwe was brought home. We were always getting into trouble. But Smangele was innocent, a good child." He smiled at the memory of his sister.

"Maybe too innocent." He frowned. I kept wondering what happened to her. Did she die?
I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He sniffled. "We should head back." He abruptly walked away. I sighed and followed after him.

Upon arriving at the table, I smiled at the addition to the table. Amara winked at me and I smiled back at her. I looked around and everyone had grim expressions on their faces. I figured the addition wasn't as welcomed as I would've liked.

My husband placed a hand on mine as he asked if I was okay. I told him I was fine.

"What took you so long?" He worriedly asked as he wiped some crumbs on the side of my lips. I blushed. "Mama, if you were hungry, you could've told me." He smiled lovingly at me. I giggled, a large smile on my face.

"A woman's got to find herself some food." I teased. He shook his head.

A microphone was tapped and everyone's attention in the room turned their heads to the stand where a man in a suit stood, holding a mic. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen. We will now start with the donations." Everyone clapped.