The Royals: A Kings Heart

Chapter 24

NKOSI'S POV_

In the evening, the event was drawing to a close. It was time for me to leave. I wanted to see my baby for just two minutes and get a kiss but I couldn't. I have a feeling my father is watching me closely.

Mandla: "My Prince, would you like to join us for a drink?" I had no desire to do that at all.

Nkosi: "Sure. Maybe later, I have something to quickly attend to this evening." He smiled, nodding like a clown. I looked at Sibonelo, he didn't seem fine. The headache was starting. I almost felt bad for intruding in his thoughts but he'll be fine.

Nkosi: "Sibonelo, you don't seem well."

Sibonelo: "Just a slight headache."

Nkosi: "Maybe you should lie down."

Sibonelo: "I'll be fine." His eyes were woozy already from the pain alone. "I just need a pain killer. Too much noise for the day."

Nkosi: "Hm." I got up from my chair, walking away. Mthunzi stood nearby waiting for me.

Nkosi: "I need extra guards looking after the maidens tonight. First priority being Thembisa. No matter what happens, she gets out first."

Mthunzi: "Done." I walked out following my family with my guards. When we reached the palace, I honestly couldn't sit still but I needed to be less suspicious. We sat down for dinner.

Nobantu: "Today was so lovely."

Nolwazi: "Very. Did you see anyone interesting Mehluli?"

Nkosi: "Yes mother." I cleansed my hand, wiping them dry.

Nolwazi: "From which family?"

Sikhosana: "Is it the Biyela girl? That's a good choice son. I would've hoped more for the Phakamisa girl. We need a better alliance with the family."

Nkosi: "It's not Biyela."

Sikhosana: "She is royal, right?"

Nkosi: "Does it matter?" The table was quiet.

Sikhosana: "Mehluli."

Nkosi: "Father."

Sikhosana: "No commoner can handle being a royal. That has been proven time and time again. Especially a Sikhosana royal. We don't mix. I'm saving you a lot of time here."

Nkosi: "I don't need to be saved time. You and I had a deal, I marry who I want. Royal or not." I ate my starter. He exhaled slowly.

Sikhosana: "Okay. When should we prepare to have her come to dinner so you can get to know her."

Nkosi: "There's no need for that father."

Sikhosana: "Yes there is. If you want to marry a woman I don't know, it would do her a great deal to honor me and this family to a dinner." I could hear the irritation in his tone.

Nkosi: "Okay. I'll court her and see if she accepts." He laughed.

Sikhosana: "My son, stop being so modest. You're the future king. No girl would reject you. Look at you." He laughed. "if she accepts. You're hilarious." This is going to be difficult. I know my father will keep an eye on me and I can't whisper to my guards everyday. That would just be cruel. Also, I don't know the long term effects of that so I'd rather not. So this means I can't see Thembisa as often? No. I'm smarter than this man. We'll just have to find a creative way to see each other. I looked up at him. He had a smirk on his face.

Nkosi: "Father."

Sikhosana: "Mehluli." He smiled, drinking his wine.