The Royals: A Kings Heart

Chapter 63

SASA'S POV_

I couldn't sit still but I had to keep my eyes glued to the TV and the news. So many calls were coming in. For the first time ever, civilians could call in and speak live on air, like radio. That never happens on tv news. Their agenda was so clear and it's safe to say, The civilians were panicked and pissed.

Me: "It's only a matter of time they break out of their homes and protest." I looked at Amy.

Ama: "Possibly, a day at most."

Me: "Should he address them? Tonight?"

Ama: "It will make it worse. Let them rage out a bit."

Me: "Amahle, that's dangerous!! If citizens break out of their homes, they will be shot dead by the army for contravening the king's law. They will die and no one will account. Are we trying to turn this country into a dictatorship?"

Mama: "Yoh ooThembisa. What do these big words mean? Why will people die?"

Ama: "Thembisa, if Nkosi addresses the nation now, he'll be feeding into the narrative these people are building. The citizens are already upset, there's nothing that can be done."

Me: "Yes, there is."

Xolani: "Thembisa."

Me: "No tata. We're at the brink of Nkosi's coronation, the last thing we want is his reign tainted with the blood of his own people." He handed me back the phone. I dialed his number.

Nkosi: "My love, I'll be home soon. I promise."

Me: "Okay. I just need you to make a promise to me."

Nkosi: "Anything for you." I swallowed, knowing I'm asking for the impossible.

Me: "Please don't shoot the civilians. The army cannot retaliate."

Nkosi: "I'm not sure what you mean, love. There's no reason for me to shoot anyone."

Me: "Nkosi, the media is dragging the entire royal empire through dirt, specifically your family. Civilians are frustrated and upset. It's only a matter of time a memorandum goes out and they break out of their homes to riot. If the army shoots them, this will be the nail in the coffin. You'll be known as the king that kills his people for no valid reason. That is not who you are. Please tell your army, to put their weapons down." The line went quiet but I could hear him breathing.

Nkosi: "I can't do that Thembisa."

Me: "Nkosi-"

Nkosi: "My love, love of my life. I would do anything for you. Absolutely anything. I just can't do this. If the citizens protest for not getting information from me while I'm trying to protect them, they will protest for quite literally anything they want because they know I have a soft spot for them and I'll give in."

Me: "Nkosinhle, you can't do this."

Nkosi: "I'm sorry, my love. This is the part that I hate too. I love you, I have to go." He hung up.

Mama: "What did he say." I sat down, my heart slowing.

Me: "He can't do it. It will weaken the throne."

Mama: "YOH." We sat in silence for a bit as I tried to think.

Me: "I'm not feeling too well. I need to lie down."

Xolani: "Let's go to bed. For now, we'll be in our room. Princess, please take your things. You'll share a bed with Thembisa. Zanele and her mother will take ours, I'll be on the couch. You can't be here alone. Come." He took Amahle's bag, mama switched off the TV and we left for our suite. It was spotless clean as expected. I sat on my bed, trying to breath.