MELAMINA THE QUEEN

CHAPTER 52

THE CORONATION

The big day is finally here. The day where my husband becomes the king. The day where he becomes the ruler of the Zulu nation. The ruler of the Zulu kingdom. The most powerful kingdom in the whole of the Nguni tribes and kingdoms. Everyone is here to celebrate with us this joyous occasion. Every royal house we have affiliations with is gathered here today. Even the president of South Africa and a few members of his cabinet are here. His presence is very important since he is supposed to certify that Kuhle is the rightful king. I don’t even know the number of celebrities that RSVP’d. They needed to do that so that we would know how much people we are supposed to accommodate in the VIP section.

This is one of the biggest events the Zulu kingdom has had and security is very important. On top of the guards that we have as the royal family, my husband asked the Minister of Police to lend us officers who would make sure that everyone is safe and the minister was more than happy to assist. We also made sure that we have another VIP area set up for socialites and influencers. I don’t know the number of cows that needed to be slaughtered to make sure that everyone attending will eat. I do know that over 500 people were hired to assist with catering and decoration. This event in it’s own way, Created many job opportunities, especially for the youth. Even though my husband has a lot of livestock, many kingdoms presented him with cows for this occasion.

We have been tested a lot of times while preparing for this day. Mostly me. Many people dug up my past and painted me as the worst fit for my husband. Funny how they didn’t discredit me when my husband was still the crowned prince and not the actual king. I don’t know if they want to marry my husband themselves, but they can only dream. They call him the sex dream. While they call me a whale and used most of my pregnancy snaps. We are lucky to have our family and friends support throughout this whole time. And I am not grateful for people who don’t know me personally, but they were able to defend me. They gave me the benefit of the doubt and that when I knew that the nation was going to stand with us until my husband dies or retires.

Bongeka is back but she is not alone. She is with Aphiwe and Nomsa. They are also helpers around the castle. Nomsa is making sure that my outfit for today is proper and checking everything. Being a Zulu queen means you don’t borrow beads, you either buy them or get someone who will make them personally for you. I asked Amanda Buthelezi, a professional bead weaver, to make my attire for today from the hat to the shoes. She did a stellar job. I even invited her and her husband to celebrate with us today. Her maiden family also got an invitation because her father is a famous taxi owner and he is somehow friends with the previous king. Bongeka is making sure that the wig she installed yesterday is still in place and after that, she does my make up. Aphiwe is creating content. Yes, she was assigned by my husband who said he wanted to see what happened behind the scenes when i got ready for his big day.

“Mommy, look at me.” I hear Zobuhle’s voice before she even enters my room. The door opens and she walks in twirling. She is wearing her traditional maiden attire. She looks so pretty. She squeals and comes to hug me. “I look so pretty but you are more pretty mom. I look like a princess, right?” she asks and I laugh.
“You do look like a princess, my baby. And that’s because you are Zulu princess. Mommy and daddy’s beautiful princess.” I pout my lips and she perks them before giggling. “Where is your half?”
“He is with daddy Sbo and the others. They are getting ready together. Bab Muzi 1 said they are now Zulu men and they said we should go get ready with women. Such buzz kills.” She sticks her tongue out facing the door and everyone laughs.

“And where are you sisters?” before she can respond, Mahle walks in pulling Nomandla and Zama. Sthulikazi is right behind them. Hebana, what is this crèche doing in my room?
“Mama.” Nomandla calls out before rushing to me. She extends her arms and I lift her up, placing her in my lap. This one likes being babied. I wonder how she will feel in a few months when she gets replaced by new-borns. But we will let her be for now. “You look good.” She says, kissing my cheek. Okay, I take it back. I am glad she is here. They all come to hug me and I see Aphiwe taking a few snaps of that. After a few moments, Busi comes to my room.