MELAMINA THE QUEEN

CHAPTER 53

CORONATION 2

As we make our way out of the throne room, people are already waiting for us. Ibutho and Izintombi. My husband leads the way and I follow him. We are walking to the open field where he will be ordained by the president in front of everyone and will give a speech for the first time as king in front of the whole nation and live on national TV. The thought of being seen by thousands of people is so overwhelming and it makes me so anxious. I thought I was ready for this but I can’t. I look around as we near the field. Everyone’s eyes are on us. They are looking at us and I just want to run away and hide from the world. All those insults and jabs they have been making on social media makes me fear them more. They are going to judge and critique me now more than ever. I can’t do this. My feet come to a halt casing everyone following us to stop. My husband notices the sudden change and turns to look at me. This is his big day. He needs me to support him throughout. But I can’t. Not when I am under a microscope and everyone is looking at me.

He moves closer to me and whispers in my ear. “Futhi, what’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think I can do this. There are too many people, baby. They are watching. Scrutinizing me. Belittling me. I can feel what they are saying. Their ill words towards me. I can’t.” I whisper back and he sighs before holding both my hands even though he is holding his sceptor.

“You are my wife. You are the most important person in my life. To me, you come first before even our children and the whole nation. I would forsake this celebration at any moment just to make sure you are comfortable. You need me and the nation also needs me. Tell me what to do and I will do this without blinking for a second.” I can see the love in his eyes and feel it. This man loves me and would do anything for me. The least I can do is bare the stares for a few hours. It’s not like there is ever going to be an occasion this huge where everyone’s attention will be on us.

I take a deep breath and swallow. “I can do this. I can do it, right?” he smiles and perks my forehead.
“Go get them, tigress.” He let’s go of my hands and I walk away from him.

I lead and the maidens follow, singing and dancing behind me. They are accompanying me. But besides me are my dozen guards. I smile and wave at the public before heading to our designated area. I am ushered to my seat but I remain standing like everyone else because we are waiting for the king. He walks slowly, smiling and waving at his subjects. The cheers are out of this world. People seem to be so happy about their new king. He has gained more respect from me, I swear. He walks slowly to the stage and he smiles, looking around smiling widely and then when he sits down, everyone says :

BAYEDE!
WENA WENDLOVU!

The MC of the event is actually the provincial parliament speaker, Sakhile Goba. We had to get someone of high position since this is a very important occasion. He calls a pastor to come to the stage and open the programme with a prayer. When the pastor is done, the programme of the day starts.

“Sizwe Sakwa Zulu, today you have gathered to witness an important occasion. Today is the day you gain yourself a young king who is full of dreams and visions for his nation. A man who was never swayed by society. A man who has done what was right according to him and stood by his family. I remember the first time I met him. I was a bit surprised that he knew my name. he just extended his hand and said ‘Mbambo, ndoda yamadoda. Is all well?’ back then he was still a prince, but it took me a while to respond because I was stunned by his humble self. This nation is so lucky to gain such a man and we are proud to call you our king. Now our programme won’t be that long. We are yet to have the actual public coronation which our king will announce. Today we are just here to see him. See the president present a certificate of recognition to our Zulu king. I will firstly like to call the Mayor of Zululand to welcome us to his land before we can proceed with everything else.”