The Royals: A Kings Heart

Chapter 99

SASA'S POV_

The noise in the Arena was deafening. I sat next to Nkosi still with a veil on my face. The royal speaker praised the family names addressing the crowd and introducing the first performance. It was a dancing group of young ladies. I watched in wonder. The place we sat in had a perfect view of the entire arena. Yes, it was still intimidating and high off the ground. Yes, I felt very awkward being there but I was enjoying myself. After the dance, group of young men came to perform as well then a band followed.

Nkosi: "You seem to be enjoying yourself." He smiled.

Me: "I am." He held my hand, and kissed it.

Nkosi: "Good."

Me: "Will we have to go into the middle of the Arena as well?"

Nkosi: "Not today, my love. Isn't this thing hot?"

Me: "No, don't take it off. I like it." He peeped under the veil and kissed my lips. "Stop it." I giggled.

Nkosi: "I miss seeing your face."

King: "Mehluli." Nkosi sat back in his chair, still holding my hand. It was such a joyful event. The was now a singer at the centre of the stage. His voice was so powerful and the crowd loved him. I could stand up and dance but definitely would never. I was too shy. When the song came to an end, the speaker came forward again.

Speaker: "And now, we introduce to you, His Majesty, King Sikhosana the Great one. The King of the nation. Along with the mother of the nation, our gracious Queen." King Sikhosana and his first queen walked up to the front. The crowd cheered. We waited until they quieted down.

Speaker: "I introduce to you, His Highness, Prince Sikhosana. The future King of our nation. The Royal Heir of the throne-" he couldn't even finish the praises before the crowd started screaming. Nkosi held my hand, standing up. We walked forward to their full view. The King stood on his other side, the queen on my other side. It was time.

Nkosi: "Introducing to the world, Mrs Sikhosana." He whispered in my ear. I smiled. The crowd settled down so the king could speak.

King: "I welcome you all, to this very important ceremony. My Prince has found himself a wife. The Sikhosana family is joyful for this new addition to our home, to our throne. The ancestors will now choose a name upon her life and reign." The healer came forward and knelt on the ground, shaking his bones. Everyone waited in anticipation. He looked up at the king. What was wrong? He got up and bowed to him.

Healer: "My King."

King: "The country is waiting." He hissed. The healer whispered in his ear. "No. Ask for another one." The healer was stuck. What was going on?

Nkosi: "Father?"

King: "Do it." He ordered the healer. The healer went down on his knees again, doing his chants. I wish this was done in private. Now everyone was waiting and thinking something is wrong. Was there something wrong? The healer looked very scared.

Healer: "I'm sorry, my King." My heart started racing.

Nkosi: "What is the problem father?"

King: "Nothing." He looked back at the crowd, speaking into the mic. "The ancestors have made themselves clear. The throne welcomes the future mother of the nation. Nobomi Thembisa Sikhosana." I was so shocked I could faint. Why would they choose the same name? I couldn't even hear the crowd rejoicing. All four of us were still confused and specifically my heart pained at this. This was probably hurting the king more than he let on but for the sake of peace, he kept the ceremony going. Nkosi stood behind me. I quickly removed the doubt and confusion from my face. He removed the veil from my face. I smiled, still looking to the ground. He held my hand, standing next to me. The band was playing and marching in. My heart was aching. I looked to my left, the king being on the other side of Nkosi. He clenched his teeth staring straight ahead, not even a flicker of emotion on his face but it was a lie because I could feel it. I could feel his heart bleeding.