The Royals: A Kings Heart

Chapter 101

SASA'S POV _

The day has been okay. I'd met with the queens and they explained to me about protocol, dress code, security checks and everything. Turns out, she wasn't judging my dress because it was fine, but she was definitely judging my style. I think that's much worse. Nkosi has been withdrawn since our picnic. He'd gone back to his quiet shell of occasional smile and a slight chuckle instead of full blown laughter that I'd gotten used to. I know why but I was not about to snitch on my mother. She's the only one I had. Besides, it wasn't happening anymore, I wouldn't be subjected to her treatment as often and you can't change the past. So it's best just to let it go. I know Nkosinhle is only soft when it comes to me, no one else in his opinion deserves his grace and that is very scary because he can do anything to someone who hurts me. I can't let that happen. It was now dinner time and as usual, the family sat quietly at the table. I hadn't gotten to see the twins much. They really never appeared in the palace as if they didn't live there. I didn't know much about them. Amahle was busy with schoolwork today too but we planned to have a hang out tomorrow. Before bed, I needed to call Petu and find out how Siza is doing. Overall, it's been a good day. I sipped my juice.

Nkwe: "How is your first day inside a palace, Nobomi?" I looked at her.

Me: "It was lovely. You have a beautiful home."

Nhlanhla: "You didn't get lost? It's enormous."

Me: "Surprisingly, no. I've got an impeccable memory."

Nkwe: "Have you been down to the dungeons?"

Me: "Dungeons?"

Nhlanhla: "Yes, that's where grandpa locked and starved commoners. It's like a museum." She giggled.

Me: "Interesting. No, I haven't been to the dungeons." I sipped my juice.

Nhlanhla: "Maybe sometime this week I could show you. As a sister in law. We haven't spent time together."

Nkosi: "Try it."

Nhlanhla: "Bhuti I'm just trying to get to know her."

Me: "I'd love to." I smiled. Nkosi looked at me. What would she do? Lock me in a dungeon? That would be stupid because now everyone already knows where I'd be. "Are you studying Nhlanhla?"

Nhlanhla: "Why would I do that?" It only clicked then, these were princesses groomed to marry a prince who would give them anything they ask for. Why would they need to study?

Me: "I was just wondering if you have a schedule that I would need to consider. I'll just come find you when I'm done." She stared at me with a sizzle in her eyes. Our starters were brought to the table.

Nolwazi: "How was your day, my king?"

King: "Fine." He ate his starter.

Nolwazi: "That's good."

Nobantu: "Amahle, did you have a good day?"

Ama: "It was fine, mother." Okay, so dinner was awkward.

Nkosi: "Do you have any assignments?"

Me: "Only one so far. I need to call Khaya tomorrow so he can help me. I just hope he's not busy."

Nhlanhla: "Who is Khaya? Mother, didn't you forbid friends?"

Nolwazi: "I believe the king did." I looked at the King. He drank his wine, then stared at the glass.

Nkosi: "Friends aren't allowed inside the palace, yes but father didn't say anything about cutting off the outside world."

Nolwazi: "This is going to be a problem. Now, our family things will be discussed with God knows who. Perhaps you should go to your own house, Mehluli. Clearly whatever this girl is feeding you is working. You have thrown away all our customs, you have disrespected and humiliated me enough. It's fine, please, by morning you can leave. I don't want this girl in my house."