The Royals: A Kings Heart

Chapter 149

SASA'S POV_

The morning was so lovely and sunny. The women and children left very early in the morning, after I used the bathroom and washed my teeth. I decided to step outside for a bit. Turns out it was breakfast time. The men were sitting together eating, not one of them paying any attention to me. The women sat together as well but stared daggers. The children were playing a game not too far off. I walked over to them.

Me: "Molweni."

Ndiliswa: "Hello Thembisa." They all greeted, smiling. "Ufuna udlala nathi?" (Do you want to play with us?)

Me: "Andikwazi mna, kuzofuneka undifundise." (I don't know how to, you'll have to teach me.)

Ndiliswa: "Ndijonge ndiyidlala njani ulandele emva kwam." (Watch how I play then copy me.) She hopped and skipped strategically on the blocks.

Me: "Wow! Uyakwazi nyani uyidlala." (You're really good.)

Ndiliswa: "Enkosi, nawe yenza." (Thank you. Now it's your turn.) I tried to copy her rhythm but made a slight mistake. "Kulungile, phinda futhi." (It's okay, try again.) I tried again and she clapped her hands. I knew this game from my childhood but it was a little different here. I also learnt this tactic from my dad long ago. Whenever he played with me, he pretended he didn't know anything and made me teach him. Somehow, I think it contributed to building my confidence. We played a little more. Some of the older children left, I was left with about three, Ndiliswa among them. She seemed to be the leader of the group of all children even the old.

Me: "Ndili, kutheni ungakwazi uthetha ulwimi lwam endilithetha nomama wakho?"(Ndil, why can't you speak my language/English) We sat on the rock.

Ndiliswa: "Andikaqali eskolweni. Abanye sebeqalile bona. Sifundiswa xa sifika kwiminyaka esibhozo ubudala." (I haven't started school yet. Others have started. We only start at 8 years old.)

Me: "Wena unangaphi?" (How old are you?)

Ndiliswa: "Ndineminyaka emithandathu ubudala kodwa utata ufuna ndiye esikolweni neqela elilandelayo. Uthi ndihlakaniphe kakhulu." (I am 6 years old but my dad wants me to start school with the next group. He says I'm too smart.)

Me: "Ndivumelana naye nam. Uhlakaniphile, kwaye unentliziyo entle." (I agree with him. You're smart and you have a good heart.)

Ndiliswa: "Wena uzohlala nathi unaphakade?" (Will you stay with us forever?)

Me: "Andiyazi nam kodwa andiqondo njalo. Kuzofuneka ndibuyele kwelam ilizwe." (I don't know but I don't think so. I'll have to go back to my world.)

Ndiliswa: "Awuthandi uhlala nathi?" (Don't you like being here?) I smiled.

Me: "Ukuba lapha kunye nokwazi wena ibe lelona xesha lilungileyo nelixabisekileyo ebomini bam. Ndingathanda ukuhlala, kodwa andingowalapha." (Being here and getting to know you has been the best and most precious time in my life. I would love to stay, but i don't belong here.)

Ndiliswa: "Kulungile ke. Ngaba uya kutyelela ubuncinane?" (Okay then. Will you visit at least?)

Me: "Ukuba ndiyakwazi ukufumana indlela, ewe." (If I can find a way, yes.)

Ndiliswa: "Sele unayo indlela. Ungukumkanikazi wobuncwane. Xa uBhuti Mzingeli ebuyisile nesipho sakho, ungeza kum nam ndize kuwe." (You already have a way. You are the treasure queen. Once Mzingeli gives back your gift, you can come to me and I can come to you.) The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I stared at her. There's a reason. The reason, I was so drawn to her. I was looking at myself.

Me: "Andinakuthanda nto ngaphandle kokukundwendwela." (I'd love nothing more than to visit you.) I hugged her.

Ndiliswa: "Ndiyavuya kengoku." (I am happy now.) The urge to take her with me was almost overwhelming. I had a lump in my throat, my tears threatening to broadcast at any second. What was I to do? I needed to find Mzingeli, he had to explain this. Why was I drawn to her?