Royalty

5

"Nela, my love, bring our guests to the village center and tell everyone that there will be a feast in their honor and all are invited! Tell them to prep, for the feast will be this day next month." Dinah proclaimed as she lead Normani out of the place she had been trapped in for days.

"Dinah, what do you think you're doing? That type of feast will use up all our people and our resources," He said impatiently. She laughed, "It's ok, they are friends. It's all just a misunderstanding. We must show them how we got our name, and we will do it with a feast! Hurry! Go tell everyone!"

Nela rolled his eyes, "Yes my queen."

With that he alerted those around him to tell the village of the Queen's feast.

Dinah smiled as she held Normani's hand and lead her to the village center where her family was waiting. As soon as she saw her dear sisters and cousins she ran over and embraced them in a large hug.

"Ma famille, tu m'as beaucoup manqué. Dieu merci, tu vas bien," she chanted in French, the official language of New Caledonia.

"Normani!" They all cheered at the sight of their family member and leader.

Standing off to the side, to give the Hamilton's their privacy, Queen Dinah observed them. She listened in on their conversation as much as she could, they were so happy to see each other.

"Dinah, what are they saying?" Nela asked skeptically. She smiled, "They're just happy to see each other," Dinah answered as she marveled at the sight, "I miss my family," she sighed out as a tear rolled down her cheek. She laid her head against his shoulder, seeking comfort. He engulfed her in his arms as he kissed the top of her head, "It's ok babe, they're in a better place."

"Why them? Why did the Gods give them that fate? We've been nothing but good, and Gina and Seth were just babies," she cried out. "I know, I know," he cooed as Normani began walking over. "Thank you so much your Majesty," she started with a smile until she saw Dinah's state of mind, "Queen Dinah, what's wrong," she said her smile dropping immediately as she began to caress her face.

Dinah smiled as she placed her hand on top of Normani's, "I'm fine. Come now, introduce me to your family," she answered as she brought her hand down to hold at her side. "Are you sure? If you're not feeling well they don't need the feast."

"No. I insist. You are our honored guests," she said as she lead Normani back over to her family, "Now introduce me."

Normani smiled, "Reine Dinah, c'est ma famille. Mes sœurs, Ashlee, Arielle et mes cousins, Jean, Marc, Paul et Sirus," she said gesturing to each family member. Dinah bowed respectfully, "Bonjour heureux de vous rencontrer. C'est formidable de vous rencontrer officiellement. Je suis désolé pour votre traitement préalable, mais tout est réglé et Tonga vous accueille sur ses rives. Pardonnez nos actions précédentes. Ce soir, j'ai fait une fête en votre honneur, dans l'espoir que vous nous pardonniez pour nos méfaits," she explained. They all nodded eagerly, "Merci, merci."

Dinah smiled as she turned to face Normani who was looking up at her smirking,
"What?"

"Your French is good, but you have an accent," Normani pointed out, "It's cute."

Dinah gave a slight chuckle, "I don't know whether or not to say thank you."

Normani giggled in return, "You're welcome your majesty," she said as she squeezed her hand. The next second Nela was at Normani's side, basically ripping her hand off the Queen, "You are not worthy to touch her highness. Learn your place foreigner," he threatened. Normani glared at him as Dinah scoffed, "Nela how dare you? I told you to respect them," she argued. "But baby-" he started. "No buts, from now on you will be nice. Understood," she declared. He nodded hesitantly. "Good," she said, "Now wipe that pout away as I introduce you," she added as she pecked his lips.

A small smile grew on his face as he turned to face Normani. "Normani this is Nela, my fiancée, and trusted advisor."

He stuck out his hand for the ex-prisoner to shake.

"Je ne l'aime pas," she told Dinah flatly as she stared at his hand. "Just because the royals speak multiple languages doesn't mean the rest of us do. In my presence you will speak Tongan," he insisted as he continued to have his hand out. "Je ne vous réponds pas," she sneered. Dinah looked at her questioningly, "You may leave Nela dear," she said dismissing him. They shared a kiss before he walked away, leaving the two women alone. Dinah dragged the older girl to their current sleeping chambers.

"What was that about? You two couldn't have a compromise to at least pretend to behave?!" Dinah asked. "He has bad juju. I don't like him and I don't trust him. You're marrying that no neck thing," she asked. "That's my future husband, the future King of Tonga! You will not speak ill of him," she stated. "He is a pig! And if I had to bet on anybody who would've been the traitor I'd say him," she revealed.

Dinah narrowed her eyes, "You dare accuse Nela Otukolo of treason."

"I dare and I do. My people have a gift. Many call it different the gift different things: VooDoo, Magic, Sorcery, Madness, but the gift  my people have is pure. We connect with the Gods and the spirits of olden time who give us advice, impressions, and power when need be. As soon as, the one you call, Nela spoke I got a bad impression. There is something off about him and whether you choose to believe me or not is your problem, but I will be keeping close tabs on him though."

Normani was about to storm out but Dinah grabbed her by her wrist and pulled her in close. She glared at her menacingly. As she glared, the melanin goddess searched the eyes of the Queen and as her eyes quickly flicked down to stare at The Tongan's lips she couldn't help but attach hers to the young royal. And although confused, the Queen kissed back. When they separated Normani immediately looked away in shame, "I'm sorry your majesty, I should not have done that," she said trying to leave, but Dinah kept a firm grip.

"So why did you?"

Normani shrugged, "I couldn't help myself."

"We tell nobody, understood," Dinah declared. Normani nodded her head slowly as Dinah let her go, "Good, and if you ever speak about Nela like that again you will be on the next boat home."

"There are many things you are Queen Dinah; intelligent, emotional, skillful, seductive, charming, friendly, beautiful, but intimidating is not one of those things. I will not be leaving this island until we find your father's killer," she said as she backed Dinah up to her bed causing her to fall in it. She stared up at Normani who was smirking down at her, "Do I make myself clear your majesty?"

Dinah gulped down her pride and nodded her head. Normani smirked at her one last time before walking away from her presence. Dinah sat befuddled and confused in her royal home.

What just happened, she thought to herself, Did I just kiss Normani of New Caledonia? Did I really like that kiss? Ever since she crashed on my shores, everything has changed...