NTOMBI (GIRL)

chapter 24

Well who thought that I Ntombi would be marrying the Prince of my land. I'm in love and I thank the gods for favouring me. Today is my wedding day and I couldn't believe it when Zodwa harshly woke me up with the numerous wedding songs she's been singing. She's happy that I'll be queen... well not yet but soon, either way I'll be the princess to the handsome Muzi.
:
:

Aaaaahhhh!!! I'm getting married!!! That's me panicking...
:
:

I'm eating porridge while Zodwa is sorting out my outfit. She's been of great help. I don't know what I would do without her honestly. I miss Muzi so much i can't wait to see him tonight. As for Eliza I don't want to think about her that much. That woman has been my nightmare. I trust Muzi but it's her I don't trust.
:
:

"Here we go, future queen of my land." Zodwa said tramatically handing me my outfit. Ignoring the sense of deja vu I slipped the dress on. It slightly resembles the one i had worn the day I ran away but this one is more beautiful. Crafted for only the best. It doesn't seem to be missing a a bead of colour. It's amazing. After she handed me some jewelleries to match my outfit. This has to be the queen that handled and organised things too. Her style of elegance shows in my outfit.
:
:

"I'm so happy for you Ntombi. You are my role model. When something goes south I'll remember that I can do anything because you can. Enjoy and remember that the Prince loves you. I see the way he looks at you. The admiration in his eyes matches with the way he looks at you." Zodwa almost made me cry with that speech. She's really been a friend to me. I never thought the woman whom I called to spy for me is now my best friend.
:
:
"Let's wait for the queen. She'll escort you out since your mother isn't here." I turned sharply at the mention of my mother.
:
:

"Zodwa I told you not to mention those people. I don't want to think of anything bad today. I'm going to marry Muzi and that's it. No mother nor Sipho or anything bad you hear. I know you mean the best but I really don't want to reminded of all those bad things that happened, especially today. Okay?" I didn't leave space for any further explanation. I think I kind of blew her bubble.
:
:

"Well...", zodwa said, "I think that's the queen." A knock saved us from the awkward atmosphere that I had created. The queen walked in with the widest smile and the most beautiful outfit with all kinds of the finest jewellery. "You ready??" She asked with her famous dazzling smile.
:
:

"I'm ready my queen." I responded. In my head I was like, dang let's do this. The queen with the help of Zodwa covered me with a blanket. It must have cost a fortune because it was so silky and warm. As the bride I had to be covered up and most importantly I shouldn't look at anyone in the eye as a sign of respect.
:
:

The queen escorted e out of the royal building with maidens behind us ulating and singing all kinds of Zulu songs. It's sad that non of my family was here. So would've loved for me to be handed over to Muzis' family and for a tough negotiation between the two families to occur but non of that happened. For me it's all different. My in law will be in place of my mother. She'll hand me over to Muzi as the elders bless us and gifts will be given to us.
:
:

It wasn't really hard for me not to look at anyone as a hat with beads that hang in front of my face was elegantly made for me. I sag on the mat with the Prince in front of me. In short he looked handsome. He's Zulu attire showed all the goodies that made me blush now and then. He is indeed a piece offering from my ancestors. He gave me a charming smile and I returned it back though doubting that he saw mine.

People danced and sang to welcome the king upfront.

"We are gathered here to witness an amazing reunion in this our kingdom. Fellow kings and royals. This is Prince Muzi and his to be wife, Ntombi. My children I wish you happiness, power and lot of heirs. May our ancestors continue to guide the two to continue leading this kingdom to greatness." People ulated, clapped and whistled at the kings' words. This was his way of introducing us to the people and giving us his blessings. I attempted to turn around but I then rememberedI asn't supposed to look at anyone. I really wanted to see this Eliza. Well at least she'll be the one seeing me marrying the Prince, I consoled myself. I just have to hang in there after all this I won't be seeing her. The quicker the better.
:
: