Mor

eThanJustASer
vant

I
ntr
oduct
ion
Mynamei sNdoni yamanzi .Idon' thav eal ast
namebecauseIwasl eftatanor phanage
withoutany thingel se, j
ustmyf i
rstname.I 'ma
sevent eenyearol dgi rl.Ili
vewi t hnineot her
orphanedgi rlsandI '
mt heel dest .Ihav eabest
fri
endnamedZi nzi whoal sol i
v esatt he
orphanage, shei saboutt oturnt hi r
teenandi s
secondol dest .Theonl ymot herweal lnowi s
theladyi nchar geoft heor phanage, weal l r
efer
toherasMama.Ial sohav easpi rit
ual guardi
an
namedShi ba.Idon' tknowhowshel ookslike
butshehasbeent heonepr otect ingmesi nceI
wasj ustal i
ttl
echi ld.Il ovelisteni ngt oherand
sheal sotaughtmehowt oreadandwr it
e.An
orphant hatcanr eadandwr itei sunusual
becausewedon' tgetsentt oschool li
kethe
chil
drenoft her ichandr oyal.Nooneknowsof
Shi
ba,
notev
enZi
nzi
.
.
Iliv
eint heki ngdom ofMhl abaOchumi l
ey o
(Ferti
l
eSoi l)whi chi sundert heruleofKing
Xhant i
andQueenNande.Theyar etherulersof
oneofAf r
ica'sgr eat estdynasti
es.Theyhav e
twosonsPr inceNt sikaandPr inceLizwi.The
kingdom isknownf orit'
srichfert
il
esoilthat
producesgr eatfar mi ngandagr i
cult
ure.It
tradesinv egetabl es, nut
s,spicesandmany
mor etoot herkingdoms.
[
03/01,
13:14]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t1
Iwokeupearl
yinthemorni
ngat4am asI
usual
l
ydo.Iwenttomakeaf i
reoutsi
deandput
abigpotofwateront
heli
vefl
ames.Wheni t
waswarm enoughIpour
edsomei nmysmall
zincwashingbasinandcar ri
edinsidetowash
mybody .Igotdressedi nmyragsandIwoke
thegirl
suptoalsowasht hemselves.Zi
nzi
helpedbaththeyoungeroneswhi leIwas
outsidemakingporridge.Mamaal sowokeup,I
gotherbathi
ngwat erandcar ri
edittoher
chamber .Weallfi
nishedandIser vedever
yone
awar m bowlofporridge.
.
Mama:
Ndoni,
Ineedtospeakt
oyou.(
Ilooked
upt
ogi
vehermyattent
ion)
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng,
Mama.
Mama: Youarenowtoooldtobel
ivi
nghere.
Youareattheri
ghtaget
ogoseekwor korget
marr
iedtoamanwhowi lll
ookaft
eryou.
Me:
ButMama,
I'
m notr
eadyf
ormar
ri
age.
Mama:Iknewy
ou'
dsayt
hat
.That
'
swhyIcame
upwi
thaplant
ogety
ouwork.
 
Me:
Youneedmeher
emor
e.Whoi
sgoi
ngt
o
hel
pyoul
ookaf
tert
hechi
l
dren,
Mama?
 
Mama:Ihavebeenl
ookingafterchi
l
drenf
or
year
s,l
ongbef
oreyourexi
stence.
Me:
You'r
enolongerayoungwoman.Youneed
metohel
pyoucook,cl
eanandgat
herfi
rewood.
Mama:Zinzihasbeenhel
pingyoudoall
your
chor
esforyearsnow.Sheisal
mostayoung
woman,she'
llhel
pmewi ththi
ngsar
oundher
e. 
Me:ButMama,I'
m notr
eadytogooutintothe
bi
gbadwor l
dandworkonthefar
ms.I'
v ehear
d
hor
ri
blest
ori
esaboutwhat'
soutt
here.
 
Mama: Iwouldnev ersendy
outooneoft he
far
ms,Ndoni .Igotyouworkatt
hepalaceasa
serv
antgirl
.Youwi ll
dowellt
herebecauseyour
handsdonotf earhardworkandI'
vegroomed
youwell.
 
Me:Theroy
alpal
ace,
Mama?(
Iwi
denedmy
ey
esinshock)
Mama:
Theyhav
eser
vantchamber
sther
e,
unli
keonthefar
mswhereworker
ssleepin
tent
s.Youwil
lbemuchsaf
eratthepalace.
 
Me: Mostoft heorphansinthi
skingdom are
l
ovechi l
drenofroyal men.Thei
rmother swer
e
al
soser vantsinpalacesanddiedduringchi
ld
bi
rth.Idon'twanttobeabedr oom mai dtot
he
pr
incesandendupwi tht
hesamef ate,Mama.
Mama: Themenont hefarmsar eworse,my
chil
d.Tobeabedr oom servanttoaprinceis
muchbet t
erthenbeingtreatedasanobj ectby
farm savages.Youdon'tneedt oworry,t
he
pri
nceschooset hepr et
tymai densandy ou
aren'
toneoft hem. 
Me: Whenar
ethepeopl
eatt
hepal
ace
expect
ingme?
Mama: I
ntwodaystime.Youwi ll
leav
ehere
tomor r
owatdawnbecausey ouneedtobe
assignedyourdut
iesandbeshownhowt odo
them.Doinghouseholdchoresandbeinga
royalserv
antaret
wodi f
ferentthi
ngs.
 
Me:You'r
emyelder,
Mamaandy ou'
vespoken.I
shal
ldoasyouwish.I'
l
lleav
eforthepal
ace
tomorr
ow.
Mama:Wewi l
lmi
ssy
oubutwhenagirlt
urns
i
ntoawomanshemustl
eave,
especi
all
yatan
or
phanage.
Me:Ineedt
ogof
etchwood.MayIbeexcused
pl
ease?
Mama:
Yesbutt
akeZi
nzi
wit
hyou.
Me:No,Zi
nzi
mustst
ayandwasht
hemor
ning
di
shes.
Mama:Becaref
uli
nthosewoods,
ther
elur
ksa
l
otofdanger
.
Me:I
'l
lbecar
eful
,Mama.I
'
llseey
ouwhenI
r
etur
n.
.
Istooduptookmyheadcloth,
ropeandaxe.I
bidtempor
aryfar
ewellt
othechil
drenand
promisedt
obringfr
uiti
fIbumpintoafrui
ttr
ee.
Imademywayt othedeepf orest .Thesol esof
myshoessot hinIfelteverystoneIst eppedon.
I'
m hopi ngtospeakt omyguar diantoday .I
rememberhowt erri
fiedIwaswhenIf i
rstheard
hervoi cethi
nkingit'
swi tchcraftbutshe' sa
spiri
tofl i
ghtnotdar kness.Iwal kedt othebi g
treewher eIusuallysitandt alktoShi ba.Isat
under neaththetree,fel
tit'
sbr anchesshake
gentle,let
ti
ngoutawar m windofpeaceandI
knewshe' sher e.
.
Shi
ba:
Ndoni
yamanzi
(shesai
dgent
ly)
.
Me:
Hel
l
oShi
ba,
myhear
tisf
eel
i
ngheav
ytoday
.
Shiba:Iknow, Icanfeel
thefenceenergy
aroundy ou.Ialsoknowit'
saboutgoingtot
he
palace.
Me:I
'm af
raid,
Shi
ba.I
'm st
il
lpureandI
'
m af
rai
d
t
hatIwon'tbesoformuchlonger.
Shi
ba:
I'
ll
alway
sbewi
thy
ou,
Ndoni
.Mydut
yis
t
okeepyousaf
eandI'v
ebeendoi
ngt
hatsi
nce
t
hedayy
ouwer ebor
n.
Me:Thenwhywon'
tyout
ell
mewhomypar
ent
s
ar
e? 
Shiba:Thatwoul
dmessupt
hel
i
fej
our
neyy
ou
arealr
eadydesti
nedf
or.
 
Me:Thenify
ouareher
etoprot
ectmet
hendo
somethi
ngsoIwon'
thavet
ogot ot
her
oyal
pal
ace.
Shiba:Ican'
tdot hat
,chi
l
d.Goi ngthereisapar t
ofyourdest i
ny.You'
remorethenj ustanor phan,
Ndoni.Youar edesti
nedforgreatnessbuty ou
al
soneedt ofoll
owthestepsofy ourjourney
fi
rst.
Me:Thepal
aceisf
arfrom her
e,Shi
ba.Iwon'
t
beabl
etovi
sity
ou.(shel
aughedsoftl
y)
Shiba:
Ndoni ,
I'
m aspir
itofli
ght
,loveandpur
it
y,
chil
d.I
'm notthet
reethatyou'
resit
ti
ngunder
.
I'
l
lgowi t
hy ouwherev
ery ougountily
oudon'
t
needmeany
mor
e.
Me:I'
m notst
rongenoughf
ort
hisnewdest
iny
,
Shi
ba.
Shi
ba:Youarethest
rengt
h,chi
ld.Thefi
reof
goodnessbur
ninsi
deofyou.Beli
eveinyour
sel
f.
Me:
Shi
baam Iugl
y?
Shi
ba:You'
rethemostbeauti
fulmaidenint
his
ki
ngdom.Insi
deandoutside,
don'tl
ist
ento
whatother
ssayaboutyourouterl
ooks. 
Me:Thanky
oubutIneedt
ocol
l
ectwoodand
goback.
Shiba:RememberNdoni yamanzi,theroyal
palaceiswher ey ouneedtober i
ghtnow, itwil
l
l
eady out oy ourtruei
denti
ty.Notallwholurk
thoseroy alpassagesarebad.Youwi llsoon
fi
ndout ,chil
d.Nowgoandgetwoodbef oreyou
getint
ot rouble.
Me:
Youpr
omi
sey
ou'
l
lbewi
thme,
Shi
ba?
Shi
ba:
Ipr
omi
se,
chi
l
d.
.
Istoodupandcol l
ectedgood, dr yfir
ewood.I 'm
neverinf earwhenI 'mi nthefor estal one
becauseI 'vegotaguar di
an.Itiedt hewoodand
placeditonmyhead.Iwal kedt ot heor phanage
andt helittl
egi r
lscamet omel aughi ng.Iam
goingtomi sst hem.Weonl yhav et womeal for
aday .Sof tpor ridgeint hemor ni ngandbr ead
withteaatni ght .Ikneadeddoughanddi d
choreswhi leIwai t
edt oittoriseenoughf orme
tobakei t.If edt hechi ckenandsweptt he
grounds.I '
m onmyf eetmostoft heday .Iput
thebeaut ifullyrisendoughi napotandouti ton
thewar m coal st obakebr eadf ort hisev ening.
Laterintheev eningIser vedthebr eadIbaked
withtea.Weal l atethemeal wehav eev ery
singl
eday .Thechi ldrenwentt obedandMama
also.Zinzi andIwer ecleaningt hecupsand
dishes. 
.
Zinzi
:Ndoni
,Mamatoldmethaty
ouaregoi
ng
toli
vewitht
heroy
alfami
ly(
shesmil
ed)
Me:I
'
m notgoingt
oli
vewi
ththeroyal
fami
l
y,
Zi
nzi
.I'
m goi
ngtobet
hei
rser
v ant
.
Zinzi
:Yes,buty
ouwillsti
l
lseethepr i
nces.I
hearthatal
lofthemaidensinthekingdom
wanttomar ryt
hem.Ialsohearthattheyare
handsome.(webothlaughed)
Me:
Royal
smarryroy
als,
Zinzi
.Gi
rl
sli
keus
mar
ryhar
dwor
kingmenandy ouaret
ooyoung
t
oknowwhatahandsomemani s.
Zinzi
:Iwanttomarryapri
ncewhenIr
eachthe
ageofmat ur
ity,
notanobodywhoworksi
na
farm.Sodon'tspoi
lmyfantasi
es.
 
Me: Myapologi
es,si
ster
.Imeantnooff
ence.
I
'm surethatpr
incey
ou'l
lmarr
ysomedaywi l
lbe
aluckymant ohaveasweetgir
lli
keyouas
yoursel
f.
Zi
nzi
:Asweetwoman,
I'
ll
beawomanbyt
hen,
notagi
rl(
Ilaughedandshookmyhead)
Me:
Likey
ousayt
hen.
Zinzi
:I
'l
lmissyou,Ndoni
.Theot
herki
dsar
etoo
youngtoconfi
dein.
Me:I'
l
lmissyoutooandy ou'
llnowtakeover
t
heroleofbi
gsistert
hatIhad.I'
vegotfai
thi
n
youandI'
l
lvi
sitwheneverI'
m all
owed. 
Zi
nzi
:Ican'
treadst
ori
esl
i
key
ou.
 
Me:Readi
ngismyspecialgi
ft
,justassi
ngi
ngi
s
your
s.Si
ngfort
hem andtheywi l
ll
oveit
.
Zi
nzi
:Whati
fIf
ail
att
her
ole?
Me: You'
vegotnocompet it
ion.Don'
tcompar e
yoursel
ftome.You'reauniquebeaut i
fulgi
rl
.
Pleasepromisemet hatyou'
llkeepyoursel
f
pure,Zi
nzi.Don'
tfoolar
oundwi thboys.
Zinzi
:Ipromise,
you'
vebeenagoodexampl
e
andI'
llfol
lowyourl
ead.
Me:
Butpr
omi
set
oal
way
sbey
our
sel
fandno
oneel
se.Nowgi
vemeahug.(
wehugged)
Zinzi
:Let
'sfi
nishbefor
eMamacomplai
nsand
saywef i
nishthecandl
es.(
wel
aughed)
.
Wef inishedwashi ngt hedishes.Wewor eour
sleepi ngr agsandZi nziwentt obed.Iki ssedall
thel i
t t
lekidsf ir
stbecauseIdon' tknowwhenI '
ll
seet hem agai n.I'
llmisst hem somuchandI
want edtot eacht hem howt or ead, justasI've
beent aughtbymyguar di
an.Idon' tneedt o
packbecauseIonl yhav eaf ewst ufft hatI'
l
l
wr apupi nanol dsheetsi nceIdon' thav eany
bags.Ibl ewt hecandl eoutandwentt osleep
nextt oZinzi becausewesl epti npai rs.An
orphanagemi ghtnotbet hebestpl acet omost
butt omei thasbeenhome.I '
l
l begoi ngt othe
roy alpalacet omor rowandI 'mf eelingsoscar ed.
Mypl ani st odomydut i
esasbestaspossi ble
whi lest i
lltryi
ngt oremai nunseensomehow.
Myey esgr ewheav yandIf inall
ycl osedt hem
andf
ell
asl
eep
#Nosi
[
03/01,
13:15]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t2
.
#Ndoni
Iwaswokenupbyt heloudearlymor ni
ng
crowingsoundofourr ooster.Itwasear l
y
becauset hesunhasnotcomeupy et
.Igotup
anddeci dest hatI'dwashwi thcoldwat ertoday
.
Afterget tingr eady,Ist
artedaf ir
eandputup
bathingwat eront wobigpot sforwhent he
otherswakeup.Mamasai dthatIcaneatt he
pieceofl eftoverbreadfrom lastnightfor
breakf ast.Imadesugarwat erandsatdown
andat e.Zi nziwalkedintotheeat i
ngarea
yawni ng.
.
Zi
nzi
:HawuNdoni,werey
ougoi
ngt
oleav
e
wi
thoutsay
inggoodby
e?
Me:
Whywoul
dyout
hinkI
'
ddot
hat
?
Zinzi
:You'
rei
nyourdr
essal
ready
.Soclear
ly
you'r
ereadyt
ogotoli
vewit
htheroy
als.
Me:
Zinzi
,howmanyt
imesmustIsa.
..
Zinzi
:Iknowyou'
reonl
ygoingt
obeaservantt
o
them,notli
vewit
hthem (
shecutmeshor
t)
Me:Ialreadyputwateront hef
ir
e.You'
ll
haveto
monitoritandthenl
atercookporri
dge.Make
sur
eit'senoughtofi
llthetummiesofallwho
wil
leatit.
Zinzi
:You'v
eshownmehowt odoitmany
ti
mesbef ore.Don'
tworryIwi
l
lnotst
arv
eour
Mamaandl it
tl
esist
ers.
 
Mama:
Goodmor
ning(
shewal
kedi
n)
Me:
Goodmor
ning,
Mama.
Zi
nzi:
Mamawhenwil
lIbeol
denought
ojoi
n
Ndonii
nther
oyal
pal
ace?
Mama:Wher
ear
eyourmanner
sthi
smor
ning,
Zi
nzi
? 
Zi
nzi
:Myapol
ogi
es,
Mama.Goodmor
ning,
how
di
dyousl
eep?
Mama:Good,mychil
d.Youwil
lj
oinNdoni
when
your
eachtheageofmatur
it
y.
Zi
nzi
:ButI
'
m mat
uref
ormyage.Whynotsend
menow?
Mama: Ndoniwastwi
ceasmat ur
eaty ourage
butIst il
ldi
dnotsendherout.Waityourtur
n,
Zinzi.Thewor l
doutsi
deofthi
sorphanageis
notaspr et
tyasyouri
maginati
onall
owedy outo
think.(Isuddenl
ygotmoreafrai
d)
Me:List
ent oMama,Zinzi
.Sheandtheli
tt
le
onesneedy ouwaymor ethenther
oyal
family
.
Wheny oumat ur
eenought henMamawill
give
youherblessi
ngstogo. 
Mama: GetreadytogoNdoni ,mychil
d.The
donkeycarr
iagethatwil
ltakeyoutotheroyal
pal
aceiswai t
ingoutsi
dealready
.Youknow
howstubborndonkey sar
et heymightnotwant
towalkatsomemoment s.
Zi
nzi
:I
fonl
ywecoul
daf
for
dhor
ses.
Mama: Thoseareluxur
iesonl
yroy
alt
yandt
he
weal
thycanafford,myZinzi
.
Me: I
'mreadytogonow, Mama.Itsaddensme
thatIhavetosaygoodbyetoyou.Mygr at
itude
goesoutt oyouforr
aisi
ngme.Ishallnotforget
thegenerosi
tythaty
ou'veshownme.
Mama: Gowell
,Ndoni
yamanziandrememberto
notletmedown.Showthem t
hatyouarewel
l
groomed.
Me:
Iwon'
tl
ety
oudown,
Mama(
Ihuggedher
)
Zi
nzi
:Pr
omi
set
onev
erf
orgetaboutus,
sist
er.
 
Me:
Iwi
l
lnev
erf
orgetaboutmyf
ami
l
y.
Zi
nzi
:Dosendmyr
egar
dst
othepr
inces.(
we
l
aughed)
Me:
Whoshal
lIsaysendt
heser
egar
ds?
Zi
nzi
:Thef
utur
epr
incessZi
nzi
(wel
aughed)
.
Iembr acedZi nziandMamaonceagai n.Iwent
tokissthesl eepingl i
ttleones.Iwi shZi nzi
couldseej usthowl uckyshei st
hatshecanst i
l
l
l
iveher eandbeshi elded.It ookmyr agst hat
werewr appedi nanol dsheetandmademyway
totheunst abledonkeyl edwoodencar r
iage.I
greetedtheol dmanwhowi llbeleadingt heway .
Igotont hecar ri
ageandwav edasi tslowl y
tookof f
.Ithasnoshi eldsoi fitrai
nsI'llbe
soaked.Thesunst artedt or i
seandi tbecame
sohott hatIhadt otaket hesheetmycl ot hes
werei ntocov ermyheadf r
om t heheat .The
donkeyst oppedandwoul dnotgof urtherand
themanhadt obegi t.Itfi
nallymov edagai nand
wef i
nallywenti ntot hemai nlandwher et he
royalsandt herichlive.Thehousesl ooked
beaut i
fulandbig.Wesawt hepal aceupthehil
l
andIcoul dnotbelieveit'
ssize.Theguar dsat
thegat ewouldnotal l
owt hesmel l
ydonkeyin
soIt hankedthegent l
emen, t
ookmyst uffand
walkedar oundtothest affentranceofthe
palace.Ilookedatthebeaut i
fulAfri
can
rondav el
ssurroundingther oyalhome.Igotto
thedoorandanol dladygr eetedme.
.
Her
:I'
m Jongi
l
e,I
'
mtheheadser
vantoft
he
pal
ace.
 
Me:
I'
m Ndoni
yamanzi
.
Jongil
e:Thi
sisZipho,shehasbeenwithusf
or
afewy ear
sandst i
l
lshowyouhowt hi
ngswork
here.Comewithus( west
eppedinsi
de)
Zipho:Thiswil
lbeyourunif
orm,Ndoni.You
shallundernocir
cumstancesbeseenwal ki
ng
aroundtheroyalhomewithoutweari
ngi tor
therewill
betroubl
e.
Me:
Iunder
stand.
Zipho:I
fyoudoasy ouaretoldt heny ou'l
lget
i
nt onotr
ouble.Youdonotengagewi ththe
royalf
amilyortheirguestsunlesst heytellyou
tooandnev erl
ookt hem intheey es.Yourhead
mustbebowedwheny ouarearoundt hem and
wheny ougreetthem youbowwi t
hbot hknees.
Me:SoifIseethem doIj
usti
gnor
ethem and
notgr
eet?(shesmil
ed)
Zipho:No,youwi l
l bowandaddr essthem
respectf
ull
y.Likesayf ori
nst
anceQueenNande
walkedinrightnow.Youwi llbowandsaymy
Queenandwai tuntilshet
ell
sy outostandand
thenyouleav eunlesssheasksy outodo
somet hi
ngf orher
.
Me:
Iunder
stand.
Zipho:
ComeI '
ll
showyoutooursl
eeping
chambers.YouandIwi
ll
beshari
ngsinceI'
m
yourmentor.
.
Sheledt hewayt otheoutsideoftheroyal
houseandwegotgr eet
edbyr ondavalhouses,
theyaren'tasbeauti
fulastheonesIsawwhenI
walkedinbutt heyarefarbett
erthenthe
orphanage.Wewal kedi nt
ooneoft hem andit
hadtwosmal lsi
nglebeds. 
.
Zi
pho:Theoneint
heri
ghtisy
ours.Ihav
e
al
readypr
epar
edthebeddi
ngforyou.
 
Me:Wil
lIsl
eepal
oneonabed?(
shel
aughed
sof
tl
y)
Zipho:Yes,
youwi
ll
.Getdr
essedi
ntoy
our
unifor
m soI'
ll
got
rai
nyou.
 
Me:
ZiphoIt
hinkMamaJongi
l
edoesnotl
i
ke
me.
Zipho:Don'
twor
ry,
shedoesnotl
i
keanyofus
(welaughed)
Me:
Ithoughti
t'
sme.OkayI
'
m dr
essedand
r
eadyt
ogo.
Zi
pho:
Wher
earey ourcl
othes,
Ndoni
?(Il
ooked
downi
nembar
rassment)
Me:Ionl
yhavethr
eedressesandt
heyar
e
wr
appedinthatol
dsheet.
Zipho:Don'tworry
,wearethesamesizeIthi
nk.
I
'llgi
veyousomeofmycl ot
hes.Her
ewear
theseony ourfeet
.(shegavemedecentshoes)
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Zipho.
(Ismi
l
ed)
.
Iputont heshoes, theyaren'tnewbutt heyare
mor et hickeratthesoles.Wewal kedoutofour
sleepingchamberandbacki ntotheroyalhome.
Ziphoshowedmeev er
ythingthatIneededt o
knowaboutbei ngar oyalservant
.Jongilethen
l
at ercameandt estedallt
henewser vantsandI
remember edmostofmyl essons.Ther earefiv
e
ofusbutonl yt
hr eewil
lbechosent ober oy
al
ser v
ant s.Imadesur eIexcell
edint hepract
ical
testbecauseIdi
dnotwantt
odisappoi
ntMama.
Afterwefini
shedJongi
l
eassembledus.
.
Jongil
e:I
'vebeenwatchingast hef i
veofyou
didyourduti
es.Thenamesoft hosewhowi ll
stayareKholi
we,Veli
leandNdoni yamanzi.The
twonamest hatweren'tcall
edpleaseheadback
toyourhomesandl eavet heroyalgroundsat
once(sheleftus)
Zi
pho:
Iknewy
ou'
dpass(
shehuggedme)
Me:
Ihadagoodt
eacher(
wel
aughed)
.
Ayoungmanwalkedinandt
heotherst
aff
bowedandIf
igur
edthathemustberoy
alt
y.I
al
sobowedli
ketherest
.
.
Hi
m:IseeJongi
l
ehasnewr
ecr
uit
s.
Zi
pho:
Yes,
Pri
nceLi
zwi
.
Him:Ihopet
hattheywill
beabletodot
hei
r
duti
es.(
hedel
iberat
elybrokeacup)
Zi
pho:
I'
ll
geti
t,y
ourhi
ghness.
Lizwi:
Iwanthertogeti
t(hepoi
ntedatoneof
theothersandshecl
eanedupandhebr oke
another)
Zi
pho:
I'
ll
hel
p.
Li
zwi:Sheifmor
ethencapabl
esur
ely(
thegi
rl
st
art
edt ocry
)
.
Hebrokeaf ewmor eandlaughedashedi dit.I
mightnotknowal otofpeoplebutIdoknow
meanpeople.Heleftthekit
chenarea.Wewent
t
ohelpthegi r
lcl
eanupt hebrokenglasses.
.
Zipho:Ndoninevershedtear
sli
kethatift
hat
wast ohappentoy ou.I
t'
sofnouse,these
peopleareroyal
tyandwear enot
hing.They
don'tevenseeusashumanbei ngs.That'
s
Pri
nceLizwi
,hehasameanst
reakandenj
oys
humil
iat
ingother
s. 
Me:
That
'snotni
ce.
Zi
pho:
Theydon'
tcar
e.
Me:
Howi
stheot
herpr
ince.
ZiphofNtsi
kadoesnotshowhi mselfmuch.He
i
sonhi swaybackf rom waraswespeak.Hei s
thetypeofpri
ncewhowant stogot owar
alongsi
dethekingdomswar r
ior
s.Ican'
ttel
lyou
muchabouthim.
.
Wecontinuedtoworkandtheworkherewas
easysi
ncet heyhav
ethebestequi
pment.
Jongi
lecamei ntot
heroom Iwasbusyi
n.
.
Jongil
e:Ndoni ,
sinceyou'
veexcelledmostin
thetestIhaveputy ouindutyofPr inceNt
sika'
s
chamberl at
eronwhenher etur
nsf rom war.
Youar etocleananywoundorbr uisehemight
hav
e.
Me:Senior
,Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llr
eadyt
ohel
pthe
r
oyalfamil
yyet.
Jongi
l
e:Thati
sanorderory
oucanpackand
l
eavethegr
ounds.
Me:
No,
it'
sfi
ne.I
'
lldoasy
ousay
.
.
Ifol
lowedhert oanot
herdiv
isi
onoft heroyal
homeandgott ol
dit'
sPri
nceNtsika'
sprivate
chamber .Itwashugeandnott oment i
on
beauti
ful.Icleanedandgoteveryt
hingreadyfor
hi
sar r
ival.Idohopehedoesnothav ebig
wounds.Whywoul daPri
ncechooset ogot o
warwhenhehasment odothat?Iconti
nued
withmywor k.
.
.
#Nt
sika
I'
m PrinceNt si
ka, el
destsonoft heKi ngand
Queenandnexti nli
neoft het hrown.I '
mt wenty
yearsold.Isati nthehor secar r
iageandwi shed
i
tcoul dgof aster.I'
vebeenoutonwarf orthree
mont hsandmybodyi sexhaust ed.IknowI '
l
l
haveanewser vantmai dwhenIr etur
nbecause
mybr otherimpr egnatest hem al l.Isweart hat
boydoesnotknowhowt okeephi smanhoodi n
hispant .Wedr ewnear ert other oyalhomeand
Ifel
trelieved.Idon'thav eal otofbr ui
ses
becausei twasaneasywarbutIdoneedt o
havet hem cleanedsot heydon' tgeti nfect
ed.
Thegat esopenedandIsawt heQueen
standingbyt heent rance.Ist eppedoutwi tha
bitofal impinmyr i
ghtl eg.Shecamet o
embr aceme.
.
Mother
:Ohmyson.Lookhowexhaustedy
ou
l
ook.Whenwi
l
lyoustopgoingonwars,Nt
sika?
Me:
I'
m awar
ri
or,
Mot
herandI
'
m agr
eatone.I
'
ll
gotowarwi
thmymenunt
ilIt
akeont
he
thr
ownaski
ng.
Mother:You'
reapri
nce,Nt
sikaandthefutur
e
successoroftheKi
ng.Whathappensifyoudie
i
nbat t
le?
Me:Nowyouinsul
tme,
mot
her
.Hav
eyougot
t
hatl
it
tl
efai
thinme?
Mother
:Iexpectyoutobebyyourf
ather
'ssi
de
dur
ingcounselmeeti
ngssoyoucanlear
nthe
waysofthekingdom.
Me: Ineednotlearnthewaysoftheki
ngdom,
theyalreadyrunthr
oughmyv ei
ns.Nowplease
excuseme, myQueen.Ineedtogotomy
pri
vatechamber sandrest.
Li
zwi:Goodt
ohaveyouback,
brother.Jongi
l
e
assi
gnedayoungmaident
oyou.Enjoy.
Me:YouknowIdonott
akeadvantageof
ser
vantgi
rl
s.That
'
smoreyourst
ylebrot
her
.(I
l
eftt
hem)
.
Thel eathershieldI'
m wear ingfeel
sheav i
erby
themi nute.ItoldBantu,myper sonalguardto
alsogoandr est.Wehav ehadal ongpastf ew
mont hsandI '
m awar ri
orsoIneednott obe
protectedbyanot her
.Iwal kedintomy
chamber sandcl osedthedoor .Iputmyshar p
i
ronweaponsdownandt ookt hewarcl ot
hes
off.Whensuddenl yaser vantcameandbowed
i
nf rontofme.Howbeaut ifulshelook!
.
Her
:Yourhi
ghness(
shespokesobeaut
if
ull
y)
Me:
Youmayr
ise(
shest
oodupsl
owl
y)
Her
:I'
m Ndoni
yamanziandI'
vebeenassi
gned
t
oyourchamberst
onight.
 
Me:Goodt
omeety
ou,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.I'
m
Nt
sika.
Ndoni
:Iknowwhoy ouare,
mypr i
nce.I
'v
e
pr
epar
edev er
ythi
ngfory
ou.Iknowy oucome
f
rom war.Ar
ether
eanywoundst
haty
ou'
dli
ke
metolookat?
Me:Noseri
ousonesbutI
'
vegotonet
hati
tches
att
hebackofmyneck.
Ndoni
:Thensi
tdownandI
'
llcl
eani
tfory
ou
bef
orei
tgetsi
nfect
ed.
.
Shewentt otakealit
tl
ebasinandputaclothi
n
i
t.Isatandfeltherwarm handstouchmyneck.
Shewassogent l
e.Shedidwhatshedidand
fi
nished.Shetol
dmeshef i
nishedandIst
ood
up.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Ndoni
.Ev
ent
hei
tchi
sbet
ter
. 
Ndoni
:Mypl
easur
e,Yourbathisr
eadywhen
youar
e.(
shel
ookednervous)
Me: Relax,
Ndoni I'
m notgoi
ngtotake
advantageofy ou.I'
l
lbathmysel
fbutyouneed
tokeepy oursel
fbusyheresotheywil
lthi
nkyou
ar
edoi
ngy
ourdut
y.
Ndoni:
Idon'
tmi
nddoi
ngt
hewor
k,Pr
ince
Ntsi
ka.
Me: Ot
herroyal
smightenj
oybeingbat
hedby
serv
antsbutIdon'
t.Youmaysitdownand
that
'sanorder.
Ndoni
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
.
Iwatchedast hemostbeaut if
ulladyI '
veever
seenwal kedtot hechairandsitdown.Apar tof
mehat edt hatshehast odoal lofthis.Iknow
Li
zwi willwanttot akeadvantagesoonbutI
knowt hatIwon' tall
owi t
,notwithher .Ist
epped
i
nt othebat handwashedmy self.Thewar m
soapwat erstungsomeoft hebr uisesonmy
bodybuti twasnott oomuch.Af terfi
nishi
ngI
steppedoutoft hebat handknockedsomet hing
over.Ndoni camer ushinginandsawmynaked
body.Shei mmedi atelybowedherheadand
apologised.Iwrappedacl otharoundmywai st.
.
Me:I
'
mtheonewhoneedst
oapol
ogi
se.Igota
bi
tcl
umsy
. 
Ndoni
:I'
l
lgeti
t,Pr
inceNt
sika.
Me:
Ndoni
,pl
easel
ookatme.
Ndoni
: I
'
vebeenadvi
sedagai
nstl
ooki
ngr
oyal
ty
di
rect
lyint
heeyes.
Me:Wel
lI'
mr oy
alt
yandIwoul
dli
kef
ory
out
o
l
ookatme. 
.
Shelookedupsl owlyandImanagedt ol ookat
herfaceforthefir
stti
me.Beautif
ul l
adysheis
andjudgingbyhowsher eact
edbyseei ngmy
nakedbodyshe' ssti
ll
pure.NowIr eal
lyhaveto
keepherawayf rom Lizwisomehow.She
l
ookedi ntomyey esbutimmediatelybowedher
headafterwards.
.
Me:
MayIknowy
ourage?
Ndoni:
I'
m sev
ent
eenaboutt
otur
nei
ght
een,
my
pr
ince.
Me:Iseeyou'
rereadi
ngoneoft
hebooksonmy
shel
fbecausei
t'
sopen.
Ndoni
:Idonotknowhowt
oread,
mypr
ince.(
I
wal
kedclosert
oher)
Me:
Youar
enotl
yi
ngt
oapr
incear
eyou?(
I
smi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:Yes,
Iwasr
eadi
ngi
t.Myapol
ogi
sef
or
l
yi
ng.
Me:
Howdi
dyoul
ear
ntor
ead?
Ndoni
:I'
m sel
ftaught,
pri
nceNtsi
ka.It
ooka
bookasachil
dandt aughtmysel
f.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowi
fyourr
eadi
ngi
scor
rect
?
Ndoni
:IdonotbutI
'
m hopi
ngt
hati
tis.
Me:
Readapar
agr
aphf
ormeandI
'
llt
ell
you.
 
.
Shewentt ot aket hebookandr eadso
beautiful
ly.Leav ingmymout hwi deopenduet o
shock.Ican' tbel i
ev et hatshei ssel ftaughtbut
i
tmustbet ruebecauseser vantgi r
lsdon'tgot o
school.Isuddenl ywant edt ospendmor et i
me
withthisgi rlbutnotf orimpur edeedsbutt o
knowwhat '
sgoi ngoni nhermi nd.Shei sclearly
i
ntelli
gentbuti shol dingbackbecauseI '
ma
pri
nceandsheaser v ant.Sher eadawhol e
chapterandI 'v
er eadt hebookmanyt imes
beforebuthear i
ngherr eadi tmadei tsoundso
newt omyear s.Ist oppedherandaskedher
whatshet hinksaboutwhatsher eadandshe
tol
dmeexact l
ywhatshet hought .Shegav eme
anhonestr ev i
ewandmi nedi f
fersf rom hersbut
shest oodbyherr ev i
ew.Il ovedt hef actthat
shecant hinkf orher selfanddoesnotagr eet o
allIsayliket heot hermai dens.Shehel pedme
putlotiononmybackandshesmel ledgood.A
combi nationofl av enderandhoney .Itol
dher
thatshemaygoandt oldherwhi chwayt ot ake
toav oi
dmeet i
ngLizwi .Icouldnotst opthinki ng
about ,
Ndoni butIhav et obecauseI '
m apr ince
andshe' saser vant.Theonl ywaywecanbe
togetherisifImakehermybedr oom serv ant
andIdonotwantt odot hattoher .Shemi ght
beaser vantbutIfeelshedeser vesmor et hen
that.Il
ookf orwardt omeet ingheronceagai n.I
hav emanybooksshecanr eadbecauseshe
l
ov esit.Igotint
omysi l
kroy alcoversand
exhaust i
onf i
nal
lygotme, wi theyesheav yI
fi
nallyfellasl
eep.
#Nosi
[
03/01,
15:10]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t3
.
#Li
zwi
I
'
m Pr
inceLi
zwi
,secondbor
nchi
l
dtot
heKi
ng
Xhant
iandQueenNande.I
'
m ei
ght
eeny
ear
sol
d.
Isatatthebigoaktabl
easMot herandIwai ted
fort
heKi ngandhisfav
ourit
esont ojoinusfor
morningfest
ivi
ti
estocelebr
atehisreturnf
rom
war.
.
Mother:Li
zwi,
whyareyouher
eandnotwi
th
yourf
atherandbr
other
?
Me:Mother
,webot
hknowthatnei
theroft
he
menyoumenti
onedwantmenearthem.
Mot
her:
That
'snott
rue,
youar
eapr
inceanda
mannow.
Me: Webothknowt hatNt
sikai
sfat
her'
s
favour
it
e.I'
l
lalway
scomesecondt oNtsika.
Notonlyinbir
thor
derbutalsoi
nthefavourof
King.
Mother:Yourfat
hercaresf
orbothhissons
equal
ly
,y oumightbethesecondbornbutthe
l
oveandf avourt
heKinghasf orhi
ssonsis
equal
.
.
Myf atherandbrot herwal
kedinlaughing.
Clearl
ytheconv ersati
onisamusingandi t
causedmet oclenchmyj awinfrustr
ation.
Mot herandIroset oourfeetandgreetedthem.
.
Father
:MyQueen, y
ouhav etobeproudofyour
fi
rstborn.Hehasbeenagr eatwar
ri
orandwe
havenotlostawarsinceheleadsourmen.
Mother:Iam proud,myKingbutl
etusnot
encouragethi
st oomuch.Ntsi
kamustbeby
yoursidehereattheki
ngdom andonallofyour
tr
avels.Heneedst ol
ear
nwhataki ngdoes.
 
Fat
her:
Therei
spl
ent
yofti
mefort
hat,
I'
m not
goi
ngtodi
eanyti
mesoonsohesti
l
lhasti
me
bef
orebei
ngki
ng.
Mot
her
:Nt si
ka,I
'
vefoundyouasuitabl
ematch
f
ormar
riage.Sheisayoungpr
incessfr
om a
smal
lbutdecentki
ngdom.
 
Ntsika:
Mot
her
,doyour
ememberwhat
happenedt
hel
astt
imeyout
ri
edtof
indmea
wife?
Me:
Thati
sol
dnews.Ar
eyoust
il
lmadatme
f
ort
hat
?
Ntsi
ka:Youhadi
nter
cour
sewit
hthemaiden
t
hatwaschosentobemywife(her
aisedhi
s
voi
ce)
Fat
her
:Cal
m now,
myy
oungpr
ince.
Me:Ihelpedy ouout,
youshouldbet hanking
me.Shewasnotev enpureandy ouwoul donly
havefoundoutony ourweddingni ghtthatshe
hashadbedr oom deal
ingsbefore.Whoknows
howmanypr incesshehasbeenwi th?You
shoul
dbegr ateful
andnotinsultme.
Ntsi
ka:
Ifeel
alotoft
hings,
brot
herbutgr
atef
ul
i
snotoneofthem.
Mot
her
:Nt
sikacal
m down.Yourbr
otheri
sri
ght
,
thefamil
yoft
hatgir
lassur
edusthatsheis
purebuti
twasall
justali
e.I
fitwasnotforyour
brot
herwewouldnothaveknown.
Fat
her:Lizwidi
dnotknowt hegir
lwasnotpure
unt
ilaft
erhedidwhathedi d.Hewrongedand
bet
rayedhi sbr
other,
Nandeandstoptryi
ngto
makeNt sikabethankful
forhi
sbrot
her'
s
bet
rayal.
Me:
Iknewy
ou'
dtakey
ourgol
denseed'
ssi
de.
Father:Yourwil
lnotspeaktomel i
kethatboy!I
mightbey ourfat
herbutI'
m alsoyourkingandI
willnottol
erat
ebeingdisr
espectedaroundmy
tabl
e( hepoint
edtheroyalst
ickatme)
Me:Myapologi
es,
myki
ng.Imeantnott
o
di
srespecty
ou.
Mother:
Letuscalli
ntheservant
ssot
hatthey
canbri
nginthefood.Al
lthi
stensi
onj
ustsoon
aft
ersunri
seisnotgood.
 
.
Mot hersignaledf ortheser vantstobecal ledin
andser veusf ood.Oneoft hey oungr ecruits
camei nandt heyal lbowedbef orereachingt he
table.Il
ookedatmybr otherwhosej awwas
clenchedt i
ghtashel ookedatt hey oung
mai denbowi nginf rontofus.Theki nggav e
them per missiont oriseandt heyser vedt he
food.Nt si
ka'sey esnev erleavingt hey oung
mai den.Het ri
edt ohi deitbuthecan' tfool me.
Theser vantsleftandwesatandl istenedt omy
brothertellusaboutt hewar .
.
Mother:
Onceyourpot
enti
alwi
fear
ri
vesy
ou
needtoremai
nattheki
ngdom.
Fat
her
:Theyoungpri
ncesscanarri
veonthe
weddi
ngday.Thel
astthi
ngweneedi sanot
her
di
sast
erl
ikethel
astone.(
helookedatme)
Me:
Iwi
l
lnotbet
raymybr
otheragai
n,f
ather
. 
Mother:
Youknowshecan'
tcomeonthedayof
cel
ebrat
ions,
myki
ng.I
tgoesagai
nstour
customs.ShehastocomesoIcanshowher
thewaysofourkingdom becauseshe'
l
lbet
he
fut
ureQueen.
Nt
sika:
Howol
dist
hispr
incess?
.
Mother:Sixteen!Per
fectageformar ri
ageand
shewi l
lgi
v eyouanhei rsoon.Don'tt
ellus
you'
renotr eadyformar r
iage,Nt
sika.You
shouldhav ebeenmar ri
edwheny out ur
ned
seventeenalready.
 
Ntsi
ka:Iknowwhat'
sexpectedofmeasa
pr
ince,
mot her
.I'
l
ldowhatisbestf
ort
he
ki
ngdom.
Mot
her:Andthati
smarr
yingapri
ncesssothat
t
heroy
al bl
oodmaynotbetai
ntedorweakened.
.
Icoul
dseet hatmybrotherisnotreadyfor
marri
ageoratleastnotwithastranger.Coul
d
hebeinlove?Coulditbewiththeservantgir
l
andisthatwhyhisfaceti
ghtenedinfrustr
ati
on
ashesawherbowbef oreroyal
ty?Theki ngand
queenexcusedthemselvestogot otheirroyal
duti
es.Ntsi
kaalsodidthesameandIt hought
thi
sistheperf
ectopportuni
tyformet ot ell
Jongil
ethatIwanttheyoungmai denassi gned
tomychamberl at
eron.Icall
edf orher
.
.
Jongi
l
e:Youcal
l
ed,
yourhi
ghness(
shebowed)
Me:Thatyoungmaideny
ougoty
est
erday
.
Whatishername?
Jongi
le:
Whi
chone,
mypr
ince?Igott
hreenew
ones.
Me:Themostbeaut
if
ulofal
l
,theonewi
tht
he
car
amelski
n.
Jongi
l
e:Thatwoul
dbeNdoni
yamanzi
.
Me:
Ndoni
yamanzi
?
Jongi
l
e:Yes,
mypr
ince.
Me:
Getherondut
yinmypr
ivat
echamber
t
oni
ght
. 
Jongi
l
e:Asy
ouwi
shy
ourhi
ghness.
Me:
Youmaygo,
Jongi
l
e.
.
Shestoodupandshel eft
.Hernamei s
Ndoniyamanzi
!Iwentaboutmyr oyaldut
iesand
Il
ookedf or
wardtohavinghercaterf
ormy
needsatsunset.
 
.
.
#Ndoni
Wegetupear ly,
longbef oret
her oyalfamil
y
evenreali
set
hatit'
salreadymor ningbutI'm not
complaini
ngbecauseit'sanormal t
hingtome.I
missmyMamaandsi sterssomuch.Ihav enot
heardfr
om Shibabutit'
sgoodbecauseIdon' t
wanttobeaccusedonwi t
chcraf
t.Ili
keprince
Ntsi
kamor ethentheot herone.Hei ndeedisa
handsomeman.Tal l,
dar kchocolateskinthat'
s
sosmoot handhast hebodyofat ruewarrior
.I
sl
eptwellonmyf ir
stnight.Ziphoandmy self
werecleani
ngupaf t
erther oyalsfi
nishedtheir
meal.Ican'
tbeli
evethatIwasj ustinthe
pr
esenceoft heenti
reroyalfami l
y.
 
.
Zi
pho:
Itl
ooksl
i
ket
heydi
dnotev
eneatmuch.
Me:Theymusthavehadimport
antbusi
nessto
at
tendto.I
'
m sur
ethatt
heyareabusyfamil
y.
Zi
pho:
Didyouheart
heloudshout
ingwhenwe
st
oodout
sidewai
ti
ngtobecall
edin?
Me:Idi
dbutIdon'
tthi
nki
t'
swisetospeak
aboutr
oyal
aff
air
s.Thewal
lsmighthaveear
s.
Zipho:You'
reri
ght,Ndoni
.Ishouldl
earnt okeep
mybi gmouthshutbutI'v
egoty ouandy ou'
ll
helpme( welaughedandJongil
ewal kedin)
Jongil
e:Ndoni
,theyoungestpr
incehas
request
edthatyoubeputinchargeofthe
duti
esinhischamberlat
eron. 
Me:
Ishal
ldoasy
ouwi
sh,
Seni
or.
Jongil
e:Besuret
odowhat
everheasksofy
ou
toavoidpuni
shment
.
Me:
Iunder
stand(
shel
eftus)
Zipho:Hesawy ouasapotent
ial
bedroom
servant
.Hewill
expectyoutogobeyondjust
cl
eaningduti
es,Ndoni
.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknow?
Zipho:Iwasoncej ustl i
key ouatanother
kingdom andmypur itywast akenbyapr ince
their
.Lizwi hasmademostoft heservantgir
ls
pregnantint hi
spalacet hat
'swhyt hereis
alwaysademandofnewser vant
s.I'
m alsoone
ofhisbedr oom servantswhenher equestsme
butIhav emedi ci
negi ventomebymy
grandmot herthathelpsmet onotfallpr
egnant.
I'
m giveyousomebef oreyougot ohischamber .
Me:I'
m scar
ed,Zi
pho.WhatcanIdot
oav
oid
goi
ngtohischamber?
Zipho:Youhear
dJongil
e,Ndoni.Doastoldand
you'l
lavoi
dpuni
shment.I
'm sor
rybutattheend
ofthenighty
ou'
llnol
ongerbepur e.
Me:
ButI
'
venev
erev
enki
ssedaboy
.
Zipho:Yourtypeofi nnocenceiswhatmakes
Li
zwi evenmor eexcit
ed.I'
m sorr
y,Ndonibut
don'tworryI'
llhel
py ousoy ouwon'tfal
l
pregnant.I'
m nowat tachedtoyouasasi st
er
andIdon' twanty outobewi t
hchildwit
har oy
al
bastard.
 
Me:I
'
mt hankf
ulforyourhel
p,Zipho.I
'l
ltaket
he
medi
cinetopr
eventsuchfrom happening.
Zipho:Comel et
'sgoandeatnowbeforewe
startt
herealchores.Rememberser
vantsnev
er
eatbeforeroyal
ty.Wewaitunt
ilt
heyar
e
fi
nishedthenweeat .
Me:
I'
ll
remember
.
Wet
ookt
heunt
ouchedl
eft
over
stot
heser
vant
eat i
ngquar t
erandweal late.Icouldnoteat
muchbecauseIwast erri
fi
edofwhatmi ght
happent oni ght.Wef i
nishedandwedi scussed
thedut i
esamongstus.Iwentwi thVel i
leand
shet oldmeshemadesur ethatherl ov er
def l
oweredherbef oreshecameher e.Iwoul d
dot hatbutI 'venev erhadal ov er
.Iwoul dnot
ev engivet hey oungmenwhowai tfory oung
mai densbyt her i
verachance.Wewor kedand
thedayseemedt ogobyf ast.Iwentt oPr ince
Lizwi'schamberandcl eaned.Hewasnothome
from hisr oyaldutiesy etsoIwentt oZi phot o
drinkthemedi cinet hatwi l
lmakemenott ofall
pregnant .Itwasbi tterbutIdr ankaf ewdr ops.I
wi shShibscoul ddosomet hing.Ifeellikeshe
hasbr okenherpr omi seandhasl eftmeal one.I
ri
nsedmymout hoft hebi t
ternessandmademy
waybacki ntother oyal home.Ir anintopr i
nce
Nt si
kaandIr ememberZi phosai dImustgr eet
respectfullysoIbowedbef oreheev enr eached
me.
.
Me:
Yourhi
ghness(
wewal
kedt
ome)
Nt
sika:
Youmayr
ise,
Ndoni
.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m well
,mypr
ince.Ihopey
ouar
etoo.(
I
st
oodup)
Ntsika:Iam butyourv
oicesounddi
ff
erentt
hen
before.Issomethingt
hemat t
er?
Me:No,mypr
ince(
atearf
ell
andIwi
pedi
tof
f
qui
ckl
y)
Nt
sika:
Hassomeonebeeni
l
ltr
eat
ingy
ou?
Me:
No,
mypr
ince.
Nt
sika:
Comewi
thme,
Ndoni
.
Me:Myapologies,
yourhighnessbutIcan'
tgo
wit
hyou.I'
vebeenassignedtoPrinceLi
zwi'
s
chamberandIdon'twanthimt ocomehomet o
achamberthat
'snotready.
Nt
sika:
Thatexpl
ainsyourt
ear
s.I'
m sur
ethe
ot
herserv
ant
shav etol
dyouaboutmybrother
's
waysofdoi
ngt hi
ngs.Comewi t
hme,
I'
ll
make
sur
eyoudon'tgetint
otroubl
e.
.
Hewal kedsot al
landst r
ongi nf rontofme.
Nt sika'spr esenceisimpossi blet oignore.He
wal kedi ntoar oom andev eryonei mmedi ately
feelsi t.Hegr eetedalltheser vantswemeton
ourway .Itseemshe' sleadingmet ohis
chamber .Sohesav edmef r
om hi sbrotherjust
sohecoul dhav emef orhimsel f?Heopened
thedoorandgest uredformet owal ki nfi
rst.
Anot herser vantwasbusybuthet ol
dhert o
resignf r
om heri nhischamberandgot oprince
Lizwi 's.Shel eftandhecl osedt hedoor .
.
Me:Pri
nceNtsi
ka,Jongi
l
esaidI
'
llgeti
nto
heapsoft
roubl
eifIdon'
tdoast
old. 
Ntsi
ka:
Wellyou'
l
lgeti
ntomoretroubl
eifyou
don'
tdoastheel
destpr
incet
ell
sy ou(hesai
d
whil
esmil
i
ng)
Me:
Myapol
ogi
es
Nt
sika:
Iwasnotbei
ngseri
ous,Ndoni
.I'
l
ldeal
wi
thJongi
l
eshouldshecome. 
Me:
I'
ll
gett
hingsr
eadyf
ory
ou.
Nt
sika:
Wai
t,Igoty
oumor
ebooks.
Me: Ican'tt
akebookst
ot heser
vantchamber
s,
yourhighness.Nooneelsebutyouknowsof
myabi l
itytoread.
Ntsi
ka:I
'
llkeepy
oursecr
etsaf
e,youcancome
t
omychamberandr eadthebooksevenwhen
I
'm away.
Me:Thati
sagainstt
herul
es,
mypr i
nce.Iwi
l
l
r
eadthem whenyouall
owmet o.
Ntsi
ka:Nowisfi
neifyouwantbuti
tisnew
bookssoyou'
ll
havetoreadoutl
oudsoIcan
al
soknowwhati shappeni
ng.
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh.
.
IchoseabookIt houghtwewoul dbothenjoy .I
start
edt oreadoutl oudburnott ooloudwhi l
e
hebat hed.Ist oodwi t
hmybackathi m sothatI
don'tseehisnakednessonceagai n.Hef i
nished
anddr essed.Isatont hechai
roppositehi
m.My
throatgotirri
tatedandheof feredtoconti
nue.
Her eadsper fectl
y,evenmor eperf
ectthenme.I
satandl i
stenedt ot hestor
yandwat chedhim.
Hewasl ookingatt hebooksoIwasabl eto
l
ookathi m.AhandsomeAf ri
canman!We
heardal oudbangont hedoorandIknewt hat
I'
mi ntrouble.
.
Me:
It'
sJongi
l
e.
Ntsi
ka:Sheknowsbettert
hent
oknockl
i
ket
hat
onthedoorofherpr
ince. 
Li
zwi
:Nt
sika!(
heshout
edf
rom t
heot
hersi
de)
Ntsi
ka:
Don'tfear
,I'
l
lsorti
tout
.Keepbehi
ndme.
(
wewal kedtothedoorandheopened)
Lizwi
:Ihearthatyout ol
dt heservant
sto
exchangeduties.Ispeci
ficall
yaskedfort
he
servi
ceofthatservantiny ourchambers.
Ntsika:Youwilladdr
essmewi t
hrespect,
Lizwi
!
Donotf orgetyourpl
ace.IfIwantedall
ofthe
servantsinmychambert onight,
I'
ddojustthat
!
IrequestedthatNdonibeinmychamberandas
theeldestI'
vegotmor eri
ght. 
Queen:Whatiswi
thal
ltheshout
ing?Icoul
d
hearyoual
lthewayfr
om themainroyal
chamber.
Lizwi:
Ntsi
kat hinksthatj
ustbecauseheis
olderhecanov errul
emydecisions.Ior
der
ed
fortheser
vicesoft heserv
antinhischamber
buthewon'tallowi t
!
Ntsi
ka: Idon'
tthinkIcanov err
uley
our
deci
sions,brother.IknowthatIcan.I
fyouhave
aproblem withthatgot akeitupwit
htheKing
andther oyalcouncil
.
Queen:
All
oft
hisf
ight
ingi
sov
erwhoget
sto
spendthenightwithaservantwhore?Youboth
wil
lstopthatatonce.Li
zwi gotoyourchamber
andchoosey oursel
fanot
hergirli
fyouwantor
evenmoret henone.Therearesurel
ymor e
beaut
iful
mai densyoucanchoosef rom.
Li
zwi
:Asy
ousay
,myQueen.(
theyl
eft
)
Jongi
l
e:MayIpl
easespeakt
oNdoni
,mypr
ince?
Ntsi
ka:Youmayspeakt oheratsunrise.
Ndoniyamamzihasnotdoneany thi
ngwr ong.
I
'mt heonewhoorderedherhere.Woul dyou
rat
hershehaddisobeyedanorderfrom me,
Jongil
e?
Jongil
e:No,y
ourhi
ghness.I
fyougaveheran
ordert
henIshal
lnotpuni
shher.I
'
llspeakt
oher
atsunri
se.
.
Ntsi
kaclosedthedoorofhi schambercl
earl
y
angr
y.IkeptquietbecauseIdidnotwantto
makeitworse.Isatont hechairandr
ead
qui
etl
y.
.
Ntsi
ka:
Ithoughtwewerereadi
ngtogether
.I'
m
amanofmanyt alent
sbutmindreadi
ngisnot
oneofthem (
hespokesoft
ly)
Me:Idi
dnotwantt
oupsety
ouanyf
urt
her
,my
pr
ince.
Ntsi
ka:I'
m angrybutthatangeri
snotdirected
towardsyou.You'l
lhavetospendthenighthere
toni
ghtbecauseIknowLi zwiwil
lgolookf or
youintheservantchambers.(myeyeswi dened
atfi
rst)
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
pri
nce.
Ntsika: Calm now,Ndoni
.Iwil
lnotdoanythi
ng
withy ou.Ijustdon'
twanttohavemybr ot
her
takeadv ant
age.Theotherser
vantswil
l
howev erthi
nkI'vemadeyoumybedr oom maid.
Forgivemef orthat
. 
Me:
Noneedt
oapol
ogi
se.Youar
eki
nd,
pri
nce
Nt
sika.
 
Ntsi
ka:I
'
llsl
eepont
hebigseatr
ightt
her
eand
youcanhavemyspaceofsl
umber.
Me:I'
llbemorecomfor
tabl
eont heseat
,my
pri
nce.Iknowaserv
antisnotdeemedwort
hy
ofaroyalbed.
Nt si
ka:Ther
eexist
snosucht hi
ng.You'l
lsl
eep
thereandit'
sanorder
.I'
m awarriorofwarso
I'
vesleptonmoreuncomf or
tabl
espaces.What
kindofmanwoul dIbeifIal
lowedal adyto
sleeponahar dchai
r?
Me:You'v
eal
readyshownmesomuch
ki
ndness.
 
Ntsi
ka:Goonandgetonthebed,I'
l
ltakethe
extr
acover
.Pl
easecont
inuetoread,Iwantt
o
knowwhatmyster
iest
henextchapterbri
ng.
 
Me:I'
llreadf
oryou,mypri
nce.I
'm sur
ethenext
chaptercont
ainswhatIpr
edi
cted(helaughed
soft
ly)
Ntsi
ka:
Ibegtodi
ff
er,
yourpr
edi
cti
oni
snot
l
inkedt
oreal
i
ty.
Me:
Let '
sseewhatt
hebooksay
s,mypr
ince.
(
helaughed)
.
Het ookt heextracov erandpi ll
owandwentt o
thelongchai r.Hel ookedawayasIt ookmy
uniform of funtilIgotintot hecov ers.Whata
gentleman!Igoti nthecov er sandev erything
wassof t.Thesheet ,mattress, coverj ust
every t
hing.Iwai tedunt il
hegotcomf ortable
andst artedt oread.Themy steryr
eal lycont ai
ns
whatIpr edictedandhel aughedsomuchati t
.
Hist eethandsmi l
elookbeaut i
ful
.Idi dnot
stareathi m butI'dstealoppor t
uniti
eswhen
he'snotl ooki ngmydi r
ection.Hef ell asleepand
byunder standingbecausehehasbeenoutal l
day.If oldedt hepageweendedatandcl osed
thebook.Ihear dShiba'sv oicesay i
ng" Itoldyou
thatnotal lwhoar eint hepal acear ecr uel.I'
m
sti
ll
here,Ndonineversecondguesst hat
,chi
l
d".
Ifel
trel
ievedandfinal
l
yf el
lasl
eep.Ihopethi
s
unusualcomfortdoesnotcausemet o
oversl
eep,Jongi
leisalr
eadyupsetwithme.
#Nosi
[
03/01,
15:10]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t4
.
#Queen 
Nande
I
'm QueenNande,
wif
etoKingXhant
iofMhl
aba
Ochumiley
oandmothert
otwohandsome
pr
inces.
 
Ist
oodasJongi l
ewhoisthepalace'
shead
ser
vantdressedme.Shehasbeenwi t
hme
si
nceIenteredthedoor
softhiski
ngdom.She
i
smor eloyalt
omet hensheistoherownKing.
.
Jongi
le:
MyQueen, mayIhaveper
missi
ont
o
speakoftheel
destpr
ince?
Me:SpeakJongi
l
e,y
ouaremyey esandearsi
n
t
hispal
acesoIwanttohearwhatyousee.
Jongi
le:
Ithi
nkthatPr
inceNtsi
kaisget
ti
ng
att
achedtoayoungservantmai
den.
Me:
Whywoul
dyout
hinksol
owofy
our
,Pr
ince?
Jongil
e:Whenwewentt ohischamberl ast
nighthedef
endedherandheaddr essesherby
hername.Thepri
ncesneverbotherto
rememberthenamesofy oungservants.
Me:
Whoi
sthi
sser
vant
?
Jongi
le:
Ndoni
yamanzi
,sheisanor
phangi
rl
fr
om oneoft
hevil
l
agesoutsi
deoft
hemainl
and.
Me:
Isshest
il
lpur
e?
Jongi
le:
Idonothaveknowledgeoft
hat
.Ifshe
wasthenIbel
i
evethatPri
nceNtsi
kamusthave
def
loweredheral
ready.I
sthatnotwhattheydo
whentheyaskaservanttospendthenight?
Me: YesbutNt si
kai sdif
ferentfr
om Lizwi.He
hasnev erbotheredtohav eservantwhores.All
hecaresabouti shiswar ri
ortrai
ning.If
indit
str
anget hatheor deredthi
spar t
icul
arservant
tospendt henightinhisprivatechamber .
Jongi
l
e:Woul
dyoul
i
kemet
ocont
inuet
okeep
aneyeont
hem?
Me: OhJongi leIt
rustyouandonl
yy oui
nthis
palace.Dokeepaney eonthem.Ican'
thavea
youngser vantcastalovespel
lonmyson.Hei s
thefuturekingandcannotbei nl
ovewitha
servantwhor e.
Jongi
l
e:Ishal
ldoasy
ouwi
sh,
myQueen.
 
Me: Jongil
edohavethisser
vantbepartoft
he
breakfastser
vant
s.Iwanttolookather
properlyandseeNtsi
ka'
sreacti
onwhenshe
serveus. 
Jongi
l
e:Thati
sift
hepr
incehasr
eleasedher
.
Me:Hehasbythishour,
heknowsthatwhor
es
shoul
dleav
eroyalchamber
sbefor
esunri
se
Jongile:Ihavef
ini
shedget
ti
ngyoudress,
your
highness.MayIgoandgetthebreakf
ast
servantsready?
Me:
Youmay
,Jongi
l
e.
.
Shel eftandIgotconcer ned.Idonotmi ndmy
sonssl eepingwi thwhoresbecauset heyar e
menwi thneedsbutIcan' thav eNtsikaf allfora
servantgi rl
.Shewi l
ldist
racthim andhe' sabout
tomar ryr oyal
tysoon.Ican'tletmyKi ngknow
aboutt hisbecausehemi ghtbendt her ules.
Lizwi i
sright,Ntsikadoeshav emor ef avour
from theKi ngbecauseNt sikaremindshi m of
hisyoungsel f
.Jongilecamebackt ot el
l me
thatthef oodisr eady.Shealsosaidt hatt he
kingisatt hetablealready.Iwalkedt helong
passageandgott othedinningarea.MyKi ng
andPrincesst
oodasIappr
oached.My
handsomer oy
almen.
.
Ki
ng:Iwasst
art
ingt
othi
nky
ouar
eil
l
,my
Queen.
Me:I
ttakesal
ott
omakeat
rueQueeni
l
l,my
Ki
ng.
 
Nt
sika:
Howdi
dyousl
eep,
myQueen?
Me:Well,mypr
ince.Not
hingqui
teasgoodas
si
lksheet
stoensureasoundslumber
.MayI
cal
ltheserv
ant
sin?
Li
zwi
:Yesy
oumay
,mot
her
.
Me:
Jongi
l
eyoumaycal
li
nyourgi
rl
s.
Jongi
l
e:Ishal
ldoso,
MyQueen.
 
.
Jongi
l
ecal
ledthem i
nandtheybowed.Theking
gavet
hem per
missi
ontori
seandserve.Jongi
le
si
gnal
edwhichserv
antt
hisNdonii
s.Ilookedat
NtsikaandIsawt hathisey estrav ell
ed
wher evershei s.Jongilemi ghtber i
ghtbutI'
m
suret hi
sser vantfedhi mlov emedi ci
ne.A
pri
ncecannotwi ll
inglyfal
l i
nlov ewi t
haser vant
.
Theyl eftusasweat e.Afterfi
nishingt hemen
excusedt hemselves.Icalledfort heNdoni
servantt ospeakt oheral one.Sheent eredand
bowed.
.
Her
:Youaskedf
orme,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:
Whatar
eyourdeal
i
ngswi
thmyel
destson?
Her
:Idonothav
edeal
ingswit
hyourson.The
onl
ydeal
i
ngsIhavear
ethoseheorder
smet o
do,
myqueen.
Me:
Ihear
dthathemi
ghtbei
nlov
ewi
thy
ou.
Her:Heisapr
incesoontobeki
ng.I'
mjusta
ser
vant,
myqueenandl ov
ebetweenuscannot
exi
st.
Me:
Andy
oukeepi
tthatway
.IfIf
indoutt
hat
theprincei sinlov
ewithyou,I'
l
l accusey ouof
witchcraft.I'
l
lhaveyouburnttost eakl i
kea
witchdeser ves.Dothesexualfav oursheasks
becausey ouarenothi
ngbutawhor et oaroyal
manbutdonotgoanyf ur
therthent hat .Hei
s
soongoi ngt omar r
yayoungpur epr incess.One
ofroyal bloodwhowi l
lgiv
ehimf ullblooded
royalheirs.Youmayr i
seandgo.  
Her
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
Me:
Asy
ouwi
shwhat
?Am Iadog?
Her
:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myqueen.
Me:
Nowl
eav
emysi
ghtatonce.
.
Shequi ckl
ystoodupandInoticedt hatshe's
cry
ing.Ican'tfeel
sorr
yforanobody .I'
l
lhave
herkil
ledifshestandsint
hewayofr oyal
ty.I
wil
lnotbet helaughi
ngstockofother
ki
ngdomsbyhav i
ngasonwhoi si
nl ovewi tha
servantwhore.Shedoesnotev enlookpur e.I'
m
sureshe'sbeentooallthekingdomsar ound
offer
ingherbedroom services.Iorderedthe
dinni
ngar eatobecleanedandwentt oget
readyforthehighteaI'
llhavewi t
ht hewivesof
theroyalcouncil
men.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Seeingt hatNdoni wasnoti nthebedasIr ose
thi
smor ningdampenedmymoodabi tbutI
understandwhyshehadt oleavebeforesunrise.
I'
venev erfeltl
i
ket hisaboutanymai denbefore
andIknowI 'mfor biddenfrom lovi
ngherbutmy
heartjustwon'tlisten.Ihateseeingherbow
beforemeandwi shshedi dnothav et obutit
's
thewayoft hekingdom.Iwal kedtheroyal
groundswi t
hBant u, mypersonalguard.
.
Me:
Brot
her
,hav
eyouev
erbeeni
nlov
e?
Bant
u:I
sapri
nceevenal
lowedtospeakoflov
e
whenhehasnotmethi
spotent
ial
wifeyet
?
Me:
Answert
hequest
ion,
Bant
u.
Bantu:I
'
mi nlovewithay oungmai denwho
l
ivesinthepalacebutIknowt hatIwon'
tgether
tonoti
ceme.( Ifear
edthatitmightbemyNdoni)
Me:
Doest
hismai
denhav
eaname?
Bantu:HernameisZipho.Beaut
if
uly
oung
maidenandI'dli
ketomakehermywi fe.(
I
breat
hedasof tsi
ghofrel
ief
)
Me:Nowlet'
ssayyourf
ami l
ygotyouanot
her
wi
fewhoy ouknowyou'
llneverl
ove.What
woul
dyoudo?
Bantu:Iwoul drunawaywit
hmyl ovebutIdo
notadvicey outodothat
,myprince.Youare
thefut
ur eofthiski
ngdom.Yourbrotherwoul
d
rul
eittot heground.
 
Me:
Ispeaknotofmy
sel
f,Bant
u.
Bant
u:Iknowy
ou,
mypr
ince.Whoar
eyoui
n
l
ovewi
th?
 
Me: Ifor
getyouknowmesowel latti
mes.I
can'tr
evealhername,Bant
u.She'
say oung
maidenser v
antatthepal
acebutIassurey
ou
thatit
'snotyourl
ove.
Bant
u:Thenmarryt
her
oyal
pri
ncessandmake
hery
ourmist
ress.
Me:Youdareinsul
tthel
adymyhear
thas
chosen,
Bantu?
Bantu: Myapologi es,
mypr i
ncebutyouhaveto
accepty ourdestiny.Whenitcomestoloveyou
unfortunatel
ydonotgett ochoose.You'r
enext
i
nlineoft hethrownandy ou'
ll
needareal
Queenbyy oursidesomeday .Notonewhois
Queenj ustbynamebutonewho' sbloodisblue.
Me: Isomet i
meswi shIcouldbeordi
nar
y..
Bantu:Justasordi
narypeoplewisht
obe
royal
ty.You'
redest
inedtoleadoneofthe
great
estkingdomsinthisl
ifeti
meandy oucan
notrunfrom fat
e.
Me:
Iheary
ou,
brot
her
.
.
Bantuisli
keabrothertomenowbecauseof
thebattl
eswehavef oughtalongsidein.Itr
ust
him morethenIdomyownbl oodbrother.I
hopeheget stomarryhismai den.Thatwayat
l
eastoneofuswi l
l marryforlove.Ij
oinedthe
kinginthepal
aceli
braryandmyt houghts
i
mmedi atel
ywenttoNdoni asIsawt he
thousandsofbooks.IgreetedtheKingonce
again.
.
Father
:Ithoughtyousai
dyou'
regoi
ngt
opar
ole
aroundthekingdom.
Me:
Myl
egi
sgi
vi
ngmepr
obl
ems,
myki
ng.
Fat
her:Gohav
etheroy
alcar
etaker
slookati
t.
Yourcan'
tbel
impi
ngonyourwedding.
Me:I
'l
lbef
ine.Fat
herdi
dyoumar
rymot
herout
ofl
ove?
Father:Pr
incesandPr incessesdon'
tmar r
yfor
l
ove, myyoungpr ince.Royaltymarr
iest
o
str
aightenall
iancesbet weent woki
ngdoms.I
mety ourmot hertwoday sbef or
eImarri
edher
.
Wehadnot imet ofalli
nlovebutweknewwhat
wasex pectedofusf rom ay oungage.
Me:
Soy
oul
aynextt
oawomany
oudon'
tl
ove?
Father:Il
aynextt oawomanI '
velearnedtolove.
AwomanIr espectasmychosenQueenand
mot hertomyhei r
s.Ihopey ouarenothav i
ng
secondt houghts,youngprince.Thef amil
yof
thepr i
ncessisalreadyonthei rwaytonegot i
ate
dowr yfortheirdaughter
.Letthehear tnotfool
youi nt
ot hi
nkingofcalli
ngev eryt
hingoff.
Me: Iknowmydut i
es,myKing.Ishal
lmar r
ythis
chosenpr incessbutdonotexpectanheirsoon.
Ishallnotsleepwithasixt
eenyearoldchil
d.I'
l
l
waituntilsheissevent
eenandahal f
.
Father
:Itshall
all
bedi
scussedatt
hedowr
y
negoti
ations.
 
Me:
Excuseme,
myki
ng.I
'
vegotpl
ent
ytodo.
Fat
her
:You'
reexcused,
youngPr
ince.
.
Ist
oodandIwal kedtotheareaIhopedNdoni
wouldbeandshei s.Shewasdusti
ngthe
pal
ace,turn,sawmeandi mmedi at
elyf
ellon
herknees.Icringewhenev ershedoesthat.I
walkedtoher .
.
Me:
Youmayr
ise,
Ndoni
(shest
ood)
.
Ndoni:Ihav
etowor know, myprince.Pl
ease
excuseme.Imadet hi
sf oryourleg.I
t'
sa
remedyforthepain.Imixedmi ntandand
camphorblocks.Ipromiseit'snotdark
medici
ne.It
'sanaturalremedy .
Me:Iknowyou'
renotawit
ch,Ndoni.Ishal
l
appl
ythi
sonmyl egthi
seveni
ng.Willyoube
comingtomychamberstofi
nishourbook?
Ndoni
:Iaskf
ory
ourper
missi
ont
onotcomet
o
y
ourpr
ivat
echamber
,yourhi
ghness.
Me: Youdonotneedmyper mission.I
fyouwi
sh
nottocomeIrespectit
.I'
ll
leav
et hebook
unreadsowecanf i
nishitt
ogether.
.
Shesuddenl yl ookedbehi ndmeandIsawt he
fearinherey es.Shel ef tinahur ry.Ilooked
backandsawt heQueenwal kaway .Ireall
y
hopet hatLizwi wi l
l l
eav emyNdoni al
one.Ifhe
touchesherbyf or cehewi l
lfeeltheshar pness
ofmyspear .Iwentt odomydut iesandhel ped
fatherpreparef orhi smeet i
ng.Isati nwith
Lizwi aswewat chedourf atherwhoi saskill
ed
negot i
atorseal yetanot hertradingdeal .I
fI'
m
halfthekingt hathei sI '
llbehonour ed.Hour s
wentbyandweat e.Af terwardsIwentt omy
privatechamber .Iledt heser vantgobecauseI
donotwantNdoni thinkingI'vegotabedr oom
mai d.Iowehernoexpl anat i
onbutIwanthert o
hav egoodt hought sofme.Iappl iedtheremedy
shegav emeandIcoul dfeelt
hepainf inal
ly
easeup.Ishoul dhavehermakemor eoft his
formyf el
lowwar ri
orstoobecauseithel ps.I
askedformysheet snottobechangedandI
couldimmedi atel
ypickupherscentasIgot
undermycov er
s.Acombi nati
onofl av ender
andhoney ,t
hat'showsweetmyNdoni smel l
s.
Shedoesnotev enknowt hatmyhear thas
chosenherbutIcan' ttel
lherbecausea
potent
ialwifeischosenalreadyandIcan' t
makeNdoni ami st
ress.I
'dneverdegr adeher
l
ikethat.Ifi
nall
yslept
#Nosi
[
03/01,
15:10]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t5
.
#Pr
ince 
Lizwi
Ifmybr otherthinksthathecanst opmef rom
havingthenewser vantsatisfymydesi resheis
deadwr ong.Hehasnowmadememor e
determinedtohav eherbecauseIknowhei sin
l
ov ewithher.Howhumi l
iati
ngt hatthefutur
e
kingisinlovewi thaser v
ant !Doeshenotknow
thatheonl yneedst osleepwi thherandnot hing
mor e?Whataf oolNtsikais!Allofthethought s
ranthroughmymi ndasImademywayt othe
verandatomeetwi t
htheQueen.She
summonedmesay i
ngitisimpor tantsoIhadt o
gomeetheratonce.Shest oodasshesawme
andweembr aced.
.
Me:
Ihadt
oleavemydut
iest
ocomet oy
ou,
Mot
her
.Whatcoul
dbesoimpor
tant
?
Mot her
:Li
zwiIthi
nkthatwehav eavi
rusint
he
royalhomeandweneedt okil
li
tbef
oreit
destroyst
hekingdom'sfutur
e.
Me:
Donotbeatar
oundt
hebush,
myQueen.
Tel
lmewhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.
Mother:
Itseemsy ourbr
otheri
sinl
ovewi
tha
whore.(
Ilookedather)
Me:
Ist
hatwhaty
oucal
l
edmeher
efor
?
Mother
:Whyar
ey ounotshocked,
Lizwi
?Your
r
eacti
onisl
i
kethatofapersonwhohasheard
t
henewsbefor
e.
Me:IknowthattheKi
ng'
sfav
our
it
eisi
nlov
e
wi
thaservant.
Mother:
Andyoudidnotcomet oyourQueen
wi
ththenews.Thiscouldputt
hefutureof
MhlabaOchumil
eyoinjeopar
dy,Li
zwi!Ori
sthat
whatyouwant?
Me: Donotinsultme,Mot her.Iam apri
ncei n
thi
skingdom soIwantt oseeitprosperfrom
generat
iontogener at
ion.Idi
dnotknowhow
accurat
emyf indingsare.Iseehowhel ooksat
herandthatisthelookofl oveandnotlust .
Mot
her
:Icannotl
ett
hathappen.Youmust
hel
pmeputanendt
oit
.
Me:Ithi
nkNtsikai
sdrawnt
oherbecauseof
heri
nnocence.Shei
sapureser
vantmaiden.
Mot
her
:Howwoul
dyouknowoft
hat
?
Me: I
'
veseenal
otofv
irgi
ns,
MotherandIcan
assurey
oushei
soneofthepur
est.
Mother:I
fherpur
it
yiswhatdr
awaNt si
ka'
s
att
enti
on,weneedtotaket
hatpoweraway
fr
om her.
 
Me:
Howdowesuggestwedot
hat
? 
Mother:Goar r
angef orsomeonet otainther
.
Ntsi
kawi l
lwantnot hingtodowithheraf t
erhe
fi
ndsthatshehasbeendef l
ower
ed.Doi tsoon,
Li
zwi.Iwanthert obei mpurebysunriseand
makesur ethatitreachestheearsofy our
brot
herbutkeepournamesoutofi t
.Ican't
havethefuturekingangr yatme.Itmight
weakenthecont rolthatIhaveoverhim and
Ntsi
kaisalreadyhi sownman.Hedoesnot
dancet
omycontr
olsbutIst
il
lhav
epowerov
er
hi
m ashismot
her
.Goatonce,myson.
Me: Asy ouwish,
myQueen.Al l
thaty
oujust
askedofmeshal lbedone.Ntsi
kawil
lnoteven
knowt hatit
'suswhoplannedit
.MayIbe
excused?
Mot
her
:Youmay
,dearpr
ince.
.
Ist
oodandl eftmymot her
.Ntsi
kai ssuchaf ool
,
heissoinlovewiththi
sservantthatheev en
for
getstohideit
.Iwenttowher emyper sonal
guard,
Maqhekezai s.
 
.
Me:Haveyoudoney ourroundsar
oundthe
out
sideofmypersonalchamber,Maqhekeza?
Him:Ihavedoneasyouasked,mypri
nce.
Ther
elurksnodanger
.Onlytheyar
dsweeper
s.
Me:Verywel
l
,nowgoi ntother
oyal
ser
vant
quar
ter
sandfindJongi
le.
Hi
m:Shal
lIsummonhert
oyou,
mypr
ince?
Me:Yes,t
ell
herthatshewil
lfi
ndmei nsi
det
he
r
oyalhome.Tellheri
t'
sofi
mpor t
ancesoshe
mustleav
eallduti
esshe'
sbusywith.
 
Hi
m: Ishal
lmakepersonall
ysureshecomes.
Ev
eni fi
tmeanputt
ingherintoasackand
dr
agginghert
oyou.(Ilaughed)
Me:IknewthatImadeagoodchoi
cewhenI
choseyouasmyguard.
 
.
Iwenti ntother oyalhomeandIgotagl assof
brandy .Adr inkf oraman!Iwai t
edf or
Maqhekezat owal kintother oyalhousewi th
Jongi l
e.Ilookedout sideandsawt hebeaut yof
thekingdom.Howdar etheQueenev enthinkI'
d
wantt odest r oyt hisbeaut y?Thisismyl egacy
andi fIhav emywayNt si
kawi l
ldieinoneoft he
war stocomeandI 'l
lbethenexti nlineforthe
thrown.Ki ngLi zwi ofMhl abaOchumi l
eyo
soundsbet ter !Jongilemadeherwayi nand
bowed.
.
Jongi
le:
Yourser
vanti
saty
ourser
vice,
my
pri
nce.
Me:Jongi
letheQueenhasaskedust
odo
somethi
ngforher
.
Jongi
l
e:Namei
t,mypr
inceandI
'
llensur
ethati
t
i
sdone.
Me:Shewant
sust
ohav
eNdoni
def
lower
edby
sunr
ise.
Jongi
l
e:I'
l
lgetoneoft
heout
sidemal
eser
vant
s
todoit
,myprince.
Me:Iwil
ldoi
tmy sel
f,Jongi
l
e.Iwill
takeher
i
nnocencemysel
fbutIneedy outoensur
ethat
Ntsi
kadoesnotgettoherfi
rst.
Jongi
l
e: Iwil
lmakesureshe'
sinyourchamber
,
myprince(Isuddenl
yhear
danoiseatthedoor)
Me:
Didy
ouheart
hat
?(webot
hlookedatt
he
door
)
Jongil
e:I
tmustbe,Maqhekeza.Il
efthi
m
standi
ngout
sideoftheent
rance.
Me:Makesur
ethatNdoniyamanzii
sinmy
chambert
oni
ght.Thi
sisanorderfr
om the
Queenher
sel
fandifyoufai
lagai
ntherewil
lbe
tr
oubl
e.
Jongi
le:
Iwi
l
lnotf
ail
,mypr
ince.Wi
l
lthatbe
al
l? 
Me:Al
sodonotmenti
ont
heQueen'
s
i
nvol
vementi
nthi
s.Ar
ewecl
ear?
Jongi
l
e:Ascr
ist
al,
yourhi
ghness.
 
Me:
Youmaygo.
.
Shest oodandshel ef
t.Isatandal
r eadyhad
fantasiesaboutNdoni.Iwil
ldothi
ngswi t
hher
shenev ert
houghtpossibl
eandshe' l
lkeepon
will
i
ngl ycomingbacklikeall
theothermai dens
I'
vehadasbedr oom maids.
 
.
.
#Ndoni
I'
m doi ngmydut ieswi thaheav yhear tthis
sunr ise.Icriedmy selftosleeplastnight ,my
poorpi l
lowhadt osoakupal lt
heef f
ect sofmy
brokenhear t.Whywoul dtheQueent hinkthata
princei sinl ovewi thaser vant!Howcoul dshe
i
nsul taf utur ekinglikethat?Pr i
nceNt sikahas
shownmeki ndnessbecausehei saki ndman
notbecauseImakehi sheartsing.Iwi ll
haveto
stayawayf rom him.Idonotwantt obebur ntt
o
deat h.Imi ghthav eShibaandal sobegoodat
mi xingnat ural r
emedi esbutI '
m nowi tch.Iwas
scr ubbingt hef l
oorwhenVel i
l
ecamet otellme
somet hing.
.
Vel
i:Ndoni
,youar
eor
der
edt
otheel
dest
Pri
nce'
schamber.
Me:Thatcannotbepossi
ble,
Vel
i
.Youar
ein
char
geoftheduti
esther
e.
Vel
i:Thepri
ncehimsel
fgav
etheor
derandIdi
d
notquest
ionit
. 
Me:I'
m notevenhal
fwayf
ini
shwit
hthe
scr
ubbing.YouknowhowJongi
l
egetswhenwe
don'
tfi
nishinti
me.
Vel i
:I
'l
ltakeovert hedut
ieshere.Yougodo
mi neinthePrince'schamber.Her equest
ed
cleanbeddingandwashi ngcl
othes.Goget
thoseandl eavef orhi
schamberbef oreyouput
usbot hintrouble.
Me:I
'l
lgonow,Vel
i.I
'dbehear
tbr
okeni
fyougot
apuni
shmentbecauseofme.
.
Il
efti
nahurrytogetcleanbeddingf orthe
pri
nceandwashingcloths.Ihur
riedtohis
chambertoavoi
dgettingintotr
ouble.Hemust
l
ovethewayIclean.Ienteredandstartedwit
h
thebed.It
ookthedirt
ybeddingoffandoutiti
n
agrassbucket
.Iheardthedoorshut,Il
ooked
backanditwasPrinceNtsi
ka.Iwasaboutto
bowwhenhest oppedme.
.
Ntsika:
Donotbow,Ndoni.Yourkneesare
goingtotur
nblackf
rom al
lthi
sbowi ng(
he
l
aughedsoftly
)
Me:It
'sthewayoft
heki
ngdom,
yourhi
ghness.
(
Ilookeddown)
Nt
sika:Well
thi
spar toft
heki
ngdom i
smy
pr
ivat
eplaceofrestandher
eyoushal
lnotbow.
Me:
Ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwant
,mypr
ince.
Ntsika:
Iti
s,mythanksfort
hepainremedy.The
painhasgonesinceI'
veappl
iedi
t.Ihopeyou
donotmi nd,
Igavesomet oBant
uf orahead
pain.
Me:Idonotmind,mypr
ince.Idohopeitwi
l
l
hel
pwarri
orBantuwi
thhisheadpain 
Ntsika:
Italr
eadyhas.Youneedt
omakemore
ofthem forwhenwegot owarnextt
ime.
 
Me:Icannotaf
for
dsomuchmi nt
,camphor
bl
ocksandessent
ial
oil
s,y
ourhi
ghness.
Ntsika:Wr
it
eal l
thatyouneeddown.I
'
llmake
surethati
treachesyourchamber
.
Me: Myprince,
I'
drat
hergodotheworkint
he
fi
eld.Idonotwanttobeseenmixi
ngremedi
es
andbeaccusedofmaki ngdar
kmedici
ne.
Ntsi
ka:Thefi
eldisnopl
aceforamai
den.You
canmixithereandIwon'
ttel
lany
onebecauseI
knowthatyou'r
enotawit
ch.
Me:I'
vecol
l
ectedwoodi
nthefi
eldformany
year
s,mypri
nce.Nohar
m hasevercometome.
Ntsi
ka:
Thefiel
dsherearenott hesameas
t
hoseofthevil
l
ages.Iwillnotsendyououtand
r
iskhavi
ngyougetkil
led.Youcanmi xhere.
Me:Ihearyou.Ihav
etogetonwi
thmydut
ies,
myprince.
Ntsika:I
'
llconti
nuetor eadourcur r
entbook
whileyouar ebusy.Ihadtogat herallmy
power storesi
stthetempt at
ionsofr eadi
ng
withoutyou. 
Me:
I'
m sur
eitwasdi
ff
icul
t(Il
aughedsof
tl
y)
Ntsi
ka:Atl
ast!
!Alaughf
rom t
hemostbesuti
ful
maideninal
lofMhlabaOchumil
eyo.(
didhej
ust
cal
lmebeautif
ul?
)
Me:Ial
way sl
augh,mypri
nce.Ij
ustmissmy
f
amilyattheor
phanagesoIhavenoreasont
o
l
aughoftennow.
Ntsi
ka:
WellI
'l
lmakesureItr
ytomakey ou
l
aughmore.Il
ovethesoundofyourl
augh,i
t
soot
hesme.
Me:
MayIgoonwi
thmywor
k,mypr
ince?
Ntsi
ka:
Yes,I
'
llbehereunt
ily
oufinish.I'
l
lread
outl
oudsoyoudon'tsayI
'
mr eadinglies(I
l
aughedandhesmiled)
Me:
Ishal
lnev
eraccuseaPr
inceofl
yi
ng.Do
keepyour
sel
foccupi
edwitht
hebookbecauseI
donotli
kebei
nglookedat
.
Ntsi
ka:That'
sareal
shamebecausey
oul
ook
beaut
if
ul(Ibl
ushed)
Me:Mythanks,
myPr
ince.Nowpl
easer
eadsoI
canwor
k.
Nt
sika:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
myl
ady
.
.
Iputonhi sfreshbeddi ngandthescentwas
l
ov el
y.Her eadandwoul dlookupatmeand
smi l
e.Icouldnothelpbutsmi l
eback.Hehas
themostbeaut i
fuldarkskin.Iwentontoclean
hischamberunt ilIfi
nishedandwant edto
excusemy self.
.
Ntsi
ka:Iwi
l
llety
oul
eav
e,myl
adybutj
ustnot
now. 
Me:
Jongi
l
eis.
..
Ntsi
ka:
Jongil
eisaworkeri
nthi
shouse.Iwi
l
l
t
akecareofher.Nowt
ellmemoreabout
your
sel
f.
Me:
Ther
eisnot
hingt
otel
l
,mypr
ince.
Ntsi
ka:
Okay
,thent
ell
mewhyy
oul
over
eadi
ng
somuch.
Me:I
tal
lowsmet oescapemyr eali
ty,
myprince.
WhenIr
eadaboutri
chpeopleIf eell
i
keI'
m one
oft
hem andnotj
ustaservant
.
Nt
sika:
Soy
ouwantt
ober
ich?
Me:Iwasalreadyri
chattheor phanage,my
pr
ince.Isl
eptwit
haf ul
lstomachandIwas
l
oved.Peoplethi
nkthatbeinginapal acewoul
d
beanimprovementforanor phanlikemebut
i
t'
snot.
Ntsi
ka:Howcome?( hel
ookedatmei
ntensel
y
andIlookeddown)
Me: Yes,
Ieatthr
eet
imesadayhere,
Ihave
decentcl
othi
ngandsleeponabedbutI
'm not
surroundedbylove.I
tmakesmefeelev
enmor
e
disadvantagedt
henIwasbackatthe
orphanage.
Ntsika:Yourwor
dspier
cemyheart
,Ndoni
.I'
m
sorrythatyouf
eelt
hatway
.Icangetyout
ogo
vi
sithome.
Me:I'
m anewservant
,mypri
nce.I
'
m noty
et
ent
it
ledtosuchbenef
it
s. 
Ntsi
ka:Okaythentel
lmewhatIcandot
omake
youfeell
essaloneint
hispl
ace.
Me:I'
m awomannow,
myPr
ince.Icant
ake
car
eofmy sel
f.
Ntsika:
Whatdi dy
oul
ovedoi
ngwheny
ouwer
e
atthevil
lage?
Me:Goingint
othefi
eldandenj
oyt
hequi
etness
andheari
ngthebi
rdssing.
Ntsi
ka:Whenisyourdayofft
heduti
es?Iknow
eachser
vantget
sadayof faweek.Whenis
your
s?
Me:Intwodays,
myPr
ince.Whydoy
ouwantt
o
knowifImayask?
Ntsika: BecauseIwantt otakeyoui
ntotheroyal
garden.Don' tfear,
it'
sfarfr
om ther
oyalhouse
andt heot herroyal
smakenouseofi t
.Igo
theret oreadandwr i
te.Wil
lyougowithmeifI
promi sethatnohar m will
comet oyou?
Me:Iwoul
dlovet
ogowi
thy
oubutnoonecan
know,myPri
nce.
 
Nt
sika:
Noonewillknow,
thati
sapr
omiseI
maketoyou.Wecanstar
tonanewbooktoo.
Me:Pr i
nceNtsika,
whyarey oushowi
ngme
suchkindness.Isi
tbecauseyouwantmeasa
bedroom maid? 
Ntsika:
IfIwantedy ouassuchIwoul dnotgo
t
hroughal lt
hetrouble,
Ndoni.AllI'
dhav et odo
i
st oorderyoutotakey ourcl
othesof f,l
ieon
t
hebedandhav emywaywi t
hy ou.Ijustlove
t
alkingwithyouandr eadingwit
hy ou.Ihav enot
metany onewhohasasmuchi nterestin
r
eadi
ngl
i
keIdo,
you'
ret
hef
ir
st.
Me:
Idonotgethowpeopl
ecanhat
ereadi
ng
(
helaughedsof
tl
y)
Ntsika:
Idonotunderst
andthatei
ther,
mylady
.
Iwillmakeaplantogetusoutofheretot
he
gardenwithoutany
oneseei
ng. 
Me:Il
ookfor
war
dtoi
t,myPr
ince.Inowr
eal
l
y
mustgo.
Nt
sika:
Youmaygo,
myl
ady
.
.
Itookthebasketwiththedi rtybeddingand
cl
othesandt ookitt
ot helaundr yservant
s.I
mademywaybackt omyot herdut
iesforthe
day.Hourspassedunt i
litwassunset .We
cl
earedandgott hethingsr eadyforwhenwe
wakeupatsunset .ZiphoandIwentt oour
chamber.Wet ookouruni form offandgotinto
oursleepragsandgoti ntot hecovers.
.
Zi
pho:
Ndoni
,di
dthePr
incedef
lowery
ou?
Me:
Idonotwantt
ospeakofi
t,Zi
pho.
Zipho:Iunderstand,
sist
er.I
tisnoteasyt
otalk
aboutitafteri
thashappened.Donotworry,y
ou
willnotgetpregnant
.
Me:
Hav
eyouev
erbeeni
nlov
e,Zi
pho?
Zi
pho:
I'
minlov
easwespeak, Ndoni
.Wit
hone
oft
hechi
efwar
rior
s,Bant
u(shebl
ushed)
Me:
Thenwhydon'
tyout
ell
him?
Zi
pho:Areyoucrazy
,si
ster
?Amaidendoesnot
gotothegent
leman.Hemustappr
oachfi
rst(
I
l
aughed)
Me:Soy oudonothav
efant
asi
esofmar
ryi
nga
pr
ince?
Zipho:No,Ipr
eferwarri
ors.Iwantt hereal
strongmen.Youseet hemai denwhowi l
lhav e
PrinceNtsi
kawillhav
ebot h,astrongwar r
ior
andapr i
ncebutIknowbet terthent ofal
li
nl ove
withhim.Hedoesnotgi veattenti
ont oservants.
Notevenasbedr
oom mai
ds.Youmustbe
somethi
ngspeci
alf
orhi
mtoaskyoutospend
theni
ght.
Me:Howwilly
oumar r
ythi
swarri
orBantuwhen
hedoesnotevenknowwhat'
sinyourhear
t?
Zi
pho:
Idonotknow,Ndoni.I
'l
lst
areathi
m unt
il
hemarr
iesme(webothlaughed)
Me:
Thatsoundssi
l
ly.
Zi
pho:IknowbutIcannotthi
nkofany
thi
ng
el
se.Haveyoueverbeeni
nlove?
Me:No,Idonothaveti
mef orl
ove.Goodni
ght
,
Zi
pho.I
'
llseeyouatsunri
se.
Zi
pho:
Sleepwel
l
,Ndoni
.
.
Icouldnottel
lZi
phot hatthePr i
ncedi
dnot
touchme.Shehasabi gmout handitmight
reachtheearsoftheQueen.I fshehear
sthat
hersonhasnott ouchedmet henshewi l
lbe
evenmor econvi
ncedoft hisnonexist
entlov
e
shet hi
nksPrinceNtsikahasforme.Icoul d
hearZiphosnor esoft
lyalr
eady.Idecidedto
quietmymi ndandst opthinki
ng.Icouldfeelmy
bodygiveintothesweetslumberwhen
someone'sstronghandcov er
edmymout h.The
str
engthandsi zeofthehandi ndi
catesit
'sa
man.  
.
Him:Ify
ouscream ordoany
thi
ng,
I'
ll
breaky
our
neck.Doyouhearme?
Me:Yes(
Itr
iedt
oscream butheputhi
shand
onmymouthagain)
.
Themancar ri
edmeeasi lyoffmybedandI
tr
iedtomakeasoundbutZi phowasf astsl
eep.
Idecidedt ost
opf i
ghti
ngbecausethiswasa
strongmanandt hechancesofgetti
ngoutof
hi
sgr iparezero.Tearsfel
ldownmycheeks
andont othehandov ermymout h.I
'm cryi
ng
outoff earbutal
sooutofhopet hatthisman
whoeverheisisgoingtopitymeandl etmego.
Asackwasputov ermyheadsoIdon' tseebutI
couldbreat
hproperl
y.Myt earsclear
lymean
nothi
ngt omycapturerashecar r
iedmei nhis
arms.HowIwi shIwasnowatt heorphanage,
safefr
om theworldbutther eal
i
tyisI'
m not.I
'm
nowatt hemercyofthisman.Shi baalsonot
heari
ngmysi l
entcry.I
'mleftall
alone!
#NOSI
[
03/01,
17:40]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t6
.
#Ndoni
Thear eaarounduswasquietandall
Icoul
d
hearwast hefootst
epsoft
hemanwhowas
carryi
ngme.I '
m sur
ethatt
onighti
smylast
nightali
ve.Ihear
dadooropenandcloseonce
agai
n.Themancar
ryi
ngmespoke.
.
Hi
m:Her
eshei
s,myPr
ince.
 
.
I'
m surethathewasaddr essi
ngLi zwi
.He
clearl
ysti
llwantstopunishmef orgoi
ngwith
Nt si
katheothernight.Themanputmeonwhat
feltl
ikeasoftmattressandIst arttomove
aroundtryi
ngtof i
ghtbuthehel dmedown
ti
ghtly.
.
Voice:Cal
m,myl
ady
.It
'sonl
yme(
het
ookof
f
thesack)
Me:Pri
nceNtsi
ka!Whywoul
dyoudot
his?(
I
st
art
edtocry
)
Ntsi
ka:
Youmayl eavenow,
Bant
u.Thanky
ou
f
oreveryt
hing,
brot
her.
Bant
u:I
'
llseey
ouatsunr
ise,
myPr
ince.(
hel
eft
andNt
sikal
ockedt
hedoor
)
Ntsi
ka:Myapol
ogiesf
ordoingt
histoyou,
Ndoni.I
twasnotmyint
enti
ontofri
ght
enyou.
 
Me:Whatshal
lIdof
ory
ou,
myPr
ince?(
Isai
d
sof
tl
y)
Ntsi
ka:
Nothi
ng,mylady
.Onl
yspendt
heni
ght
asyouhav
ebefore.
 
Me: Youhadmecapturedfr
om mychambers
onlytomakemecomeandspendt henighti
n
yours?(Isai
dtear
sst
il
lfl
owing)
Ntsi
ka:Pl
easedonotcry,Ndoni
.Bant
uheard
Li
zwiandJongil
espeakaboutyouanditwas
notaki
ndconversat
ion.
Me:Whatwasi
tabout
,ify
oudon'
tmi
ndme
aski
ng?
Ntsi
ka:ItsoundsasifLi
zwi
wantstodef
lower
you.IsentforBantut
ogetyouf
ir
stbef
ore
Maqhekezaget stoyou.
Me:
MyPr
ince,
Idon'
tmeant
osoundungr
atef
ul
butwhydoy
oucar
eifI
'
m pur
eori
mpur
e?
Ntsi
ka:
I'
mjustt
ir
edofseei
ngmybr
othert
reat
serv
ant
sli
kenot
hing.
 
Me:Hei
sapr
ince.Hehasar
ightt
o.Doeshe
not
?
Nt
sika:
Unf
ort
unat
elyhedoes.
.
Isatonhisbedcr y
ingli
kesomeonewhoi s
abouttobet akent
oasl aughterhouse.Iam
sti
ll
inshock, t
hewayhehadmet akenterr
if
ied
mebutheal sosavedmef r
om f or
ceful
bedroom deali
ngswithhisbrother.Thi
spurit
y
i
sclearl
ynotgood.  
.
Me:
Mypr
ince,
MayIpl
easeasky
ousomet
hing.
Nt
sika:
Ask,
myl
ady
.
Me:Couldyoupl
easedef
lowerme?(
hel
ooked
shocked)
Nt
sika:
Par
don?
Me:Makemeawoman.Thi spuri
tythi
ngis
cl
earl
yacurseandIdonotwantanyofit
anymore.Pl
easehav
eme.
Ntsika:
Beingpur eisabeautif
ult
hing,
Ndoni .I
t
i
snotacur se,thecurseisthemenwhot hink
theyhaverighttotakeamai den'
spuri
ty.(he
stoodinfr
ontofme)
Me: Pleasehavemeasyour
s,mypr
ince.I
'
d
rat
herbedef l
oweredbyamanwhohasshown
meki ndnessthenamanwhoseesmeas
nothing.
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
yamanzi
(hesai
dsof
tl
y)
Me:Youneednotromanceme,mypri
nce.You
neednotki
ssmeasy ouwouldal
overbut
pl
easeri
dmeoft hi
scurse.
Ntsi
ka:Youdonotunderst
and,mylady.Ido
wanttokissyou,
romanceyouandmakel ovet
o
you.Il
oveyou,mylady
.IfI
'm goi
ngtohavethe
honourofdef
lower
ingy
ou,
I'
dli
kef
ori
ttonot
beforced.
Me:Yousai
dyoulov
eme?Howcanapr
incebe
i
nlovewi
thaserv
ant?
Ntsi
ka:Idoloveyou,
Ndoni.Apri
nceisablet
o
l
oveaser v
antbecausehishear
thaschosenher
.
I
titsomethingIdonothavecont
rol
ov er
.
Me:
Thendef
lowermet
oni
ght
,pl
ease.
Ntsi
ka:Iri
skhavi
ngyouhat
emebysur
iseifI
dothat,
Ndoni.Ther
easonwhyy
ouwantthi
s
ar
ewr ong.
Me:Wouldyour
atherpri
nceLizwi
doesi
t,y
our
hi
ghness?(
hisj
awclenched)
Ntsi
ka:Thatwoul
dbethedayIt
hinkmybr
other
wouldknowmyr eal
rage.
Me:
ThenIbegy
ou,
mypr
ince.Makemey
our
s
t
oni
ght
.
.
Iwalkedtohi m andl ookedathim str
aighti
nthe
eyes,somet hingI'
venev erdonebefore.He
bowedhi sheadt oreachmyl evelandhekissed
me.Myf i
rstkiss!Howsof thisli
psareandhow
goodhesmel l
s.Thekisscausedabi tof
di
scomf ortbecauseIdonotknowhowt obut
Ntsikatookt heleadandshowedme.Iki ssed
hi
m andmybodyf el
tsomet hi
ngthatIcan't
evendescr i
be.
.
.
#Nt
sika:
Istoodi
namomentofwhatIcanonl ydescr i
be
asmagical .Thepuremaidenthatmyhear thas
chosenwant smet odef
lowerher.Herl i
psso
tendert
hat" mkhonto"(mymanhood)r eacted
i
mmedi ately.Il
if
tedheroffherfeetallwhil
e
l
ookingather .Shehasnev erl
ookedatmet hi
s
l
ongbef ore.Icouldseethemixoff earand
desir
einherey es.Iputheronmybedandl ift
ed
herdress.Rev eali
ngherbeaut i
fulbreasts.I
kissedthem andshemoaned, myhand
travel
l
edt ohert emplebutIfeltherbodygo
tenseandIknewshewasnotr eady .Idesir
eher
butIdonotwantherf ir
stti
met ober ushed.I'
ll
j
usthav et omakesur eIcontinuet okeepher
awayf rom Lizwi.Ist
oppedandl ookedather ,
tearsthreateni
ngherey es.
.
Me:Letthet
earsf
allsoyoucanseemeclear
ly,
Ndoni
.(shedi
dhertearsfel
landIwi
pedt
hem
of
f)
Ndoni
:Whydi
dyoust
op,
mypr
ince?
Me:Ihav
est
oppedbecausemyl
adyi
snot
r
eady.
Ndoni
:Iam,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:Youaret
ryi
ngt
oconvi
nceyour
sel
fbuty
ou
can'
tl
iet
omenortoyour
sel
f.
Ndoni
:Am Inotdesi
rabl
e,mypr
ince?AsI
'
ve
sai
dyouneednott
oromanceme.
Me:Idesireyousomucht hatyourt
ouchhas
mademyent ir
ebodyf eell
ikesi
t'
sonfir
ebuti
n
agoodway .AsI'
vesaid,Idowanttoromance
youbutjustnottoni
ght .I
'
llmakesureLi
zwi
doesnotcomeneary ou.
Ndoni
:No,
nodon'
tdot
hat(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y)
Me:
Whynot
?
Ndoni
:Ican'
ttel
lyou,
pri
nce.
Me:Pleaset
alktome,Ndoni
.Myheart
becomespainedwhenIseeyoushedt
ear
s.
Ndoni:Idonotwanttobekil
led,
MyPr ince.The
Queenhast ol
dmet hatImuststayawayf r
om
you.(
Ifeltmybloodbegint
oboilinanger)
Me:TheQueenmi ghtbemymotherbutshe
doesnotcontrolwhoIdoanddon'tsee.Noone
i
sgoingtokil
ly ou,Ndoni
.Havef
ait
hiny our
Pri
nce'
sabil
it
iest oprot
ecty
ou.
Ndoni
:Ihav
etoheadbackt
omychamber
.
Me: Andhav
eMaqhekezacaptur
ey outhe
secondyouent
er?Sl
eephere,
wewi llhav
ethe
samesleepi
ngarr
angementasbefore.
Ndoni
:Youcanhav
ethebed,
mypr
ince.Pl
ease
Ii
nsi
st.
Me:
Ifyouinsi
stthatmuchthenweshal
lshar
e
t
hebed.I
tisbigenoughforthebot
hofus.
 
Ndoni
:Idon'
tmi
ndt
hechai
r,mypr
ince.
Me:Ndoni,
you'veseenmynakednessandI
hav
ealsojustseenyour
s.Shar
ingabed
i
nnocent
lywil
lnotbetoomuchf orus.
 
Ndoni
:Il
ovey
out
oo(
shesai
dinal
owwhi
sper
)
Me:
Whatwast
hat
?
Ndoni
:Il
ovey
out
oo,
mypr
ince.(
Ismi
l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:
Woul
di tbetoomuchifIaskedy
out
o
j
ustcal
lmeNtsika,
mylady?
Ndoni
:Iti
stoomucht
oask,
yourhi
ghness(
I
l
aughed)
Me:
MayIki
ssy
ouagai
n?(
shebl
ushed)
Ndoni
:Youmay
,mypr
ince.
.
Il
eanedf orwar
dtokissherinnocent
ly.Ipl
ant
ed
softkissedonherneckandItookinher
l
av enderscent
.Herbreat
hingbecamemor e
urgent.
.
Me:
Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul,
myNdoni
yamanzi
.
Ndoni:
Nopersonhast
oldmet
hat
,mypr
ince.
Thankyou.
Me:Letusgetundert
hecov
ersbecauseIknow
youri
seear
ly.
 
Ndoni
:MyPr
ince,
whati
sthi
sbet
weenus?
Me:Wewi l
lfi
gurei
tall
outwhenItakeyouto
t
hegarden.Bothofuswil
lbemorerel
axedand
wecanhaveagoodconv er
sat
ionaboutit
.
Ndoni
:Iknowt
haty
ouar
etowedapr
incess
soon.Iknowt
hatwecan'
tbet
oget
her
,my
pri
nce.
Me: Al
lofwhichwewill
tal
kaboutwhenweare
outsi
deofthesewall
s.Wouldy
oulikef
orust
o
conti
nuewiththebook?
Ndoni
:Yesbuty
ouhav
etor
ead.(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Ireadear
li
eron,
it'
syourt
urn.
Ndoni
:Youoff
eredtor
eadt
ome,
mypr
ince.I
di
dnotaskyouto.
Me:
Unf
air
,myl
ady
.(webot
hlaughed)
Ndoni
:I'
l
lreadal
ldayonourout
ing.Ipr
omi
se.
Me:Thenl
shal
lreadt
hen.Letmegogett
he
book.
 
.
Ist
oodandwentt olookforthebook.Wegot
undert
hecoversandIstart
edt oread.Hereyes
neverl
eav
ingmyf ace.I
'doccasional
lylookup
tosmil
eatherandshewoul dblush.Ifonlyshe
knewhowmuchIdesi reherbutI'
llwaitforher
togivehersel
ftomef ort
herightreasons.Her
nakednessislookedsobeautif
ulandf eltso
warm earl
ieron.Shefel
lasl
eepandIst opped
readi
ng.Ilookedatherwhil
einapeacef ul
slumber.Shelookssobeauti
ful.
 
.
.
#Li
zwi
:
Angerdoesnotbegintodescr
ibewhatI '
m
feel
i
ngrightnow.Ical
l
edforJongi l
eand
Maqhekeza.Theyneedtoexpl
ai nwhymypur e
maidenwasnotinmychamber s.Theyenter
ed
andbowed.
.
Me:Youtwobet
terexplai
ny our
selvesorI'
l
l
hav
ey oubot
heatbrokenglass(Ishouted)
Jongi
le:
Idonotknowwher
eNdoni
is,
my
pri
nce.
Me:Arey
ouhidi
ngthewhorefr
om me,
Jongi
l
e?
(
Ili
ft
edherupbyherar
mf or
ceful
l
y)
Jongi
le:Iwouldneverdoanythi
ngthatwi
ll
angeryou,myprince.Ndoni
exchangedduti
es
wit
hanot herser
vantbutnooneknewwher e
shewasdoi ngherduti
es.
Me:Shoul
dItel
ltheQueent
haty
ouar
efai
l
ing
aty
ourduty?
Jongi
l
e:No,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:Thenhowdoy
ounotknowwher
eyour
ser
vant
sare?
 
Jongil
e:Myapol
ogi
se,
yourhi
ghness(
Isl
apped
her)
Me:TheQueenwi
l
lhearofyourcar
elessness.
Leav
emychamber,ser
vant
. 
Jongil
e:Yes,
mypr
ince(
shehel
dhercheekand
l
eft)
Me:Whatki
ndofguardarey
ou,
Maqhekeza?
Di
dInotsayyouhavetobeont
hel
ookoutfor
Nt
sika?
Him:Sheisnotwi
tht
hePr i
nce.Iwoul
dhav
e
seenherent
er,mypr
ince.
 
Me:You'
reaf
ail
ure!Youcan'
tdoast
upi
dtask.
Gonowbefor
eIcuty ourf
ace.
 
Hi
m:Myapol
ogi
es,
mypr
ince.
.
Hest ood,It
hrewt heglassathim andi tbroke
onhisback.I'm surr
oundedbyf ools!Iclearl
y
havet odothi
smy sel
fnexttime.I
fMaqhekeza
didnotseehergot oNtsikathenwher ecould
shebe?Iwasi nmyt houghtswhent heQueen
walkedin.
.
Mot
her
:Tel
lmei
tisdone.
Me:
Iti
sdone,
myQueen.(
shel
aughed)
Mother
:I'
m pr
oudofyou,myson.Iknewt
his
wouldnotbeadi
ff
icul
ttaskf
oryou.
Me:
IdowhatIhav
eto,
topl
ease,
myQueen.
Mother
:Iseet
hebrokenglassattheent
rance.
Thewhoremusthaveputupaf i
ght.
Me:
Yesbutshef
ail
ed.
 
Mot
her:I'
l
lhavehersummoned.Iwantt
osee
t
hebrokennessi
nhereyes.(
Ipani
cked)
Me:Youwon'tf
indheri
nherchamber,
mot her
.
Jongil
esai
dsheranouri
ntotheopenfi
eldaft
er
l
eavingher
e.
Mother
:GoodIhopet
hewitchgetseat
enupby
wi
ldanimal
ssonothi
ngi
sleftofher
.
Me:
Shemi
ghtbeback,
Mot
her
.
Mot her:Thenmakesurethatthenewsofher
disgracereachesNt
sikasomehow.Iwanthi m
tolookatherwi t
hpuredisgustatsunr
ise.He
willfi
nal
lyseewhatapieceofr ot
tenwalking
meatshei s.
 
Me:I'
l
lmakesurei
treachesmybrot
her.Now
don'
twor
ryaboutt
his.I
'l
ldeal
wit
hitfr
om now.
Goandbet heelegant,
gracef
ulQueenthatyou
al
way sareanddon'tworr
yaboutmattersIhav
e
undercontr
ol.
Mother
:Youwarm myhear
t,mypri
nce.Youar
e
i
ndeedafrui
tfr
om mywomb.Ilov
ey ou.
Me:AndIyou,
Mother
.Nowgot
othemai
n
chamberandr
est
.
Mot her:I
'
llr
estsoundl
ynowthatIknowt hat
whor ehasnopowerov ert
hefut
ureking.You
knowj usthowtomakeaQueensmi l
e.Sweet
sl
umber ,I'
ll
call
Jongil
etosweepthebroken
glass.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myQueen.
.
Iwatchedast heQueenwal kedoutin
happiness.Icouldnott el
lherthetr
uthorshe
wouldcallmeaf ai
l
ur e.Ifai
l
edatbringinga
weakmai dent omychamber s.Jongil
ear r
ived
andsweptt hefloor.Itoldhert
onott el
l t
he
Queenaboutt hetruesi t
uation, i
nf actI
threatenedhert okeephermout hshutorI 'l
l
hav ehert onguecutout .Wher ecoul dt hi
s
servanthav egonet o?Onl ywi tchesar eoutat
thisour !Perhapsshehasf oundher selfaman
amongstt hemal eser v
antsandi tspendi ngthe
night.I'
mf umingwi thangerandev enpunched
thewal lunti
lmyf istgotswol len.Ihat enot
gettingmywayandt hi
smai deni sgoi ngt opay
dear l
yf ormaki ngmeangr y.Iwi llhaveherev en
i
fshe' si mpurewhet hershel i
kesi tornot .I
drankt heent i
rebot tleofbrandyandi tmakeme
fallasleep.
#Nosi
[
03/01,
17:40]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t7
.
#Ndoni
Thedayt hatI'
ll
gowi thPri
nceNt si
katogar den
hasar r
ived.Ihav ethedaytodoasIwant .I
fthe
orphanagewasnearI 'dgov i
sitbutit'
snot .
Jongil
enowl ooksatmewi they esofpur ehate.
I'
m gratefultothePr i
nceforsav i
ngmebuthow
l
ongwi llthatlast.Iam i
nlovewi thafutureking.
Imustbet hemostst upidservantinallthe
Afri
canki ngdoms.Iwaswi t
hZi pho.
.
Zi
pho:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
ospendy
ourday
of
fdut
y?
Me:Iwi
ll
got
othemar
ketandj
ustadmi
ret
he
cr
aft
s.
Zi
pho:Gowi t
htheotherserv
antgi
rl
swhoar
e
of
fduty.Theywil
lshowy ouwhatt
oreal
l
ydo
wi
thyourdayoff.
 
Me:I
'
drat
hergoal
one.Iseemyf
ell
owser
vant
s
ev
ery
day.
 
Zipho:
Iheary
ou.Ndoni
theot
hermai
denswant
toknowwhatyoudosogood?
Me:
Idonotunder
stand.
Zi
pho:Pr
inceNt
sikacal
ledf
oryouagai
n.Teach
uswhatyoudodi
ffer
entint
hecover
s.(
I
l
aughes)
Me:
Iam j
ustmy
sel
f,Zi
pho.
Zipho:Youarelucky
.Theotherserv
ant
swait
everydayatsunsett
hinki
ngthatt
heywil
lbe
call
edbyt hefut
ureking.
Me:May
beheshal
lcal
lfort
hem oncehegr
ows
t
ir
edofmypr
esence.
Zipho:Weart hatdresswi t
ht hef
lowersIgav
e
you.Itsui
tsyoubeaut if
ully.Youmightevenfi
nd
awar ri
orwhowi llcarr
yy ouinhisstr
ongarms
atthemar ket(webot hlaughed)
Me:
Youandwarri
ors!I
'
m sureyouhave
f
ant
asi
esaboutbei
ngcarr
iedbywarri
ors.
Zi
pho:
Onl
ybyonewar
ri
or.
Jongi
l:Ndoni
,pr
inceLi
zwi
want
stoseey
ouat
once.
Zipho:Butseni
or,
haveyounott
oldt
hepr
ince
thatNdoniisof
fdutyt
oday.Iwi
l
lgoandl
ist
en
towhatheneeds.
Jongi
le:Youshalldonosuchthi
ng,
bigmouth.
Havey oueverseenaserv
antdenyapri
nce
whathewant s?Ihavenochoi
cebuttoagr
ee.
Me:
I'
ll
go,
seni
or.
Jongi
le:Youwil
lfi
ndthem ontheeastwi
ngof
thepalacecl
osetothecowkraal
.
Zipho:No,seni
orthati
sf arandthepl
aceis
muddy .Ndonii
sdressedi nhermostdecent
cl
othestogot othemar kettoenj
oyherdayoff
duty.(
sheslappedZipho)
Me:
Ziphokeepqui
et,
sist
er.I
'
llgo.
Zipho:Al
lthenewmai dshav
ehadt hei
rdayof
f
dutyandwer enotdi
stur
bed,Ndoni.Whyshall
younotenjoythat?(
shegotslappedagain)
Jongi
le:Youwatchyourbigmout
h.Ndoni
do
notkeepthepr
incewaiti
ng.
Me:
I'
ll
leav
enow,
seni
or.(
shel
eft
)
Zipho:
Bloodyev
ilwi
tch.Howcantheynotal
l
ow
youtogooutwhenyouar ei
nful
lri
ght?
Me:
Cal
m now,
Zipho.I
'
llgoandl
i
sten.
.
IembracedherandIl ef
t.Imademywayt othe
areaJongil
ement i
oned.Shewasr i
ght,
itistrul
y
muddyandI '
v egotonalightcol
our
eddr ess.I
sawprinceLizwiandIhadt obowinthemud.
.
Me:
Youcal
l
ed,
mypr
ince.
Li
zwi
:Ri
se,
ser
vant
.(Ist
ood)
Me:
Thanky
ou,
mypr
ince.
Li
zwi:Youl
ookdecentt
oday.I
fIdi
dnotknow
anybett
erI
'
dsayyouarethedaught
erofari
ch
man.
Me:
Thesear
eol
drags,
mypr
ince.
Li
zwi
:Wher
ewer
eyout
heot
herni
ght
,ser
vant
?
Me:Idonotknowwhi
chni
ghty
ouspeakof
,my
Pr
ince.
Li
zwi:Maqhekeza,t
ellherwhatwil
lhappeni
f
shechoosestoplaythedumbf ool
.
Maqhekeza:Ihitt
hepeoplewholi
etothe
pr
ince.I
tisi
ny ourbesti
nter
estt
hatyout
ell
the
Pr
incethetr
uth.
Li
zwi:
Nowser
vant
,I'
m asky
ouagai
n.Wher
e
wereyou?
!
Me:
Iwasi
nmychambersl
eepi
ng,
myPr
ince.
.
Ifel
tMaqhekezahitmehardonmyback.So
heardt
hattheblowsoundedl
iket
hebeatofa
l
oudAfri
candrum.
.
Li
zwi
:Doy
oul
i
kewhatmyf
ri
endi
sdoi
ng,
ser
vant
? 
Me:
No,
mypr
ince.Idonotl
i
kei
t.
Li
zwi:Thenspeakt
hetrut
h,whore.Whi
chmal
e
ser
vantdidyougooff
eryour
selfto?
Me: Idonotknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
,
yourhighness.
Li
zwi
:Maqhekeza!
.
Maqhekezacont i
nuedt ohitmybodyuntilmy
tearscouldnolongerconeout.Theyonlyhitmy
frontandbackmostbutav oi
dedmyf aceand
l
egs.Ikneltdownt aki
ngont hepunishment.I
didnotcryandIstoppedbeggi ng.Myheartfel
t
heavywi t
hpain.AllIwantedwast oenj
oymy
dayof fdut
ytoday.Hef i
nall
yorderedhi
sguar d
tostop.
.
Li
zwi:NexttimeIcal
lyouint
omychambery ou
wi
llcomer unni
ng.I
sthatunder
stood,
ser
vant?
(
Ikeptqui
et)
Maqhekeza:Dar
eyounotanswery
ourpr
ince?(
I
keptqui
et)
Li
zwi
:Afei
stywhor
eisev
enbetter
.Youhave
j
ustmademewantyoumore.(
Ilookedathi
m)
Maqhekeza:Royalt
yisnotbel
ookedatbya
ser
vant(heslappedme)
Li
zwi:
Youmayl
eav
e,whor
e.I
'
llcomef
ory
ou
whenIwant
.
.
Ist
oodupfrom t
hecowdungfil
ledmud.Iwas
i
npainandnottoment
ionfi
lt
hy.Iwal
kedslowl
y
andIwasangryatt
heworl
d. 
.
Me:Youpr
omisedtoprot
ectme,
Shi
ba.(
tear
s
r
oll
edfr
om mycheek)
.
Shedi
dnotr
epl
yandIf
eltmor
epai
ned.The
ot
herkingdom ser
vant
sst
aredatmeasI
wal
kedpass.Someev enl
aughingatmy
di
rt
iness.Zi
phosawmeappr oachandr
ant
o
me.
.
Zi
pho:
Ndoni
whathappened?
Me:
Pleaset
akemet
oourchamber
,Zi
pho.
Zi
pho:
Whatdidthatcruel
pri
ncedot
oyou?
ComeI'
ll
takey
ou( shehel
dme)
Me:Ouch!Donott
ouchmepl
ease.Justwal
k
wi
thme.
Zi
pho:
Theybeaty
ou?(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y)
.
WereachedourchamberandZiphowenttoget
warm wat
erandaclot
h.Itookofft
hedressand
Zi
phowalkedinandcr
ied.
.
Zi
pho:
OhZi
pho!Whathav
ethosebast
ardsdo
t
oyou?
Me:
Itl
ooksbadbuti
tisnot
.
Zi
pho:Youhav eredstr
ipesal
lovery
ourupper
body
.Donott ell
mei ti
snothi
ng.Youlookl
ikea
Zebr
a.(Il
aughedsoftly
)
Me: Gi
vemethewat
ersoy
oucoul
dgobackt
o
yourwork.
Zipho:Nonsense!ComeI '
l
lsoothyourbrui
ses.
Luckil
ynonoft hem arebl
eedi
ng.Youwi l
lhave
todelayyourvi
sitt
ot hemarketunti
lyouareoff
dutyonceagain.
Me:
Iwill
gotothemar
ket
,Zi
pho.Ihav
e
i
mport
antmatt
erst
odeal
wit
h.
Zi
pho:
ButNdo.
..
Me:
Nobut
sZi
pho(
Icuthershor
t)
.
Shehelpedmecl
eanupandappliedmypain
remedyonthe"
zebr
a"br
uises.Iworeanot
her
dress,i
tisnotasbeauti
ful
asthefi
rstbutitwi
l
l
do.Ithankedherandtol
dhertogotowor k.
BantuknockedandIstoodslowl
y.
.
Bant
u:Ndoni
t hepr
incei
satt
hegardenal
ready
.
Ihav
ecomef oryoudearmai
den.
Me:
Iam r
eady
,war
ri
or.
Bant
u:Whathav
etheydonet
oyou?
Me:
Par
don,
war
ri
or?
Bant
u:Zi
photol
dmethatt
heyoungerpri
nce
wantedt
oseeyouandnowyouwalkli
kean
i
njur
edwoman. 
Me:I'dr
athernotspeakaboutit,war
rior
.I'
d
appreci
ateiti
fthi
sneverreachestheearsof
Pri
nceNt si
ka.Shal
lwegonow, warr
ior?
Bantu:Nt
sikanowsinjuredpeoplewhenhe
seesthem.Ifyouwantt ohidethef
actt
hathi
s
brot
herhurtyoutheny oubett
erwalkpr
oper
ly.
Letusgo,youngmai den.
.
Iwalkedt othear eawher et hehor secarwas.
Bantuhel pedmei nandheor deredt hehor ses
tori
de.Isatst i
lli
nmuchpai n.I'
llhavet oact
normal whenImeett heprince.Wear rivedat
thegardenandBant uhelpedmei n.Itlookedso
beauti
ful.Flower severywher e,
ofdi fferentkind.
Isawt hePr incelookinghandsomei nr oyal
att
ir
e.Hest oodandpi ckedaf l
ower .Iwal kedt o
him asnor mal asIcan.Eachst epcamewi tha
sharpsting.If akedasmi l
ewhi l
ewal kingt ohim.
Hopingt hathewi l
lnotnot i
cethatmybodyi s
weakduet ot hewoundst heysufferf rom.
.
.
#Nt
sika
MyNdoni walkedtomeandshel ooked
di
ffer
ent.Al
ltheworkshedoesinthepalace
mustnowbet oomuchforherbody.I'
l
lneedto
gethermoreday sof
f.Imetherhalfwayand
ki
ssedhersof
tcheek.
.
Me:
Myl
ady
.
Ndoni:
Gr eet
ings,
mypr
ince.Myapol
ogi
esf
or
notbowing.
Me:Iactual
l
yli
kedthatyoudi
dnotbow.ComeI
hav
epr epar
edfoodfory
ou.
Ndoni
:Iam nothungr
y,mypr
ince.
Me:
Thenj
ustcomeandsi
twi
thme.
Ndoni
:Thegardeni
ssobeaut
if
ul,
mypr
ince.So
manyfl
owers.
Me:Notasingl
eoft
hesef
lower
sar
eas
beaut
if
ulasyou.
Ndoni
:Myt
hanks,
mypr
ince.
Me:
Comesi
tandatl
easthav
egi
nger
.
Ndoni
:Ist
hisnotf
oodonl
ymeantf
orr
oyal
ty
mypri
nce?
Me:
Wel
lyouwi
l
lbeeat
ingwi
thmesoi
tisokay
.
Ndoni:CanIpleasehavesomeforwarri
or
Bantu?Itwil
lberudetohaveal
lthi
sfoodwhen
heisnot.(Ismil
ed)
Me:
Doasy
ouwi
sh,
myl
ady
.
.
Iwat chedasshesl owlygotfoodforBantu.No
mai denI'
v emethasev ercar
edabouthis
existenceandI '
m notjeal
ousbecauseIknowi t
i
sherki ndhear tthatmakesherdothis,not
feeli
ngsf orBantu.Shetri
edtori
sebutfellback
andt hefoodi nherhandfell
toground.Icaught
herjustint i
me.
.
Me:
Myl
ady
,whati
sthemat
ter
?
Bantu:
Let
'sheadbackt
othemai
nland,
my
pri
nce.
Ndoni
:I'
mfine,
mypr
ince.I
'
m sor
ryf
orspi
l
li
ng
yourf
ood.
Me:Idonotcaref
orfood,Ndoni
.Ar
eyounot
wel
l
?( shel
ookedatBantu)
Ndoni
:I'
m wel
l
,yourhi
ghness.I
'
llgetmor
efood.
Bant
u:Donotr
ise,
myl
ady
.Justcal
lmet
o
comegeti
t 
.
Shesatbackonthebl anket
.Iwat
chedasshe
putf
oodonacl ot
hf orBantuonceagai
n.He
cametogetitandleftus.
.
Me:
Ndoni
whati
sthemat
ter
?
Ndoni
:Not
hing,
mypr
ince.I
tissohoti
nher
e.
Me:
Idonotf
eel
thatheat(
shewassweat
ing)
Ndoni
:Itmustbemet
hen.(
Iputmyhandon
herf
orehead)
Me:
Ndoni
,youar
ehot
.
Ndoni
:Ij
ustneedt
ori
seandwal
kar
ound.
.
Sheroseandwal kedabout.Thenwi t
hout
warni
ngmyl adyfellt
othegr ound.Iwastofar
fr
om hertocatchher.Ir
ant oherside,shef
elt
hotbutherbodywasshi v
ering.
.
Me:
Bant
u!(
Ishout
edout
)
Bant
u:Whati
sthemat
ter
?
Me:
Hel
pmegetherbackt
othemai
nland.
Bant
u:I'
l
ltakehermypri
nce.Youcan'
tbeseen
car
ryi
ngaservanti
npubli
c.
Me:
Whathappened,Bant
u?Ify
oudar
eli
eto
mether
ewi
llbehell
topay!!
Bantu:Shewassummonedbythey
ounger
pri
nce.Shecamebackweak,
myprince.
Me:
Lookaway
!(Iwasf
umi
ng)
.
Het
urnedhi
sbackatusandIl
i
ftedherdr
ess
up.Shehadr edandbl
uestr
ipesal
lov
erher
body.Whatdidthatmonst
erdotoher
?Imade
herproperagai
n.
.
Me:Takehertothemai
nlandatonce.I
'
lldeal
wi
thmybr ot
her.
Bant
u:I
'
llmakesur
esheget
shel
p,mypr
ince.
.
Hepi ckedupherpet i
tebodyst i
l
lshaking.Ihad
towai tbefor
ef oll
owing.Af tersomet imeIr ode
onmyhor set othemai nland.Mybr otherwi ll
knowj usthowmuchIhat ehimr i
ghtnow' I
'
v e
gotsomuchangerandpai ninmet hatI'
m
capableofany t
hing,evenki l
li
ng!Igottot he
palaceanddi dnotev ent iemyhor se.Iran
i
nsideandwentst r
aighttoLi zwi'
schamber .I
t
wasempt yandIshout edinanger .Isearched
theent i
repalaceandhadt hegroundssear ched
buthei snother e.Isatdownandcr i
edwhenI
thoughtabouthowherbodyl ooks.Howcoul d
he?Isatandwaitedbuthedidnotarri
ve.Iwent
toNdoni'
schamberandf oundherl
yingonher
sidewi
thjustacoveroverherbody
.
.
Zi
pho:I'
vemanagedt
olowerherf
ewer
,my
pr
ince.
Me:Myt hanks.Ndoni,cany
ouhearme?(
she
keptqui
etandl ookedatme)
Zipho:Shehasbrui
sesonallsi
des,mypr i
nce.
Shecan'tfi
ndtheperf
ectposi
ti
ont oli
eon
becauseallar
esore.Donotbeoffendedifshe
doesnotrespondtoyou.She'
sinal otofpai
n.
Me: Il
oveyou,Ndoni
yamanzi(
Iwhisperedi
nher
earandhertearscamebutshest
il
l di
dnot
speak)
Bant
u:Wewi
l
lret
urnatsunr
ise,
Zipho.
Zi
pho:
I'
ll
lookaf
terherwar
ri
or.
Me:
I'
llseey
oubefor
esunr
ise.I
'
llmakehi
m pay
f
ort
his,mylady
. 
.
IstoodandBant uandIl eftherchamber .My
heartisbleedi
ng.Shecoul dnotev enrespondto
me.I '
vefail
edherrightafterIpromisedto
protecther.Il
ookedf orLi
zwi onceagain,not
evenhisguar dhadbeenseen.Iwentt omy
chamber sandIcan' tevensleep.Howwi ll
I
sl
eepwhenmyl oveisinpai n?
#Nosi
[
03/01,
17:40]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t8
#Nt
sika
Itossedandt urnedallnightlong.Ittookgreat
strengt
ht oresi
sttheur geofgoi ngtoNdoni '
s
chamber .IgotreadyandIdr essedi nmyr oyal
atti
rebecauseIhav eroy albusinesstoattendto.
I'
vecalmedsi ncelastnightbutIwi ll
stil
lmake
mybrotherandhisguar
dfeelt
hesamepain
theyl
etmyladyfeel
.Therewasaknockonthe
door.
.
Me:
Ent
er!(
Ishout
edandBant
uwal
kedi
n)
Bantu:
Howdidyousl
eep,
mypr
ince?(
hewas
abouttobow)
Me:Donotbot
herbowi
ng,
mybr
other
.Idi
dnot
sl
eepwel
l,war
ri
or.
Bant
u:ThenIcomewi t
hgoodnews, fel
l
ow
warr
ior
.I'
vespental
lni
ghttr
yingt
ofindthe
l
ocati
onofyourbrot
herandhisguar
d.I
managedtofindMaqhekez
a,brot
her.
Me:
AndwhataboutLi
zwi
?
Bantu:
Ihav ef
ail
edinthet
askoff
indi
ngt
he
pri
nce,yourhi
ghness.Myapol
ogi
es.
Me:Maqhekezawil
lleadustoLi
zwi,brot
her
.
YouhavedonewellandIgi
vemyt hankstoyou
(weshookhands)
Bant
u:Shal
lIt
eachhi
m al
esson,
mypr
ince?
Me:Gethi
mt owher
etheyhur
tmyl
ady
.Iwi
l
l
t
akecareofhi
m.
Bant
u: Youareweari
ngoneofyourroy
alat
ti
res,
myprince.Idosuggesty
ouri
dyoursel
foft
hem.
Me: GoandgetMaqhekezatowhereI
request
ed.Ihav
emanyr oy
alatt
ir
es.Thedi
rtof
oneisnottheendoft
hewor l
d.
Bant
u:I
'
llgoatonce.
.
HegotoutandIknewIwoul dnothavet i
met o
change.Iwantedt ogetthel
ocationofwher e
thecowardishiding.Bantusentforaservantto
tel
lmet hatt
heyhav eMaqhekezawher eIwant
him.Ilef
tatonceandi nahur r
y.Ifoundhim on
hiskneesinthemud.Thepl acewher etheyhurt
myNdoni .Iwalkedtostandnextt oBantu.
.
Maqhekeza:
Yourhi
ghness.
Me:
Rise,
Maqhekeza.
Hi
m: Myt
hanks,mypr
ince.Youcal
l
edf
orme.
WhatmayIdofory
ou?
Me:
Fightme.
Hi
m:Par
don.
Me:Fightme!Iwantt
oseei
fyouar
ecapabl
eof
hi
tt
ingawarrior
. 
Him: I
'drat
hernot,mypri
nce.Theseareroy
al
grounds.Thekingwil
lhavemeki l
ledi
fit
reacheshisears.
Me:Useyouri
magi
nati
on,i
t'
sonl
ythethr
eeof
usher
eandIknowwarri
orBant
uisnotaman
whogossi
ps.Nowimagi
neyouareint
hefiel
d
wit
hacommoner. 
Hi
m:Mypr
ince,
Idon'
t.
..
 
Me:
It'
sanor
der
!(Ishout
ed)
Bant
u:You'
ll
doasthepri
nceorder
sifyouknow
whati
tbestfory
ou.Nowstandandfi
ghtthe
warri
or.Showusthatyouar
enotjustapal
ace
guardwhohi t
sonhelpl
essmai
dens.Showus
thatyouareaman.Standandf
ightasyour
pri
nceordered.
 
Me:Holdthi
sforme, brot
her.Yousee
MaqhekezaI'
m notl
ikemybr other
.Idonot
haveBantudomydi r
tywor k.Idoitallmysel
f
andyouareabouttofindoutj ustwhatthese
handsarecapabl
eof.
.
Igav eBantutheheav yroyalclothesIworeon
topandst oodwi t
habar echest .Maqhekeza
threwt hefi
rstpunchbutintomi dai r
.Ipunched
him andhei mmedi atel
yfelldownandbl ed
from thenose.Igav ehim achancet ostand
andIhi thi
m again.TheangerIhady esterday
cameback.Icoul dsuddenl yseehowhi sheavy
handshi tt
hef r
agil
ebodyoft hewomant hatI
l
ov e.Ibeathim upandIdi dnotwantt ostop.
Ev enthemudwasnowr edwi thhisblood.He
cri
edoutformet ostopbutIcouldnotbecause
hedidnotli
stentoNdoni'
scriesasshebegged
himtostop.Iconti
nuedandIknewt hatI
'm abl
e
tokil
lhi
m withmybar ehands.
.
Hi
m:MyPr
ince,
pleasest
op(
hecr
ied)
Me:Didyoustopwhent heyoungmaiden
beggedofyoutostophitt
ingher
?(Iputmy
handaroundhisneck)
Hi
m: NobutIwasonlytaki
ngor
der
sfr
om t
he
pr
ince,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:Wher
eisLi
zwi?(
Ishout
edandmygr
ip
ar
oundhi
sneckti
ght
ened)
Hi
m:Idonothaveknowl
edgeofhis
wher
eabout
s,mypri
nce(Iputhi
sfacei
nthe
mud)
Bantu:
Tell
theprincethetr
uthify
ouwanttobe
al
ivewhenthesunsets,guard.Ri
ghtnowhei
s
anangrywarr
iornotyourpri
nceandyoudonot
wanttoangerhi
mf urt
her(
hewarned
MaqhekezaandIli
ftedhi
sfacesohecoul
d
speak)
Me:
Wher
eisLi
zwi
? 
Hi
m: Heishidi
ngi
ntheguestquar
ter
s,my
pr
ince.Nott
henewonesbuttheoldones.
Me:I
fyoudar
eli
etomeIwi
l
lfi
ndy
ouandIwi
l
l
ki
l
lyou.
Hi
m: Ispeakonl
ythet
rut
h,mypr
ince.I
'
v el
ear
nt
mylesson,pl
easel
etmeli
ve(
hecriedl
ikea
l
it
tl
eboy )
Bantu:
Ifyoudar
elayahandonamaidenagai
n,
I
'l
lcutyou.I
'
m awarri
orwhoenj
oysusi
nghis
i
rons.(
hepunchedMaqhekeza)
Me: Let'
sleavethi
ssav age,
brother
.Youmay
gotoy ourduti
es,Bantu.Iwil
ldealwitht
he
youngpr i
nce.Leavethi
ssav agehere.Heshal
l
seehowheget shelp.
Bant
u:Asy
ouwi
sh,
mypr
ince.I
'
llgoputy
our
at
ti
rei
nther
oyal
house.
Me:
Myt
hanks.
.
BantuandIpar t
edway sleavi
ngMaqhekeza
weepinglikeanewwi dow.Heev enwethispant.
Howpat hetic!Imademywayt ot heguest
quart
ers.Ifoundalockedoneandnewi ti
sthe
onehe'sinbecausewedonotmakeuseoft he
oldones.Ipushedt hedoorwi t
hmybodyunt il
it
brokeopen.Hewasi ndeedhereandi nbedwith
twomai dens.Howt ypical!
.
Me:
Getdr
essedandl
eav
eus,
myl
adi
es.
Them:Asyouwish,
mypr
ince(
theysai
d
si
mult
aneousl
y)
Lizwi
:Howdar
eyoudist
urbapr
ivat
emoment
!
(hest
oodandgotdr
essed)
Me:Icandowhatev
erthehel
lIwant.Get
dr
essedIwantyoui
ntheroy
alhouse.
Li
zwi:Youar
enotmyKing,
Ntsika(
Ipunched
hi
m andthemai
densr
anout )
Me:IdonotneedtobeyourKingt
odowhatI
'
m
aboutto.Nowgetdr
essedyoucowar
d!(
I
shouted)
Li
zwi
:Howri
chofyoutocal
lmeacoward!You
ar
ewil
li
ngt
okil
lyourownbr
otherf
orawhore!.
.
Myangertowardhimroseevenhigherthenthat
Ihadwithhi
sguard.HewashalfdressedandI
tookhi
m bythebackoftheneck.Iledhimto
theroy
alhouseunti
lwegotint
ot heli
brar
y. 
.
Li
zwi:Youjusthumi
l
iat
edapr
incei
nfr
ontof
ser
vants!
!
Me:Whatwillyoudoaboutit?Runt
otheQueen
asyouusuall
ydo.Nowondery ouareweak.
Youhidebehi
ndt heski
rtofawoman!
Li
zwi
:Yourwhor
edi
dnotf
indmeweakwhenI
hadherbeaten.May
beIshouldhav
ehadher
dressedri
ppedandhadasavagehaveherway
withher!
!
.
Thoselastwordsanger edmeandbef oreI
knewitIwasont opofhim andthrowi ng
punchesathim.Hewasbl eedi
ngf rom t he
mouthandIdi dlethi
mr i
seonhi sfeet.He
managedt oplaceafirm punchonmyf acebutI
att
ackedhimi nthepitofhisstomach.He
bowedholdinghisstomach.Iwant edt odo
morebuttheQueenwal kedinandmadeher sel
f
acoverforhim.SheknewI '
dnev erlayaf i
nger
onher.Noamountofangerwi llall
owmet o
rai
semyhandonsomeoneoft hef air
ersex.
.
Mother:Areyououtofy ourmind,
Ntsi
ka?You
knowthaty ouholdthestrengt
hofatrai
ned
warri
or.Howdar eyoulayahandony our
brot
her?
Li
zwi:Ihadhi
swhorebeatenyest
erday.Hei
s
angr
ybecausethewhoreheisinl
ov ewit
his
i
njur
ed.
Me:
Youshal
lnotr
efert
oherl
i
ket
hat
!
Mother:Whatshall
hecal
lher
?Shoul
dhecall
herpri
ncess?She'
sawhoreandthesoonery
ou
real
i
seitthebett
er.
Fat
her
:Whati
sgoi
ngoni
nher
e?(
hewal
kedi
n)
Li
zwi
:Asky
ourel
dest
.
Father:Youngprince,whatseemstobet he
mat t
er?Icouldheary oushoutfr
om far
.Isthi
s
thewayar oy
alfamilyissupposetobehave?
Me:Myapol
ogi
esfordi
srespect
ingt
he
ki
ngdom,myKi
ng.
 
Fat
her
:Whati
sthemat
ter
?
Mother
:Heisdef
endi
ngawhore!(
Icr
inged
whentheycal
lmyNdoni
that
)
Me:
MyKi
ng,
Lizwi
hitamai
denser
vantandshe
wasnotfoundguil
tyofanycri
me.Isi
tnowthe
wayofthekingdom t
ohithel
plessmai
dens
whohavedonenot hi
ngwrong?
Father
:Youdaredtohaveamai
denpuni
shed
fornot
hing?(
helookedatLi
zwi
)
Lizwi:
Shewasnotr espect
ingmyorder
s,my
king.I
sitnotwrongofsservantt
ogoagainst
theordersofherpr
ince?
Me: Shewentagainstthem becauseIgav eher
newones, myKing.Sheknewasel destand
nextinli
netothethrownIholdpowert o
overrul
ehisdecisi
ons.Shouldshethenhav e
wentagainsttheordersofherfutureki
ng?
Father
:DidLi
zwi
knowt
haty
ouhadgi
venher
otheror
ders?
Me:
Heknewv
erywel
lfat
het
.
Father
:Thenhowdar
eyouhitayoungservant
maidenfordoi
ngast
herul
esofthekingdom
al
lows,Li
zwi?Hav
eyoueverseenmehi tmy
Queen?
Li
zwi
:No,
myKi
ng.
Fat
her:Thenwheredi
dyoul
ear
nsuchcr
uel
ways,
mypr ince?
Li
zwi:Iknewyou'
dtakehisside,
Father.When
wi
lly
ougi vemethefavouryougiveNtsika?
Father:
Istoppedgivi
ngy outhesamef avour
whenIf oundthaty
ouar easel fi
shhuman.
GrowupandbeamanI '
l
l t
reatyouassuch.
Ntsikahavearoyalcaret
akert endt
othe
maidenwehav ewronged.
Mother
:Si
ncewhendor
oyal
car
etaker
stendt
o
ser
vant
s,myki
ng?
Father:Sincey oursonwr ongedher.Heknows
hehadnor ighttot r
eathersobadl ywit
hout
reason.Iwi l
l nothaveyoungmai densbeaten
fornothinginmyki ngdom.Ifhewant sto
changet her ulesheismor ethenwelcomet ogo
andbui l
dhi sownki ngdom.Nowl eaveIwantto
speakt
oNt
sikaal
one.
Li
zwi:Youhaveaweakf utureki
ng.Ifyoudonot
openyoureyestothatf
acty ouwil
lhaveno
ki
ngdom toboastaboutinfutur
e(heleft
)
Mother
:Theprincessi
scomi
ngatsunset
.Get
r
eady,Ntsi
ka.
Me:Iwil
lbuti
fsomethi
nghappenst
oNdoni
I'
ll
knowit
'syoumother
.
Mot
her
:Sheev
ent
urnedy
ouagai
nsty
ourown
mot
her
.
Fat
her
:Igav
eanor
der
,myQueen.
Mother
:I'
mleavi
ng,myKing.Someonehast
o
car
eforthewoundsyoursongaveLi
zwi.
.
Shelookedatmeonceandleft
.Il
ovemy
motherbutI
'm notbl
i
ndtoherunki
ndness.I
wishIwasborntoakindQueen.
.
Father
:Ar
eyoui
nlov
ewi
tht
hemai
den,
young
pri
nce?
Me:
No,
fat
her
.
Fat
her:Donotli
etome.I'm standi
ngbef
oreyou
asyourfat
herandnottheking.Onlyamanin
l
ovedefendsthehonourofamai denasyou
hav
e.
Me:Iam i
nlov
ewithher
,fat
her
.Iknowit
's
f
orbi
ddenbutIhav
enocontrol
overit
.
Father
:Itgetsworsewhenyoutr
ytocontroli
t.
Beingi
nl oveisnormal
butyouneedto
remembert hatyouhaveadut
ytothekingdom.
Me:Iknow,Father
.Yousoundli
keamanwho
hasexper
ience.Wereyouoncei
nthesame
si
tuat
ionasme?
Father
:Icannotdenynoragr
ee,
y oungpri
nce.I
havetogo.Gonowandgetar oyalcar
etakerf
or
themaiden.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myKi
ng.
.
Ilef
thim andIwenttochooset
hebestf
ormy
Ndoni.Igotacaret
akerandIwal
kedwit
hhert
o
theservantquar
ter
s.
.
.
#Ndoni
IdonotknowwhatIwoul ddoifZiphowasnot
here.I'
m st
il
linmuchpainbutshesoot hesmy
woundswel l
.Shewoul ddoherroyaldutiesand
comebackt oseeme.Iwasangr y
.Angr yat
thosewhodi dthi
s,atShi
ba,atMamaf or
sendingmeher eandattheworldatlarge.Zipho
walkedinwithabasintowashmybody .Isat
upsoshecoul dgoon
.
Me:Ifeel
li
ker
oyal
tyr
ightnow.(
webot
h
l
aughed)
Zi
pho:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Bet
tert
heny est
erday
.Al
lthankst
oyou.
Thanky
ou,Zipho.
Zi
pho:You'
remysi
ster
,NdoniandIknowyou'
d
dothesameforme.It
hinkt
heprincei
sinl
ove
wit
hyou.
Me:
Don'
tbesi
l
ly.
Zipho:IknowI '
vegotabigmout h,Ndoni but
tr
ustmeIwi l
lkeepthi
st omy sel
f.HowIwi shI
couldturnyouintoaprincess.Thatwayy ou
canbewi ththemany oul oveanddon'tdenyi t
.I
seethelovey outwoshar ei
nbot hyourey es.
Wor dhasitMaqhekezawasf oundbeaten.I
knowitisthewor koftheeldestPrince.
Me:Idonotwantthepri
ncetobevi
olentbutI
al
sodonotfeelf
orthatman.Hehashurtme,
Zi
pho.
Zi
pho:
Iwi
sht
heyki
l
ledhi
m.
Me:No,that
'snotagoodwishsi
ster
.(t
hewasa
knockandJongil
eenter
ed)
Jongi
l
e:Ndoni
,you'
verest
edenough.Getup
andgodoyourduti
es.
Zipho:Ar
ey oubl
i
nd,senior?Howwil
lshedo
dutieswhenshecanbarelywalk?
Jongi
le:
Shutup!Ndoni
,getup,
Iwi
l
lnothav
e
youputmeintroubl
eagai
n.
Zi
pho:No,
sitNdoni
.Youwi
l
lnotgoandwor
k
onl
ytocol
lapset
odeath
Jongi
le:
Hav
ether
oyal
smadey
out
henew
seni
or?
Zipho:
No,seni
orbuti
fyoucar
ryofl
i
ket
his
theymight
.
.
Thetwooft hem wentonandonandJongi le
wantedtoslapZi phobutZiphoheldherhand
andpushedher .IwishIhadt hatmuchcour age.
Anotherknockwasatt hedoor .Icoveredmy
nakedbodyandt ol
dthem toent er
.It
'sthe
pri
ncewithar oyalcar
etaker.ZiphoandJongile
bowedandIslowl
ygotofthebedt
otr
yanddo
thesamebuthestoppedme.
.
Ntsi
ka:Donotinj
ureyoursel
fmor
e,Ndoni
.Not
gett
ingabowwi l
lnotbetheendofme.Youmy
ri
se,myladi
es.(t
heystood)
Zipho:MyPr
ince,
myhear
tisheav
y.MayIhav
e
permissi
ont
ospeak?
Nt
sika:
Speak,
youngmai
den.
Zipho:
ItsaddensmethatNdoni
isexpect
edt
o
getupanddodut i
esatsuchast
ate.
Jongi
l
e: Wehav
elot
sofwor
kbutf
ewser
vant
s,
myprince.
Ntsi
ka:I
sbei
ngi
l
lacr
imei
nthi
ski
ngdom,
Jongi
le?
Jongi
l
e:Noi
tisnot
,yourhi
ghness.
Ntsi
ka:Thenyoushall
neverbot
herNdoniwith
duti
esunti
lshefeel
sfi
tenoughtodoso.Please
excusey
our
sel
f.
Jongi
l
e:Asy
ouwi
sh,
mypr
ince(
shel
eft
)
Zi
pho:
MayIal
sogo,
mypr
ince.
Nt
sika:
Yes,
youngmai
den.Youmay
.
Zi
pho:
I'
ll
comeagai
n,Ndoni
.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Zipho.(
shel
eft
)
Ntsi
ka:Mylady,
Icamewi
thacar
etakert
olook
atyourwounds.
Me: I
t'
saroyalcar
etaker,
mypr
ince.Icannot
accepthercar
e,I'
m sorr
y.
Ntsi
ka:Mylady,
pleasetel
lthey
oungmai
den
whoorder
edy ouhere.
Her
:Theki
nghi
msel
f.(
shesmi
l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:Thi
sishiswayofgiv
inghisapologi
es.
YourwerewrongedNdonisopleaseacceptthe
Ki
ng'sapol
ogiesbyal
lowi
nghert ol
ookaty our
woundsandgiveyoumedici
ne.
Me:
Dosendmyt
hankst
otheki
ng,
your
hi
ghness.Idonotf
eel
wor
thy
.
Ntsi
ka:
Youareworthy
,myl
ady
.I'
l
lleav
enow
soyoucangethel
p.
Me:Mythanks(
henoddedandcl
osedt
hedoor
behi
ndhi
m)
.
Thecar etakert ookouthermedi ci
ne.She
l
ookedatmywoundsandwasi mpr essedat
howwel l
Zi phot ookcar eoft hem.Sheappl i
ed
medi cineandi tdidnotsmel l
bad.Sheal so
gavememedi cinetodrinkandgav ememor e
forlater.Shel eftandIf ellasl
eep.Ican't
rememberwhenl astIsleptwhi lethesuni ssti
ll
highint hesky .SunsetcameandNdoni came
togivemef ood.Shehel pedmecl eanmy
mout hbef orebedandl ef tagain.I
tbecame
darkoutandZi phowasnotbacky etandI
worried.Ther ewasaknockont hedoorandI
gaveper mi ssiont oenter .I
twast heprinceonce
again.Hecamei nandlocked.
.
Me:Mypr i
nce,
coul
dyoupleaseaskwarr
ior
Bantut
olookforZi
pho.Shehasnotr
etur
ned.
(hesmi
led)
Nt
sika:She'
ssafe.Iaskedhert
ospendt
he
ni
ghtinanotherchamber.
Me:
Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?.
Ntsi
ka:
BecauseI'
m hopi
ngt
haty
ou'
l
lal
l
owme
t
osleepover
.(Il
aughed)
Me:
Mybedi
snotbi
g.Ther
ewi
l
lbenospace
f
oryou.
Ntsi
ka:I
'l
lcar
ryt
hatone,putitcl
osert
oyour
s
doitcanbeli
keone.(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Apr
incedoesnotl
i
einser
vantchamber
s.
Nt
sika:Li
keI
'v
esaidbef
ore,I
'
vesl
eptinwor
se
pl
aces.SodoIhav
epermissi
ontospendt
he
ni
ght?
Me:
Yes,
youdo.Ican'
tpr
omi
sey
ouagood
ni
ghtsl
umbert
hough.(
hesmi
l
es)
Ntsi
ka:
Youwi l
lbebymysi
de,
myl
ady
.I'
l
lhav
e
t
hesweetestsl
umber.
.
Hestoodandt ookhi
sclot
hingoff
.Rev eal
ingi
s
beaut
if
ul war
ri
orbody.Hecarri
edZipho'sbed
andputitagai
nstmineandgotonit. 
.
Nt
sika:
Icamewi
tht
hebook.I
'
llr
eadf
orus.
Me:Jongi
lewi
llbeupsetwi
thusifwefi
nisht
he
oi
lint
helampquickl
y,mypri
nce.Maybewe
needtosl
eep.
Ntsi
ka:
I'
ll
takecareofit
,Ndoni.Donotwor
ry.
Canwejustfort
onightf
orgetwhatwearei
n
thewor
ldandjustbetwohumans?
Me:
Ify
ouwant
,mypr
ince.
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
pleasesaymyname.
Me:
Pri
nceNt
sika(
hesmi
l
ed)
Nt
sika:
Nowsayi
twi
thoutt
het
it
le.
Me:
Icannot
,mypr
ince.
Ntsi
ka:Justthi
sonce,
please.I
twi
l
lmakeme
f
eelclosert
oy ou.
 
Me:Ntsi
.
..mypr
incei
tisdi
ff
icul
t.(
heki
ssedmy
l
ips)
Nt
sika:
Ibegy
out
otr
y,Ndoni
yamanzi
.
Me:
Uhm Nt
sika(
hesmi
l
edandIl
ookeddown.
Nt
sika:Pl
easerepeati
tagai
nwhi
l
elooki
ngand
me.(Il
ookedint
ohiseyes)
Me:Ntsi
ka(
Isai
dsof
tl
ynotbr
eaki
ngt
heey
e
cont
act)
Ntsika:
Wow, fewhavecal
l
edmebynamebut
nonoft hem madei
tsoundsosweety
etst
rong
atthesamet i
me.
.
Hekissedmeandgent l
yso.Hebr
ushedmy
r
ighthipandIcoul
dfeelhi
smanhoodgrow.I
t
fr
ightenedmesoIbr okethekiss.Idonotknow
whymybodyf eelsli
keitdoeswhenheki sses
me.Heopenedourbookandr eadi t
.Aftera
whi l
eIremember edthatZiphowassupposet o
helpmeappl ytheremedyonmywounds.I 'l
l
hav etoaskhim andhopehedoesnott ake
offense.
.
Me:
Mypr
ince,
mayIbot
hery
ouwi
thsomet
hing?
Nt
sika:
Bot
heraway
,Ndoni
.Whati
sit
?
Me:Ziphowassupposetoappl
ythi
sonmy
body
.Thecar et
akergav
eitt
omebutnow
Zi
phoi snother
e.
Nt
sika:
Giv
either
e,I
'
lldoi
t.
 
Me:
Myt
hanks.
.
Isl
owlytookthecoveroffandexposedmy
nakedupperbody.Hestartedwit
ht hebackand
gentl
yappli
edit
.Thenheknel ti
nfrontofme.
Heappl i
edonthefr
ontarea.Helookedatme
andkissedme.Mykissi
nghasi mprov ednow
soIkissedback.Heki
ssedmybr eastsand
feel
i
ngt hewarmnessofhisli
psont hem made
mer eact.
.
Me:
Ntsi
ka(
Isai
dhi
snamewhi
l
emoani
ng)
Nt
sika:
Yes,
myl
ady(
hel
ookedatme)
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omybody
,mypr
ince.
Ntsi
ka:ShowingyouhowmuchIl
ovei
t.You'
re
beaut
if
ul,Ndoni
. 
Me:
Myt
hanks,
mypr
ince.
Ntsi
ka:Ishoul
dkissyourt
enderbreastsmor e.
Yousaidmynamewi thoutmytit
lewithout
hesi
tat
ion(Ibl
ushedandhelaughedsof t
ly)
Me:
Myapol
ogi
es.
Ntsi
ka:
Letmefi
nishmydut
yofappl
yi
ngt
he
r
emedyonyourbody.
.
Hecont i
nuedgent l
yandheki ssedmeagain.He
wentt omyneckandki ssedthere.Ibroket
he
ki
ssandhehel dmei nhisarmsbutnot
pai
nf ul
ly
.Ifel
tsosaf einmywar ri
or'
sarm,so
str
ongbuty etsogent l
e.Hisnakedchest
againstmineandIwi shedthatsunri
sewould
notcomequi ckly
.
#Nosi
[
03/01,
17:40]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t9
.
#Ndoni
I'
m backt omyduti
esalr
eady .The"zebra"
str
ipesasZiphorefer
stothem arenol onger
painf
ul andt
heyarenowal sostar
ti
ngt ofade.
They oungpri
ncesspromisedtoPrinceNt si
ka
hasarri
vedattheki
ngdom.TheQueeni sather
mosthappiest
.Ihavenotseenmypr i
ncesince
herarr
ival
anditpai
nsmebutIunder st
andt hat
i
tisthewayitshoul
dbe.PrinceNt
sika
summonedmet ohi
schamberandIwent .I
walkedinandbowed. 
.
Me:
Youcal
l
edf
orme,
yourhi
ghness?
 
Ntsi
ka:
Ndoni
,Ibegofyout
ostopbowingwhen
youmeetmeinmypriv
atechamber
. 
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
mypr
ince(
Ist
oodup)
Nt
sika:
Hav
easeat
,myl
ady
. 
Me:
Myt
hanks.(
webot
hsatdown)
Nt
sika:Mylady
,I'
vecal
l
edy
ouher
ebecauseI
mi
ssy ou.
 
Me:Iknowthatyourpri
ncessi
sinthepal
ace.I
suggestt
hatyoutel
lyourhear
ttostopl
ongi
ng
forme,mypri
nce. 
Ntsi
ka:Areyouabl
etotel
lyourhear
ttost
op
l
ongingforme,mylady
? 
Me:Iam f
ail
i
ngto,mypri
nce.(
tear
sfel
landI
wi
pedthem offi
mmediat
ely
)
Nt si
ka:Myapologi
esformakingy ourheart
heav y,
Ndoniyamanzi
.IfIwereonlyanordinar
y
man, Iwouldhavemarriedyoulongago.Ilove
youwi thmyheartandsoul,myladyandi t
'sa
l
ov eIcouldnevergi
veforanothermaiden.(he
clenchedhisj
aw)
Me:Iunder
standy
ourdutytotheki
ngdom as
fut
ureki
ng.Whenareyourcel
ebrat
ionsi
fyou
donotmindmeasking,mypri
nce?
Ntsi
ka:I
tisi
ntendays.Iwi
l
lbeseeingmybr i
de
f
orthefi
rstt
imetoday.Myheartdoesnotwant
t
odot hi
sbutmyheadknowst hatImust.
 
Me:Dowhatyourheadwant sbecausei
tis
whati
sexpectedofyou.MayIhav eone
r
equestbef
oreyouwedy ourpri
ncess?
Nt
sika:
Any
thi
ng,
myl
ady
. 
Me:
Hav
emeasy
our
satsunset
. 
Ntsika:Thati
sabigask,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.Ar
eyou
surey ouarer
eady
? 
Me: Youwillnothaveti
mef ormeoncey ouare
mar r
ied.Pr
inceLizwiwil
lseetheopport
unit
y
andifhehasmeIdonotwanti tt
obemyf ir
st
ti
me.Youar et hemanwhomyhear thas
chosenandIwanty outodefl
owerme.(heknelt
beforeme)
Ntsi
ka:
Areyousur eoft
his,
Ndoni?Wi
l
lthatnot
makeourlov
ef oreachot
herevenmor
e
i
mpossibl
etoletgoof? 
Me: Iwouldratherri
skt
hathappeningthenhave
yourbrotherhavethehonourofhavingmefir
st.
Ibegy outosayy es,mypri
nceplease.(
he
ki
ssedmycheeks)
Nt
sika:
Idonotf
eel
wor
thyoft
hishonourbutI
wi
lldoi
t. 
Me:
Atsunset
? 
Ntsi
ka:Myweddingnightisonl
yintendays,
Ndoni.Whytherush,
myl ady?HasLizwist
art
ed
t
ocausey outr
oubleonceagain? 
Me:Nohehasnot
.I'
mready
,mypr
ince.Sowhy
del
ayi
t? 
Ntsi
ka:
I'
ll
meety ouher
eatsunsett
henbuti
f
youhaveachangeofhear
tdonotfear
i
nfor
mingme. 
Me:I'
ll
besur etobeinyourchamberatsunset.
Ihaveduti
estoattendto,myprinceandIknow
anot
herservanthasalr
eadycleanedyour
chamber.MayIbeexcused?  
Ntsi
ka:
Youmygo,
myNdoni
(Ibl
ushedandhe
ki
ssedme)
.
Istoodandheembr acedme.Il
ookedintohis
eyesandsmi l
ed.I
'
m af ool
forl
ove,
Ithought.I
metwi t
hZiphoonmywaybackt omyduties.
Shewascar
ryi
ngal
otoft
hingsandIdi
dnot
l
ikei
t.
 
.
Me:
Letmehel
pyoucar
ryt
hel
oad,
Zipho.
 
Zi
pho:
Myt
hanks,
Ndoni
.(It
ookaf
ewi
tems)
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
thsomanysheet
s? 
Zipho:Iti
stochangethesheet
softher
oyal
guests.Theyoungpri
ncesshascomewith
manypeopl e.
Me:
Howdoesshel
ook?
 
Zi
pho:Sheisnotasbeauti
fulasy
ou,
sist
er.The
pr
incewil
lbeverydi
sappoi
nted.
Me: Looksarenotwhatsheneedst
ohavehi
m
asher s.Shei
sroyal
ty,
herbl
oodisbl
ueand
thatisenough.
Zi
pho:IknowbutIknowt
haty
ourhear
tmust
beheavy.
 
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ine.
 
.
Wewal kedinthepassageandwehear dvoices
i
nt heKing'
schamber .Zi
phot houghtitisbest
toeavesdropandIt r
iestostopherbutf ai
led.I
j
oinedheroutsidetheentranceshakinginf ear
ofbeingcaught.Thev oi
cesarenotloudbut
theyareenoughtohearwhencl ose.
 
.
Ki
ng:
Howi
smypr
incess?
 
Voi
ce:
Donotcal
lmydaught
ert
hat
,Xhant
i.
 
Zi
pho:
It'
sJongi
l
e'sv
oice(
shewhi
sper
ed)
Me:
Thati
snotpossi
ble(
ourey
eswi
dened)
Zi
pho:
Shhh(
wecont
inuedt
oli
sten)
King:
Jongi
,shei
stheonl
ymai
denchi
l
dthatI
have.
 
Jongi
le:
Shei st
aint
edbymybl ood,
Xhanti
.If
shewasseenasapr incessthenshe'dbeint
his
houseenjoy
ingthebenefi
tsofbeingaroyak
chi
l
d.Idonotwanttoheary
ouspeakofmy
chi
l
dagain.Sheknowsherf
athert
obea
warr
iorwhodiedi
nwar.
 
King:Thatlaysheavyonmyheart.Youar emy
fi
rstlove,
Jongi.Ifi
rstsawyouwheny ou
accompani edNandewhenshewasay oung
pri
ncesspr omisedtomebutmyhear tnev er
favouredher.I
tfavouredyou.
 
Jongi
le:
Minefavouredyou,Xhant
ibutift
he
Queenfi
ndsthatIhavegivenyouachil
d,she
wil
lbeangr
yatmeandhav emekil
led.
King:Iunder
stand,Jongi.Yousti
ll
aremost
beautif
ulwheny ouareangry.Youhave
changed,younol ongerholdtheki
ndnessesy
ou
did.
 
Jongil
e:Ihadtowat chthemanIl ovewedto
thewomanwhot rustsmost.Ihadtobar et
he
shameofgi vi
ngbirt
ht oachil
dwhohasno
fat
her.Myheartiscoldandbitterbecauseof
you,Xhanti
.Icoul
dhav emarriedanice
hardworkingmanbutyouheldmyhear tandI
couldnot.Iam nol
ongerki
ndbecauset helov
e
myhear theldf
oryoutur
nediti
ntostone. 
Xhanti
:Myapologiesfort
hat,Jongi
.Isy
our
mother'
shousestil
lful
loffood?Idonotwant
mydaughtertostarve.
 
Jongi
le:Thevil
l
ageknowsmymot heri
spoor
.
Stopsendingsomuchfood.Doy
ouwantmy
Mothertobeaccusedofbei
ngawi t
ch?
 
King:Iwoul
dneverwishf
orsuch.May
bey ou
shoul
dbr i
ngtheyoungmaident
otheroy
al
house.
Jongil
e:Areyoucrazy,Xhant
i?Li
zwiwil
lwant
tohaveherthesecondsheset sf
ootinroyal
ground.Youknowy oursoncannotkeepitin
hisdrawers.
 
Ki
ng:
You'
rer
ight
.Icant
..
. 
.
Wehear
dfoot
stepsf
rom t
heot
herdi
rect
ion
andweleftthechamberentranceatonceand
coul
dnotlist
entotherest
.IlookedatZipho
wholooksasshockedasIf eel.
 
.
Zipho:
Jongi
lehasadaught
erwiththeki
ng?
(shecl
appedonceandoutherhandoverher
openmouth)
Me:Zipho,
Iknowwhatwehear dwasshocking
butl
etusnotforgetthati
tisroyal
busi
ness.We
coul
dgetintot
roubleforthi
s. 
Zi
pho:Nowonderseni
ori
ssuchanunhappy
woman.Di
dyouhearhowsheaddressest
he
ki
ng? 
Me:Hedidnotseem t
omind.Nowletusget
backtoourdut
iesNoonemusthearofthi
s
fr
om us,Zi
pho.
 
Zipho:Idonotwanttobebannedfrom royal
grounds,Ndoni
.Iwil
lkeepitt
omy sel
f.Icannot
beli
eveJongil
ewhoist heQueen'
smostt rust
ed
confi
danthasalov
echil
dwiththeKi
ng.These
royal
sarerot
tenwit
hsecret
s.
Zipho:
Yesbuti
tist
heirsecr
ets.Nowcomelet
usgobefor
eJongil
etakesoutherbadmoodon
us. 
Zi
pho:Ifonlysheknewthatwehav
eknowl
edge
ofhersecretshe'
dtr
eatusmoreki
nder
.
Me:
Weshall
notbl
ackmai
ltheseni
or,
Zipho.I
t
i
swrong.
 
Zipho:Iknow,Ndoni butknowi ngthisnewscan
helpussomeday ,sister.Youwi l
lsee.Gotothe
youngpr i
ncess'
sguestchamber .Youwi l
lgett
o
meetherandseef ory oursel
fthatsheholdnot
yourbeauty.
 
Me:
Idonotwantt
omeether
. 
Zipho:Youarecar
ryi
ngthebeddingmeantf
or
herchamber.Youhavenochoice. 
Me:
Let
'sexchange.
Zi
pho:
No,
myapol
ogi
esNdoni
butgot
her
e.
(
shewal
kedaway
)
Me:Zipho!(
Ical
l
edoutsof
tl
ybutshekept
wal
king)
.
Icannotbelievet
hatZiphohasleftmewi th
suchaheav yduty
.Ili
keJongilemustnowcat er
fort
hemai denwhoi sabouttowedt hemanof
myhear t
.Iwill
keepquietaboutJongil
e'
snews
becauseitconcer
nsmenot .Thewal ktoguest
chamberwasadi ffi
cul
tonebutImadei tand
knocked.
.
Voi
ce:
Ent
er(
Iwenti
nandbowed)
Me:
Yourf
reshsheet
sar
eready
,yourhi
ghness)
Her
:Youmayr
ise,
ser
vant
.(Ist
oodup)
Me:
Myt
hanks,
dearpr
incess.
 
Her:
I'
m pr
incessQaqamba.Whatshal
lIcal
l
you?
Me:
I'
m Ndoni
yamanzi
.
 
Qaqa:
Youmayr
esumewi
thy
ourdut
y,Ndoni
. 
Me:Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.(
Iwentt
oget
busy
)
Qaqa:Ndoni
,tel
lmemor
eaboutmyf
utur
e
husband?
Me: Whatcanaser
vantt
ell
youaboutapr
ince,
yourhi
ghness?
Qaqa:I
shehandsome?(Ismi
l
edasIt
houghtof
j
usthowhandsomeheis)
Me:Pr
inceNtsi
kaisahandsomeman.He
st
andstal
landhasdar
kskin. 
Qaqa:
Isheni
ce?
 
Me:Idonotholdpersonal
knowledgeoft
hat
butIheart
hatheisquit
enice.(
ther
ewasa
knockonthedoor)
Qaqa:
Ent
er(
thedooropenedandi
t'
stheQueen)
Queen:
MyPr
incess,
arey
our
eadyt
omeetwi
th
t
hepr
inceov
erasmal
lfeast
? 
Qaqa:
YesIam,
myQueen.
 
Queen:
GoodnowgowithJongi
l
e,shewi
l
lshow
youwherehei
sseat
ed.
 
Qaqa:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
QueenNande.
 
.
JongileandQaqal eftandIwasleftalonewith
theQueen.Ifearedsomucht hatIfeltmythroat
feell
ikeiti
sclosingbutImanagedt obreat
h
properly
.Sheappr oachedandIbowed.  
.
Queen:
Rise,
whor
e(Ist
ood)
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myQueen.(
shesl
appedme)
Queen:Areyouheret
oputyourdar
kmedi
cine
onPrincessQaqamba'
ssheet
ssoshemaydie?
Me:
Iam notcapabl
eofsuchev
il
,yourhi
ghness.
Queen:
Yourdaysi
nthisplacear
enumbered.
Ntsi
kawil
ll
ear
ntolovehissoontobebr
ide
soonandforgetthatheev erseenyou.Youare
nothi
ngbutawhor eandawi tch!Noegoout
andwaitunt
ilIshowy ouhowwer i
dtheroy
al
houseofwhores( sheslappedmeagai n)
.
Iwalkedoutf ast
,eachcheekbur ninglikenever
before.Igotanotherserv
antt ogof i
nishmy
duty.Thepr i
ncessispret
tyandcl earl
yv ery
young.Shei sveryluckyt
ohav ethehonourof
mar r
yingakindmanl i
keNt sika.Myhear tfelt
heavyknowi ngthatheiswi thherbutaf t
er
sunsetI'l
lhavetoacceptit.Iwentonwi t
hmy
duti
es. 
.
.
#Nt
sika
IsatasIwai
t edfort
hemai denchosenforme.
Myheartful
l
ywi thNdoni.Jongi
leanday oung
maidenapproached.Ist
oodandt heyboth
bowed.Iknewit'
sherbutherbowingbef
oreme
didnotbothermeatal
l.Shealsodoesnothol
d
thebeautyofmyNdoni. 
.
Jongi
l
e:Mypr
ince,
Ipr
esentt
oyouPr
incess
Qaqamba.
Me:
Youmayr
ise(
theyst
ood)
Qaqa:Anhonourt
ofi
nal
l
ybei
nyourpr
esence,
myking.
 
Me:Thehonourismi
nebutI
'
m noty
etki
ng,
dearpr
incess.
Qaqa:Myapol
ogi
esforaddr
essi
ngy
oui
nthe
i
ncorr
ectmanner
,mypri
nce 
Me:Itdoesnotmat
ter
.Jongi
l
eyoumayl
eav
e
us.
 
Jongi
l
e:Asy
ouwi
sh,
mypr
ince(
shel
eft
)
Me:
Comesi
t,Qaqamba(
Ihel
dachai
rforher
)
Qaqa:
Myt
hanks(
shesatdownandsodi
dI)
Me:
Ihopey
ourst
ayher
eispl
easant
.
Qaqa:I
tismostpl
easant
.Yourki
ngdom i
s
muchbiggert
henmineandnottomenti
on
beaut
if
ul.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myl
ady
. 
.
Wesatandt hesi l
encewasnotpleasantatall
.
Howcant heconv ersat
ionnotfl
ow?Isthishow
myf ut
urelooks?IknewI '
dhavetospeak
becausesheisaguesti nmyhomeunt i
lsucha
ti
meshei snol ongeraguest.
 
.
Me:
Tel
lmeabouty
our
sel
f.
Qaqa:
I'
m Pr
incessQaqam.
..
 
Me:No,mylady.Ihav
eknowl
edgeofyour
nameandthekingdom y
ouar
efrom.Iwantt
o
knowaboutyou.
 
Qaqa:
WhatcanIsay
,mypr
ince?
Me:Whatdoy oul
i
kedoi
ngwheny
ouar
enoton
r
oyaldut
ies?
Qaqa:
Nothi
ng,
mypr
ince.I
'm apr
incessal
li
s
donef
ormebymyservant
s. 
Me:
Doy
oul
i
kear
tandr
eadi
ng?
.
Qaqa:Theonl
yartIl
i
kei
snewroy
alat
ti
re.Ido
notr
ead,mypri
nce.Doy
ou? 
Me:
Ilov
etor
ead.
.
Qaqa:
ThenI
'
lll
ear
ntol
ovei
ttoo.
 
Me: Donotchangeyoursel
fforme.Youarenot
requir
edtol
overeading.Youjustneedt
oknow
howt o..
Qaqa:
Icanr
eadbutIdonotl
i
kedoi
ngso.
.
Wetalkedbutwehav enot
hingincommon.
Ther
ei snot
hingwecandot ogetherandthat
worr
iesme.Thismai deni
smyf utureQueen
andfutur
emot hert
omyhei r
syetIhav enothi
ng
totalktoherabout.WesatandIhadt ogoto
myr oyalduti
es.Idohopet hatthenextmeet i
ng
wit
hherwi l
lbemor epl easant
.Hourspassed
andt hethoughtofseei ngNdoni wasal lt
hat
keptmegoi ng.Wehadsupperwi ththe
Pri
ncessandherpeopl e.Icouldnotf ocuson
anyofi tandIwashappywheni tfi
nallycamet o
anend.Weal lr
eti
redt oourchamber sandIsat
anxiouslywait
ingforNdoni t
ocome.Iaskedf or
candlestobel i
tal
l overmychamberbecauseI
wantt oseeherclearly.Iheardasoftknockon
mydoorandIknewi twasmyNdoni .Istood
andper sonal
lywentt oopenf orher.
.
Me:
Youmayent
er,
myl
ady
.(sheent
ered)
Ndoni:
Mythanks,
mypr i
nce.Howwasy
ourday
?
(
Ilovehowshecares)
Me:
Longandt
ir
ing.Howwasy
our
s?
Ndoni:I
twasgood,
myPr
ince.Imetwi
tht
he
Pr
incess.
Me:Ndoni
,Idonotwi
shtospeakofher
.Ij
ust
wantt
oenjoybei
ngwit
hyou.
Ndoni
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
 
Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.
 
Ndoni
:Ki
ssme.
 
.
Ikissedhersof
tli
psandt
hewaysheki
ssesi
s
muchbet ter
.Somuchbet
tert
hat"
mkhont
o"
reactedi
mmedi at
ely
. 
.
Me:
Arey
ousur
eyouwantt
his,
Ndoni
? 
Ndoni
:Hav
emeasy
our
s,Nt
sika.
 
.
Heari
nghersaymynamedr ovemecr azywit
h
passion.Il
i
f t
edheroffherfeetandputheron
thebed.Ikissedherandthentookherdressoff
.
Itookamomentt ojustl
ookathernakedness.
.
Ndoni
:Issomet
hingwr
ong,
mypr
ince?
 
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
youngmai
den.
 
Ndoni
:Il
ovey
ou,
mypr
ince.
 
.
Iwenttoherl i
psonceagainandIwentt okiss
herneck.Shesmel l
edlovel
y,thatl
avender
scentofhersmademewanthermor e.Igotup
totakemycl othi
ngoffwhenIsawadampspot
onmyt rousers.Hereyeswidened.
.
Ndoni
:Myapologi
es,mypr
ince.Idi
dnotmean
t
odothat
.(shestar
tedt
ocry)
Me: Ndoni,
donotapologisef
orsomet hi
ngthi
s
beauti
ful
.Myladyyourtempleisreact
ingtomy
touch.You'
vedonenothingwrong.Shall
Istop
thi
s? 
Ndoni
:No(
shesai
dsof
tl
yandIwi
pedhert
ear
s
of
f)
.
Ikissedherandt ookmycl othesoff
,bothofus
nowi nournakedness.Iki ssedherent i
rebody
andt heroom gotf i
l
ledwi t
hhermoans.I
touchedhermoi sttempl eandshesai dmy
namei npleasure.Iaskedonceagai ni fsheis
sureandsheagr eed.Iletmkhont ogentlyenter
hertempl eandshecr ied.Ilookedather, ey
es
fi
ll
edwi t
ht ear
sandIi mmedi atel
ystopped.
.
Me:
Shoul
dIst
op,
Ndoni
yamanzi
? 
Ndoni
:No.(
Iwi
pedhert
ear
sof
fandki
ssedher
)
Me:
Myapol
ogi
esf
ort
hepai
nI'
m causi
ngy
ou,
myl
ady
. 
Me:
Let
'sgoon.
 
.
Ipenetr
atedherandthet
ight
nessand
warmnessofhertempledrovemeoverthe
edge.Imovedslowlyast
onothurtmylady
mor e.Aft
erawhi l
eIfelthermov ewi thme.I
caressedhersof tbodywhi lekissi
ngher .I
l
ookedi ntoherey esandIsawt hatitwasf il
led
withpleasure.Imadel ovet othewomanmy
heartlovemostunt ilt
hepl easureov ert
ookus
andt heroom gotf i
ll
edwi t
hoursoundsofl ove.
Ilai
dont opofherbutnotwi t
hal l
mywei ght
tr
y i
ngt obreatheproperlyagain.Istoodandgot
awar m wetclothandcl eanedusbot handwent
tobenextt oher .Shekeptqui et.
 
.
Me: Ndoni
yamanzi
,pl
easesaysomet
hingt
o
yourpri
nce,myl
ady. 
Ndoni:
Ineedt
ogetbackt
omychamber ,
my
pr
ince(Isawt
ear
sfl
owdownhercheeks)
Me:
Doy
our
egr
eti
t,Ndoni
? 
Ndoni
:No(
shesai
dinawhi
sper
)
Me:Thenwhydoyoutreatmel
ikeast
ranger
af
terwehavehadsuchabeaut
iful
moment?
Hav
eIhur
tyou?
 
Ndoni:Myhearti
sheav
y,myPri
nce(she
cover
edhertearyey
eswit
hthesheet
)
Me:
Tal
ktome.
 
Ndoni:Youwil
lsoongivethePri
ncessthesame
momenty ouhavejustgi
venme.Itweighs
heavyonmyhear tt
oknowt hatshewil
lhave
you.Myapologi
esforthi
s. 
Me: NowIf eell
ikeI
'v
edi sgracedy ou,Ndoni
.I
askedy ouifyouaresureaboutt his.Ndonii
fI
hadt hechoiceI
'dmakey oumyf utureQueen,
myl ady.I
'dmakey outhemot herofallmyheir
s
andi tbr
eaksmyhear tthatIcannotgi veyou
that
. 
Ndoni
:Ibett
ergetdr
essedandl
eav
eyour
chamber,
myPr i
nce.
Me:Ibegofy
out ospendtheni
ght,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.(shestoodandgotdressed)
Ndoni
:Iunder
standt
haty
ouhav
eadut
yanda
desti
nytofol
low.Mythanksfordoi
ngwhatI
askedofyou.Youshal
lneverhearofmeagai
n,
myPr i
nce.
 
Me:Youdon'tunderst
and,Ndoni
.Yourtempl
e
i
stheonethathasev erbeeni
nvadedby
mkhont
o.(shelookedatmeconf used)
Ndoni
:Idonotunder
stand.
Me:I
'veki
ssedandr omancedmaidensbef or
e
butI
'
venev erbeenonewithone,
myl ady.You
aret
hefir
stmai denIhav
emadel ov
et o.
 
Ndoni
:Buty
ou'
reapr
ince.
Me:Apr i
ncewhodoesnotgoar oundsleeping
wi
thev er
ymaident herei
s.Youweremyf i
rst
j
ustasIwasy ours.Idonotregr
etitbecauseI
wantedittobeyouf r
om thedayIsawy ou. 
Ndoni:Idonotholdregret
seit
herbuti
t'
sbet
ter
IacceptthatI
'
llneverbeablet
obewi t
hyou.
 
Me:Justspendt
heni
ghtt
hen,Iwoul
dli
keto
l
oveandholdyoual
lni
ght
.Youneednotev
en
l
ookatmeatsunr
isei
fyoudon'
twantt
o. 
.
Shet ookhercl ot hingof fonceagainandwegot
undert hecov er s.Shel ai dontopofmeandI
heldherl i
keamanobsessed.It houghtabout
whenwemadel ov eandIknewshewaspur e
butseei ngthepr oofonoursheet smakesi t
mor especial.Iwi sht hatt hi
scouldhavebeen
onourweddi ngni ghtbutt hereali
tyi
sthatIam
notallowedt omar ryher.Howcr uelisli
fe?To
maket wopeopl ef al
ldeepl yi
nloveonlyf or
them tobef or biddenf rom beingtogether! 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
17:40]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t10
.
#Queen 
Nande
ThePrincessi smostcer tainl
ynotthemost
beaut
ifulmai denbutshei sallIcouldarr
angeat
suchshortnot i
ce.Ineedtohav eNtsikamarri
ed
tohersohecanf orgetaboutthewhor ehe
thi
nkshel ov e.I
'm notgoingtoall
owt helegacy
ofmychi l
dr entobet aint
edbyaser vant.Isat
andhadaf eastwi t
ht heKing.
 
.
Me:MyKing,I
'
vefoundtheper
fectsui
torf
or
ourel
dest
.Don'
tyouthi
nk?
King:
Shewill
hav etodo,myki ng.Ithoughtwe
wouldfi
ndaprincessfrom agreatkingdom but
youweresorushedi nfi
ndi
ngNt sikaawi f
eyou
chosethef
ir
stav ai
labl
eoption. 
Me:Sheisbet
tert
hent
hatwhore,
Xhant
i.Woul
d
your
atherhemarr
yaserv
ant?
King:
Donotaskmet hat,myQueen.Youmi
ght
hatetheanswerIgi
vey ou.
Me:
Soy
ouwoul
dli
kef
orhi
mtomar
rya
serv
antwhor
e!Whattypeofgr
andki
dsdoy
ou
thi
nkshewil
lgi
veus?
.
King:Humangrandchi
ldr
en,myQueen.Itpai
ns
myhear tt
oseemyy oungprinceli
ket
his.Hei
s
forcedt
odothisoutofobli
gation.
Me:Hewil
ll
ear
ntol
oveher
,asy
ouhav
edone
wi
thme. 
Ki
ng:Youknowhowhar ditwasforusatfi
rst
.
Weonlyhadbedroom deal
ingst
oproduceheir
s.
Doyounotwonderwhatitwouldhavebeenli
ke
i
fwewereinlovefrom t
hedaywemar ri
ed? 
Me: OfcoursebutIknewsinceIwasay oung
maidenthatmydest i
nyall
owsmenot .Ihave
l
earnttoloveyou,Xhant
i.Myheartbeat
sf or
you.myKi ng.
 
Ki
ng:Andmi
nefory
ou.(
Iwi
shhecoul
dsayi
t
asi
fhemeanti
t)
Me:Iknowyouwant
edanall
i
ancewi
tha
gr
eaterki
ngdom,
myKingandmyapol
ogi
esf
or
notgi
vi
ngy ouwhaty ouwi
shedfor
.Wecan
bui
ldagreateral
l
iancewhenLi
zwiweds.
 
Ki
ng:Whatki
nginhisr
ightmindwouldgi
vehis
pr
eci
ousmaidenstoaprincesuchasLi
zwi?
 
Me: Thekingdomsdonotcar eaboutt
he
charact
erofapr i
ncebutthepowerandweal
th
oftheKingdom hehalesfrom.Mhlaba
Ochumi l
eyoisagreatki
ngdom.
King:Del
ayNtsi
ka'sweddi ngthensowecan
gi
v eourel
destachancet omar ryaPr i
ncess
fr
om amor epowerfulkingdom.Ihav enev er
evenheardaboutthi
ski ngdom thePrincess
comesf r
om unti
lyoutoldmeabouti t
.Thatis
howsmal landi
nsigni
ficantisit
!(Iknewhewas
ri
ght)
Me:Itwi
llgr
owtobepower f
uloncet
heot
her
ki
ngdomshearthatiti
sinal
li
ancewi
thMhl
aba
Ochumil
eyo,myKing. 
King:
Inthemeanwhi
l
eitwi
l
lbel
i
keapar
asi
te
tomykingdom. 
Me: Xhant
i,ar
ey outr
yingtogetNt
sikaoutof
thi
sweddingar r
angementbecausey ouwant
himt obewiththeservant
?
King:Donotinsul
tme,Nande!Ar ey
ouimpl
ying
thatIdonotknowt her
ulesofmykingdom?I
knowNt si
kaistowedroy al
ty!(
heshout
ed)
Me:Myapol ogi
es,myKing.Imeantno
di
srespect
.Isuspectt
hatservanti
sawit
ch.
 
King:Youknowt hedamagesuchanaccusat i
on
cancause, Nande!Thev il
lagerscoul
dbur nthe
maideni ft
hisfal
lsont hewr onghands.IfIhear
asinglerumourofwi tchcrafti
nthishouse,I'
ll
knowi t
'syou.Youmi ghtbemyQueenbuti fyou
putaninnocentmai den'slif
eindangerIwi l
l
dealwithyouaccordingly.(hesaidinanger)
Me:Iunder
stand,
myKi
ng.I
'
llkeepmymout
h
shut
. 
Ki
ng:
Good,nowexcuseme.I
'vegotmor
e
i
mport
antdeal
i
ngstoatt
end.
 
Me:
Gowel
l
,myl
ove.
 
.
Hest oodandl eft
.Ihaveaf eelingthattheking
willhel
pNt si
kagetoutoft hisweddi ng
arrangementandIcannothav ethathappen.I
hav etomakeapl anandgetr idoft hatwhore
forgood.I'
llgetabet t
ermai denf orNtsikaonl
y
i
fIhav ehadherki ll
ed.Ical
ledi nmyguar d,
Manqhoba.I fthereisanyonewhocanhel pme
kil
lthevir
usi t
'shim. 
.
Hi
m:You'
vecal
l
ed,
MyQueen.
Me:
Rise,
Manqhoba.(
hest
oodup)
Hi
m:Myt
hanks.Whatshal
lIdof
ory
ou?
 
Me:
Ineedy
out
ogetr
idofapr
obl
em.
Hi
m: YouknowI
'
ddoany
thi
ngf
ory
ou,
My
Queen.
Me:
Ther
eisamai
denser
vanti
nther
oyal
house.Shegobyt
henameNdoniyamanzi
.Do
youhaveknowl
edgeofher
?(hel
ookeddown)
Him:Ihav
e,myQueen.Whatdoy
ouwantmet
o
do.
 
Me:
Kil
lher
! 
Hi
m:Par
don,
myQueen?
 
Me:DoIstut
ternowwhenIspeak?Isai
dIwant
yout
okil
lher.You'
l
lber
ewardedgreatl
yfori
t.
 
Hi
m: Whendoy
ouwantmet
odot
his,
my
Queen?
Me:
Iwantheroutanddeadbysunset
.I'
vehas
t
odeal
withthatwhor
eforfart
olong.
 
Hi
m:Howdoy
ouwantmet
odoi
t? 
Me:Idonotcare,
justmakesur
eherheart
beat
snolongerbytoni
ghtanddoi
tfarfr
om t
he
ki
ngdom. 
Hi
m:MayIaskwhy
,myQueen?
 
Me:
IwantNt
sikat
othi
nkt
hewhor
elef
thi
m.
Hewi l
lreali
seiti
swhatwhor esdo.Gofrom
onement oanother
.Hewi ll
beheartbr
okenbut
hewillhavetoliv
ewithit.Qaqambawil
lbe
ther
etosoot hehisbrokenheart
.Idonotcare
howy oudoi t.
 
Hi
m:I
'
llmakesur
eit
'sdone,
myQueen.
 
Me: IknewIcouldcountonyou.Ifyoubur nher
,
Iwantt oseeherashesasproof.I
fyouf eedher
toawi l
dani mal
,Iwantherbl
oodf i
ll
edtorn
dressaspr oof
.DoyougetwhatI '
mt r
yingto
say? 
Hi
m: ThatyoudonorcarehowIri
dyouofthe
pr
oblem aslongasIbri
ngyout
heproof
.(I
smil
edinsatisf
act
ion)
Me: Nowgoandpl anwhatyouwil
ldo.Donot
utt
erawor dofthist
oanyone!I
fyoudothen
youwill
diewiththewhor
e. 
Hi
m:I
'
llkeepmymout
hshut
,myQueen.
 
Me:
Goandpl
anf
orwhaty
ouwi
l
ldot
oher
.
Justthi
nki
ngaboutfi
nal
lyseeingthepr
oofof
herdeathexci
tesme.(
Ilaughed)
Hi
m:Iwi
l
l notdi
sappoi
nt,
myQueen.Youhav
e
mypr
omise. 
.
Iwat chedashel ef tandIsatandsmi led.My
sonwi llf
inal
lyfocusonhi smar r
iagetothe
Princessbysunr ise.Hewi llt
hinkthewhor el
eft
himt ogoexpl oreanot herpri
ncenotknowi ng
thatIhadherki l
led.Hi shear tbreakisgoingto
fade.I'
m doingthi sf orthefutureofthis
kingdom sincemyKi ngseemst okindtodoi t
.
Thewhor eisfi
nal l
ygoi ngt odieatsunset.I'
m
sureev entheroyal housewi l
lfeelbett
er
withoutheraround.Can' titbesunsetal r
eady? 
.
.
#Nt
sika
I
'
vebeenspendi
ngsomet
imewi
tht
hismai
den
I'
m expect edtospendt herestofmyl ifewith
andt hingshav enotchanged.If i
ndmy self
thi
nkingaboutmyl ovewhenev erI'
m wi thher.
Thewomanwhol ov esatar tandr eadingas
muchasme, i
fnotmor e.Thewomanwho
makesmyhear tbeatf astthatI'm afraiditwil
l
beatoutofmychest .Thewomanwhogav e
herselftomeasI '
v egivenmy sel
ft oher.Icall
ed
forherbecauseIhav enotseenheri nsucha
l
ongwhi le.Myhear tlongsf orher.IhadBant u
gethert ot heroyal garden.Wenev ergott o
enjoyit.Theyar ri
v edandBant uleftus.She
smi l
edandIembr acedher .Myst rongar ms
wrappedf i
rmlyar oundhersmal lwaist.
.
Me:Iwi
shIdi
dnothav
etol
ety
ougo(
I
whi
sper
edtoher
)
Ndoni
:Met
oo(
Iki
ssedher
)
Me:Come, l
et'
ssi
tdownont
hebl
anket
.(Ihel
d
herhand)
Ndoni: Inev
ergottoseethebeaut
yofthi
s
placeonourl astv
isi
t.I
tal
ll
ookssobeauti
ful
,
mypr ince.(
shesatbetweenmylegs,
herhead
resti
ngonmychest )
Me:I
t'
sapi
tywint
erisgoi
ngt
orui
nitbutf
or
nowl
etusenj
oyit
. 
Ndoni
:Howhav
eyoubeen?
Me:
I'
vebeenl
ongi
ngf
ory
ou,
Ndoni
.
 
Ndoni
:Youar
etowedi
nei
ghtday
s.(
shel
ooked
down)
Me:
Iknow,
myl
ady
. 
Ndoni
:Nt
sika,
am Inowy
ourmi
str
ess?
Me:Youaret
hewomant hatIl
ove,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.Iwantt
ostandonthehi
ghest
mountai
nandshouti
toutbutIca.
..
 
Ndoni
:Iunder
stand,
myPr
ince(
shecutme
shor
t)
Me:
MayIhav
eaki
ss?(
shesmi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:Ithoughtmypr
incewouldnev
erof
fer
butwhataboutwar
ri
orBantu?
 
Me:Ther
eisaf
encearoundt
hisar
eaofthe
gar
denandhei
sstandi
ngontheothersi
deof
i
t.
 
Ndoni
:Thenki
ssy
ourl
ady
.(Ismi
l
ed)
.
Ihadhersi
tontopofmeandIki ssedher .The
ki
ssgrewpassi
onat ebecausewehav enot
doneiti
nawhile.Iputmyhandsunderher
dressandbr
ushedhert highsgent
ly.Shesaid
mynamei nasoftmoan, i
tdri
vesmecr azy
whenshedoesit.Shebr oketheki
ssandl ooked
atme. 
.
Ndoni:Whatift
hewar
ri
orwal
ksi
nandseesmy
nakedness?
Me:Ibel
ievet
hatheisawisemanandknowsI
needpri
vacywhenyouar
ear ound.
Ndoni
:MyPri
nce,shoul
dthi
snotbedoneona
bedatni
ght
?(Il
aughedsoft
lym)
Me: IdonotknowbutIdonotwanttowaitunt
il
sunsettohaveyoubuti
fyouareuncomfort
abl
e
Ishallst
op.
 
Ndoni
:No,
donotst
op.(
Ismi
l
ed)
.
Thewar mthofheri nnert hi
ghswasgr eatandit
mademybodyr eact.Webot hgotnakedandI
l
ookedathernakednessi ndayli
ghtandf ound
myl adyt obeev enmor ebeautif
ul.Wecar essed
eachot hersbodi esandmadel ove.Thi sti
mei t
waspur epleasureforbot hofus.Iaskedhert o
l
ookatmeaswemov edinlovebecauseI
want edhert oseet hel oveanddesi r
eshehas
formei nmyey esasIseei tinhers.Pleasure
overtookherandshel etoutasof tscream of
pleasureandi ntensepl easureovertookmy
bodyj ustasmuch.Weki ssedwhi lebreathi
ng
heavily,notwant i
ngt hismomentt oend.Wel ay
i
neachot her
'sar
msandIcov
eredour
nakedness.
.
Me:
Ndoni
yamamzi
. 
Ndoni
:Nt
sika(
Ismi
l
edi
ndel
i
ght
)
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
youngmai
den.(
shel
ookedatme)
Ndoni
:Ilov
ey outoo,
strongwar
ri
or.(
Ilookedat
herwi
thoutsayi
nganything)
Me:
Let
'sl
eav
e,myl
ady
. 
Ndoni
:Oh,It
houghty
ouwouldstaylongerbutI
under
standy
ouhavedut
ies.(
shelookeddown)
Me:No,myl
ady!Imeanlet
'
sleavet
hegr
ounds
ofMhl
abaOchumil
eyo.(
shesatupi
nshock)
Ndoni:
Idonotexpecty
out
odot
hat
,my
pr
ince.
 
Me:Icannotl
aynextt
oawomanIf
eel
not
hing
f
or,
Ndoni. 
Ndoni
:Youar
enotusedt
oal
i
feasanor
dinar
y
man,Nt
sika.I
'm sur
eev
enatwar
ri
ory
ouget
r
oyal
benefit
s. 
Ntsi
ka:Ndoni
,myhandsfearnowork.Iwil
lfi
nd
somethi
ngtodoandI'
ll
lookaft
erus.(she
star
tedtocr
y)
Ndoni:I
'
m honour
edthaty
ouwouldwantt
odo
t
hisformebutIcannotal
lowi
t.
 
Me:It
'stheonl
ywayIcanbewit
hyou.Fat
heri
s
st
il
lfi
ttobekingf
orafewyear
s.
Ndoni
:It
'
saf
ool
i
shpl
an,
Ntsi
ka.
 
Me:Doyounotwisht
obewi
thme,
Ndoni
yamanzi
? 
Ndoni:YouknowIdobutnotl i
ket hi
s.Youare
t
hef ut
ureofthiski
ngdom, Nt
sika.No,please
I
'm notworthyofyoulosi
ngyourlegacy.Marry
t
hePr i
ncess,I'
l
lmakepeacewi thit.
 
Me:Idonotwantyoutomakepeaceofit
,
Ndoni
!Idonotwantyouasamistr
ess.Youar
e
wort
hyofsomuchmor e.I
'
drat
herbeapoor
manwithy
oubymysi
de.Il
ovey
ou,
Ndoni
.(I
r
aisedmyvoi
ce)
Ndoni:Il
ovey outooandIwantt obewit
hyou
butbei
ngpoori snotpleasant.Youwi
l
lhateme
fort
akingtheonlyli
feyou'veknownawayfrom
you.(
shebr okedown)
Me: Myheartcouldnevercarr
yhatef
oryou,
my
l
ady.Pleasestopcryi
ng,Ididnotmeant
omake
yourheartheavy
.(Iembracedher)
Ndoni
:Iwishourhear
tscoul
dst
opf
eel
i
ngwhat
t
heyfeel
,Ntsi
ka.
 
Me:
Donotwi
shf
ort
hat
,Ndoni
.
 
Ndoni
:I'
m seenasnot
hingbyy
ourfami
l
yand
myonlysinisbei
ngacommoner.
 
Me:Thengowi t
hme,I'
l
llookafteryouforal
l
ourl
ives.Wecanhav
elit
tlegi
rlchil
drenwhoare
asbeautif
ulasy
ou.(
shelookedatmeand
smil
ed)
Ndoni
:Andl
i
ttl
eboychi
l
drenwhowi
l
lbe
war
ri
ors.(
webot
hlaughed)
Me: Yesbutwecannothavei
twhil
ewear e
here.Promi
setothi
nkaboutmyoff
er.Ineed
youranswerbef
oremyweddingday,Ndoni.
 
Ndoni
:Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t,mypr
ince.
 
Me:Mythanksbeaut
if
ulmai
den(
Iki
ssedher
sof
tli
ps)
Ndoni
:Maywej
ustenj
oyt
hismoment
?
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh.Letushav
efr
uit
. 
.
Wesatandf edeachot hert
hef ruitandI'
m
determi nedtotakeherawayf r
om al lt
hispain.I
havet omakear rangement sforourdepar ture.I
knowt hi swil
lbreakt heKing'shear tbutIdonot
haveachoi ce.Ndoni doesnotj usthav emy
heart,sheismyhear t
.Imadel ov etoheronce
againandapar tofmehopest hatherbodyhas
accept edmyseed.Iwoul dlovetobet hef at
her
ofthisbeaut if
ulmai den'schil
dren.
.
.
#Ndoni
Thepr i
nceandIgotour selvesdecentsowe
couldgobackt othemai nland.Icannotgowi t
h
him soI '
vedecidedt ogoonmyownwi thout
him.I'm notwor t
hyoft hedownf al
lofa
ki
ngdom.Igott omyt ranspor t
ati
onandNt sika
helpedmeoni t.Ican'tbeliev eIlethim haveme
i
nday l
i
ghtandI 'veaccept edt hatI'm his
mistressbutIam notasst rongasJongi le.I
cannotwat chhiml ovesomeoneel sebutIal so
cannothav ehiml eavetheki ngdom.War ri
or
Bantugotmet ot hemai nlandandIwentt omy
chamber .Itookall mycl othingf r
om t heplaceit
was.Zi phowalkedi n.
.
Zi
pho:
Ndoni
,wher
ear
eyouof
fto?
 
Me:
Ihav
etogetaway
. 
Zipho:
Didt
hePr
inceal
l
owy
ouday
stov
isi
t
yourhome?
 
Me:
No,
Zipho.
 
Zipho:Youcannotgowit
houtper
missi
on,
Ndoni.Youwil
lbeinbi
gtroubl
ewhenyou
retur
n.
Me:I'
m nott
oret
urn,
Zipho.(
herj
awdr
oppedi
n
shock)
Zipho:
No,Ndoni
.Ihavefoundasi
steri
nyou
andwhatabouty
ourlove.
 
Me:Hei
snotminet
olov
e,Zi
pho.Hewant
sus
t
orunawayandbet
oget
her.
Zi
pho:
Soy
ouar
egoi
ngwi
thhi
m?(
shesmi
l
ed)
.
Me:Areyoucrazy,
Zipho?I'
m goi
ngbymyself
andyouwil
lnottel
lanyoneaboutthi
sunt
ilI
'
ve
gone.
 
Zi
pho:You'
rebreaki
ngmyheart,
Zipho.Wher
e
wi
lly
ougo?Youknowy oucannotgotothe
or
phanage.Youwill
dieoutt
her
ealone. 
Me:Wouldyour at
herIgowi thhi
m andhav e
Li
zwibeyourfutureking,Zi
pho?Thisistheonly
wayIcansafeguardthef ut
ureoft
hiskingdom.
Ntsi
kaisi
t'
sfuture!Idonotknowwher eI'l
lgo
orwhatshal
lbecomeofmebutIwi llnotlett
he
ki
ngdom berul
edbyacr uelki
ng.
 
Zipho:
Youar
esokindandsel
fl
ess,
Ndoni
.Ido
notknowi
fIcoul
ddoasyoudo. 
Me:It
'snoteasy
,Zi
pho.Il
ovehi
m wi
thal
lofmy
hear
t(Ist
artedt
ocry)
Zi
pho:
Thi
ssaddensme.(
sheembr
acedme)
Me: I
'm wi ll
ingtobreakt hemanIl ove'sheart
thenhav et hatcruelcowar drul
e.Ntsikawi l
l
makeagr eatking,hewi l
lcomewi thal otof
goodchangebecausehi shearti
skindandIcan
notrobt hepeopl eofMhl abaOchumi l
ey oof
thatpriv
ilege.May beint henextli
fewecanbe
togetherbuti nthisli
feti
mewear enotdest i
ned
toloveeachot her.I'
l
lleaveassoonast hesun
goesdown.  
Zi
pho:No,Zi
phosnakesandwi
ndanimalsl
urk
ar
oundatthatt
imeandnottoment
ionthe
wi
tches.Goatsunset
. 
Me:Mymi ndismadeup,Zipho.I
fy ougoto
warnthePri
nceaboutt
his.I
'l
lneverfor
giv
e
you.
 
Zipho:
Ishal
lnot
,youhavemypromise.Il
ove
you,Ndoni
.Mayourpathscr
ossagai
n( webot
h
cri
ed)
Me: AndIloveyou.I
ftheyaredesti
nedt
ocr oss
againthentheywil
l,
sist
er.Youaremytruest
fr
iend.Iwil
lmissyou. 
Zipho:
Becar
efulwheny
oul
eav
e.Imustget
backtomyduti
es. 
Me:
Ishal
lnotbeher
ewheny
our
etur
n,Zi
pho.
 
.
Weembracedforal
ongti
meandshedal otof
t
ear
s.Shelef
tmeandIhavemoneyf orshelt
er
f
orafewdayssoIwil
lbefi
ne.Thesunwent
underandIt ookmybel ongings.Ist oodatt he
ent ranceandl ookedi nsidet hechamber .Iwi l
l
mi sst hel ateni ghtt alkandgossi pwi thZi pho.I
wasaboutt opi ckmycl ot hi
ngupbutpeopl e
grabbedme.Myhandsandf eetwer etiedand
mymout hshut .Iknewt hati twasnotNt sika
onceagai n.It r
iedt oscr eam andf ightbutf ail
ed.
Iwasputi nanopencar riageandi tstar t
edt o
mov e.Tear sfell t
omyear sbecauseIl aidon
myback.Thest arswer ebeaut if
ullitupi nt he
skybutIcoul dnotenj oyt hem.It houghtofmy
Princessandmay bei t'
sbet terIgetki l
l
ed
becausehemustf orgetaboutme.Ihear d
Shi ba'sv oicesay i
ng" I
'm her e,chi
ld"butIdi d
notbel i
ev eher .Shehasf orsakenmebef or e.I
closedmyey esandf eltt hecool windonmy
face.It houghtoft hehandsomef aceofmy
Prince.I tgav emepi ecebecausewepar tedi na
greatmanner .I'
m happyIgav emy selft ohi m.
Thecar riager odef astandnonst opandIknew
thatt hisismyl astmoment . 
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
mypr
ince.
.
Myhear thopedthathewoul dhearmyv oice
whisperthosewor dstohim.Thathewi llknow
thatmyhear tbeat
sf orhim evenwhenmyend
i
snear .Icl
osedmyey esandf i
l
ledmymi ndof
happymoment sfr
om t heorphanageandt he
shorthappymoment sinther oyalhouse.Ifmy
desti
nywast omeetandf al
l i
nl ovewiththe
pri
ncet hensurel
ymyendwi l
lbewi thacont ent
heart.
 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t11
.
#Nt
sika
Isetatt heRoyalt
ablehavi
ngaf eastwit
hmy
familyandt hePri
ncess.Il
ookedatthemai den
forsomet i
mebutIst i
l
lfel
tnothi
ngforher.
Howar eweev engoingtobeonourweddi ng
nightwhenwef ai
ltohaveaconv er
sati
on?
Mot herwast hemosthappiestamongstus. 
.
Mother
:Howmanychi
l
drendoy
ouwi
sht
ohav
e,
Qaqamba? 
Qaqa:
AsmanyasthePri
ncewishest
ohav
e,
myQueen.(
Iwassoannoyed)
Me:ShedidnotaskhowmanyIwi sht
ohave,
dearPri
ncess.Sheaskedhowmanyyou'
dwish
tohave.
 
Qaqa:Iwil
lfol
lowy ourlead,
myPri
nce.I
fyou
wishformanyI '
l
lgiveyoumany.(
myj aw
cl
enchedinfrustr
ation)
Li
zwi
:Letushopet
heywon'
tal
lbemai
dens.
WeknowaKi ngwit
honlymaidensdoesnot
havehei
rstopasst
hethroneonto.(
hesai
d
wit
hanev i
lsmir
k)
Me:AndI'
m sur
eyouawai
tthedayt
haty
ousee
t
hathappen.
Fat
her:Iwel
comet
hepossi
bil
i
tyofy
oung
maidens.
 
Mother:Myapologi
esfornotgi
vi
ngyou
maidens,myKingbutNtsi
kamightgi
veyoua
gr
anddaughter
.
Fat
her
:Ay
oungPr
incesst
ospoi
l
.(t
heyl
aughed)
Mother
:Weneedtoarr
angeforLi
zwitoal
so
wedaft
erNt
sika.Hei
sattheri
ghtage.
 
Li
zwi
:Dochooseamor
ebeaut
if
ulmai
den(
he
mumbled)
Fat
her:Youknowamandoesnotmumbl
e,
Li
zwi.Whatisi
tyouj
usr
mtsai
d? 
Li
zwi:Myapol
ogi
es,myKing.WhatIsai
d
shoul
dnotbemindedi
tisunimpor
tant.
Mother
:Icannotwai tforthecelebr
ati
on.Ihave
i
nvi
tedtheroyalfamil
iesofmanyki ngdomst o
comewitnesstheroyal af
fai
rs.Itol
dthekit
chen
ser
vant
st oprepareafeast. 
Father
:MyQueen,
hav
ey oubeguntoshowt
he
youngmaident
hewaysofthi
skingdom?
Mother:Iam showingher,myKingbutIneed
notdomuch.She' sroyal
tysosheknowswhat
i
sexpect edofaroyalwif
e.Ntsi
kawherewere
youearli
er?Youwer esupposetospendtheday
wit
hy ourfut
urewife. 
Qaqa:
Iam notof
fended,
myQueen.Iknowt
hat
t
hePrincei
sabusyman. 
Me:Iwasridi
ngabouti
nthefarmswit
hBant
u.I
neednotexpl
ainmywhereabouts.
Father
:Nooneexpect
sthatofy
ou,
young
pri
nce. 
.
Theywentonaboutchi
l
dren.Idonotev
enwi
sh
toseet hePr i
ncess'snakedness.If earthat
evenmkhont omi ghtnotri
set of ullstrengt
hon
ourweddi ngni ght.Howcanhewhenhehas
alr
eadyf oundhomei nmyl ady'ssweett empl e?
Thef eastf inallycamet oanend.Wer oseand
ret
iredt oourchamber s.Iimmedi atelyhad
Ndoni calledt omebecauseIwantt ohol dher
unti
l sunrise.Mysl umberissweet erwhenshe
i
sbymysi de.Isatandwai ti
ngf ormybeaut iful
Ndoni yamanz i.Asof tknockwasont hedoor
andIst oodt oopen.Tomydi sappoi ntmentitis
notherbutZi pho.Shebowedbef or emeandI
tol
dhert or iseandent er.
 
.
Me:
Ismyl
adyst
il
lbusywi
thsomet
hing?
Zi
pho:Icomewit
hbadnews,
mypr
ince(
I
st
art
edtopani
c)
Me:
Hashar
m comet
oNdoni
onceagai
n? 
Zipho:IhavenoknowledgeofthatbutIf
ear
thatharm mightcometoher,
myPr ince.
Me:Donotbeataroundt
hebush,
youngmai
den.
I
fherl
if
eisinharmswaytel
lmeatonce(my
voi
cesoundsurgent
)
Zi
pho:Ndonihaslef
ttheroyalgr
ounds,
my
Pr
ince.Shewait
edforsunsetandwentint
othe
ni
ght.
 
Me:Whyhaveyounotcomet
omesooner
?(I
r
aisedmyvoi
ce)
Zi
pho:Myapologi
es,myPri
ncebutImadea
pr
omiseofsi
lencetoNdoni
.Shesai
dyou
want
edhertogowi t
hyoubutshecoul
dnot
. 
Me:
Didshesaywhy
?(myhear
tsank)
Zipho:Shewouldratherbreakyourheartand
thatofherownthenr obthekingdom ofyour
rulewhentheti
mei sright
. 
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myl
ady
.Youmayl
eav
e. 
Zi
pho:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
myPr
ince.
.
SheleftandIfeltmyhear tbreaki
npieces.I
knowofNdoni '
sgoodandki ndheartbutshe
hasgonet ofar.Ilookedouti ntot
hedar kni
ght
andIfearedformyl ady.Beingatwarhasmade
meseenmanyt hingsIknowshewon' tbeable
tohandle.Ihadt ogof i
ndher . 
.
Me:
Bant
u!!(
Ishout
edandheent
ered)
Bant
u:Whati
sthemat
ter
,war
ri
or?
Me:
Getmyhor
seouti
mmedi
atel
y.
Bant
u:Whywoul
dyour
ideatni
ght
,myPr
ince.
Me:
JustdoasIask,
war
ri
or!
.
Bantulefti
nahurryandItookof ftheheavy
royalat
ti
re.Iwarmywar r
ioratti
reandtookmy
sharpir
onweaponsandshi eld.Irushedoutsi
de
andfoundBant ual
readyonhishor se.
 
.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng,
Bant
u? 
Bant
u:Wi
thy
ou,
myPri
nce.Getony
ourhor
se
andl
eadt
owher
ewearegoing.
 
Me:
Idonotneedy
ourpr
otect
ion,
war
ri
or.
 
Bant
u:Thisisnott
oprotectyou,br
other
.Iti
sto
ri
dewit
hy ouandfi
ghtanydangeralongsi
de
youasbrother
sdo.Nowl eadtheway. 
Me:
Myt
hanks,
brot
her
. 
.
Igotonmyhor seandr odei nt
othedar knight.
Themoonandst arsshini
ngbr i
ghtl
yandI
wonderedi fNdoni seesthebeautyinthesky .I
tol
dBant uwhathappenedandhesuggest edwe
ri
detoherpr evi
oushome.Hei sri
ghtandwe
rodeasfastasourhor sescouldgo.Wegott o
theorphanageaf teradistanceofri
ding.Igot
offmyhor seandr ushedt otheentr
anceand
knocked.Isawt hef l
ashofacandl egoon.A
l
adyspokecl earl
ywi thfearinhervoice. 
.
Her:
Whoist
her
eandwhatdoy
ouseekher
eat
ni
ght? 
Me:Pleaseopen,
myl
ady
.Nohar
m wi
l
lcomet
o
you!
 
Her
:Iaskedwhoy
ouar
eint
hedar
kni
ght
? 
Me:
Pri
nceNt
sikaoft
hissoi
l
,myl
ady
. 
Her:
Youwantmet obel
i
evethatt
hePrince
hi
mselfwil
lhonourmewithhi
spresence?Go
awaywit
ch! 
Bantu:
Madam, Iam theguar
dofthePri
nce.
Openthedoor,weseeknottohar
my ou.We
seekay oungmaidenbythenameof
Ndoniyamanzi
. 
.
Therewast hensilenceontheothersideandi
t
tookgreatresi
stancetonotbreakthedoor
open.Irespectt
hepl acebecauseisraisedmy
Ndoni.Thelockfinall
ytur
nedandt hedoor
opened.Weheldourf
ir
eli
ghtsuptoourfaces
toshowourselv
estot
heladyandshe
i
mmedi at
elybowedwhenshesawmyf ace. 
.
Me:
Pleaser
ise,
myl
ady
.(Ihel
pedherst
and)
Her
:TowhatdoIowet
hishonour
,mypr
ince?
Me:Weseekayoungmai
den,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.
Hasshecomet
oy ou?
 
Her:
No, mypr
ince.Il
astsawNdoni
whenshe
l
eftf
orthepal
ace.Whatshamehasshedone,
myprince?
 
Me: Shehasdonenoshame,mylady.Shehas
goneoutint
othenightal
oneandIfearf
orher
safety
.Myapologi
esforbot
heri
ngyou.Weshall
beonourwaynow.  
Her:Dofi
ndmyNdoni ,
mypr i
nce.Shei
sapure
maidenandsavageswillhaveherwaywit
hher
whentheyseesheisalone. 
Me:
Ishal
lseekherunt
ilI
'
vef
oundher
. 
Her
:Myt
hanks,
yourhi
ghness.
.
Wel eftt
heent ranceandr odeonourhor ses
onceagai n.Ifonl
ythel adyknewt hatNdoni i
s
nolongerdeemedpur ebecauseofme.If ear
ed
thatwhatshesai dmi ghtbet rueaboutt he
savageshav ingtheirwaywi thher.Icannot
all
owt hattohappent omyl ady.BantuandI
searchedt henightbutwi thnoluck.Iknow
Ziphosaidshel eftonherownf reewi l
lbutmy
heartdidnotbel i
eveit.Irodebackt othe
mainlandandIheadedst rai
ghtforLizwi'
s
chamber .
 
.
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
!(Igr
abbedhi
m byt
heneck)
Lizwi:Youmakeahabitoft
hisbr
other
!Whoi
s
thissheyouspeakof
?!
Me:YouknowwhoIspeakof
!(Ist
rangl
edhi
m
andl
etgosohecoul
dspeak)
Li
zwi:
Ifyouspeakofy
ourwhor ethenIhav
eno
knowl
edgeofherwhereabout
s. 
Me:
You'
rel
yi
ng!
! 
Li
zwi:Iswearont
hegr
avesofal
lourr
oyal
ancest
ors!
 
Me:IfyouhaveherIwi
llki
l
lyou,
Lizwi.Iwi
ll
st
rangleyouunt
ilIf
eel
thatyounolongerhave
apulse.
 
.
Il
efthim andIhadtheroyalgr
oundssearched
butshewasnowher etobefound.Iwenttomy
chamberandl etoutacryofpainand
fr
ustr
ation.Howcouldshedot hist
oour
heart
s? 
.
.
#Ndoni
 
Af
tert
hecar
ri
ager
odef
oral
ongt
imei
t
stoppedandbyt histi
meIhav emadepeace
withdy i
ng.Iknewt hatthi
sisthewor kofthe
QueenandLi zwi .Toni
ghttheywill
finall
y
succeedi nst oppingthebeatofmyhear t
.The
heartwhoseonl ysinwast ofall
inlovewi t
ha
Prince.Themanwhocapt ur
edmehel dhis
l
ampt ohi sfaceandIknowhi m.Hei soneof
theroyal guards.Myt earshavealldri
edup.He
tookoft hecl othonmymout h.
.
Hi
m:Youngmai
den,
Iseeknott
ohar
myou.
 
Me:Justdowhatyouwer
eassi
gnedt
osoi
t
canbeover.Takemet
omyend! 
Hi
m:Ndoni
,theQueenhassentmet
oki
l
lyou.
 
Me:Iam i
nnoshockaboutt
henews.Ibegof
youtomakei
tquick.St
abmestr
aighti
nthe
hear
t.
 
Hi
m:Youhavebeennothi
ngbutkindtomeat
t
hepal
ace,
youngmaiden.Yougreetmewhen
youpassandaskhowIam.Youhav egivenme
fr
uitwhenIl ookedt ooti
redtogoonwi thmy
duty.Yousmi leatmeandnoot herservant
mai denhasdonei t.Theyseethebigscaron
myf aceandtheyfearmeorl ookatmewi t
h
disgustbutnoty ou.Wheny oulookatmeIf eel
l
ikeanor mal human.Youdonotl ookatme
withey esofjudgement.
Me: HowcanIlookatyouwitheyesof
j
udgementwhenwear eallf
lawed.Yourscar
doesnotmakey oul
esshuman.Iaskt haty
ou
ret
urnmykindnesswit
haqui ckdeat
h. 
Him:Iwi
llunt
ieyou,youngmaiden.Myheart
al
lowsmenott okil
lyouryourki
ndone.WhenI
unti
eyouIwantyout orunasfastadpossi
ble.
Me:
Butwher
ewi
l
lIr
unt
oatni
ght
? 
Him: Anydi
recti
onexpecttheonewecame
from.Ineedy outonevergototheroy al
house
againbecauseweshal lbot
hsurel
ydi e.Now
takethiswaterandrunanddonotst op. 
Me:Mythank,
kindsir
.Ishal
lnotf
orgetthe
mer
cyyouhaveshownme.Ishal l
neverset
f
ootatt
hepalace.Youhavemypromi se.
Him:Nowst ar
ttorun,
youngmai den.Rununt
il
younolongerseethefl
ashofmyl ampand
evenaf
terthatdonotstop.Her
ei swater
. 
Me:Mythanksbutwi
l
lshenotwantpr
oofofmy
deat
h? 
Him:I'
l
lburnanani
malandt
akeit'
sashest
o
herandhopesheseesnodi
ff
erence.Nowr
un,
maiden!
!(heshout
ed)
.
Itookthewat erfrom him andIstart
edtorun.
Notknowi ngwher eI'm goingorwhatwill
happent omebutIr an.Ilookedbehindand
couldstil
l seet heli
ttl
efli
ckerofhisl
ampandI
ranfasterunt i
l i
twascompl etel
ydarkbehi
nd
me.Irani ntot heforestandIhear dthecri
esof
manyowl s.Thef earinmyhear tl
ett
earsflow
downmycheek.It houghtofthesnakesZipho
spokei
fandIkeptonrunni
ng.Ir
anunti
lmy
chestf
eltl
i
kei
t'
sonf i
resoIsatdown.
 
.
Voi
ce:
Runon,
chi
l
d(i
t'
sShi
ba)
Me:
Mybodyal
l
owsmenott
ogoon,
Shi
ba.
 
Shi
ba:
Ndoni
,Ineedy
out
ogat
herst
rengt
hto
goon.
 
Me:
Ishal
lsl
eepher
eandcont
inueatsunr
ise.
 
Itookasi pofthel
ittl
ewat eranditwentdown
soni cely.Icl
osedmyey esandIimagi nedthat
I'
mi nt hegardenwithmyPr i
nce.Laughingand
playingasheputf lowersinmyst ubbor nhair
.I
feltstr
onghandsgr abmeandIscr eamedbut
mymout hgotcovered.Onemanr ippedmy
skirtopenwhi l
etheot herheldmedown.  
.
Me:Pl
ease,
Ibegy
oudonotdot
his!
!(Iki
cked
ar
oundm)
Man: Yout
hinkI
'
lll
etpasst
hechancet
ohavea
youngmaidenwhohasnoprot
ecti
onaround
her.
 
Man2:Fini
shIwantmyt urnt ohaveher
.Look
athowbeauti
fulthoset
highslookinthe
moonli
ght(
het ouchedmybr easts)
Man1:
I'
m sur
eshei
sst
il
lpur
e!(
hel
aughed)
.
Themanatt hebot tom tookhi st r
ouser sof
exposinghisdisgust i
ngmanhood.Iki cked
aroundandhehel dmedown.Justashe
positi
onedhimsel fanani mal attackedhi m.The
othermanr anawayscr eami ng.Thehal fnaked
manwaspl eadingf orhisli
feast heanimal
attackedhim.It ookacl oserlookatsawi t
'sa
cheetah.Iheldmyt or ndresst ogethert ohide
myexposedt highsandr an,leavingmywat er
.I
l
ookedbehi ndandsawt heani mal aft
erme.I
cri
edandr anf ordearl i
feuntilIheardi tspeak. 
.
Voi
ce:
It'
sme,
Ndoni
yamanzi
(sai
dthi
scheet
ah)
Me:
Shi
ba?(
Icr
iedsof
tl
y)
Shiba:Yes,
chil
d.Itoldy
out hatIwasnotthe
treeinthef
orestbutaspiri
tguardi
an.Donot
fear,nohar
m shallcometoy oubutIneedyou
dor unonNdoni.Therearedarkenergi
esatthi
s
hour .
 
Me:
I'
mti
red,
Shi
ba.Mybodyi
sfai
l
ingme.
 
Shi
ba:
I'
ll
runwi
thy
ou.
 
Me: Coul
dy ounotgointoahor
serathert
hena
cheetah,Shi
ba?Evenadonkeywouldhavebeen
fi
ne.(shelaughedsof
tly
)
Shi
ba:Howwoul dt
hoseprot
ectyoufr
om
physi
calhar
m.Nowst opcompl
aini
ng,l
etusr
un.
Therei
sar i
vert
odri
nknotsofar
.
.
Iranalongsi
det
hecheet
ahandI'
veneverbeen
cl
osetoonebefore.Myhear
twaspained
becauseeachst
epItookisast
epfarfrom t
he
onewhohasmyhear t
.Wegott oariv
erand
drankbuthadt ostandandr unonceagai n.Ir
an
andranandr an!Notknowi ngwher eI'
mr unni
ng
tobutIknewt hatIhadtolistent oShiba
becauseifithadnotbeenf orhert hemen
wouldhavehadt heirwaywi t
hme.HowIwi sh
Shibacouldbeahor se,It
houghtasIcont i
nued
torunbehindhebeaut i
fulAfricancheetah.
.
.
#Queen 
Nande
Bynowt hewhor eshoul
dbedead.Iheardthat
Ntsikahadtheroyalgr
oundssear
chedforher.
Thislovemedici
neshef edhi
m wi
llwearoff
nowt hatthewhore'
sheartnol
ongerbeat.Li
zwi
camei ntomychamber .
.
Li
zwi
:Di
dyouhav
ehert
akenaway
? 
Me:
Evenbet
ter
,mypr
ince.Ihadherki
l
led.(
we
bot
hsmi
l
ed)
Li
zwi:Ar
eyousur
ethatt
hej
obi
sdone,
my
Queen?
Me:IsentsomeoneIt
rustwi
tht
he
assi
gnment. 
Li
zwi:I
'm saddenedthatIneverhadt
ohavethe
maidenbutI'l
ll
ivebecauseyouaredel
ight
ed.
Me:YoucanhavemanyothermaidensbutIhad
t
ori
dourliv
esofthi
sone,especi
all
yNtsi
ka'
s.
Hewil
lnowfocusonQaqamba. 
Li
zwi
:Hedoesnotl
i
keher
. 
Me:Theweddi
ngisnearandt
hedowr
yhas
beenpai
dtoherf
amil
ysohehastoaccepti
t.
 
.
Wesatandrejoi
cedinourv
ictor
y.Therewasa
knockonthedoorandIgavepermissi
onto
enter
.Manqhobaenter
edandbowed.  
.
Me:
Rise,
Manqoba(
hest
ood)
Him:
MyQueen,whatyouaskedhasbeendone.
Themai
den'
shear
tbeatsnolonger
. 
Me:It
oldyouthatIwantproof
.Giv
emethe
pr
oofthatshei
snol ongeroft
hisl
i
fe.
 
Him:Iburntherali
ve,
myQueen.I twasalong
andpainf
ul deat
h.Ipresentherashes.(
Ismil
ed)
Li
zwi:I
tisr
ealashes,
Mother
.Yourhav
egot
ten
ri
dofthevi
rusyoucri
edabout(
weboth
l
aughed)
Me: Goandthrowthataway.Shewasrubbi
sh
whensheliv
edsoi tmakessensetothr
owher
asheswheretherott
engarbageis.
 
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myQueen.
Me:Wait
,Manqhoba!Di
dthewhor
escr
eam i
n
agony
? 
Hi
m: Youwouldhavelov
edthesoundsofagony
i
fyouwerethere,
yourhi
ghness.(
Ilaughed
l
oudl
ym)
Me:Good,I
'm gl
adt
hatthewhor
ewasi n
pr
olongedpai
nasthefl
amesmeltedherski
n. 
Li
zwi
:You'l
lberewardedf
ory
ourwor
k,guar
d.
Youmayleaveus. 
Me:Don'tf
orgett
ori
dofherashesi
nthe
r
ubbish.
 
Hi
m:Asy
ourwi
sh,
yourhi
ghnessm..
Hel eftusandwehadasmal lcel
ebrati
onof
victory.Suddenl ytheairi
nthepal acewas
l
ight er.Ihavet opr acti
seformyactwhenIsee
Nt si
kaatsunr ise.Hecannotknowt hatIam the
onewhodi dthi s.Hecannowmar ryinpeace
thinkingt hatthewhor ehaslefthim.Lizwi went
tohi schamberandIgotundermycov ers.I
knowt hatI'l
lhav easweetsl umbert onight.
HowIwi shIhear dthewhorescr eam inpain!I
smi ledasIi magi nedhowshewasbeggi ngunti
l
herend.Ir i
dtheki ngdom ofthev i
rusasI '
ve
saidIwi l
l!
 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t12
.
#Queen 
Nande
Thesunr oset otheskyandIgotdr essedinmy
bestclot
hing.Suddenlyt hebir
dssangl ouder
andmor echeer fult
unes.Theskycl earwithnot
asingl
ecl oudint hesky.Iknowmostpeopl e
sobduet oguiltwhengui lt
yofkil
l
ingbutnotme.
I'
m gl
adt hatIridthisl
if
eofawhor e.Isatand
washav i
nggi ngerwhenNt si
kawalkedi n.
Clear
lynotpleasedwi thlif
eatthemoment .
.
Nt
sika:
Whathav
eyoudonet
oher
? 
Me:Donet
owhom,
mydearpr
ince?(
Ist
ooda
si
p)
Ntsi
ka:Donotpl
aymeforaf
ool,mot
her
.What
di
dy ousayt
oNdoni
yamanzi
thatmadeher
l
eave? 
Me:Yourshall
watchy ourt
onewheny ou
addr
essme, Ntsi
ka.I
'm notone.ofy
ourbat
tl
e
mates!(
Istoodinanger)
Ntsi
ka:Ishal
lnotapol
ogi
sef
ort
his.Whathav
e
youdonetoher? 
Me:Ididnotev
enknowtheser
vanthasl
eft
.
Jongi
lehassai
dnothi
ngtome.
 
Ntsi
ka:Younev
erwant
edheri
nther
oyal
house.
 
Me:Ishal
lnotdenythatf
actbecauseiti
str
ue.
Shegaveyoulovepoti
onandnowt hatyousay
shei
sgoney oureyeswil
lopen.
 
Ntsi
ka:
Youmi ghtbecapabl
eofsuchev il
sbut
donotassoci
ateNdoniwit
hit.Iaskedherto
l
eavewithmeandgetawayf r
om t hi
skingdom.
Me:
Arey
oumad?
! 
Ntsi
ka:Thenewsmusthav
ereachedyourear
s
andyoudidsomet
hingt
oherbeforeshecoul
d
gi
vemeananswer.
Me: It
akeof
fense,Ntsi
ka!Howdar
eyoui
mply
t
hatIam capableofsuchevi
l?Doy
ounotknow
yourownmot her
? 
Ntsi
ka:IfIeverfi
ndoutt hatar
ebehindher
depart
ure,youshallpay.Ifany
thi
nghappensto
heroutthere,youshall
paydear l
y.
(hepoi
nted
hi
sfingeratme)
Me: Iam notgui
lt
yoft hecri
mey ouare
accusingmeof ,
Ntsika.Ify
oudar espeakli
ke
thi
st omey ourf
athershallhearabouti
t.
 
Ntsika:Doyouthinkt
hatIcar eaboutwhaty
ou
andf at
herthi
nkofmer ightnow?You'veboth
cursedmewi throyal
bloodandi thasmade
costmet hewomanofmydr eams.Being
royalt
yisacurse! 
Me: Wel
lyouneedtoaccepty
ourcurse
becauseyourbl
oodisbl
ueandthatshall
nev
er
change.Apr i
ncei
swhatyouwerebornasand
apr i
nceiswhatyouwil
ldi
eastoo!Noamount
ofspellsandmagiccanri
dyouofthi
ssocal
led
curse!.
 
.
Helookedatmei nangeranddi sgust.I
watchedashet ur
nedhi sbacktomeandl eft
.
Thislovehethi
nkshehasf orthiswhoreis
mor eseri
ousthanIthought.Ineededtomakea
planatoncesoIhadt hePrincesssummoned
tomyj oi
nme.Shewal kedinandbowed.Igav e
herpermissi
ontorise.
 
.
Her
:Youhav
ecal
l
edf
orme,
myQueen.
 
Me:
Qaqambahowmuchdoy
ouwi
sht
obe
mar
ri
edtot
hePri
nce?
Her:Iwi
sht
obemar
ri
edt
ohi
mver
ymuch,
my
Queen. 
Me:
Theny
oushal
lof
fery
our
sel
ftohi
m at
sunset
. 
Her:Pardon,
myQueen?(
shel
ookedatme
shocked)
Me: Isai
dyouneedt
oof
fery
our
sel
ftohi
m at
sunset. 
Her:ThePri
nceaskedt
ohavemeashi
sonl
y
onceIam ol
der,
myQueen. 
Me:Youwill
behi
swif
e!Doyouwanthi
mtobe
sat
isf
iedbywhor
eswhi
lehewai
tsf
oryout
o
matur
e? 
Her:
No,Iwanthi
mtoonl
yhav
emebutIcan
notf
orcehi
m. 
Me:
Doy
ouwantt
owai
ttohav
ehi
m?
Her:
Iwanthimtohavemeont henightofour
weddingaspert
radi
ti
onofr
oyalt
y. 
Me:Ifyouwanttogetmarr
iedtohi
mt heny
ou
needtofor
getabouttr
adi
ti
on.Youneedtol
et
hi
m haveyouatsunsetoryouwil
lhav
eno
weddingni
ghttospeakof.
 
Her
:HowdoIdot
hat
,myQueen?
 
Me:Youseducehi
m.Allmenar
eweakwhen
t
heytouchthet
enderbr
east
sofawoman.
 
Her:
I'
venev
erbeenwit
hanyonebefor
e.Idonot
knowhowtoseduceaman.(shel
ookeddown)
Me:Youtakey ourcl
othesofbeforehim andhe
shal
ldotherest.Iwi
llkeepyoursecret,
Igive
youmypr omise.Nooneshallknowt hatyouare
notpur
eony ourweddi ngni
ght.
 
Her:Whatabouttheweddi
ngnightsheet
,my
Queen.Ineedtoshowproofofmyinnocencet
o
myaunties.
Me:Iwil
ltakecareofever
ythi
ng,
youneednot
worr
y.OnlyseducethePri
nceandmakesurehe
t
akesyouashi s.
 
Her:Ishal
ldoasyouask,myQueen.Ishall
showt hePri
ncemynakednessandallowhi
m
tohaveme.Itwil
lgi
vemegr eathonour.
Me:
Youal
readyspeakasat
rueQueendoes.
Youwi l
lmakeagreatQueenandbyanyl
uck
youshallcar
ryhi
sheiraf
tert
hebedr
oom
deal
ingsoftoni
ght(
shesmi l
ed)
Her:Whatanhonourt
hatshal
lbe.Tohav
ea
youngPri
ncegrowi
nginmywomb.  
Me:Nowgoandpr epar
eforsunset
.Makesur
e
yousmel
lreal
lygoodandmakesur ehe
t
ouchesyourbreasts.
Her
:Ishal
ldoasy
ouwi
sh,
myQueen.
.
Shest oodandl eftgraceful
ly.Idi
dnott hinkshe
woul dacceptmyof f
erbutI '
m deli
ghtedt hat
shedi d.HowIwi shshecanconcei vehishei r
toni
ght .Ishall hav eNtsikaforgetaboutt hat
Ndoni servant.Af t
erhehashadQaqambahe
will
r ealisethatal lmaidenshav ethesamebody .
Hewi l
l beaddi ctedtohert ouchandconf useit
forlove.Ineedt ohav emybestser vantat t
end
totheneedsofQaqambabef or
esunset .Isat
andenj oyedmydr i
nkandt houghtabouthow
l
uckhasbeenonmysi deal
lthi
stime.Alli
s
goingaccordingtothewayt hatIwanti
tto.The
fut
ureoft hi
skingdom isundermycont r
ol.I
'l
l
beabl etocontrolQaqambasoon.Hownai v
e
thi
sy oungPrincessisbuthermindisnotwhatI
need!
.
.
#Nt
sika
Myhear tisheav yandIf eell
ikeapar tofmel ef
t
withNdoni .Il
ongf orhersomuch.Doesshe
caremor eaboutt hiskingdom thenshedoes
aboutme, herownl ove?Itseemst hatwhat
Ziphohast oldmei strue.Shehasl eftmeandI
shallneverseeherbeaut i
fulf
aceagai n.Ishal
l
neversmel lhersweetl avenderscentany more.
Icamef rom ar oyalmeet i
ngwi t
htheKi ngand
wer odebackt ot heroyalhome.  
.
Fat
her:
YoungPr
ince,
whatseemedt
obel
yi
ng
soheavyony
ourhear
t? 
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean,
myKi
ng?
 
Father:Youwalkaroundlikeaninj
uredani
mal
.
Arey oufear
ingtheclosenessofyourdayt
o
wed?  
Me:
Ndoni
hasl
eftt
her
oyal
grounds,
Fat
her
.
Fat
her
:They
oungmai
denwhohasy
ourhear
t? 
Me:Yes,myKing.Iwishedforhertocomewi t
h
metoleavethekingdom butshechosetogo
al
onebecauseshef earsmyabsencewillbe
badfort
hekingdom.  
Fat
her:Thi
smaidenofyour
shasaki ndhear
t.
Sheputthepeopl
eoftheki
ngdom befor
e
her
sel
f. 
Me:
Iam upsetwi
thher
,fat
her
. 
Fat
her:
Ntsika,
yourmaidenknowsthatt
he
ki
ngdom needsyou.Shecl
earl
yisawiseyoung
woman.Donotholdangerforheri
nyourheart
.
Whatshedi
dwasgood.
Me:
Goodf
orev
ery
onebutnotf
orus.
Fat
her
:Itget
sbet
ter
,myPr
ince.
 
Me: You'veclear
lynev erl
oved, Fat
her.Ilookat
QaqambaandIf eelnothi
ngf orher,nothing.My
mindknowst hatsheismyf uturebri
debutmy
heartrefusestoaccepther .Themai dendoes
notthinkforherself
.Shel i
kesal lt
hatIsayIl i
ke
onlytopleasemebuti tannoy sme.  
Fat
her
:Thati
showshewasr
aised.
 
Me:Whenmot heraskedabouthowmany
chi
l
drenshewishest ohav
e,Ihopedshewoul
d
haveananswerbutagainshewantsasmany
asIwishj
usttopleaseme. 
Fat
her
:Whatdoy
ouwi
shshehasspoken?
 
Me:WhenIaskedmyNdoni t
hatquesti
onshe
tol
dmeshewant sfourchi
l
dren.Twoboyand
twogir
ls.Shedi
dnotwaitf
ormet otell
hermy
answer.Sheisawomanwhoi sabletothi
nkf
or
her
sel
f.
Father:Youcannotcompar ethetwomaidens,
youngPr i
nce.Yourmai densoundsli
kea
pleasantpersonbutshedoesnothav ethe
bloodofr oy
altyf
lowingthroughhervei
ns.Ifher
bloodwasbl ueli
kethatofour s,
Iwouldal
low
yout owedherbuty ouknowIcannotappr ov e
i
t. 
Me: Iknow,Father.Ishall
t r
ytofi
ndpeaceand
hopet hatshewill
t oo.Iwishforhert
obehappy
forallherdays.
Fat
her
:Thewor
dsofat
rueman(
het
ouched
myshoul
der
s)
.
ThethoughtofNdonibeingwi
thanotherman
angersme.Iwantnoothermant ohavemyl ady.
Ihadherfir
standwishtohaveherforallour
l
ives.Iwonderwherei
ssheandi fsheissafe.
Thenighthasalotofdanger
sandIhopeno
harm hascomeherway .Wereachedthe
mai nlandandIwal kedaroundthegrounds.
Timef l
ewbyqui ckl
yandsunsetcame.Wehad
theusual unpleasantfamil
yfeastandgot
rel
ievedwhenev eri
tended.Iret
iredt
omy
chamberwhenIhear dasoftknock.Ihopedit
wasNdoni .Iroseandwentt ogreetwhoeveri
t
i
s.It'sthePrincess.
.
Her
:MyPr
ince(
shebowed)
Me:
Dor
ise,
dearmai
den(
shest
ood)
Her
:MayIent
er?
 
Me:
Youar
enotal
l
owedi
nmychamber
. 
Her:
Ibegofy
out
oal
l
owmei
n,mypr
ince.(
Ilet
heri
n)
Me:
WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
 
Her
:Iwoul
dli
ket
ogett
oknowy
oubet
ter
. 
Me:
Letusgoandsi
t.
 
.
Webot hsatandtheunpleasantsil
encewas
sti
llbetweenus.Iwaitedtohearwhatshe
want edt oknowbutshekeptsilent
.Shelooked
abituneasy ,li
keapersonwhoi snot
comf ortabl
e.Shesuddenlystoodandtookofall
thatshewaswear i
ng.Exposi
nghery oung
nakedness.
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng,
Qaqamba?(
Ist
ood)
Her
:Hav
eme,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:HaveInotmadei
tcl
eart
hatIshal
lonlydo
t
hatwhenIfeel
youar
ematureenough? 
Her:
Youhave,myPr
incebutIcannotr
esi
stt
he
ur
getohaveyou.
 
Me:
Getdr
essed,
dearmai
den.
 
Her:
Whydoy ounotundr
ess,
myPr
ince?Do
younotdesi
reme? 
Me:
Thi
sisnotwhati
tisabout
. 
.
Sheki ssedmeandIwal kedback.Icannot
betrayNdoni.Shecamecl oserandkissedme
againandt ouchedmkhonto.Mybodyr eact
ed
asanyy oungman'swould.Itouchedher
breastsandIf oundt
hattheyarest i
l
lyoungsoI
stoppedher .
 
.
Me:
Pleasel
eav
emychamber
.
Her
:NyPr
ince,
it.
..
 
Me:Itwasanor
der(
Icuthershor
tinast
ern
voi
ce)
Her
:Whatki
ndofamanar ey
ou?Howcany
ou
r
esi
stawoman'
snakedness?
.
IkeptquietbecauseIknewI 'dsaythi
ngsthat
wil
lbreakherlit
tleheart.Sheworeherclot
hing
andleftmychamber .Icanresi
sthernakedness
becauseIstil
lcravethatofmyl ove.Ndoni
's
breastsaret enderandwar m.Ni pplessobi g
andbr ownt hattheylookl i
ket heygotdi ppedin
chocolate.Itookofmyat t
ireandIwas
disappointedatmkhont of orreacti
ng.I
wonder edifthismai denisr eall
ypur ebecause
sheof fer
edher selftofreelyandI '
m notev en
herlover.Ilookedour mtatt hest arsandmoon
andst i
llmyhear tlongsf orNdoni .Shelovesit
whent hest arsli
ghttheni ghtsky .Iwishshe
couldreturnsoIcoul dembr aceheri nmyar ms.
Howdoest hi
sbeaut if
ulmai denexpectmet o
goon?  
.
.
#Ndoni
Ihavebeenwalkingalldayandal lni
ghtlong.
HungryandexhaustedbutShi bawon'tallowme
torest
.Shewouldonl yleadmet owat er
.My
feetswoll
enandf ul
lofblist
er.Thepainwasso
unbearabl
ethatIcri
edoutl oud.
.
Me:
Icannotgoon,
Shi
ba(
Isai
dsl
owl
yandsat
)
Shi
ba:
Wehav
eto,
chi
l
d.Youar
eal
mostt
her
e. 
Me:
Wher
e? 
Shi
ba:Youwil
khaveknowl
edgeofwher
ewhen
wereachther
e? 
Me:Shi
ba,
whatwasmydest
inyatt
hepal
ace?
Wasitt
omeetNtsi
ka?
 
Shiba:I
twil
lal
lbeclear,chi
l
d.Youhadtot
ake
thejour
neytothepalacebefor
egoingont
o
yournext.
 
Me:Iwishtodienow,Shiba.Al
l
owtheti
gerto
puti
t'
ssharpteet
hinmyneckunt i
lIam no
more.Ibegofyou(Icr
ied)
Shiba:Idonotki
ll
,Ndoni.Imostcer t
ainl
ywi l
l
notkil
ltheoneI'
m meantt oprotect
.Weal lhave
purpose,Ndoni
.Mineistohav enohar m come
toyouandy ouareyettohavey oursreveal
edt o
you.Butyouneedtogetup.  
Me:
Mybodyisf
ail
i
ngandmyhear
tlongsf
or
t
hePri
nce.
 
Shiba:Iknowt hatyourhearti
sheavybuti
tis
night,
Ndoni .Yousawl astni
ghthowdangerous
thenightis.Risechil
d.
Me:
Icannotwal
k,Shi
ba.Myf
eetar
ewounded.
 
.
Isuddenlyfel
tl i
keIcouldnotbreat
h.Mybody
wentst i
ffandt heai
rarounduschanged.I
tfel
t
heavyandf ul
l ofevi
l.Myteet
hwer ecl
enched
togetherasIlaystif
fofthegrassunabl
eto
mov e. 
.
Shiba:Evi
lenergi
eshav esensedyourgood
presence,Ndoniyamanzi.Thi
sisthei
rti
meof
thedayandt heyaretry
ingtokil
lyou.Tryto
fi
ghtitNdoni.Iti
stoostrongformet ofi
ghtit
alone.I
fyour emainl
ikethatyouwill
die.Ineed
yout ofi
ghtandrunsot hatIcandealwithit
,
chi
l
dori
twi
l
lconsumey
ou.
 
.
Iwast ryi
ngmybestt omov eandf ightbutmy
bodyf ail
edmyspi r
it.Il
ayt herethinkingmay be
i
t'sbestt hatIgi veupbutsomet hingi nme
woul dnotal lowme.If oughtt osnapoutoft he
statuest at eIf oundmy selfinandIknewShi ba
i
sal sot ryingherbestt ohel p.If
inallyhad
contr olov ermybodyagai nandIst oodupand
ran.Myf eetbur ningwi thpai nbutIdi dnotgive
up.Ihav enev erfeltthepr esenceofi mpur e
energi esandIwi sht onev erfeelitagain.Ifell
whiler unni ngandIsawt hatmyf eetar e
bleedi ng.If el
tmybodygr owweakandi tcould
nott akemeanyf ut ure.
 
.
Shi
ba:Ri
seNdoni
,chi
l
d.If
ail
tocar
ryy
oui
nthe
phy
sical
.
Me:Iwantt
odie,Shi
ba.Al
l
owt
hist
obemyend.
(
Icr
iedabit
tercr
y)
Shi
ba:
Ican'
t,
chi
l
d. 
Me:Ican'
tgoanyfut
ure.Myf
eetarebl
eedi
ng.I
hav
ebeenusi ngt
hem si
ncel
astni
ghtandnoti
t
i
sthenightofanewday. 
Shi
ba:Weareal
mostthere,
yourdest
inyawai
ts,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.Ri
se,chi
l
d!Letthestr
engtht
hat
dwel
lsi
nyoucarr
yyou. 
.
Istoodslowlybutmyf eethurtsoIf elldown
again.Isobbedl ikeanewbor nbabyaf teriti
s
born.Howcr uel cant heQueenbe?Iwoul dhave
gonef r
om herki ngdom onmyownwi l
lbutnow
Ihavet osufferli
ket his.Ist
oodonceagai nand
heldont omyf urrycompani on.Isawnybl ood
fi
ll
edhandpr i
ntont hisbeautif
ul ani
mal '
sf ur
andIknewi t
'sfrom myf eet
.Iletoutacr yof
agonywi theachst epthatItook.It r
iedt o
channel t
hisst r
engt hShibaspeaksofandI
start
edt owal kfastunt i
lIstartedtor un.I
thoughtaboutmyPr incesot hatmyf ocus
coul dnotbeont hepai nI '
mi n.Thi nkingabout
thesoundofhi slaughmadet hepai nnumb.I
ranandr anandr anonceagai n.Unt ilmybody
coul dnol onger.Notev enShiba' swor dsof
encour agementcoul dgetmet ogoon.I
collapsedont hedr ygrassandIf eltitstingmy
faceasIdr oppeddown.Isawt hecheet ahr un
awayandIwasl ef talone.Af terawhi leIsaw
mov ement stowar dsmeandIr eali
sedi ti stwo
cheet ah'
s.Theot heronewassobi gandi t
l
ookedst rong.It ur nedt olayonmybackand
l
ookedatt hestar s.Howbeaut ifultheyshi nein
thecl earnightsky !Ilayhopingt hatmywar r
ior
i
sl ookingatt hesamest arsasIam and
rememberme.Thet wowi l
dani mal swer enear
andmyey esshutsl owly.Iknewt hatmyendi s
here, Iwaitedtof eel t
heshar pcl awsofoneof
African'sst r
ongestbeast spiercemyski nand
notonl yoneoft hem butt wo.If el
lasl eepnot
knowi ngwhatwi ll becomeofmenextbutIhad
nocar eforwhatmi ghtbenext .Iwant edi tallt
o
end.
 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t13
.
#Nt
sika
Threesunset shav egoneandIcannotst op
thi
nkingaboutt heni ghtthePrincessoffered
herselftome.Itmademer eal
i
set hatIwishnot
tomar rytothemai den.Shei sf art
ooy oungfor
me.Iaskedf ort heKi ngandQueent ojoi
nmei n
thecouncilchamberatonce.Theywal kedi n
andIr osetomeett hem. 
.
Fat
her
:Thematterwearehereforhasbett
erbe
ofi
mport
ance,
Nt si
ka.(
hesatinhisroy
alchai
r)
Mother
:Iagr
eewiththeKi
ng.Wehav
eroy
al
meeti
ngstoatt
endto.
Me:Ishall
notkeepyou,
myKi ngandQueen.I
havecal
ledforyout
otel
lyouthatInol
onger
wishtowedt hemai
denchosen.(
Motherst
ood
i
nshock)
Mother:Ishal
lnotall
owit
.MyKingspeakt
o
yoursonatonce!(sheshout
ed)
Fat
her:Youmaysi
t,myQueen.I
tseemst
he
Pri
ncesti
ll
hol
dswordsi
nhisheart
. 
Mot
her
:ButXha.
..
 
Father
:Itwasanor
der(
hespokei
nagent
ley
et
sternt
one)
Mot
her
:Asy
ouwi
sh.(
shesatbackdown)
Fat
her
:Goon,
youngPr
ince.
Me:
Mythanks,Father
.Iwishnott
owedt
his
mai
denbecausesheisyoung.
 
Mot
her
:Igotmar
ri
edt
otheKi
ngatt
hatage.
Yourr
easonsar
enotv
ali
d,Nt
sika!
 
Me:Iam nottheKi
ngandIdonotwi
sht
obe.
Nooffensetoyou,
myKing.
 
Fat
her
:It
akenoof
fense.
Me: Iwantt
obewedt oamaidenwhohas
reachedmaturi
ty.Idonotwishtowaitunt
ilI
produceanheirbutIdonotwi shtohav
ea
maidenwhoi stooy oungei
ther.
 
Mother:Shei
sdeemedawomanbyolder
woman.Herbodyisreadyt
opr
oduceandcar
ry
anheir
,myKing.
 
Me:
Iwi
l
lnott
oucht
haty
oungmai
den!
 
Fat
her
:Isi
tamat
uremai
deny
ouseek?
 
Me: Yes, Fat
herandIaskthatyouhonouryour
eldestwit hamaidenwhohalesfrom abet
ter
kingdom.I fwewantMhl abaOchumil
eyoto
gainst r
ength,doesitnotmakesensetobuil
d
anal l
iancewithakingdom oft
hesame
ranking? 
Mother:
Wehav eal
readyhonouredQaqamba's
f
ami l
ywithdowr
y,myKing.WhichPri
ncewi l
l
wanttowedherift
heythi
nkshei sadisgr
aced
maiden? 
Father
:Hav eyouhadbedr
oom deal
i
ngswi
th
thi
smai den?
Me:Ihavenot,Fat
her.I
fthismai
denistr
uly
pur
eshewi l
lnothaveapr obl
em wi
thget
tinga
sui
torbestf
orher.
 
Mother
:Whatashamey ouwil
lbr
ingtothe
ki
ngdom!Ihavespokenoft
hecel
ebrati
onswi
th
ot
herroyal
ti
es.
 
Father
: Weshal lhavethemaidenbereturnedto
herhomesoi l.Iagreewitht
hePr i
nce.Hei s
worthytowedaPr i
ncessmaidenwhocomes
fr
om richersoil
.Itwill
beofthebenefitofthi
s
ki
ngdom.
Mother
:Whereshal
lIf
indt
hisnewmaiden?
Mostki
ngdomsdonothavemaidens!
Fat
her:Yousucceededi nf
indingamai denofa
ki
ngdom whohasnosi gni
ficance.Sur
elyyou
canfi
ndaPr i
ncessofast rongkingdom easi
ly.
Weoweourel destthathonour .
 
Mother:
Thisweighsheavil
yonmyhear
tbutt
he
Kinghasspoken.Ishal
lseekamai
denofa
bett
erki
ngbuty oushal
lwedthi
soneNtsi
ka.
 
Me:Ishall
notcomplain,
MyQueen.Ifshehales
f
rom akingdom ofgoodranki
ngandhasreach
mat
urity
,Ishal
lwedher .
 
Fat
her:
Shal
lthatbeall
,youngPri
nce?The
QueenandIhavedut
iestoseeto. 
Me:
Thatshal
lbeal
l
.Myt
hanksf
ory
ourt
ime.
 
Mot
her
:Gowel
l
.myPr
ince.
 
.
Istoodandleftthem.Themai denshal
l beheart
brokenbutifsheispur easshehassaidthen
herkingdom shallseekandfi
ndanotherPrince
towedher .BantuandIr odeonourhorsesto
thefarms.Thesoilofthi
ski
ngdom produces
suchbeauties.Thefar
m worker
swouldbow
andriseasmyhor sewouldpassthem.Iwould
rai
semyar mi ngreeti
ng.
.
Bantu:Youarethepr
inceoft
hepeopl
e.(
we
bothlaughed)
Me:
Ishal
lacceptt
hecompl
i
ment
. 
Bantu:
MyPrinceshal
lyoust
opgoi
ngonbat
tl
e
onceyouhav
ewed?  
Me:Iknowt heKingandQueenwishfori
ttobe
l
ikethatbutIam awarr
iorasmuchasIam a
Pri
nce.Iaskedtobewedt oanot
herbri
de.
 
Bantu:Doesyourr
equesthav
etodowi
tht
he
maiden,Ndoni?
Me:Ishal
ll
earntomakepeacewit
hnothav
ing
Ndoniasmine.Myhear
thol
dsangerf
orher.
Shelef
twit
hnof ar
ewel
ltome,t
hemanwho
l
oveshermost. 
Bant
u:Wouldy
ouhavegav
enpermissi
onf
or
hert
obidyouf
arewel
l
,myPri
nce? 
Me:
Ilov
eher
,Bant
u. 
Bantu:Youshal
llear
ntopassont
hatl
ovet
o
yournewbride.
 
Me: Ishal
lonlyhope,warr
ior
.Pr i
ncess
Qaqambahasnotr eachesmat uri
ty.Ineeda
maidenwhocanspeakf orherselfandhav e
conversat
ionswithme.Allshedoesi ssay
wordst opleasemeandwehav eunpleasant
si
lences. 
Bant
u:Iwishf
ory
ournewbr
idet
ohav
ewhat
youseek.
 
Me:HaveyougonetoZiphoandtol
dhert
hat
shehasyourhear
t?(
Ilaughed)
Bant
u:If
earsheshal
lrej
ectme,
MyPr
ince.
 
Me:
Awar
ri
orsf
earnot
hing,
brot
her
. 
Bant
u:Thi
sisadi
ff
erentki
ndofbat
tl
e.(
we
l
aughed)
Me:Iknowwhatyouspeakof
,warr
ior
.The
bat
tl
esofthehear
tar
enoteasy.
 
.
IfonlyBantuhadknowl edgeoft hefactthatmy
heartonlyseeksonemai denbutIcannothav e
her.Shehasl eftmewi thanempt i
nessInev er
thoughtast r
ongmansuchasmy selfcoul
df eel
.
Everythi
ngont hef ar
msseemedwel landIhope
i
tshal lr
emaint hatway.Agricul
tur
ei sthecore
ofthiskingdom.Ir odebackt ot
her oyalhouse
andhadt heyoungmai densummoned.She
walkedt omeandbowed.  
.
Me:
Rise,
dearPr
incess(
shest
ood)
Qaqa:
Youhav
ecal
l
edf
orme,
myPr
ince.
Me:
Hast
heQueenspokent
oyou?
Qaqa:Shehastol
dmet hatyounol
ongerwi
sh
towedme.Isitbecauseofmyconductt
he
otherni
ght
? 
Me:
No,i
tisnot
,youngmai
den.Ineverwished
t
obewedtoyou.Youar
efart
ooy oungforme. 
Qaqa:
Butthi
sist
heperf
ectageforaPri
ncess
t
owed.Ishal
lbeabl
etogiv
ey ouheal
thyhei
rs.
 
Me:May
beanotherPri
ncemightnothav
ea
pr
obl
em wi
thyouryoungnat
urebutIdo.
 
Qaqa:
Doyouknowt
heshamet
hisshal
lbr
ing
t
omypeople?
 
Me:
Youar
epur
e.Ar
eyounot
,youngmai
den?
Qaqa:
Yes,
myPr
ince.
 
Me:ThenanyPri
nceshal
lbehonouredtohav
e
youasthei
rbr
idebutIam nott
hatPri
nce.
 
Qaqa:
Ift
hati
swhaty
ouwi
sh,
I'
ll
accept
.
Me:Donotgoaroundspr
eadi
ngl
iestoy
our
ki
ngdom say
ingIhav
ehadyouasmine.
 
Qaqa:
Ishal
lneverdisgr
acey
ournamel
i
ket
hat
.
MayIbeexcused? 
Me:
Gowel
l
,youngmai
den.
 
.
Sher osetoherf eetandwal kedoutsl owly.It
l
ay sheav yonmet hatIhadtodi sappointher
butIhadnochoi ce.Iam gladsheof f
eredto
giveherselftome.Car essingherbr eastshave
mademer eali
set hatsheist ooy oungtowed.
Herinabili
tytohol dagr ownconv ersati
onis
annoy i
ng.Hopef ul
lytheKingandQueencan
fi
ndmeabet terbr i
de.Abr i
dewhohasaki nd
heartandast rongmi nd.Perhapsabr i
dewhoi s
atleasthalfthewomanmyNdoni yamanzi is.
Thatwayt eachingmyhear ttoloveherwi l
l be
easier.Thehear tthatrefusestost oplonging
forthemai deni thaschosen.  
.
.
#Queen 
Nande
Ntsi
ka'
scompl ai
ntaboutthematuri
tyoft
he
Pri
ncessiscausi
ngmet roubl
es.Hehasnoidea
howdiff
icul
tfi
ndingaroyalmaideni
s.Her
fami l
yhast oagreet oanal l
iancewi t
hMhl aba
Ochumi l
eyoanditt akesendl essnegotiationsto
reachsuch.Qaqambawaseasybecauseher
kingdom wasdesper ate.Ihav eagreedt ot he
requestbecauset hatwhor ewhodi str
act edhim
i
snomor e.Isawt hePr i
ncesscomef rom
Nt si
ka'schamber .Igrabbedherbyt hear m and
gav eheraf ri
ght
.
.
Qaqa:
QueenNande.
Me:
Youhavef
ail
edt
odowhati
seasyf
oral
l
mai
dens.
Qaqa:Ihav
eaccept
edt
hatt
hePr
incedoesnot
desi
reme. 
Me: Onl
ybecauseyoucouldnotusethegi
ftof
yourwomanhood.Nowy oushallgobackt
o
t
hatplaceyoucall
akingdom.
Qaqa:Itakeof
fense,
myQueen.Mykingdom
mightnotbeasbigandpr
osperousasyour
sel
f
buti
tisdeemedwor
thyt
obeaki
ngdom.
Me: Itwoul dhavebeenagr eatki
ngdom ifi
thad
arelationshipwit
hmyki ngdom butbecauseof
yourf ail
ureyoushallnev
erknowt hat
.Youhav e
r
obbedy ourki
ngdom ofsomuchpower .Doyou
r
ealisehowi mport
antpoweri stoakingdom?!.
Qaqa:Per
missi
ont
oleav
eplease,nyQueen.
Nothi
ngkeepsmeher
enolonger.
 
Me:Goandtakey ourfi
lt
hyrags.Ishall
have
youandyourpeopletakenbackwher eyouhal
e
f
rom. 
Qaqa:Youwordsar
eunki
nd,
myQueen.(
she
st
art
edt ocr
y)
Me: Idonotcarei
fyoufi
ll
theri
ver
sandocean
withyourtear
s.Youareafai
l
ureandyoudeem
yoursel
fawoman.NowonderNt si
kadoesnot
deem youasmat ur
e. 
Qaqa:Ifeel
pit
yfort
hemaidenwhoshal
lmar
ry
yoursonandhaveyouashermother
.
Me: If
eelpi
tyfort
hemanwhoshal lwakeup
nexttoyouruglyf
aceateachsunr
iseforal
lhi
s
days!
.
Iraisedmyv oiceastearsrol
leddownher
cheeks.Sher antothedi r
ect
ionofherchamber.
Iwantheroutbysunset .Whatty
peofmai den
fail
st oseduceaman?Sur el
yonlyweakones!
Lizwi appr
oachedlookingupset.
.
Li
zi
wi :
Whati
sitIhearofNt
sikaget
ti
nganew
maiden?
Me:
Iti
str
ue.Theki
nghasappr
ovedi
t.
 
Li
zwi
:Shal
lmybr
othergetawaywi
thev
ery
thi
ng
i
nthi
shouse?
 
Me:Youknowwecannotgoagainstt
heorders
ofyourf
ather
.Thewhor
eisdeadsoshoul
dy ou
car
eaboutwhenheweds?.
Li
zwi
:Whatshal
lhappeni
fanot
herser
vant
mai
denget
shi
shear
t.
 
Me:
Ishal
lki
l
lhert
oo.
 
Li
zwi
: Wast
heplannott
owedmet oamaiden
fr
om amorepowerf
ulki
ngdom t
hent
hatof
Li
zwi
's? 
Me:Stopgoi
ngonlikeaspoil
edboy
.Ishal
l
seekgoodmaidensforbot
hmysons. 
.
Hel eftinsuchahur ry.Iwentt ohav etheroyal
adv i
sergatherwi thmeandhel pmechoose
anot hermaiden.Thisshal lnotbeeasybutI
hav enochoi ce.Surel
yt hereshallbeawor thy
kingdom wi t
haPr i
ncesst hathasr eached
mat urit
y.Anhei rmustbebor nsoonbecause
Nt si
kaisnol ongeray oungPr ince.Heshoul d
hav ebeenwedbynow.Ineedt ofi
ndaPr incess
thatcanbeundermycont rol
.Icannothav ea
mai denwhowi l
l makelifeformeher edif
fi
cult.
 
.
.
#Ndoni
Myt houghtshav egonet othenightIlayint
he
openf i
eldbleeding.Icouldhearv oi
cesbutI
thoughtthatImustbewher epeoplewhohav e
mett hei
rendar e.Iwokef rom mysl eepand
wasgr eetedwithar oofthathascheet ah
drawingoni t.I
talll
ookedsobeaut i
ful,
li
ket
rue
expensiveart.Thev oi
cesgotl ouderandIsaw
twowomanappr oach. 
.
Woman1:Shehaswokenup,
myQueen.(
they
r
anandknel
tbymyside)
Woman2:
Ncedi
sil
e,ar
eyousur
ethati
tisher
?
Wonan1:Shehast
hemarki
ngs,
yourhi
ghness,
l
ook.(
sheli
ft
edmyarm)
Woman2:
Youngmai
den,
whati
syourname?
Me:Ihav
enotst
olenany
thi
ng,mylady.Igi
ve
youmypromi
se.Letmegoplease,
Iseekno
t
roubl
e(Ist
art
edt
ocr
y)
Woman2:Ionl
yaskedf
oryourname.Iam not
accusi
ngy
ouofanysi
n. 
Me:Ndoni
yamanzi
,mylady.Igobyt
henameof
Ndoni
yamanzi
(Isai
dsoft
ly)
Woman1:
Iti
str
ulyher
,myQueen.
 
.
Theot herl
adystoodandcov er
edherf acewith
herhands.Sheletoutacr yandIf earedthatI
mighthav ehur
ther.Shewi pedhert earsand
l
ookedatme.Shet ookmyf aceintoherhands
andlookedatme.Shesmi ledandat eaeof
hersfellonmyforehead.Shewi pedi toffand
ki
ssedt hetopofmyhead.Conf usionwasal lI
am feeli
ngandabi toffear.
 
.
Her
:Iam QueenNobubel
e.TheQueenof
Zwel
ihl
e. 
Me:
Myapol
ogi
esf
ornotbowi
ng,
myQueen(
I
want
edt
obowbutshest
oppedme)
Her
:Youneednotbow.I
tisnott
hewayof
Zwel
ihl
e.Ncedi
cal
lint
heKing.
 
Ncedi
:Ishal
lwithpl
easur
e,myQueen(
she
l
ookedatme, smil
edandlef
t)
.
Myhear twasnowbeat i
ngsof astthatIfeared
i
twoul dstop.Theyaregoi ngtocalltheKing!I
musthav edonesomet hingwr ongbuthav eno
memor yofit.TheQueenofZwel ihl
ehelpedme
si
tup.Amanj oinedus,clearl
yhisattir
eisthat
ofroyal
ty.Byhissideisacheet ah,abigone
anditwasf oll
owedbyasmal lerone.The
small
eronecamet omeandIj umped.
.
Queen:
Cal
m,chi
l
d.Sheshal
lnothar
myou.
 
.
Thebeastcametomeandputit
'sheadonmy
l
egandIhearditgr
owl
.Iwasshi
v er
ingl
i
kea
l
eafonawindydaybuti
tdi
dnothi
ngtome.The
Ki
ngwalkedi
nandIstoodf
astandbowed.
 
.
King:
Standonyourfeet
,chi
l
d.Bowi
ngi
snot
thewayofthi
ssoil
.(Ist
ood)
Me:Myapol
ogi
es,
myKi
ng.I
'
venev
erbeent
o
t
hissoi
l
.
Ncedi
:Youhav
ebeenher
e,y
oungmai
den.
 
Queen:
Myki
ng,
iti
sher
. 
King:
Ihadknowledgeofthatwhenthecheet
ah
camewithher.Youlookafr
aid,
chi
ld.
Me:Iam j
ustaservant
,myKing.Idonotknow
whyIhavethehonorofbei
nginyourpresence.
Soyes,myhearti
sfull
offear
. 
Ncedi
:Shehasthemarki
ngsandIhel pedthe
Queenbri
nghertot
hisli
fe.Iknowhermarkings,
myKinganditi
sasthoseoft hePr
inces.
 
Queen:
Ndoni
yamanzi
,youar
emor
ethenj
usta
servant
.YouarethePri
ncessoft
hesoi
lof
Zwelihl
e.APri
ncessofthemostpower
ful
dynastyonAfr
icansoi
l.
 
.
Mymi ndf eltli
keitwasaboutt ocloseofffrom
allt
hatl i
ves.I tcannotbet rue!Imustsur elybe
atthepl acewher ethedeadar e.Itistheonly
explanation.They oungcheet ahst il
lhadmy
bloodhandpr i
ntoni t'
sback.I tstoodandi tlet
outthecr yofacheet ahandt heot herthat
walkedi nwi t
htheKi ngal sogav eoutamor e
power fulcr yandtheybot hbowedbef oreme.I
want edtohearShi bat ellmet owakeupand
runthatIam i nadeepsl umberanddr eami ng.I
couldnott hinkstrai
ght .Am Itrul
ymor ethen
j
ustaser vant ? 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t14
.
#Ndoni
Didthi
sroyalfamil
yjustcl
aim meast hei
r
daughter
?Itcannotbepossible!Il
ookedatt
he
Queenandsawt hemostbeautif
ulwomanever.
Shecamet oembr acemeandshef el
twarm.
 
.
Me:Myapologi
es,yourhi
ghnessbutIam not
whoyouseek(If
inall
ymanagedtosay)
King:Mydaught
er,
Iknowt
hatyouar
econf
used
butyouarewhowesayyouare.
 
Me:Howshal
lyouhav
eknowl
edgeoft
hat
,my
Ki
ng? 
Queen:
Yournamewasgi
vent
oyoubyme.
 
King:Youal
sohavethebirt
hmarkingofr
oyalt
y.
Allthetr
ueroy
alof
fspr
ingofZwelihl
ehave
suchamar kasthi
sone.(sheshowedmehi s
bi
rt
hmar
k)
Me:Ihaveanident
ical
oneundermyar
m.I
tis
al
sointheshapeofastar
. 
Queen:Yout
wobr ot
her
shavet
hesamebi
rt
h
marki
ngstoo(shesmil
ed)
Ncedi
:Yourhighness,y
oualsohavemarki
ngs
onyourlef
tleg.Thr
eestri
pes,t
woshortones
andalongone.Igav et
hosemar ki
ngst
oyou. 
Me:
Idonotunder
stand.
Queen: Ncediwast hemai denwhohelpedme
givebir
thtoy ou.Themai denwhohelpsar oy al
persongivebirthgi
v esthebabyuni
quemar ks
afteri
tisborn.Iti
ssot hatshecanidenti
fyy ou
too.
Ncedi
:Iknowitisyou,y
ourhighnessbecauseI
knowthemarkingsIgaveyou.
Me:No,i
tmustal
lbeami
stake.Icannotbe
whoyouseek.
 
.
Ilookedatt hem andr anout.Ididnotknowt hi
s
royalhousebutal lIneednowi sapl acethat
willl
eadmeoutofi t.If
oundanescapeandI
ranouti nt
or oyalgrounds.Iranunti
lIreaches
theopenf ield.Myhear ti
sheav ywit
hpai nand
confusion.
.
Shi
ba:
Wher
ear
eyour
unni
ngt
o,chi
l
d? 
Me:Takemeawayf
rom her
e,Shi
ba!(
Isai
d
whi
l
er unni
ng)
Shi
ba:
Thi
sisy
ourhome,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:Donotcal
lmet
hat
!Iam aor
phananda
ser
vant
. 
Shi
ba:Thosearej
ustrolesy ouhadtofi
l
lunti
l
youfi
ndyourtr
ueidenti
ty.Youar er
oyal
ty,
Ndoni
.Yourbl
oodisblue, chil
d. 
Me:
Idonotunder
standal
loft
his,
Shi
ba.
 
Shiba:Gobacktot
heKingandQueen.They
shallmakethi
ngsabi
tclear
er.Whydoyou
thi
nkthePri
ncefel
li
nlovewit
hyou,chi
l
d?Iti
s
becauseyourbl
oodisasbl
ueashis.St
op
runni
ngandgoback,Ibegi
fyou.
 
.
Istoppedrunningandfel
ltot
hegrass.Tear
s
fl
ewf reel
yfrom myeyestomycheeks.The
cheetahfoll
owedmeandi tburi
edit
'sfacei
n
myneck.  
.
Me:
Shi
ba,
arey
out
hecheet
ah?
 
Shiba:Icannev erbet r
appedi nfl
esh,
chil
d.I
choset hatcheetahfory ou.Gobacktotheroyal
groundsandal lshal
l beclearer.
 
.
Il
ookedi ntotheeyesofmynewcompani on.
Theey eswer ebrownandshi nnyandIsaw
ki
ndnessi nit'
seyes.Ibrushedthef urunderi
t'
s
neckandi sletoutasof tgr
owl andclosedit'
s
eyes.Istoodonmyf eetandwal kedslowly
back.Thekingandhisbeastwait
ingformehalf
way.Whatabi gmant heKi
ngis!Bothhim and
hisQueenlookbeauti
ful
.Howcant heythi
nkI'
m
thei
rproduct?If
inal
l
yapproachedhim andhe
smiled.
.
King:
Myapologiesf
ormaki
ngy
ourhear
theav
y,
deardaught
er.
 
Me:Myking,
per
missi
ont
oaskaquest
ion
pl
ease.
 
Ki
ng:
Ask,
dearPr
incess.
 
Me:WhywasthePr
incessoft
hissoi
lnat
uredi
n
anor
phanage?
Ki
ng:LetusgowheretheQueeni
s.Weshal
l
makethingscl
ear
er.
 
.
Ourbeastsledthewayandwefol
lowed.The
Queenroseandj umpedt
oembracemeandshe
cr
ied.Hertearsmademinef
lowtoo.I
'venev
er
f
eltt
heembr
aceofamot
herbef
oret
his.
 
.
Queen:
Myblossom,theKingandIhadno
choi
cebutt
oletyougo. 
Me:
Why
,myQueen?
King:Wheny ouwereborntherewasanev i
l
cri
meagai nstmai
deninfants.Daughter
sof
otherhousehol
dswouldbest olenandkil
led.
Someonet ri
edtoentert
her oyalhousetotake
youtoobutMl i
lomanagedt ostophim. 
Me:
Whoi
sMl
i
lo?
 
Ki
ng:I
tismycheet
ah.Weknewthaty
ourli
fe
wasi
nharmswayasl ongasy
ouremaini
n
Zwel
i
hle.
 
Queen:Wehadtoletyougo,Ndoni.I
tweighed
heavyonourheart
sbecauseyouaretheonly
daught
erwehav ebutitwasbett
ertohaveyou
rai
sedbystr
angersthenbekil
ledbysavages.
 
Ki
ng:
Wegav
eyout
ooneoft
hepal
aceguar
ds
andassi gnedhimt otakeyouawayfrom t
his
soil
.Hewast ol
dt otel
ltheoneshewouldleave
youwi t
hy ournamebutnev eryourt
it
le.We
fear
edi fhetoldthem youarethePri
ncessof
Zwelihl
ei twouldputyourli
feathar
msway
onceagai n. 
Me:Di
dthi
sguar
dnotgi
vey
ouknowl
edgeof
wher
ehelef
tme? 
Queen:No,hedisappear
edaft
erhelef
twi
thyou.
Wethinkhegotkill
edonhiswaybacktot
he
r
oyalgrounds.
Me:
Whatwast
her
easonf
ort
hei
nfantki
l
li
ng?
King:Thei
rinnocentbl
oodwasusedforev
iland
yoursisbl
uesot heyweredet
ermi
nedtoget
you. 
Me:
Suchev
il(
Icr
ied)
Queen:Notal
lwhowalkthissoilar
eofgood
heart
s,myBlossom.Ourapologi
esfornot
nurt
uri
ngyou,mydaughter
.Wel oveyou,
Ndoni
yamanz
i.
 
King:
Weknewy ourhear
tst
il
lbeat
sbecause
wecouldfeel
itbutwehadnoknowledgeof
yourwher
eabouts.
Me:Iwasatanor
phanagei
ntheKi
ngdom of
UmhlabaOchumi
l
eyo.I
tist
hesoi
lthatIt
hought
washome. 
King:Youar
eofthesoi
lofZweli
hle.Youaret
he
secondbornchi
ldofKi
ngXolol
andileand
QueenNobubele.
 
Queen:Youhaveabrotherbornbef
oreyou.Hi
s
nameisBukhosiandyouhav eonebornaft
er
you.HeisNtandoy
abantu. 
Me:
Dotheyhav
eknowl
edgeofme?(
they
smi
l
ed)
King:Yestheydo.Theyl
i
keushel
dhopeint
hei
r
heart
st hatyouwoul
dcometousagai
n. 
Queen:Ishal
lhavethehel
per
sprepareafeast
forus.TheyPr
inceshastomeetthei
rsi
ster
oncet
heyr
etur
ntor
oyal
grounds.
 
Me:Ihav
eneverbeenapar
tofar
oyal
feast
.(I
sai
dsoft
ly)
Ki
ng:Fr
om nowyoushall
haveaf east
whenev
ery
ouwish,deardaught
er. 
Me:Mythanks,
myKing.MyQueenmayIask
f
oranot
herembrace.
 
.
Shesmi l
edandshehel dmeti
ghtlyandthi
s
ti
meIhel dhert
oo.Tearsfl
owingdownbot hour
cheeks.Theembraceofamot herfeel
sso
speci
alandfull
oflove.Sheki
ssedmycheeks
manyt i
mesandsmi l
ed. 
.
Ki
ng:
TheKingal
soaskspermi
ssi
ont
o
embr
acehi
sonlydaught
er.
 
Me:
Ofcour
se,
myKi
ng.
 
.
Ismi
ledandIfelthi
sstrongembracear ound
myshoulder
s.Iheldti
ghtl
yathisbroadwai st
andi
nhisembr aceIfel
tsafet
yandl ov
e. 
.
Queen:Ncedi
,showt
hePr
incesst
oherpr
ivat
e
chamber.
 
Me:MyKing,
thecheet
ahfol
lowsme
ev
erywher
e.(
theyl
aughedsoft
ly)
Ki
ng:Sheisy
ourprot
ect
or,mydaught
er.She
waschosenfory
oubyShiba.
 
Me:
YouknowofShi
ba?(
myey
eswi
dened)
King:
Sheistheguardianoft
hisKi
ngdom.Shi
ba
choosesourdest
inyforus.
 
Me:Sheknewaboutmywher
eabout
s.Whyhas
shenotl
etyouknow?
. 
Queen:Itmeansthatwewerenotsupposeto
knowabouty ouunti
lshedeci
dedthatiti
sti
me.
Shibaknowyourfutur
eandwhatwi l
lhappen
beforeweevenknowt hati
tshal
lhappen.
 
King:Youhavetogiv
ey ourcheetahaname.
Shegoeswher eyougobuti fyouorderhert
o
staysheshall
doasy ousay.Sheshal l
never
harmy oubutwil
lharmthosewhowi shto
causey ouhar
m.
Me:
Iunder
stand,
myKi
ng 
Queen:Donotf
ear,myblossom.Weshal
ltel
l
youthewaysofthi
skingdom.Fornowgoand
r
estbefor
ethefeast
.
Ki
ng:
Restwel
l
,deardaught
er.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myKi
ng.
Ncedi
:Comewi
thme,
yourhi
ghness..
IwalkedbehindNcediandmycompani on
walkedbesideme.Wegott otheothersi
deif
theroyalhouseandsheopenedt hedoor
.The
sizeofthi
schamberisbiggerthenthe
orphanage.Theroofal
sohadthecheetahart
. 
.
Me:
Ncedi
,whydot
heychooset
hecheet
ah?
(
shesmi
l
ed)
Ncedi:I
tisthespi
ri
tani
malofyourfamil
y.Hav
e
youthoughtofwhatyoushal
lcal
lher?
Me:No,Ihavenot.Iam hopi
ngsheshal
ltel
lme
her
sel
f.(shel
aughed)
Ncedi
:Ishal
ll
eav
eyoual
onet
orestnow.
 
Me:
Myt
hanks,
Ncedi
.
.
Shel eftmeal oneandIlookedatmychamber .
Notev enNt si
ka'sisthi
sbi g.HowImi sshim!I
atesomeoft hef r
uitl
eftformeandIcoul dnot
beli
ev ethatINdoniyamanzi i
sar oyalmaidenof
aKingdom muchst r
ongert hanthatIwasa
servantmai denat.Igotawetcl othandIwi ped
ofthebl oodfrom thecheet ah.Shesatstil
land
al
lowedmet ocleanher. 
.
Me:Whatshal
lIcal
lyou?Youar
eaf
astr
unner
.
HowaboutMbaleki
? 
.
Itl
etoutacheet ahcryandIt
ookitasasi gnof
acceptance.Ishal
lcall
herMbaleki
.Igotont he
softsheetsandIclosedmyeyes.Timeflew
andIwokeup.Il ookedupandcouldseei t'
s
sunset.TherewasaknockandIal l
owed
permissiontoenter
.Iti
sNcedi.
.
Ncedi
:Yourhi
ghness(
shebowedherhead)
Me:
Ist
hatt
hewayofgr
eet
ingher
eatZwel
i
hle?
Ncedi
:Yes,i
tis.Webowourheadsonce.What
wasitl
ikewhereyoucomefr
om?
Me:Iusedt
obowonmykneesbef or
eroyal
ty
t
here.I
twasver
yti
ri
ngbutIhadnochoi
ce.(she
l
aughed)
Ncedi:Younol ongerhavet obow, your
highness.Evenroyalsofotherkingdomsbowt o
theRoy alFamil
yofZwel i
hle.Thatishowstrong
theKingdom ofy ourfat
heris.ShallIhel
pyou
getr
eadyf
ort
hef
ami
l
yfeast
? 
Me:Ishal
lmanage,Ncedi
.Ar
ethoset
he
cl
othesIshal
lwear
?
Ncedi
:Yes,
anddonotf
orgetaboutt
hegol
d
j
ewelr
y. 
Me: IsawtheQueenweari
ngi
t,i
tlooksso
beautif
ul.I
'
veneverhadj
ewel
ryonmybody
before.
 
Ncedi:
Youshallgetusedt
othewayofdoi
ng
t
hings,yourhi
ghness.
 
Me:
Myt
hanksf
ort
hecl
othi
ng.
.
Sheleftmeandsodi dMbal eki.It ookoffthe
cl
otht hatiswrappedar oundmybodyandI
bathed.Iputont hebodybut t
eraf terf
ini
shing.I
havet omakemyownl av enderbodybut ter
soon.Iwor etheclot
hesandi tf eltheav i
er
becausei twasexpensiv emat er i
al.Iwor ethe
necklaceandbr acel
ets.Icoul dnotbel ievet hat
I
'minr
oy al
atti
re.Whydi
dShibanotl
eadme
her
efi
rstbefor
eshemadememeetNt si
ka?
TheKi
ngknockedandIlethi
mi n.
.
Me:
HaveIkepty
ouwai
ti
ngt
ool
ong,
myKi
ng?
(
hesmi
l
ed)
King:No,mydaught
er.Ihav
ecomet
otakey
ou
tothefeast
. 
Me:
Iam notwor
thyoft
hehonor
.
Ki
ng:Youaremydaughter,Ndoni.Thefi
rstand
l
astone.Youar
eworthyofallthatisi
nthis
Ki
ngdom.Shall
wego, beauti
fulmaiden?
 
Me:
Yes,
Fat
her
.(hesmi
l
edi
ndel
i
ght)
Ki
ng:
Hav
eyougi
veny
ourcheet
ahaname?
 
Me:Ical
ledherMbal
eki
.Sherunsfast,
myKi ng.
Isawthenametobefit
ti
ngforher(helaughed)
Ki
ng:I
fshegaveyouthecryoft
hecheet
aht
hen
i
tshowsherhear
taccept
sit.
 
Me:ShedidbutIsti
l
l needtogetusedtoher
pr
esence.Dootherroyalt
iesknowofthem?
King:
Wear eident
if
iedbyot
herKi
ngdomsby
ourcheet
ahs.Theygowherewego.
Me:
Icannotbel
i
eveIam y
ourdaught
er.(
he
smi
l
ed)
King:Onceyoulear
nallt
heway sofour
Kingdom andgettoknowt heroyalfamil
yyour
heartshal
lbel
ievei
tbecausey oursoulknew
l
ongagot hatyouareaPrincess.Iloveyou,
my
daughter.
Me:
AndIy
ou,
myKi
ng(
Ismi
l
ed)
.
Hehel douthi
sarm andIputminearoundit.
Nt sikaist
heonlymanwhohasshownmet his
kindnessbutnowi tfeel
sgoodtohaveitfr
om
themanIcomef r
om.Hespeaksal otandloves
tol augh.Wewalkedintoanot
herchamberand
thet ablewasfi
ll
edwi t
hroyal
food.TheQueen
stoodwi
thtwoboys.They
oungeronecame
runni
ngandembracedme.
 
.
Hi
m:Mot
her
,shel
ooksl
i
key
ou.
 
Queen:
Sheshemor
ebeaut
if
ult
hanme.
 
Ki
ng:Thisr
ighther
eisNtandoyabant
u.The
br
otherwhocomesaf t
eryou.
 
Me:
Iti
sanhonourt
omeety
ou,
Ntando.
 
Ntando:Thehonourismine,si
ster
.Ki
ng:
Thisis
yourolderbr
otherandf
utureki
ngofZweli
hle,
Bukhosi. 
Bukhosi
:Wehav ebeenwai t
ingfort
hismoment
sinceweheardofyou,si
ster.Whatanhonour
tobestandi
ngbeforeyou(heembr acedme)
Me:Thehonouri
smi
ne,
brot
her
.(al
adyhol
ding
ababywalkedi
n)
Bukhosi
:Thi
sismywife,
Pr i
ncessZi
nzil
eand
ourdaught
erthey
oungPrincessZol
eka.
Me:
Iti
sanhonourt
omeetbot
hofy
ou.
Zi
nzi:
Youar
esuchabeaut
if
ulmai
den,
Pri
ncess
Ndoni.
 
Me:
Myt
hanks.
 
Ntando:
Shei
stheQueen'
syoungert
win(
weal
l
l
aughed)
Me:
Fat
her
,Mbal
eki
hasgone.
 
King:Shei
souti
nthef
orestt
ohunt
.Theyshal
l
retur
n. 
Me:
Shal
ltheynothuntf
orhumans?
 
Bukhosi
:No,t
heyonlyf
eedonani
mal
s.Donot
fearf
orthel
i
vesofthepeopl
e.
Queen:
Sheisalr
eadyt
hinki
ngaboutthewel
l
-
bei
ngofthepeopl
e.Atr
uePrincess.
Ki
ng:I
trunst
hroughherv
eins,myQueen.Let
ussi
tandenj
oythefoodbefor
eus.
 
Ntando:Ndoni
,I
'l
lshowyoutheKi
ngdom at
sunri
se.Wouldyouli
ket
hat?
Me:
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
,Nt
ando.
 
Bukhosi
:Yout
woshal
lnotl
eav
emebehi
nd.
 
Ntando:
Wai
tforani
nvi
tat
ion,
brot
her
.(we
l
aughed)
King:Justdonotmakemydaught
erwal
ktoo
farorthereshal
lbet
roubl
e.
Me:Idonotmind,Fat
her
.Iwantt
oseet
hesoi
l
t
hatIwasbornin.
 
.
TheKi ngtookhi sseatatt heheadoft hetable
andwesatdownt oo.Ihav eneverseenso
muchf ood.Itwasal lgoodandIam sur emy
stomachwi l
l beshockedt obegr eetedbysuch
af east.Mybr other shav ewelcomedmewel l
andwewer eallhappy .IwastoobutImi ssmy
Prince.Wehadgr eattalksandl aughedalot.I
fel
tl i
keIbelongf orthef i
rstt
imesi nceIl
eftthe
orphanage.Thef eastcamet oanendbutwe
satandt alkedf oral ongt i
me.Wet al
keduntil
weheardther oostercr
owandweknewitwas
al
mostsunr i
se.Wewer eaboutt
oret
iret
oour
chambersbutZol ekawokeupandcr
ied
uncont
rol
lably
.
.
Bukhosi
:May
beshei
shungr
y,Zi
nzi
. 
Zi
nzi
:ButIj
ustf
edher
,myPr
ince.
 
King:Ihopet
hechi
ldi
snoti
l
l.Thatwoul
dlay
heavyonmyheart.
 
Queen:
Shedoesnothaveafewer
.Whatcoul
d
bethemat
terl
it
tl
eZoleka?
Me:
MayIhol
dherpl
ease.
Zi
nzi:
Idoubtsheshal
lcal
m buty
oucant
ry,
my
si
ster
. 
.
It
ookZolekaandbr ushedherbackgent
ly.I
walkedaroundwit
hherandshecal meddown.
Shestoppedcryi
ngandIheldherunti
lshefell
asl
eep.Igav
eherbackt
ohermot
her
.
.
Zi
nzi
:Mythanks,
Ndoni.Idi
dal
lthaty
ouj
ust
di
dbutshewouldnotcalm.
Queen:Shecl
ear
lywant
edt
obehel
dbyher
aunt
ie.
Bukhosi
:Mythanks,
sist
er.Wet
houghtshe
shal
lneverst
op.
 
Ki
ng:
Letusgoreti
retoourchambersbefore
wewakeher
.Ishal
lseeyouallatsunr
ise.
 
Queen:
Sleepwel
lmychi
l
dren.Il
ovey
ou.
.
.
TheQueenhuggedusal landt heyret
ir
edt o
thei
rchamberandweal sobi dfar
ewelltoeach
otherunti
lsunset.Iwalkedt omychamberand
foundMbal ekiatthedoor.Ilefthersi
tti
ng
outsi
deandwenti nsi
de.It ookofftheclothi
ng
andjewelryandwor emybedwr ap.Igotinto
thesoftcoversandmymi ndwentt oNtsika.I
cannott elltheKi ngandQueent hatI'ma
disgr acedPr incess.I fIknewoft hispar tofmy
l
ifeIwoul dhav est ayedpur e.HowcanShi ba
al
lowt his?Whydi dshenotbr i
ngmeher e
bef oreImetNt sika.Hei stowesmdsoonsohe
cannotbewedt ome.WhatPr inceshal lwant
mewhent heyknowIam nol ongerpur e?Ihav e
al
r eadybr oughtshamet omyf ami l
yandIhav e
j
ustmett hem.Theyar esuchapl easantf ami l
y.
Ihav et okeept henewsaboutmyi mpur ity
secr etunt i
lIknowwhatt herulesoft he
Kingdom sayaboutaPr i
ncesswhoi sdisgr aced.
Ifeel myl ifehasbecomemor edi ff
icul
tt han
bef ore.Ifinall
yf ellasleepandnotasaser vant
butasar oyal Princess.Pr i
ncessNdoni y amanzi
ofZwel i
hle!Myhear tstil
lhast oacceptt henew
ti
tle. 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t15
.
#Nt
sika
Sunsetshav ecomeandgoneandTheQueen
sentoutr oyal messenger stoot herKi
ngdoms
hopingt hattheyshall havemat ureroyal
maidens.Myhear tgr owsheav ieraseach
sunrisepassesandIt houghtIwoul dfeelbet
ter
butnot .Ndoni hasdepar tedwithoutbiddingme
far
ewel landIf earthatshallalway sbotherme.I
sati
nt heeat ingchamberwi ththeRoy alFamily
havi
ngamor ningfeast .
 
.
Mother
:Seekingamaidenwhosuit
swhat
Nt
sikawishesisadi
ff
icul
ttask,
myKing.
Me:
Ishall
notmarryamaidenwhohasnoty
et
mat
uredandthati
ffi
nal
.
 
Li
zwi
:Yousoundl
i
keaspoi
l
edbr
at.
 
King:Hesoundsli
keamanwhoknowswhathe
seeks.Aquali
tyt
hati
sneededi
naKing.We
shall
goonwi t
hoursear
ch. 
Mother
:Ifwedonotfindasui
tort
henheshal
l
hav
enochoi cebutt
omarryayoungermai
den.
Heshouldhavebeenwedbynowandhadan
hei
r.
 
Li
zwi
:Wel
lfi
ndhi
m asui
torsoonbecausethe
l
awall
owsmenottowedunti
lheiswed. 
Fat
her:
Sincewhenhav
eyoubeeni
nter
est
edi
n
get
ti
ngabr i
de?
Li
zwi:Iwantt
oconti
nuemybloodl
ine,Fat
her
.I
cannothaveoff
spr
ingswi
thoutabri
de. 
Me:Havey
ousentoutmessenger
stoal
lthe
Ki
ngdomsmother
? 
Mother
:Ofcour
seIhave.Inev
ert
houghti
t
wouldbesuchadi
ff
icul
ttask.
 
Me:
Myapologi
esf
orgi
vi
ngy
ouadi
ff
icul
ttask,
myQueen.
Fat
her:Youar
eoureldestandy
oudeser
vea
maidenofaproperf
amily.
Me:
Myt
hanks.
 
.
Wesatandweat eandIcouldseethatLizwi
wasnothappy.Idonotcar
eabouthim.Hecan
wedbeforeme.Ishal
lnotmind.Iwouldwonder
i
fNdoni i
ssti
l
lali
veandwell
.IwishIcouldjust
seethatshei
swellandmyheartshallf
ind
peace.
.
.
#Ndoni
TheKingandQueenhavedecidedt ohonourme
wit
hacelebrat
ionf
ormyr et
urn.Ifeari
t
becauseIshal
lbet
hecenterofattenti
on.Ihav
e
tol
dnoononeaboutwhati sbotheri
ngme.I
deci
dedtotoaskNcediaboutit
.Shewas
hel
pingmeputonmyheadscar f.
.
Me:
Ncedi
,mayIasky
ousomet
hing?
Ncedi
:Youneednotaskf
orpermi
ssion,
your
hi
ghness.Askwhaty
ouwanttoknow. 
Me:
Shal
lwhatIaskr
emai
nbet
weenus?
 
Ncedi
:Itshal
l
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se(
she
smil
ed)
Me:WhathappenswhenaPr
incessi
s
di
sgr
aced? 
Ncedi
:Iti
sadiff
icul
tquest
ionbuti
tdependson
t
hesit
uation,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:
Idonotunder
stand.
Ncedi :
IfaPr i
ncessisdisgracedbya
commonert henthatmanshal lpaydearlyand
facethepuni shmentgiventohi m byther oy
al
council.Usuall
ythePr i
ncessnev erwedsand
remaini ntheroyalhouseallofherday s.Iti
s
diff
icul
tifpossibl
et ofi
ndaPr incewhoshal l
wedaPr incesswhoi snolongerpur e.
 
Me:Whatshal
lhappeni
fshegotdi
sgr
acedbya
Pr
ince?
 
Ncedi: TheKingshal lforcethatPr i
ncetodo
ri
ghtbyhi sdaught erbymar r
yingher .The
mar r
iagei stocoverupt heshamet hetwo
broughtt othefami l
ies.IfthePr i
ncer ef
usesto
takeresponsi bi
l
itythent hePrincessshal l
remainamai denf orallherday s.I
ftheKi ng
seest hePr i
nceasnotf i
tforhisdaught ershe
shallneverwedi nherl if
e. 
Me:
Somanyr
ules.
Ncedi
:Havey
oubeendi
sgr
aced,
your
hi
ghness?
 
Me:
Ispeaknotofmy
sel
f,Ncedi
. 
Ncedi
:IfyouspokeofyourselfIwouldsuggest
t
hatyoutellt
heQueen.Ifyouwer edisgr
acedby
aPri
ncesheshal ll
ett
heKingknow.Heshal l
i
nformtheRoy al
FamilyofthatKingdom and
makeapr oposalofauni
onf orthetwo
f
amili
es. 
Me:Ineednotdot
hatNcedi
.Ihav
enotbeen
di
sgraced.
 
.
ShefinishedeverythingandIputont heroyal
j
ewel r
y.IstoodandMbal ekistoodwithme.She
str
etchedherf rontlegsandl ift
edherbehindin
theair
.Ihav egrowncl osetoherbecauseshei s
theonlyoneIcant ellmysecr etstoandnotfear
i
tcomi ngout .Wewal kedtot heeati
ngchamber
tohaveamor ningfeast .EveryonestoodasI
approached. 
.
Me:Greeti
ngsandMyapologi
esf
orkeepi
ng
youwait
ing(Ibowedmyhead)
Ki
ng:Gr
eetings,
Ndoni.Wehavenotbeen
wai
ti
nglong.Comesitdown.
 
Ntando:
Comesitnextt
ome(
hest
oodand
pull
edoutachai
r)
Me:
Myt
hanks,
Ntando.
 
Bukhosi:Wehav eal
lret
ir
edtobedlate,
Iam not
surpr
isedthatwehadasl umberunt
ilaf
ter
sunri
se.(welaughed)
Queen:
Hav
eyousl
eptwel
l
,Ndoni
?(shesmi
l
ed)
Me:Ihav
enev
eri
nal
lmyday
shadsuchagood
sl
umber.
 
Zi
nzi
:I
tist
hesof
tsheet
soft
her
oyal
house.
 
Ntando:Letuseatqui
ckl
y,Iwantt
oshowy
ou
t
her oyalgr
ounds.
 
King:Youshallnotgofarwitht
hePri
ncess.We
havenoty etannouncedherret
urnt
oall.
I
nv i
tat
ionstohercelebrat
ionar
esti
llontheway
tootherKingdoms.
Bukhosi
:Weshal
lonl
ywal kther
oyalgr
ounds,
MyKing.Weshal
lshowhert her
estofZwel
ihl
e
onceall
knowofherret
urn. 
Ki
ng:Icannotwaitt
oletthem know.Ihavemy
Pri
ncessbackaf
teryear
soflongingforher(
he
smil
ed)
Zinzi
:MyKingonceotherKi
ngdomsknowt hat
wehol daPri
ncessmaident
heyshall
askf or
herhandinmarri
age.(
myheartbeatfast
er)
Queen:Ishal
lsendt
hem away
.Iam notr
eady
t
ohav emyblossom wedandl
eavetheRoyal
House.
Ntando:Iagr
eewi
tht
heQueen.Il
i
kehav
inga
si
ster.
 
Me:
Howol
dar
emybr
other
s?
Ntando:Iam t
hir
teenandourbr
otheri
s
Twenty.
 
Bukhosi
:Iam notmuchol
dert
heny
ou,
sist
er.
Zi
nziisyourage.
 
Queen:
Ishal
lnotr
eveal
myage.(
weal
ll
aughed)
Me:
Iam t
otur
nei
ght
eensoon.
 
Queen:MyKi ng,
letushav
eherretur
n
cel
ebrati
ononherdayofbirt
h.Ki
ng:Iagr
ee
withyou,Nobu.I
tshall
beherret
urnand
bir
thdaycel
ebrati
ons.
Ntando:
Weshal
lhi
ret
hebestsi
nger
sto
cel
ebrat
eit
. 
Bukhosi
:Icannotwai
tunti
lthatday
.Wehave
nothadaroyalcel
ebr
ati
oninalongtime.
Zi
nzi
:Ishal
lmakesur
ewegetdancersand
si
nger
stoenter
tai
nourguest
s.Shal
lweinv
ite
ot
herRoyal
ti
es?
King:
Invi
teal
lthatl
i
vesonAfr
icansoili
fyou
must.Iwantt
hebestformydaughterasshe
deserv
es.
Nt
ando:
Iagr
eewi
thFat
her
. 
Me:Iam suchashyperson,
MyKi
ng.Youneed
noti
nvi
tealotofpeopl
e.
Bukhosi:Youarer
oyal
ty,
Ndoni
.Soonyoushall
star
twithroyal
duti
esandyoumusttel
lyour
shynesstoleavey
ourbody.
Queen:Donotmakemydaughterfear
.Ishal
lbe
byyoursi
deatal
lti
mesunt
ilyoufeel
comfort
abl
e.
Zi
nzi
:Soshal
lI.
Me:
Myt
hanks.Shal
lIhol
dherpl
ease.
Ntando:Youl
ovel
itt
leZol
ekat
oo.Il
oveherbi
g
softf
eet(wel
aughed)
Bukhosi
:Shet
akesaf
tery
ouwi
tht
hebi
gfeet
. 
Nt
ando:Ishal
lnotdeny
.Thesear
ethef
eetofa
Pr
ince.
 
Ki
ng:
Letuseatandst
opspeaki
ngt
oomuch.
Bukhosi
:Wearehappy
,Fat
her.Ouronl
ysi
ster
si
tswithusandi
twarmsourheart
s. 
Me:Bei
ngwithy
ouwar msmyhear tt
oo.My
t
hanksfort
hewarm welcome.If
eelathome.
 
Ntando:
Youf
eel
athomebecausey
ouar
e
home. 
Ki
ng:
Yes,
thati
sthet
rut
h. 
.
Wesatandenjoyedourfeast
.Iwoul
dtakealot
becauseIf
eartheyshal
lsayImustst
opeati
ng.
IlovehavingZol ekai nmyar ms.Shef eelsso
softandsmel lni ce.Iplayedwi thherandsaw
hershowhert oot hlesssmi le.Iwi sht ohav e
suchbeaut if
ul babi est oo.Iwi shf orf ourof
them.Aftert hef easttheKi ngandQueen
excusedthemsel v
est ogoonr oy al busi ness.
Theyembr acedal lofusandl ef t.Ihav enev er
beenembr acedt hismuch.Eachembr ace
l
eav esmyhear tjumpi ngf orjoy .Zi nzi wentt o
feedherbabyandmeandmybr ot herswal ked
thegroundsofourhome.Peopl ewoul dbow
thei
rheadsasweappr oached.I 'm sur et hey
seemeasar oy alguestandnott hePr i
ncess.
Theyshall onlyknowofmeoncet heKi ng
announcesmyi dent i
tyonmycel ebr ation. 
.
Ntando:Iwi
shShi
bacoul
dgi
vememyown
cheetah.
 
Bukhosi:Sheshal
lwhensheseesy
ouhav e
matured.Fornowjustenj
oybei
ngyoung.
Me:WhenIf
ir
stsawMbaleki
,It
houghtshe
woul
dkil
lme(weal
ll
aughed)
Bukhosi
:Ourapol
ogiesfory
ourfr
ight
,si
ster.
Wegr ewupknowingthatweshal
lgetone. 
Ntando:Whatwasi
tli
ket
obeanor
phan,
Ndoni? 
Me:I
twasnotbad,
Ntando.Ihadmanysi
ster
s
andIknewnoot
herli
fesoitwasnor
malt
ome.  
Bukhosi:
Itl
aysheavyonmyhear
tthaty
ouhad
toli
vetheli
feofacommoner
.Whilewehav
e
growninroyalcomf
orts.
 
Me:TheKingandQueenhav
edonewhatt
hey
di
dtosavemyl i
fe.
 
Ntando:MayIbeexcused?Iwantt
ogor
uni
n
t
hef i
eldwi
thotherki
ds.
 
Bukhosi
:TakeMqobi
wit
hyou.(
iti
sthenameof
hi
sprotect
or)
Ntando:
Ishall
dothat
.NdoniIwi
ll
seey
ou
whenIretur
n(heembracedme)
Me:
Stayoutofhar
msway
,Nt
ando.
 
Nt
ando:
Ishal
l
,youhav
emypr
omi
se.
.
Her antotheot herkidsandthecheet
ah
foll
owed.Theot herboy sembracedMqhobisoI
guesst heyfearhim not.Nt
andoandhisfr
iends
disappearedfrom oursight
. 
.
Me:
Arey
ousur
enohar
m shal
lcomet
ohi
m? 
Bukhosi
:Hav
enof
ear
,heshal
lret
urnsaf
ely
. 
Me:Ishal
ltakeyourwordfori
t.Bukhosi
,why
dothepeopleofZweli
hlel
ooktheRoy al
Famil
y
i
ntheeyeswhenspeaking?
Bukhosi:
Her eiti
sseenasasignofdisrespect
wheny oulookawayf r
om t
heey esoftheone
youspeakt o.Theeyeshol
dtrut
hsoIshal lsee
i
ny oureyeswheny ouarenotbeingt
ruthful
.
Me:
Int
heKi
ngdom I
'
mfr
om,
Iwasnotal
l
owed
t
olookatRoy
alt
yint
heey
es.
 
Bukhosi:Yes,i
tisdi f
ferentwitheachKi ngdom
butiti
simpor t
antr especteachot her
'scustoms
topreventconfl
ict.Whenwev i
sitt
heKi ngdom
ofanotherKingweshal ldoast herul
esofhi s
RoyalHousesay sandsodoot herRoy alswhen
theyvi
sitthesoilofZwel ihl
e. 
Me:Ncedisai
dotherKi
ngdomsbowt
othe
Roy
alsofZweli
hle.Whati
sthat
? 
Bukhosi:
Shemeantt hatt
hisKingdom i
soneof
themostf ear
edandrespect
ed.Wehav ethe
besttr
adingdealsandourbatt
lewarri
orsar
e
trai
nedwithskil
l
sthatmostKingdomslack.
Me:WhatdoesZwel
i
hlet
radei
n?Umhlaba
Ochumil
eyoi
smostl
yint
hebusi
nessof
far
ming.
 
Bukhosi
:Wetradei
nev er
ythi
ngexceptf
or
sl
aves.Most
lywetradeingold.
 
Me:
WasZi
nzi
foundbyt
heKi
ngandQueenf
or
y
ou?
 
Bukhosi
:Yes,i
twasnotdi ff
icul
tbecausemost
Ki
ngdomswantanal l
iancewithZweli
hle.Some
ar
ealreadyaski
ngt heKingtohavetheir
maidenswedNt andoonceher eaches
maturi
ty.
 
Me:
Buthei
ssoy
oung(
wel
aughed)
Bukhosi
:WellmanyKingdomswil
lbeknocki
ng
atourdooraski
ngforyourhandi
nmarri
age
oncetheyheart
hatZwelihl
ehasaPr
incess.
 
Me:
Ohbutt
hatsoundst
oomucht
ohandl
e.
Bukhosi:
Well
luckil
yyouarenottheonewho
hastohandl
eit.TheKingandQueenshall
f i
nd
aPrincewhoisworthyofthei
ronl
ydaughter.
Me:
Didy
oul
ear
ntol
oveZi
nzi
? 
Bukhosi:
Zinzi
isakindwomanandy esIhadt
o
l
earntoloveher.Iwasnotasl
uckyasour
parent
s.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
 
Bukhosi:
Mot hershal
ltel
lyout hewhol
estory
buttheyalsomarri
edinanar rangedmarr
iage
buttheybothsaytheyfel
linlov et
hemoment
thei
reyesmet .
Me: Theyar
et r
ulylucky
.Whattheyhave
experi
encedisrareinanar
rangedmar r
iage.No
wondertheroyalhouseisf
il
ledwiththeairof
l
ove. 
Bukhosi
:Don'tfear
,thesamel
uckmi
ghtst
ri
ke
youtoo.(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Letushope.
 
.
Hehel dmyhandandshowedmet heroyal
grounds.Ever
ythi
ngwasbeaut i
ful
andt he
cheetahisanimportantpartofourfamily.
Therearedrawingsofiteverywhere.Bukhosi
l
eftandIwentt ojoi
nZinzi.
.
Me:
IsZol
ekasl
eepi
ng?
Zinzi
:Yesandmyhear
tishappy
.Shal
lIpour
youadr i
nk?
 
Me:Yesplease.Zinzi
doyounotf
eart
obea
Queen?(
shel aughedsof
tl
y)
Zinzi:
Idohol df
earbutt
heQueeni sagreat
teacher.Sheispassi
ngal
lthatIneedt
oknow
ont ome.Youar eofaki
ndmot hernowonder
youar ekind.
 
Me:
Shei
str
ulyki
ndandbeaut
if
ul.
Zi
nzi
:Somethingshehaspassedont
oyou.You
ar
efl
awless,Ndoni
. 
Me:
Myt
hanks,
sist
er.Youar
ebeaut
if
ult
oo.
 
Zi
nzi
:Soonyoushal
lhavey
ourownfami
l
yand
beafut
ureQueenofsomeKingdom.
Me:
Thatbr
ingsf
eart
omyhear
t.
 
Zi
nzi
:Why
? 
Me:Iwasnotalway
saPr
incess,
Zinzi
.Whati
fI
f
ail
inmyduties.
 
Zinzi:Ndoni
,youhavealwaysbeenaPr i
ncess.
Youj usthadnoknowledgeofit.Ishal
lhelpyou
withallyouneedtolear
n.Iwatchedy ouwalk
andcar ryonandIseethatyouar etr
ulyof
Roy al
ty.Al
lshal
lbewell.
 
.
HowcanIt ellherthatal lshallnotbewel l
?All
wil
lbewel lonlyifIcanbepur eagai nandt hat
i
snotpossi ble.Idonothav ehear ttotel
l t
he
Queent hatherdaught erhasbeendi sgraced.I
shal
l t
ellheronlyaf t
ermycel ebr ati
ons.Ishall
notrui
nt heirgoodspi ritswit hmybadnews.I
satwithZinziandgotmor elessonsonour
waysofdoi ng.Ilovel earningal l ofit
.Ifeelli
keI
havemi ssedoutonal l ofthishi story.It
hought
ofNtsikaalldayandmyhear tfeelsheav ybut
heistowedQaqamba.May behehaswedher
al
readyandIst i
llcannothav ehi m asmi ne
evenifthelawal lowsi tnow.Ourdest i
niesare
notmeantt ocomet oget herasoneandIshal l
makepeacewi t
hi t
.Myhear tstillbeatsforhim
butIhav
etot
eachi
ttost
opl
ongi
ngf
orhi
m. 
.
.
#Ki
ng 
Xol
o
MyQueenandIr odeinthecarri
ageandshest i
l
l
l
ooksasbeaut if
ul asthefir
stdaymyhear t
choseher .Myhear ti
sapeacenowt hatthe
Princesshasreturnedtohomesoi l
.Icansee
thatshehasgonet hr
oughmanychal lengesbut
shenol ongerhast ofearbecausesheishome
now.  
.
Me:Nobu,
doy
out
hinkt
hatNdoni
ishappywi
th
us?
 
Nobu:MyKi
ngshehasfoundherhomeand
f
amily
.Whyshal
lshenotbe? 
Me:Whatifshest
il
lhol
dsangerf
orus?Wel
et
herber
aisedbyst
ranger
s.
Nobu: Wehadnoot herchoice,
Xol
o.She
understandsthatal
lhavebeendoneforher
besti
nterest.I
fweletherstayonthi
ssoilshe
wouldhav ebeendeadnow.  
Me:Youar
eri
ght
,myQueen.Il
ovehersomuch.
(
Ismil
ed)
Nobu:Weal
ldo,myKing.Ev
ent
heboy
slov
e
havi
ngasi
sterar
ound.
Me: Oncehercel
ebrati
onisover
,Ishal
ltakeher
toroyaldut
ieswit
hme.Nobu: Iam sur
eher
heartwil
lbedeli
ghted.Seei
ngal
lourchil
drenat
oneplacehasmademehappy .
Me:
Ithasmademehappyt
oo.
 
Nobu:Haveyouhear
dt hatt
heKingdom of
UmhlabaOchumil
eyoisseekingaroyal
maiden
towedtheel
destPri
nce?
Me:Idonotwanttospeakofthatandtheyhad
bet
ternotsendamessengert
oaskf ormy
Ndoniaft
erhercel
ebr
ati
ons.
Nobu:Doyounott
hinki
tist
imet
omakepeace,
MyKing?
Me:Ishal
lnotmakepeacewi
that
rai
tor
,Nobu!
(
Irai
sedmyv oi
ceinanger
)
Nobu:Asyouwishbutallowmet osendan
i
nvi
tati
ontothei
rKingdom.Iwi l
lbesendingt
o
al
lotherKi
ngdoms.Itwon'tlookgoodifIdonot
i
nvi
tetheRoyalFamilyofthatKingdom.
Me:Theyshallneverhonourt
hei
nvi
tat
ion
any
way .Xhant
i i
snotamanofhonour.
Nobu: Thatshall
beupt ot
hem.Letusshow
thatwear enotabadKingdom.Ift
heydonot
honourtheinvit
ati
ontoNdoni'
scel
ebrat
ions,
it
shall
beont heirconsci
ousnotour
s. 
Me:Youmaysendt hei
nvi
tati
onbutIshallnot
befor
cedtomakepeacewi t
ht hatt
rai
tor
.He
hasneverapol
ogi
sedtomesi ncehebetr
ayed
me.
Nobu:
Itshal
lal
lbeaboutNdoni
.Nooneshal
l
expectofyout obefri
endhi
m.Ijustdonotwant
toinvi
teallotherki
ngdomsandl eav
ethem out
.
Likeyouhav esaid,
theymightnotevenhonour
theinvi
te.
Me: I
ftheyaskf ormydaught er'
shandi n
mar r
iageIshal l
notagr ee.Nochi ldofmineis
goingtowedt hesoni famanwhoi snottrueto
hi
swor d.Theyhadbet terkeept heirr
oyal
messenger sawayf r
om ourKi ngdom.Ishal l
fi
ndasui t
orformyNdoni whent heti
mei sri
ght.
Sendy ourinvi
tationbuttheyshal lgetnothi
ng
mor efrom myKi ngdom, especiallynotmydear
daughter. 
Nobu:Asy
ouwi sh,
myKi
ng.Myapol
ogi
esf
or
upset
ti
ngyou.
Me: I
tisnoty ouI '
m upsetwith,myQueen.
Heari
ngt henameofXhant iandallt
hati
s
associat
edwi thhim bringsangertomyhear t
butIshallbeci v
ilatthecelebrat
iontohonour
myNdoni 'sreturn.
.
Wer odeoni npleasantsi l
ence.Ihat et he
thoughtofXhant i steppingf ootinmyKi ngdom
butIdonotwantt odi sappoi ntmyQueen.Iwi l
l
hav etot oler atethet r
aitorbei nginmyhouse
untilthecel ebr ationsar eov er.AtrueKi ng
admi tshisf aultsandXhant ineverdid.Ishal l
notwantanyofhi ssonsnearmydaught er.
Theymi ghtbet r
ai torslikethei rf
ather .Wer ode
tother oy algr oundsandmyhear tfeltbet t
er
whenIknewI 'm aboutt oseemyPr incesand
Princess.Ohnotf or gettinglitt
leZolekat oo.
NowIonl ywi shfort hiscel ebrati
ont ocome
andgosot het raitorcanl eavemysoi l
.
#NOSI

[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t16
.
#Nt
sika
TheKi nghassummonedmet other oyal
councilchamberatonce.Sur elytheymusthav e
foundmeabr i
de.Day shavepassedandt he
Queenhasbeenf r
ustratedwithmef ormaking
hertaskt hatofdi f
ficul
ty.Iwalkedi ntothe
chamberwher et heysatandgr eetedthem.
Lizwijoinedussoonaf t
erandIatt i
mesf eel
l
ikewear estrangerst oeachot herr at
herthen
brothers.Weal lsatdownandwai tedf ort
he
Kingtospeak.
.
Fat
her
:Mythankstoal
lofy
ouf
orcomi
ngt
o
meetmeatonce.
Mot
her
:Issomet
hingt
hemat
ter
,myKi
ng?
Ki
ng:
All
iswel
l
,donotf
ear
.Wehav
ebeen
honour
edwi
thani
nvi
tat
ion.
Me:
Haveyouf
oundaKi
ngdom wi
thasui
tabl
e
mai
den?
Fat
her:
No,iti
sani
nvi
tat
ionf
rom t
heKi
ngdom
ofZwel
ihl
e.
Mother
:Di
dy ousayZwel
i
hle?(
herey
es
wi
denedinshock)
King:Yes,
theKi
ngandQueenwillhav
ea
celebr
ati
ontohonourt
hei
rPr
incess.
Li
zwi:Ihadnoknowl
edgeoft
hem hav
inga
maiden.
Mot
her:
Ihadnoknowl
edgeei
ther
.Hav
eyou,
myki
ng?
King:
Iknowofthel
i
ttl
ePr
incesswhowasbor
n
notsolongago.
Me:
Shal
lwehonourt
hei
nvi
tat
ion?
King:Ishal
lnothonouri
t.(
hesai
dinast
ern
voice)
Mother:It
hinkweneedtohonouri
t.Thi
sis
Zweli
hlewespeakof,myking.Hav
ey ouany
i
deahowpower ful
thei
rrei
gnin?
King:Ihav
eful
lknowledgeofthat
,NandebutI
shall
notbeabl
et ohonourtheinv
itat
ion.
Lizwi
:Ishal
lnotbeabl
etohonouracel
ebr
ati
on
forali
tt
lePri
ncesspar
tyei
ther
.
Me:
Ihav
edut
iest
oat
tendt
o.
Mother
:Ntsikadonotbest upi
d.Ift
heyhave
i
nvit
edourkingdom thensurel
ytheyhave
i
nvit
edotherKingdoms.Wemi ghtfindy
oua
br
idewhil
ewear et
here.
Me:I
sthatnotthedut
ythaty
ouandf
atherneed
t
otakecareof?
King:Ihaveot
herdut
iesIhavetoat
tendt
o.We
shallnotal
lgotoacelebr
ati
onwhenther
eare
mor eseri
ousduti
est
ohandle. 
Mother
:Ishal
lhonourt
hisi
nvi
tat
ion.Imight
f
indbri
desforbot
hofmysons.Iknowt hatonl
y
thebestKingdomsshal
lbeatthi
scel
ebrat
ion.
Allwantt
oi mpresst
heKingandQueenof
Zweli
hle.
Li
zwi:Father
,Ibegofyoutohavefav
ourforme
ri
ghtnow.Letmegowi thyoutodealwi
ththe
duti
esofourKingdom.Ishal
lnotgotoababy
cel
ebrati
on.
Me:Ishallnotgotoitei
ther.I
fthePr
incesswas
amat ur
emai denIwouldhonourthei
nv i
tat
ion
butweallknowZwel i
hledoesnothavemat ur
e
maidens.Ishall
notgoeither.
Father:
Oneofyoushal
lgowit
htheQueenorI
shallor
derbot
hofyoutogo!(
heshout
ed)
Me:Whycany ounotgo,
Fat
her
?Surel
ythe
honourwentoutt
oyouandmother
.
Fat
her
:Ntsi
kaIsai
dIshal
lnotgo!(
heshout
ed
i
nanger)
Mother:Cal
m down,myKing.Youheardyour
f
ather.MyKingIaskthaty
outakeLizwiwit
h
youtoy ourot
herdut
iesbecauseyouhave
takenNt si
kat
omost.Ntsikashal
lgowit
hmet
o
Zwelihl
e.
Me:Ishallnotgo.Ishoul
dgot omoreduti
es
wi
thfatherbecauseIam hissuccessor
!
Lizwi:
Buty ouarenothisonl
yheir!Ial
soneed
tolearntheway soft
heKingdom asmuchas
youdo.Fat herpl
easetel
lhimthatIwil
lst
ay
herewithyou.
King:
Ntsikayoushal
lgowitht
heQueen.She
cannotgoalonetoforei
gnsoi
l
.Li
zwi,y
oushall
remainherewit
hme.Thatisanor
der.
Li
zwi
:Myt
hanks,
fat
her
.
.
Iwasfeel
ingsomuchangerbutIhadt
oaccept
theor
dertheki
nghasgiven.TheKi
ngand
Queenlef
tthechamberandIwisht
opunchthat
smil
eoffLizwi
'
sface.
.
Li
zwi:Doyouknowthatsuchcelebr
ati
onsar
e
honouredbywomen?(helaughed)
Me:Donotthi
nkthatt
hisshal
lmagi
cal
l
ymake
younexti
nli
neofthethr
own. 
Li
zwi:Enj
oyt
hecelebrat
ionofthelit
tl
ePr i
ncess.
Whoknowsmay betheyhav epret
tyservants
whoyoucanfal
linlov
ewi th.Thati
sy ourty
pe
i
sitnot?
.
Irushedoutoft hedoortoav oi
dhurti
nghim.I
cannotbel i
evetheKingwant smet ogowith
theQueent osomePr incesscelebr
ati
ons.Li
zwi
i
sr i
ght,suchaffai
rsareat t
endedbywoman.I
gotonmyhor seandIr odeatspeed.Imissmy
conversati
onswi t
hNdoni .Shewouldbeableto
keepmecal m.  
.
.
#Queen 
Nande
Icannotbel iev
et hatwegotani nv
itationfrom
Zwel i
hle.Itmustbeacel ebr
ati
ontowel come
thenewbabyoft heirson.Theinvi
tationdidnot
saymuchonl ythatiti
sacelebrati
onoft heir
Princess.IhadJongi l
ejoinmetodi scusst he
dressdet ail
s
.
Me:Jongi
,Ishal
lbegoi
ngt
othecel
ebr
ati
oni
n
Zwel
ihl
e.
Jongi
:Youneedtobesur
ethaty
oulook
beaut
if
ult
henthem al
l
,myQueen.
Me:Havethedressmakerbeattheroyal
house
soon.Imustl
ookgood.ByanyluckIshal
lfi
nd
Ntsi
kaandLizwibri
desf
rom t
hekingdomsthat
shal
lbether
e.
Jongi
:Whatapit
ythatZwel
i
hledoesnothav
e
matur
emaidens.
Me:Suchapi
ty!I
magi
neanal
li
ancewi t
hthat
Ki
ngdom.Zwel
ihl
eist
hebi
ggestdynastyt
hatI
hav
eknowl
edgeof
.Whatapi
tyi
ndeed!
Jongi:Sur
elythereshallbeothergreat
Kingdomspr esent.Theyshallnothonoursmal
l
Kingdomswi thinvit
ati
ons.Shallt
heKinggo
withyou?
Me:No,hedoesnotwanttohonourt
he
i
nvi
tat
ionbutIshal
lnotl
etthi
soppor
tuni
typass.
Jongi
:Shal
lyougoal
one?
Me:
Nt si
kai
sgoi
ngwit
hme.Hei
sfur
iousbut
t
heKinggav
eanorder
.
Jongi
:Ishal
lgoandgett
hedr
esmakeratonce.
Me: Getonethatwil
lbeabl
etomakeat ti
refor
Ntsikaaswell.Weneedtol
ookgood.The
royalsofZwelihl
ear
ealwaysdressedi
ntheir
best.Ishal
lnothaveourKi
ngdom humil
iatedby
wear i
ngoldrags.
Jongi
:Ishal
lgoatonce,
myQueen.
.
Jongi leftmychamberandIcoul dnotst op
smiling.Ihav eneverbeenaguest satZwel ihl
e
butal lknowaboutt hei
rKi ngdom.Iwonderwhy
theKi nghaschosennott ohonourt his
i
nv i
tation.Thisistheperfectoppor tunit
ytogo
i
ntobusi nesswithKingXol o.Ishalltryto
befri
endQueenNobubel eandat temptt obui l
d
ti
est hatway .Icannotwai ttosetf ootont his
power ful Ki
ngdom!
.
.
#Ndoni
Ihavenowgot t
enusedt ot hewayofdoing
thi
ngshere.Iam abl
et otiemyownheadscar f
anddressproperl
y.Thedr essmakerhascome
tomeasuremybodyf ortheatti
resIshal
lbe
weari
ng.Iwalkedandj oi
nedt heQueeninthe
shadeoutsi
de.
.
Queen:
Mybeaut
if
uldaught
er(
sheembr
aced
me)
Me:
Whyareyousi
tt
ingher
eony
ourown,
Mot
her
?Youshoul
dhavehadmecal
l
ed.
Queen:
Youarenotaser
vantthatIcanj
ust
summontocaterf
ormyeveryneed,Ndoni
. 
Me:Iknow,myQueenbutIl
ovesitt
ingwi
thy
ou.
I
twarmsmysoul.Ilov
egett
ingyourwarm
mot
her l
yembr
acestoo.(
shesmiled)
Queen:Ienjoyhav
ingyouheret
oo.Il
ovegi
vi
ng
youtheloveyoumissedoutonasachil
d.
Me:
Wher
eisFat
herandmybr
other
s?
Queen:
Outonr
oyal
dut
ies.Ndoni
,i
ssomet
hing
t
hemat t
er?
Me:Idoknowknowwhaty
oumean(
Isai
d
sof
tl
y)
Queen:Imi
ghtnothaveraisedy oubutyou
comefrom meandIcanf eelthatyourhear
tis
someti
mesheavy.Areyounothappywi t
hus?
Me:Iam atmymosthappiest
.Ihav
enev
erf
elt
somuchloveandaccept
ance.
Queen:
Talktome, myBl
ossom.Iam befor
e
youasyourmotherandnott
heQueen.(she
hel
dmyhand)
Me:
Whatshal
li
ttakef
ory
out
onol
ongerl
ove
me,
myQueen?
Queen:Myheartshal
lnev
erstopfeeli
nglove
foryou.Ev
enwheny ouweregoneIlovedyou.(
I
star
tedtocry
)
Me:
Mylif
ehasnotbeeneasyasaser
vant
,
Mot
her(
sheembracedme)
Queen:
Tel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:
Ifeart
haty
ouandt
heKi
ngshal
ldespi
se
me.
Queen:I
tisnotpossi
ble,Ndoni.Ourhear
ts
coul
dnevercarr
yhatef oranyofourchil
dren.
Yourhear
tisheavyandi tpai
nsmet oseeit.
Me:
I'
vebeendi
sgr
aced,
I'
m nol
ongerpur
e.
.
Ihidmyf acei nmyhandsandIcr ied
uncontrol
lably.
 Iexpectedhert
otell
met ogo
beforeIbringshamet othei
rKi
ngdom butIf
elt
herembr acemet i
ghtly.Iwr
appedmyarms
aroundhert oo.Itfel
tgoodtospeakofwhat
hasbeenbot heri
ngme.
.
Queen:Di
dthePri
ncesofthatroy
alhousef
orce
youtobeabedroom ser
vant?
Me: Theonewaspl
anni
ngt
obuthedi
dnot
succeed.
 
Queen:
Tel
lmewhathappened.
Me: Theel
destPr
inceshowedmeki ndnessby
keepingmesafefrom hiscr
uel
brot
her.Wefell
i
nl oveandIl
ethi
m hav eme.Myapologiesf
or
theshame,myQueen.
Queen:I
tshal
lal
lberi
ght
,myblossom.You
havenotal
waysknownyouar
eofr oy
alt
y.We
shal
lfi
ndawayt
osol
vet
his.
Me:Ncedi sai
dthatifI
'm di
sgracedbyaPr inceI
canmarryhimi fheacceptsresponsibi
li
ty.
 I
knowNtsikawoul dnotdenyhisactionsbuthe
i
stowedsoon.
Queen:Hehasnotwed,
hest
il
lseeksa
maiden.
 
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Queen:
Iam sur
eoft
hef
act
,mybl
ossom.
 
Me:Thenyoucant
ell
Fathert
hathehas
di
sgracedmeandhecanmakeanhonest
womanofme.
Queen:
Itwon'
tbethateasy.Yourf
atherhol
dsa
l
otofangert
oKingXhanti.Heshal
lneveragr
ee
t
oaunionbetweenyoutwo.  
Me:Whathast
heKi
ngofUmhl
abadonet
o
angerhi
m.
Queen:
Iti
sofnomatterr
ightnow.Ishal
ltr
yto
speakt
oyourf
ather
.MaybeIshallmakehim
hav
epeacei
nhi
shear
t.
Me:Shally
out
ell
himt
hatIhav
ebeen
di
sgraced?
Queen:
Notyet,Ifi
rstneedt
oconv i
ncehimto
makepeacewithKingXhanti
.Youfathermight
deci
detogotowarwi thXhant
iifhefi
ndsthat
hi
ssonhasdisgracedhisonl
ydaughter.
Me:Per
hapsaunionbet
weenmeandNt
sika
shal
lbr
ingpeacet
othei
rhear
ts.
Queen:Wespeakoftwoveryst
ubbor
nmen
whobothareinpowerofKi
ngdoms.I
tshal
lnot
beeasybutIshal
ltr
ytobri
ngpeacet
oyour
fat
her'
shear
t.
Me:Ntsikadidnotmakemehi sbedroom maid,
Mother.Il
ovehim wi
thal
lmyhear tandImi ss
him.Heisaki ndman.Pl
easeletFathernot
puni
shhi mforthesi
nsofKingXhant i
,Ibegof
you.
Queen:
Ift
her
ecanbepeacebet
weent
het
wo
Ki
ngsthenitshal
lbeeasytowedyoutoyour
l
ove,Ndoni
.Iwill
trymybesttosol
vet
his,
my
bl
ossom.Youhav emypromise.
Me:Myapol
ogiesfordi
sappoi
nti
ngy
ou.(
she
ki
ssedmycheek)
Queen: Ihol
dnoshameordi sappointmentfor
you.Iloveyou,deardaught
er.Iam yourmother
befor
eIam y ourQueen.Letmet r
ytodeal wit
h
yourfather.
 
Me:Donottel
lhi
m ofLi
zwi
'sat
temptt
o
f
orcef
ull
yhavemeashis.
Queen:Thatbri
ngsangert omyhear t.They
daredtotryandhurtthePrincessofZwelihl
e
butIshall
respectyoudecision.Havetheydone
anymor ebadtoy outher
e?
Me:
No,
Mot
her
.
Queen:
GoodbecauseIwouldhavedeclared
warmysel
f.Wesentoutaninv
itat
iontothei
r
Ki
ngdom t
oy ourcel
ebr
ati
onsbuttheymight
nothonouritbecauseIdoubtKi
ngXhantiwant
s
tosetfoothere.I
ftheydoshal
lthatsi
twel
lwit
h
youift
heycome?
Me:
Itshal
lbewel
lwi
thme.
Queen:Mythanksf
ort
rust
ingmewi
tht
henews,
myblossom.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
Mot
her(
Ijumpedt
oembr
aceher
)
Queen:
AndIy
ou,
mybl
ossom.
.
Wespokesomemor eandIam happyIhav e
tol
dher .Ihopesheshal l beabletosof ten
Father'
shear t.Ididnottellheraboutal lt
he
otherevilsIhav esuff
eredi nUmhl aba
Ochumi leyo.HowLi zwihadmebeat enunt i
lI
couldnotmov eorhowt heQueent ri
edt ohave
mebur ntal i
ve!Itshal
lonl yangerthehear tof
theQueent ooandsheshal ltel
lFatherandhi s
angermi ghtleadt owar.Iwi shnotf orQueen
NandeandLi zwi tocomet omycel ebrati
onbut
myhear thopesf orNt
sikatohonouri t.Whyhas
henotwedQaqamba?Iwi shthatourf athers
couldtalkandmakepeace.Thel awsal l
owus
tobet ogethernowbutifourfat
her srefuseit
shallneverhappenbutsuremyf at hershall
agree.Hewoul dnotwanttobr i
ngshamet othe
Kingdom.Whathaski ngXhant idonet hat
all
owedmyf at
her'
sheartt
oturni ntostone?
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t17
.
QueenNobubel
e
I
tpainsmyhear tthatNdonihadtobaresuch
pai
nfulchall
enges.Ishall
havetothankthi
s
Pri
nceNt si
kaforsavingmydaughterfrom
for
cefulbedroom deali
ngswit
hhisbrother
.He
soundslikeat rul
ykindmanandIcanseemy
daughterloveshim.Ihavet oobserv
ehi mi fhe
honoursthecel ebrat
iontoseeifhetrulyis
worthyofmyonl ydaughter
.IsatwithmyKi ng
andhopet oconvincehimtochangewhathe
feel
sfort heKingofUmhl abaOchumi leyo.
.
Ki
ng:
MyQueen,
whatseemst
obeony
our
mi
nd?
Me:
Ifor
getthatyouknowmebet
tert
henal
l
(
webothlaughed)
King:I
tismydutyast
hemanwhoholdsy
our
heart
.Whatist
hematter
,myNobu?
Me:
Promi
sey
out
haty
oushal
lnotbeanger
ed.
King:I
tshal
ldependonwhaty
ouspeak,
my
darl
ing.
Me:Myhusband,
doy ounott
hinki
tist
imet
o
l
etol
dwoundsheal?
Ki
ng:
Whatwoundsdoy
ouspeakof
?
Me:ThewoundsbetweenyouandXhant
i.(
he
st
oodandwalkedabout)
King:Ishall
neverfor
giveamanwhohasnot
apologisedforhi
sfaul
ts,Nobu.
Me:Bethebet
terKi
ngandshowy ourhear
t
hol
dsnohate,
Xolo.I
sitnotwhatweteachour
chi
l
dren?
Ki
ng:
Nobu,
Xhant
ial
mosthadmeki
l
led.
 
Me: Ihaveknowl
edgeoft
hatbuti
twaslong
agowheny ouwer
ebothyoungKi
ngswhowere
sti
l
llearni
nghowtobeinpower.
Ki
ng:Ioncet
ookXhant
inotj
ustasafel
l
ow
l
eaderbutat
ruef
ri
endbuthebetr
ayedme,
Nobu.
 
Me:
Ihav
eknowl
e..
.
King:Weagr eedtogoonabi gtradi
ngdeal
togetherandprovetothepeopl
eofour
Kingdomst hattheycanhavetr
ustinus.Xhanti
gotgr eedyandnegoti
atedasoleagreementto
enr
ichhi
sKi
ngdom.Hemadeafoolofme
bef
oremypeopl
e!(
hecutmeshor
t)
Me:Youhav
emanagedtobuil
daKi ngdom
morepower
ful
,Xol
o.Maybenotgett
ingthat
deal
wasgoodforZwel
i
hlebecauseother
tr
adi
ngdeal
scameinnumbers.
King: I
tisnotaboutt hedeal sort heri
chest hat
camewi thi
t, myQueen.I tisaboutXhant inev er
givi
ngmehi sapol ogiesforthebet ray
al.You
knowIam amanwhokeepst ohiswor dandI
valuepeoplewhodot hesame.WhenIgi vemy
wor d,Ishal
l dowhatweagr eedon.Ishall not
sitaroundthesamet ablewithamanwhoi snot
tr
uet ohiswor d.Hebr okeourf ri
endship,Nobu.
Doy oureal
isehowgr eatourKi ngdomscoul d
hav ebeensi debysi de?
Me: YourKingdom i
salreadygreat,
MyKing.
OtherKingdomsbegt ohav esomesortof
al
li
ancewi thZweli
hlebecausey ouhav
eturned
i
tintoapower ful
dynasty.
King:Youshallnotunderst
and,myQueen.Thi
s
hasmor etodowi thabrother
hoodandless
withpower.Xhantihaschosenpowerand
wealt
hov erourbrother
hood.
Me:Shall
yourhear
tfi
ndpeacei
fXhant
isends
hi
sapologies?
King:
Ishal
l nothaveknowl edgeoft hatnowbut
Ishal
lnotdinewi t
habackst abber.Youknow
howimportanthonouri sinKingdoms.I fhehas
notsenthi
sapol ogiesallt
hesey ear
st henhe
seesnothi
sf aul
ts.Ihav enorespectf oraman
whocannotadmi thisfaul
tsandapol ogise.
Me:Shal
lyoucar
ryt
hisi
nyourhear
tforal
lyour
day
s.
King:
Ihav enothi
ngtofeelbadabout.Myheart
i
scont entbecausemyKingdom isprosperous
andmyf amil
yiswit
hmebutIshal lnevergo
i
ntoanyot herdealwi
ththatman.
Me:I
fhehadnotbet
rayedyou.Wouldyouhave
al
l
owedoneofhissonstowedy ourdaught
er?
King:Iwoul
dhav ebutnotany more.Ishal
lnot
sendmydaught ertoahouseofdi shonesty
,
onlyt
ohav eherbemi st
reated.Analli
ance
betweenZweli
hleandUmhl abaOchumi l
eyo
wouldnotbeagoodone.  
Me:Ihearwhatyousay
,MyKi
ngbutIbegof
youtofi
ndpeace.
King:
Ift
hatbackstabbercangrowaspi neand
l
ookmei ntheeyest ogivemeasi ncer
eand
tr
ueapology.Imightjustf
indpeace.Whyare
wespeakingofthisNobu?  
Me:Ij
ustdonotwantourchil
drentoseey
ou
car
ryhat
e.Weteachthem nottohate.
King:
Theyshallnot
,myQueen.Mywishi
sfor
Ndonitohav
eagoodwel come.Mydaught
er
deserv
esbest.
Me:Haveyouthoughtofwhi
chKi
ngdom we
shal
lfi
ndherasuit
orat?
Ki
ng:
Anypower
ful
Kingdom wi
thdecent
Princes.Ishal
lmakesur
eshewedswel
l
,donot
fear.
Me:Iheardthatt
heeldestPr
inceofXhantii
s
ki
nd.Xolo,Ndonigr
ewuponXhant i
'ssoi
l.Does
i
tnotmakesenset ospeakwithhi
m andf i
nda
wayforward?
King:HedidnotraiseNdoni,Nobu.Shewas
nurtur
edbypeopl eofhi
ssoi l
,notbyhi m.Ishal
l
givemyt hankstotheor
phanaget hathas
rai
sedherbutnot hi
ngmor e.Shewasaser vant
i
nhi shouse,notaguest.Ishallnotgivehi
m
thanksforthat
.Donotexpectofmet o,my
Queen.
Me: Myapol
ogies,
myl ov
e.Imeantnottoupset
you.Pl
easeexcuseme.IhavepromisedNdoni
t
omeetupwi thher.Il
oveyou.
King:
AndIy ou,myQueen.Ishal
lseeour
daughteratsunset
.
Me:
Gowel
l(Iembr
acedhi
m)
.
Wewentoursepar ateway sandIseethatthi
s
i
sgoi ngt
obedi f
fi
cult.IdonotwantmyNdoni
tobeshamedf ordeedsshedi dasaservant.I
walkedtoherchamberandknocked.Shegav e
permissi
ontoenterandIf oundMbalekir
esti
ng
herheadonNdoni '
slap.
.
Me:Mbaleki
issuchabi
gbaby(
webot
h
l
aughed)
Ndoni:Shel
i
kesi
twhenIr
ubt
hesof
tfurunder
herneck.
Me:Sheisbeaut
if
ul.Ihav
espokent
oyour
f
ather(
shesatup)
Ndoni
:Hasheagr
eed,Mother?I
shegoi
ngt
o
makepeacewi
thKingXhanti
.
Me:Ndoni,i
tisKi
ngXhanti
whoneedstomake
peacewit
hy ourf
ather
.Hei
stheonewhohas
wrongedmyhusband.
Ndoni
:Whathashedonet
oFat
her
?
Me: Hewentagainsthi
swordwhentheywer e
sti
l
ly oung.Hewasaclosefri
endofyourf
ather
andthatmadet hebetr
ayal
evenworse.
Ndoni
:Sofat
hershal
lnotf
indpeaceunt
ilKi
ng
Xhant
igi
veshisapol
ogi
es?
Me:Idonotknowifanapol
ogyshal
lmakehim
appr
oveofall
i
ancebetweenthet
woKingdoms.
Ndoni
:MaybeKi
ngXhantishal
lhonourthe
i
nvi
tat
iont
omycelebrat
ionsandshall
swallow
hi
spri
deandapol
ogisetotheKi
ngofZwel i
hle.
Me: Ihopesotoo.Iwi
shforNtsi
katohonour
theinvi
tat
iont
oo.Iwanttoseeifhei
ndeedthe
kindmany ouspeakof(shebl
ushedandlooked
down)
Ndoni
:Heisver
yki
nd,
Mot
herandwel
i
ket
he
samethi
ngs.
Me:I
tsoundsl
iket
heKi ngandI
.Ir
emember
whenIwastol
dI'
mr eadytowedandagr
oom
wasf oundf orme.Ifel
tsot er
rif
iedanddi dnot
thi
nkIwoul dbehappy .WhenIf irstsawmy
Kingmyhear tchosehim andbyl uckhischose
met oo.Iwanty outobewi ththeoney oulove,
mybl ossom.Iam happyt hatyouf elli
nlove
withaPr i
nce.Thisisclearlyadest inyShiba
chosef oryouandIshal lnotangerherbygoi ng
againsther.Weshal lf
indawayt omov e
forwardsot hatPri
nceNt sikacanmakean
honestmai denoutofy ou.Yousai dheshal l
not
denyy ouri
ght ?
Ndoni
: Helovesme, Mot herandIhi
m.Ibel
i
eve
heshallacceptresponsibi
li
tyandmakemehis
br
ideifourfathersblessourunion.
Me:Itshal
lal
lwor
koutasi tshoul
dbutIwant
youtoknowthaty
ourf at
herandIshallnev
er
t
urnourbacksonyou.Wehav elostyouonce,
Ndoniandweshallnotal
lowittohappenagai
n.
Ndoni:
Iam bl
essedt
ocomef
rom aki
nd
mother.
Me:
Nowcomeandenjoypi
cki
ngf
rui
twi
thy
our
mot
her
.(shesmi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:Whoshal
lcl
i
mbt
het
ree?(
wel
aughed)
Me:Mbal
eki
shall
doitforusorwecancal
l
Nt
andoandhismanyfr
iends.
Ndoni
:Ntandotr
ulyhasmanyf
ri
ends.Isee
knewfacesever
yday.
Me: Whydoy outhi
nkwenamedhim
Ntandoyabantu.Wesawtheminut
ehewas
bornthathewouldbethePri
nceofthepeopl
e.
(welaughed)
Ndoni
:Myt
hanksf
ormaki
ngmel
augh.
Me:
ComedearPri
ncess,l
etuswor
rynotabout
t
heprobl
emsoft
omorrow. 
Ndoni
:ComeMbal
eki
(theybot
hst
ood)
.
Thethr
eeofuswentouttofr
uitt
reesatt
he
roy
alground.Mbal
eki
gotonthetr
eeandfel
l
asleepandNt andowasnott obeseen.Ndoni
gotonandgotusbi gfatappl esandwewashed
them andat e.Mydaught erseemshappi ernow
thatsheknowsIshal ldoal linmypowert o
makehernotf eel shame.Shehasbeenr obbed
ofsomanyandIshal lnotl etherberobbedof
themanherhear tchose.OhbutIam gl adthat
shehasbeenwi t haPr inceandnota
commoner .IdonotknowhowIwi l
lbri
ngpeace
tothetwof ami l
iesbutIshal ltrymybestto
softenXolo'shear t.Hei saki ndmanbuthe
hatesbeingbet rayed.Iwi shXhant ihadnot
goneagai nsthi swor dbecausewewoul dhav e
alsobeencel ebr atingaweddi ngi
fhehad
stayedtr
ue.  
.
.
#Ndoni
Il
ovespendi
ngmydayswit
htheQueen.Sheis
sodi
ff
erentt
oQueenNande.I
'
veneverseen
Nandeembr aceherchi l
drenandhusbandbut
mymot heriswar m.Iwillst
il
lnottel
lherthatI
suff
eredmor einthatKingdom.Howmyhear t
wishesforKingXhant it
oapologisesowecan
wed.Itseemst hatfatei
smaki ngitdi
ffi
cultf
or
meandNt si
katolov eeachother.TheQueen
wentoutandIsatwi t
hNcedi .
 
.
Me:Ncedi,al
l
owmet ohel
pyouf
oldt
hesheet
s
(
shelaughedsof
tl
y)
Ncedi:
Yourhi
ghness,whenhaveyouseena
Pri
ncesshel
pahelperfol
dsheets?
Me:IhaveneverseenitbutIwasaser
vant
bef
ore.Iknowhowi ti
sdone.
Ncedi
:Wel
lyounolongerareaser
vant.For
ce
yourmi
ndtorememberit,
dearPri
ncess.
Me:
Am Ial
l
owedt
ogi
vey
ouanor
der
?(she
smi
l
ed)
Ncedi
:Yesy
ouar
e,myl
ady
.
Me:ThenIshal
lhel
pyoufol
dandt
hati
san
or
der(webothl
aughed)
Ncedi
:Ihavenevergott
ensuchaki ndorderbut
Ishal
lnotgoagainsti
t,dearPr
incess.
Me:
GoodorIshal
lpuni
shyoubymaki
ngy
ou
r
ubMbal
eki
'
sneck.(shel
aughes)
Ncedi:Yourkindnatur
eisclear
lysomethi
ng
thatr
unst hr
oughy ourvei
ns.Al
ltheroy
alsar
e
ofakindnature.
Me:
Hear
ingt
hatwar
msmyhear
tdear
ly.
.
Itookthesheet sandhelpedherf oldit.They
smel l
edf r
esh.NcediisthatauntythatInev er
had.Shel ooksli
keshei sthesameageast he
Queenandshel ovesme.It hinki
tisbecause
sheist hefir
stpersonwhosawmyf acewhenI
wasbor nandshegav ememymar kings.I
helpedhercar r
ythesheetst othecleanl i
nen
chamberandt heotherservantsstaredlikewe
ar
ecommi tti
ngacr i
me.Timefl
ewbyf astandi
t
wasti
mef orthenightf
east.Weal
lsatand
wai
tedfortheKingandQueen.
.
Bukhosi
:Zol
ekahasnotbeensl
eepi
ngwel
land
Idonotknowwhattodo.
Me:Maybeherl
it
tl
egumsar
esor
e,shemi
ght
showt
eethsoon.
Ncedi:IagreewiththePrincess.Ishall
hav
ea
remedymadef orhertorubonhergumst o
rel
iev
et hepain.I
'l
lalsomakeat eet
hing
neckl
acef orher.
Zinzi:Ohmyt
hanks,
Ncedi
.Ndonihowdoto
knowaboutbabi
eswhenyouarenotyeta
mot her?
Me:Someofthegi
rl
sattheor phanagecame
whentheywer
esti
l
linf
ants.IhelpedMama
r
aiset
hem.
Nt
ando:
Theny
oushal
lbeagoodmot
her
,
Ndoni
.
Bukhosi
:Sheshal
lindeed.Zi
nzihav
eyouf
ound
dancer
sforNdoni
'scelebrat
ion?
Zinzi
:Ihave,
myPr incebutIshal
lseekmor e.I
t
seemst hi
scelebr
ationmightgoonf orday
s.
Bukhosi
:Whataboutt
heaccommodat
ion?
.
TheKi ngandQueenwal kedinandtheywere
holdinghandsandlaughing.Sobeaut
if
ulist
hei
r
l
ov e.Wewer eabouttostandbuttheKing
stoppedus.
.
King:Ourapol
ogi
esf
orkeepi
ngy
ouwai
ti
ng,
my
chil
dren.
Me:Noneedforapol
ogi
es,
wehav
enotbeen
wai
ti
nglong.
Queen:
Wher
eisZol
eka?
Zi
nzi
:Fi
nal
l
yasl
eep,
Mot
her
. 
Ntando:
MyQueenwear eworr
iedaboutwher
e
al
ltheguest
sshal
lsl
eepfort
hecelebr
ati
on.
King:
Wehavepl
ent
yofroom andi
tisnotthe
fi
rstt
imewehav
eenter
tai
nedmanyguests.
Queen:Manyshal
lhonourt
hisi
nvi
tat
ion,
my
Ki
ngbecausewedidnotmakeitcl
earwhothe
Pri
ncesswespeakofis.
Bukhosi
:Curi
osi
tyshal
lbr
ingev
ent
hepeopl
e
fr
om mostfar.
Zinzi
:Iam sur
emanythinkthePri
ncesswe
speakofisZoleka(
welaughed)
Me:Fat
het
,shal
lIbeexpect
edtospeakbef
ore
t
hosemanypeople?(
myey eswi
dened)
Bukhosi
:Yes,y oushallstandbefor
eusona
chai
randaddr essy ourguestsbecauset
hey
havecomef ory ou.(Iheart
beatr
aced)
Ki
ng:Youshal
lnotspeaki
fyoudonotwi
sht
o,
mydaught
er.
Nt
ando:
Iti
snotdi
ff
icul
t,Ndoni
.Il
ove
addr
essi
ngpeopl
e.(
wel
aughed)
Queen:
Yoursi
steri
snoty
ou,
myson.
Bukhosi:Onebi
gmout
hint
hef
ami
l
yisenough
(welaughed)
Ki
ng:
Letuseat
,chi
l
dren.
.
Thef oodgotser vedandweal l
hel ped
ourselv es.Iwi shtherewasawayt ot al
kto
Ntsikaandhav ehim askhi sfathertoaskf or
forgiveness.Theypl annedmycel ebrati
onandit
soundsasi ftheent ir
ewor ldiscomi ng.Iam
feeli
ngner v
ousal ready.Idonotl iket obethe
centerofany t
hingbutImustaccepti tnow
becauseI 'm notlongeranobody .Iam nowa
Roy albei ngandImustbeav ail
abl etothe
peoplesoon.Ihav esomanypl ansandIcannot
waittogoonr oyaldutieswi t
hFat hersoon.I
shallhav et ogoandv i
sitt
heor phanageaf t
er
mycel ebr ati
on.ItisonlyrightIhonourMama
ri
ght f
ul l
y. 
.
.
#Nt
sika
Isatoutsideandwat chedthest
arsint
heskies.
Ndoniusedt olovedoingitandshehasmade
mel ov
ei ttoo.Theskylitor
angefr
om afarandI
wonderedi fmymai denseesthebeaut
y.Bantu
j
oinedme.
.
Me:
Youneednotbaby
sitme,
mybr
other
.
Bantu:Ishal
lnotdisr
espectyoulikethat,
warri
or.Ihavecomet oenjoythewarm night
butIpraymosquitoesdonotbi t
e( welaughed)
Me:Mybloodi
sbit
tersot
heydar
enotf
eedon
me.Hav
ey out
oldthemai
den?
Bant
u:Ihav
e(hesmi
l
ed)
Me:
Hassheagr
eedt
okeepy
ourhear
tsaf
e?
Bant
u:ShehasandIgav
ehermypr
omi
set
odo
t
hesame.
Me:Thati
sgr
eatnews,
war
ri
or(
weshook
hands)
Bantu:
MyPr i
nce,mayIaskper
missiontot
ake
hertother
oyalgar
denyouhavetakenyour
maidento?
Me: Igi
veyoupermission,br
other
.Justt
ell
me
thedaysandIshallensureyoudonotget
dist
urbed.Ishal
lev
enst andguardastohave
withme.
Bantu:Mythanks,br
other
.Ishal
lmakesur
eiti
s
beforeyougowiththeQueen.
Me:Myhear
tisst
il
lheav
y.Idonotwantt
ogo
t
othecel
ebr
ati
on.
Bant
u:Begt
heKi
ngt
oal
l
owy
out
ost
ay.
Me:Ihavetr
ied,
brot
herbuthehasmadeuphis
mind.Heseemsupsetwhenwespeakofitsoit
i
sbestIleav
ehim.TheQueenisfeel
i
ngexcit
ed.
Bant
u:Doy
oubl
ameher
?Thi
sisZwel
i
hlewe
speakof!MaybetheQueencansecur
eti
eswi
th
theKingdom f
orUmhlaba.
Me:Theyshal
lnott
akeherser
iousl
ybecause
shei
sawoman.
Bantu:
Thatiswherey oucomein.Showy
our
fat
herthatyouareabl
et osecur
esomesortof
busi
nesstieswit
hthisKingdom. 
Me: You'
reri
ght,brot
her
.Itshal
lhavetobea
businessdealbecausewecannotbuildan
all
iance,
theyhavenomat uremaidenswhoare
readytowed.
Bantu:
Pityt
hePr
incessi
sababy.I
maginet
he
powerthetwoKi
ngdomsshal
lhaveift
heywer
e
boundbyamarri
age.
Me:Zweli
hlei
spowerful
,Bantu.Ev
enift
heyhad
maidenst
heywouldmarrythem offt
o
Ki
ngdomsst r
ongert
henUmhl aba.
Bantu:Thengoandtryt
obuil
dbusinessti
es
wit
hi tandtheot
herki
ngdomsthatshal
lbe
t
her
e. 
Me:Allt
heQueencar esabouti
sfindingtwo
maidensforhersons.Ohandlookinggood.She
hadthedressmakermakesomanyat ti
resf
or
her(welaughed)
Bant
u: SheistheQueensoiti
stobeexpect
ed
andsheshal lmeetot
herQueenswhowil
lal
so
beattheirbest.
Me:Ionl
ywishf
ort
hiscel
ebrat
iont
ocomeand
gosoIcangoonwit
hli
fe..
Wesatandenj oy edthenightinpleasant
silence.Mybr otherwhoi snotbor nf r
om my
mot her.Iam happyt hathi
smai denhasagr eed
tohav ehim asher s.Sheshallbeingood, ki
nd
hands.Heshal lhonourherandIshal lmakehim
myadv i
soronceIsi tonthet hr
ownsomeday .
Lizwi mi ghtadv icemet oanear l
ygr ave,Idonot
trusthi m eveni fwecomef rom thesamewomb.
All Iwishnowi sf orthi
scelebrati
ont hatmakes
theQueenf usssomucht obeov er.Tof i
nda
bri
deandgett
heKi
ngandQueenof
fmyback
forgood.
 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t18
.
#Ndoni
Day shavegonebyandt hedayofmy
celebrati
onhasf i
nall
ycome.Weshal l
hav ethe
celebrati
onofmyr et
urntodayandtheoneof
mybi rthtomorrow.Istoodandallowedt he
royalhelperstodressmei nmynewat t
ire.The
Queenwal kedinandshel ookedbeauti
ful.We
all
bowedourheadsi ngreeti
ng.
.
Me:
Mot
her
,youl
ookl
i
keat
ruegoddess.(
she
smi
l
ed)
Mother:Mythanks,
myblossom.Young
maidens,youmayleav
emeal onewi t
hthe
Pr
incess.Ishal
lhel
phergetdressed.
Them: Asy
ouwish,
yourhighness(
theyspoke
atthesameti
meandleft
)
Mot
her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Iam notwel
l
.Thener
vesr
efusetol
eav
e
mybodyanditmakesmefeel
sick.
Mother
:Youneedtoeat,
Ndoni
.Youonl
yat
e
f
rui
tatthemorni
ngfeast
.
Me:Ishal
leatl
ater
,myQueen.Hav
emany
guest
sarr
ived?
Mother:Yes,y
ourf at
hersandbr
other
sare
welcomingtheRoy alFamil
i
eswhohave
honouredtheinv
itati
on.
Me:
Hast
heKi
ngdom ofUmhl
abacome?
Mot
her
:Idonott
hinkt
heyshal
lhonourt
he
i
nvi
tat
ion.Manyguestssetf
ootonoursoi
l
y
ester
dayatsunset.
Me:PerhapsKi
ngXhantiwi
shesnott
omeet
wi
ththeKingofZwel
ihl
e.
Mot her
:Idonotwantyoudobotheryoursel
f
withthi
s,Ndoni
.Alloft
hesecel
ebrat
ionsarein
yourhonouranditwil
lpai
nmeifyoudonotf eel
j
oy.
Me:If
eelal
otofjoybutIam j
ustdi
sappoi
nted
t
hatNtsi
kashal
lnotcome.
Mother:Myapologi
es,
mybl
ossom.Iknowy
our
hear
tlongsforhim.
Me:Iwi
l
lmakepeacewi
thi
t.Fat
ewi
shesnott
o
hav
eustoget
her
.
Mot
her
:Mor
eguestsaretoar
riv
e.Ther
eis
mor
eti
meunti
lyourcel
ebr
ati
ons.
Me: You'
rer
ight
,myQueen.YouandFat
her
havedonethist
ohonourmeandIshall
enj
oy
i
t. 
.
Shehelpedmegetdr essedandIam happythat
i
tisherwhoi sandnotthehelper
s.Thespecial
occasi
onatti
reiscomplicat
edtoputon.She
ti
edmyheadscar fsobeauti
ful
lyandputa
beadedveil
ov eri
t.
.
Me:
Whyshoul
dmyf
acebecov
ered,
myqueen?
Mot her
:Weshal l
gooutandgreett
heguests
withtheKingandPri
nces.Noguestistosee
yourfaceunti
ltheKi
nggivespermi
ssion.
Me:Iunderst
andandIcanseesoIfearnot
r
unningint
owalls(
webothlaughed)
Mother
:Youlooksobeaut
iful
,youngmai
den.A
t
ruePri
ncessofZwel
ihl
e. 
Me:Myt hanks,
mother.HowcanInotbe
beauti
fulwhenIcomeofparentswhoar
e
fl
awless?(shel
aughedsoft
ly)
Mot
her
:Il
ovey
ou,
mybl
ossom.Tomor
rowy
ou
shalloffi
cial
lybedeclaredamat ur
emaiden.I
shallneverforgetthedayy ouwerebor
n.It
rainedimmedi atel
yafteryoucameandr ai
n
signif
iesblessingshereinthesoil
ofZweli
hle.
Youar emyonl ymaidenchildandyouaremy
blessing.
Me:I
twarmsmyheartt
ohearsuchki
ndwor
ds.
Il
oveyou,
myQueen.
.
Weembr acedinat i
ghthugandev eryembrace
feel
sasspecialasthefi
rstoneshegav eme.
Sheputonmyj ewelryandmyat ti
rewas
complet
e.Myhear thopedtoseeNt sikabutI
guesshisfat
herfel
ttoomuchshamet ohonour
thei
nvit
ati
on.Wewentt omeett heRoy almen.
.
Fat
her:MyQueenandPr
incess,
yout
woar
e
l
ookingsobeaut
if
ul.
Mot
her
:Wegi
veourt
hanks,
myKi
ng.
Ntando:
ButFatherwecannotev
enseeNdoni
'
s
f
ace.(welaughed)
Me:
Icanseey
our
sNt
andosodonotwor
ry.
Bukhosi
:Ther
oyal
ladi
esofZwel
i
hlear
eoft
rue
beaut
y.
.
Zimbawhoi stheKi
ng'
sri
ghthandman
approached.Hebowedhi
sheadingr
eet
ingas
hestoodbef or
eus.
.
Zi
mba: MyKing,
theKingdom ofUmhlaba
Ochumil
eyohassetfootonthesoil
ofZweli
hle.
Shal
lyougooutandwel comethem?(fat
her
's
j
awclenched)
Mother:It
hinkwemustgoandmeett
hem,
my
ki
ng.(shelookedatme)
Father
:Weshall
meett hem,
Zimba.I
nfor
m
them t
hatweareonourway.HasKingXhant
i
honouredt
heinvi
tat
ion?
Zi
mba:
Iti
sonl
yhi
sQueenandPr
ince,
myKi
ng.
Fat
her
:Iknewheshal
lnotcome.Letusgo.
.
TheKi ngandQueenwal kedbef oreusandwe
walkedbehi ndt hem.Myhear twasbeat ingfast
becauseIdonotknowwhi chPr inceZimba
speakof .I
tcoul dbet hatcruelLizwibutmy
heartwishest hatitismyPr ince.Wewal ked
slowlyandIf eltli
kerunningahead.Wewentt o
thechamberwher etheystood.Myhear t
j
umpedf orjoywhenIsawmywar ri
or.Looking
sohandsomeandst rong.Iwishedt oruninto
hisarmsandembr acehi m buttheKi ngshall
notli
ket hatonebi t.Theybowedt heirheadsin
greeti
ngaspert hewayofZwel ihle.
.
Ntsika:
Gr eet
ingKi ngandQueenofZwel i
hle.
Wecomef r
om t hesoilofUmhlabaOchumileyo.
Iam PrinceNt sikaeldestsont
oKingXhant i
.
Thisismymot her,
QueenNande.Wewoul dl i
ke
togiv
ethanksforthehonourofi
nvi
ti
ngusto
yoursoi
l.Myfat
hersendshisapol
ogiesf
ornot
honouri
ngyourinv
itat
ion.
Nande:Wehol
dgi
ft
sfort
hePr
incesst
oshow
gr
ati
tude.
..
.
Shedidnotmanaget ofi
nishbecauseMbal eki
cl
awedwhatshewashol dinginherhandsand
shejumpedbackwar dsi
nf ear
.Ntsi
kast ood
befor
ehi smotherandIexpectednothingless
fr
om him.Ihadt ocal
m mybeastdownsi nce
myaut hori
tyi
sallt
hatshelist
ensto.Itseems
Mbalekidoesnotli
keNande
.
Mother:OurapologiesQueenNande,shehas
neverdonethi
swi thanyotherguest
.Sheonly
att
acksifshefeelsherkeeperi
sindanger.
Father
:Haveyoucomewi thanyagendat
o
causeharm,dearQueen?
Nande:
Ishal
lnoti
nsul
tyouony
ourownsoi
l
,
Ki
ngXolo.
Ntsi
ka:MyKing,
Icanassur
eyouthatwehav
e
notcometocauseanyharmtoyouorany
oneif
yourKi
ngdom. 
Father:
Thenall
owmet osendapologi
esf or
Mbaleki'
sbehaviour.Weast heRoyalFami l
y
welcomey outooursoi l
.Weonl ywi
shf oryou
toenjoythecel
ebrationswit
hus.Wegi v eour
thankstotheKingdom ofUmhl abaOchumi ley
o
forhonouri
ngouri nvi
te.
 
Nt
sika:
Thehonouri
sour
s.
Bukhosi:
Zimbashall
showy outoyourr
esti
ng
chamber.Weshallmeetyouall
againwheniti
s
ti
mef orthecel
ebr
ati
ons.
Nt
sika:
Wegi
veourt
hanks.Unt
ilwemeetl
ater
.
.
Theyfi
rstshookthehandsoft
heleader
sof
Zweli
hle.Af
tert
hatthedidt
hesamewi t
hus
andIsawNtsikatakeadeepbr eat
hashi s
str
onghandsshookmi nesoftl
y.Holdinghim
againmademybodyf eel sowarm andmyhear t
fel
tli
kei
twouldbeatoutofmychest .Theylef
t
usandwewel comedot herhonour
edguest s.
Mbaleki
didnotmisbehav ewit
hany one,onl
y
wit
hNande. 
.
Nt
ando:
Mbal
eki
almostscr
atchedt
hatQueen.
King:
Shef eel
sthatt
heyar
eal
lfr
om t
hehouse
ofadishonestman.
Mother
:MyKi
ng,
shal
lwepl
easenotspeakof
t
hatnow.
Bukhosi
:Butf
atheri
sri
ght,myQueen.You
knowourcheet
ahsharm onl
ythosewhowish
usharm.Theycanfeel
badenergy.
Mother:Ishal
lnotal
lowyoutotalkabout
unhappynewswhenwear eabouttocelebr
ate
Ndoni.Weshallspeakoft
hislat
er.
Me:
Iagr
eewi
tht
heQueen.Letusal
lj
ustenj
oy.
.
Fatherdi dnotl ookdel i
ght ed.Icoul dnott ell
them t hatNandewi shedmedead.May be
Mbal eki feltthatherhear tholdshat ef orme.I f
theKi ngandQueenf i
ndsoutt hensheshal lbe
i
nal otoft r
oubl e.Shedeser vesitbutIdonot
wanthert omakeuscar ryhat etoday .Time
fl
ewbyandwewer etoldt hattheguest shav e
allgather edi ntheent ertainmentchamber .
Ncedi helpedmechangeat ti
resonceagai nand
mybeadedv ei
lwaschangedf rom abeaded
onet oagol done.Zi mbat oldal l
theguest sto
quietdownandst andont heirfeettowel come
theroy al fami l
y.Whenal lwasqui ettheKi ng
andQueenwal kedi nandsatont heirroyal
chairs.Wef oll
owedandwesatonei thersi deof
them.Al lbowedt heirhandsaspert hewayof
Zwel i
hl e.Ilookedar oundt oseewher eNt sikais
andIsawhi m.Hedi dnotl ookmuchi nterested
i
nal lthati shappeni ng.Ev eryonesatandt he
dancersandsingersst
artedtoent
er.Dr
inks
wereservedtoallandi
tseemedallwerehaving
agoodt i
me.TheKi ngrosetohisf
eetto
addressthepeople.
.
Father :Iwouldliket ogivemyt hankst oallt
hat
i
sher e.AlltheRoy alFami l
ies,roy al councils
andal lwhohav ehonour edthei nv i
tationt othi
s
celebr ati
on.Ihav easkedofy out oj oint heKing
andQueenofZwel ihleast heywel comet heir
Pri
ncess.Manyofy ouhav enoknowl edgeof
thef actthatwehav eadaught erbutwedo.Al l
royalsshal lhaveknowl edgeoft hedangerbei ng
ofroy altycome.Ourl i
vesar ealway si nhar ms
wayf rom evil
s.TheQueenandIhadt osend
ouronl ydaughterawayt oapl aceofsaf e
keepi ngbecauseherl if
ewasi ndanger .Itwasa
dif
ficul tt
hingtodobutshehasf oundourway
backt ous.Af t
ermuchl ongingwecannowsi t
withherandhonourher .Ishallgiv emyQueen
thehonourt orev ealourdaught ert oy ou.
.
Everyonecheeredandmosthadl ooksoftot
al
shockwr it
tenontheirf
aces.TheQueenstood
andtookmyhand.If el
tli
keIwasgoingto
coll
apset othefl
oor.Al
leyeswerelooki
ngat
me.Ist oodinthemiddleofmyparents.
.
Mother:Ishallnotaddanymor ewor dstothat
oft
heKi ng.Itgivesmethegr eatesthonourt
o
wel
comemyonl ydaughter,
Pr i
ncess
Ndoniy
amanz i
.ThePr i
ncessofZwel ihl
e.
.
Shet ookoffmyv ei
landal lst
oodt oclapin
cheering.Imanagedt ogi v eav eryshaky
nervoussmi le.Ntsi
kast oodl i
keast atuebuthe
knewhecoul dnotcomet ome.Wel ookedat
eachot herforthelongestoft i
me.Nandest ood
sl
owl ywithhermout hwi deopenandsuddenl y
shecol l
apsedt othefloor .Ther oyal
helps
att
endedt oheratonce.I 'm sureshet hought
sheisseei ngaghostbecausesheknowsmet o
bedead.Theyf inallymanagedt ogetherto
comebackt ot hepeopl e.Shesatdownonher
chai
randt heKi ngwasnotpl easedwithher
i
nterr
uptingt hecel ebrati
onandhehadhersent
awaytoherr estingchamberIdonotcar ewhat
happenst oNandeandIshal l speakwit
hher
tomorrow.Nt sikawentwi thherbuther etur
ned.
Hecoul dnotst opl ookingatme.The
cel
ebrationswentonandon.  
.
Mother
:Gooutt
ot hegarden,
Ishal
lhav
ehi
m
meetyou(
shewhispered)
Me:
Idonotwantt
oangert
heKi
ng,
mot
her
.
Mother
:Ishal
lmakesur
etakecareofi
t.Now
goandoncebefor
eanyonenot
ices.
Me:
Myt
hanks.
Mother:
Heisfeel
ingconf
usedandy
oubot
h
cl
earl
yhavetospeak.Nowgo.
.
IwalkedoutandIsawherwhi spertotheKing
andhenodded.Maki ngmywayt othegarden
wit
hhappi nessi nmyheart.Mot heristr
ulysuch
ablessing.Ihat ethatshehast obedi shonest
toherKi ngbecauseofme.Il ookedatt hestars
abov eandf eltthecoolwindblowmyway .I
waitedforNt sikatomeetmeandhopehest il
l
hol
dsl ov eformei nhisheart.
.
.
#Nt
sika
JustasIt houghtt hatnothingshallcomef rom
thi
scel ebrat
ion!NowIheart hatthemai den
thatmyhear thaschoseni naPrincess.Ifeel
l
ikeluckhasf inal
lyfavouredourunion.A
messengercamet otakemet osomepl ace.I
hopet hatnot hinghascomet omot heragain.I
walkedbehi ndhi mt oaf l
owerf i
l
ledareaandI
real
isedi t
'stheirroyalgarden.Iwentinandwas
greet
edbyt hebeauti
fulNdoniyamanzi.She
sawmeandshej umpedonmewi than
embrace.Icouldnotbeli
evethatiti
sher .I
knewthatthelavenderscentIsmelledearl
ier
wasfamili
arbutIdidnotthinkiti
sher .Il
ooked
atherandshewascr y
ing.
.
Me:Havey
ouanyideahowmuchI
'
vemi
ssed
you,
Ndoni
?(Iki
ssedher
)
Ndoni
:Ihav
emi
ssedy
out
oo.
Me:
Whydi
dyoul
eav
e?
Ndoni
:Icannott
ell
you,
Ntsi
ka.
Me:
Tal
ktome,
youngmai
den.
Ndoni:Yourmot herhir
edonei
fherguar
dsto
ki
ll
me.Iwaspl anningongoi
ngonmyownbutI
nevergotthechange.Shewantedhi
mt obur
n
me.(shebr okedown)
Me:Iknewshehadahandinyourdepart
ure
somehowbutInevert
houghti
twasthrough
suchanevil
deed.Myapol
ogi
es,
myl
ady
.What
happenedaft
erwar
ds?
.
Shet ol
dmeal laboutwhatshehadt ogo
through.Ifel
tahateinmyhear tt
hatI'
v enever
thoughtpossibl
eandi twasalldi
rect
edt omy
mot her.I
fManqhobahadnotshownmer cyto
hershewoul dhavebeendead.Shewept
uncontroll
abl
yandIhel dhert
ighthopingthat
allthepainshal
lgof r
om herbodytomi neso
shewon' thavetofeelit
.
.
Me:Icannotbel
i
evet
haty
ouar
ethePr
incess
ofZweli
hle.
Ndoni
:Idi
dnotbel
i
evei
tmy
sel
f(shel
aughed
sof
tl
y)
Me:
IhavenotwedQaqamba,
Ndoni.Ishal
lgo
t
oyourf
atherandaskf
ory
ourhandinmarri
age.
Ndoni
:Heshal
lnotgi
vey
ouhi
sbl
essi
ngs.
Me:Thel
awall
owsustowednow, y
oung
mai
den.Whyshall
henotagr
ee?Havet
hey
f
oundagroom f
oryou?
Ndoni
:No,theyhavenotfoundone.Icanto
marr
yNtsika.Iam adisgr
acedPri
ncessbutthe
Ki
ngholdsnoknowl edgeofthi
s.
Me:Ishal
ltaker
esponsi
bil
i
ty,
 
Ndoni
.Iam t
he
onewhohasshamedy ousoallowmetobri
ng
honourt
oyou.
Ndoni:Ourf
athersdonotseeeyestoeye,
my
Pri
nce.Youfatherbet
rayedmi
neandheshall
neverl
etmewedt hesonofatr
ait
or.(
I
cl
enchedmyj aw)
Me:Whatt
ypeofpar
ent
sdoIcomef
rom?(
I
shout
edi
nanger
)
Ndoni
:Cal
m down,
mymot
herpr
omi
sedt
ohel
p
us.
 
Me:
Whathappensi
ftheyf
indy
ouasui
tor
?
Ndoni
:Idonotknow.Ihav
etogobackt
othe
cel
ebrat
ionsbef
oret
heKi
ngwonder
swher
eI
am. 
Me:Weshallf
ixt
his.Ev
eni fi
tmeansIneedto
f
orceXhant
itobowt oyourfat
heri
napology
. 
Ndoni
:Ihopeheshal
ldot
hat
. 
Me:
Whenshal
lIseey
ouagai
n?
Ndoni:
Ishal
ltr
ytocomet
oyourchamberl
ater
butIdonotgi
veyoumypr
omise.
Me:
Shal
lIhav
eaki
ss?(
shesmi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:It
houghtmypr
incewoul
dnev
erask(
I
l
aughedsof
tl
y)
.
Iki
ssedherandi tfel
tli
kewearealoneinthi
s
worl
d.Iwi shi
twast hatwaybecausenoone
wouldstopusf r
om lovi
ngeachother.Thati
sal
l
wewi shfortol
ov eeachother
. 
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
Ndoni
yamanzi
Pri
ncessof
Zwel
i
hle.(
shel
aughedsof
tl
y)
Ndoni
:AndIyou,Nt
sikaPr
inceofUmhlaba
Ochumil
eyo.(
Ismil
edandkissedher
)
Me:
Gobef
orey
ourFat
hersendsf
ory
ou.
.
Sheki ssedmycheekandshewal kedaway .My
hear tholdangerf orbot hofmypar ents.Idonot
knowhowIshal ldeal withthisissueoft he
Queenal mostkill
ingher .IfearthatifIgot o
wher eshei sImi ghtst r
anglehert odeat h.I
wishedt hatcheet ahhadcl awedher .The
animal reactedbecauseNdoni isit'
skeeperand
i
tf el
tNande' sev i
lway st owardsNdoni .Ishal l
hav etogett heKingt obegf orforgiv
eness.Ido
notcar eaboutt healliancebet weent wo
Kingdoms.Al lIcareofi stowedt helov eofmy
l
ifeandIshal l
notl etitgobecausewear enow
i
nf ullri
ght.Iwentbackt ot hecelebrationsand
al
l Icoulddowhatst areandNdoni andsmi le.
Every t
hingcamet oanend.Ev eryoner etir
edt o
thei
rchamber sandIdidnotevengoandcheck
onNande.Ical l
herbynamebecauseshei snot
worthyofthetit
leofQueen.Ihear
dasof t
knockont hedoorandIknewi ti
sNdoni.I
openedt hedoorandwebot hsmiledandshe
entered.
 
.
Me:
Shal
lIbow,
yourhi
ghness?(
shel
aughed)
Ndoni
:Youshal
lnotbecausebowi
ngi
snott
he
wayofZwel
ihl
e.
Me:
Shal
lyouspendt
heni
ght
?
Ndoni:
Icannotstaylong.I
tisal
mostsunri
se
andtheKingandQueenshallbeangeredi
fthey
seeI
'm noti
ntheroyalhousebysunri
se.
Me:Ishal
lmakesur ewewakebef
oret
hat
.
Shal
lyourbeastnotbi
teme?
Ndoni
:No,shebit
esonl
yifIgi
veor
dert
oor
whenhar
m standsbef
oreme.
Me:
Sheshoul
dhav
ebi
tt
enNandet
odeat
h.
Ndoni:Donotwishforbadf oryourmot her.Ido
notl
ikeherbutIdonotwi shherdeat h.Ishall
notall
owhertoturnmyhear ti
ntostone.Shall
wejustenj
oybeingunitedagainplease?Ihav e
beenlongi
ngtofeelyourstrongarmsar ound
me.(Ismil
edindeli
ght)
Me:Asyouwish,dearPr
incess.Myheartst
il
l
beat
sfory
ou,Ndoniyamanzi.Ishal
lwedyou
onewayoranother
. 
.
Ikissedherandl i
ft
edherof fherfeetandput
heront hebed.Icravedt ohav ehersomuch.I
tookinherlavenderscentandsmi ledindel i
ght.
Icaressedherbodyandi tfeltdif
ferent.Ithas
trul
ybeent oolongandIhav emi ssedher .I
kissedallofherandent eredhert empl e.My
l
adymov edwithmeast hechambergotf i
ll
ed
wi t
hourpleasuresounds.Weknewwehav et o
keepi tsi
l
entbutthepleasur ewef eltcontroll
ed
us.Imadel ovetoherlikei ti
st hefirstandl ast
ti
meuntil
pleasureovert
ookus.Iheldherinmy
armsaf
terthebeautif
ulmoment.Shef el
l
asl
eepbecauseshewasexhaust ed.Ifi
nal
lyhad
myheartbackinmyar msandIshal lbe
damnedifIlethergoagain.
 
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t19
.
#Ndoni
Iopenedmyst i
ll
tir
edeyesslowlyandIhear d
theroostercrowloudl
y.SuddenlyIhearda
scratchi
ngsoundont hedoorandav oicethat
call
edoutmyname.Iwokecompl etelyand
reali
sedI'
ml ayi
ngnexttoNtsika.Wehav enot
managedt owakeupbef oresunset.The
scratchi
ngont hedoorbecamemor eur gent
andmyhear
tracedsof
ast
.
.
Me:
Ntsi
ka,
wakeup(
Ishookhi
m)
Ntsi
ka:Whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?(he
openedhi
seyes)
Me:Wehavefail
edtowakebef
oresunset
,my
Pr
ince.(
hesatup)
Voi
ce:
Ndoni!(
sai
dthev
oiceont
heot
hersi
de
oft
hedoor
)
Nt
sika:Getdr
essed,Ndoni
.Wemustbot hget
dr
essed.Yourfat
hershal
lhaveashar
pspear
pi
ercedint
omyf l
eshforhavi
ngyouhere.
Me:Healr
eadyknows,
Ntsi
ka(
tear
srandown
mycheek)
Ntsi
ka:Letusgetdressedandfacet
he
consequencesofouracti
ons.
.
West
oodandputonourcl
othesqui
ckl
y.Ican
nothaveFatherkil
lNt
sika.I
fhekill
sthemanI
l
oveIshallnotbeabletoli
ve.Iembracedhim
onelastti
mebecausewemi ghtnevergett
he
chance.Thevoiceandscrat
chingatthedoor
soundedmor edesperat
e.Iopenedthedoor.
.
Nt
ando:
Ndoni
,hav
eyoul
osty
ourmi
nd?
Me:
Howdi
dyouknowy
oushal
lfi
ndmeher
e?
Ntando:Isawyoucomet otheguestchamber
s
aftert
hecelebr
ati
on.Idi
dnotknowwhi ch
chambery ouwenttobutIsawMbaleki
standi
ngbeforethi
sone.
Me:
Hasany
oneel
seseenhi
m?
Ntando:Ishall
havenoknowledgeofthat
.
Ndoni,Mbalekii
syourprot
ect
or,shegoes
whereyougo.TheKi ngandQueencouldhav
e
seenthi
s. 
Nt
sika:
Iti
smyf
aul
t,myapol
ogi
es.
Nt
ando:
Youhav
edi
sgr
acedt
hePr
incessof
Zwel
ihl
e.Fat
hershal
lhav
eMl
i
locl
awy
out
o
deat
h.
Me:Shal
lyoutel
ltheKi
ng,Nt
ando?Donot
br
other
,Ibegofyou(hel
ookedatmeforl
ong)
Ntando:
Ishallnotshamemyownsi st
erl
ike
that
.YouPr i
ncehavetodori
ghtbythePr
incess
orIshal
lletourFat
herhav
eknowledgeofthi
s.
Nt
sika:
Ishal
l
,youhav
emyf
ull
promi
se.
Ntando:Come,Ndoni
letusgot
otheRoyal
Housebeforet
heywake.LookMbal
eki
tri
edto
wakey o,
shehasdamagedthedoor
.
Me:
Myt
hankst
oyoubot
h. 
Nt
sika:
Gowel
l
.(Il
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed)
.
Wehur r
iedandmadeourwaybackt otheroy
al
house.Howblessedam Itohav eayoung
maturebrot
her.Wewal kedinandweheardthe
Kingspeakbehindus.Ifel
tli
kecol
lapsi
ngto
thefl
oor.
.
Fat
her
:Ntandoy
abant
u,wheredoyouboth
comefr
om?( webowedourheadsi
ngreet
ing)
Ntando:Father
,Igotafr
aidl
astni
ghtaft
ermy
sl
umbergoti nt
errupt
edbyabaddr eam.Iasked
Ndonitopleasesleepwit
hmei nmychamber .
Fat
her:Butyoudonotcomefr
om t
hedi r
ecti
on
ofyourchamber.(
hel
ookedatusi
ntensely
)
Me:
Fat
her
,Ihav
etol
ety
ouknowof
..
.
Ntando:Wecomef r
om thefoodchamber,
Father
.Wegothungryandwecomef r
om there.
Wehopedt oret
urntoourchamberbefor
eall
see.Ourapol
ogi
es,myKi ng(hecutmeshort)
Father:
Youneedt oapologi
seforgi
vingy
our
bell
ieswhatitwants.Al
lint
hishouseisy
our
s
too(helaughedsoftl
y)
Me:Ourthanks,Father
.Weshal
lnowgotoour
chambertoprepareforthemor
ningf
east
. 
Fat
her
:Shal
lyoueatagai
n?(
hel
aughed)
Ntando:Ishal
l
,aPr
incehast
oeatt
obest
rong
(
wel aughed)
Fat
her
:Youmaygo,
mychi
l
dren.Ishal
lnotbe
att
hemorni
ngf
east
. 
Me:
Gowel
l
,Fat
her
.
Father:
Notbef or
eIwishmydaught eronher
specialday
.Youar enowamat uremai den,
Ndoniyamanzi.Myheartfeel
sjoythaty ou
standbeforeme.Shally
ourFatherpleaseget
anembr ace?
Me:
Yes,
Fat
her(
Ismi
l
edandembr
acedhi
m)
Father
:Nt
andot
akeyoursi
sterbeforeher
chambert
oensur
esheenterssafely
.
Nt
ando:
Ishal
l
,myKi
ng.(
theyshookhands)
.
WepartedwayswiththeKingashemadehi s
wayoutoftheRoyalHome.Ntandowi shedme
onmyspecialday
.Ifeltt
rul
yspeci
al.Hewalked
metomychamber .
.
Me:
Ntando,
myt
hanksf
oral
lyouhav
edone.
Ntando:Itshal
lpai
nmet oseeyouintr
oubl
e,
Ndoni.ThatPri
ncemustdor i
ghtbyyouorev
en
Ishal
lholdangerforhi
m.
Me:
Heshall
,brot
her
.Nowgoandgetr
eadyf
or
t
hemor
ningfeast
.Il
oveyou.
Nt
ando:
AndIy
ou,
Pri
ncessofZwel
i
hle.
 
.
Hel eftmychamberandIdonotbel i
evehow
l
uckhasf avouredme.Ist il
lfeltsi
ckli
kebef
ore
thef east.Iwonderwhent hener vesshal
ll
eave
mybody .Igotreadytomeett hefamil
yandgot
dressed.If eltdizzyandcollapsed.Icoul
dfeel
Mbal eki l
icki
ngmyf oreheadasIl ai
dther
ebutI
fel
lasl eep.Ihear davoicecal lmynameandi t
i
sNcedi 's.
.
Ncedi
:Pr
incessNdoni
,wakeup!(
shesl
apped
mycheekl
i
ght
ly)
Me:
Idonotf
eel
wel
l
,Ncedi
.(Imanagedt
osay
)
Ncedi
:ComeIshal
lhel
pyouony
ourbed.(
she
hel
pedmeup)
Queen:
Ncedi
,whatist
aki
ngy
ousol
ongt
ocal
l
Ndoni(
shewal
kedin)
Ncedi
:Ifoundheronherchamberf
loor
,My
Queen.Sheisnotwel
l.
Queen:
Myblossom,whati
sthemat
ter
?(she
fel
tmyfacewi
thherhand)
Me: Iam betternow,myQueen.Ij
ustneedto
eat.Ifel
tsickanddizzy(
sheandNcedi l
ooked
ateachot her)
Queen:Shal
lIhav
eyourf
oodbeboughtt
oyour
chamber?
Me:
Ishall
eatwiththefamil
y,myQueen.Donot
f
ear
,Ishal
lnotcol
lapseagai
n.
.
TheQueenandNcedi helpedmegetf ul
ly
dressed.Ifeltmuchbet t
ernow, itmustbet he
nerves.Mot herlookedl ikeshei snother self
andi tworri
edme.Wej oinedt hef amil
yforthe
mor ningfeastandt heyandsomeoft hehelpers
sangsongsofcel ebrati
onf orme.Ourguest s
whohav eremai nedshal l alsobeget ti
ngaf east.
Ntandonowal sohadt obedi shonestt othe
Kingbecauseofme.Ishal ltelltheQueent ot el
l
fatherthetruth.Wesatandweenj oy
edour
meal .Ishallnotgot oNtsi kaatsunset ,i
tistoo
danger ous.Iffatherhadbeent heonewho
caughtus, Nt si
kawoul dbenol ongeroft hi
slife
andIcannotr i
skbei ngthecauseofhi m
meet inghisend.
.
.
#Queen 
Nobu
ThePri
ncesshascoll
apsedandshef
eelssi
ck.I
shal
lhavetoaskheri
fshehasgonetoher
womanl ymonthl
ycycl
e.Shei
snol ongerpure
soshemi ghtbenat
uri
nganUmhl abaheir.Has
Shibaall
owedNdonitomeetthi
sdestinyto
bri
ngpeacebetweenXoloandXhanti?Ihaveto
actquickl
ytobri
ngpeacetot
hisfeud.Ihad
Ndoniwalkwithme.
.
Me:Ndoni
Ihav
etoasky
ousomet
hing,
my
bl
ossom?
Ndoni
:Youmayask,
mot
her
.
Me:Hav
eyougonetoyourwomanl
ycy
cle?(
she
di
dnotl
ookal
armed)
Ndoni
:No,motherbutdonotfear.Ihavenev
er
hadanormalcycl
e.Idonotgetitallt
hemonths.
Me:
Havey oufel
tot
hersi
cknessbesi
dey
ou
f
eel
i
ngdizzy?
Ndoni:
NoIhavenot,myQueen.Whatseemst
o
bethematt
er?Ismenotget
tingmywomanly
cycl
enormal
lynotgood?
Me: Donotf
ear
,mybl ossom.Yout
akeafterme
becauseIwasl
ikethatasayoungmaidentoo
(shesmil
edinr
eli
ef)
Ndoni:
Itseemsmor
eisony
ourt
hought
s.What
i
sit,
myQueen?
Me: WhatMbalekididtoNandeatthe
welcominghasbeeni nmythoughtsforl
ong
now.Sheshallnotattacki
fshedidnotfeely
ou
areinharm.Ndoni,whathashappened?(she
l
ookedaway )
Ndoni
:Not
hing,
mot
her
.
Me:ThenlooktheQueenintheey
es,
dear
Pr
incess.Ishal
lseei
fyouspeakt
hetr
uth.(
she
l
ookedatme)
Ndoni:Ihav
enotbeenhonestwit
hyou,my
Queen.Myapologi
es.(
shestar
tedtocr
y)
Me:Ihol
dnoangerforyoubutIwantyoutot
ell
mewhathappenedatonce.WhathasNande
donetoyouwhi
leyouwereinherhouse?
Ndoni:Shehadmet akenbyherguards.Shedi
d
notl
ikethatNt
sikaandIf eel
lovef
oreachother.
Theytookmet othefi
eld.(If
eltmyangerri
se)
Me:
Hav
ethosesav
ageshur
tyou?
Ndoni:No,t
hemangav ememercyandletme
r
unaway .Savagesalmosthadmeastheirsi
n
t
hewoods, Mother.ThatwaswhenShi
bal et
Mbalekii
nmyl i
fe(shecri
ed)
Me:Myapol
ogiest
hatyouhadt
ofeel
somuch
pai
n,mybl
ossom.(Iembr
acedher
)
Ndoni
:Shi
bahasbeenwi
thmeal
lthet
ime.Iam
f
inenow.
Me:
Whyhav
eyounotspokent
omeaboutt
his?
Ndoni:
Ifear
edthaty
ouwoul
dcar
ryhat
einy
our
hear
t,myQueen.
Me:If
eel
angeri
nmyheart
.Whati
nst
ruct
ions
di
dNandegi
vetheguar
ds?
Ndoni
:Toburnmeali
veorf
eedmetowil
d
ani
mals.Theguar
dsai
dhewoul
dburnan
ani
mal andpr
esenti
t'
sashesbef
oreheras
mine.
Me: Nowondershecollapsed,sheknowsy ou
tobedead.Shedidnotev enfeelgui
ltaf
terthe
fakeasheswasgiventoher .Nowonder
Mbalekiwasaggressi
vet owardsher
.Your
companionfel
therevi
lt owardsyou.
 
Ndoni :
Mot herIaskofyout onothateNt
sika
fortheevil
sofhi smother.Heistrul
yki
ndand
nothingli
kehisparents.
Me:Ishal
lnothol
dhateforhi
mfort
hesi
nsof
hi
sparent
s,donotfear
.
Ndoni:IknowthatNandedeservesal
lthat
comet oherbutIdonotwanty outohaveher
fi
lt
hybloodony ourhands.Fat
eshall
dealwit
h
her,mother.
Me:Shedoesnotdeser
vey
ourmer
cybutIshal
l
doasyouask.
Ndoni
:Youpr
omi
se?(
Iki
ssedhercheek)
Me:
Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
.
Iheldherhandandwewal kedon.Iwonder
whatel sehappenedt omyNdoni i
nthatev i
l
place.Ishal
ltrulynotpunishthePr i
ncef orthe
evil
sofhi sparents.NdoniandIwal kedt ogreet
ourotherguest sbutsomehav eleftwiththe
King.Idonotknowi fNdoniisnat uri
ngababy
i
nherwombornotbutIshal lmakesur et hat
mybl ossom fi
ndshappi ness.Ev enifhaveto
forcefatetofavourinherhappi ness. 
.
.
#QueenNande
Istil
lcannotbel i
evethatthewhoreisactual
lya
Princess.Icannottellherfat
herthatsheisa
disgracesPrincessbecauseitmightbemyson
whohasshamedher .Theyshallmakesur ehi
s
bloodspill
sont hissoil
.Ihavetomakesur e
thattheydonotmeetorheshallhearofwhatI
did.Therewasadesper
ateknockonmydoor
andIgav eper
missi
ontoenter
.ItisNtsi
ka.
.
Me:Ntsi
ka,
Ithi
nkwemustheadbackt
oour
Ki
ngdom.
Ntsi
ka:Whatarey
ourunni
ngfr
om,Mot
her?Are
younottheonewhowantedt
ocomehereso
desper
atel
y?
Me:Ihavefal
l
enil
l.Youhav
eseenhowmybody
metwiththef
loor
.
Nt
sika:
Youlookedl
ikey
ouhavesawaghost
.
Whatseemstobethematt
er?
Me:
Donotbesil
l
y,myPr
ince.Iwasj
ustnotf
ell
,
i
tmustbet
heheat.
Nt
sika:Iknowwhaty
ouhav
edone!(
her
aised
hi
svoice)
Me:
Ihol
dnoknowl
edgeofwhaty
ouspeakof
.
Ntsi
ka:
YouhadManqhobakil
lNdonibutyour
pl
antodosofai
l
ed.Youdaredtohav
et he
womanmyheartchosenbeki
ll
ed.
Me:Shewasnotgoodf
oryouNtsi
ka.Ihadno
knowl
edgeofwhoshet
rul
yis.
Ntsika:
Ihateyoumother.Ifeelsomuchhat e
foryouandIwishIhadnotcomef rom your
cursedwomb!Idonothav er ealpowert o
punishyouyetbutyoumar kmywor ds.OnceI
am KingIshal
lmakey ourli
fehell.Ishallst
ri
p
youofallt
heroyalbenefi
tsandy oushal lsuff
er
asy ouhavemademyNdoni suffer.(heis
furi
ous)
Me:Ibegforyourf
orgi
veness,Ntsi
ka.Iwas
doi
ngitf
ory ouandofourKingdom.Ishall
do
any
thi
ng.
Ntsi
ka:HowIwishthatcheet
ahtoreyouapart
.
I
twouldhavebeenadel i
ghtt
owatch.Ishal
l
makeNdonimyf ut
ureQueenandy oushal
l
wi
shy ouhadbeenkind.Youareanevil
woman.
Youaccuseothersofbei
ngwi
tchesbutyouar
e
thetruewi
tch.Icur
seyoumot
her(Ist
art
edto
cry)
Me:
Ntsi
ka,
pleasef
indki
ndnessi
nyourhear
t.
Ntsi
ka:Myheartisfi
l
ledwi t
hkindnessbutyou
shal
lnevergetanyofitagai
n.Youar edeadin
myey es.
.
Hel ef ti
nahur r
yandIcr ied.Iwasonl ydoing
thisf orhim.Manqhobashal ldi
efornotdoi ng
hisjob.NowIhav easonwhocar r
ieshat einhis
hear tforme.Iwant edt i
estoZwel i
hlebutIshall
hav et otryandstopt hem becausetheygi r
l
shal lnotmaket hi
ngseasy .Ilef
tforthe
celebr at
ionsbutaf t
eriti
sdoneIshal lleavethi
s
soil.IsatbesideNt si
kabuthemov edaway
from me.Icoul dseehowheandt hismai den
l
ookedateachot herandIf el
tnauseous.I
wai tedunt i
lshestoodaloneandIappr oached
toaskf orfakeforgi
veness.Thisbeastl ookat
meandscr
atchedmydr
ess.
.
Ndoni
:Cal
m Mbal
eki
,whatdoy
ouwantf
rom
me? 
Me:
Dohav
ethebeastl
eav
eus,
Ibegofy
ou.
Ndoni:
Sheshall
notev
eni
fIbegher
.Shef
eel
s
yourevi
lsoul
.
Me:Ihavecomet
oaskf
orf
orgi
veness,
dear
Pr
incess.
Ndoni:Ishall
notacceptforgi
venessthatisf
ull
ofdeceit
.Iknowt hatyouarebeforeme
becauseNt si
kaknowsofy ourevil
sandy ou
wishformet osoftenhisheart
.Ishal
lnot
acceptyourforgi
veness.
Nobu:Ndoni
,i
sal
lfi
nebl
ossom (
shewal
ked
behi
ndNdoni)
.
Me:Ihavecomet obegforfor
giv
enessfr
om
thePr
incess.Ihavebeenunki
ndtoherwhen
shewasaser vanti
nmyhouse. 
Ndoni:
Ishal
lnothavetheKingkil
lyoubecause
Idonotwantthesoi
lofmypeopl etobecursed
byyourbl
ood.Idonotacceptyourapol
ogy.
Mayfatedotoyouasyoudeser v
e.
Me:
Ibegofy
ou.
 
.
Theyl eftmest andingandIwal kedf orwar dt o
touchherandbegmor eandt hebeasthadi t's
clawsi nthefleshofmyar m bef oreIknewi t.
Thepai nmademescr eam andi tlookedl ikeit
want edt oki
llme.Nobubel ehadr oy al
caretakerstakecar eofme.Il ookedatNt sika
andhespoket ootherguest sdel i
ght f
ullyasi f
hismot herhadnotj ustbeeninjured.Iwas
takent omyr esti
ngchamberandf eltal otof
pain.Theyshal lregretthi
sandIshal lhav et hat
beastki l
ledandmakeamatf rom i t
'sski n.
Hour swentandIhear dassongswer esang
andIwi shIhadnothonour edthisi nvitation.I
wasr estinginmychamberwhenIf eltst rong
handsar oundmymout h.Itri
edtocalloutf
or
Ntsi
kabutIf ail
ed.Iwast i
edandputi na
carr
iage.Afterawhi l
eitstood.Iwal
kedwi t
hmy
capturesinfear.Whenwest oppedIsawQueen
Nobuwi thtwobi ggerbeasts.
.
Nobu:
Myt
hanksf
orbr
ingi
nghert
ome,
guar
ds.
Me:MyQueen, Ibegofyounott
ohav
eme
ki
l
led.IknowIhavecaus..
.
Nobu:
Keepqui
et(
shecutmeshor
tgr
acef
ull
y)
Guar
d:Woul
dyoul
i
kef
orust
otakecar
eofher
,
myQueen?
Nobu:Notnow,Ishal
ll
etyouknowwhen.
QueenNande!Areyouevenwort
hyoft
hatti
tl
e?
Me:
Pleasedonotki
l
lme(
Icr
ied)
Nobu:Iam awomanofki ndness,
Nandebut
youhavedonesomet hi
ngthathasangeredme.
Youdaredtohaveharm comet ot
hePrincess
ofZweli
hle.(
shewalkedtome)
Me:
Ihadnoknowl
e..
.
Guard:
Donotspeakwhent
heQueeni
s
speaki
ng!
Nobu: Youseey ouar enowont hesoi lof
Zwelihl
e.Ishalldot oyouasy ouhavedonet o
mydaught er.Youor deredyourguardt ofeed
hertowi l
dani mals.Ihavecomewi thMl il
oand
Mqhobi andt heyarenotl i
keMbaleki.Theyshall
domor ethenj ustscratchyou.Theyshal l
bite
yourneckunt ily
ounol ongerhavepul se.(I
star
tedtoshake)
Me:
Ibegofy
ou,
myQueen.
Nobu:Surel
ymyNdoni hasbeggedforherli
fe
al
so.Ishallhowevernothavetheour
companionsdirtyt
heircl
awswi t
hyourrot
ten
fl
esh.Guardbringmet heoi
l.(
hecamewi tha
bucket
)
Me:
OhIbegf
ormer
cy,
myQueen.
 
.
Shedidnotli
stenandhadtheguardsthr
owtwo
bucket
sofoilonmybody .Icr
iedsomuchthatI
wetmy sel
foutoffear
.Sheli
tafir
elampsand
hel
ditcloset
ome.Ibeggedf ormylif
e.
.
Nobu: Youhav etur
nedmeintoanangered
woman, Nande.Idonotknowabouty oubut
whenmychi l
drenareharmedIam become
mor edeadlythentheset
wobeastscombined.
(sheheldthetorchabovemyheadandI
screamed)
Me:
Ibegofy
ou,
Ishal
ldoany
thi
ngy
ousay
.
Nobu:Rightnowall
Iwishi
stoletyoumeett
he
samefatethatyouhav
ewishedformy
daught
er.Ishal
lhavey
ourashessentt
oyour
devi
lson. 
Me:
Hav
emer
cy,
QueenNobul
ele.Ibegofy
ou.
.
Shest
il
lhadt
hef
ir
etor
chhel
dfi
rml
yov
ermy
head.Icouldfeelit'
sheatsomuchbecausemy
bodyiscov er
edinoi l.Ii
mmedi at
elyfeltregr
et
forwhatIhaddonet ot heyoungmaiden.Ihav e
wishedsuchev ilforherbutnowIam t heone
feel
ingit
.Ibeggedt heQueenofZwel ihleto
showmer cybutherey esweredark,clearlyful
l
ofangerandhat e.Myent i
rebodyshiveredin
fear
.Fatehast urnedt hetabl
esandmyhear ti
s
ful
lofregretfort
heev il
sIhavedone.Nt sika
doesnotcar ewhatbecomesofme.Icl osedmy
eyesasIgotr eadyt omeetmypai nful end!
#NOSI
[
03/01,
20:32]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t20
.
#Queen 
Nobu
Theangert
hatt
hiswomanawakensi
nmehas
mademet ur
nintoapersonIdonotknow.I
wat
chedherscream andbegforherl
i
feandI
i
maginedhowNdoni suf
fer
edbecauseofher
. 
.
Nande:Ibegforki
ndness,
myQueen.I'mfi
ll
ed
wit
hregretf
orwhatIputyourdaught
erthr
ough.
Me:Whyshoul
dIspar
ethel
i
feofawi
cket
woman?
Nande:
BecauseIshal
lal
l
owourchil
drento
wedasthei
rhear
tshavebeenl
ongi
ngt o.
Me:Theydonotneedyourusel
esspermissi
on.
Ndonii
snolongeraser
vantinyourf
il
thy
house.
 
Nande:
Thent el
lmewhatt odo,t
ohavey ou
showmeki ndness.Ishal
ldoany
thi
ng,youhave
mypromise.Justdonotburnme.(shecri
ed)
Me:Ihavesomethi
ngt
hatyoucandoforme.I
f
youdarebet
raymeNandeIshal
lki
ll
you. 
Nande:
Ishal
lnot
.Ishal
ldoasy
ouwi
shf
orme
t
odo.
Me: Iwantyoutogotoyourcowardofa
husbandandhav ehi
m comehereandbow
beforetheKingofZwel
ihl
e.Iwanthi
mtobeg
forforgi
veness.
Nande:WhatsinhasmyKi
ngcausedagai
nst
yourhusband?
Me:Donotpl
aythefool
!Justgotoy
ourKi
ng
andpur
suedhi
mt ocomeher e.
Nande:HowdoIknowt
hatyoushal
lnothave
usbothki
ll
edwhenwesetf
ootonyoursoi
l?
Me:Ishal
lnotbuti
fy oudonotdoasIor der
,I
shal
lcomeforyou.Iaffor
dr esour
cesthatall
ow
metogettoyouev enwheny ouar
ehiding
behi
ndthedoorofy ourhouse.
Nande:Ishal
ldoasy ousay.Ishal
lper
suade
theKi
ngofUmhl abaOchumi l
eyotocomet o
Zweli
hleandapologi
seforhiswrongdoings.I
knowthepowery ourKi
ngdom holdssoIshall
notdar
ebet
rayy
ou.
Me: MyNdoni shall
wedy oursonandshal
lli
ve
i
ny ourhouse.I fyoumakemydaught ercr
y
evenifi
t'
sj ustonce,Ishall
comef ory
ouand
yourbeggingshal lf
all
ondeafears.
Nande:Ishal
lbeki
ndt
othePr
incessof
Zweli
hle.
 
Me:Unt i
eher,
Youar etoleav
etoyourKingdom
atonce.Ify
ouf ai
li
ny ourdut
yIshal
lfai
lto
showy oumercynextt i
me.
Nande:Hel i
stenst
omyadv i
ce.TheKingshall
come, y
ouhav emypromise.Ntsi
kaandIshall
l
eaveatonceandheshal lal
sogoandbeghi s
fat
her.Surelyt
hePri
ncesshastol
dhimt hathi
s
fat
herwr ongedher
s.
Me:Ishal
lbeexpect
ingyou.Iam onlyshowing
youmercybecausemyNdoni lov
esy ourson.
Donotbetr
aymeNande.Youdonotwi shto
knowthewrathZwel
ihl
ebringstoit
'senemies.
Nande:Ishal
lbeaf
ool
tobet
rayt
heQueenof
Zweli
hle.
.
Theyunt iedherandIcoul dseet hatshei sreally
scared.Iknowt hatIshal lneverbecapabl eof
kil
l
ingherbutIcannotl etherknowt hat.Ihav e
madeapr omiset oNdoni tonothav eherkil
led.
Mybl ossom i sright,fateshallsurelydeal with
her.Butifshebet raysmeIshal lnotbet heki nd
womanI '
m knownt obe.Xhant ijusthast o
apologiset otheKi ngofZwel i
hle.IknowXol o,
heshal lwelcomet heapol ogyifitist r
ue.His
heartissof tbutitishi ddenbyhi st ough
exteri
or.Iletmyguar dstakeNandebackt ot he
royalgrounds.Igoti ntothecar r
iagewi ththe
twobeaut i
fulbeast sandr odeon.Ihear dsongs
ofcelebrat i
onsanddr umsstil
lgoingasI
approached.Igotof fandIwentt owher emy
Ndoni i
s.Shei ssi tti
ngwi thotherr oyalmaidens
andlaughi ngsomuch.Mybeaut if
ul daughter!
HowIwi sht ohearherl aughallherday s.I
approachedandt
heyal
lbowedt
hei
rheadsi
n
greeti
ng.
.
Me:
Mybl
ossom,
mayIspeakt
oyou?
 
Ndoni
:Youneednotask,
myQueen.Myladi
es,
pl
easemayIbeexcused(theysmi
l
ed,
nodded
andwelef
tthem)
Me:Iseeyouhavemadef
ri
ends.Thati
str
uly
l
ovel
y.(shesmi
led)
Ndoni:
Theyareall
sokind,Mot
her.Thr
eeof
t
hem aretomeetthei
rgroomssoon.Theyar
e
t
err
ifi
ed(Il
aughedsoft
ly)
Me:Theyneednott
ofeari
fthei
rKi
ngshas
f
oundthem goodKi
ngdomstowedto.
Ndoni
:Muchli
keZi
nzi
,shei
sluckyt
obeabr
ide
ofZwel
ihl
e.
Me:Shetr
ulyi
sagoodmai
denandshall
make
agoodQueensomeday
.Aswi
ll
you.(she
bl
ushed)
Ndoni:Iwi
shitcouldbethatway
.Ihav
ebeen
l
ookingforyouall
ov er
.
Me:
Ihavecomewi
thsomepr
omi
singnews(
I
smi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:Hasmyf
ather
'shear
tsof
tened?
Me:Yourf
ather
'shearti
salwayssof
t,i
tisj
ust
har
dwhenitcomest oXhanti
.
Ndoni
:Thenwhatpr
omi
singnewsdoy
ouspeak
of
,myQueen?
Me:Imi
ghthav
efoundawayf
orXhant
ito
apol
ogi
se.
Ndoni:Haveyousentforhimtobebr
oughtt
o
Zweli
hlebyforce?(
Ilaughed)
Me: Thatshal
lonlymakethi
ngsworse.Ihav
e
orderedNandetogopursuedherhusbandto
begf orf
orgi
veness.
Ndoni
:Howhav
eyoumanagedt
odot
hat
? 
Me:
Iti
sofnomat
terr
ightnowbutIbel
i
eveshe
shal
ldoasIsay
.
Ndoni
:Sheisasnake,
myQueen.Howcany
ou
t
rustasnake?
Me:Evenasnakeknowswhentosur
renderat
t
imes.Sheknowswhatwil
lcometoherifshe
f
ail
s.
Ndoni
:MyQueen,
Idonotwantyout
otur
ninto
anunki
ndwomanbecauseoft
hatwoman.She
i
sofnowort
h.
Me:Donotf ear
,Ndoni.Ishal
lneverhavemy
hear
tturnedtostonebecauseofher.Iam a
QueenandIwantt oremainatrueone.Ishal
l
sendforsomeonet ocally
ourPri
nce.
Ndoni
:Whyi
fImayask?
Me:Iwouldl
iketooff
ici
all
ymeethim andleav
e
youtosaygoodbyeunti
lheret
urnsagain.
Ndoni
:Iunder
stand,
mot
her
.
.
Iembr acedherandIhopedt hatIdonotr eekof
smoke.Il ovemyl it
tleblossom.Shewast he
blessingIgotont hisdayei ghteeny ear
sago.I
wasf i
lledwithjoywhenIf oundt hatsheisa
mai den.I t
'sapitythatwegotr obbedoft hej oys
ofbui ldingabondbutIf eellikeopeningmy
hear tandbei ngunder st
andi ngmakeshert r
ust
meandi thascreatedabondt hatIshallnev er
al
lowt obebr okenagai n.Iwentt oamessenger
andhadherl ovesummonedt omeatonce
befor ehel eavesthissoil.
.
.
#Ndoni
TheQueenhasputhert rusti
nNandeandi t
bri
ngsfeart
omyhear t.Nandehasal waystr
ied
tokeepmeawayf r
om herson.Whyshal l
she
changeherheartnow?Ihopet heQueenhas
notdonesomet hi
ngthatgoesagainstthe
val
uesshebelievesi
nforme.Ont heotherside
Ifel
thappythatsheshal
lmeetNtsi
ka.Thetwo
ofusstoodandwai t
edforaguar
dt obri
ng
Ntsi
ka.TheywalkedinandIcoul
dseehedid
notexpectt
omeetmeandmymot her.
 
.
Nt
sika:
Yourhi
ghness(
hebowedhi
shead)
Mother
:Greet
ings,
Pri
nceNt
sika.Idohopey
ou
donotmindmemeet i
ngyouheretoo.
Ntsi
ka:HowcanImi
ndsuchabeaut
if
ulhonour
?
(
mot hersmi
l
ed)
Mother:Ihav
eheardmuchaboutyou,dear
Pr
ince.Iwantedt
oseeifyouar
eindeedthe
manmydaught erseesy
outobe.
Ntsi
ka:Myt hanksformeetingwi thme, my
Queen.All
owmet ofir
stl
yapol ogiseforal
lthat
yourdaughterhasbeenthroughundermy
fat
her'
sroof.Ihel
dnoknowl edgeofmy
mother'
splantohav eherkil
led.IfIhadIwoul d
havestoppedit.
Mot her:
Ishallneverputthebur densofy our
parentssinsony ourshoulder.Ihav eheard
from Ndoni howy ouhavetreatedherwi th
kindnesst heminut ef
atebroughty outwo
together.Iwouldliketogi
vey oumyt hanks,
youngPr ince.
Ntsi
ka:I
twasall
anhonour
,myQueen.Ndoniis
abeauti
ful
,ki
ndmai
den.Myheartchosehert
he
secondmyeyesmetwit
hhers.
 
Mot her:Youarealsoresponsi
bleforher
disgrace.Ndoniexplai
nedtomewhyshe
urgentlywishedtodoitbutitst
il
ldoesnott
ake
awayt hefactthatiti
syouwhohadheras
yoursandy ouneedtodor i
ghtbyher.
Ntsi
ka:Ihavef
ulli
ntent
ionst
owedher ,my
Queen.Idonotwantshamet ocomet oher.
Al
lowmet omakehermybr i
de,Ibegofyou.
Mother:Ibel
ieveshehastoldyouabouty
our
f
ather'
sbetrayal
?(helookeddowninshame)
Nt
sika:
Ist
andshamedt
obecal
l
edt
hei
rsonat
thi
smoment.Ishallgobackt omyfatherand
askifhi
mtosendhisapol ogi
es.Heisnotabad
manbuthehasdoneabaddeedandIbel iev
e
heshall
agr
eetocor recti
t.Il
oveyourdaughter
,
QueenNobubel
e.(Ismi l
edandlookeddown)
Mot her:Andshel ov
esyoubutf at
ehasput
beforeyouchal l
enges.Weshallall
havetouni
te
tomakey ourlovestopbecomingshameful
.I
donotl i
ket hatmydaughteri
sasecr et
.Sheis
thePr i
ncessofapower fulKi
ngdom andshe
deserveshonour .
Ntsi
ka:
AndIshal
lgi
vehert
hathonour
.Igi
ve
youmypromi
se.
Mother:
Ishal
lbel
eavi
ngyoutobi
dfar
ewel
l
.An
honouri
twastomeetyou,
Ntsi
ka.(
shesmi
l
ed)
Nt
sika:
Thehonourhasbeenmi
ne,
myQueen.
 
Mother:
Youshal
lgowell
.Ishal
lhavet
he
hel
perspackf
oodfory
ouandy ourmother
.
Nt
sika:
Ourt
hanks,
myQueen.Thecel
ebr
ati
ons
wer
eindeedbeaut
if
ul.(
shesmi
l
edandnodded)
Mother
:Hetr
ulyi
skind,
eyesdonotli
e.Donot
st
aylong,
myblossom (
shewhi
speredinmyear)
Me:
Ishal
lnot
,mot
her
.
.
Sheembr acedmeandleftus.Webothlooked
asshegr acef
ull
ywal
kedout.Iam sohappy
thatsheli
keshim.Welookedateachotherand
smiled.
.
Nt
sika:
Yourmot
heri
ski
nd(
hewhi
sper
ed)
Me:Whyarey
ouspeaki
ngsof
tl
y?(
webot
h
l
aughed)
Ntsi
ka:
Idonotknow.Igoty
ousomet
hingf
rom
t
hemar ket
.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Ntsi
ka:
Thisbeadedneckl
ace,
Ithoughtofy
ou
whenIsawit
.Doy ouli
kei
t?
Me:Ido,
myPr
ince.I
tisat
ruebeaut
y,my
t
hanks.
Nt
sika:
Shal
lIputi
tar
oundy
ourneck?(
Ismi
l
ed)
Me: Yes,
please(
heputi
tonandki
ssedmy
neck)
Nt
sika:
Ilov
ey ourscentsomuch,young
mai
den.(Il
aughedsoftl
yandblushed)
Me:
Iti
sjustl
avenderbut
ter(
hesmi
l
ed)
Nt
sika:
Howhav
eyoubeen?
Me:
Iwasi
l
latsunr
isebef
oret
hemor
ningf
east
.
Nt
sika:
Howdi
dyouf
eel
? 
Me:Justi
ll
anddizzy
.Ial
socol
l
apsedt
othe
f
loor(
helookedworr
ied)
Nt
sika:
Whyhav
eyounotcomet
ome?
Me:Icannotj
ustcomet
oyouNt
sika.Iam f
ine
now.
Ntsi
ka:Itpai
nsmetol
eaveyouonceagain.I
'
ve
beenlongingf
ory
ouforsol
ong.(
hekissedmy
f
orehead)
Me:Maybesoonweshall
nolongerbefor
cedt
o
beapar
t.Iwanttobey
ourwi
fe,Ntsi
kaandgi
ve
youmanybabies.
Ntsika:Beauti
fulbabi
esandIshal
lbehonour
ed
t
ohav etoasmywi f
e.Hopef
ull
yfat
eshall
f
av ourusev enifi
t'
sjustsowecanwed.
Me:If
eargoi
ngbacktoyourKi
ngdom.Myl
ast
st
aywasthatofpai
nandsorr
ow.
Ntsi
ka:Youshallbemywi fe,
Ndoni.Thef utur
e
QueenandaPr incessofZwel i
hle.Nonofmy
fami
lyshall
darer i
skawarwi t
hZwel i
hle.Igiv
e
youmypr omise.Ishall
bet hereever
ytimeand
mymot hershallnotbotheryou. 
Me:If
eelsaf
einy
ourar
m,War
ri
or(
hesmi
l
edi
n
del
i
ght)
Ntsi
ka:Asyoushoul
d,y
oungmai
den.(
we
embraced)
Me:
IsZi
phost
il
lwel
l
?
Ntsi
ka:
Sheiswel
landi
nlov
e.SheandBantu
havepr
omisedt
owedeachother
.(webot
h
smil
ed)
Me:Hefi
nall
yopenedhi
shear
tforhert
oent
er.
Shehasbeenyear
ningf
ori
tsomuch.
Ntsika:Ienvyt hem abit
.Noonest andsagainst
theiruni
onbecauset heyar
ejustordinar
y.They
shallwedf orloveandnottostrengthenan
all
iancebet weenKingdoms.
Me:Weshallwedf
orloveandtost
rengt
henan
al
l
iancebet
weenourKingdoms.
 
Nt
sika:
Iwi
shIdi
dnothav
etogo.
 
Me:Ineedt
ogoback,
myPri
nce.I
fBukhosi
shoul
dseeust
her
eshall
bet
roubl
e. 
Nt
sika:
Ishal
lseey
ousoon.
Me:
Gowel
l
.
Ntsi
ka:Onl
yyourki
ssshal
lmakemegowel
l(I
l
aughed)
.
Hekissedmeandt hefeeli
ngofhi sbi gwarm
handsonmywai stfel
tgood.Thi smanknows
j
usthowt ohav emybodyr eact .Ididnotwant
himtost opbutIknewIhadt oforbot hour
sakes.Weembr acedforal ongt imeandIl eft
him.Ilookedbackandf oundhi m st ari
ngwi tha
smileonhi sface.Iwavedandsmi led.Happy
thatIhaveseenhi m butalsosadt ol eavehim.
HowIwi shf atecouldsmi l
eonus.HowIwi sh
Shibaseeshi mi nmydest i
nyf oral lmyday st o
come.Iwentbackt oenjoyt hecel ebrati
ons.
.
.
MEANWHI
LEI
NUMHLABAOCHUMI
LEYO!
#Li
zwi
Whatafool t
heKingis!Hedoesnotr eali
sethat
hehasgiv
enmet heperfectchancetodestr
oy
hi
m.Ishallnotr
estuntilIsi
tont heseatof
power.Heshallr
egretundermini
ngme.Once
I'
vedeal
twithhim Ishal
ldealwit
hhisgol
den
seed,Ntsi
ka.Oneofmymostl oyalguar
ds
walkedinandbowed.
.
Me:
Hav
eyougotwhatIt
oldy
out
oget
?
Him:Ihavesucceeded,
myPr
ince.I
twasnot
easybutIhavegotit
.
Me:Youwoul
dhavepai
ddear
lyi
fyouhadnot
.
Gi
veitt
ome!(hegav
emeapackage)
Hi
m: Youshal
lputiti
nthev i
cti
m'sdri
nk,
My
Pr
ince.I
tiswi
thoutscentandcolour
.
Me: I
fyoutel
lany
oneaboutthi
s.Ishal
lhav
e
youfedtowil
danimal
swhileyourfamil
y
watches.
Hi
m:Ishal
lnotbet
rayy
ou.
 
Me:I
sitasl
owpoi son?Idonotwanthimtodi
e
ont
hespotbecausetheyshal
lsuspectme.
Hi
m:Itshallf
ir
stmakehi
m si
ckbef
oreki
l
li
ng
hi
m(Ismiled)
Me:
Good, nowgo.Hav
eJongi
l
eser
vemeand
t
heKing.
Hi
m:Ishal
lgoatonce.
.
Hest oodandr ushedout .Ilookedatt he
packageandsmi l
ed.Allshallthi
nkthatJongil
e
hasdonei t.IknowaboutherandFat herandI
shalll
etnoser vantmakeaf oolofmymot her.I
wentt otheeatingchamberandwai tedforthe
King.Het ooklongsoIor deredthefoodin.
Jongilecamei nhol di
ngt hedr i
nki
ngcups.She
l
eftandIputi nt hepoison.Itwasl i
tt
lesot he
Kingshallnotnot i
ce.Hef inall
yjoi
nedme.
.
Me:
Iwasstar
ti
ngt
othi
nkt
haty
oushal
lnotj
oin
me,
fat
her
.
Fat
her
:Iam t
oohungr
y.Whyi
sthef
oodnoton
t
het
abl
e?
Me: Theyhav
efi
rstcomewit
hdi
shesandcups.
I
'm surethef
oodshall
come.
Fat
her:
Ihopey
ourbr
otherandmot
herar
est
il
l
wel
l.
Me:Theyhav
egonet oacelebrat
ion,myKing
andnotabat
tlefi
eld.Iknowy oulongfort
he
companyofyourPrince.
Fat
her
:Ido,
hei sgoodatnegot
iat
ingbuty
ou
hav
ecomeal ongwaytoo.
Me:
ButIam notasgoodashi
m.(
Icl
enched
myj
aw)
Father
:Ishal
lnotsaywor
dst
hatar
enotonmy
mind.
.
Jongi
lecameinholdi
ngthegingerandpoured
i
tfortheKingandI
.Allt
heotherservantshav
e
seenthatshei
stheonewhohasser vedus.The
foodalsocameandwest ar
tedtofeast.I
watchedashetooksipsofhisdr
inkandIknew
thepoisonhasst
artedtomoveinhisbody.We
ateandf i
nal
l
yfi
nished.Wewereabouttoret
ir
e
toourchamberwhenhest ar
tedtocough.
.
Me:
Isal
lwel
l
,fat
her
?
Father
:Yes,
mypr
ince.I
'
m sur
eiti
sjustasi
l
ly
cough. 
Me:Gorest
,Fat
her
.Wecannothav
etheKi
ng
f
all
il
l.
Fat
her
:Unt
ilsunr
ise.
.
Hel ef
tmest i
llcoughi
ng.Iknewitwast het oxi
c
l
iquidIgavehim.SoonIshal l
deal wit
hNt sika.
Fathershal
lwishhehadf avouredmeoncehe
getstothewor l
dofourancestors.Hisgol den
seedshallsoonmeett hesamef ate.Ishallwait
unti
l t
hepoisonfeedsonhisbody .Ishallput
theempt ypackageinJongi'
schamberandshe
shall
takethefal
lforthepoisoningoft heKing.I
shall
avengemymot herforwhatt heyhav e
doneagainstherback.Ishallal
sobeast ep
cl
osertositt
ingonthethrown.Ki ngLizwi of
UmhlabaOchumi l
eyo!Ilovehowpower f
ul i
t
sounds!Isatinmychamberandl aughedi n
del
ight.
 
#NOSI
[
03/02,
11:47]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t21
.
#Queen 
Nande
Icannotbeli
evethatNobuleledaredtodothat
totheQueenofUmhl abaOchumi l
ey o.I
fshe
thi
nksthatIshal
lletgoandf or
getthensheisa
fool
!Burni
ngmewoul dhavebeeni nherbest
i
nterest
.Ichangedclothesandtookawetcl ot
h
wit
hwar m watertowi pethedisgusti
ngoilof
f
mybody .Therewasal oudknockont hedoor
andIfearedthatitmightbeNobu' sguards
onceagain.Istoodinsi l
encebutitkepton.
.
Nt
sika:
Nande,
openi
tismeNt
sika.
Me:
Ishallopeni
naminut
e.Iam noty
etpr
oper
(
Iwrappedaclot
har
oundmybody )
Ntsi
ka:Ishal
lspeakwhi
l
eIam st
andinghere,
it
i
sofnoneedf ormetoenter(
heshoutedandI
opened)
Me:Nt
sika,
Ishal
lnott
oler
atebei
ngcal
l
edby
myname. 
Ntsika:
Shall
IcallyouWitch?Ibel
iev
eiti
smore
f
it
tingforyouthenthetit
leofQueenorMother
.
(
Ilookedathimi nshock)
Me:TheKingshallhearoft
his!Youhaveil
l
t
reat
edmeal lthi
stimeandev enwatchedas
t
hatdir
tybeastscrat
chmyf l
esh.
Nt
sika:
Hav
eInott
oldy
out
haty
ouar
edeadt
o
me?
Me: Youcomefrom mywomb,Ntsika.Such
unki
ndnesstowardsyourownmotherandall
becauseofamai den?
Ntsi
ka:Ishal
lnotspeakabouttheevil
syou
havecausedNdoni becauseIshal
lnotbei
n
contr
oloftheangeritmightbri
ng.
 
Me:Howmanyti
mesmustIbegf
ory
our
f
orgi
veness?
 
Ntsika:
Donotwasteyourbreat
h,Nande.My
earsaredeaft
oyourplea.
 
Me: HaveyouanyideawhatIhavegone
through?Yourdearmaiden'smot
herhadme
capturedandpouredoilovermybody.I
fIhad
notbeggedformyl i
feshewouldhaveli
tmeup.
(Istar
tedtocry
)
Ntsi
ka:HowIwishshehadhonour
edmewith
aninvi
tat
iont
othat
.(hi
svoi
ceandeyeswer
e
col
d)
Me:
Ntsi
ka,
Ibegf
ory
ourf
orgi
veness.
Ntsika:YouandLizwiareofoneki nd.Hehas
al
way shidbehi
ndy ourski
rts.Nowonderhe
holdsacoldheartinhi
schest .Youhav epassed
ony ourevi
lcur
set ohi
m andi tissuchashame.
Youdonotdeser vetobecal l
edmot her.
 
Me:
Ibeg.
..
Ntsi
ka: Ihavemetwi ththeQueenofZwel ihle
andshei sofkindness.I fshehadacol dhear t
shewoul dhav ewat chedasy oubur nttoashes.
Sheiswar m andshedeser vestobecal l
ed
QueenandMot her.WhenIwedmyNdoni Ishall
feelt
hewar mt hofaMot herfrom mybr i
de's
mother!MyNdoni takestheki ndnessi fher
motherandt hef utureofUmhl abaOchumi leyo
l
ookedbr ightbecauseshei sit'sfutureQueen
whethery ouli
kei tornot!Blessedshal lmy
ancestorssoilbet ohav eherl eaditbymysi de.
NottheexcuseofaQueeny ouar e!(hecutme
shor
t)
Me:Youdonotmeansuchunkindwords.I
tis
t
heangeryousti
ll
holdi
nyourheartf
ormethat
i
sspeaki
ng.Ishal
lgi
veyouti
met ocal
m.
Ntsi
ka:LikeIhavetoldyou,youar
edeadtome.
Ihavenotcomeher et ohearyoubeg.Wear
eto
l
eavethissoilatonce. 
Me:
Iagr
eewi
thy
ou.Imi
ssmyKi
ngdom.
Ntsi
ka:Ishal
lgogetev
ery
thi
ngr
eadyf
orour
depar
ture.
.
Iwat chedashewal kedoutandl eftme.Not
hav i
ngacar ei
fthatcheetahhurtmeort hat
Nobual mostkill
edme.Ir eal
isedthatIshall
holdnopowerov erhim oncehesitsonthe
thrownsomeday .Shouldhewedt hismaiden
sheshal ll
eadweighhim andsheshal lpoison
him mor eagai
nstme.Ishoul dhav egr
oomed
hismi ndtoli
stentomycont rolasIhavedone
withLizwi buti
tistool ate.Ishal
lfai
li
n
groomi nganmat ur
edman.Isatandwr ote
somet hing.Ihadar oyalmessengercomeand
takeittowhoi tismeantf or.Ist
oodwitht
he
manwhoshal ldeli
veri
t .
.
Me:Thi
sisanoteofgrat
it
udetotheKi
ngof
Zwel
ihl
e.Doensur
ethatherecei
vesi
t 
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:
Nowgoatonce.
.
HeleftandIhadmycl othi
ngbeouti nthe
carr
iage.Ntsi
kalef
tmesay ingheshallgetthe
foodNobuhaspr eparedforus.Igotontothe
carr
iage.Thecontr
oll
erwasal r
eadyathisplace.
.
Me:
Wecango.
 
Hi
m:Shal
lthePr
incenotr
idewi
thus?
Me:Heistofol
l
owinthecarr
iageoftheguar
ds.
Hesti
ll
hasimport
antmatt
erstoatt
endto.Now
goatonce.
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myQueen.
.
Thewheel soft hecar ri
agest ar
tedt omov eas
thehor sesmov edf orwardgracef ull
y.Iordered
mor espeedandmywi shwasgr anted.Queen
Nobumadeami stakebyt ell
ingmeaboutt he
hatebet weenourhusbands.Ihel dno
knowl edgeofi t.Ntsikahasmadeami stakeby
declaringmedeadi nhisey es.Itpainsmet o
hurtthechi l
dt hatcomesofmywombbuthe
haschosent ogowi t
ht heenemy .I
fheseesme
asdeadbef orehi sey esthensur elyiti
sfitt
ing
thathei sdeadbef oremi ne.Hisdeat hshall
makehi sfathergot owarwi thZwel ihl
eandI
feartheout comesbutIshal lnotbemadeaf ool.
.
.
#Ki
ng 
Xol
o
Isatwi ththemenofot herKingdoms
discussingpossi bl
ebusinesst i
eswi t
hbetween
ourKi ngdoms.Myhear tishappyt hatmy
daught erscelebrat
ionswer eatruesuccess.I
havespokent osomemat ur
edPr i
ncesfrom
good, strongKingdomst oseei fIshallf
inda
suitorforPr i
ncess.Xhanti'
ssonhadmost
l
isteningt ohimy ester
dayandheseemsl i
kea
tr
uenegot iat
orbutIshallnotallowhim nearmy
Kingdom.Amessengerappr oachedandbowed
hishead.
.
Him:MyKing,al
lowmetogivemyapologyfor
i
nterr
upt
ingbutthi
shasbeenlef
tfory
ou.(he
gavemeanot e)
Me:
Whodoesi
tcomef
rom?
Hi
m: OneoftheQueenswhohav ehonour
edthe
i
nvi
te.Shesai
dt hati
tistogivet
hankstoyou
f
orthewonderfulcel
ebrat
ions.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
youmaygo.
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.
.
Il
ookedatt hel ett
erforal ongwhi lebefore
openingit
.Itcont ai
nsnopoi sonbecauset he
messengersknowt ochecki tfir
st.Which
Kingdom'sQueencoul dhav esenti t?Alll
ett
ers
ofthanksaret ogot ot heQueenandZi nzi.I
openedthel et
t erandst art
edr eadingit
.Each
wordIreadlef tmeanger ed.Istoodupi nanger
andexcusedmy sel
ffrom themen.Iwentt o
anotherempt ychamberandhadNobu
summonedatonce.Shej oinedmeaf t
erawhi l
e.
.
Nobu:
MyKi
ng,
Ithoughty
ou.
..
Me:Isthereanythi
ngy ouwisht
otel
lme,
Nobubele?(Icuthershorti
nanger
)
Nobu:
Suchaswhat
,MyKi
ng?
Me:
HasNdoni
yamanzi
beendi
sgr
aced?(
her
mout
hwi
denedi
nshock)
Nobu:
Xol
o,t
hisi
snot
..
.
Me:HasNdoniyamanzibeendi
sgraced,
My
Queen?(
Icuthershor
tonceagain)
Nobu:Yes,shehasbeenbutyouhaveto
rememberthatshehadnoknowledgeofher
truei
dent
it
y .Shehasal
waysknownhersel
fto
beanorphanandaser vant
.
Me:Whyhav ey oukeptthisf
rom me?DoIlook
l
ikeafool,Nobu?(Ishoutedandshejumped
outoffr
ight)
Nobu:Ishall
neverthi
nkofy
ouasafool
.My
apol
ogiesforkeepi
ngthi
sknowl
edgef
rom y
ou.
Me:Youalsokeptt
hefactt
hatthesonof
Xhanti
hadmydaughterasabedroom mai
d
whil
eshewasaservantint
hatbetr
ayer
shouse!
Nobu:Hehasdonenosuchthing,Xolo.He
l
ovesherandwishest
ohonourher .
Ndoni
yamanzil
oveshi
mt oo.Grantthem
per
missi
ont
owed,
myKi
ng 
Me:Donotinsul
tme,Nobubele.Donotinsul
t
t
heKingdom ofZwel
ihl
e.Ishallshowt
hatboy
whatIdotothosewhobetrayme. !
Nobu:Xolo,
Ibegofyoumyhusband.These
chi
l
drenloveeach.
..
.
Angert ookoveral li
nchesofmybody .Iam now
controll
edbyt heangerIhav eheldforXhant i
andnowhi ssont oo.Howdar ehebr ingshame
tothePr i
ncessofZwel i
hle!Howdar ethe
Queendecl arethislovewhenmydaught erwas
forced?!Thatboyandhi sent i
reKingdom shall
feelwhatZwel ihlecando.Ishouldhav edone
thi
sl ongagowi t
hXhant i
.Nooneshal l
dareget
awaywi t
hbetrayingmeagai n,noone!
.
.
#Ndoni
Itseemst hesecelebrationsshall notendnow
butIam notcompl ai
ning.Ihav emadef ri
ends
withthesemai densandIshal lgowi ththeKing
andQueent ovisi
ttheirKingdomesomeday .My
heartalr
eadylongsf orNt si
kabutsur el
yhei s
farbynow.Isawt heQueenappr oachwi t
ha
desperatelookonherf ace.Shel ookedaround
i
nt hecrowd, maybeshei slookingf orme.I
stoodandwal kedt oherqui ckl
y .
.
Me:
Mot
her
,whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
? 
Mother:Wher
eisNtsi
ka?(herv
oicesounded
l
ikethatofaf
earf
ulper
son)
Me:Heisl
onggone.Hehasgonet
ohi
s
Ki
ngdom.
Mother:Youwereright
,Ishoul
dnothav e
t
rustedthatsnake,
mybl ossom.Iknowshei s
t
heonegui lt
yofthi
s.Ihavenev erseenyour
f
athersoangered.(myheartstartedtobeat
f
aster)
Me:
Idonotunder
stand.
Mother:Nandetol
dyourfat
herthaty
ouhave
beendisgr
acedbyherson.Sheknowshemight
getki
ll
edhereforsuchacri
me.Howcana
motherdothattoachil
dthatshehasnur
tur
ed
i
nherwomb?( shest
art
edtocry)
Me:Cal
m,Mot
herIshal
ltel
ltheKi
ngt
hatIl
ove
Nt
sika.
Mother:Hethi
nksNtsi
kahasmadeyouhis
bedroom maidandhadyougi
veyour
sel
ftohi
m
for
ceful
ly.
Me:Butt
hatisofnotrut
h!Ishal
lgot
ohi
m and
beghi
mt ounder
stand.
.
Irannotev enknowi
ngwheretheKingof
Zweli
hleis.Tearsar
efl
owingdownmycheeks
uncontr
ollabl
yasIranandmotherjustbehi
nd
me.HowcanNandedosuchev i
ltoherson?
Doesshenotknowheshal lbepunishedheavi
l
y?
Doessheknowt hatshemi ghtcauseawar
betweent hetwoKi ngdoms?AwarherKi ngdom
shallneverwinunlesst heyholdsomemi racl
e.
Whydoesf atenotfav ourouruni
onsomuch?
AllIwishittowedNt sikaandbehappywi th
himforal lourdays.Isawt heguardsfor
ce
holdi
ngsomeoneandIsawi tisNtsi
ka.Iranto
them asf astasIcould.
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Letgoofhi
m atonce!
 
Guard:Ourapol
ogies,
dearPr
incess.Thi
sisa
di
rectorderf
rom t
heKing.
Mother:
Well
Iam hiswi
deandIor
dery
out
o
r
eleasehim(
shestoodbef
oret
hem)
Guar
d:Weshall
notover
rul
eanor
dert
hat
comesfr
om t
heKing.
 
Me:Ibegofyou,
hehasdonenothi
ngwr
ong!(
I
cr
iedandgotontopofoneoft
hem)
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
,youshal
lgethar
med!Getof
fat
once,
Ibegofy
ou.
 
Me:
Ishal
lnot
!(Icl
ungon)
Nt
sika:
Ibegofy
ou,
youngmai
den.
Mot
her
:Lett
hem t
akehi
mtot
heKi
ng,
Ndoni
. 
.
Igotof ft
heguar dweepinglikeachi
ld.Theyno
l
ongerf orcedhimtowal kedbecausehewal ked
str
aightandwi thhonour.Ifoll
owedri
ghtbehind.
SurelytheKingshallnotbreakmyhear tl
ikethi
s.
Wef inall
yreachedtheKingwhowasf uri
ous.
Helookedatmebutl ookedawayagai nquickly
.
.
Fat
her
:Taket
heQueenandPr
incessaway
.
Me:Ishall
notgo,Father.Il
ovehim andIbegof
youtostopthi
s,myKi ng.Ibegofyou.Weshall
l
eaveyourKingdom andnev ert
oreturn.We
shal
lensurenoshamecomest oyou. 
Mot
her
:Donotr
iskl
osi
ngheronceagai
n,Xol
o.
Ishal
lnotsurv
ivei
tasecondti
me.Hei
ski
nd
andpromisedtohonourher
.
Father:Haveyoudareddi
sgracethePri
ncessof
Zwel i
hle?
!(heshout
edinangerpoint
ingat
Ntsika)
Ntsika:
Iam guil
tyofmakingyourdaught
er
i
mpur e,myKing.Ishal
ltakef
ullr
esponsi
bil
i
ty
ofthesin.
 
Father
:Everyt
hingt
hatcomesfr
om Xhanti
seemsr ot
ten.Youshall
payf
ordisgr
aci
ngthe
onlyPri
ncessofZwelihl
e!
.
Beforeweknewi tNtsi
kawasbei ngbeatenby
thetwoguar dswhohel dhim.Iknowmywar r
ior
hast hestrengthtof i
ghtbackbuthechosenot
toandi tpainedme.If elteachpunchandki ck
thatwentt ohisbodyasi fi
twasIwhol aid
there.Ibeggedf athernottohavehim ki
ll
edbut
mybeggi ngf ell
ondeafear s.Iknowhei s
taki
ngt heangerhehel dforKingXhanti
outon
Ntsika.Heor deredforthem t ostopandhe
raisedhi sr
oyalsti
ckt ogi v
esi gnaltoMlil
o.I
knewt hatt
hebeastwoul dmakehi m meethi s
end.IsawMl il
oappr oachedandIr antocov er
him whenIf eltthesharpst ingofhisclaws
piercemyback.Mot hercr i
edoutal oudbit
ter
cryandIsawMbal ekiattackMl il
o.Ifel
tthe
dizzinessagainandIf eltMot hertouchme.
.
Mother
:Doyouseewhatyouhav
edonetoy
our
daught
er,
Xol
o?Sheiscar
ryi
nghi
shei
r!
! 
.
Imighthavefel
tdizzyoril
lbutIhear dwhatshe
sai
d.ShesaidI'm car
ryi
ngNt sika'
shei r
!That
mybodyhaschosent onaturet heheirofthe
mant hatIl
ove.Ifel
tmybodyget ti
ngl i
ft
edoff
Ntsi
ka'sandIdidnotwantitt obecausehe
shal
lhavenoshi el
d.Idonotknowi fFather
shal
lshowhi m mercybutmybodyi sweaksoI
coul
dnotf i
ghtit
.Icouldsti
ll
hearMot hercry
buthercr
iessoundedl
iketheycomef rom far
now.Ifi
nall
ycl
osedmyey esandf ell
asleep.
ThoughIdonotknowwher et hi
sslumbershall
l
eadmet obecauseitmightleadtomyend.
#NOBU
[
03/02,
11:47]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t22
.
#Ki
ng 
Xol
o
Dayshav epassedandt hePrinceandmyNdoni
havenotwokenup.MyQueenr ef
usestoleave
thesideofourPr i
ncess.Myhear ti
sfil
l
edwi th
regretbecauseNobuhast oldmewhatr eal
ly
happenedt oNdoni whenshewasaser vant
.I
fearthatsheshallneverforgivemeonceshe
wakes.Zimbawal kedi ntothechamberIsat
andbowedhi sheadingr eeti
ng.
.
Zimba:
MyKi
ng,
myapol
ogi
esf
ori
nter
rupt
ing
you.
 
Me:
Iti
tofnomat
ter
,Zi
mba.Youmayspeak.
Zi
mba:Youhaveav
isi
torandhesay
siti
sof
gr
eatur
gency
.
Me:Hashet
oldy
ouwhatbusi
nesssenthi
m
her
e?
Zi
mba:No,
myKing.Heshal
lonl
yspeaktoyou.
Donotf
ear
,hei
sofnodangerwehavelooked.
Me:
Ifearnodanger,Zi
mba.Hav ehi
m waitf
or
meintheguestchamber.Ishal
lmeethi
m.
Zi
mba:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.
.
Zi
mbast oodandleftmewonderingwhot he
vi
sitormi
ghtbewhenourhousehasj ustbeen
fi
l
ledwithvi
sit
orsnotsolongago.Iworemy
properat
ti
reandIleftt
omeetwiththeguest.I
ent
eredtheguestchamberandfoundaman
si
tt
ing.Hestoodandbowedt ohi
sknees.
.
Me:Ri
sebecausethati
snott
hewaywegr
eet
ont
hissoi
l(hest
ood)
Him: Myapol
ogies,
KingofZwel
ihl
e.Iti
smy
fi
rstti
meonthissoil
.Ihol
dnoknowledgeofi
t'
s
customs.
Me:
Whoar
eyou?
Hi
m: Iam Dondo,
amessengerfortheKi
ngof
Ki
ngdom ofUmhlabaOchumil
eyo. 
Me:
Whatshal
lIdof
ory
ou?
 
Him:QueenNandehasi nfor
medt heKingt
hat
Pri
nceNt si
kawishedtoremainonyoursoi
lto
dealwit
hbusiness.Ihav
ebeensenttogethim
atonce.TheKingofmysoi l
isver
yill
andhe
asksforhisel
dest.
Me:
Didy
oument
iont
hathei
ssi
ck?
Him:Yes,
myKinganditseemsiti
sseri
ous.
Thati
swhyIaskforthePri
ncet
oleav
et hi
ssoi
l
befor
eiti
stool
ate.
 
Me:Ishal
lhav
ethePr
incesentbackt
ohi
ssoi
l
atonce.
Him:Mythanks.Ihol
dthi
slet
tert
hati
s
addr
essedtoyoubymyKi ng.
 
Me:
Whati
sitabout
?
Hi
m:Ihol
dnoknowl
edgeoft
hat
. 
Me: Youmayleave,
Ishall
hav
emypeopl
ebr
ing
yourPri
ncet
oy oursoi
l.
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh.
.
Hestoodandleft.Iam concernedbecauset he
Pri
ncetheyseekisinani nj
uryslumberbecause
ofme.Idonotfearawarwi thhisKi ngdom but
mydaughteriscarryi
ngtheirheir.Ishallnot
dest
roythesoil
ofherunbor nchi ld'
sancestors.
Icannotbel
ievethatXhantiisil
l!Imi ghthave
beenholdi
ngangerforhi
m butitpai
nsmet o
knowhei sofweakhealt
h.Isatandopenedthe
l
etterandsoft
lyr
eadtomy sel
f.
.
Me: Tot heKi ngofZwel ihle.Istandashamed
foronlysendi ngt hislettertoy ouwhenIl ayi
n
mychamberaboutt omeetmyend.Ihav ebeen
acowar d, oldfri
end.Theev ildeedIcommi tt
ed
againsty ouhashaunt edmeal ltheseday s.I
havel ostat ruebrotheroutofgr eed.Youcar r
y
thenameofKi ngsomuchbet t
ert henIshall
everhav e.Iam ill,oldf r
iendandIsuspecti tis
myendbecauseIseemyancest orswhenI
slumber .Idonotwi sht ogot othel andofmy
ancest or sknowi ngt hatpeacenev ercame
betweenus.Ibegofy outof orgiveme.Isend
myt ruestapol ogiesf orbet r
ay i
ngy ouforpower.
Iwishf ory outof i
ndsomeki ndnessi nyour
hearttof orgiveme.Iwi shIcoul dr iseandcome
toyoursoi l myselftol ooky oui ntheey esasI
apologi sebutmybodyf ai
lsme.Ishal l
appreci
at ey ourf
or gi
v enessinwriti
ngandhave
i
tsenttomysoi lwithi mmediacy.Itshal
lmake
megot othesacr edl andofmyancest orsi
n
peace.Myt hanksf ortakingcareofmyQueen
andPr i
nceony oursoi l.Ishal
lwishforyouto
gi
v eNtsikaper missiont osetfootinhis
Kingdom t omeetme.Myapol ogiesforal
lI
havedone, oldfr
iend. 
.
Ireadt hewr it
ingsonceagai nandIf eltmy
heartfeel peace.Ihavewai tedf orhi
mt o
apologiseev ersincehewr ongedme.Iwi shthe
l
ettercamebef oreIwrongedhi ssonoutof
anger.Ist oodandwal kedt ot heroyalcare
chamberwher ethePrincel ay s.Oneoft he
caretaker sapproachedinar ushandIf eared
shewoul dsayt hatthePrincehasmethi send.I
shallnev erforgiv
emy self
.Shebowedherhead
i
ngr eeting.
.
Her
:Gr
eet
ings,
yourhi
ghness.
Me:Gr
eeti
ngs,maiden.Hassomemor
ehar
m
cometoourguest
?
Her:No,myKing.ThePr
inceofUmhlaba
Ochumiley
olaysawakeandisaski
ngforthe
Pri
ncess.
Me:Ishal
lgoandgivehi
mt heanswer
.My
t
hanksfortaki
ngcar
eofhim.
Her
:Yes,
myKi
ng.
.
IwalkedtothechamberofcareandIf oundthe
youngmansi tt
ingupstrai
ght
,li
keatruewarrior
.
Igavepermissi
onf ort
heothercar
etakersto
l
eavet hechamber.Ist
oodshamedf ormy
wrongdoingagainsthi
m.
.
Nt
sika:Gr
eeti
ngs,KingXolo.Ishalll
iketogiv
e
mythanksforshowingmemer cy.Ihave
wr
ongedy oubydisgraci
ngy ourdaughterbut
myonl
ywishi
sforyout
ogivemepermi
ssi
on
t
owedherandbri
nghonourt
oyou.
Me:Ishouldbet heonewhogi veyouapol ogi
es.
Theangert hatIletsi tinmyhear tfory our
fat
hertookov er.Iam aKi ngwhobel i
ev esthat
amanshoul dadmi thisfault
s.Ihav efaulted
youandIbegf ory ourf or
giveness.Ihav elet
yougetpuni shedf ort hesinsofyourf ather.I
havegoneagai nstcust omsbecauseIshoul d
havel
istenedt oy ourst or
y. 
Ntsi
ka:Iholdnohateforyou,KingXol
o.I
for
giveyou.Iknowmyf atherhasbetr
ayedyou
butheisnotabadman, Igi
vey oumypromise.
Greedenteredhishear
tandIshal l
makehim
bowtoy ouinapology.
Me:Hehassentanoteofapol
ogy
,Young
Pri
nce.Ihav
efoundpeacei
nmyheartand
for
giv
ehim. 
Ntsi
ka:Hemustmaketheapol
ogyt
rueby
sett
ingf
ootonyourKi
ngdom.
Me:Ihav esomethingtobri
ngtoyour
knowledge,Ntsi
ka.Amessengerfrom yoursoi
l
hascomeandaskedf oryou.Youfat
herisofil
l
heal
thandhassentf oryouatonce.(hestood
i
nconf usi
on)
Nt
sika:
Whathar
m hadcomet
ohi
m?
Me: Themessengerdi
dnotsaybuti
tsounds
seri
ous.Idosuggestt
haty
ougot oyour
Kingdom.
Ntsi
ka:
WhataboutNdoni
?Howi
sshe?(
I
l
ookeddown)
Me:Shehasnotwokenf
rom hersl
umber.Al
l
seemswell
butwewaitf
orhertoopenhereyes.
Ntsi
ka:
Ihear
dtheQueenspeakofanhei
r,my
heir
.
Me:
Yes,
herbodyi
snur
tur
ingy
ourhei
r.
 
Ntsi
ka:Ist
andinconf
usi
onnow.Icannotl
eav
e
NdonibutIhav
etogoseeFather
.
Me:
Goseey
ourf
atherandy
oushal
lret
urnt
o
checkont
hePr
incess.
Nt
sika:
Per
missi
ont
oseeher
,myKi
ng.
Me:Youneednotaskf
orper
missi
on.ComeI
shal
lwal
kyoutowhereshei
s. 
.
Iwant edt ohelphi m walkbuther efused.Iam
i
mpr essedatt hest r
engthofthey oungman.He
walkst allandpr oudev enthoughIknowhi s
bodyf eelspain.Hi seyesar ethoseofcar eand
respectwhenhespeaksofNdoni .Her eminds
meofmy selfwhenIsawt heQueenf orthefir
st
ti
me.Hi sforgi
v enessmeansmucht ome
becauseIdonotdeser vei
t.Iwishfor
Ndoni yamanz itowakesot hatIcanbegf orher
forgiveness.Wewal kedslowlyt oNdoni '
s
chamberandIknowheshal lmakeherwakeup.
Lov edoesmi r
acl esthatmostshal lnever
under stand. 
.
.
#Nt
sika
Itr
ulyholdnoangerf orNdoni'sf ather.Hehad
donewhatmostf athersofmai densshal ldo.
ThenewsofNdoni car ry
ingourchi ldhas
warmedmyhear tinawayIhav enev erfelt
before.Iam al
sowor riedaboutFat herwhoi s
notwel l
.Whatcouldpossi bl
ybet hemat ter?I
walkedinandf oundt heQueenl ay i
ngnextt o
herdaughter.Whatat r
uemot hert hiswomani s!
Ndoni l
aidonherstomachandhadacl oth
wrappedar oundherupperbody .Shel ookedso
beautif
uleveninhersl umber.
.
Me:Mygr
eet
ing,
QueenNobu.(
Ibowedmy
head)
Queen:
Howar eyouf
eel
i
ngnow,
Ntsi
ka?(
she
l
ookedconcer
ned)
Me:
Ifeel
abi
tofpai
n,myQueenbuti
tisnot
t
oobad.Howi
sNdoni
?
Queen:Shesti
l
lbreat
hsbutref
usestowaken
fr
om hersl
umber.Thewoundsonherbackare
heal
ingwell
buttheyshal
ll
eavescar
s.
Ki
ng:
Andi
tisal
lbecauseofme.
 
Queen:
Holdi
ngr
egr
etf
orwhathasgonei
sof
nouse,myKi
ng.
 
Me:
Howi
sthebaby
?
Queen:
Sheissti
ll
car
ryi
ngyourhei
r,donotfear.
Shehasnotshownsi
gnsoflossofpregnancy
.
Me:MyKing,
whot oldyouaboutmyuni
onwi
th
Ndoni
yamanzi
.(helookedathi
swif
e)
King:
Itisofnomatterri
ghtnow.Weshal
ll
eav
e
youalonewithNdoni.
Me:
Ibegofy
out
otel
lme,
yourhi
ghness.
Queen:WesuspectthatitwasyourMother
.I
havedonesomethi
ngt hatanger
edhersoshe
wantedtogetr
evengebutsheknewy oucould
bepunishedheavi
lyifi
tcametotheear
soft
he
KingsoIdonotknowwhyshehasdonesuch
toherownson.(Iclenchedmyj
aw)
Me:Iam notsur
pri
sed,myQueen.Motherhol
ds
nott
hecareofamot her
.Iam sur
esheonlyhad
usbecauseshewasobligat
edtogivet
heKing
hei
rsandnotbecauseshewishedtobea
mother.
Queen:Youshall
haveasecondmothersoon.I
shal
lcarefory
ouasmyown.Youmakemy
NdonihappyandIshal
lbegrat
eful
toyouforal
l
myday s.
.
Shesmi ledandembracedmeandIdi dnot
knowi fIshouldembraceherbackornot
.Thi
s
i
sal lf
oreigntomebecauseNandedoesnotdo
such.TheKi ngshookmyhandandnoddedi n
agreement .
.
King:
Weshal ll
eav
eyoutobewithNdoni
.Do
notbelong.Youmustr
ushtoyourKi
ngdom.
Me:
Ishal
lnot
.
.
Iwat chedast heywal kedoutandcal led
Mbal eki tofol
lowbutsher ef
used.If earhernot
becauseIcomet oherkeeperwi thapur eheart
.
Itpainedmet oseeherl i
kethis.Ilai
donmy
sidef acingher.Iki ssedhersof tli
psandt hey
feltwar m againstmi ne.Inowknowwhyher
hipsf eltwiderwhenImadel ovetoheront he
nightofhercel ebration.Iti
sbeaut if
ull
y
changi ngt onur t
uremyhei r.
 
.
Me: Ndoniyamanzi ,
itismeNt sika.Iam wel
l,
youngmai denandIneedy outowakeup.I t
seemsl i
keourf athershav emadepeaceand
shal
l f
inal
lyblessouruni on.Youneedt obe
awaket owedy ourPrince.Wehav efoughtso
mucht oreacht hispointandcannotl etour
hardwor kgot owast e.Hav eyouhear dthatyou
carryourbaby ?Whatanhonouri tistohav eyou
bet hemotherofmyhei r
!ThePr inceor
Pri
ncessshal lbenur tur
edi nakindwombandI
knowhe/ sheshal lbeheal t
hy.Itpainsmyhear t
toleaveyouliket hisbutIhavet oreturntomy
soil
.Myf at
heri sillandIneedt ogoseewhat
themat t
eris.Ishal lr
eturnonceIknowhewi l
l
l
ivebutIbegy out obeawakewhenIr eturn.I
l
ov eyou,Ndoni yamanzi.Myhear tbeatsforyou
nowmor ethenbef ore.
.
Ikissedherwar m softli
psonceagainand
wishedshecoul dwakeupandl ookatme.I
knewt i
mewasnotmyf ri
endsoIstoodand
ki
ssedherbar el
owerback.Idonotcar eifshe
shall bescar
esforlif
ebecauseherbeaut yshal
l
notf adebecauseofi t
.IaskedMbalekitolook
aft
erher .Thi
sbeasti scari
ngofNdoni andit
seemsourbabyal readyhasabigsister.I
l
aughedasIt houghtofit.Iwal
kedoutoft he
chamber
.TheKi
ngst
oodout
side.
.
Ki
ng:
Weneedt
ogoatonce!
Me:
Idonotunder
stand,
KingXol
o.
King:Iam toleavewi
thyoutoyoursoil
.Ihave
totel
l yourf
atherper
sonal
l
ythatIhaveforgi
ven
him.Ihav enotseenmyoldfr
iendsincewe
werey oung.
Me:Iam sur
ehi
shear
tshal
lbeatpeacet
osee
you.
King: WeshallalsogowithNcedi
le.Sheisthe
helperbutshei swellwi
thmixi
ngr emedies.
Per hapssheshal l
beabletomixsomef oryour
father.Iassur
ey ouiti
snotdarkmedici
ne.
Me:Ishall
neveri
nsul
tyouorherbyimplyi
ngi
t,
myKing.Mythanksforwhaty
ouoffer.Iwi
shi
t
canhealhim.
Queen:Ihadalotoffoodpackedi
nforall
of
you.Youall
shallgowell
.MyKingdoretur
n
wit
hNcedibecauseUmhlabamightseesheis
goodandkeepher(shej
okedandwel aughed)
Me:Sheshallbeanhonour
edguest
,Igi
vey
ou
mypromise.Shal
lNdonibewel
l?
Queen:
Ishalll
ookaf
terher
.Iam evensl
eepi
ng
i
nherchamber.Donotfear
,sheshall
bewell
.
(
shesmiled)
King:Letmegoandki
ssmyPr
incessf
arewel
l
.
(heleft
)
Me:
Hel
ovesher
.
Queen:Hetr
ulydoesandyoushal
lhaveto
pr
epareforahighbr
idepr
ice(
welaughed)
Me:
Ishal
lgi
veal
lthatIhav
e,myQueen.
Ki
ng:Nowwecango.Wher
eisNcedi
?Sheshal
l
makeusbedel
ayed.
Queen: Youtwoaretheoneswhoar edelayi
ng
her.Sheisoutsi
dewaitingbythehorses.Nt
sika
Ihady ourcl
othespacked.Youshall
allgowell.
Me:
Ourt
hanks,
myQueen.
.
Sheembr acedherhusbandandwel eft.Ifi
rst
wentt oputonsomepr operattir
e.Wegoton
thecarriageandl ef tf
orthesoi lofmypeopl e.I
feelpainedt hatmyownmot herwoul dhav eme
kil
led.IdonotknowwhatIcal lsuchev i
l.Ishal
l
l
ett heKingknowoft heev i
lsofhisbr ide.Iwish
forNcedi tohel pheal whateverfatherhas.Ist i
ll
donotunder standwhatmi ghthav ecausedhi s
i
llness.Hehasnev erbeenser i
ousl yil
l
.Iknow
thatFathershal lappreciatethev i
sitfrom the
KingofZwel ihle.KingXol oisamanofhonour
andhav inghi m ast hefatherofmyf uturebride
i
sanhonour .Ihadsomeoft hefoodt heQueen
hadherpeopl epr epare.Ncedi gavemea
remedyf orthepai nandmyey esf eltt
ooheav y
tokeept hem open.If el
lasleep.
.
.
#Ki
ngXhant
i
Mybodyi ssl
owl yfai
l
ingmeandIhol dno
controlofit
.Imusthav eeatensomet hi
ngt hat
hasupseti t
.Allofmyj oi
ntsareweak.The
Queenhasar r
ivedwithoutNtsikaandIfeared
Xoloheldhimt opunishmebutshesay sshe
l
efthim becausehehadt otakecar eof
business.Heshal l
makeagr eatKingandI
thankmyancest or
sformaki nghim myeldest.I
satwi t
htheQueen.
.
Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Iam layi
ngint
hischamberwithaweak
body.Howdoy outhi
nkIfeel
,Nande?(
Iasked
i
nannoy ance)
Her:
Itwastr
ulyasil
l
yquesti
on.I
tpai
nsmet
o
seeyoul
ieherel
ikethi
s. 
Me:
Ishal
lnotdi
enow.
 
Her
:Ihav
enoti
mpl
i
edt
haty
ouwoul
ddi
e,my
Ki
ng(
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
)
Me:
Ent
er(
Lizwi
steppedi
n)
Lizwi
:OhFather
,Ihav
enotsl
eptsi
nceyoufel
l
i
ll
.Ntsi
kaisnotevenher
etobebyyoursi
dein
yourl
astdays.
Me:Ihav
enotyetmetmyend.Hehol
dno
knowl
edgeofmyil
lness.
 
Li
zwi:
Weneedtohav
ethi
sinvest
igat
ed,
Fat
her
.
Whatify
ouhav
ebeenpoi
soned?
Me:
Whywoul
dyout
hinkt
hat
? 
Li
zwi:Youwereofful
lheal
thbutt
henext
minut
ey ourbodyi
sweak.I
tseemsli
kea
possi
bil
it
y.
Me:Andwhoshal
lyoususpectoft
hisal
l
eged
poi
soni
ng?
Li
zwi
:Ihol
dnoknowledge,
myKing.Youarea
Ki
ngandmanyshallwi
shtoseeyoudead.You
ar
eatwarwit
hotherKi
ngdomsandthat
cr
eat
esmotiv
e. 
Me:
Howshallot
herKingdomsent
ermyhouse
t
ogett
hedone,Li
zwi?
Li
zwi:Per
hapssomeonefr
om yourr
oyalvi
sit
s
oroneoftheser
vant
sorguar
ds.Ishal
lhol
dno
knowl
edge.
Queen:Youbecomingsi
ckwheny
ouhav
enev
er
beenissuspi
cious.
 
Me: Mybodyist
ir
ed.Ishal
laskt
obot
htol
eav
e.
Ineedtorest
.
Queen:Ishal
lcomeandcheckony
ouoncey
ou
haverest
ed.
Li
zwi
:Ishal
lret
urnatsunset
.Ihav
etoat
tend
somecounci
lmeeti
ngsonbehalfoft
heKing.
.
Theybot hstoodandleft
.Doest hisboythi
nk
thatIam stupid?Ihav
ebeenaKi nglongbefor
e
hewasbor nandIhav elear
nttokeepmymi nd
sharpatallti
mes.IsuspectthatLizwihasfed
mepoi son.Ihaveseenpowerhungr yheirsi
n
mylif
esoIshallknowwhatonelooksli
ke.Ican
notaccusehi
m basedonsuspi
cion.IhadJongi
besummonedatonce.Shearri
vedandIt ol
d
hernottobow.
.
Jongi
:MyKi
ng,
whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?
Areyouf
eel
i
ngpai
n?
Me:Ineedyoutogotoyourchamberandcl
ean
i
tJongi.(
shel
ookedconfused)
Jongi
:Idonotunder
stand.
Me: Got
oy ourchamberandcleanit.Havethe
samebedonet otheotherservantquar
ters.
Findaserv
anttocantrustt
ohel pyoubecauseI
donotwishforNandeandLi zwitoknow.
Jongi
:Ishal
ldoasy
ouwi
sh,
Xhant
i.
Me:Ifyouf
indany
thingthati
snotordi
nar
y.
Br
ingittomeatonce,atonceJongi
!
Jongi
:Ishal
ldoi
tnow.MayIgo?
Me:
Gonow.
.
Shest oodandl ef tinahur r
y .I
fany thingoutof
theor dinaryisfoundi nt heser vantchamber sI
shal lknowLi zwi puti tt heret oshif tblame.I
knowt hisbecausei fi twer easer vantt heyshal
l
nothav ekeptpr ooft hatmi ghtpoi ntt ot hei
r
guiltint heirchamber .Nof ool shall keepsuch!
Clear lyifsomet hingi sf oundt heni twas
plant edt here.Mybodymi ghtbeweakbutmy
mi ndi snot .Thisboyi scl earlystil
l ver ywet
behi ndt heear s.Het hi nkshecanf ool aman
whohasbeenKi ngf orsol ong!Ihav eseenst uf
f
henev erhas.If eltashar ppaini nmychestand
Iwi shedJongi coul df inishwhatIhav easked
soon.Iwi shformyhear ttocont i
nuet obear
unt i
l Ihav espokent oNt si
ka.Icannotmeetmy
endbef orethenandIal soawai tthenot eof
forgiv enessf rom Xol o.Ir efuset omeetmyend
bef oret hen.Thepai ngotwor seandIl etouta
sil
entcr y.Thisist het ypeofpai nt hatmakes
eventhestrongestofmencr y.Thethoughtthat
myownsonbei ngguil
typainsme.I fiti
strue
thenitseemsIhav ebeencur sedwithabad
seed.Ilayi
npainandIr efusedtodrinkthi
s
painremedyinfearthatitmightinj
ureme
mor e.
 
#NOSI
[
03/02,
11:47]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t23
.
#Nt
sika
Thejour
neybacktomyKingdom hasbeena
l
ongone.Ihavebeenthi
nki
ngaboutfat
her'
sil
l
heal
thsomuch.HecannotdiebecauseIam
notr
eadytobeKing.
.
Xolo:Yourt
hought
sseem t
obet
aki
ngy
ouf
ar.
(Isnappedoutofi
t)
Me:Mymindi
swithmyfat
her
.If
eart
hatt
he
i
ll
nessmi
ghtmeanhi
send.
Xolo:
Donothol
dfear,
wemustfi
rstseewi
th
ourowneyeswhatt
hemat
teri
s.
Me:Ifhehadamessengersentt oyoursoil
to
comef ormethenIfeari
tisser
ious.Hecannot
di
eyet,Iam notr
eadytoleadhispeople.
Assi
sti
nghimi sofnodif
fi
cult
ybutbecausehe
i
stheretoguideme. 
Xolo:
Thef earyoufeelisnormal, Ntsi
ka.Ifelti
t
whenIhadt osucceedmyf atherandIam sur e
yourfat
herfelti
ttoo.Youar ebornf ort
his,son.
Youwer echosenbyy ourancestor saseldest
Pri
nceforar eason.Leader
shipr unsthrough
yourvei
ns.AllXhantihadtodowasshowy ou
thewaysoft heKingdom.Hashenotdonet hat?
Me:Hehasgi
venmealltheknowl
edgehehas.I
hav
eplent
yofknowl
edge.
Xolo: Thenyouarereadytositonthethrown
andl eadthepeopleofyoursoil
.Iwishforyour
fathertorecoverbutyoumustprepareforany
results.
.
Thet houghtoff at
hermeetinghisendpained
me.Hehasal way sshownt heki
ndnessof
Father.Ievenfeartel
li
nghim aboutwhatNande
hasdonebecausei tmightmakehi m worse.
Thecar ri
agef i
nall
yapproachedthegatesofthe
royalhouse.Theguar dsletusinandwe
steppedoutandmadeourwayt otheent
rance.
Ziphoappr oachedandimmedi atel
ybowed
whenshesawme.
.
Me:Ri
se,youngmaiden.Wher
eshal
lIf
indt
he
Ki
ng?(shestood)
Zipho:
Hel aysinhi
schamber
,myPr
ince.Hei
s
tr
ulyofil
lhealt
h.
Me: Thi
sisKingXol
oofZwelihl
eandhishel
p.
Preparetwoofthebestr
oomsforthem
becausetheyshal
lbeourguest
s.
Zipho:
Itshal
lbeanhonour,myPri
nce.Iti
san
honourtobeinyourpr
esence,
KingXolo.
Xolo:Myt hanks.Ntsi
kashallwegotowher
e
yourfatheris?IwishforNcedit
ogiv
ehim
medicineassoonaspossi ble.
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.
.
Il
edt hewayt ofather'
schamberandwewal ked
wit
hgr eaturgency.Somehadl ooksofshock
ontheirfaceswhent heysawmyguest .
Perhapssomehav esawhi m orper
hapsMlil
o
bei
ngwi thusgi v
esacl ueofwhohei s.I
knockedandgotper missi
ontoenter
.Hewas
sl
eepingsowest oodbyhi ssi
de.
.
Me:
Fat
her(
Ishookhi
m)
Father
:Nt
sika(
hespokesof
tl
yandopenedhi
s
eyes)
Me:Yes,Ihav
egott
ent hemessageyousent
andIcameatonce.Idonotcomealone,Iam
wit
htheKingofZweli
hle.
 
Xol
o:Gr
eet
ings,
oldf
ri
end.(
hehel
dhi
shand)
Father
:Ntsika,hel
pmesi tupst
rai
ght.Idonot
wanttobel yi
ngdownwhenIgi vegreeti
ngsto
KingXolo(Isathim up)
Xolo:
Youneednotgi
vemesuchhonour
,I
underst
andy
ouareweaknow.
Father
:Youhav ecometoseemeal lt
heway
fr
om yourKingdom.Iti
sonlyfi
tt
ingIhonour
youbygreet
ingy ouwit
hrespect
.Howhav eyou
been,ol
dfri
end?
Xolo:
Ihavebeenwel l
andnowIhavecomet o
helpyougetwel
l.Ihaver
eadyournoteandI
wishtotel
lyout
hatIhavefor
giv
eny ou(f
ather
gaveasmileofr
elief
)
Father:
Idonotdeser vethehonour .Ihave
wrongedy ouandIapol ogise.Ishouldhavesent
myapol ogiesri
ghtaf terbetrayi
ngy oubutI
couldnol ongerlooky ouint heeyes.Iwastoo
ashamedt o.Myt hanksforaccept i
ngmy
apology,oldfri
end.Iam atmyendandIshal l
nowgoi npeace.
Me:
Donotspeakl
i
ket
hat
,Fat
her
.
Xolo: Ihavecomewi t
hNcedil
e.Sheisgoodat
mixingr emedies.Pleaseal
lowhertohelpyou.
Herr emediesmi ghtbringy
outohealthonce
again.
Father
:Ishal
lbegrat
efulbecauseIhav
enot
beentaki
ngtheremediesgiventome.
Me:
Whyhav
eyounot
?(Iaskedi
nfr
ust
rat
ion)
Xolo:Weshallhearhi
sreasonsaft
erhehas
toldNcediwhatthematteri
s.Ncedi
,st
and
closerpl
ease.
Ncedi
:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myKi
ng(
shewal
kedand
satbesi
desf
ather
)
Me:
Shal
lwegi
vey
oupr
ivacy
?
Ncedi
:Iti
sal
lupt
oKi
ngXhant
i.
Fat
her
:St
aywi
thmebot
hofy
ou.(
wenodded)
Ncedi
:KingXhanti
,Ishal
lneedy
out
otel
lme
whatyourbodyfeel
splease.
Father:
Myt hanksf orcoming.Ifi
rststar
tedto
coughandgotaf ewer.Itst
oppedandIt hought
mybodyi sr ecov
eringbutthenmyj oints
start
edtoweaken.If eelpaininmyst omach, i
t
feel
sasi fIam beingeatenali
v eonmyi nside.I
alsohavechestpai nswhichblocksmy
breathi
ng.
Ncedi
:Hav
eyoueat
enany
thi
ngy
ouusual
l
y
don'
t?
Father:
Ihavenotbutt
hiswasfoundont
he
roy
al gr
ounds(hegaveherapacket
)
Ncedi
:Ithasablackcr
ossmar
king.The
marki
ngofpoison.
Me:Areyoutel
li
ngmesomeonehaspoisoned
you?Wherehaveyouf
oundt
his,
Fat
her?(I
shout
edinanger)
Father
:Calm,youngPr
ince.Ishal
ltel
lyou
everyt
hingoncewearedone.
Me:HowcanIcalm whenIheart
haty
ouhav
e
beenf
edtoxi
ns?
Xolo:Deali
ngwi t
hissueswhilefullofangeris
ofnogood.Youhav eseenfrom myact ions.I
knowy ouwi shtoki
llwhoeverhasdonet hi
sbut
l
etusr espectyourfat
herandlisten.Iam also
angeredthatthi
shashappened.( hespoke
gentl
ybutIsensedt heangerinhi svoi
ce)
Ncedi:Thi
sseemst obet hej
uiceoftheZiyu
tr
ee.Iti
swithoutscentandcolourbuti
tis
dangerous.
Xol
o:Cany
oumakear
emedyt
ost
opi
t,Ncedi
?
Ncedi
:Ishal
ltr
y,myKi
ng.Sincewhenhav
eyou
beenf
eeli
ngil
l,Ki
ngXhant
i?
Father
:Ithasbeenaf
ewday
snowandmybody
fai
l
sbyday .
Ncedi:Thi
spoisonfeedsonyourbodythe
seconditent
ersit
.Itworkssl
owbutitdamages
plent
y.
Me:Pleasegi
vehi
m somet
hingt
hatmi
ghthel
p,
Ibegofyou. 
Ncedi
:Permissi
ont
omi
xmyher
bs,
Your
hi
ghnesses.
Xol
o:Doi
tatonce,
Ncedi
.
.
Shest oodandwentt owher eshehersacki s.
Shet ookoutroots,oilsandot herthi
ngsand
start
edt omix.Iwal kedaboutt r
yingtocalm
my self
.TheKingswer espeakingandl aughing
andIcoul dseeapeacei nFather'seyesthatI
havenev erseenbef ore.Iwonderwhodar edto
poisontheKingofUmhl abaOchumi l
eyo?!I
shallnotbesurprisedi fmotherisbehindit.She
car
esnotaboutherfamil
yandherev i
lsways
haveproventobeli
fet
hreateni
ng.Ncedist
ood
andfastwalkedt
oFatherandIfoll
owed.
 
.
Ncedi
:Itisaver
ybi
tt
err
emedy
,yourhi
ghness
butdotrytof
ini
shi
t.
Fat
her
:Myt
hanks,
myl
ady(
het
ookonebi
gsi
p)
Ncedi
:Nowhavethi
sone,
it'
stast
eissour
.My
Pri
ncehav
eyourhel
per
sbringusabucket
.
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
myl
ady
.
.
Iranoutt ofindaserv
antandinst
ruct
edherto
bringabucketatonce.ShedidandIrushed
backt ofather'
schamber.Hewasstil
lsi
ppi
ng
ont hesecondr emedy.
.
Fat
her
:Itmakesmef
eel
nausea,
myl
ady
. 
Ncedi
:Theni
tiswor
king,
yourhi
ghness.Dr
inki
t
al
lupasy ouhavethefi
rst
.Iknowthetasteis
notpl
easantbuti
tisimport
antthaty
ouf i
nishit
.
Xol
o:Youareamanofstr
ength,Xhant
i.Dr
ink
up,
oldfr
iend.I
tmi
ghtr
idyourbodyofthe
poi
son.
.
Hedr ankt heremedyal latonceandNcedi had
him drinkal otofwater.Sheputt hebucket
beforehim andhev omitedendlessly.Icoul
d
seet hatallofthi
sactionismaki nghisbody
weakerandIwor r
iedmor ebutIletNcedi doher
wor k.Thedooropenedandmot herandherson
steppedi n.Ifel
tpuredisgustfort hewoman.
.
Li
zwi:
Whoar ethesepeopl
eyouhav
ecome
wi
th?(heshout
ed)
Me:Hav
eyounorespect
,Li
zwi
?Thi
sisKi
ng
Xol
oofZwel
i
hle!
Li
zwi
:Idonothav
eacar
eofwhohei
sbecause
i
nthi
sKingdom hehol
dsnopower
.Whatar
e
t
hesepeopl
edoingwit
hFather
?
Ncedi
:MyKi
ng,
hehasl
etoutor
angel
i
qui
d.I
tis
agoodsi
gn.
Me:Hasthepoi
sonl
efthi
sbody
,myl
ady
?(I
l
ookedather
)
Ncedi
: OncetheZiyupoisonl
eavesthebodyt
he
vi
cti
ml et'
soutorangeli
quidbutIhol
dnot
knowledgeifi
thasallcomeout.
Xol
o:Lethi
m dr
inkt
her
emedi
esagai
n.
Ncedi:
Iti
snotawiseidea,myKing.Heis
alr
eadyweakenbythevomiti
ngbutthefi
rst
att
empthasgivenushope.Heshallsuf
ferf
or
thedamagethepoisonhasalr
eadydone.
Lizwi
:Youhadawi t
chcomefrom f
orei
gnsoil
tofeedourfat
hermorepoi
son?Iwantthese
peopleoutofmyKingdom!(
heshoutedin
anger)
Me:
Hav
eyounothear
dhersayt
hatt
hepoi
son
mightbeleavi
nghisbody
?Whyarey
ouso
angryatpeopl
ewhoar et
ryi
ngt
ohel
pourf
ather
?
Havey oupoi
sonedhim?
Mother:
Ishal
lnotl
etyouinsul
tyourbr
other
l
ikethat
.Heshal
lneverpoi
so..
.
Me:Youkeepyourmouthshut
,Nande.Thereal
wit
chint
hishousei
syourmother!(
Icuther
shor
tandpoi
ntedatLi
zwi)
Li
zwi:Youdaretoinsul
ttheQueeni
nfrontof
st
rangers!Iwantal
lthi
srubbi
shoutof
..
.
.
Icoul
dnolongertakeitsoIcuthim shor
twitha
punch.Hefeelt
otheflooranditseemsitwasa
knockoutpunchbecausehewasnotmov ing.
Hismotherknel
tdownt ohim.
.
Mother:Ishal
lhav
eyouheav i
lypuni
shedfor
thi
s.Youcanthankyourancestor
sthatheis
sti
l
lbreathi
ng.
 
Me:
Leav
emyFat
her
'schamberatonce,
Wit
ch!
Mother:
MyKi ng,Iaskofyoutospeakt
o,
Nt
sika.Clear
lyheispossessed!
Father
:Youhavehear
dthePrince.Leav
ethi
s
chamberwithLi
zwiatonce.(
hemanagedt o
speaksoft
ly)
Mot
her
:Youshal
lal
lregr
ett
his!
 
Me: Youshallr
egrettry
ingtohav emekill
ed
evenmor e.I
fIfindthatyourcurseofasonhas
harmedmyf atherIshallmakehi m sl
eepforal
l
hi
sday s.Nowleav emyFat her'
schamberand
soony oushal
lleavethissoilonewayor
another.
Mother
:Ididnotmeantohaveyouharmedbut
yourwor
dshurtme.Wheny ousai
dI'm deadto
you,myheartt
urnedt
ostoneandIregreti
t.
Me:Leaveus!(Ishoutedandshewi
denedher
ey
esclearl
yfri
ghtened)
.
Shehadaguar dcarr
yherweakcowar dofason
outofthechamber.NceditookthebucketandI
gaveittoaserv
anttogetridofit'
scontents.
Jongicameinholdi
ngabowl ofsoftporr
idge
andIam trul
ygrat
efulbecausefatherneedsto
eat.
.
Me:Myapol
ogi
esf
orwhaty
ouhav
ejustseen
Ki
ngXol
oandyout
oo,myLady
.
Xolo:Ifeelnopit
yforthewomanyoucal
l
mot her.Shehaslef
tyoutobeki
ll
edbutI
'
m gl
ad
youst andhere.
Fat
her
:WhathasNandedonet
hatal
mosthad
youki
l
led?
Me:
Iti
sofnoi
mpor
..
.
Father
:Ishall
notaskagai
n,Nt
sika(
hecutme
shorti
nast er
nvoice)
.
Isatbesi
deshi
m andIt
oldhi
mtheent
ir
est
ory
aboutmeandNdoni.Hecouldnotbel
i
evet
hat
sheisaPr
incessofZwel
ihl
e. 
.
Father
: Myapologies,
oldf
ri
end.Yourdaughter
hasbeenillt
reatedundermyroofandIheldno
knowledgeofit.I
fIknewthatshewasy our
s, I
'
d
havetreat
edherl i
keaguest.
Xolo:Toli
veinthepastisofnouse.Shehas
foundkindnessandlov
ei nyourson.I
tseems
fatewantedustoreuni
teonewayoranot her
.
Father
:Iwi shtoli
velongenoughtomeett hi
s
youngmai den.Togivehermyt hanksfor
makingNt sikahappyandtoapologisefort
he
evi
lsthathav ebeendonetoher.
Xol
o:Ial
soneedtogi
vehermyapol
ogi
es.I
hav
ehurtthemanshelov
es.
 
Fat
her
:Anyfat
herofay
oungmai
denwoul
d
hav
ereact
edthesame.
 
Me:
Whatshal
lwedoaboutMot
herandLi
zwi
?
Father
:LizwihadpoisonedtheKingandheput
theproofinJongi
'schamber.Iknowsheshall
neverdoitbecauseshelovesme.Muchl i
ke
youIfelli
nlovewithaservantandIhavea
daughterwit
hJongi. 
Me:
Whyhav
eyounev
erspokeaboutt
hist
ome?
Father:Ididnotwanty outofoll
owinmy
footsteps.Iam happythatyouarenowabl et
o
mar rythemaideny ourhearthaschosen.I
couldnotdoi tbutyoucansoy oumusthonour
her.
Xolo:Heknowswhatmi
ghthappeni
fhedoes
not(Il
aughed)
Me:
Ishal
lhonourher
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
 
Fat
her:Therul
esoftheKingdom sayst hat
whoevertr
iest
okil
ltheKingshallbepuni shed
wit
hthesamef at
ehehaswi shedf orhisKing.
Therul
esholdnoexcepti
onf ort
heKi ng'sown
ki
ds.
Me:Wemustfir
stgotot
heroyalcounci
lwi
th
t
hisi
ssue.Howshal
lweprov
eit?
Father
:Ihadthepackaget
akentoLizwi
's
chamber.Youaretoaskhi
mt oconducta
searchofevi
dence.
 
Xolo:Rememberi fhegoestothechamberof
theladyyourfat
herhasmentionedfir
stthenhe
i
sgui lt
y.Heshal
lgot her
ehopingthatheshal
l
fi
ndt hathehashidden.
Me:
Ishal
lgodoi
tatonce.Whataboutmot
her
?
Father:IfXoloholdsthenot ewi t
hhimthenI
shallpresentittothecouncil.Theyshal
lseeit
i
sherwr it
ings.Sheshal l
notgetaheav y
punishmentl ikeLi
zwi I'
m surebutiti
senough
tobanherof fthi
ssoil.Ishal
l nothav
epeople
whopl otmur deragainsttheirownundermy
roof.
Xolo:Iholdthenotei
nmyluggagebecauseI
thoughtthePrincemi
ghtneedi
ttoprovehis
storybeforeyou. 
Father
:Heneedsnott
ohaveprooff
orme
becauseIknowhi
swordsaret
ruebutIam gl
ad
youholdi
tsowecanshowittothecounci
l
.
Me: Myt hanksforthet r
ust,
father.Ishall
leav
e
nowandhav ethesear chforthi
ssocal led
evidencestart
.Itpainsmet hatLizwi i
stomeet
suchapuni shmentbecauseher emai nsmy
brotherevenwithhisev il
s.
Father:I
tlaysheavyonmyheartal
so.Heshall
getaf ai
rtri
albefor
etheel
der
sandt heyshal
l
decidetheirf
ates.
.
Istoodandwentt
oLizwi
'schamberandIfound
him wi
thanosebl
eed.Nandestoodbef
orehim.
.
Me:
Iam nother
etohar
m hi
m.
Li
zwi
:Youhav
ebet
tercomet
obegmyapol
ogy
.
Me:Ishal
ldonosuchbecauseIhol
dnoregr
et.
Ihav
ecomet otel
lyout
hatwearegoingt
o
searchtheroy
algr
oundsandaskourserv
ants
i
ftheyholdanyknowledgeoft
heKi
ng'sal
leged
poisoni
ng.Youbotharewel
cometojoi
n.
Li
zwi:Ihavebeenwait
ingf
orfat
hert
ogi veme
permi
ssionsinceIhav
esuspect
edpoisoning.
Letusgoatonce.
Mot
her
:Ishal
lgot
omyKi
ng.
Me:Doasyoupleaseandenj
oyitwhil
eitlast
s.
Ihavet
oldt
heguardsandser
vantstohelpus
sear
ch.
.
Motherwalkedoutandwentt oFather'
s
chamber.Lizwi andIlefttohel pinthesear
ch.
Hetrul
ywentandsear chedf orJongil
e'
sfir
st
andbydoingt hatheconf i
rmedhi sguil
t
becauseheknewhel astsawt hepackagehere
whenhehadi tputher e.Hemessedup
ever
ythi
ngcl earlyf
rustrated.Igavepermissi
on
fort
hetoxinpackaget obeputi nhi
schamber
becausehei ndeedisgui l
ty.Howcansuchan
evilmancomef r
om thesamewombasme?
Wesear chedalltheservantquar
tersandas
expectedfoundnot hi
ng.Ihadallt
hechamber s
i
nt heroyalhousesearchedandhedi dnotlook
alarmedjustangry.Aguar dcamefrom Li
zwi'
s
chamberhol di
ngt hepackageinhishands.
 
.
Guard:MyPrince,Ihav
efoundthi
sint
he
youngerPr
ince'schamber
.Ithast
hemarki
ngof
t
oxins. 
Lizwi
:Iholdnoknowl
edgeofthatpackage!
Someonemusthav eputi
tinthere!Jongi
l
eis
theevi
loneandclear
lypl
antedit
.(heshouted
i
nanger )
Me: Havehimtakenawaytocapti
vit
y.Make
surethatheisti
edandnottogoaway .Heshal
l
pleahiscasetoKingandt
heelders.
Li
zwi :
Youhav edonet
his,
youbast
ard.Ishal
l
ki
lly
ou, Nt
sika.
.Igi
vey
oumypr omi
se.(the
guardshel
dhi m)
Mot
her
:Whati
sthi
s?Lett
hePr
incegoatonce!
 
Me:YourPri
ncehadt
heKingpoi
sonedandi
s
t
ryi
ngtoblameJongi
l
eforhissi
ns.
Mot
her
:Theybot
hshal
lnev
erdosuchat
hing!
Lizwi:Shewould,motherbecauseshehasbeen
havingbedroom deal
i
ngswi ththeKingbehi
nd
yourback.Theyevenhav eabastardchi
ld
together.Goandasky ourKi
ngifyoudonot
beli
eveme.
Me: Takehim away!Bant
uItrustyoutoensur
e
thatheistoremaininthecapti
vi
tychambersas
allt
hecriminal
sdo.
Bant
u:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myPr
ince.
Lizwi:Mother,
donotal l
owt hem totakeme
away .Ishal
lbepunishedbydeat hifI'
mf ound
guilt
yofpoisoningtheKing.Ntsika,Ishal
lki
ll
you,evenifI'
m dead.Ishallst
rangley oui
ny our
slee.
..(t
heytookhim awaybef orehecould
fi
nish)
Mother
:Havemer
cyony
ourbr
other
,Nt
sika.I
begofyou.
 
Me: Li
kehehadmer cyonmyf ather?Donot
dareinsul
tmebecausemyf athermi ghtst
il
ldi
e.
Donotbecomf or
tablebecausey ouare
fol
l
owi ngyourson.Takeherawayt ocapt i
vi
ty
aswel l
.
Mother:Idi
dnotmeantoplotforyourdeat
h,
Nt
sika!IbegofyouandtheKingtoshowmer cy
!
.
Ilef
therst andingther
ecl ear l
yinf earandshock.
Theguar dst ookherawayal so.Thehat et
hat
theyhaveputi nmyhear tisnotheal t
hy.Ican
notcarr
ysuchhat ebecausei tmi ghtconsume
myheart .Theycommi tsuchcr uelcri
mesbut
arecowar dsathear t
.Idonotcar eiftheyrotin
capti
vi
ty.Thecounci lshallcomet omorrowat
sunri
seandt heyshallheart heirpunishment .I
wenttof ather'
schamberandf oundhi mi n
slumber.Istandashamedt hatNdoni 'sfather
hadtowit
nesst his!Ihadaf eastprepar
edfor
usandweat e.KingXol ohadMl il
oslumberin
fat
her'
schamber .Ifel
tgratefult
ohi m.Weall
ret
ir
edtoourchamber sandIwi shmyl adywas
nexttome.Imisshersomuch.
.
.
#Ndoni
IlaidinmychamberandIfeltsomethingwet
myf or
ehead.I
tkeptongoi
ngonandonunt i
lI
openedmyey es.I
twasMbalekil
icki
ngmy
forehead.
.
Me: St
opitatonce, l
adycheetah.Youbr
eath
doesnotsmellpleasant.Ishal
lhaveyouri
nsei
t.
(shekeptonandIl aughed)
.
Isl
owl
ymanagedt omoveandtur
ntomyhead
tomyothersi
de.Isawmymothersl
eepi
ng
peaceful
l
y.Ismi
ledathowbl essedIam t ohave
her.Il
ookedatmybodyandsawmybr easts
werecoveredwi
thacloth.I
twr appedallaround
mybackandIknewi t
'sformyi njur
y. 
.
Me:
Mot
her(
Ishookhersof
tl
y)
Mot
her
:Hmm (
shesai
dst
il
lsl
eepi
ng)
Me:Openyoureyespl
ease(
sheopenedt
hem
sl
owlyandsmil
ed)
Mother
:IknewIwouldseethosebeaut
if
uley
es
agai
n.Howareyoufeel
ing?
Me:
Wher
eisNt
sika?
Mot
her
:Hehasgoneb(
myey
eswi
dened)
Me:
No,
no,
noi
tcannotbe.(
Ist
art
edt
ocr
y).
Mother
:No,notl
i
kethat.Heiswell
andal
i
vebut
hehadtogotohissoi
l.Hisf
atheri
sil
l
.
Me:
Whati
sthemat
terwi
thKi
ngXhant
i?
Mot
her
:Ihol
dnoknowl
edgeoft
hatbuti
t
seemsser ious.Yourf
atherhasgonewi th
Ntsika.Xhantiaskedf
orf or
giv
eness.Itseems
youy ouarefinall
ygoi
ngt owedNtsika,my
blossom.(webot hsmiled)
Me:Idowi shforKi
ngXhant
itobewell
.Iam
happythatfat
eisfi
nal
lysmi
li
ngonmeand
Ntsi
ka.Icannotwaitt
owedmyPr i
nce.
Mot
her:
Itseemshehol
dst
hesamef
eel
i
ng
(
shel
aughedsoft
ly)
Me:
MayIt
urnmybodyt
omysi
de?
Mother:
Ifyoufeel
nopai
nthenokay
.Howdo
youreal
lyf
eel,
Ndoni?
Me:Iam i nnopai
n,donotfear
.Ij
ustfeelvery
hungry.Icoul
deveneattherawanimals
Mbalekifeedsonatthi
smoment( shelaughed).
Mother:Youareeat
ingfortwopeople.Ishal
l
hav
et hem pr
epareabigfeastj
ustforyou.
Me:Mot
her
,howdoy
ouknowIam car
ryi
nga
baby
?
Mot her:Al
lthesymptomsarether
e.Your
breastsaregetti
ngabitbigandsoareyour
hips,youhav enothadyourwomanlycy
cleand
youcol l
apsed. 
Me:Mybreast
shav
ebeenf
eel
i
ngpai
n.I
sthat
nor
mal?
Mother:I
tis,
mybl ossom.Donotfear,y
our
bodyischanginganditi
snormal.Ishal
lgoget
youfoodbeforeyoucoll
apseagain(Il
aughed)
Me:Mythanksforal
lyouhavedone.Iwi
shto
beakindmothertomychil
dasy ouaret
ous.I
l
oveyou,mother
.
Mot
her
:AndIy
ou,
mybl
ossom.
 
.
Shekissedmycheekandst oodtoleavethe
chamber.Iturnedonmysi detofaceMbal eki
andsawshehasscr at
ches.Clear
lymar ki
ngs
fr
om Ml i
lo.Icannotwaitt
oseeNt sikaonce
agai
nandIwi shforhi
sfat
hertoliveandsee
hissonwed.Thepeacebet weent het woKi ngs
i
swhatweneeded.Theyshal lnowbl essour
union.Iholdnohat eorangert omyf ather
becauseheshowedmer cyt oNtsikasoi t
meansher egretshisactions.Mot hercame
withenoughf oodt ofeedbat tlewarriors.Isat
andat ealmostal l
ofit.Shet ookoft hecl ot
h
andcleanedmywounds.I tstungal otbutIhad
tobarethepai n.Sheputacl eanclothonand
gavememedi cine.Ionceagai nfell
asl eepbut
hopefull
ythisisanor mal slumber .HowImi ss
mywar r
ior
! 
#NOSI
[
03/02,
14:58]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t24 

.
#Ndoni
Myey esopenedandmybodyf elttir
edasi fI
hav enotjustwokenfrom aslumber .Ilooked
aroundt hechamberandr eal
isedt hatIam
al
one.If eltnopai
nsoIst oodupandsat
straightonthebed.It
riedtostandonmyf eet
sl
owl ywhenIheardsomeoneent ermy
chamber .Itist
heQueenandshecamer unning
whent omeandhel dme.
.
Mother :Ndoni
yamanzi
,doy
ouwisht
oseemy
heartstopbeati
ng?Whyhavey
ounotcal
l
edout
forhelp?
Me:Ishal
lnev
er,
Iwantyourheartt
obeat
f
orever
.Iam i
nnotpai
n,mother.
Mother
:Ishal
lgett
hehel
per
stopr
epar
eyoua
bat
h.
Me:Mythanks.Iam f
eel
ingsomepai
ninmy
l
owerbel
ly.Shoul
dIbefearf
ul?
Mot
her
:Ar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
oomuchpai
n?(
she
l
ookedconcer
ned)
Me:
No,
iti
sal
i
ttl
eandi
tcomesandgoes.
 
Mother:
Itisnormal,
mybl ossom.Yourwombi s
growi
ngtonur t
ureyourbabyproperl
y.Theli
tt
le
swell
i
nginy ourl
owerbell
yisalsonormal.Soon
youshall
hav eabigbel
ly(shelaughedsoft
ly)
Me: Idonotwishtohaveabi
gbell
yontheday
thatIwedNt si
ka.Canwenothav
ethe
celebrat
ionssoon?
Mot
her:
Itshall
dependony ourf
ather
.Xhant
i'
s
f
amil
ysti
llhav
et ohonouruswit
hdowr y
. 
Me:
Howl
ongshal
lthenegot
iat
ionsbe?
Mother:
Notl ongifbot
hfamil
i
eswishf orthi
s
uni
on.Allshallbewell
,mybl
ossom.Ify ouwish
towedbef or
ey oushowthenIshal
ltr
ymybest
tohaveithappen.
Me:
Myt hanks.Ishal
lwashnowandhav
e
mor
ningfeast
.Iam veryhungr
y.
Mot
her
:Yes,
youneedt
oeatsot
hatmy
gr
andchi
l
dcangr
owbi
gandst
rong.(
Ilaughed)
.
Shehadt hehel pbri
ngmewat ert
owashmy
body.Iam treatedli
keababybecauseshe
i
nsistedonhel pingme.Mywoundswer e
cl
osingandheal i
ngwell
.Shewrappedaclean
cl
othar oundthem anddressedme. 
.
Mot
her
:Shal
lyoueatwi
tht
hef
ami
l
y?
Me:Yes,Ishal
l
.Imi
sst
hem pl
ent
y.Wher
eis
Mbaleki
?
Mot her
:Outtohuntbecauseshehasbeenby
yoursideal
l t
histi
me.Thatcheet
ahcarr
iesal
ot
ofloveforyou.Sheevenatt
ackedMli
lowhois
twicehersi
ze.
Me:Ilov
ehertoo.Shal
lshegowit
hmet o
UmhlabaonceIam wedtothei
rPri
nce?
Mother:
Shegoeswhereyougobutf
earnotshe
shal
lnothar
m any
one.Sheisnol
ongerj
usta
wil
dani
mal,shehasbeenchosenbutsheshal
l
gotopr
otect
ormodeonceshef eel
syouarein
har
msway .
 
Me: Iwi
shforKi
ngXhantitobewel
l
.Whoshal
l
teachmehowt obefutur
eQueenasyout
each
Zinzi
?Nandeshal
lonlymisl
eadme.
Mother
:Theyshallgetyousomeonewiseand
whoknowsthewayoft heKingdom tohelpyou.
EachQueenisdiff
erent
,Ndoni
.Allt
hatperson
hastodoisteachyouthelawsoftheKingdom
butal
lel
sewi l
ldependonyou. 
Me:
Iwi
shy
oucoul
dgowi
thme(
Isai
dsof
tl
y)
Mother:Iwishforthattoobutwecannot
changethel aws,
myBl ossom.Ishallvi
sitand
oncethebabycomesIshal lst
aywithyoua
whil
etot eachyouhowt omotheryourchil
d
unti
lyoucandoi tony ourown.(Iembracedher)
.
Wewal
kedt
otheeat
ingchamberandNt
ando
rantometoembraceme.Motherwasfear
ful
buthedi
dnotcauseanyhar
m.Iwenttosit
down.
.
Bukhosi
:Iti
sgoodtoseeyououtofy
our
chamber,Ndoni
.Nt
andohasbeencryi
ngf
or
you.
Ntando:Ishal
lnotdenyt
hatf
act.Ifear
edt
hatI
shal
lloseyou.Il
ovehavi
ngasister
.
Me:
Ilov
ehav
ingbr
other
stoo.
Zi
nzi
:Youmustr
eal
l
ylov
ethi
sPr
ince,
Ndoni
.To
beashi
eldf
orhi
m.
Bukhosi
:Woul
dy outel
lmet
haty
oushal
lnotdo
i
tforme?(welaughed)
Nt
ando:
Ishal
ldoi
tforal
lofy
ou.
 
Mother:Letuseatbecausenooneshal
lactas
ashiel
df orany
one.
Bukhosi
:Whenshal
ltheKi
ngr
etur
n?
Mother
:Heist
oretur
nsoon.Arey
ouhav
ing
di
ff
icul
tywi
tht
heroyaldut
ies?
Bukhosi:
No,butsomeel
dersrefusetostayi
n
negoti
ati
onswit
hmewi t
houthispresence.
Zi
nzi:
Youaregoodatwhaty
oudo,
mypr
ince.
Theyshal
lseei
tsoon.
 
Mot
her
:Iagr
eewi
thy
ou.
Nt
ando:Fat
hersai
dIshal
lsoonj
oininonthe
bi
groyal
duti
es.I
tmakesmyhearthappy.
Bukhosi
:Iti
snotaseasyasyouri
magi
nati
on
al
lowsyout ot
hinkbuthei
sri
ght,
youmust
soonstar
t. 
Mother:
Youhav eal
lgr
ownsomuch.Zi
nzi
,I
shal
lneedy ourhel
pwithNdoni
'
sweddi
ng
cel
ebrat
ions.
Me:Mother
,wehav enotgot
tenbl
essi
ngst
o
wedyet(welaughed)
Ntando:Iwi
l
lbev
erysadt
oseey
oul
eav
e,
Ndoni.
Me:Iam sadt
oobutweshal
lvi
sitwhenev
erwe
can.
.
Wesatandat ebutIhadt or unoutsidebecause
Ifel
tsick.Mot herbr ushedmyl owerbackasI
kneltont hegr ound.Shesai ditisnor mal.Ido
nott hi
nkIliket hi
spr egnancyt hi
ngifi tshal
l
makemesi ck.Irinsedmymout handwentt o
rest.Iwonder edwhati shappeni ngatUmhl aba.
TheKi ngcannotdi ebecausei tshallhurt
Ntsikatoomuch.Wedonotneedat ragedynow.
HowIwi shNcedi canai dwhat eversicknesshe
has.Iwi shIcoul dbewi t
hNt sikabutIknow
thatIcannotgot ohim.Ist il
lholdfearabout
goingtot hatKi ngdom buti fIwishtowed
Ntsika,Ishallhav etogol iv
et here.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Istoodi nmychamberanddr essedinmyr oyal
attir
e.Theni ghtwasl ongbecauseIhav enot
sleptwel l
.Allthathashappenedhadl eftme
withf r
ustrati
onsbecauseIshoul dhavestart
ed
prepar ati
onst ohav eNdoni welcomedasmy
brideal r
eadybutIcannotduet oNandeand
Lizwi.IhadBant usummont het woguar dsI'
ve
knownt obel oy altoLizwi
.Oneoft hem orbot h
mustknowoft hisplottoki
lltheKing.Iwalked
towher eIaskedt omeetthem.TheybowedasI
appr oachedandIgav epermissiontor i
se.
.
Bant
u:MaqhekezaandPhawu,
myPr
ince.
Me: Mythanks,Bantu.Ishallnotbeataround
thebush.Iam sureyoubot hhav eknowl edge
aboutwhathappenedt oLizwi .Iknowy ouboth
areloyalt
ohim.Oneorbot hofy ouhelpedhim
gethishandsont hepoisonbecauseIknowhe
i
st oomuchofacowar dtohav edoneithimself
.
Ishallgi
veyouonechancet oconf essory ou
shal
lbepuni
shed.Maqhekeza,
areyougui
l
tyof
plot
ti
ngt
heKing'
sdeathwithLi
zwi?
Qhekeza: Iam notgui
lt
yofsuchaheav ycrime,
myPr ince.Iam nofool
!Onlyafoolwouldbe
i
nv ol
vedinsuchacr imeandIshall
nev erri
sk
causingy ouangeragai
n.Il
earntagreatlesson.
Iholdnoknowl edgeofthi
s,Igi
veyoumy
promise. 
Me:Phawu,whatdoy
ouknowoft
hispl
ot(
he
l
ookednerv
ous)
Phawu:Ihol
dnotknowl
edgeoft
his,
myPr
ince.
(hel
ookeddown)
Me:Lookmeint
heey
esandsayt
hatagai
n.(
he
st
art
edtosweat
)
Phawu:I
..
.Ihol
dnoknowl
edgeoft
hispl
ott
oki
l
l
theKi
ng.
Me:
Idonotbel
i
evey
ou.
Phawu:
Ishal
lnev
e..
.
Me:
Bant
u,got
othev
il
lageandgethi
sfami
l
y.
Theyshallj
usthav
etotakepuni
shmentonhi
s
behal
f(Icuthi
m shor
tandhisli
psshi
ver
ed)
Phawu:Ihav
enotbeenhonestwi t
hyou,my
Pri
nce.Myapologi
esforthat
.Ishal
ltel
lyouthe
tr
uthbuthav
enohar m cometomyf amily,
Ibeg
i
fyou(hekneltdownandbegged)
Me:
Maqhekeza,
leav
eus.
Qhekeza:
Asy
ouwi
sh,
myPr
ince(
her
ushedout
)
Me:SpeakIam l
ist
ening.Dar
enott
oliet
ome
agai
nbecauseIshall
notbekind(
Ishout
edand
henoddedqui
ckly)
Phawu: I
twasmewhohel pedtheyounger
pri
ncegett hepoison.Heor deredmet ogeta
poisont hatdoesnotki l
l i
mmedi at
ely
.Iknewof
thepoi sonoftheZi yutreeandIwentt ogetit'
s
j
uicef orhim.Ihadnocl uethatheshalluseit
ont heKi ng.Hethreatenedt ohavemychi l
dren
beeat enbywi l
dani malsi fIdi
dnothelphim.
Me:
Youdar
edt
ohel
pamanwhot
ri
edt
oki
l
l
myf
ather(
Ist
rangl
edhi
m)
Bantu:MyPr
ince,l
etangernotcontr
olyou.You
needhimtogivewit
nessbeforethecouncil
.(he
tappedmyshoulder
)
Me: Youshal
lst
andbeforethecounci
landtel
l
t
hem whaty ouhav
et ol
dme.I fy
oudarechange
yourstor
yyoushal
lregreti
t.
Phawu:
Ishal
lbet
rut
hful
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
Me:Brother,havehi
m bekeptincapt
ivi
ty.I
shal
lnotriskthesnakesneaki
ngaway.
.
Bantugr abbedPhawuanddr aggedhi m away .I
t
i
st r
uewhatKi ngXol ospoke,theey eshol dalot
oftruth.Phawu'
sey esprovedhisgui l
t.Ileftto
theeat i
ngchambert ohaveamor ningf east.I
shallneedallmystrengthforwhenwemeet
withthecouncil
.IfoundKingXol oandFat her
seated.Fatherl
ookedmuchbet ter.Igreeted
andsatdown.
.
Me:
Fat
her
,youseem t
obei
nbet
terst
rengt
h. 
Father
:Ifeel
muchbett
er,
youngPr
ince.The
remediesofNcedi
hashel
pedalot
.
Me:
Shal
lyoul
i
ve?
Father
:Wehol dnoknowledgeoft
hat
,son.It
seemst hepoisonhasdamagedmylegs.Ican
nolongerwalk.
Xol
o:Surel
yyouaretowal
kagai
n,ol
df r
iend.
Yourbodyj
ustneedstor
egai
nstr
ength.
 
Me:IagreewithKingXolo.I
tisst
il
lear
ly,y
our
bodyissti
l
lrecoveri
ng.MyXolo,mythanksfor
comingwithNcedi.Myheartfeel
ssomuch
happi
nessbecausehei sstr
ongernow,Ican
seeit
.
Xol
o:I
tisall
apleasure.Ihavealottosti
l
l shar
e
wit
hhi
m soIam happyt hatheisrecover
ing.
Nowstopgivi
ngthanksbecausey ouaretowed
mydaughter
.Weshall soonbefamily.
Father:
Ntsi
ka,af
terallofthisi
soverwemust
startpr
epar
ati
onstowel comet heyoung
maiden.Sheiscarr
yingy ourhei
ral
readyand
youmustmakesur et hatnoshamecomet o
her.
 
Xolo: Iagr
eewit
hy ourf
ather.MyNdoni
deser vest
hebesthonour.Ishal
lgobacktomy
soiltodayandpreparet
owel comeyourpeopl
e
forthedowr y
. 
Father:I
twasgoodseeingyouagai n,
Xolo.You
havegi v
enmet hegif
toffor
givenessandIam
grateful
.Donotfear
,weshallcomeassoonas
thi
si sovert
ohonouryourdaughter.(
they
shookhands)
Me:Youshallgowel
l,myKing.Ishal
lhav
e
t
hem packfoodfory
our.Iaskthatyougowi
th
alet
tert
hatIhavewri
tt
enforNdoni. 
Xol
o:Ishal
lmakesur
esher
ecei
vesi
tandIam
sur
eshehaswokenupbynow.
Me:
Shei
sawomanofst
rengt
h,soIam sur
e
t
oo.
Father
:NowIam morecuri
oustomeetthi
s
younglady
.Shesoundsl
ikeatr
uePri
ncess.
Me:Youshalll
oveher
.Tel
lmef
athershal
lyou
beatthecounci
lmeet
ing?
Father:
Ishal
lbet
here.Mylegsmightnotbe
workingbutmymouthandmi ndare.Iwant
thosetwooffmyKingdom onewayoranother
.
Xolo:
Iwishyoubothwell
.Ishal
lknowitall
has
gonewellwhenIr
eceivealet
teraski
ngformy
Ndoni'
shandinmarri
age.
Me:Icannotwai
tfori
tal
ltohappen(
theybot
h
l
aughed)
.
Wesatandweat e.Thet woKi ngsar
eal r
eady
thi
nki
ngofnamesf ortheirunborngrandchil
d.I
cannotbel
ievet
hatIam goi ngtobeaf ather.I
hadfoodpackedfortheKi ngandNcedi.Father
hadgif
tsgi
v ent
oNcedi toshowt hanks.They
hookedt heirhor sest otheircarri
ageandwe
packedal l t
heirstuff.Igav etheKingal et
terfor
Ndoni andwebudf arewell.Theyhorsesst ar
ted
tomov ef orwar dgr aceful
lyuntilt
heywer eout
ofsight.West eppedi nsideandpr eparedf or
thecounci lmeet ing.Idonotwi shtoseet hose
twobutIhav enochoi ce.Ther oyalcouncil
arr
ivedandt heywenti ntothecouncilchamber .
Ihelpedt heKingt akehisseatandhadt he
pri
soner scomei n.Lizwi lookedatmewi t
hpur e
hateandt heQueenl ookedshamed.Theyst ood
beforeust i
edup.
.
Elder
: Gr
eeti
ngt oall
.Iam suret
hatthi
sisa
seri
ousmat terbecausebeforemestandsthe
QueenandPr i
nceofthissoil
ascaptiv
es.My
King,shal
lyoupleasetell
uswhyt hecounci
li
s
here?
Fat
her:
Mythanksf
ormakingitel
ders.Thi
sis
i
ndeedaser
iousmatt
erwhichinv
olv
esev i
l
cri
mes.Ishallstar
twi t
ht hePri
nce.Asyoual l
knowIam i l
landmyi ll
nesscaughtmewi thout
warning.I
nthemi stofitallt
hePr i
nce
mentionedpoisonwhennooneev ensuspected
i
t.Igotsuspici
ousofhi m becauseIhold
knowledgeofthewayLi zwii
s.IhadNtsika
conductasearchf orproofofpoisoni
nganda
packagewiththemar kingoftoxinswasf ound
i
nhischamber . 
El
der:
Pri
nceLi
zwi,
yourKi
nghasspoken.What
doyousayt
othi
saccusat
ion?
Lizwi
:Mythanks,el
der.Fir
stl
yIfeelverypai
ned
thatmyownf at
hershallaccusemeoft ryi
ngto
kil
lhi
m.Idonotacceptt hi
saccusation
becauseIst
andbeforey ouasani nnocentman.
(Icl
enchedmyjaw)
Me:
Per
missi
ont
ospeak,
elder
!
El
der:
Ifi
tisr
elat
edtothi
sthenIgi
ve
per
missi
on.(
Lizwil
ookedatme)
Me:
Iknewt
hathewoul
ddenyt
heaccusat
ion
asheisaspinel
esscowardwhohasnev
er
takenr
esponsi
bil
i
tyforany
thi
ng.
Li
zwi:
Itakeof
fense,
elder(
theel
derhel
duphi
s
handtosi
gnal
sil
ence)
Me: Ihav
eawi tnesst hatwishestocomeand
tel
lyouallwhathisinv ol
vementinthi
scrime
hasbeenandwhoor deredhimt odoit
.
Permissi
ontohav ehi m al
lowedinsi
de. 
El
der
:Br
inghi
min(
Ical
l
edf
orPhawuandhe
wal
kedi
n)
Me:Thisisoneoftheguar
dsoft heroyal
house.
Hisplaceismostl
ynearLi
zwi'
spr i
vat
echamber
andthathascausedhimtobeoneoft he
guar
dsl oyal
mosttoLizwi
.Ihaveaskedhim
whatheknewaboutt hi
sandhespoke.Nowhe
shal
ltellt
hecounci
l.
El
der
:Speak!(
hel
ookedatPhawu)
Phawu:
Pri
nceNtsi
kast
andscor
rect.Iam t
he
manwhogotthepoi
sonfort
heyoungerpri
nce.
Lizwi:Heisl
yi
ng,
elder
!Ihaveneveror
der
ed
thissavaget
ogetmepoison.Hemustbet he
onewhowant edtheKi
ngdead!(hecuthi
m
short)
Phawu: Ihol
dnomot i
v et
owi shtheKingdead,
elder.Igottheorderf
rom thepri
nce.Icaneven
showy ouwherethetreegrows.Ididnotknow
thatitwasi nt
endedtokil
ltheKing.Ihol
dregret
formyact i
onsbutwhowasIt osaynotoa
Prince?Hewoul dhavehadmychi l
drenki
ll
ed.
El
der
:Hemaygo(
theyt
ookhi
m away
)
Father
:Ibeli
evethaty
ouhav
eenought
oknow
thatheisguil
ty.
Elder:Li
zwi ,whatdoyousayaboutthis.Think
carefull
ybef oreyouspeakbecauseuntruthf
ul
wor dsmi ghtleadtoheavypunishment.(hekept
quietforal ongti
me)
Li
zwi:Iadmitgui
l
t,el
der
.Myapol
ogyf
orbei
ng
di
shonest.
 
Elder
:Whyhaveyoudonesuchacr
imeagai
nst
yourownfat
her?
Li
zwi:BecausetheKi
ngfav
oursNtsi
kamor e
andithasanger
edme.Ihavebeencarr
ying
hat
ef orhi
m anditmademedothisevi
lcri
me. 
El
der
:KingXhant
i,whatdoy
ousayoft
his
matt
er?
Father:Ihavebeengivingt hem bothfavourbut
Ihadt ofocusmor eonNt sikabecausehehad
tolearntheway softheKi ngdom f i
rst
.Lizwi
hasbeenanunr ul
yPrinceandi tf
rustrat
edme
much.Myapol ogi
esifhef eltl
i
keIhadnot
favouredhim butitst
il
l doesnotj usti
fyhis
plott
ingtomur derme.At ruemansi tsand
speaks.
El
der:Ihav
eheardenoughaboutt
hiscase.
Shal
lwegoont othatoft
heQueen.Whathas
beenhercri
me?(motherst
art
edtocry)
.
Istoodandtol
dt hem all
thathappenedand
howmot herwasi nvol
vedinit.Shestoodther
e
andcriedunt
ilshelookedlikeshewillcol
l
apse.
Iheldnopit
yforei t
herofthem atthi
smoment .
.
Elder
:QueenNande,y
ouhavehear
dthe
accusat
ionsagai
nsty
ou.Whatdoyouhav
eto
say?
Mother :
Itistr
ue,elder
.Idi
ditoutofpainafter
NtsikatoldmeIam deadt ohim.Nomot her
wishest ohearthosewordsfrom herson.He
t
urnedmyhear ttostone.(
Icl
osedmyey esin
f
rust r
ati
on)
Elder:Ihavenevergi
venbirthtoachi l
dbecause
Iam amanbutbymyknowl edgenomot her
wisheshar mtoherchildr
en.Nomat terwhat
thecauseoft hepainthechildis.I
fitwasnot
forthemer cyofKingXolo,Umhl aba
Ochumi ley
owoul dhol
dnohei rbecauseLizwii
s
clearl
ynotwor t
hytobecal l
edKi ngsomeday .
MyKing,
whatf
ateshal
lyouhav
etheset
wo
meet
?
Father:
Ther ul
esoft hi
ssoi lstat
et hatany one
whoki l
lsortri
estokilli
t'
sKi ngshal l
meett he
samef ateashehaswi shedf ortheKi ng.Bylaw
Lizwii
st obefedpoisont hatshallst
ophi s
heartfr
om beatingbuthehasgi venr easons
thathavemademymi ndbeconf used.Ishal l
havehim stri
ppedoffall ofhisroyalbenef i
ts
andshal lnol
ongerbedeemedPr i
nce.Heshal l
remainincaptivi
tyunti
l wehav esati nprivate
anddeci dedonhisfate. 
Elder
:Itsoundsjustf
ornow.Dotheot
her
council
sagree(helookedar
oundandthey
nodded)
Father:
Asf ortheNande,Iwantherof fthesoil
ofmyKi ngdom withimmedi acy.Sheistogo
backtoherKi ngdom andf acetheshame
beforeherpeople.Inolongerdeem hermy
QueenandIshal ltakeallofherbenefi
tsfrom
her
.Ishal
lnotl
eadwit
hawomanwhohol
dsan
evi
lhear
tbymyside.
 
Mot her
:Ibegofy ou,
myKi ng.Theshameshall
ki
llme.Donott akemebackt omyl i
ttl
e
Kingdom.Ishalldoanythi
ng.Showmer cy,my
King.Youhaveabast ar
dchildwit
haser v
ant
andIam wi l
l
ingtoacceptit.
 
El
der
:Shal
lyoushowmer
cy?
Father:IwantwhatIsaidtobedone.Sheisnot
toclaimthisKingdom ofhers.Hav
ehersentto
theKingdom youf oundherandensur
eshesets
nof oother
e.Ifshedoesthensheshallsuf
fer
theconsequences.
Mother
:Youwantmegonesot hatyoucanbe
wi
ththatwhor
e,Xhant
i?Youshall
regr
etthi
s! 
Elder:
TakeLi zwibackt ocapti
vi
tyandletitbe
knownt hathehasbeenst r
ippedoffhisti
tl
e.
Weshal lsitanddecideoftheoutcomesofhi s
case.Nandei stobet akentothesoilofher
birt
handl etitbeknownsheshal lnolonger
hol
dtheti
tl
eofUmhl abaOchumi
leyo.Sheshal
l
goandfacetheshameofbeingafail
ureofa
Queen.
.
Theybot hgott akenawayandIam gl adt hat
theyshal l
nol ongerbei nt her oyal house.My
wishisf orLizwi toroti ncapt i
vi
tybecauseIdo
notwanthi mt odie.Hehasdoneev i
lsbuthi s
mot hercursedhi m witht heev ilheart.Nande' s
banf rom thi
ssoi l
wi l
lhav et odobecauset he
eldershav espoken.Icoul dseef atherblames
himsel ff
orthewayLi zwi hast urnedout .Ido
notknowwhatf at
eawai tsLi zwi becauseIam
notallowedi nthef inal verdictmeet i
ngs.Iknow
theKingshal laskf ormer cyf orhi m.Itpainsme
thathecannol ongermakeuseofhi slegsbut
atleasthishear tstill
beat s.Isati nmychamber
feeli
ngexhaust edandl ongingf ormyl ady.She
shallcomet oanewhomet hathasr idoft he
evil
sandI 'm gladbecauseshef earedcomi ng
here.Ishallletfatherr estandt henweshal l
havetostartthepreparat
ionsofthewedding
cel
ebrati
ons.Icannol ongerbarebei
ngaway
fr
om Ndoni yamanzi.I
thasnotbeenapl easant
dayandseei ngherbeautif
ulfacewouldhave
madei tmuchbet t
er.HowIhopeherheal thhad
i
mpr oved.Iam notamanwhosl eepswhilethe
sunisstil
lupbutmyey esfel
theavyandIfell
asl
eep.
[
03/02,
14:58]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t25
.
#Nt
sika
DayshavegonebyandIst i
llwaitt
ohearwhat
hasbeendecidedaboutLi zwi
.Imiss
NdoniyamanzibutatleastIhavealr
eadysent
thel
ett
ertoherfamilyaskingforherhandin
marri
age.TheKinghadmecal l
edt othecounci
l
chamber.Istoodandwentatonce.Ient
ered
andimmedi atel
yknewthatt
heyhavereacheda
deci
siononLi zwi
'sf
ate.
.
Me:
Youhav
ecal
l
ed,
Fat
her
.
Fat
her
:Yes,
myt
hanksf
orcomi
ngatonce.
 
Me:
Hav
eyoual
ldeci
dedonav
erdi
ct?
Elder:Weast hecounci lwishedforLi
zwito
meett hesamef ateashewi sheduponhisKing.
Whenanappl ehasal i
tt
lerotiti
sbesttocut
thatpieceof fandt hrowitawaybef or
eit
spreads.Lizwi i
scl earl
yar ott
enpieceint
his
Kingdom andwef earthatifwedonotpunish
him accordingtowhatl awssayi tweshal
lbe
fi
ll
edwi thregretlateroni nli
fe.
Fat
her
:Butwespeaknotofanappl
eher
e,el
der
.
Wespeakofmyson. 
El
der:
Asonwhohol
dsawishtoseeyoudead.
Youknowt
hatt
her
eisnocur
eforpowerhungr
y
hei
rs,Xhant
i.I
fLi
zwii
ssetfreeorgiv
ena
l
enientpuni
shmentheshal
lplananothersi
mil
ar
pl
ot.Heisastheroti
nanappleanditisnowto
l
atetofixhi
m. 
Father
:Iunder
standt
hatel
der
.Ihavejust
wishedtofi
nal
lyshowhimthi
sfavourhehas
l
ongedf orf
rom me.
Elder:Ifweshowl eniencyspeci al
lyforhimthen
i
tisonl yfairthatwel etallwhoat temptmur der
fr
ee.Thati swhywehav edecidedt opunishhim
accordingly.Tryi
ngt oki l
ltheKingi snosmal l
offense.Weast hecounci lhavedecidedthatit
i
sbesthebeexecut edf orhisevildeed.You
hav ethefinalsayasKi ng.Arey ouinagreement
withus?
Father
:Ihavebeenhopi
ngf ormercybutyou
aremyeldersandadvi
sors.Youarewise
becauseyouhaveseem plent
y.Ishal
lbeafool
tonotagreewit
hyou. 
El
der
:Theni
tisf
inal
!Li
zwi
shal
lbeputt
o
eter
nalsl
eepatsunsetbypoi
sonashehas
tr
iedtodototheKing.
.
Fatherl
ookedpainedandhadt heguardsli
fe
hi
m upt ohischamber.Myhear ti
salsoheavy
becauseLizwimightbeevilbutheissti
l
lmy
brother
.Ihavenotwishedforhimtomeett hi
s
ki
ndofpai nf
ulend.Isati
nsilencewithf
ather
.
.
Father
:Li
zwi'sacti
onshavemadememakea
decisi
onthatIhaveneverwi
shedt
omakei
nmy
l
ife(hefi
nall
ysaid)
Me: Hewant edtohaveaninnocentper
sontake
theguiltf
orhiscri
me.Myhear tisal
soheavy,
fat
herbutheknewt hepuni
shmentforthi
stype
ofcrime.Ifeelsomuchangerf orhi
mforbei
ng
thi
sst upi
d.
Fat
her:
Hav emetakentohi
splaceofcapt
ivi
ty
bef
oresunset
.Iwisht
oseehim.
Me: Ihavenotbeentoseenhim al
ltheseday
s
hehasbeeni ncapti
vi
ty.Ishal
lal
sogoandbi d
myf arewel
ls.Hehol
dssomuchangerandhat e
forus.
Fat
her
:Al
lbecauseofme.
Me:No,iti
sallbecauseofmot
her
.Hewas
cl
osestt
oherandwhoknowswhatpoison
wordsofhateshefedhim. 
Father
:Thereissomethi
ngel
set
hatIwi
sht
o
tel
lyou.(
Ilookedathi
m)
Me:
Whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?
Father
:Iam tostepdownasKi
ng(
myey
es
widenedinshock)
Me:
Youst
il
lbr
eat
h,f
ather
. 
Father
:Iam uselesstotheKingdom whenI
havenouseofmyl egs.Icannol ongerdot
he
duti
esofaKi ng.Thisi
snowayf oramant oli
ve
(heshoutedi
nangerandf r
ustr
ation)
Me:
Fat
her
,youmi
ghtst
il
lrecov
eri
nyourl
e..
.
Father
:Ncedi
l
esaidthatshefearst
hepoison
hasdamagedmyl egs!Ishal
lnotwal
kedagain
andIhavetoaccepti
t.IcannotbeaKingwho
needstobecarr
iedaroundli
keababy.Spare
met hepai
nofsuchahumi li
ati
on!
Me:
Iam notr
eadyt
osi
tony
ourt
hrown.
Father:Ishal
lbebyyourside,asIhav
ebeen
Ntsika.JustnotasyourKingbutasyour
advisor!Mybodyfeelsl
ikethatofanoldman.
Youneedt ost
epup!
Me:
Iam notr
eady
! 
.
Ishout edatfatherfortheveryfirstti
meandl ef
t
hischamber .Gr owingupknowi ngy ouaretobe
futureKingisnotapr obl
em butIhav enot
expectedi tt
obesosoon!Iam t erri
fi
edatthi
s.
Whati fIfail
atit?Itookmyhor seandIr odeof
toclearmymi nd.Goodr i
ddanceBant ui
saway
totrainyoungwar r
ior
sbecausehewoul dhav e
tri
edt ocalm medownandal lIneedi st
obel ef
t
alone.Iwentt otheroy algardenandIsatf ora
whi l
e.Allofwhathashappenedhasbeen
weighingonmet oomuchandInol ongerfeel
l
ikeIcant akeit.IwishIcoul djustfeel Ndoni'
s
l
av enderscentembr ace.Isatunt ilIhave
calmedandr odebackt othemai nl
and.WhenI
arri
vedt herewaspani c.Irani nsidet oaskwhat
i
shappeni ng.Iwentt ofather'schamberbuthe
wasnott here.Istartedt ofeart hathemi ght
hav edied.Ilefthimi nabadwayandIwantt o
apologise.Iaskedaser vantwher ehei sand
shedi r
ect edmet othecounci lchamberandI
ranasf astasmyf eetcoul d.Ifoundhi m sitt
ing
andst i
llaliv
eandbr eathedasi ghofr eli
ef.
.
Me:Father
.whatseemst
obet hemat
ter
?Why
i
stheresomuchchaosoutsi
de?
Fat
her
:Li
zwi
hadescaped!
 
Me:
What?Howist
hatpossi
ble?(
Ihel
doneof
t
heguar
dsbyhi
scl
othi
ng)
Guard:I
tseemshehasbeengonef orday
s,my
Pri
nce.Wef oundast
rangersi
tt
ingi
nhiscel
l
.
Me:Youdonotknowwhatyourownpr
ince
l
ooksli
ke?(
Ishout
edathi
m)
Guard:Thechamber sofcapti
v i
tyi
sdarkand
wedonotl etpri
sonersout.Hemusthav e
gott
enaguar dtorel
easehi m andputa
str
angerinhischamber.Themansay shehas
beenintherefordaysandwast hr
eat
enedto
keephissil
ence.
Father:Ihadt
hem t
akemetoLizwiandthat
waswhenIsawt hatiti
snothi
mi nthatcell
.He
i
slonggonebynowbutIhav ehadtheKi ngdom
searched.
Me:Ishoul
dneverhav
eletBant
ugo,i
twoul
d
nev
erhavehappenedi
fhestoodguar
d.
Father
:Nousegoi
ngonaboutt
hatwecannot
change. 
Me:
Got
otheKi
ngdom mot
hercomesf
rom.I
am sur
ehehadgonetohismothertopl
otmor
e
evi
l
.Wecannotrestunt
ilhei
sfound.Afew
daysgi
vehi
m pl
entytopl
an.
Father
:Ihav
ehadext
raguar
dsonr
oyal
grounds.
Me:Ofwhatusei sthatifsomeoft hem ar
e
tr
ait
ors!Ishal
lst
andguar d.Goandgetsome
warri
orstohelpyouinthesearch.Searchall
of
UmhlabaOchumi l
eyo.
.
Theguar dlef
tandIcoul dnotgooutbecause
Lizwimi ghtcomebackt otheroyalhouset o
fi
nishf atheroff.Ishouldhav egonet othe
captivi
tychamberev erydaysincehegothel d
there.Ishouldhav eexpect edt hesnaket o
escape.Icannotbel i
ev ehehasbeengonef or
days.Cl earl
yourguar dsareuselesst rai
tors.I
hadot herguar dssentt owher emot heris.Heis
suchacowar dI'm sureher antohi smot heras
hehasal waysdone.If eelsoangr ybecausehe
shal
ltr
ytoav
engehi
msel
f.Icannothav
ehi
m
comenearmyfat
her
.
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Thel ett
ert hatNt sikahassentwi thfatherhas
warmedmyhear tsomuch.Ihav ebeenr eading
i
tev erydaysi nceIhav er eceivedit.Imisshim
somuch.Mot hertol dmet hathisf amil
yhas
sentt heletteraskingf ormyhandal r
eady .I
t
seemsal li
st rulywel l.Hisf atheri
sal sobetter
andi twar msmyhear t.Iwal kedther oyal
groundswi ththeKi ng.
.
Fat
her
:Youl
ooksoatpeace,
deardaught
er.
Me: Iam,fat
her
.Fi
nal
l
yIshal
lbehonour
edasI
deserve.
 
Fat
her:Themot herhastol
dmet hatyouwishto
havet
hecel ebrati
onssoon.Ihaveagreedtoit
.
OnceNtsika'
sandhi speopl
ecomet ohonour
uswit
hdowr y,
weshal lhavethecel
ebrat
ions.
 
Me:
Myt
hanksf
oragr
eei
ng,
fat
her
.
Fat
her
:Howar
eyourwounds?
Me:Muchbett
er,
theyhav
eallcl
osedandIno
l
ongerneedacl
othtocovert
hem.
Father
:Myapol
ogiesonceagai
n.WhenIsaw
whatIhaddonetoyoumyheartal
moststop
beati
ng.
Me:
All
iswel
lnow,
fat
her
.Donotf
ear
. 
Father
:Ilookfor
war dt
obecomi nga
grandf
atheragain.Maybei
tisamai den
becauseXhanti'
shouseiswithoutany(we
l
aughedsof t
ly)
Me:
Ishal
lbeapar
tofhi
sfami
l
ysoon.
Fat
her
:Itpai
nsmyhear
tthatyouar
etooleave
myhousesosoonbuty
ouar etowedtoakind
man.Xhant
iisal
soagoodman.(
hesmi
l
ed)
Me:Iam j
usthappythathi
shealt
hhas
i
mproved.Ntsi
ka'
slett
ermadeitsoundasi
fhe
i
sgoingtoli
ve.
Father
:Butthepoisonhasdamagedhislegs.I
t
i
tnotaneasyf at
et oacceptf
oranact
iveman
l
ikeXhantibutheisstr
ong.
Me: Atleasthi
sheartst
il
lbeats.Ami racl
e
mighthappent ohealhi
slegs.Iam justhappy
thatNtsikaneedsnottobideternal
farewellt
o
hisfat
her .
 
Fat
her
:Iagr
ee.
..
.
Wewal kedwhil
el aughi
ngandItrulyholdalot
ofloveformyfami l
y.NtandoapproachedandI
knewitwast ocallusfortheni
ghtfeast
becauseitisal
readysunset.Heapproached
wit
hasmi l
ebutitfadedwhenhel ookedbehind
us.
.
Nt
ando:
Getdown(
heshout
ed)
.
Wel ookedbackandwesawandamanhol ding
aspear.Bef or
eweknewi t,i
tf l
ewt otheai rand
Fathershiel
dedmet ot hegr ound.West ayedi n
thatposit
ionforawhi l
e.Allthreebeast swer e
onourat t
ackerandi nt hatinstantIknewt hat
hehadnochanceofl ivi
ng.Il ookedt oNt ando
toseeifhewasnotst r
uckbyt heweaponbut
l
uckilyhewasnot .TheKi ngor deredthebeast s
ofthemanandwal kedt ohim.Hel ookedatt he
manandt henatme.Ir antowher ehest ood
andlookeddownatt hetrespasser .Hewasf ull
ofbloodandopenwoundsofcheet ahmar kings.
Thesunmi ghtbeset ti
ngbutt heskystillli
t
bri
ghtenoughf ormet oseehi m.ItisLizwi and
myhear tnearlystopped.Howcanhebeher e
whenNt sikasai dheisincapt i
vit
yinhisl ett
er?!
Icri
edatt hesightofhisbadl yinj
uredbody
becauseIhav enev eri
nallmyday sseensuch!
Ifhecancomef rom hissoiltomineandent er
ourr oyal gr oundsthenIam notsaf e.Father
wasbr eathi ngf i
reandaskinghowhegoti n.He
i
swear ingt heattir
eofourr oyalhouseguardso
thatissur elyhowhegotpasst hem.Iwasi nso
shockt hatIst artedtofeelmuchpai ninmy
l
owerbel lyandback.Ther ewasmuchchaos
aroundme.Ist oodwi t
hami ndfull
ofquestions.
DidLi zwi di spi
semesomucht hathewoul d
comeal l
thi swayt odot hisorwasi thi
swayt o
tryandhur tNtsikabyusingme?Fat herhadme
carriedt ot her oyalhouseandt hepaingot
wor seandwor sethatitmademecr yout!
[
03/02,
14:58]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t26
.
#Nt
sika
ThethoughtofLizwistil
lbei
ngabouthas
causedmet odeprivemy sel
ffrom sleep.I
thas
beendayssincethedayofhi sescapeandI
havenotlef
tfat
her'ssidesince.Iam sohappy
thatmyNdoni i
snother eyetorIwoul dhaveto
fearf
orherli
fetoo.Iputguardst hatIknowto
beloyalt
omei nandar oundt heroyalhouse.I
satwithf
atheri
nhi schamber .
.
Fat
her:Cal
lthesear
chforLi
zwioff
,Nt
sika.
Sur
elyheisnolongeronthi
ssoi
l.
Me:Heissuchast
upi
dfool
,soIdoubthehas
l
eftUmhlaba.
 
Father
:Thebusinessoft heKingdom cannotbe
atastandstil
lbecauseoft hi
s.Wemustgo
aboutourli
vesandj uststayal
ertfori
fhe
str
ikesagai
n.
Me: Notif
,father.Li
zwii
sasnakeandIt r
ust
thatheshallstri
keonceagain.Myfeari
sthat
hisnextstr
ikemi ghtbedeadlyf
oranyofus.
Father
:Weshalldealwi
thitwhentimecomes
butfornowcal
lbacktheguardsyouhavesent
out.Westaywait
ingtohearfr
om thoseyou
senttoNande'
sKingdom. 
Me:Asyouwish,myKi
ng.Ishal
lhav
ethe
sear
chcal
ledoff
.
Father
:Westi
ll
havenotspokenabouty
ou
steppi
ngupatKingsoon.
Me:Whatmakesy
out
hinkt
hatIam r
eady
,
f
ather
?
Father:
Youwer ereadythesecondy ou
understoodwhatbeingeldestpr
incemeans,
Ntsika.
Me:
Hav
etheel
der
sagr
eedt
othi
s?
Father:
Iam st
il
ltotel
lthem.Theyarewi
seand
theyknowaKinginmycondi ti
onmaycri
ppl
e
theKingdom.Iam sur
et heyshal
lagr
eet
omy
plea.
Me:
Myhear
tisheav
ythaty
ounowhav
eto
acceptthisnewf ate,
fat
her.El
derwasr i
ghtin
sayingLizwiisarotinourKingdom andIfear
wit
hhi m bei
ngabouti sbadforitbecausewe
holdnor ealknowledgetohisevi
lcapabil
i
ties.
Father
:Hecannothidef oral
lhi
sday s.Many
knowhim andweshal l
knowwhenhei sseen.
Weneedt osealtheuni
onbet weenyouandt he
Pri
ncess.Iwishf
oryout obemar r
iedwheny ou
arehonouredwit
hthecrownofKi ngsoshet oo
canbecrownedasy ourQueen.
Me: Iwishtowedherassoonaspossi bl
etoo.
Myhei rgrowsever
ydayandsheissurelygoi
ng
toshowsoon.St ar
twit
htheprepar
ati
ons.
Father.Iwantt
ogot oherKi
ngdom andhonour
herfami l
ywit
habridepri
ce.
Father
:Itshallbedoneassoonaspossible.We
needtopr eparepl
entybecauseshehail
sfrom
powerbutIhav ebeenpr epar
ingf
orbothyou
andLizwif ormanyyears.Donotfear
,weshall
havenopr oblems.
Me: Ihopesobecauseallwehavebeendeali
ng
withisprobl
ems.Weal soneedtoarr
angefor
someonet oteachNdonithewaysofthi
s
Kingdom.Itwassupposet obeNande'
sduty
butIwanthernowher enearNdoni
yamanzi.
Father:
Ishal
lar
rangef
orev
ery
thi
ngasaf
ather
should.
 
Me:
Myt
hanks,
fat
her
.(weshookhands)
.
Fatherwi shedt ogooutandf eeltheheatoft he
sunonhi sbody .Ialloweditbecausehehas
beeni nthischamberf ortheday swef oundout
Lizwihasescaped.Icar ri
edhi m outmy sel fand
Icouldseet hatiteatsawayonhi sdigni tybutI
holdnocar eforthatbecausehei smyf ather.I
hadgi ngerbebr oughtt ousandhet alkedme
throught hejourneyIshall t
akeunt il
Isi tont he
thrown.Oneoft heguar dscamef rom t heot her
sideoft heroy algroundsinar ushandpani c
swepti ntomybody .Hebowedandst ood.
.
Guard:
MyKi ng,t
herei
sani
mpor
tantguestf
or
youatther
oy al
gate.
Me:
Hast
hisguestgi
venhi
sident
it
y?
Guard:I
tist
heKi
ngofZwel
i
hle(
myey
es
widened)
Father
:Youdar
edkeephim outsidet
hegat
es!
LettheKi
nginatonce!
(heshouted)
Guar
d:Asy
ouwi
sh(
her
anof
fagai
n)
Father
:Whatbusi
nesswouldmakeXol
ocome
backagai
n?Shouldhenotsi
tandwai
tforust
o
come?
Me:Ihol
dnoknowledgeofthebusinesst
hat
br
ingshi
m her
e.Whatifharm hascometo
Ndoni
yamanzi
?(Iwalkedaboutworri
edsi
ck)
Fat
her
:Cal
m now,
Ntsi
ka.
 
.
Howcanf
athert
ell
ust
ocal
m?I
fKi
ngXol
ohas
comeallthi
swayt hensureiti
sofurgency
!Ido
hopethatnoharm hascomet oNdoniandour
unbornbaby.Thatshal
ltr
ulybetheendofme.
KingXolowalkedinwit
hhisguardsandgreet
ed.
Hedoesnotseem l i
keapleasedman.
.
Fat
her
:Ol
dfr
iend,
issomet
hingt
hemat
ter
?
Xolo:Myhear
tisheav
y ,
oldfr
iend.Mydaughter
nearl
ymetherendatthehandsofy ourson
(f
atherl
ookedatme)
Me:
Iwoul
dnev
erhar
m her
,fat
her
.
Xolo:Ispeaknotofy oureldest.Youryoungest
hassneakedintomyKi ngdom t oKingthe
Pri
ncessofZwel i
hle.Ifmyy oungesthadnot
seenhimf i
rst
,myNdoni wouldhavemether
end.Ithasangeredmet hatyouwoul dlethi
m
gof r
ee.
Father:
Iwouldnotmaket
hatmistake,
old
fr
iend.Lizwi
wastobeputt
oeternalsl
eepas
punishmentbutont hedayIwentt oseehi
m
andf oundastr
angerinhi scel
l.Hehadescaped
andmusthav efoundhi swayt oy ourKi
ngdom.
Mydeepestapol ogyforthedisrespecthe
causedony oursoil
. 
Me:
Howi
sNdoni
yamanzi
,myKi
ng?
Xolo:Iholdnoknowl edgeofhercondit
ion
becauseIleftf
ory ourKingdom atonceto
reportthi
smattermy self
.Theshockmadeher
feelalotofpai
n( Ifel
tasharpstinginmyhear
t)
Me:
Wher
ehast
hispai
nbeen?
Xolo:Herl
owerbel
lyandback.Il
eftnot
knowinghowsheis.Shei
singreatcareIknow
that.
Father:
Pai
nisnotgoodforawomanwho
carri
esachi
ld.Iwishf
ort
heancest
orst
olook
aft
erthebot
hoft hem.
Me:Wherei
sLi
zwi
,Ki
ngXol
o?Pl
easet
ell
me
youhav
ecomewit
hhim.
 
Xol
o:Ourbeastshaveattackedhimtoobadly
andhediedofhiswounds.Myapol ogi
estoyou
al
lbutIf
eelnoguiltbecausehetri
edtoki
llmy
onl
ydaughteronthesoilofherpeopl
e.
Fat
her:
Hehassav edmethegui
l
tIwoul
dhav
e
car
ri
edforhi
sexecuti
on.
Xolo:Ihavecomewit
hhisbody.Ihaditcl
eaned
andsmear edint
henecessar
yspicesandoil
s
topreserv
eit.
 
Me:Hedoesnotevendeserv
et hathonour
!Ifhe
hadli
vedIwoul
dhavekil
ledhim wit
hmybar e
hands.
Fat
her:
Weshal
lhavetobur
yhi
m atsunset
.Ar
e
yousur
eiti
shi
m,Xolo?
Xol
o:Iam mostcer
tai
n.
Me:
ShouldIputthedaysworktorestandhav
e
t
heKingdom mournthei
rPr
ince?
Father:
Hediednotasapri
nce.Hewasstr
ipped
offhisti
tl
ebef
orehedi
ed.Weshall
notbury
hi
minthecemeterywher
eourfor
efather
sli
e.
Hedeser
vesnottohavesuchanhonour.
Me:Asy ouwish,myKing.Letmehavethe
wordspreadtotheKingdom.Thosewhowish
tomournshallmournbutthosewhowishnot
shal
lnotbeforced.
.
FathernoddedandIl eftthem t odowhatImust .
Ihadal ltheroyalmessenger sgooutt othe
peopletot ellt
hem thatthei ryoungerpr i
ncehas
methi sendandi stobel aidtor estatsunset .
Theelder shaveagr eedtonothonourLi zwi asa
Pri
nceshoul dbehonor ed.Hi sbodyi stol ay
wit
ht hoseofcommoner s.Ikeptmy sel
fbusy
wit
ht hisdutyt opreventmymi ndf rom thinking
aboutNdoni andourbaby .Ifeart hatLizwi '
s
acti
onsmi ghthaveledt oherl osingourunbor n
chi
ld.Ihat ehim somuchf oral lthepai nhehas
caused.Ki ngXolo'speopl epr eser vedt hebody
sowel lthatFatherandt heel der smanagedt o
tr
ulyidenti
fyi
tatLi zwi'
s.Sunsetcameand
manychosenott obi dfarewelltotheirPri
nce.
Hemusthav eanger edmany .Amessengerwas
senttoNande'sKi ngdom t oinform herofher
son'
sdeat handhowhi sownst upidit
yledhim
tohisend.Thecer emonywentwel landLizwi
wasputi nhisplaceofet ernal r
estasa
commonerandnotaPr i
nce.Ev eryt
hingwas
doneandwewentbackt ot heroyalgrounds.
KingXoloistoleav eearlythenextmor ni
ng.I
am tofoll
owwi thmynegot iatorstofinal
l
y
makeNdoni mine.
.
Xolo:Fearnot
,Nt
sika.Imi
ghtnothol
d
knowledgeofNdoni'
sheal
thbutIdoknowt
hat
sheisstrong.
Me:Ifeart
hatthismi
ghthaveletherl
oseour
baby
,myKi ng.Shemightbest
rongbutift
hat
hashappenedshewil
l notbef
ine.
Xol
o:Ibel
i
evet
hatshei
sfi
neandsoi
syourhei
r.
Me:
Yes,
myKi
ng.(
Ilookeddown)
Fat
her:Oldf
riend,per
missiontohavemyson
andthenegotiat
orstotr
avelwithyoutoyour
soi
l.Iknowyoumi ghtnotbereadytowelcome
usyetbutIwishnottoseehi mliket
hisno
l
onger.
Me:
Icannotl
eav
eyou.
Father:Iam amanwhocanlookaft
erhi
msel
f.
Thet hr
eatisnomoreandIwisht
oseeyou
happy .
 
Xolo:
Wehav ebeenpreparedforthem f
orlong
now.Wehav ej
ustbeenwai t
ingforyourroyal
negoti
atorsandthePri
ncet ocome.Idonot
haveapr obl
em i
ftheytrav
el wi
thus.
Fat
her
:Ishal
lhaveal
lbearr
angednow,Nt
sika
soi
tcanbereadybef
oresunri
se.Ar
eyoui
n
agr
eement?
Me:Iam,
fat
her
.Myonl
ywi
shi
stof
inal
l
ywed
her
.
Xolo:Idohol
dfearf
orhersaf
ety.Areyousur
e
thatherl
if
eshal
lbeinnoharm onceshecomes
toli
vehere.
Fat
her:
Noharm shall
comet oher
,oldfr
iend.
Thosewhowishedherharm ar
enolongerhere.
Wegiveyouourpromise.
Xol
o:ThenIguessiti
sti
met
of i
nal
lyl
ett
he
chi
l
drenwedast heyhav
ewi
shedforsol
ong.
 
Me: Mythanks,myKi
ngs.Thisbr
ingsmuchj
oy
tomyhear t
.Letmegoandhav emyown
prepar
ati
onsbeforet
hetrav
els.
.
Ishookbot hthei
rhandsandl eftthem.Iwentt o
dopr eparat i
onsforthet rav
els.Almostallthe
royalcarriageswillgooutt oZwel i
hlebecause
theyshall becarryi
nggi ftstoNdoni '
sfamily.
Afteralloft hi
sisdonesheshal lcomewi thme
toUmhl abaOchumi l
eyo.Iaskedf athert
ohav e
theroyal houseandgr oundscleansedbef ore
Ndoni arri
v esandheagr eed.Iret
iredtomy
chamberfeel
ingexhaust
edandIwentt oli
e
down.IhopethatNdonisti
l
l carr
iesourchil
d
becauseIdonotthi
nkshewi llbeabletocarry
thepainofl
osingourunbornchild.Icannot
waittoseeher.
.
.
#Ndoni
ThesightofLizwi
'sbadlywoundedbodyst i
ll
hauntsme.Whatki ndofaf oolwashe?Evenif
hesucceededwi t
hhi splantokil
lmehesurely
musthav eknownt hathetooshalldi
e.Fat
her
l
eftwithhisbodyatonceandhewasangr y.Ido
hopethatitwil
lnotcauseanot herf
eud
betweenthetwoKi ngs.IsatinMother
's
chamberwi t
hher.
.
Me: Ist
il
lcannotbel
iev
ethatLi
zwi
hascome
al
lthiswaytoharm me.
Mother:
Wel l
hehasf
ail
edandy
oust
il
lcar
ry
yourchi
ld.
Me:
Ihavenev
erf
eltt
hatmuchpai
ninmyl
i
fe,
mot
her
.
Mother
:If
earthaty
oumi ghtl
osey
ourunbor
n
chi
l
dbutclear
lyheorsheisawarr
ior
.
Me:
Justl
i
kehi
s/herf
ather(
wel
aughed)
Mother
:Ihav
enev
erseenawar
ri
orwhoi
sa
woman.
Me:I
fiti
sagi
rlt
henshemi
ghtbet
hef
ir
st(
we
l
aughed)
Mot
her
:No,
noti
fit
'saPr
incess.
Me:Mother,
Ifeargoi
ngt
oUmhlaba.Whati
fme
goi
ngtherewil
lbri
ngmor
ehar
mt omyl i
fe?
Mother:Nt sikawil
lnotall
owittocomet othat
,
Ndoni.Lawsshal lalsobeprotecti
ngyounow.
Whoev erwi shestoharmy ouknowst heyshall
f
aceagr eatpunishmentbecausey ouarethe
f
utureQueen.Iknowy ouhol
df eari
ny ourheart
butIdonotwanty outoall
owev i
ltowin.You
andNtsikahavebothalmostmety ourend
becauseyoufoughtforthi
slovesomuch.You
arenowf i
nal
lyabl
etobewi thhim. 
Me:Icannotwaittowedhim butInowfeel
a
l
otoffear.Youandfat
herwi
llnotgowit
hmet o
t
hatplace.
Mother:Yourhusbandwil
lbethereandheshall
ensur
et hatnoharm comestoyouandhi shei
r.
Nowpl easestopmakingyourheartsoheavyby
worry
ing.Mbalekii
salsotogowithy ou.
Me:
Ntando'
shear
twi
l
lbebr
oken.(
wel
aughed)
Mother
:Histur
nshal
lcomet
ohav
ehi
sown
companion.
 
Me:
Wheni
sfat
hert
oret
urn?
Mother:Ihol
dnoknowledgeoft hatbuthe
i
nsist
edongoi nghi
mselftotheKingdom of
Xhantit
ohearwhatthei
rPrincewasdoi ngher
e
whenhewast obei
ncaptivi
ty.
Me:Li
zwi
knewhewouldnotl
eavethi
ssoi
lal
i
ve.
Whywoul
dsomeoner
iskthei
rli
fel
i
kethat
?
Mot her
:Weholdnoknowl edgeofwhatgoeson
i
nt hemindofevil
people.Iam j
usthappythat
Ntandosawhi minti
me.Iwi l
lnotl
ie,myheart
i
shappyt hathi
sheartbeatsnolonger.Cl
ear
ly
al
lweneedt odowi t
hasnakei stohav ei
tki
ll
ed.
Me:Yes,butthi
sst upi
dsnakeki
l
ledhimsel
f.
Maybehesawt hathisl
if
eisnol
ongerofuse.
Doesthi
smeant hatmydowrynegot
iati
onsare
t
obedelay ed?
Mother
:Wehav etowaitfort
heKingtotell
us.
I
tmightbedelayedbecauseKingXhanti
and
Ntsi
kamightwishtomour nt
heirLi
zwi.(
I
l
ookeddown)
Me: Mybellyissur
etobebigbytheti
meall
of
thishappens.Imustj
ustacceptt
hat(
she
kissedmycheek)
Mother:
Iam sorr
y,myblossom butli
fekeeps
t
hrowingtheseobst
acl
esinourlives.
Me:Maybei
tisasignthatweshoul
dnotwed.
Fat
ehasneverf
avouredouruni
oninthef
ir
st
pl
ace.
 
Mother
:Ift
hatwast r
ue,
fat
ewoul dnothave
al
l
owedy outonurtur
eNtsi
ka'shei
rinyour
womb.Yourlovehasbeentestedbuti
tist
o
makeitstr
onger.
Me:Ihearwhaty ouaresaying,myQueen.Iam
happythatNtsi
ka'sf
atheriswellbecausei
fhe
haddiedNtsikawouldhavet obeKingandIhi
s
Queen(shelaughedsoftl
y)
Mot
her
:Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
? 
Me: Iam notreadyforsuchabi g
responsibi
li
ty.
 Ihol
dnoknowl edgeofwhatan
Umhl abaroyalpersondoes.Ifi
rstwantt
olearn
everythi
ngbeforeIam tobeQueensomeday .
Mother
:Iknowy outhatKingdom wi
llbe
bl
essedtohavey oubeit'
sKing'
swife.Youand
Ntsi
kashal
lleadwithkindnessandgreat
st
rengt
h.
Me: Suchkindwords,myQueen.Mythanksbut
Iam stil
lhappyt
hatiti
snottohappensoon.
(shelaughed)
Mother
:Come, myfel
l
owQueenl
etusgoand
eat
.(welaughed)
Me:
Mot
heri
tisnotf
unny
.
.
West oodandwentt oj ointhefami ly.Bukhosi i
s
awayt ostandi nforf atherandi tseemst hey
arenowt akinghi m mor eseri
ousl yint hese
meet ings.HowIwi shnonofmybr other shold
evilintheirhear t
sl i
keLi zwi.Theyar ebot hkind
though.Nt andoi ssweetandal llovet obei nhis
presence.Bukhosi i
sal sosweetbuthehol da
seriousper sonalit
y .Ilovethem bot hpl ent y.
Zolekahasshownal i
ttletooth.Itisv erynice.
Wat chingZi nzibeamot herhast aughtmeal ot
.
Aftermyweddi ngIneedt ogot otheor phanage
andseemyf amily.Imi ssthem somuch.Iam
gladt hatmybodyhasbeenst rongenought o
conti
nuewitht
hepregnancy.Iam sadthatmy
negoti
ati
onsar
etopossiblybedelayedbutI
underst
andandshal
lbepat i
ent
[
03/02,
14:58]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t27
.
#Ndoni
Fatherhasr eturnedfrom hi
sunpleasant
j
our neyt oUmhl aba.Hehasnotcomeal one
becauseNt sikaandhi snegoti
atorshaveal so
setf ootont hel andofmyancest orstoaskf or
myf ather '
sblessi ngstowedme.Ihav enot
beenal lowedt oseehim anditsi
tsheav yonmy
heartbutIchoset orespectmyfather'
srules.
Todayi st hefinal dayofnegot
iat
ionsbecause
mynegot iati
onshav enotmadeiteasyf or
Ntsika'sbutt heyhav ereachedanagreement .I
satwi
thZi
nzi
andt heMotherasmot
herhel
ped
medressi
nproperatt
ir
e.
.
Zi
nzi
:Irememberwheni
twasmynegoti
ati
ons.
Mystomachfel
tli
kei
thadabi
gknot
.(we
l
aughed)
Mother
:Iwasver
ycalm onmynegoti
ati
ons.My
hear
twasprepar
edfori
tsinceIwasyoung.
Me:Ifeelver
yner
vous.Idonotknowwhythe
negoti
ator
sofZweli
hlehavebeensohar
d
headed.
Mother:Iti
sbecauseyouareaPri
ncessof
Zweli
hle.Thepoweryouhailf
rom pl
aysabi
g
par
tinthesetypeofnegot
iati
ons.
 
Zinzi:
Notforgett
ingthefactt
hatyoual
ready
carrythehei
rofUmhl abaOchumil
eyo.Youshal
l
soonhonourt hatKingdom wi
thanheir
.
Mother:
Iam justhappyt
hatiti
snowfinal
l
yall
comingtoget
her.Thoughyouholdner
ves,Ial
so
knowt
haty
ouf
eel
happi
ness.
Me:
Ido,
mot
her
. 
Zinzi
:MayIbeexcused?Iwanttogocheckt
hat
thefoodf
orourguestsfeasti
sready
.
Mot her:Yes,makesurethatt
hemeatisenough
Zinzi.Wear etofeedalotofAfr
icanmant
oday
(weal ll
aughed)
Zinzi
:Donotfear,
mot her.TheKingmade
personal
lysur
ethatthereisenoughmeat
(l
aughteronceagai
n)
Mother:Nowgo,dearchi
l
d.Ishal
ll
ookaf
ter
l
it
tl
eZolekashouldshewakeupbefor
eyour
r
eturn.
Zinzi
:Mythank,
myQueen.Ndoni
youl
ookso
beauti
ful
(shesmil
ed)
Me:ButI.hav
enotev
enf
ini
sheddr
essi
ng,
Zinzi
(
Ilaughed)
Zinzi
:Ispeaknotonl
yabouty
ourcl
othi
ng.Your
skini
sjustbeauti
ful
.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
sist
er(
Ismi
l
ed)
Mot her
:Shecarr
iesPri
nceNtsika'
shei
rwell
,
pregnancyfav
oursher(Ibl
ushedandlooked
down)
Zi
nzi
:Iam i
nagreementwi
thy
ou,
myQueen.
Nowletmego. 
.
Zinziembracedmeandsheleftatonce.Sheis
soluckytohav eamot
herinlawwhowi shevil
againsther.Iat
esomechoppedfrui
tasmot her
i
sbusywi t
hme.Ieatal
otbutmot hersaysi
tis
normal. 
.
Mother
:Ihav
eal
wayswonderedwhatdoi
ng
t
hiswit
hmydaught
ershal
lbeli
ke.(
Ismil
ed)
.
Me:Isitasy
ouri
magi
nat
ional
l
owedy
out
o
bel
i
ev e?
Mother:No,mybl
ossom.Thisf
arexceedst
he
expect
ationmymindhad.If
eelsomuchjoyin
myheartknowingthatyouarefinal
lygetti
ng
whatyourhear
thasbeendesi r
ingf orsolong.I
knowthatNtsi
kaisblessedtohav ey ouashis
bri
de.Youbri
ngli
ghttot hel
i
vesoft hoseenter
. 
Me:Idonotknowwhattosaytor
eplyt
othose
ki
ndwords,Mother
.(Ist
art
edt
ocry)
Mother:Youneednothav earepl
yt oit.Beinga
mothertoy ourbr
othersi
sgreatbecauseIl ove
al
lofyouequal l
ybutther
eissomet hingspecial
aboutbeingamot hertoadaughter.Youshal l
knowwhatIspeakofi fyougiveli
fetoy ourown
daughtersomeday( wewerebothintear s)
Me:Itpai
nsmetol
eav
eyousosoonaf
terI
hav
ef oundy
ou.
Mother:Youaretoextendyourfamil
y,Ndoni
.
Youarenotleavi
ngusbecausewehav e
knowledgeofwher eyoushall
beandsodoy ou.
Goandbl esst
heKi ngdom ofUmhlaba
Ochumi l
eyowit
hy ourli
ghtasyouhaveZweli
hle.
Me:
Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
oupl
ent
y.
Mother
:Yourf
atheri
sal
sofi
ndi
ngi
tdif
fi
cul
tto
l
etgobuthedoesnotshowi
t(wel
aughed)
Me:Itmustbedi
ff
icul
ttobeamant
hen.My
poorfat
her
.
Mother:
Donotfear
,Iknowheshal lgoto
Umhlabaandsayheisgoingforbusinessbut
hewil
lbegoingt
oseey ou(Il
aughed)
Me:
Howl
ongshal
lyoust
aywi
thme?
Mot her:Onlyunti
lafteryourwedding.Iwill
travelwithyouandst aywi t
hy ouatyournew
homef orthefewday sunt i
lyourwedding.The
Roy alFami l
yofZwelihleandguestsaret o
foll
owaf terandoncey ourwedding
celebrati
onsar eoverIshalltr
avelbackwiththe
Fami l
y.
Me:Mot her,
permissi
ont
oaskanunusual
quest
ion.(Il
ookeddown)
Mot
her
:Askmeany
thi
ng.
Me:
Ont
heni
ghtofmyweddi
ng,
shal
li
tbesaf
e
togi
vemysel
ftomyhusband?I
snothar
m
goi
ngtocometothebaby
?
Mother:Youcanbeonewi t
hyourhusband,
my
bl
ossom.Nohar mi stocometoyourbaby
becauseofit
,Iassureyou(
shesmiled)
Me:
Myt
hanksf
oranswer
ing.
Mother:IfIdonotanswery outhenyouwi l
lget
i
ncorrectknowl edgefrom other
s.Neverfearto
askmeany t
hing.Ihavefi
nallyf
ini
shedgetti
ng
youready .Wow, lookatyou!Mybeautif
ul
Pri
ncess.( Il
aughedsof t
ly)
Me:
Itaket
hisbeaut
yfr
om y
ou.(
shesmi
l
ed)
Mot
her
:Iacceptt
hecompl
i
ment
,myt
hanks.
Me:
Whati
stohappennext
?
Mother
:Youaretobecall
edtothechamber
wheret
henegoti
ati
onsare.Donotfear
,not
hing
muchisexpect
edofyou.Youri
nlawsjustwish
t
oseey ou.
Me:
IsNt
sikat
obet
her
eonceIam cal
l
ed?
Mother:No,hei
snot.Youareonlyt
oseehim
af
terthenegoti
ati
onsareconcl
uded.Hol
don,
myblossom.Itisnotl
onguntil
youseeyour
Pr
ince(Igaveablushi
ngsmile)
.
MotherandIsatandwait
edf oralongti
me.I
evenfel
lasl
eepduetothewai t
ingunti
lIf
elta
gentl
eshakeonmybody .Iknewi ti
smymot her
becauseIknowherscent
.Iopenedmyey es
andlookedathersmi
li
ngface.
.
Mother
:Getup,
Ndoni
.Theyhav
ecal
l
edf
or
you.
 
Me:Iam f
eeli
ngsoner
vous,
Mot
her
.Whati
fI
col
l
apse?(shesmil
ed)
Mother
:Idoubtthaty
ourhear tshal
lal
lowyou
t
oobecausei ti
syear
ningtofinall
ybereuni
ted
wi
thNtsika.Letmefi
xy ourheadscarf
.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
myQueen.Il
ovey
ou.
Mother:AndIyou.Ther
eyougo,
nowst
andand
gogreetyourguest
s. 
.
Sheembr acedmeandwest oodt oget
her.Ihel
d
noknowl edgeofwhatawai t
smei nthat
chamber .Mot herwal
kedwi thmebutIhadt o
l
eav eherout si
deoftheent r
ance.Sheki ssed
bothmycheeksandIwal kedin.Myhear tis
beatingli
keast rongAfr
icandr um.Ibowedi n
greetingandsatdownont hegr assmat .
 
.
Fat
her:Pr
incessNdoni
yamanziofZwel
i
hle,
do
youknowwhyy ouarecal
ledher
e?
Me:
Ido,
myKi
ng.
Father:Thesearethemenwhor epr
esentPri
nce
NtsikaofUmhl abaOchumileyo.Hehasasked
foryourhandinmar ri
age.Areyouinagreement
ofthis,
deardaughter.
Me:
Iam i
nagr
eement
,fat
her
.
Fat
her:
ThenIasyourfat
hergi
veblessi
ngf
or
youtowedthePr
inceofUmhlabaOchumil
eyo.
Youmaynowexcuseus,Pri
ncess.
Me:Mythanks,
myKi
ngandt
oyout
oomy
el
der
s.
.
Istoodgr
aceful
l
yasmot herhasshownme.My
headbowedandnev ermaki ngeyecont
act.I
fi
nall
ymademywayout sidethechamberand
foundmothersmil
i
ng.
.
Me:
Fatherhasbl
essedt
heuni
on,
mot
her(
we
j
umpedupanddown)
Mother:
Ohmydearbeaut
if
uldaught
er.My
hear
tfeel
sgr
eatj
oy.
Me:
Minet
oo.
Mother
:Comeweneedt ocheckonthefeast.
Youhavetogetr
eadyt
oserveyourgroom and
hi
sfamil
y.
.
Wel efttowher eall
thewomanwhohel ped
cookwer e.Songsofcel ebrati
onweresungand
somedanced.Ihav et rulyneverinal
l myday s
fel
tthismuchj oy.Ev enlitt
leZolekaislaughi
ng
andmaki ngalotofbabynoi se.Myfather'
s
housewasj ustfi
ll
edwi thanai rofhappiness.
Mot hertookmet ot hecent erofthehappymi ni
celebrat
ionsandmyhear tholdsomuchj oy
thatIstartedtodance.Notev enshyness
overpower sthehappi nessmyhear tholdsat
thi
smoment .
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Isati
ntheguestchamberwait
ingt
ohearf r
om
oneofmynegotiat
orswhathasbeenagreed
upon.Ndoni
'
sfamilyhasnotmadeiteasyfor
usbutIunderstand.Isuddenl
yheardwhat
soundslikemanywomani ncel
ebrati
on.I
tfor
somer easongavemehope.Mychi ef
negoti
atorcamet owhereIam.
.
Me:Pleaset
ellmethaty
oucomewi
thgood
news.(hesmil
ed)
Him: ThePrincesshasnotdeniedus,
myPr i
nce.
Herfatherhasgi v
enhisbl
essingsandwehav e
agreedont hedowr y
.Theyhaveaskedfor
pl
enty .
Me:Idocareift
heyaskedf
ormyent i
re
Ki
ngdom becauset
heyarehonour
ingmewi
tha
gr
eattr
easure.
Him:MayIbethef
irstt
ogiveyou
congr
atul
ati
on,
 
myPr i
nce.Yourbr
idei
soft
rue
beaut
y(weshookhands)
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngt
odenyt
hatf
act
,myt
hanks.
Hi
m:Comel
etusgot
other
oyal
house.Youar
e
nowasonint
hathouseandt
heywi
sht
o
wel
comeyouwit
haf east
.
.
Iputonmycr ownandwel ef
tatonce.Myl egs
wishedtor unasf astast heycanbutIkept
them walking.Thesi ngingbecamel ouderasI
approachedt heroy alhouse.Ilookedatmy
beauti
fulsecondhome.Thepl acethathas
givenmet hegr eatestgiftIhav eevergotten.
Weent eredthechamberwher et hesinging
comesandIf eltoverwhel med.TheKi ngandhi s
peopleallshookmyhandi nhonour .Themen
satdown.
.
Xolo:Welcomet othefami
lyofZwelihl
e.You
shall
nol ongervi
sitasaguestherebutasa
sonoft heKingandQueen.Lookaf t
erour
daughter,wehavechosentotrustyouwithher
.
Me:Ishal
lhonourandrespecther
,myKing.I
gi
veyoumypr omise(weshookhands)
Xolo:Haveourguestsbeservedplease.Let
them tast
ethedeli
ciousfoodthewomenoft hi
s
soilpr
epares(heshoutedandther
ewas
cheeri
ng)
.
Wesatandwewai t
edf orthef eastt obeput
beforeus.Icar ednotaboutt hef ood.Al lmy
eyeswi shest oseei sNdoni .Bowl sofwat erto
washourhandscameandweal ldi d.Thenmy
Ndoni f
inallymadeanappear ancehol dinga
beautif
ul calabashthatcont ainedwhatI
assumedi sAf ri
canbeer .Shemadenoey e
contactbutherbeaut yi
sv i
si bleev enwi thher
headbowed.Sheknel tbeforemeand
presentedmewi t
ht hebeer .If el
tmyhear tmelt
atthebeaut ifulsi
ght .Shest oodandl ef
t.Her
bodyclear l
yabi tfullerthenusual anditlooked
mor ebeaut i
ful.Thef oodgotser vedandi tis
tr
ulythebestt hatIhav ehad.Songsof
celebr
at i
oncont inuedunt ilt
hef eastcamet oan
end.Iaskedt heKingf orper mi ssiont obe
excusedandheagr eedwi thouthesit
ation.I
stoodandhadonei ftheyoungmai denswhoI
haveseenwal kingaboutwi t
hNdoni topl ease
askhert omeetmeouti nthegarden.Ist ood
andfeltthenicef r
eshcool airhi
tmybody
nicel
ywhenIf eltgent l
earmswr apar oundmy
waistfrom behi
nd.Ismi l
edbecauseherscent
mademeknowt hatitisher.It
urnedtol ookat
herandshesmi led.
.
Ndoni
:Gr
eet
ings,
myPr
ince(
Ismi
l
ed)
Me:
Greet
ing,
dearPr
incess.(
Iki
ssedher
)
Ndoni
:Ihavebeenmi
ssi
ngy
ousomuch,
Ntsi
ka.
(
shesaidsoft
ly)
Me: NotasmuchasIhav emissedyou.My
hear tholdssomuchhappi nessri
ghtnow.We
nol ongerneedt ohideourlov
eandIneednot
feel guil
tyforhol
dingyouli
kethi
sinyour
father'sgrounds.
Ndoni
:Itdoesfeel
good.Howhav
eyoubeen?
(
hercaremeltsmyheart)
Me:Ihavenotbeent
oowel
l.Fat
her
'ssi
ckness
hasbeenweighi
ngheav
yonmyheart.
Ndoni
:Doeshest
il
lhav
enousef
orhi
slegs?
 
Me: Yes,
myheartandIf
eart
hati
tisnev
ert
o
change.(sheembr
acedme)
Ndoni:Myapologiesthatyouhav egone
thr
oughsomuch.Iam j usthappythatKi
ng
Xhantist
illl
i
ves.Hemeanspl ent
ytoyouandI
wouldhav ehatedforyourhearttobebroken
l
ikethat(shewhisperedinmyearwhi lei
nmy
embrace)
Me: Iam f
eeli
ngmuchbet ternow.Iwasworri
ed
si
ckwheny ourf
athersai
dhel ef
twhil
eyou
werenotwel l
.If
earedthatyouhadlostour
chi
ld.(Il
ookedather)
Ndoni:
Itseemswehav
emadeour
sel
vesal
i
ttl
e
warr
ior
.(Il
aughed)
Me:
Whati
fyoucar
ryaPr
incess?
Ndoni:
Norul
epr
ohi
bit
sagi
rlchi
l
dfr
om bei
nga
warr
ior
. 
Me:Iagr
eebutnotmyPr
incess.Sheshall
not
goonbattl
eswi
thdi
rt
ymen( shelaughed)
Ndoni
:Ifwarr
ior
sar
edi
rt
yment
hent
hatmeans
youar
et oo.
Me:Icannotdenybecausewedonothave
l
uxuryi
nbattl
ecamps( webot
hlaughed)
Ndoni
:Ar
eyout
ocont
inuebei
ngawar
ri
or?
Me:Fat
herwishest
ost
epdownasKi
ng(
he
ey
eswidened)
Ndoni
:Butt
hatmeansy
ou.
..
Me: Ishal
lhavetobeKi
ngsoonert
hen
expected.Yes,
thati
twhati
tmeans(Icuther
short)
Ndoni
:Howdoest
hatmakey
ouf
eel
?
Me:
Iam af
rai
d,Ndoni
.Tost
epi
ntosucha
posi
ti
onatmyagei
snott
obeeasy
.
Ndoni:Youar eagr eatleader,Ntsi
ka.I
fthi
sis
whatyourdest i
nylooksl ikethenyoucannotgo
agai
nstit.Iknowt hatitshal l
notbeeasyatfi
rst
butIbeli
eveiny ou.(Ismi ledindel
ight
)
Me:
Myt hanksfortheki
ndwords.Butyoudo
r
eal
i
sethatyouaret obeQueensoonifIsi
ton
t
hethr
own?( sherai
sedherbr
ows)
Ndoni
:Ihav
ef orgot
tenaboutthatf
orawhi l
e.
Nowmyhear tisbeati
ngoutofcontrol
,feel
it
(
sheputmyhandagai nstherchest
)
Me: I
fyoubel ievethatIcandoitthenyoumust
beli
evethatwebot hcan.Donotf ear
,anel deri
s
goingtoteachy oual ly
ouneedt oknowabout
Umhlaba.Thet ypeofQueeny oushallbeisup
toyouandIknowy ouwi l
lbeakindone.Ido
notwisht ohav eanyonebymysi deasIam
abouttot akeonanewj ourneyinmylife.Ihave
wishedfory outobemi nethedayIfir
stmet
you,myf utureQueen( shesmiled)
Ndoni:Letuswor
ryaboutal
lofthatonanot
her
day.Areyousur
ethatyourmothershal
lnot
harm me?Iam soafr
aidtogobacktoUmhlaba,
Ntsi
ka.
Me: Nandeknowswhatf at
eawaitheri
fshe
daressetfootbackonthesoil
ofmyancestor
s
again.Youneednotfear
.(shenodded)
Ndoni
:It
rusty
ourwor
ds.Whenar
ewet
oleav
e
f
oryourKi
ngdom?
Me: Thedayaf
tert
omor
row.Westi
l
lneedtodo
theceremonywher
ewehonoury
ourfamil
ywit
h
gif
ts. 
Ndoni
:MayIr
equestsomet
hing?
Me:
Any
thi
ng(
Iki
ssedhercheek)
Ndoni:Iaskthatweonlyunit
einfl
eshonour
weddingnight,af
tert
hecelebr
ati
ons.Iknow
thatIam nolongerpurebuti
twouldmean
plent
ytome.
Me:
Ihol
dnoobj
ect
iont
othat
.Idowi
sht
obe
wit
hy oubutIshal
lbepati
ent.I
sitsaf
eforust
o
doitwit
hyoucar r
yingachi
ld(shel
aughed
sof
tly
)
Ndoni:
Ialsohel
dfearofharmi
ngt
hebabybut
mothersaysnoharmistocometoourchi
l
d
f
rom usbeingone.(
Ibreat
hedasi
ghofrel
ief
)
Me:Thenweneedtohur
ryupandhav
et he
of
fi
cial
cel
ebr
ati
ons.Imi
sshavi
ngyouinmy
ar
ms.
Ndoni:Imissbei
ngi
nyour
stoo(
shebl
ushed
andlookeddown)
Me:Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul,Ndoni
.Morebeaut
if
ul
t
henthel
astt
imeIhaveseenyou. 
Ndoni
:Myt hanks,
myPri
nce.Mot
hersay
sthat
t
hepregnancyagreeswi
thme.
Me:
Itdoes(
Iki
ssedher
)
Ndoni:
Icannotwaitt
oseeZipho.Hav
eyou
t
oldthethenewsaboutme?
Me:
Ihav
enotbutIam sur
eshewi
l
lbe
ov
erj
oyedt
oseey
ou.
Ndoni:
Ialsowishtohonourt
heorphanagethat
Igrewupin.Theyarei
nneedofplent
yand
fat
herhasagreedtohonouri
ttogi
vehisthanks.
Me: Iti
sawonderf
uli
dea.Weshal
lal
lgoand
givethanksf
ort
heyhavekepty
ousafeal
lthese
years.
.
Sheembr acedmeandIl i
ftedherofftheground
andheldher.Iputherdownandki ssedhernot
feari
ngthattheKingmightcatchus.Iwished
thatIcoul
df eel
hernakednessandcar essitbut
Ihavepromisedt owai
tuntil
thenightofour
wedding. 
.
Me:Myhear
tbeatsf
ory
ou,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.(I
whi
sper
edtoher)
Ndoni
:Andmi
nef
ory
ou,
Ntsi
ka.
Me:
Letusgobackt
othepeopl
ebef
oret
hey
t
hinkwear
eupt
onogood.(
shel
aughedsof
tl
y)
Ndoni:Orbef
oreMbal
eki
comest
olookf
orme
(
Ilaughed)
.
Weki ssedf oronel asttimeandembr aced.We
wentoursepar ateway sbecauseIhav etogo
backandsi twitht heot hermen.Icoul dnot
stopsmi li
ng.Iam sur et hatmanyt hinkst hatI
am acr azyPr i
nce.Ther eshi neslightaf terso
muchdar knesssoIcannotcont ainmy
happiness.SoonIwi llbet akingmybr idet othe
soilofmyancest or sandi naf ewmont hssheis
toblessmeandmypeopl ewi t
haPr i
nceor
Princess.Thel i
ttleone' sar r
ivalwillbringjoy
andmay beev enouthopei nfather'
shear t
.Isat
downwi t
ht heot hermanandasusual business
i
sdi scussed.Itist rulyagr eatandbl essedday .
Fatef av
our susgr eat l
yandIbegofi tto
continuedoi ngso.
[
03/
02,
14:
58]Ron:
Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosi
Makhosi

I
nser
t28
.
#Nande
Thebanf r
om Umhl abaOchumi leyohasmade
myl i
fethatofdi f
fi
culty.MyhomeKi ngdom
doesnotaf f
ordthesamel uxuri
esast heoneI
wedt o.ThenewsaboutLi zwi'
sdeathandhow
i
thappenedhasbeenwei ghingheavyonmy
heart.Icursethedayt hatthisNdoni setfooti
n
theroyalhouseasaser v
ant.Isatandt hought
ofallmywor ri
eswhenNosi zwe, mybrother'
s
wifeandQueenent eredmyhut .
.
Si
zwe:Nande,
Ihavecomef
ory
ou.Myhusband
wi
shestoseeyou.
Me:
Whatdoesmybr
otherwant
?
Sizwe:ImightbehiswifebutIdonothol
dthe
abil
it
ytoreadhisthoughts.Nowgetupand
foll
owmeatonce.
Me: Iaskt
haty
oushowmeabi
tofki
ndness,
si
ster.
Sizwe:Didy oushowmeki ndnesswhenIfi
rst
enter
edt hesegrounds?Youtreat
edmel i
ke
somer ottensavagebecauseyoudidnotwish
toseey ourbrothermarr
yme.Nowy ouar
eable
tobegme?
Me:Iwasayoungnai vemaidenbackthen.I
wi
shedformybr othert
owedanot herf
ri
endof
mi
nef r
om adi
fferentKingdom.
Si
zwe:Doesmyf acelookl
iket
hatofsomeone
whocares?Justgetupandfol
l
owme.
.
Ist
oodf rom thedryreedmatslowlyand
fol
lowedher .Eventhesmellofthi
splacei
s
unpleasantandalltheywearisani
mal ski
nthat
r
eeksofoldrot
.Ienter
edthesmal
lexcuseofa
r
oyalhouseandIbowedbef or
eMadodawhois
t
hekingandmyol derbr
other.
.
Me:
Youhav
ecal
l
edf
orme,
brot
her
.
Madoda:Yes,
IhaveNande.Ihavebeen
r
ecei
vingcomplai
ntsaboutyoufr
om Nosi
zwe.
I
sitt
ruethatyouhaveref
usedtohel
pherwit
h
t
hechores?
Me:
Iti
struebutIhav
ear
eason.Iam mour
ning
t
hedeat
hofmyson.
Madoda:
WasLi
zwi
aPr
inceoft
hissoi
l
?
Me:
No,
myKi
ng.
Madoda:Thenwhatdi dy ouexpectfr
om us?
DidyouthinkthatIwouldputmyKi ngdoms
workatstandstil
landforcemypeopletomourn
forhi
m?
Me:Nott
heent
ir
eKingdom,
brot
her
.Iaskf
or
per
missi
onsot
hatIcoul
dmournhi
m.
Si
zwe:Ihav
egiv
enhert
wodaysofr
estt
o
mour
nherson.Whatmoredoy
ouwant?
Me:IwanttobetreatedasaPr i
ncessint
his
houseasIam ri
ghtful
lyent
it
led.(
Nosizwe
l
aughedandclappedherhands)
Madoda: Youhavebeenst r
ippedoffyourti
tle
asQueenbecauseoft hewi t
chtendenciesy ou
hav eshowni nUmhl abaOchumi leyo.Doyou
reall
yt hinkthatIwoul dall
owy outobecal l
ed
thePr incessofIli
zweEl ibomv uaft
erallofthe
shamey ouhavebr oughtmeandmyKi ngdom?
Her ey ouar enowNande!NotQueenNandeor
PrincessNandej ustplai
nNandeandy oushall
bet reatedasanyper sonwhohol dsnot i
tl
e. 
Me: Ibegofyou,brot
her.Ourpar
entsmustbe
tur
ninginthei
rgravebecauseofyour
unki
ndnesst othei
rdaughter
.
Madoda:Theonl
ythi
ngthati
scausingthem to
tur
ninthei
rgr
aveist
heknowledgethatthei
r
daught
erisawit
chwhohaswi sheddeathon
herownson.(
Ist
art
edt
ocr
y)
Sizwe:Donotshedy ourcrocodi
letearsinmy
house.Ihaveknowny outohav eadi r
tyheart
sincethedayt hatImetyou.Ithoughtt hat
changewoul dcomet oyourheartbutclearl
y
thatistoneverhappen.Yout ri
edtohav ey
our
ownsonki ll
edandexpectust orewar dyoufor
i
t.Arey oucrazy?(shepointedherfingeronmy
headmanyt imes)
Me:
Ibegf
orf
orgi
veness.(
Iletoutabi
tt
ercr
y)
Madoda: Yousi ther
ebef or
emei nt hi
ssituat
ion
becauseofy ourself
.Lizwil
iesi
nhi seternal
resti
ngplacebecauseofhi mself.Thepoorboy
clear
lyinheri
tedhisev i
lwaysfr
om suckl i
ngon
yourbreastasababy .Ntsi
kawasbl essedto
notholdt hesamecur se.
Sizwe:Weshoul
dnotevenall
owy ouinhere
againbutweknowthatyouhavenowher eelse
togo.Youmustnowwor kli
keeveryperson
here.Youar
etomakef i
renowandst ar
t
cooki
ng.
Me:
TheKi
ngdom haspeopl
ewhodot
hat
. 
Madoda:Andyouhav
ejustbecomeoneof
t
hosepeople.
Me:Brot
her,
Ishal
lfi
xmywrongdoi
ngs.Hel
p
mebegXhantitogr
antmeasecondchance,I
begofyou.
 
Madoda: Ishallnotbot
herthatpoorman.He
hasbeent hroughenoughbecauseofy our
rott
enson.Iwashmyhandsof fofev er
ythi
ng
thatconcernsyou.Ishallonl
yal l
owy outostay
onmysoi l
becausey ouarestil
lmysi st
erbut
daretodoany thingwrong.Wehol dnot r
ial
s
here,Ishal
lpunishyouheav i
l
yi fIfi
ndthatyou
havebeenpl ott
ing.Youmayl eaveme.
Me:
Asy
ouwi
sh.(
Isai
dsof
tl
y)
.
Ist
oodupslowlybecausesleepi
ngonagrass
mathasbeentaki
ngit'
stol
l.Myownbrother
seesmeasnot hi
ng.Inolongerholdat i
tl
e,Iam
nowj ustacommoner .Nosizwei scl
earl
ystil
l
holdi
ngagr udgetowardsmef oral
lthosemany
yearsIhav etreat
edherunki nd.Shenowhol d
powert oor dermearoundandspeakt omeas
shepl eases.
.
Si
zwe:
Doy
ouknowhowt
omakeaf
ir
e?
Me:Idonotthi
nkthatIr
ememberhow.Iask
t
hatyoupleaseshowme.
Sizwe:Youar esuchali
abil
ity
,Nande.Your
formerservantshavecl
earlymadeyouf or
get
theway sofyourhomeKi ngdom.Whatast upi
d
womany ouhav epr
oventobe.
Me:
Itakeof
fence,
sist
er.
Sizwe:Idonotcarei
fyoutakeathousand
offences.Youar
estupi
dtolety
ourselfcome
backher ewhenyouwerewedtopower .Stupi
d
foolofawomananddonotcal lmesister.Iam
yourQueenher
eandy
ouar
etoaddr
essme
accor
dingl
y.
 
Me:
Yes,
myQueen.
 
Si
zwe:
Fuzway
o,hel
pthi
swomanmakeaf
ir
e.
.
They oungmai dencamet omeandshowedme
howt omakeaf i
re.Idor ememberhowi ti
s
donebutIj ustneverthoughtthatt
hiswouldbe
mylifeonceagai n.Iputthepotsonthefir
eand
star
tedtocookunt i
lmygogoappr oached.Her
backisalreadybentbutshei singoodhealth.
.
Gogo:
Iseeyouhav
enotf
orgot
tenourwayof
doi
ngthi
ngs.
Me:Idonotwi
shtohearmor
eaboutwhata
st
upidwomanIam,gogo.
Gogo:I
tisi
ndeedt
rue,
youarestupi
dbutIam
nother
etogoonaboutthat
.Iam her
etoask
youaquest
ion.
Me:
Ask.(
Isai
dwhi
l
est
ir
ri
ngt
hebi
gbl
ackpot
)
Gogo:Areyoutogi
veupj
ustl
iket
hat?Youar
e
l
ikeaninj
uredani
malwhosi
tsandli
ckshi
s
wound.
Me:
Ist
hatnotawi
set
hing?
Gogo:Yes,buty
oucannotspendally
ourti
me
nur
singthosewounds.Youmustf
ightbackand
makethem feel
thesamepain.
Me:Idonothaveadeathwish,gogo.Myli
fe
mightbeunpl
easantnowbutIsti
llwishf
ormy
heartt
obeat.
Gogo:I
sLizwinotbebeavengedf
orwhatt
hey
al
lowedthosewil
danimal
stodo?
Me:MayIpl
easecont
inuet
hishor
ri
bledut
yin
peace?
Gogo:
Ishall
leav
eyoubutyouknowwher
eto
fi
ndmeifyouwisht
ospeak..
.
Sheleftmest andi
ngt hereandcoughi ngdueto
thesmoke.Myey esbur ninglikethey
themselvesareonf i
re.Iwoul dbeaf oolt
ogo
upagainstXhantibutgogohasmademe
curi
ous.Idonotwi sht ohar m myf amilyany
l
ongerbutIcannotl iveliket hisNosizweshall
makemyl if
eunbearable.I fIam todoany thi
ng
wrongint hi
sKingdom, deat hi ssur
elywhat
await
sme.Ishal lkeeponbei ngthegood
commonerbutgogo' sof f
erhasputal otof
temptati
oni nmyhear t.
 
.
.
#Ndoni
Thedayshasf inal
lycome!NtsikaandIare
off
ici
all
ygoingt obewed.Mot herandIhave
beeninUmhl abaforafewday snow.Shehas
beengivi
ngmet hebestadvi
seonwhatbei nga
wif
eentail
s.Alltheguestsf
rom myKi ngdom
havearri
vedandsohav eotherr oy
alfamil
i
es.
Theent i
reKi ngdom ofUmhl abaisinv i
ted
becauset heirPr i
nceist owed.Ihad
dressmaker sbesentt otheor phanaget ohave
atti
resbemadef orMamaandt hegi rl
s.Ihave
notseent hem becauseIam notal l
owedt o.
Thepeopl efr om myKi ngdom ar ealready
si
ngi ngsongsofcel ebrationsout si
de.Itisall
j
ustsoov erwhel ming.Istoodwi t
hMot her,
Zinzi
andNcedi ast heyarehel pingmedr essinmy
weddi ngatti
re. 
.
Me:
Iam sohappyt
hati
tst
il
lfi
ts.(
theyl
aughed)
Zinzi
:Il
oveweddings,
itbr
ingssomanypeopl
e
toget
her.Li
stent
oallt
hatsingi
ng.
 
Mother:Iagr
ee,Zinzi
all
ofthiswar
msmyhear
t
dear
ly.Howar eyoufeel
ing,
Ndoni?
Ncedi
:Shei
sclear
lyner
vousbecauseshehas
beenbi
ti
ngherbot
tom l
ipal
lthi
stime(t
hey
l
aughed)
Zinzi
:Whati
sthePri
ncetoki
sswheny oui
njur
e
yourli
p?(
theyl
aughedandIbl
ushed)
Me:Heshal
lki
ssthecheeks.Mothery
ouhave
menti
onedt
hatIshal
lhavetochangeatt
ir
es
agai
n.
Mot her:Yes,
youarenowtobedr essed
accordingtothewayofZweli
hlebutoncewe
offi
ciall
yhandyouoverNtsi
ka'
sfami l
yshall
takey ouanddressyoui
nUmhl abaatti
re.
 
Me:
Iunder
stand.All
ofthi
sclot
hingal
ready
f
eel
ssoheavy(theyl
aughed)
Mother
:Thesundoesnotseem l
i
keitwi
l
lshi
ne
andburnust
oomuchsodonotf ear
.
Me:Eventhel
adycheet
ahhasaneckl
ace(
I
l
aughed)
Zinzi:
Herkeeperistowedsoshemustl
ookt
he
part.(
Ilaughedsoft
ly)
.
Myner
veswer
eev
enwor
set
hent
hoseIhadon
mycel ebrati
ons.Theyf ini
shedget tingme
dressedandIcan' tbel ievet hatIam st i
ll
expect edt odancei nt hisattire.West eppedout
towher ethesi ngingandcheer i
ngi s.Father
smi l
edwhenhesawme.Icoul dal sohear
Nt sika'speopl eappr oachwi tht heirsongsof
celebr ation.Wemov edf orwar dt omeett hem
ast heyar edoi ngt hesame.Theyf inallymade
anappear anceandIsawmyPr incel ookingso
handsomei nhi sattire,byhi ssi deKi ngXhant i
bei ngcar riedbyguar ds.I talltrulylooked
beaut i
ful.Wemethal fwayandt het heel der
signal edf orthedi fferentsi ngingf r
om t het wo
Kingdomst ost op.Isatononesi dewi thmy
peopl eandNt sikasatont heot herwi t
hhi s.
.
El
der:Greet
ingstoall
!Weallknowthatwecan
notconti
nuewi t
hthecel
ebrati
onsunti
lthe
Pri
ncessandPr i
ncefi
nal
lycomet oget
heras
one.Pri
nceNt si
kaofUmhlabaOchumileyo,y
ou
aretostandanddancethedanceofat rueman.
Standandshowy ourladythatyouwishforher
tofinall
ybey ours.Youshal lt
henpresenther
withacal abashtoshowt hatyouhavechosen
hertobet henurturerofyourhome.Ifshe
acceptsheshal lalsostandanddanceand
presenty ouwithashi el
dandspeart oshow
thatsheaccept sy outobet hemanoft he
house, t
heonewhoshal l
pr ot
ecti
tforally
our
dayst ogether
. 
.
Nt si
ka'
speopl est
ar t
edt osingandmyPr ince
stoodlikethewarriorthathei s.Hedidadance
thatshowshi sstr
engt hev enmor eandknowi ng
thatiti
sf ormemademebl ushandsmi le
endlessly
.Het ookthecal abashandpr esented
i
tt omeandIaccept edit.Mypeopl estartedto
singandIst oodtodancef ormyPr incetoshow
himt hatIaccept,
hewasl ookingatmel i
keIam
somesor tofmagic.Ibowedbef orehim and
presentedhim wit
ht hespearandshi el
dandhe
accepted.Bothfami l
iesthensangt hesame
songsofcelebr
ationtoindicatet hatwear e
nowfinal
lyone.Iwast akentot her oyalhouse
tochangeintotheatt
ireofUmhl abar oy
alty.
Ntsi
kaandIsatt ogetheraswewat chedour
famil
yandguest scheerincelebr ati
on.
.
Ntsi
ka:I
tfeel
sli
keIam dr
eaming.Youar
e
f
inal
lymywi f
e(webot
hsmi l
ed)
Me:
Ifitisadr
eam t
henmaywenev
erwakeup
(
hekissedmyhand)
.
KingXhant iaskedtoaddressthecrowdand
everyonelist
ened.Hespokev erykindwor ds
andf atheral
sodi dt
hesame.Thef oodgot
servedandt herewasplentyforeveryone.I
stoodandwentt owhereIsawMamaandt he
girl
ssatandNt si
kacamewi thme.Thel it
tle
onescamer unningtohugmyl egsandIsmi l
ed
i
ndel ight.
.
Me:
Greet
ings,
Mama.Howhav
eyoubeen?
Mama: Ihav
ebeengood,
chi
l
d.Theshockof
yournewsnearl
ymademecoll
apse(
she
l
aughedsoftl
y)
Me:Myapol
ogi
esf
ort
hat
.Thi
sisNt
sikamy
hu.
..
Mama: Youneednotint
roducemet omyown
Pr
ince,
chil
d.Greet
ings,
yourhighness.
Ntsi
ka: Greeti
ngs,mylady.Mythanksfor
honouringuswi thyourpr
esence.I
fitwasnot
foryourcaringheart,
ImightnothaveNdonias
mywi fetoday.
Mama:Ohno,yourhi
ghness.I
ffat
ewi
shedfor
yout
obetoget
herthennooneholdst
hepower
t
ochancet
hat.
Me:Thati
struebutyouhav erai
sedmewell
andIam f
orevergr
ateful
.Ishall
showmy
grat
it
udewellnowthatIhavethemeanst
o.
Mama: TheKingandQueenofZwel i
hlehas
al
readydonesomuchwi ththef
ood,hor
se
carr
iagesandbedsthattheyhavebr
ought.I
cannotexpectmorekindness.
Ntsi
ka:Thatwasthegrati
tudeofZweli
hle,my
l
ady.Nowawai tt
hatofthePrinceandPrincess
ofUmhlabaOchumiley
o.Youar edeserv
ingof
al
lofit
.Pleaseal
lowustodot hiski
ndness.
Mama: Whoam It odenythesegi
rl
sfr
om such,
myPrince?Iaccepttheki
ndness,
mythanksto
youboth.
Me:
Ishallal
sosendhel
perstohelpy
ououtat
t
heorphanage(
shestar
tedtocry
)
Mama:
Myt
hanks,
Ndoni
.Imeany
ourhi
ghness.
Me:Icar
enoti
fyoucont
inuet
ocal
lmeNdoni
,
Mama.(Iembr
acedher
)
Mama: Nowyoubothgoandgr
eety
ourot
her
guest
s.Weshall
speakagai
noncey
ouhave
ti
me.
Me:
Wher
eisZi
nizi
?
Mama:Sheisnotwell
andsheshedmanyt
ear
s
f
ornotbei
ngabletocomewit
hus.Shei
stobe
wel
lsoon,
donotfear.
Me:Ishal
lgoandv i
sithersoon.Pl
easedo
enj
oythecel
ebrat
ions. 
.
Iembr acedheragai nandt helitt
lekids.My
heartishappyt hatt heyhav enotf orgotten
aboutme.PoorZi nzi,Iknowshewoul dhav e
enjoyedt hi
sbecauset het houghtofbei ng
aroundr oyaltyhadal way ssoundedni cet oher.
NtsikaandIwal kedaboutt ogr eetourot her
guest sandwehav egot t
enmanygi fts.The
celebrati
onswentonandonunt ilt
heskywas
dark.Itfi
nallycamet oanendj ustbef ore
sunrise.Ourguest sr eti
redt otheirchamber .I
bidfarewelltomyf ami l
yunt i
lsunrise.Theyar e
toleav ei
nt woday s.Ntsikawasst illgreeting
someofourguest sbutIl efthim.Ir equest ed
forwarm wat
ertowashmybodybecauseit
wasahotday .OneofNt
sika'
sauntswal
kedin
andoffer
edtohelpmeundressthemanythi
ngs
I'
m weari
ng.
.
Her:
Iti
ssuchapit
yt haty
ouarenotpur
e.Iam
sur
emynephewwi shestohaveamaidenwit
h
asmall
erbodyonhisweddingni
ght.
Me:Heistheoneresponsibl
eformydisgr
ace,
aunt
yandIam carryi
nghischil
dthati
swhymy
bodyisnolongerl
i
kebefore.
Her:IknowbutIam justsayingwhatIt hink.
Youshoul dblowoutal
l of
fthecandl esandl et
him haveyoui nt
hedark.May behewi shesnot
toseey ournewbody.Thereal l
fini
shed,you
cangetonwi thwhatyouwer eaboutt o.Please
excuseme.
.
Shegav
emeaf
akesmi
l
eandl
eftmychamber
.
Istart
edtowashmybodyandwhatshesai d
fail
edtoescapemyt houghts.DoesNt sikatrul
y
wishtobewi thamai denwi thadiff
erentbody ?
Iputsomebodybut teronmyski nandwr apped
aclotharoundit.Ihadaser vantri
doft hewat er
.
Ilookedaroundt hebri
ghtlycandlel
itchamber
andwentt oblowoutsomeoft hecandles.
Ntsikawalkedinandl ookedaround.
.
Ntsi
ka:
Whyi st
hechamberinsuchdar
kness?I
canbar
elyseeyou.(
heki
ssedme)
Me:
Idonott
hinkt
hati
tlookst
oobad.
Ntsi
ka:I
fyousayso, myheart
.Ihavebeen
l
ookingfor
wardt of
inal
lybewit
hy ouallday
.
Nowasmywi feanditwarmsmyhear tso
much.(wekissed)
Me:
Ntsi
ka,
canwedot
hisanot
hert
imepl
ease?
Ntsi
ka:Whati
sthematter
,Ndoni
?Ar
eyounot
well
?(hel
ookedconcer
ned)
Me:If
earthaty
oushal
lnol
ongerdesi
reme.(
I
sai
dsoft
ly)
Nt
sika:
Whywoul
dyouhol
dsuchaf
ear
,Ndoni
?
Me:Mybodyhadchanged,
iti
snotasy
ouknow
i
ttobe.
Ntsi
ka:Isi tnotexpectedforawoman'sbodyto
changewhenshecar r
iesachil
d?Ndoni,Idesi
re
younowt henIhav ebefor
e.Igiv
ey oumy
promise.Iwi shtoseeallofyou.Ishal
lgoli
ght
uptheot hercandles.
.
Het r
ulywenttolightthem upandt hechamber
l
itbri
ght l
yagai
n.Heki ssedmeandl if
tedmeof f
myf eet.Hegentl
yt ookofftheclothand
exposedmynakedness.Hesmi ledandpl anted
softkissedonmyent i
rebodyashecar essedit.
Itookof fhi
satt
ir
eandmar vell
edatt hesightof
myhusband' sstr
ongbeaut if
ulbody .Bothnow
i
nournakednessandweki ssedandcar essed
eachot herunt
ilt
hechambergotf il
l
edwi t
h
soundsofpl easur e.Ifelthim gent l
yent erme
andwebecameone.I tfelttrul
yspecial
becausehei snowmyhusband.Inol onger
bareanyshamebybei ngonewi t
hhim.We
mov edtoget heri nal over hythm andt he
pleasur
ewassoi ntenset hatImoanedouthi s
namemanyt i
mes.Pl easur eovertookbot hof
ourbodiesandi ti
st rulyamazi ng.Bei ngone
withhim asmyhusbandf eelsdif
ferent .Igotso
overwhelmedbyt hebeaut yofitallt
hatt ears
camef l
owi ngdownmycheeks.Hel ookedat
meconcer nedbutIsmi ledandsodi dhe.He
wipedmyt earsof fwithhi sthumbsandpl anted
alongsof tkissonmyl i
ps.Wer emai nedi n
eachother sar ms.Myheadonhi schestandI
heardhishear tbeatst rongl y.Thesamehear t
thatbeatsf orme.Ri ghtnownooneel seexi t
s,
i
tisjustmeandmyhusbandandIwi shf orthe
momentt onev ercomet oanend.
[
03/02,
14:58]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t29
.
#Nande
I
thasbeenmont hssinceIhaveretur
nedtomy
oldli
fe.Ihavemanagedt ostayoutoftr
ouble
hopingt hatmybrot
heristonoti
ceandgiveme
favour.Iknowhewoul difhi
swifedidnothat
e
me.Iwasbusykneadi ngdought obakebread
whenSi zwewalkedin. 
.
Me:Youneednotcheckuponme,
Iam al
most
f
ini
shed.
Sizwe:Thelastti
mey oukneadeddoughthat
didnotevenrisebecauseyouaretoostupi
dto
knowthatyeastistobeused.(Icl
enchedmy
j
aw)
Me:Wellf
earnot,Ihav
eaddedev
ery
thi
ng.The
gi
ngeri
salsoready.
Si
zwe:Isi
tst
rong?YouknowMadodal
i
kesi
t
st
rong.
Me:Thenwhynotpr
epar
eity
our
sel
f?(
I
mumbledsof
tl
y)
Si
zwe:
Ifyouwi
sht
osayany
thi
ngt
hendonot
mumblel
i
keacoward.
Me: Iwasjustmumblingasong.Thedoughhas
yeastandshallr
iseandthegi
ngerist
obenice
andstrong.
Si
zwe:Good,wheny
ouarefi
nishedy
ouar
eto
gofet
chwater.(
myeyeswi
dened)
Me:Thati
saj
obfory
oungmaidens.Doy
ou
wi
shformetobel
aughi
ngst
ock?
Si
zwe:Nande,y
oual
readyareal
aughi
ngst
ock.
Youar
etofetchwat
erandthati
sfi
nal
.
Me: Icannotgoonl i
kethi
s,Nosizwe.Thisi
s
thesoilofmyancestorsandIdemandt hatyou
grantmeal it
tl
erespect
.Myt i
tl
esmi ghthave
beent akenawayfornowbutmybl oodi sst
il
l
bl
ue.Iam st
il
lroy
alt
yher
e.
Sizwe:Idonotcar eifyouareaPrincess,
savageorwi tch.Hereyouaretodoaswewi sh
unti
lwef eelthatyouhavelear
ntal esson.The
probl
em isy outri
edtokill
Madoda'sf avour
ite
nephew.Hi sheartsti
ll
holdsalotofangerf or
you.
Me:
Hav
eInotbeggedenoughf
orf
orgi
veness?
Sizwe:
Youar
etoaskhimthat
.Ihav
et ol
eav
e
younowanddonotf
orgett
hewater.
.
Shegav emeacol dlookandt urnedtol eave.I
start
edtokneadwi t
hf rustrati
on, punchi ngthe
warm sof tdoughwithgr eatst rength.Iwi shed
doingthatandputacl othov eri t
.Thet hought
ofjoi
ningy oungmai densi nther i
verisso
humili
atingbutIhavenochoi ce.Iwashedmy
hands,tookabucketandmadei tt ot
her i
ver.I
metbeaut i
ful
youngmai denwhower esi nging
astheyhel dbucketsofwat eront hei
rheads.
Softlaught
erandwhisperi
ngst ar
tedasI
approached.Ihel
dmyheadhi ghandkepton
walki
ng.Ikneltdowntofi
llthebucketwit
h
waterwhenIf el
tastonehitmyhead.Iturned
andsawagr oupofboys.
.
Me: Heybunchofdir
ty,i
ll
manner edboy
s!Do
younothaverespectforyourel
ders?Whoar
e
yourparent
ssoIcangot alktothem?(I
shouted)
Them:
Kil
lthewi
tch!
.
Theykeptont hr
owinglit
tlestonesonmeand
repeat
ingthosewords.Istoodandr anasf ast
asmyf eetall
owed.Nosizwei stogetthewat er
hersel
fbecauseIhav eevenleftthebucketby
thewater.Thechil
drendidnotchasemebutI
rantogogo'shutandenter edquickl
y.Shejust
sayandsai dnot
hing.
.
Me:
Areyounotgoingt
oaskmewhatt
he
mat
teri
s?(
Itr
iedtocat
chmybr
eat
h)
Gogo:Haveyounott
oldmet
okeepawayf
rom
yourbusi
ness?
Me: Iam t
ir
edofthi
s,Gogo.Thoseboysbythe
ri
veralmostst
onedmet odeathbecause
someonehast ol
dthem t
hatIam awitch.
Gogo:Donotbesuchasoftwoman,Nande.I
f
theywi
shedtostoneyout
odeath,
youwould
notbestandi
ngbefor
eme.
Me:Theycal
ledmeawi
tch,
Gogo.(
shel
i
fted
hershoul
der
s)
Gogo:
Whyhav
eyour
unt
omyhut
?
Me:
Iwasbei
ngchased.
Gogo:Thoseboy sst
oppedt
hrowi
ngthose
st
onesaty oulongagobuty
oukeptr
unning.
Suchacowar dyouare.
Me: Howdoyouknowwhent
heyhav
est
opped
chasingme?
Gogo:
Youareher
eforareason,
Iknowi
t.Tel
l
mewhatyouwant.(
sheavoi
dedmyquesti
on)
Me:
Iam her
ebecauseIneededapl
acet
ohi
de.
Gogo:Tohidefr
om nothi
ng?Stopf
ool
ing
your
self(
Ikeptqui
etforalongwhi
l
e)
Me:Iam justt
ir
edoft hi
sli
feofbei
nganobody.
I
fIam todietomorrow,nooneshallev
encar
e.I
needyourhelptogainmypowerback.
Gogo:
Wasitnoty
ouwhoturnedmyof
fert
o
hel
pdownmanymonthsago?
Me:IthoughtIcoul
dwinMadoda'sf
avourbut
heseemsnott ocareabouthi
sownsist
er.
Gogo:
Whatdoy
ouwi
shf
ormet
odo?
Me:Hel
pmet obet
itl
edPr
incessoft
hissoi
l
agai
n.I
tholdsnott
hesamepowerofbeing
QueenbutIshal
lworkmywayuponceagain.
Gogo: Get
tingMadodat ofavouryouischi
ld'
s
playbutshalli
tgetyoutherevengeonthe
futur
eQueenofUmhl abaOchumi l
eyo?Iknow
yourheartcravesi
t.
Me:IfIdaresetf
ootonXhant'
sKingdom Iam
sur
elygoingtodi
e.Idowishtomaket hi
sgir
l
payandherfamilyf
orall
owingt
heirbeast
sto
cl
awmysont ohisend.
Gogo:
HaveIsai
danyt
hingaboutt
rav
ell
i
ngf
ar
t
ogetthi
srev
enge?
 
Me:
Idonotunder
stand.
Gogo:
Youcanaskforhel
pfr
om dar
kener
gies.
(myeyeswi
denedi
nshock)
Me:
Iam nowi
tch!
Gogo:Areyousureoft
hatyoujustsai
d?Peopl
e
al
readyseeyouasone,Nande.Iti
sasmall
pri
cetopaytoregai
nyourhi
ght i
tl
esofpower
onceagain.
 
Me:
Idonotwi
sht
ohar
m Xhant
iandNt
sika,
onl
yhi
swifeandherpar
ent
s.I
fIagr
ee,
then
whati
stohappen?
Gogo: I
twill
bedi ff
iculttohurtherparentswith
ourway ,t
heyar eaf amilywhoi sprot
ectedby
guardi
ans.Theyshal l
knowoft hi
sevilbefor
eit
i
sev entoreacht hem.Theonl ywaytohur t
them shal
lbet hrought hei
ronlydaughter.They
l
ov eherdearlyandIknowt heQueeni snotto
survi
vethelossofherdaught eronceagai n.
Me:
Wher
edoy
ougetal
loft
hisi
nfor
mat
ion?
Gogo:
Car
enotaboutt
hat.Thechi
l
dthatgr
ows
i
nherwombi
sapur ehei
r.
Me:
Whatdoest
hatmean?
Gogo:Itmeansthatevenifwehav ethe
Pri
ncesshurt,
sheistorecov erbecauseher
chi
ldwill
healherfr
om inside.Shecannev erbe
har
medwhi lesheiscarry
inghi m.
Me:Soheactsasashi
eldf
orher
.Doesthat
meanthatIneedt
owai
tmoremonthsunti
lshe
gi
vesbi
rt
hbef
oreget
ti
ngr
idofher
?
Gogo: Yes,unl
esswefi
ndawayt oridherbody
ofthechild.Ar
eyouwil
li
ngtokil
lyourown
grandchil
d,Nande?(
Ikeptqui
et)
Me:WellwhenthisNdoni
final
lydi
esthen
sur
elyNtsi
kaistowedagainandshallhav
e
manyotherchi
ldr
en.Whatisthesacr
ifi
ceof
onechi
ldri
ght?
Gogo:I
fyouchoosetogothi
spat
hthent
her
e
shal
lbenotur
ningback.
 
Me: Mylif
ecansur elynotbecomemor eworse
thenthi
s.Iwill
final
lygetmyr evenge.Butifyou
saythatherfamilyhasguardians.Doesitnot
meant hatshetooist obeprotectedmyt hose?
Gogo:Sheisnowawi f
eoft heUmhl aba
Ochumiley
oandl i
vesintheirroyalhouse.Shei
s
nowthePr i
ncessofUmhl abaOchumi leyosoI
doubtsheistohavethepr otect
ionthatshedid
whenshewasPr i
ncessofZwel i
hle.
Me:
Icannotdot
his.Iam nowi
tch.
Gogo:Iam nott
ofor
cey
ou,
justt
ryi
ngt
ohel
p
you.
 
.
Istoodupqui cklyandl eftherhut .Allofthis
soundst empi ng.Tobeabl etogetmyr ev
enge
withoutev enset t
ingf ootinUmhl aba.Tohav e
Madodagi v emebackmyt it
leasPr incessof
thi
ssoi l!Butt herei sonepr oblem, Iam nota
witchandgogoof fersdar kmagi c.Oncea
persongoeswi t
ht hatli
fet henther eisno
turningback.I ti
slikesellingy oursoul tothe
dev i
l himsel f.Iwentbackt odomychor esand
foundNosi zweupsetwi t
hmef ornothav ing
wat er.Sheev endegr adedt hebr eadt hatI
baked.Icoul dnol ongerst andi t.Icannotl i
ve
thi
sl ife.Irushedt owher et heol dwomanwas
andt ol dhert hatIacceptherhel p.May beshe
canev enhel pmebeQueenofUmhl aba
Ochumi leyoonceagai n.Shesai dthatwear eto
st
artourpl
anassoonaspossi
ble.
 
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Mybel l
yhasbeengr owi ngal mostev ery day.I
sti
lll
ovebeingmar ri
edt oNt sika.Ithasnot
beenaneasyf ewmont hsbecausehi saunthas
stayedontot eachmet heway softheKi ngdom.
Shedoesnotseem t of avourmemuch.Nt sika
hasgonewi thhisfatheryest erdayandshal l
onlyret
urnatsunset.Iwentt ot heeating
chamberandf oundauntNozi ntostuffher
mout hwit
hal otoffoodal latonce.Igr eeted
andsatdown.
.
Nozi
nto:
Isthi
sthet
imet
ogetup?Thesun
cameuplongago.
Me:
Ihav
enotsl
eptwel
ll
astni
ght
,Ionl
y
managedt
ogetagoodsl
umberatsunr
ise.
Nozi
nto:ItshowsthatNt
sikahasbr
oughtusa
l
azyfutur
eQueen.Donotshamey ourhusband
l
iket
his.Fini
sheati
ngsothatwecangoanddo
someoft heduti
es.
Me:
Wemayleav
eify
ouar
eready
.Iam not
f
eel
i
ngwel
l
.
Nozi
nto:
Doy
ouwi
sht
ost
arv
emynephew'
s
hei
r?
Me:No,
Iwishnotaunt
ybutIam notf
eel
i
ng
wel
l
.Ipref
ernott
oeat.
Nozint
o:Wellmaybei
tisbestbecauseyouar
e
notevenaboutt
ogivebir
thyetbutyouareas
bi
gast enhi
ppo'
s.(Il
ookeddown)
Me:
Maywegonowpl
ease.
Nozint
o: Ar
ey outodressli
kethat?Thatisthe
materi
alofZwel i
hleandnoUmhl aba
Ochumileyo.Wear etogoonr oyaldut
iesofthi
s
soi
landnott heoneofy ourfat
her.
Me:Mymot herhasdressesmadef orwhenmy
bel
lyi
sbigger.Theatti
resmadefrom t
he
Umhlabamaterial
fit
smenol onger.(
she
cl
appedonce)
Nozi
nto:
Letusgothen,Ishal
lbaret
hesameof
bei
ngseenwit
hyoulookingli
kethat
.Weare
al
sonottot
akethatani
mal wit
hus.
Me:Shei
stogowhereIgo,
especi
all
yifwear
e
notonr
oyal
grounds.
Nozi
nto:
Icannot
..
.
Me:Isai
dthatsheist
ogowher
eIgo!(
Icuther
shor
tinaster
nv oi
ce)
Nozint
o:Wellifyouwishtoscarepeopl eaway
t
hensobei t.Anotherthi
ng,mysisterinlaw'
s
youngmaideni stobeexpectedsoon.Sheshall
r
eturnwit
hmeaf terIam donetr
ainingyou.
.
Shestoodandwalkedaway.It
ookabanana
andfoll
owedbehi
ndher.Thi
swomanhasa
problem withmeandIdonotknowwhati ti
s.
Wewentaboutourdai lyduti
esandshewoul d
putmeont hespotbymaki ngf unnyremarksin
frontotherpeople.Ithurtmyf eel
ingsalot
becauseIam av erysensiti
veper son.Wewent
backt otheroyalhouseandal lIwishtodois
eatandsl eep.Iaskedf orZi
phot obr i
ngme
foodt omychamber .Shewal kedi nsmil
i
ng.
.
Zi
pho:
Youl
ooksot
ir
ed,
dearPr
incess.
Me:Iam,Zi
pho.Theheati
smakingmyf
eet
swel
landIdi
dnotsleepl
astni
ght.
Zi
pho:
Isi
tbecauseyourPr
incewasnotbyy
our
si
de?(
shel
aughed).
Me:No,Ijustf
eltsobl
oat
edandhadhot
f
lashes.
Zi
pho:I
tmustbepartoft
hepr
egnancy
.Youar
e
l
ooki
ngsobeauti
ful
.
Me:
Nozi
nto,
gav
emeanear
ful
fornotwear
ing
t
hetr
adi
ti
onal
Umhl abaat
ti
retomydut
ies
t
oday
.Thoset
hingsdonotevenfi
tme.
Zipho:
Ndoni,
howl ongwi
l
lyoual
l
owhert
o
tr
eatyoul
ikethat
?.
Me:Icannotupsether,
Zipho.Sheistheonl
y
onetheycouldgeti
nsuchshortnoticewho
waswi l
l
ingtocomefrom herKingdom t
ohelp
me. 
Zipho:
Itst
il
ldoesnotmeanthatshecanspeak
toyouli
keshewishes.Tel
lPr
inceNtsi
ka.
Me:Icannotr
unt
omyhusbandwi
thev
eryl
i
ttl
e
pr
oblem. 
Zipho:Thenputy ourf
ootdownandputheri
n
herplace.(
Ilaughedsoft
ly)
Me:Howaret
hingsbet
weeny
ouandBant
u?
(
shesmil
ed)
Zipho:Heisagoodmanandhei stogotomy
familyandaskformyhandinmarr
iagesoon
(webot hsmil
edandembraced)
Me:Youdeser
veall
ofthehappi
ness,si
ster
.I
shal
lcomeanddanceatyourweddi
ng(she
l
aughed)
Zi
pho:
Wit
hyourbi
gbel
l
y?
Me:Yes,l
iket
his(
Ist
oodanddancedandwe
bot
hlaughedsomuch)
Zipho:Justsi
tandeat
,yourhi
ghnessandst
op
beingsil
ly.
Me:
Myt
hanksf
ormaki
ngmel
augh,
Zipho.
.
Shewai t
edandkeptmecompanyunt i
lI
fi
nishedeati
ng.Il
ovespendingtimewi thher.
Tomeshei safri
endandnotmyser vant.She
andBant uaretomakeabeaut i
fulhappyhome.
SheleftandItookawellneededrest.Aftera
fewhour sIwokeupfeeli
ngv er
yirr
it
ated.I
walkedoutofmychambert ost r
etchmyl egs
whenNozi nt
oapproached.
.
Nozi
nto:
Yout r
ulyaretomakeal
azyQueen.(
I
coul
dnolongertakeit
)
Me: Lookaunt i
e,Iknownotwhaty ourpr oblem
withmei sandIdonotcar e.Youar enother eto
teachacommonerhowt ober oyal
ty.Youst and
beforeaPr incessandal lyouneedt odoi s
teachmet heway soft hissoi l.Ihavebeen
doingwel l butitseemsi tisof fnouset oy ou.If
youdonotwi sht obeher et henspeak.Youal so
needt ost opbot heri
ngy our selfwit
hmybody .
Youhav enev ercarri
edachi ldsoy oushal lnot
knowt hechangesi tcomeswi thtoawoman' s
body .Youdar einsultthef utureQueenoft his
soilagain,y ouar esur et or egretitl
ater.Ihav e
swallowedal l t
hebi t
ternessandunki ndness
youhav egi venmebuti tist oendt oday .Arewe
clear?(shel ookedatmeshocked)
Nozint
o: Ar
eyoumaki
ngf
unofmyi
nabi
l
ityt
o
havekids?
Me:
Ift
hati
showy
oui
nter
pretwhatIhav
ejust
spokent hensobei t
.Iam t ir
edofy ouandy ou
cangot ellyourbrotherify ouwish.Youar eto
giv
ehi mt her i
ghtreportaboutmyl earni
ng
achievement sortroublei swhatshal lf
oll
ow
you.Alsot hatyoungmai deny ousaidisonthe
wayi stobet urnedbackt owher ev
ershe
comesf rom.Iam notst upid.Youhav espoken
abouthowNt sikawouldper hapswi shtobe
withamai denwi thasmal lerbodymanyt imes.
Youbr i
ngt hisgir
ltocomeandseducemy
husband.
Nozi
nto:
Ihav
enotpl
annedsu.
..
Me:Isai
dthaty
ouar
etosendherback.(
Icut
hershor
t)
Nozi
nto:
Buthowshei
sal
readyont
heway
.
Me: Youaretotell
amessengerwhi chdi
rect
ion
shecomesf rom andhavethem meetherhalf
wayt otel
lhertogoback.Surel
ythehorsesof
yourKingdom arecapabl
eofturni
ngaround.
Aretheynot?
Nozi
nto:
Mybr
othershal
lher
eoft
his.
Me: DoIlookli
keIgi veacar e?Youdonotwi sh
toangerthedaught erofKi ngXol o.Ishal
lhav e
yourhusband'sli
ttl
eKi ngdom bur nttothe
ground.Donotputmet ot hetest.Nowl i
keI
havesaid,youaretot elltheKinghowwel lIam
doingbecausewebot hknowt hatIam excel
ling.
Youdar ehavethatmai densetf ootonthissoil,
youaresuretor egretit.Iam tiredofyouold
womenoft hi
splacet hinkingthatIam adi r
ty
maty oucanjustwal kov er. 
.
Ilookedherst raighti
nt heeyesasIspoke.She
stoodther eclearlyt
akeabackbymywor ds.I
hadhert elloneofourmessenger swherethi
s
mai dencomesf r
om andIor deredhi.t
omeet
hercarriagehal fwayandt ellhertonotdareset
footinmyhouse.Idonotcar enomor e
becausecl earlythewomanIhav emetinthis
houset hinkIam af ool.Fir
stNandeandnow
Nozint
o.Iam nott aki
ngi tanymore!Ihadt he
ki
tchenhelpersprepar eafeastf
orKi ngXhanti
andNtsika.Theyar r
ivedjustastheskyl i
t
orangebecauseoft hebeaut i
ful
sunset .We
madeourwayt oourpr iv
atechamberandI
l
it
erall
ythrewmy selfonhi m.Helaughedsof tl
y.
.
Me:
Ihav
emi
ssedy
ousomuch.
 
Ntsi
ka:
Ndoni,
Ihav
ebeenawayf
oroneni
ght(
I
l
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me:
Ihav
eknowl
edgeoft
hat
.Di
dal
lgowel
l
?
Ntsi
ka:
Thetr
avelwasnotacompl
etewast
eof
t
ime,myhear
t.Haveyoubeenwel
l
?
Me: Iseem toalway sfai
lbeforeyouraunt's
eyes,Ntsika.Iam delayi
ngy oufrom beingKing
andIcanseet hef r
ustr
ati
oni nyourfather'
s
facewhenev ery ourauntreport
sonmy
progress.(hekissedmyl i
pssof t
ly)
Nt
sika:
Ther
eisnor
usht
othi
s.Iam al
sost
il
l
l
earni
ngplentyfr
om f
ather
.Fatheradoresyou,
Ndoni.Heholdsnof
rustr
ati
ontowar dsyou.The
onl
yfrust
rat
ionhehasiswithhislegs.Howis
ourbabydoing?
Me:
Hemov
essomuchi
tfeel
sreal
l
yni
ce(
I
smi
l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:Toshowt
hathei
shappyandi
ngr
eat
heal
th.
 
Me:Wemustst
opassumingiti
saPrince,
it
mi
ghtbeal
it
tl
eNdoniyamanzi
.(hel
aughed)
Ntsi
ka:
Andsheissur
elyt
obeasbeaut
if
ulas
t
hebigNdoni
yamanzi
. 
.
Wel aughedandheki ssedme.Ilovebeingin
hi
sembr acesomuch.Ihadwat erbebr oughtt
o
ourchambersohecoul dwash.Hef i
nishedand
wegotr eadytogot otheni
ghtfeast.We
walkedtot heeati
ngchamberandf oundt he
KingandNozi ntosit
ti
ng.Wegreetedandsat
down.
.
Xhant
i:Deardaughter
,doyounowt
hinkyou
hol
denoughknowl edgetost
epupasQueen?
Me: Ihav
ebeendoi
ngwelli
nmostoftheduti
es
thatIhavehadt
odo,myKing.Ihav
emademy
mindholdknowl
edgeofal
ltherul
esoft
his
Kingdom.
Ntsika:
Shet r
ulyhas,
fat
her
.Itseemst
hatshe
holdsknowledgeofthi
ngst
hatIdonoteven
know( welaughed)
Xhanti
:Iam notsurpr
ised,sheholdsashar
p
mind.Nozi
ntodoy outhinkthatsheisr
eadyfor
thi
s(Il
ookedather)
Nozinto:Youknow,brot
herIhavenotmadeit
easyforher.Shehasbeendoinggreatint
his
newr olebutIthi
nkshehasdonesomet hi
ng
todaythatIwishedforl
ongago.Sheshowed
met hestrengt
hIknewshehol dsi
nsideofher
heart.Shestoodupforhersel
fandthati
satrai
t
thatat r
ueQueenistohold.Shehastrul
y
i
mpr essedmeandIt hinkthatshei
sreadyt
o
l
eadbyNt si
ka'
sside.
 
Xhanti
:Nowthatisgoodnews.Ihavebeen
wait
ingtoheary
ousayt hatf
orsolong.
Nozint
o:Butshei
stohaveanadvisor
.Ishal
l
notbeabletodoi
tbecauseIhol
dpositi
onof
QueeninmyownKi ngdom.
Ntsika:I
tisal
ltobearrangedattheri
ghtti
me.I
am justhappythatmywi f
e'shar
dwor kisfi
nal
l
y
beingacknowledged.(
Ilookedathim and
smi l
ed)
Xhanti
:Letuseat
,mybodyf
eel
sti
redand
needsrest
.
.
WesatandateandIdonotknowi fNozi
nto'
s
wordi
strueornotbutIdonotcar
ebecauseI
knowIdeser
veprai
seforachange.Wefini
shed
andr eti
redtoourchamber s.Wegotundert he
cov ersandIr eadt hecurrentbookt hatcaught
ouri nterestoutloudunt i
lIhear dNt sikssnor e.I
l
aughedandputt hebookaway .Icoul df eelmy
slumbercomeni celymypr incel aidbymysi de.
Befor eIknowi tasnakewr appedi tselfaround
mybel lysot i
ghtl
yt hati
tfeltli
kemyspi ne
woul dbr eak.Iscreamedouti npai nandt r
iedto
taket histhingoffmybodybutIf ail
ed.Ihear d
Shiba' svoicesaying" I
'
m her e"unt i
lIhear da
voiceshoutmynameout .Iopenedmyey es
andwasgr eetedbyNt sika'
st err
ifiedf ace.
.
Nt
sika:Ndoni
yamanzi
,whatseemstobet he
matter
?Youhavebeencryi
ngouti
ny oursleep.
Me:
Ihadabaddr
eam.
 
Nt
sika:
Whatwasi
tabout
?(It
oldhi
m)
Me:Mybell
yfeel
sli
keitburni
ng,
Ntsi
ka.(
the
babymovedandhebreathedasi
ghofrel
ief
)
Ntsi
ka:
Itseemstohav
ej ustbeenaterr
ibl
e
dr
eam.Trytogobacktosleep,Ishal
lst
ay
awakeunti
lyoucl
oseyoureyes.(heki
ssedme)
.
Hehel dmesot ightl
yt hathisbodyheat
becamet oomucht obar e.Theburning
sensat i
onbegant osl owlygoawaybutInow
fearedgoi ngbackt osleep.Ihatesnakesand
event ohav eonebef oremei nmydr eams
scaresme.Myey esst art
edtof eelheavyandI
tri
edt ofighti tbutIf ail
ed.Ifinal
lygav eupand
l
etsl eepov er takemybodyandhopi ngthatno
badi stov isitmei nmysl umberagai n.
[
03/02,
14:58]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t30
.
#Ki
ng 
Xhant
i
Todayi sthedayt hatIhav eneverexpect edto
happensosoon.Nt sikaandhisbr i
deare
off
icial
lygoingt obet it
ledKingandQueenof
Umhl abaOchumi leyo.It r
ustintheirabi
li
tyto
rul
eov erthissoi l
asIandmanybef orethem
havedone.Myheal thi snotasithasbeenbutI
havebeenhi dingi ttopr eventcausingpanicto
Ntsika.Ther oy alfami l
yofZwelihlehas
honour edthei nv i
tationt othi
sbeaut i
ful
ev ent
.I
askedf orXol ot ojoinmei nthelibrar
ychamber .
Hewal kedi n,gr eetedandsatdown.
.
Me:
Myt
hanksf
ormeet
ingmeher
e,ol
dfr
iend.
Xol
o:Iknowyouwouldneverj
ustaskformei
f
i
twerenotimpor
tant
.Whatseemst obe
wei
ghingsoheavyonyourmind?
Me:Ntsi
kai
saboutt
osi
tont
het
hroneof
power
. 
Xol
o:Ihol
dfull
knowledgeofthatf
act,Isi
t
bef
oreyoubecauseIam her
et owi
tnessit
happen.Ar
eyoustar
ti
ngtohav
esecond
thought
sandwishtoremai
nKi
ng?
Me:No, myhearthol
dsnor egr
etforthi
s
deci
sion.Iam notl
ongerf
ittosi
tintheseatof
rul
e.Iwishtoaskyouagreatfavour.
Xol
o:Iam l
i
steni
ng.(
hel
ookedatmei
ntensel
y)
Me: Ntsikaisagoodl eader,
itisatrai
tthathe
wasbor nwithandheknowst heway softhis
Kingdom wel l.Iknowt hathi
sr ul
eistocome
withplent yofchangesbecausehei ssti
llyoung.
Iaskofy outopl easestepinasoneofhi s
ment ors.
Xolo:
Iholdnopowertodot hat
,Xhanti.Whydo
youspeakli
kethi
s?Youaret obeadvisortot
he
youngPri
nceasyouhav ebeensinceheknew
whathisr
esponsi
bil
i
tiesare.
Me: Youholdthepowert obeanadv i
sorand
ment ort
ohim, Xolo.Youar enolongerj
usta
str
angertohim, youtooar ehisf
atherandhe
holdgreatr
espectf oryou.Iam notwell
,ol
d
fri
end.Ihav
elostt
heabi
li
tytowal
kandi
thad
stri
ppedmeoffmydigni
ty.Mybodyf
eel
sli
ke
thatofanoldman.
Xol
o:Youneednotfearthen.Ihav
ecomewi t
h
Ncedi.Sheshal
lmakethefeeli
ngofi
l
lnessgo
away.(Ishookmyhead)
Me: Idonotwanthert ohelpme.Myancest ors
havebeencal l
i
ngmet othei
rlandf oralong
ti
menow.Ihav eresi
stedandst ayedst r
ongf or
thesakeofmysi nbutIcannol ongercope.My
bodyf eel
spainateachsunsett hatcausesme
tocryinmychamberl i
kealit
tlebaby .These
painsareonlyfel
tbymeandInol ongerwi shto
l
iveinsuchmy stery,
oldfri
end.
Xolo:I
tweighsheav yonmyhear tt
ohearthat.I
tr
ulyhadnoideat hatyouhavebeensuff
eringin
si
lenceli
kethis.Thewayy ouhavemetthi
sf ate
angersmeev enmor ebecauseitwasdonebya
personyoucalledson.
Me:
Iam atpeace,
oldf
ri
end.Myhear
tfeel
sjoy
thatNtsi
kahasf oundyourdaughter
.Sheisa
l
ightinhisli
feandIknowi nmyheartthathei
s
tobewel lonceIam gonebecausehehasher.
AllIaskisforyoutoguidethefut
ureKingof
Umhl abawhenneeded. 
Xolo:Het ooisali
ghti
nNdoni '
sli
fe.Theytrul
y
aresti
llyoungandneedguidance.Donotf ear
,
oldfr
iend.NobuandIshallstandreadytohelp
thesechildr
en.Asyouhavement i
onedt heyare
tocomewi t
hanewt ypeofruleandIforesee
great
nessi nit
. 
Me:Myt hanks,oldf r
iend.Iam nowsur el
ytogo
i
npeaceknowi ngt hattheyareiny ourgood
hands.Donotfear ,Ihavetoldtheroyalcounci
l
aboutthi
sandt heyhadnopr oblem.
Xol
o:It
oohav
etoaskaf
avourofmyown.
Me:
Iam l
i
steni
ng 
Xolo:
Iaskthaty ouli
velongenoughtomeet
yourfi
rstgr
andchildandtonamet hel
it
tl
e
Pri
nceorPrincess.
Me:Myapologies,
oldf
ri
endbutIhol
dnotthe
powertodecidewhenmyendistocome.Ifeel
i
tisnearbutIknownotoft
heday.
Xolo:Iknowt hatbutNobuhast oldmet hat
Ndoni i
st ogointolabouranydaynow.Ibegof
yout okeepstrongasy ouhavedoneal l
these
mont hs.Yoursonissur etoappreciatet
he
honourofy ounami nghischil
dbef oreyougoto
thelandofy ourancestors.
 
Me: Namingthenextgenerati
onofUmhl aba
royalt
ywouldindeedbeanhonour .Ipr
omi seto
tryandremainstrongunti
lthel
it
tl
eonef inal
ly
decidestocomet ous.(weshookhands)
.
Wesatandspokesomemor eandIknowt hat
Ntsi
kaistogetthebestadv isefrom hisfather
i
nlaw.XolohasmadeZwel i
hlebeaspower ful
andprosperousasi ti
stoday.Umhl aba
Ochumiley
oi ssurel
ytogaingr eatstrengt
h
fr
om beinginall
iancewithZwel i
hle.Idonot
knowi fmyhear tist
ostil
lbeatuntil
Nt si
ka'
s
chil
disbor nbutIdoaskt heancestorstogrant
met hi
sl astaskofthem.Ialreadyholdaname
thati
sf i
tti
ngforaPr i
ncebutIshallthi
nkofone
foraPr i
ncesstoo.Xololeftmet ogetreadyfor
thecrowni ngceremonyandIhadJongi
summonedi n.Sheenter
ed, bowedandst ood.
.
Jongi
:Youhav
ecal
l
ed,
myKi
ng.I
sal
lal
ri
ght
?(I
smil
ed)
Me:All
iswel
l
,Jongi
.Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
l
you.
Jongi
:Iam l
i
steni
ng.
Me: Iwishfory outoknowthatyouar etheone
myhear thaschosenandi thasnev erchanged
i
t'
schoi ce.Ithasalwaysbeenyou.Iwantt o
giv
ey oumyapol ogi
esfornotmaki ngyoufeel
worthy.Justlookathowf arNtsi
kawaswi l
li
ng
togof orhisbridewhenhestil
lthoughtsheisa
nobody ,hewant edtogi
veupbei ngaPr i
nce
j
usttobewit
hher
.Idi
dnotholdthesame
cour
age.NowIwi
shthatIhadbuti
tist
oolat
e.
Jongi
:Iti
snottool
ate,
Xhant
i.Youar
etost
ep
downasKi ngi
nafewhours.
 
Me: Myhealt
hisfai
li
ngme.Myl i
fehangsbya
thr
ead.Ihavenotcall
edyouher
et otal
kabout
sadnews.Ihavecall
edyouheretotell
y outhat
myheartisalwaystobeyour
s.Donotf earour
maidenistobetakencar
eof.Ihavespokent o
Ntsi
kaaboutit.
Jongi:Myhearti
stobel
ongt
oyouforal
lmy
daystoo.I
tpainsmetoseey
ouli
kethi
s(she
star
tedtocry
)
Me:
All
shal
lbewel
l(Iki
ssedherl
i
ps)
.
Ihavenotfel
tJongi
'ssoftl
ipsagainstminei
na
l
ongwhi l
e.Mybodymi ghtbeinpainbutmy
heartandsoular
efeel
ingdeli
ght.Iaskedtobe
takentomychamberandJongi helpedme
dressinmyr oyalatt
ire.Itookmycr ownand
l
ookedati tforal ongwhi l
e.Nt
sikaandhiswife
aretohav enewcr owns.Mywi shist hatt
hey
starteveryt
hingonanewpage.Theyar etobea
breathoflongawai t
edf reshai
rinthishouse
andKi ngdom.Iputi nmycr ownbutsooni ti
s
nott oholdthesamepowerasbef ore.Iam tr
uly
atpeacewi thall.
.
.
#Ndoni
Thedayhasf inallycome.NtsikaandIwokeup
atsunriseatPrinceandPrincessbutbysunset
wear etobeKi ngandQueen.Inol ongerfeel
thesamef earthatIdidwhenIwast oldthatI
am soont obeQueen.Mybel l
yi snowsobi g
thatIcannotev enseemyownt oesnorev en
touchthem.Mot herhasbeenwi thmef ora
mont hnowbecauseshesay st hebabyissoon
tocome.Nozi ntohasnotbeenmeant osinceI
putmyf ootdown.Iwasal
oneinmychamber
becauseIjustwi
shedtocl
earmymi nd.Isat
andbrushedmybel l
yandcoul
dnothelpbut
smil
e.Ifeltacal
mnesscomeov ermybody .
.
Shiba:
QueenNdoni y
amanzi,youseenowwhat
ImeantwhenIt ol
dyouthatyouaretoreali
se
yourdest
inyonl
yifyousetfootint
hisr
oy al
housebackthen.
Me:Iseenow, Shi
ba.Ial
soreal
isewhyIhadt o
meetNtsikabeforemeet
ingmyf amilybecause
t
hechildwehav emadeisthemai nreasonwhy
f
atherdidnotkil
lNtsi
kat
hatnight.
 
Shiba:Yes,chil
d.Iknowt hatyouhavegone
throughmanychal lengesbutithasgivenyou
strengt
h.Youal sostill
holdakindhearti
ny our
chest.Notallpeopleloveaper sonwit
hy our
kindnature,Ndonisoy ouarest i
ll
tomeet
peoplewhowi shy ouhar m.Darkmagichas
beent r
yingtoharmy oubutfearnotnosuccess
i
stocomef
rom i
t.
Me:
Ist
hatwhyIhav
ebeenhav
ingbaddr
eams?
Shiba:
Theyarenotdr eams,
whatyoudream i
s
whattrul
yishappeningbutt
heguardi
ansof
yoursoil
thewit
hy ou.
Me:Myt hanksforal
waysbei
ngther
einmy
ti
mesofneed, Shi
ba.It
houghtt
hatyouwoul
d
nolongerexi
stinmylif
eonceI'
m wed.
Shiba:Youar enott heonl
yonewhohel dthat
thought.Thosewhowi shyouhar mt houghtso
too.Youar ey ett
obeputt ot hetest
,Ndoni.I
needy out obestrongasy ouhav ealwaysbeen.
Yournewt i
tl
ei st
ocomewi thgreat
responsibil
it
ybuty ouandy ourKingaretostay
unitedatallti
mesbecauset oget
hery ouhold
greatstrength.
Me:Weshal
lkeepasone,
Ifai
ltof
oreseea
f
utur
ewit
houthim.
.
Itgi
vesmegr eatjoytot al
ktomyguar di
an
again.Shehasnotmademehearherv oicei
na
l
ongwhi lebutshehasbeenpr otect
ingmei n
thespiri
tworl
d.ItmakesmehappybecauseI
holdnopoweri nthatwor l
d.Istoodandst ar
ted
togetdressed.Ntsi
kai stogetreadyinanother
chamber .MotherwalkedinandIsmi l
ed.
.
Mot
her:Myblossom,
whyhav
eyounotcal
l
ed
metohelpy
ou?
Me:
Iam abl
etodr
essmy
sel
f,myQueen.
Mot
her
:Areyouabl
etoputy
ourshoesont
oo?
(
webot
hlaughed)
Me:No,Iam suret
oneedhelpwit
hthat.Can
youbel
ievet
hatmyat t
ir
ehadtobealt
ered
t
hreeti
mes?( shel
aughedsof
tl
y)
Mother:Icanbeli
eve,
myblossom.Thatis
becausemyf lowergr
owsstr
ongandheal t
hy
ever
yday( sheki
ssedmybell
yandIsmiled)
Me:Yourfl
owerneedstocomesoon.Icanno
l
ongerfi
ndagoodpositi
ontol
iei
natnight.Al
l
f
eelsouncomfort
able.
Mother:Ibel
iev
et hati
tisonl
yafewday
snow.
Ev
ent heroyalmidwifei
sready.
 
Me:Mythanksforbei
nghere,mother
.Ihav
e
beenatpeacesi
nceyousetfootonthi
ssoil
.
Mot her:Iam happyt oheart hat.Thepositionof
Queeni snoteasy , myblossom.Youar enowt o
facechal lengesy ounev erknewexi sted.Ineed
yout onott rustjustany onebecausesomear e
sti
llloyaltoNandeanddonotwi shyouwel l.
Wheny oudonotf eelwellIbegofy out onot
j
ustdr inkanyr emedy .Hav eamessengersend
alettertoZwel i
hleandNcedi istoreaditand
help.Onl ytrustaf ewwi ththebabyoncei tis
here.Roy al babi
esar eal waysinharmsway .
Ensur ethaty ourhusbandi satpeaceandcal m
becausehei snotanor dinarymanwi thordinar
y
problems.Hei ssoont ohav ethisKingdom' s
wel
lbei
ngi
nhishandsandheneedsy
out
oal
so
bestr
ongf
orhim. 
Me:Ishal
l
,mother
.(shesuddenl
ylooked
behi
ndmewitheyeswideopen)
Mot
her
:Mov
esl
owl
ytot
hedoor
,Ndoni
.
Me:
Why
,mot
her
?
Mot
her
:DoasIor
der
,Ndoni
yamanzi
.
.
Myhear tstartedt oracefasterandf aster.I
knowshesai dt omov eslowl ybutcuriositygot
tomeandIl ookedbackt oal soseewhatI '
m
order
edt owal kedawayf rom.Iwi shIhadnot
becausei twasasnake.It ri
edt orunbutIf el
lto
thefl
oor.Mbal eki i
soutt ohuntsomyf eargot
worseandwor se.Mot hertr
iedtochasei taway
butIfeareditwoul dst ri
keher .
 
.
Shi
ba:St
andandfaceyourenemy,
Ndoni
yamanzi
.Takethesharpi
ronweapon
yourgr
oom hol
dsi
nthechamberandf
acey
our
enemy.
 
Me:
Ifai
lto,
myl
egsar
enumbduet
othef
ear
.
Shi
ba:
Risef
rom t
hef
loor
,Ndoni
yamanzi
.
.
Idonotknowwher eIgott hestr
engthbutI
stoodandr eachedf orNtsika'
sweaponand
choppedi tinhal
fjustasi twasabouttostri
ke
mymot her.Iscr
eamedandhel dont othe
QueenbecauseIf earthi
scr eat
urewithal
lI
haveinme.Nt si
ka,Father,BukhosiandNtando
camer ushingin.
.
Nt
sika:
Whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?
Fat
her
:Theenemyt
ri
edhi
sluckbutf
ail
ed.
 
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
,ar
eyouwel
l
?(hehel
dme)
Father:
Shei
saPr
incessofZwel
i
hle,
donot
fear.
Me:Iam j
ustf
ri
ghtened.Pl
easehav
eitbur
nt
out
sideofr
oyalgr
ounds.
Bukhosi:
Weshal
ldoasyouask,
sist
er.Hasno
harm comet
oyouboth?
Mother:
Ndonifel
l
,howar eyoufeel
i
ng?
(
Ntsika'
sfacewasthatofpani
c)
Me:
Iam wel
l
.Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
.
Themenhadt hecr eaturebet akenout .Mbaleki
returnedaf teralltheactionwasov er .Iam
feelingsomemi l
dpai nbutIcanbar ewi t
hi t
untilafterthecer emony .Iwast ooaf raidto
dressi nmychambersowemov edt oa
differentone.Ev enwhenwer eachedt heot her
onemyey esf i
rstscannedev erycor nert oseei f
therear enosur pr i
sesini t.Al
l wasf i
ni shedand
thecer emonyf i
nal l
ystarted.Theel der sf i
rst
crownedNt si
kaasIsatsmi li
ngwi thpr i
deand
j
oy .Hel ookedsohandsomei nhi snewat ti
re.I
alsogotcr ownedandt heat ti
ref eltsoheav y.Al
l
wasdonebeaut i
ful
lyandaccor dingt
ocultur
e.
Ntsi
kareachedoutf ormyhandaswesaton
ourr
oyalchair
s.Itf
eel ssoov er
whelmingtobe
seat
edoni t
.Almostmaki ngmef eel
li
keIam
notwort
hy.Theof f
icialceremonycamet oan
end.
.
Elder:Ihonourt hepeopleofUmhl aba
Ochumi l
eyowitht hei
rnewl eaders.Pri
nce
NtsikaandPr incessNdoni yamanzi arenomor e.
Nowbef oreyoui sKingNt si
kaandQueen
Ndoni yamanzi ofUmhl abaOchumi l
eyo.May
theyleadt hepeopl eofthissoilwithgreat
strengthandgr ace.Letusal lbowaspert he
wayofUmhl abaOchumi leyotoshowr espectt
o
thenewKi ngandQueenoft hi
ssoi l
.
.
Allwhoisher
ebowedbef or
eus.From r
oyal
ty
tocommonerandNt si
kagavepermissi
onto
ri
se.Thechambergotfi
ll
edwit
hcheerasthe
peopleofourKi ngdom welcomedi t'snew
rul
ers.Iwasf eeli
ngsoov erwhel medbyt he
welcomi ngcheersthatIcried.Ilookedatmy
handt hatisentwinedwithNt sika'sst r
ongone.
Hopingt hatwear enevertobr eakt hi
sunity
betweenus.West oodandt heKi ngofUmhl aba
spoket ohispeople.Ifel
tashar ppai ninmy
l
owerbackbutIl etmyhusbandf inishwithhi s
speech.Hef inal
lyfini
shedbutIf eltanother
pai
nst ri
keandIcoul dnothidet hisone.Nt sika
hel
dmeup.
.
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
,whati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Idonotknow.
Mother:
Ithi
nksheisgoi
ngi
ntolabour.We
needtohavehert
akentoapr
ivatechamber.
.
Ntsi
kaheldmeupasweslowl
ywal
kedout.I
hear
deldert
ell
ever
yonet
ogoandenj
oythe
feastpr
eparedf
ort
hem.Wef
inal
l
yreachedt
he
pri
vatechamber
.
.
Mother:
All
menar
etol
eav
ethechamberat
once!
Ntsi
ka:Il
oveyou,
Ndoni (
heki
ssedmysweat
y
f
oreheadandIsmiled)
Fat
her
:Letusleavet
hewoment
ohel
pher
.Al
l
i
stobewell.(
theyl
eftus)
Me:
Mot
herIf
eel
somuchpai
n. 
Mother:Allshal
lbewell,myblossom.The
midwif
ei sonherwayt otheroyalgrounds.For
nowwear etotakeoffalloft
hisheavyclot
hes.
Youaretomeety ourbabysoon.
.
Theytookoffallofmycl ot
hesandst r
angelyi
t
camewi t
hgreatr el
i
ef.Aclothwasputov ermy
body.Thepainwoul dhitmeandstopandhi t
meandst op.Icannol ongertakei
t.The
midwi f
ecameandwashedherhands.Shedi d
whatsheneededt odobutt oldmei tisnoty et
ti
me.Wheni st hetimet ocome?Mot heri
s
holdingmyhandaseachpai nst r
ikesandZi pho
i
swi pingmyf acewi t
hacool clot
h.Themi dwife
keptonsay i
ngi ti
snoty etti
meandIf el
tli
ke
ki
ckingher.Idonott hinkIam todot hisagain.
Ntsikaist
okeepf arawayf rom meaf t
erthis.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Ndoniyamanzi'
sscreamshavebeenbreaking
myhear t
.Icri
ngewheneverIhearherscr
eam
becauseIam part
lyther
easonwhyshei sin
suchgreatpai
n.Ikeptonwalki
ngaboutli
kea
madman.
.
Father
:Nt
sika,
doy
ouwi
sht
owal
kahol
eint
he
fl
oor?
Me:
Icannothel
pit
,fat
her
.
Xolo:Trytokeepcalm,myKing.Al
lshal
lbewel
l
.
Takeitfrom usbecausewehavebeeninthi
s
posit
ionbefore.
Me:Shehasbeeninthereforhour
snow.The
sunisst
art
ingtosetbutsheissti
l
lint
her
e
scr
eaminginpain.
Bukhosi
:Ndoni
isj
usthav
ingal
ongl
abour
. 
Me:
Didy
ourbr
idehav
ethesame?
Bukhosi
:No,br
other
.Zol
ekawasbor
nver
y
qui
ck(Ipani
ckedevenmore)
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
oseewhati
sgoi
ngon!
Fat
her
:Youar etodonosuchathi
ng.Nowher
e
i
nhist
oryhasamanbeeni nther
oom whena
womanisinlabour.
Xol
o:Iagr
eewit
hy ourf
ather
.Thati
sfort
he
women.Ndoni
isingoodcare.
Me:
Ihav
ehear
dofwomenwhodi
eddur
ing
chi
ldbi
rt
h.Whati
fmyNdoni
meet
sthesame
fat
e?
Father
:Wearenottothi
nknegati
vel
y.Your
Queenandbabyaretobewellandali
veaft
er
thi
s.
.
Isatandhel dmyhead.Ihear danotherscr
eam
fr
om t heroom Ndoni i
sinandIknewt hati
tis
hers.Wheni sthisbabytocomebecauseIhat e
knowingmyl adyisi
npain.Hoursandhours
wentbyandt henwithoutanywarningweheard
acry.Thiscryisdiff
erentbecauseiti
sthatofa
baby.Iimmedi atel
ystoodtomyf eetand
smiled. 
.
Fat
her
:Thosear
ethecr
iesofaheal
thybaby
.
Xol
o:Isur
eagr
ee,
oldf
ri
end(
Ziphowal
kedi
n)
Zipho:
MyKing,
shehasgi
venbi
rt
htoaheal
thy
babyboy.
Me:
Howi
sshe?
Zipho:
Sheisweakbutwel
l
.Youmaynowcome
andseethem.
Father
:Bl
essedist
hel
andofmyancest or
sto
behonouredwit
hanhei
r.Congr
atul
ati
ons,my
King.
Me:
Myt
hanks,
fat
her
.(Ismi
l
edi
ndel
i
ght
)
Xolo:
Nowgoandmeety
ourson,
son.(
he
shookmyhand)
.
Theyal l
shookmyhand.Ist oodbytheentrance
andt ookadeepbr eath.Iknockedfi
rstandwas
toldtoenterbecauseallisproper
.Ifound
Ndoni holdi
ngourbabycl osetoherchest.She
trul
ylooksexhaustedbutsmi ledasI
approached.Ikneltbyhersideandkissedher
softli
ps. 
.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Ndoni
:Justt
ir
edandi
nabi
tofpai
n(shesai
d
sof
tl
y)
Me:
Myt
hanksf
ort
hisbeaut
if
ulgi
ft
,myQueen.
 
Ndoni
:Woul
dyoul
i
ket
ohol
dhi
m?
Me:
Am Ial
l
owed?
Nobu:
Yes,y
ouneednoper
missi
ont
ohol
dyour
l
it
tl
ePri
nce.
.
Igentlytookhi mf r
om hi smot her'
schest.Heis
sosmal l andsof tt
hatIf ear
edmyr oughhands
wouldbr uisehi m.Iheldhimi nmyar msandhis
eyeswer eshut .Ikissedhisli
ttleforeheadand
heletoutasof tsound.Ihav enev erfel
tthis
feeli
nginmyl ifebeforeandIf ail
todescribeit
.
AllIknowi sthatIl
ov emyl i
ttl
ePr i
nce.Hef eel
s
sowar mi nmyar ms.QueenNobuaskedmet o
excuset hem becauset heyneedt ogetNdoni
proper.Itookt hebabyt owher ethemenwer e.I
walkedsosl owlybecausef all
ingisnotan
opt
ion.Theywer
eal
lsohappyt
ofi
nal
l
ymeet
hi
m.
.
Nt
ando:
Whatar
eyout
onamehi
m?
Me:
Idonotknow.
Father: Youaretonamehim Kamv al
esi
zwe.He
i
st hef utureoft
hissoi
lbecausehei sto
succeedy ousomeday.Igiv
ehi m mytruest
blessings.Mayhesomedayl eadthisl
andaswe
andt hosebef or
eushav e.
Xol
o:Mayprosperi
ty,
strengt
handgoodnessbe
wit
hhim.Wewel comey ouPri
nce
Kamval
esi
zweofUmhl abaOchumil
eyo.
Me:Anamet rulysuit
edforaPri
nce.Mythanks
fat
her.Heisblessedtohavet
wopowerfulmen
ashisgrandf
athers.
 
Fat
her
:Bl
essedar
ewet
ohav
ehi
m her
e.
.
Theyal lheldt hel it
tl
ePr incebutIgotcal led
backt ogowi t hhimt oNdoni 'schamber .She
wassi tti
ngupst rai
ght .Hermot herandt he
mi dwi feposi tionedt heKamv apr oper l
ysohe
coul dst artfeedi ng.Icoul dseet hatNdoni isin
painashest artedt ofeedbutshekeptont r
ying.
Hef i
nal l
yst artedt olearnhowi tisdoneand
theyl eftusal one.Isatandwat chedmywi fe
givecar etoournewbor nandi twasabeaut if
ul
sight .Ithankedheronceagai nf orthisgi ft.Just
aswet houghtt hatbei ngcr ownedKi ngand
Queenwoul dbet hehi ghli
ghtoft hedayour
Princedeci dest oshow.Myhear tisf ulland
cont ent.Thesear ethemoment smymi ndi s
sur elytost oref orall myday s.Iam af atherand
Ishal lbeagoodf athert ohim asmi nehav e
been.Ishal l l
ear nfrom hi smi stakest oo.I
kissedmyexhaust edwi feonherf oreheadt hen
l
ipsandpl ant edasof tkissonKamv a'shead.
Hei sthesi ghtofper fection.Onecr eat edf rom
thel oveIshar ewi t
hmyQueen.Al oveIcher i
sh
wit
hall
myheart
.Welcometothewor
ld
Kamval
esi
zwe,
PrinceofUmhl
abaOchumi
l
eyo.

[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t31
.
#Nande
Angercoul dnotbegi ntodescr
ibetherageIfel
t
i
nsideofme.Al lofthisdar
kmagi cseemst obe
useless.Ireceiv
edal ett
erfr
om oneoft hose
whoar estilll
oyaltomeatUmhl aba
Ochumi ley
omanyday sgo.Thewhor e'
sbell
y
growsdail
yandt heyaresoontocrownher
Queen.Isacr
if
icedmysoul todarknessfor
nothi
ng.Iwal
kedi nangertogogo'shutand
enter
ed.Theoill
ampl i
tdim butIcoul
dseeher
.
.
Me:Itseemsthatthepowery
out
hinkt
haty
ou
hav
ei sofnoexist
ence!
Gogo:
Keepyourv
oicedown!Doyouwi
shf
or
t
heenti
reKi
ngdom t
ohearyou?
Me:Iam holdi
ngsomuchangerinme!Doyou
knowthatthewhoreli
vesandhercur
seofa
chi
ldst
il
lgrowsinsi
deofher?
Gogo:Iholdknowl edgeofall ofthat,Nande.I
am nofool.Wehav eunderestimatedt he
prot
ecti
ont hatsurroundsher.Thespi rit
ual
guardi
ansoft heKingdom ofZwel i
hlepr ot
ects
herandherhusband' sancestor saretoo
becausetheyhav echosenherf orNtsika.These
twofamil
ieshav ebeeni nall
iancel ongbefore
thethi
sti
me.Ev eninthespiri
twor ld,theywork
t
oget
herandf
orm gr
eatpower
. 
Me: Ar
eyout el
li
ngmethatIam nev
ert
o
avengemy sel
fandLi
zwi?!(
weheardnoi
seon
theoutsi
de)
Gogo:
Whati
sther
e?(
shewhi
sper
ed)
Me:
Howam Itohav
ethatknowl
edge?Youar
e
t
hewit
chher
e.
Gogo:Ri
ghtnowsi
ttwowitchesi
nthi
shut.You
becameonewhenyouacceptedmyoffert
ouse
darkmagi
c.Dar
enotinsul
tmeoryouar et
o
regr
eti
t.
Me:Youtri
ckedmeintoitbecausey
ouknew
myhearthel
dangerforNdoniandhurtf
orLi
zwi
.
Gogo:Ar
eyoutogiv
eupnow?Ofwhatusei
s
t
hattoyouwhenyouar
ealr
eadyi
n.
Me:
Youdonotevenhav
eapl
ansoIsuggest
wel
eav
ethi
splan.
Gogo:I
fyoucoul
dli
sten,y
ouaretoknowt
he
pl
anthatIhav
e.Wefail
edtogetwhatwewant
t
hroughthedar
kener
giesbutwear
est
il
labl
e
t
oridofher.
Me:
How?
Gogo:Wehav
eNtsi
kat
urnagai
nsthi
swi
fe.(
I
l
aughedl
oudl
y)
Me: Thel
ovepoti
onthatshefedhimisstrong
andissurel
ynottof
adeof fqui
ck.I
fitdoes
thenshei
st ogetmore.
Gogo:Shehasneverfedhi
ml ov
epoti
on.Ihave
al
readystart
edwit
htheprogr
esstohavethi
s
bedone.Itshal
li
ndeedbealongonebutiti
s
possi
ble.
 
Me: Ineedheroutofther
oyalhousesoonandI
wantherstri
ppedoftheti
tl
eofQueenshei st
o
get.Shemustfeelthepai
nthatIam f
eeli
ngat
thi
smoment .
Gogo:Shei
sofwealt
h,eveni
fsheisstri
ppedof
hert
it
leasQueensheist
olive.Whati
stohurt
heri
stoseethemanshelovestakebackhis
l
ove.Youaretobepatientbecausethi
sistobe
alongprocessbutyoushallseevi
ctor
y.Thi
s
mightevenmakey ouhavetheseatofQueen
MotherofUmhlabaOchumi l
ey o(
Ismil
edin
deli
ght
)
Me:Tel
lmethepl
anandhowf ari
tissi
nceyou
hav
ementi
onedthati
tisal
readyi
nprogr
ess.
.
Shewasaboutt otel
l meherpl anwhenI
suddenl
yheardchant ingoutsi
de.Il
ookedout
andsawamobofv i
llageswhoal ll
i
tfi
rel
ights.
Somesay i
ng"burnthewi tch"andIknewthatI
hadtogoandpl ayvictim.Gogodidnoteven
l
ookbothered.Iranoutandst art
edtocry.
.
Me:Mythanksforf
inal
lycomingtomyr
escue.I
hav
ebeentakenbyf or
cebythisol
dwoman. 
Sizwe:
Liesar
ewhatshespeaks,
myKing.
FuzwayoandIhav
eheardherandgogotal
k
aboutt
heevi
ltheypl
ant
opl
otanddar
kmagi
c
i
stobeused.
Fuzwayo:Iti
struewhatt
heQueenspeaks,
my
King.Nandeisnovict
im.
Madoda:
Arey
ouawi
tch,
Nande?(
heshout
ed)
Me:
Iam not
,br
other
.Ibegofy
out
obel
i
eve.
Sizwe:Dar
ey ouimplythatyourQueenspeaks
notrut
h?Ihav esuspectedt
heol dwomanf ora
l
ongt i
menowbuthear i
ngitwithmyownear s
haslef
tmef eeli
ngpuredisgust.
Me: Madoda,shetr
ickedmebrot
her
.She
thr
eatenedtoendallourl
i
vesandIwenti
nto
agreementwithhertosav
eyou!
Madoda:Youlookatmeandseeaf ool?!Your
werecapabl
eofhav i
ngy ourownsonki l
led.
Whatareourli
vestoyouwheny ourownson' s
meantnothi
ng?Youdi sgustmeandIst and
shamedtoadmi tt
hatwecomef r
om t hesame
womb.Ihavebeent hi
nkingaboutredeemi ng
youandtit
leyouPrincessofthi
ssoilagai
n.I
tis
all
thathasbeeninmymi nd.Havey
ou
bewit
chedy ourKi
ng? 
Me:Ionl
ywishedtobetr
eatedwi
ththerespect
t
hatIdeser
ve.Youhavedri
venmetoit
.
Si
zwe:Wecannothar
bourwi
tchesi
nourhouse,
myKing.
Gogo:Suchastupi
dgirl
youare!Youhav e
admitt
edtobei
ngdirt
y.Nowtheyar esur
et oki
l
l
us(shespokewit
hcalmnessfrom herhut)
Me:Ibegofy
ounottoki
ll
me, br
other
.Isti
l
l
wi
shtoliv
e.(
Ibowedandkissedhisfeet
)
Madoda: Dar enotputy ourfil
thonmyf eet.I
warnedy ouaboutt his,Nande.Hav eInot?Itol
d
yout hatify ouaretobewr ongagai nIshall
punishy ouwi thoutthinki
ngt wice.Wehol dno
tr
ial
sher e, knowt hewayoft hisKingdom
becausey ougr ewupi nit.Thepeopl ewisht o
seey oudeadasaf it
tingpuni shmentfor
someonewhodoesy ourev i
lsandIshal lal
low
i
t.
.
Thechant ingbecamest rongerandt heheat
from allt
hef i
relampst i
cksbegant omakeme
feelhot.Imanagedt ogetawayandr un.The
vil
lagemenandboy scameaf terme.It urned
andsawt hatgogo'shutisengulfedwi t
hlif
e
fl
ames.Ther eisnowayshei stosurviveit.Ir
an
andhi dbehindsomebunchesunt i
lthemob
passedby .Istoodandt ookadi ff
erentdi r
ecti
on.
Iam nowsur ethattheyarenottof oll
owmei n
thisdir
ection.Iwalkedfasterandfast erunti
lI
sawmanycheet ah'
sapproachme.Myknees
feltnumbwi thfear.Iheardav oi
cespeak.
.
Voi
ce:Youdar
edt
obr
inghar
mtot
hechi
l
dof
Zwel
ihl
e! 
Me: Idonothol
dknowledgeofwhatyouspeak
of.Ibegofyou!Iam anobody
.Iam j
usta
commonerseeki ngworki
nfarms.
Voi
ce:Youshal
lfeel
thewrat
hoft
heancest
ors
ofQueenNdoni
yamanzi!
 
.
Istoodandshi veredandhear dal ltypesof
noisesspeakatonce.Iscr eamedoutl oud
hopi ngt hatitistost opbuti tdidnot .Ipul l
ed
myownhai rfrom i t
'srootst otryandgett he
voicesoutbutf ai
led.Thebeast ssur rounded
meandIbeggedf orthev oi cet hatIhear dto
grantmemer cy.IfIhadknownt hatNdoni isof
suchpowerbot hint hespi ritual worldand
phy sical,Iwoul dnothav emadeanenemyout
ofher .Nowsheseeksr ev engeandIknowt hat
i
tismyend.Thesebeast swoul dscr at chme
andwal kar oundme.Theyar etorment ingme.I f
theywantmet of eel mor ef eart hent heyhav e
succeeded.Icr i
edoutl oudwhenoneoft hem
j
umpedonmeknocki ngmedownt ot hegr ass.
It
'spowert oost rongt ofightagai nst.Icoul d
feel theclawsast heypi ercedt hroughmyski n
i
nal l mybodyandIr ealisedt hatother shav e
j
oinedint
hef east
.Ifel
ttheotherat t
ackmy
neckandIknewt hatIam nottol i
vefrom t
his.I
am tomeetthesameendt hatLizwihasandi t
makesmer egretall
ofmyact ions.
.
.
.
#Nosi
zwe
Wef earedthatNandebei
ngaboutcouldbe
dangerous.Wedonotknowt hepowershe
hol
dsduet ot hisdar
kmagic.Ofofthevil
l
age
boyscamer unningt
owherewest ood.
.
Hi
m:Yourhighnesses,
youar
etocomequi
ckl
y.
Wehavefoundher.
Madoda:
Nosi
zwe,
youar
etost
aybehi
nd.
Me:Ishal
ldonosucht
hing.Iwi
sht
oseeher
puni
shed.
Madoda:
Leadt
hewayboy
.
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myKi
ng.
.
Madodat ookaf i
resti
cklampandIheldhim by
hisclothingaswer an.ItseemedNandewast o
runoutoft hisKibgdom.Wef oundherl
yingand
barel
yr ecognisedher.Theonlyi
ndi
cati
onthatit
wast rulyherwast heli
ttl
emarkshehadunder
herfoot. 
.
Madoda:I
tseemsshewasat
tackedbywi
l
d
ani
mal.Awil
dcat.
Boy
:Itwasmanycheet
ah'
s,myKi
ng.
Madoda: Itseemsshemademor eenemies
thenwet hought.Cheet
ah'
sar
eofZwelihl
eand
shecl ear
lymadeawr ongmovebyhurt
ingthei
r
Princess.
Sizwe:Onlyaf
ooli
stodar
est
artaf
eudwi
th
thepeopleoft
hatsoi
l
.
Madoda:Haveherbodyburntt
oashesbecause
sheisnott
oli
enexttomyancest or
s.Shedi
ed
wit
houtati
tl
eanddeservesnotthehonour
. 
Sizwe:Howawomanwhowedsowel lcould
enduphereissad.Herev
ilhear
twasherown
worstenemyandnowshehaspai dtheprice.I
wishtosayt
hatIam sadbutIfeel
nothing.
Madoda:
Sheandthatol
dwomanweremy
f
amil
ybutevenIf
eelnot
hing,
myQueen.
.
West oodandwewat chedast heyli
tthefi
re.I
feelnopainbecausethosewhot heyhavehurt
arenowsur etofeelsomeki ndofreli
ef.Weare
towr i
tealet
tertoUmhl abaOchumi l
eyotohave
i
tknownt hatthei
rformerQueenhasmetasad
end.Awomanwhooncehadi tallgot
consumedbyher selfunti
lnothingofherwas
l
eft.Nothi
ngbutt heashesofacommonerwho
usedt obeQueen.Trulyafoolishwomanshe
was!
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Ilookedatl
it
tleKamv aashesl eptbetween
my sel
fandhisfather
.Iam yettoputhi minthe
l
ittl
ebedNtsikahadacr aft
smanmakebutf or
nowIst i
l
lwishtoholdhim close.Hiswayto
thisworl
dwast hatofgreatdif
ficul
typhysi
call
y
butheprovestobewor thallofthepain.
 
.
Me:
Ithi
nkhel
ooksl
i
keme(
Ntsi
kal
aughed)
Ntsi
ka:Nomani st
obeasbeaut
if
ulasy
ouar
e,
myheart.Thati
ssur
etobeacri
me(we
l
aughed)
Me:Heissuchperf
ect
ion.Nobabyhasev
er
beent
hisbeaut
if
ul
Nt
sika:
Thesamet
houghtr
unst
hroughmy
mi
ndbuthei
stol
ookl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.
Me:Trul
yisabeauti
ful
namehewasgiven.He
i
ndeedisthefut
ureofthi
sKi
ngdom.Ar
ey ou
r
eadytooffi
ci
all
ybeKing?
Nt
sika:Icarenotaboutt
hatnow,myhear
t.I
wi
sht ojustenj
oythi
smoment .
 
.
Wesatandhear dabi gthunderst orm andcoul d
seeit'sstri
kesl ightupt hesky .Igotabigf right
butNt sikaheldmet i
ghtly.IthoughtKamv a
wouldwakeupandcr ybutmyPr i
ncecont inued
tosleepsoundl y.Mbal ekistoodbyt hewi ndow
l
ookingoutandmadet hesoundsofherki nd.
Thet hundersoundsst oppedandi twas
foll
owedbyheav yrai
n.Ihav enothear dthis
typeofr aininal ongwhi l
e.Mot hersaidthatr ai
n
i
sasi gnofbl essings.Weal readyholdthemost
beautifulblessingev er.Ther ewasaknockon
thedoorandNt sikastoodt oopen.Mot her
walkedi nwi thasmi l
eonherf ace.
.
Mother
:Itseemsli
kethebi
rt
hofKamv
ahas
comewithmor ebl
essi
ngs.
Nt
sika:
Whatdoy
ouspeakof
,mot
her
?
Mother
:Standher
e,y
ouar
etoseewhatIspeak
ofsoonenough.
.
Ntsikast oodandIal sowai t
edi nanticipati
onto
seewhatmot herspeaksabout .HasNt ando
fi
nallybeenbl essedwit hacompani onofhi s
own?ThenIsawasi ghtthatleftmymout hand
eyeswi deopen.Ev ent heexhaust i
onl eftmy
body .Nt sika'
sfatherwaswal ki
ngonceagai n.
Hehadt omakeuseofast i
ckandbal ancewi t
h
Fathert obeabl etobuthewasusi nghi sl
egs
onceagai n.Ilookedatmyhusbandandf orthe
veryf i
rstt i
mei nallt
heday st hatIhav ebeen
withhim, Isawhi m cry.Iknewhei s
overwhel medbyt hebeaut yoft hesightbef ore
him.
.
Father:
Itseemsthatthi
strul
yisagoodday.
Yout wohaveonlybeenKingandQueenfora
fewhour sbutbl
essi
ngsalreadyf
oll
owyou.
Ntsi
ka:Father,
myheartholdssomuchj oyin
myheart.Iknowthatamani snottocrybutI
fai
ltohol
dt hehappi
nessthatIfeeli
nsi
de.I
haveseeny oustr
uggl
ebutpretendednotto
becauseIdidnotwishtomakey oufeell
ike
l
essofaman.
Xhanti
:Donotf earsheddingtear
s,Ntsi
ka.I
havethoughtthatthi
sdayi stobemyendbuti t
seemst heti
mehasnoty etcome.Whent he
numbnessi nmyl egslef
tIthoughtIam i
na
deepslumberandi ssoont owake.Mybody
feel
snotlikebeforebutInolongerfeel
pain.
Ntsi
ka:
Areyoutotakeyourpl
aceasKi
ngagai
n?
(
Xhantil
aughedsof
tl
y)
Xhant
i:Idonotwi
shtositont
het
hroneagain,
myson.Iam tobeadvi
sortoy
ou,
myKi ng.
 
Nt
sika:
Asy
ouwi
sh.(
theyshookhands)
Xhant
i:MayIhav
eanembr
acei
nst
ead.(
Ntsi
ka
smil
ed)
Ntsi
ka:Ihol
dnoobject
iont
othatr
equest(
he
embracedhisf
ather
)
Father:Iam gl
adthatyouweregivenasecond
chance, ol
dfri
end.Westil
lhaveplent
ytodo
togethertomakeupf oral
ltheyearsl
ost.(
they
l
aughed)
Mother
:Myapologi
esf ori
nter
rupti
ngbutIthink
t
hatiti
sfai
rthatweleaveNdoniyamanzit
or est.
Me:
Idonotmi
nd,
mot
her
.
Xhanti:
Rest,deardaughter.Wear etomeet
againwhenthesunr ises.Iam yettothanky
ou
forthegif
tyouhav ehonour eduswith.My
thanks,myQueen.
Me:
Thehonouri
smi
ne,
fat
her
.
Fat
her:Ourgr
andsonl
ooksl
i
keme(
weal
l
l
aughed)
Xhanti:
Youspeakoft
heheiroft
hissoi
l
,ol
d
fr
iend.Hei
stotakeaf
terus.
Fat
her:Thebloodl
i
neofZwel i
hlei
sastrongone,
youknowthistobetruebecauseyouhaveseen
i
t(theyl
aughedagain)
Mother
:Youbotharet
otaket
hedebat
eto
anot
herchamber.
Father:Ntsi
ka,j
oinusforadri
nktowel come
youof f
ici
all
ytofather
hood.Youaresureto
showgr eyhairsoonbecauseiti
snotaneasy
ti
tl
et oholdbutiti
sofgreatwort
h.(Ntsika
l
aughed)
Ntsi
ka:
Ilookforwar
dtoal
lthegr
eyhai
rst
hat
ar
etocome, f
ather.
Xhant
i:Spokenli
keatr
uefather.Letusgonow,
mydaughterneedsherr
est.(Ismil
edindel
ight
af
terhesaidthat
)
Ntsi
ka:Ishal
lret
urnsoon.Il
ovey
ou,
myQueen
(
hekissedmyf orehead)
Me:
AndIy
ou,
myKi
ng.
.
HekissedKamv a'
scheek.KingXhant
ial
so
cameslowlytodothesameandsodi dfather.I
t
seemsKamv ahasst ol
entheheart
sofhi
s
grandf
ather
sgreatl
y.Theyleftmewit
hmot her
whoheldthebabyinherarms.
.
Mother
:Youhavedonewel
l,
myblossom.Heis
abeaut
iful
boyandist
ogrowint
oastrongman.
Me:Mythanks,mother
.Idonotwi
sht
ohav
e
anot
her(
shelaughedsoft
ly)
Mother:Thati
swhaty
ouspeaknowbut
somedayy ouaret
owishf
oranot
her
.Maybea
Pri
ncess.
Me:Ifeelasenseofpeacenow.Nt si
kaisto
st
il
lhaveonepar enti
nhislif
ebecauseNande
i
swi t
hherpeople.Itbr
ingsmejoythatKing
Xhantii
swellonceagain. 
Mot her
:Iam j
ustgladt
hatal
liswell.Rest
,my
bl
ossom becauseIknowy ouareti
red.Ishall
stayherewit
hy ouandhol
dthisbeautif
ulli
tt
le
person.
Me: Mythanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng.(
sheki
ssedmy
cheeks)
.
Ilaidonmysi def acingmot herandKamv a.
Mbal eki l
aidbetweenusandgr owledsof tly.
Mot herst art
edt osingabeaut i
ful songsof tly.I
t
spokeoft helov eofamot herandchi l
d.Idonot
knowi fshesangf ormeorKamv a.WhatIdo
knowi sthatitsoundedl ovelytomyear s.If el
t
acal mnesswashov ermybodyasmyey es
grewheav ybythesecond.Ihear dmot her'ssoft
singingv oicefadesl owlyandIf i
nallyfel
lasl eep.
Ithast rul
ybeenadayofbl essingsandmy
hear tisov er
fl
owi ngwi t
hgratitude.Iknowt hat
myKi ngist oleadwi thakindhear tandst rong
mi nd.Iwi shtobest ronginel ement swher ehe
i
st olackandvicev er
sa.Sothattogetherwe
shalll
eadthisKingdom togreatwealt
hand
prosperi
tytopaveawayf orourPri
nce.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t32
.
#Ndoni
Mont hshavepassedandourl i
tt
lepri
ncei snow
i
nhi sseventhmont hofage.Wegotnewson
Nande'sdeathandi tweighedheavyonmy
heartthatsheturnedt oev i
lonceagain.Ihoped
thatthebanfrom theKi ngdom wouldmakeher
change.Wehav eadj ust
edwel li
nournewr ol
es
butIattimesfeel l
ikeNt si
kaisnottrulyhappy.I
enteredourchamberandf oundhim gett
ing
dressed.IputKamv aont hebedandwentt o
helphim.
.
Ntsika:
Myt hanks,
myQueen.I
tseemsthese
r
oy alat
tir
esbecomemoredif
fi
cul
ttof
igureout
(
Ilaughedsoftly
)
Me:
Ntsi
ka,
whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?
Nt
sika:
Idonotunder
stand.(
hel
ookedatme)
Me:Yourmindseemstobefartheseday
s.
Whatisbot
heri
ngyourt
houghts?
Nt
sika:
Ijusthav
epl
ent
ytodeal
wit
h,myhear
t.
Me: Iknowyou, myKing.Iknowwhatyouare
l
ikewheni ti
st hepressur
esofbeingKi
ngthat
weighy oudown.Youar enotunderpr
essur
eat
t
hismoment( helaughedsoftl
y)
Ntsi
ka:I
tseemsIam anopenbookbef or
eyou
andyouknowwhateachpagecontains.You
arer
ight
,iti
ssomet
hingel
se(helookeddown)
Me:Iknowthatwarr
iorBant
uledt
hey oung
warr
ior
stobattl
e.Doyoubyanychangemiss
doi
ngthat
?
Ntsi
ka:I
fIhadnobett
erknowl
edge,
Iwoul
dsay
youareaboutt
oreadmythought
s.(
hepi
cked
Kamvaup)
Me:Youwi
sht obeouti
nbat
tl
erat
hert
henher
e
(
Isai
dsoft
ly)
Ntsi
ka:
No, myQueen.Iwi
shtoalwaysbe
whereyouandoursonisbuty
ouar ecor
recti
n
sayi
ngthatImi
ssbeingawarri
or.
Me:AKi ngi
nbatt
leistobeaneasyt
arget
,
Ntsi
ka.Idonotwishtobeayoungwi
dower
whohast or
aiseasonalone.
Ntsi
ka: Ndoni
, Iam notpl
anni
ngongoi
ngto
batt
le.Ihaveknowledgeoftheri
sksi
tissur
eto
haveonmyl i
fe.
Me:Butnotgoingi
sal
socausi
ngy
ougr
eat
unhappi
ness.
Nt
sika:
Iam stil
ltoadjustf
ull
ytothi
snewl i
fe,
myheart.Iam happy
,myhear tj
ustmissesan
ol
dpartofmyl if
e.
Me:
Arey
out
rul
yst
il
lhappy
?(hesmi
l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:
Iam,Igiv
eyoumypr omise.Youthi
nkI
wouldr
iskdyi
ngandletsomedirt
ypri
nceask
f
oryourhandinmarr
iage(Il
aughed)
Me:
Whyi
shet
obedi
rt
y?
Ntsi
ka:BecauseIwouldnotl
i
kehi
m ev
eni
fI'
m
dead(webothlaughed)
Me:Letusnotspeakaboutyouanddeathi
nthe
samesentence.I
tisascar
ythought
.(heki
ssed
me)
Ntsi
ka:Asyouwi
sh,
mybeaut i
fulQueen.Ar
e
yousti
l
ltogotot
heorphanage?
Me:Yes,Ihavenotsetfootther
einmont
hsand
Iwanttoseehowf art
hegi r
lshavepr
ogr
essed
i
ntheirr
eadingski
ll(
hesmi l
ed)
Nt
sika:
Theyareblessedtohaveyoubethei
r
bi
gsist
er.Pl
easegowi t
hguards,
Ndoni.
Me:Iam taki
ngt
hePr
incewi
thme.(
hel
ooked
concer
ned)
Nt
sika:
Whynotl
eav
ehi
m wi
thZi
pho?
Me:Shehasaskedt ocomewit
hme.Donot
fear
,Nt
sika.Noharmistocometohi
m.Iam
hismot
herafteral
l
.
Ntsi
ka:Okaybutyoutwoaret
onev
ergo
anywherewit
houtanyguar
ds.
Me:
Wewon'
t
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.Il
ovey
ou.
Ntsi
ka:AndIy
ou,myheart
.Letmegot othis
meeti
ng.Thej
ourneyt
hatawai
tsmei ssti
l
la
l
ongone.Iam t
obebackbeforesunset
.
Me:Saf
etr
avel
s,myKi
ng.Comeweshal
lsee
youout
.
.
Weki ssedandl ef
tourchamber .Ihadf
ood
packedf orhi
m becausehedoesnothav etime
tositdownf orthemor ni
ngfeast.Webid
tempor ar
yfarewellandwavedast hehorses
star
tedt omov euntilt
heywereoutofsight.I
putKamv aonmybackandwr appedacl ot
h
aroundmybodyt okeephi
m secur
e.Ntsi
ka'
s
fatheral
sohadhisownbusinesst
oatt
endto,
soIsatandatealonewhenZiphowal
kedin.
Sheandwar ri
orBant
uhavesincemarr
iedand
areexpecti
ngababy.
.
Me:
Greet
ings,
dearf
ri
end.Car
etoj
oinme?
Zipho:Ndoni
,Imightbeyourf
riendbutIst
il
l
remainaservant
.Haveyouforgott
en?
Me:No, Ihavenot.Ify
oudonotwi sht
ojoi
nme
her
et henletuscarryenoughfoodandgo
out
side.(shelaughedsoftl
y)
Zipho:Doy
ouhav
enor
oyal
dut
iest
oat
tendt
o
today?
Me:No,onl
yavisi
ttotheorphanage.You
pr
omisedtocomewi t
hme, Zipho.Donottel
l
methatyouhav
eforgott
en.(sheputherhand
ov
erheropenmouth)
Zi
pho:
Myapol
ogi
es,
yourhi
ghness.Ihav
e
f
orgot
tenbutdonotf
ear
,Iam st
il
ltogowi
th
y
ou.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Zi
pho:If
eeli
ll
almostev
ery
day
.Idonott
hink
pr
egnancyf
avoursme.
Me:Itshal
lsoonpass,
Ial
sof
elti
l
lespeci
all
yat
sunr
ise.
Zipho:Imi
ssBantudearl
y.Mywi shi
sforhi
mto
reti
reandbeapalaceguard.Heeventur
ned
downt heKi
ng'sof
ferasadvisort
oconti
nue
beingawarri
or.
Me: I
tseemswehav ebothmarri
edmenwho
arewarri
orsatheartbef
oreanythi
ngelse.The
Kingmissesbeinginthemistofall
theaction.
Surel
yBantuistoreti
reoncethebabyisbor n.
Zipho:
Thisist
obehisl
astwar,
myQueen.I
begofy out
ohavet
heKingputdownt
hator
der
.
Me: IcannotusemypowerasQueentocontr
ol
yourhusband'
slif
e,Zi
pho.Speakt
ohi
m and
sur
elyheist
ounder
standy
ourf
ear
s.(
she
si
ghedloudl
y)
Zi
pho:Hemightbeakindmanbuthei
sal
soa
st
ubbornman(Il
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me:Comet
akethef
oody
ouwi
sht
oeatand
j
oinmeout
side.
.
Shel ookedv eryafraidtodoi tbutfi
nallydid.We
walkedout sideandsatdownont hegrassmat s
toeat .Aft
erfinishi
ngIbr eastfedKamv aonce
again.Myhear tgoesoutt oZi phoforthisBantu
thi
ng.Wef ini
shedandwentt ogetready .Itook
guardswi thmeasNt sika'
saskedandof fwe
went .Icamewi thmat eri
alofMamat omake
dressesf orthegi r
ls.Wef i
nallyarr
ivedand
walkedi nsi
de.Thel i
tt
leonescamer unningand
Ikneltdownt ohugt hem all.
.
Mama:
MyQueen,
whatanhonouri
tist
ohav
e
y
ouher
e.
Me:Thehonouri
smi
ne,
Mama.Thi
sisZi
pho,
a
f
ri
endofmine.
Zi
pho:
Greet
ings,
Mama.Ihopey
ouar
ewel
l
.
Mama: Iam wel
l
,chi
ld.Havi
ngext
rahandshere
hashelpedmeplent
y.Mythanksagai
n,Ndoni
andthanktheKi
ngaswel l
.
Me:
Ithasal
lbeenapl
easur
e.
Zi
nzi
:Ndoni
,i
tissogoodtoseey
ouagai
n(she
wal
kedinhol
dingwat
er)
Me:I
tisgoodt oseeyoutoo,
Zinzi
.CanIhav
e
anembraceplease(sheputt
hebucketdown
andembracedme)
Mama:Zinzi
,youar
etonol
ongerr
efert
oyour
Queenbyname.
Zi
nzi:Butshewasmysi
sterbef
oreshewas
Queen,Mama.
Zi
pho:
Weknowbuty
ouar
etot
reatherwi
th
r
espect
.
Zi
nzi:Andwhoar
eyou?(
sheaskedwi
th
at
ti
tude)
Me:
Ishall
nott
oler
ateyoubei
ngdisrespecti
ng
t
owardsZi
pho,
Zinzi
.Sheisafr
iendofmi ne.
Zi
nzi:
Haveyouf
oundanewf
ri
endnow?Wher
e
doesshel
iv
e?
Zipho:
Iam aser
vantatt
her
oyal
house.Il
i
vei
n
thequart
ers.
Zinzi
:Ishal
lal
sogoandpackmyr
agssoIam
tocomeandl i
vewi
thyou.
Mama: Youaret odonosuchathi
ng,Zinzi
.If
theQueentakesy ouint
henshemightaswell
j
usttakeal
loft hegir
lswi
thher
.Donotburden
herwit
hguiltl
ikethi
s.
Me:Mamaisr
ight
,Zi
nzi
.Youcannotcomeli
ve
wit
hme.Zi
phodoesnotev
enli
veinther
oyal
house.
Zi
nzi
:I
fwear
enotwel
comei
nyournewhome
t
henyoutooarenottocomet
oour
s,Ndoni
.
(
sheshoutedandranout
)
Me:
Zinzi
:Ist
oodt
orunaf
terherbutsher
an
f
ast
er)
Mama:Donotworr
yabouther.Youknowhow
muchZi
nzil
ovesanyt
hingr
elatedt
oroyal
ty.
Shei
stocal
m soon
Me:
Idi
dnothopef
ort
hedayt
ogol
i
ket
his.
Mama: Becauseofyouourlivesarenow
comf ort
able.Extr
achamber sgotbuiltandwe
noweatt hreetimesaday .Wehav ecowsand
horses.Wecannotaskf ormor e.Donotfeel
guil
tybecausey ounolongerliv
eher e,my
Queen.Youdi dnotforgetusandf orthatweare
grateful
.
Zi
pho:
Iagr
ee,
donotf
eel
gui
l
tyf
orwhoy
ouar
e.
Me:Whatyousaymakessense.IdohopeZi
nzi
i
stounderst
andsoon.Ihav
ecomewi t
h
mater
ial
,Mama.Youaretomakedressesf
or
t
hegi
rl
s(shesmi
l
ed)
Mama:Mythanks,chi
l
d.Letmegoandgety
ou
somet
hingt
odrink.
.
Mamast oodandmadeussomet hi
ngt odrink.I
satKamv adownonacl othont hef loorast he
kidswi shedtopl aywi thhim.Hi sgi ggleswoul d
fi
ll t
her oom.Wesatf orhoursbutZi nzinev er
returned.IguessIhav ehurtheral ot .West ood
andaskedt ol eav e.Icoul dseeZi phoi sti
red.I
putKamv aonmybackonceagai nandbi d
farewel l t
oev erybody .Weagai nar ri
v edsafely
andal lwentt or est .Hour shav egoneand
Nt si
kaf i
nall
yar rived.Het rulylookedexhaust ed
soIhadwar m wat erbebr oughtt oourchamber
sohecoul dwashhi sbody .Itooksomeoi l
sand
wai tedf orhimt of inishsoIcoul dmassagehi s
body .Ilethim situpst rai
ghtasImassagedhi s
upperbodyandhecl osedhi sey esindel i
ght .I
aimt omakehi mf eel li
ketheKi ngt hathei s.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Thef eel
ingofmyQueen' ssof t
,warm hands
runningfrom myshoul dersanddownt omy
spinefeltsensati
onal.Mybodyr eactedandI
tookherbyherwai standsatherdownont op
ofme.Iki ssedherl i
kethi
si stobet hel ast
chancet hatIwil
lget.Myhandsmov ingupher
skirtassheletoutsof tmoansofpl easure.I
tookofhercl ot
hesandcar essedall ofher.We
madel oveandl ai
di neachot her'
sar ms
afterwar
ds.
.
Me:ItseemsIdesi
rey
oumor
eandmor
e,my
Queen
Ndoni
:Thef
eel
i
ngi
smut
ual
.Howhasy
ourday
been?
Me:
Ithasbeenl
ong.Youar
enott
oguesswhat
t
radi
ngbusi
nesst
heywi
shmet
oagr
eet
o.(
she
l
ookedatme)
Ndoni
:Whati
sitt
hatt
heywant
?
Me:
Peopl
e,myQueen.
Ndoni
:Asi
nsl
aves?(
shesatup)
Me:TheywishforUmhl
abaOchumi
l
eyot
osel
l
someofit
'speoplet
osl
aver
y.
Ndoni:Thati
ster
ri
ble!Nt
sikaIhopet
hatyou
t
oldthem thatwetr
adenotinhumanliv
es.
Me: Calm, myQueen.Iam notabouttoenter
i
ntot hetradi
ngofslavesbusi
ness.Theyhav e
tr
iedt oconvincemetochangemymi nd,
cl
aimi ngthatmyKingdom ist
osuregai ngreat
wealthfrom it.
Ndoni:Wespeakher eofpeople'
schildren,
sist
erandbr other
s.Whoaresuretobeshi pped
toforei
gncount ri
est
obeprisoners.I
tissuch
anev i
lbusinesstobein,
Idonotcar ethe
wealthitcarr
ies.
Me:Iagreewit
hyou,myheartbutone
gentl
emencamet omeandsaidt hatImustnot
havesomuchconf i
dencei
nthebusinessof
far
mingbecausesomedaythelandissureto
dryup.
Ndoni
:Itsoundsmor
eli
keat
hreatt
hena
warni
ng.
Me: Iknowandt hatiswhyIhav eputextra
guardsaroundthef arms.If eart
hattheenemy
i
st otryandpoisonourcr opsandki llt
hemai n
tradi
ngsourceoft hi
sKi ngdom.Theyknowt hat
i
ti ssuretol
eadmet odesper ati
on.Itseems
slaverybusi
nessisonar i
seandt hedemand
fortheproductisonther ise.Unfort
unatel
ythe
productisnotgoldorv egetablesbutpeople.
Ndoni
:Myt hanksfortur
ningtheoff
erdown.We
cannothavebusinessti
esthatdestr
oythel
iv
es
ofot
hers,evenift
heyarejustcommoners.
Me:Letushopet
hatsoont
hemar
ketf
orsl
aves
shal
ldr
awtoanend.
Ndoni
:Hav
eyouspokent
oyourf
atherabout
t
his?
Me:
Iwi
l
ldoi
tdur
ingt
heni
ghtf
east
.
Ndoni:
WhenisBant
utor
etur
n?Zi
phoi
s
worr
iedsi
ck.
Me:Hei
storetur
nwhent heti
meall
ows,
Ndoni.
Zi
phomarr
iedhim knowi
ngthathei
sawarr
ior
.
Ndoni
:Sheiscarry
inghi
schil
d,Nt
sika.I
tis
under
standabl
eforhert
ofear.
Me:Letushopeheistor
eti
reasawar
rioronce
hei
saf atherandt
akemeuponmyofferas
adv
isor.
Ndoni
:Poor
,Zi
pho.(
shesai
dinawhi
sper
)
.
Westayedineachother
'sar
msandjust
enj
oyedthemomentandmadel oveonceagai
n.
Ndonist
oodtobathandIaskedformyli
tt
le
Pri
ncetobebroughttome.Ipl
ayedwit
hhim
andhemadeal otofnoi
se.Aft
erawhil
ehis
mot herbat hedhimt ogethimr eadyforthe
nightslumber .Shefedhi m andheldhi minher
armsunt ilhef i
nall
yclosedhisey es.Weputhi m
tobedandwentt ojoinfatheri
nt henightfeast
.
Wef oundhi m si
tt
ingandwai ti
ngf orus.We
greetedandweal late.Ndoni l
eftustogoand
checkont hebabyev enifwel efthim under
supervision.Shecamebackwi t
hal ookofpanic
i
nherey es.
.
Ndoni
:Wher
eisKamv
a?(
Ist
ood)
Me:Heissur
elyi
nourchambersl
eepi
ng.I
sthat
notwher
ewehavelef
thim?
Ndoni
:Hei
snott
her
e,Nt
sika(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y)
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanhei
snott
her
e,Ndoni
?
Ndoni:If
oundtheser
vantondut
ytocarefor
hi
mf astasl
eep.WhenIwokeheruptoaskher
whereheissheheldnoknowl
edgeofit
.
Me:
Hav
ethatser
vantcal
l
edi
nher
eatonce!(
I
shout
ed)
Father:
Cal
m now, chi
l
dren.Maybeoneofthe
ser
v ant
sheardhim cr
yandtookhim.Havethe
housesearched.
Ndoni:Ishall
goandaskZi
phoi
fshehadt
aken
hi
m( sher anout
)
Me:
Thi
scannotbehappeni
ngr
ightnow!
.
Iranoutandsear chedi nallt
hechamber s.We
call
edforal
ltheser vantsondut ytojoi
nusand
askedthem iftheyhav eseenhim butnoone
tookhim.Notev enJongi leandZiphowhoar e
hismaincaretaker swhenNdoni isbusy.Iput
outasearchf orhi m andsentoutal l
theguar ds.
Ndoni i
scryi
nguncont rollabl
yandIdonotknow
whattodo.Ir ushedoutandgotonmyhor se
andwentlooki ng.Istoppedeachandev ery
singl
ewomanIsawhol dingachi l
dbutnonof
them werehim.Iconduct edadoort odoor
searchbutevent hatgav emenoanswer s.I
rodebacktothemainlandandi
ntother
oyal
groundsfeel
i
ngl i
ket
hemostuselessmantobe
putonthi
ssoil.Iwal
kedinandNdonist
oodas
shesawme.
.
Ndoni
:Wher
eishe,
Ntsi
ka?Whyhav
eyounot
comewit
hhim?
Me:Ihavefai
l
edt
ofi
ndhi
m.(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y
onceagai
n)
Father:Hav emessengerssentt
oal lt
he
neighbouringKingdomsatonce.Letitbe
knownt hatt hePri
nceofthi
ssoilhasbeen
takenandputadescr i
pti
onofhimi nwri
ti
ng.No
oneistor estuntil
heisfound!(
heshoutedand
i
tbecamechaot ic)
Zi
pho:Whocoul
dhav
etakenli
tt
lepr
inceKamv
a?
Al
lshal
lbewel
l,
myQueen(sheembraced
Ndoni
)
Ndoni
:Iam goi
ngt
ogol
ookf
orhi
m my
sel
f.
Me: Ihavealr
eadydonet
hat,Ndoniy
amanzi!We
donotknowwhot ookhi
m andforwhatreason.
Icannotallowyoutogooutandriskhav
ingy ou
takentoo.
Ndoni:Ineednottohaveyourpermi
ssi
on,
Ntsi
ka.Iam goingtol
ookformysonunt i
lIf
ind
hi
m.Doy ouknowhowscar edhemustfeeli
na
st
ranger'
sarms? !(
sheshouted)
Me: DoyouthinkthatIhol
dnoknowledgeof
that
,Ndoni?Ifyouwishformetogooutand
l
ookagainthenIshal l
gobutIam notgoi
ngto
all
owy out
ogoouti nthedar
k.
Ndoni
:Oursoni
souti
nthatdar
k,Nt
sika!
Father
:Tof i
ghtandshoutateachot herisofno
benefi
ttoanyone.Itisofnobenefitt
ousandi t
i
sofnobenef itforKamv a.MyQueeny ourKing
i
scor r
ect,Iam alsonotgoingtoal
lowmy
daughteroutinthedarknight.(
sheranout)
Me:Ndoni
yamanzi
!(Ir
anaf
terherandgr
abbed
her
)
Ndoni:Icannotletmybabybeoutalone,
Ntsi
ka.Whatkindofmotherwouldthatmake
me?(shebr okedownandcrumbledtothefl
oor
)
Me:Wearegoi
ngtofi
ndhim andbr
inghi
m
home.(
Ihel
dhert
ight
ly)
Ndoni:Howdidthi
shappen?Wehav enotdone
anyt
hingoutoftheordi
naryt
oday.Howcould
theservantweputi
nchargesleepwhi
l
elooking
aft
erhim?
Me:Idonotknow.Ishal
lnotrestunt
ilheis
homeNdoniyamanzi
.Igi
vey oumypr omise.
Ndoni:Myhear
tfeelsli
keithaslef
tmychest,
Ntsi
ka.Al
lofmef eelspai
ned.Whatifheis
t
akentobekill
edlikeananimal?(myjaw
t
ight
en)
Me:Wear enott othi
nklikethat.Whoeveri
s
gui
lt
yofthiscrimecouldnothav egonetof
ar.
MyheartfeelspaintoobutIcannotal l
owmy
mindtothinkthewor st
.Iwillgooutandsearch
agai
n.Youar etostayher epl
ease.Someone
mi
ghtbri
nghi
m backandheissuretoneedhi
s
mot
her'
swarm embr
aceifi
thappens.
Ndoni
:Okay
,Ishal
lst
ayher
e.(
shesai
dsof
tl
y)
.
Ili
ftedherupf rom t hef loorandembr acedher.
Shewal kedt oourpr i
v at
echambersl owlyand
myhear tbrokewi theachst epshest ood
becauseIknowherhear thol dsgreatsadness.
At earfellfrom myr ightey ebutIwi peditoff
quickly.Irubbedmyf acewi thmyhandsmany
ti
meandmademywayout side.Igotont omy
horseandr odeon.Nowmostf amili
eshav eput
outt hei
roi llampsbecausei tisnight.Ino
l
ongerknewwher et ol ookf orhim andIl ett
he
horsest andst il
l.Igotof fandshout edinanger
andf rustrati
on.Isatont hegr assandl etthe
tearsf l
owf reely.Itissai dt hatamani snott o
crybuthowcanInotcr ywhenapar tofmehas
gonemi ssing?Isatandf ear edgoinghome
becauseIhav etol ooki ntoNdoni '
s
disappoi
ntedey esasIt ellherthatIhav efail
ed
tofindhi
m onceagai n.Ihavehear dst ori
esof
royalchi
l
dr enbeingst ol
enbutnev erhav eI
thoughtthatminei stomeett hesamef ate.I
am nowf orcedtogobackasaf ail
ureandt ell
myQueent hatIcomenotwi t
hourPr i
nce
becauseIdonotknowwher ehei s.Itissureto
breakherheartev enmor easmi nef eelsli
keit
i
si namilli
onlit
tlepieces.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t33
.
#Ndoni
Thedisappear
anceofKamv al
esi
zweissure
goingtobetheendofme.Ishouldhaveput
him onmybackandlethi
m sleep.Whowould
takeababyandforwhatreason?Ihat
ehowI
shoutedatNtsi
kaearl
i
eron.Ilai
donmyback
andheardthedoorofmychamberopen.I
j
umpedandsatuphopi ngthatmyKingcomes
holdi
ngourboybutiti
sjustZi
pho. 
.
Me:I
stheKingnotbackf
rom hi
ssear
chy
et?
(
shesatnextt
ome)
Zi
pho:Heisy
ettoret
urn,
myQueen.Iam sur
e
hei
sleavi
ngnostoneunt
urned.
 
Me:Iknowthatheistry
inghi
sbestt
ofi
ndour
son.Ij
usthopethatnoharmist
ocometohi
m
outint
hedarknight.
Zipho:Bot
hyourKingandPr
incear
esur
eto
retur
nhomesafely
. 
Me:
Goandrest
,Zi
pho.Youneednotl
ookaf
ter
me,
Iam wel
l
.
Zi
pho:Ofwhatuseisgoi
ngtomychamber
goi
ngtobeifIl
ayawakeworri
edaboutprince
Kamva.Ihav
ehelpedyoucar
eforhi
m since
bi
rt
hsomyhear
thol
dsgr
eatl
ovef
orhi
m.
Me: Myt
hanks,
sist
er.I
fyourbodyfeel
stoo
t
ireddogoandrest
.Iknownurtur
ingachil
din
yourwombisofnoease. 
Zi
pho:I
tsur
eisnotbutIfeel
well
.Ihav
ecome
wit
hmango'
s,Iknowthatyoulov
ethem (
I
smil
ed)
Me:Idobuthaveyoucomewit
hthem formeor
i
sittoeaseyourcr
avi
ngs?(
welaughedsoft
ly)
Zipho:Okay
,Ishall
admitgui
l
t.Iam cr
avi
ng
them andIhopethaty
ouaretodecli
netheone
Ioffer
edyou(Il
aughed)
Me:Youar
egoi
ngtogi
vebirt
ht oasti
ngy
humanbei
ngi
fyoudonotshare.Gi
vemet he
mango.
 
Zi
pho:
HowIhat
ethi
spr
egnancyt
hing.
 
Me:Iti
stopasssoonandy ouar
etofor
getal
l
thepai
nanddiscomf
ort.(
shejumpedandhel
d
herbel
ly
)
Zi
pho:
Mybabyhasj
ustmov
ed.(
shesmi
l
ed)
Me:
Per
missi
ont
ofeel
please.
Zi
pho:
Ofcour
se.
.
Shetookmyhandsandpl aceditwhereshefel
t
themovement.Wewaitedf oralongwhil
ebut
thel
it
tl
eonemov edagainandt earsf
ell
from
mycheekbecauseitr
emi ndedmeofKamv a.
 
.
Zi
pho:Myapol
ogi
esf
ormaki
ngy
oucr
y,Ndoni
.I
meantnohar
m.
Me:Nohar
misdone,
Zipho.Donotf
ear
.(I
wi
pedmytear
soff
)
Zi
pho:Youar
etohol
dyourl
i
ttl
eonesoon,
my
Queen.
Me: Ineedt
orest
,Zi
pho.Iaskt
haty
oupl
ease
excuseme.
Zi
pho:
Youar
etocal
lwheny
ouneedme.
Me:
Ishal
l
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
.
Shestoodfrom wher
eshesatsl owlyandl ef
t.I
star
tedtocryonceagainandhear dthe
chamberdooropen.Ithoughtiti
sZiphoonce
agai
nbutitisNtsi
ka.Thelookonhi sfacesaid
enough,heneednotusewor ds.Iknowt hathe
hasnotfoundhim.
.
Nt
sika:
Ihavef
ail
edonceagai
n,myQueenand
myapologi
esf
orit
.
Me:Donotapologi
seforwhatweal
lcannot
cont
rol
,myKing.Iknowthaty
ouhavetr
iedy
our
best
.
Ntsi
ka:If
eel
li
keafai
l
ure,Ndoniy
amanzi
.(he
satdownandbowedhishead)
Me: Youarenosuchthi
ng,Ntsi
ka.Noone
thoughtt
hatthi
sistohappen.(
Iknel
tbef
ore
him andki
ssedhisf
orehead)
Ntsika:Ijustwonderwhomi ghthavedonesuch
anev il
.NandeandLi zwiarenomor e.Per
haps
beingKi nghascomewi t
hit'
sowndangers
alr
eady .Iturneddownadeal thatmeansmuch
tothepowerandweal thhungry.
Me:Doyouthinkt
hattheywoul
dtakehimto
f
orceyourhandandagreetot
hetradi
ngdeal
?
Ntsi
ka:
Idonotknow,myhear
tbutIhav
esent
guar
dstowher
et heyar
e. 
Me: Whatarewetodoifi
tisi
ndeedt hem?Ar
e
wetotradeourpeopl
e'
sliv
estoslaveryi
n
ret
urnforourson?(
herubbedhi
sf acewit
hhi
s
hands)
Ntsi
ka:I
sitnott
hemostl
ogi
cal
thi
ngt
odo?(
he
sai
dslowly
)
Me:Idonotknow,
myKi
ng.Mymi
ndi
stot
all
y
bl
ank.
Ntsi
ka:I
fiti
sthem t
hentheyar
esureto
cont
actusandtrytomakeadeal.Letuswai
t
unt
ilt
hen.
Me:
Idohopet
hati
tisnott
hem.
 
Ntsi
ka:Hav
eyouangeredany
onei
nyourr
oyal
duti
esandmeet
ingl
ately
?(It
ri
edt
othi
nk)
Me:Noonepower
ful
.Ionl
yhadali
ttl
e
di
sagr
eementwi
thZi
nzifr
om t
heorphanage.
Nt
sika:
Am It
osendguar
dst
her
e?
Me: Shei
sstil
lachild,Ntsi
ka.Hasnitev
en
reachedmaturi
tyyet.Evenifshehadallt
he
powerintheworld,Idonott hi
nkshewoulddo
such.
Ntsi
ka:Ishall
sendoutguardsanyway.Idonot
wishtotakeanychances.Whatmightbea
smalldi
sagreementtoyoucouldbeabigonein
hermind.
Me:
Asy ouwi
shthen,
sendguar
dsbutask
t
hem t
onotfr
ight
enanyone.
Nt
sika:
Letmegonow.
Me:Hasyourf
athersentoutal
ett
ert
omy
par
ent
s?
Nt
sika:
Comel
etusgoandf
indout
.
Me:Idonotwisht
obear
oundpeopl
eri
ghtnow.
Iam f
ineher
e.
Ntsi
ka:Ifoundyouherecry
ing,
Ndoni.Sit
ti
ng
al
oneallowsyourthought
stothinkaboutal
lthe
worsteventst
hatarenoteventr
ue.
Me:
Iwascryi
ngbecauseIf
eltZi
pho'sbaby
move.Hemademerememberoft hefi
rstt
ime
wef
eltKamvamove.
Ntsika:
Itwastr
ulyamomentofmagi candhe
i
st oretur
nandwewi l
lseehim agai
n.Please
comesi twit
hus.Youneednotspeakt oanyone.
Ij
ustdonotwanty outosither
eallal
one.
Me:
Okay
,letusgo.(
west
oodandembr
aced)
.
Westay
edinanembraceforalongwhil
e.
Feel
i
nghiswar
m bodyagainstminegav
eme
comf or
t.Bei ngangr yathi mf orfai
lingtof ind
Kamv aisofnousebecauseIknowt hathet r
ied
hisbest.Iam hopi ngt hatitisnott het r
ading
peoplethatt ookhi m.Theyar esuret ohav ea
waront heirhands.I twoul dbeadi rtytacticto
getthei
rf il
thybusi nessgoi ng.Ntsikahel dmy
handandwewal kedout .Someoft heel der s
havenowal soj oinedusandIj ustgr eetedand
sat.Idonotwi sht ospeak.Wesatandwai ted
andwai ted.Wher ear eyou, Kamv alesizwe?Iam
surehei shungr ywher ev erheisandmi sseshi s
home.Thet houghtofi tpai nedmyhear tso
much.Ev enShi baseemst obemi ssingatt his
momentandhersi lencei sjusttool oud.
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
WhenIwalkedi
ntoourchamberandfound
Ndoni
cry
ingIfel
tli
kesomeoneispier
cingmy
hear
t.Ihat
eitwhensheshedst
ear
s. 
.
Me:
Fat
her
,hav
eyousentoutwor
dtoZwel
i
hle?
 
Father:
Wit
houtadoubt
,Nt
sika.Hei
sthei
r
grandsont
oo.
Ntsi
ka:
Per
hapst
heyar
etohel
pusi
nthe
sear
ch.
 
El
der:Speaki
ngabouttheKingdom ofZweli
hle.
MyQueenwher eisyourbeast?(Ndonil
ooked
athi
m annoyed)
Ndoni
:Ihol
dnoknowl
edgeofherwher
eabout
s,
el
der.
 
Me:
Iam sur
eshei
southunt
ing.
El
der:I
sitnotst
ranget
hatt
heanimali
sno
wheretobeseenwhenthepri
ncehasgone
missi
ng?
Ndoni
:Isshenott
ogooutandhunt,el
det
?
Wouldyourat
hershest
aybyoursi
deforal
lour
day
sandst
arv
etodeat
h?(
shei
sfr
ust
rat
ed)
Elder:Iam j
ustsayi
ngthatwemustnotforget
thatwespeakher eaboutawil
danimal.He
mi ghtbechosenforyoubyyourancest
orsbut
wear enottoforgett
hatthePri
nceisnotof
Zwel i
hle.
Ndoni
:Mbaleki
isasheandnotahe.Whatar
e
youi
mply
ing,el
der
?
El
der:Per
hapsshewasnotsuccessf
uli
nher
huntandwentf
ortheeasi
estt
arget.
Me:Idonotl ikewhaty oui
mpl y,el
der.Youhave
j
ustinsul
tedmywi fe'
sancestorswithyour
words.Kamv alesizwemi ghtnotbeofZwel i
hle
buthismot heris.IfMbalekiwasadangert o
anyofust hensur elyshewoul dhavest r
uck
l
ongago.
Father
:IagreewiththeKing.Thesecheetah'
s
mightbewildbuttheyarechosen.Ihav e
watchedherlookaftert
hePr ince.Letusnot
i
nsultourdaughterbydisrespecti
ngthewayof
herpeopl
e. 
Elder
:Ifyougivesomuchtr
ustt
ot hi
sbeast
thenIshallkeepmymouthshut
. 
.
Icouldseet helookofangerandf rustr
ati
onon
Ndoni'sfaceandi ti
stobeunder stoodbecause
shehadt oli
stentoani nsul
tdi
rect edather
prot
ect or.Mbaleki i
sfondofKamv al
esizweand
Iknowshei stonev erbri
ngharmt ohim.We
satandwai t
edunt ilt
heroost
ersst art
edtocrow
l
oudly.Iknewi nt hatmomentt hatsunriseis
near.Af t
erawhi l
eaguar dcamei narushand
weal lsatupst r
aight.
.
Guard:MyKi
ng,
youar
etocomeoutatonce(
he
shouted)
Me:
Hav
eyouf
oundt
hePr
ince?
Fat
her
:Gooutandseeatonce,
Ntsi
ka.
.
Ndoni ranoutandIf ollowed.Thesunwasnow
star
t i
ngt or
iseandi tl i
tt heskyor ange.Wer an
behindt heguardtot heout sideoft heroy al
grounds.Thesi ghtthatgr eeteduswast rulynot
tobeexpect ed.Ast rangerwal kedt owardsus
andnextt ohimi sfat her '
ssist er
,Nozi nto.They
l
ookedexhaust edandf r i
ghtened.Thenwi t
hout
warningappear edMbal ekiandshehel d
somet hinginhermout h.Ndoni andIr ant o
meetherhal fway .Whenwer eachedhershe
putwhatshehaddownandwr appedi nt he
clot
hwasasoundl ysl eepingKamv a.His
mot hertookhimi ntoherar msandembr aced
him andshel etoutasof tcry.Hei sali
veand
wellbutwhathappened?IaskedNozi ntobut
shekeptqui et.Iaskedt hemanshecamewi th
butheal sokeptqui et.
.
Me:
Iam nott
oasky
out
woagai
n.(
Ishout
ed)
Hi
m:QueenNozi
ntohast
oldmet
obr
ingher
here.Idi
dnotknowwhyt hatwas.Wewai
tedi
n
thebushesunti
lsunsetandshelef
tmeal
one
foralongwhil
e.
Father
:Didyoucometother
oyalhousetosteal
thePri
nce,Nozi
nto(
heshout
edinfurrybutshe
keptquiet
)
Stranger:Shelat
ercamewi t
hababywrapped
i
nacl othandtol
dmet hatshef
oundhiminthe
bushes.Iwasor deredt
otakeherbackt
oour
Kingdom.Idi dnotaskmanyquesti
onsbecause
shei stheQueen.WhowasIt osayno?
Me:Justcar
ryontell
i
nguswhathappened.You
ar
enottogetpit
yfrom us.
Stranger : Weleftwiththebabywi thouta
probl em becausehewasasl eep.Het hen
startedt ocr youtloudlyanduncont rol
labl
y.
 I
thinkhi scr i
esgott heatt
entionoft heanimal
thatcar r
iedhim becauseitjumpedont he
car r
iagef rom nowher eandst artedtoattempt
anat t ack.Wet r
iedt ochasehim of fbuthe
wouldnot
.Avoi
cespokeandtol
dust
oputthe
chil
ddownandt
urnbackher
eorwearesur
eto
die.
 
Guard:Wesawt hem appr
oachandt r
iedt
otake
thePri
ncebutthebeastwouldnotall
owus,my
King.(
NdonigaveKamv atoZipho)
Ndoni
:Youdaredtotakeachildfr
om it'
shome!
Awayfrom hi
sparents.Haveyouanyideawhat
pai
nyouhav ecausedus?(sheshoutedat
Nozi
nto)
Nozi
nto:Al
lIwishist
ogi
vemyKi
ngt
hesonhi
s
hear
twishesfor.
Ndoni :
Soy outhoughtthatitisbestthatyou
gi
v ehim myson.Thesont hatIcarri
edfor
mont hsandgav ebirthto.I
sitmyf aultt
hatyou
arebarren?Whyhav eyounotgonet oan
orphanageandseekachi ldther
ebecause
Kamv alesi
zwel acksnottheloveofhismot her
andfather.(sheshouted)
Nozi
nto:
Youar
eyoungandst
il
labl
etohav
e
pl
entymor e.Ij
ustwant
edtohav
eachil
dand
heisbloodandcaringf
orhi
m woul
dhavebeen
easy.
Me: Ar
eyoucrazy?Doy outhinkhav
ingmore
ki
dswoul dhaveclosedtheemptyspaceof
l
osinghim?(Ishoutedinanger)
Ndoni
:Ev
il
,j
ustsuchev
il
!
.
Shemar chedtowhereNozintostoodandgav e
outclapsandpunches.Theguar dswant edt o
stopherbutIt ol
dthem notto.Iwanthert olet
outalltheangerandpainshei sfeel
i
ngandher
vict
im deservesever
yblow.Ihavenev erinall
theday sI'
vebeenwithherseeherbev i
olent.I
t
seemsshet oogrewtir
edbecauseshest opped
andcr i
ed.Iwenttopickherupf r
om thegr ound
andembr aceher.
.
Ndoni
:Youseewhot
her
eal
ani
mal
is,
elder
?It
i
sthedaughterofthi
ssoi
l
.Youdar
edtoinsul
t
mycompanionwheny ouaret
heoneswho
r
aisedt
herealanimal!
El
der:
West
andshamedt
oadmi
tthatshei
s
our
s. 
Me:Havethem bothbekepti
ncapt
ivi
ty.I
fthey
dar
eescapeli
key oual
lowedwit
hLi
zwi.Youare
al
lgoi
ngtoregretit
.
Fat
her:
Theyshal
lbepuni
shedaccor
dingl
y,I
gi
veyoumypromise.
 
.
Ndoni didnotlistentoall t
hatwasspoken.She
tookKamv abackandwal kedintotheroyal
groundsandMbal ekif
ollowed.Theguar dst ook
Nozintoandt hemant ocapt iv
ity.Wecannot
punishherher e.Shei stogot oherhusband' s
soil
.ButIcannotj usthav eherleavewithouta
punishmentf rom thissoil.Iwanttomakean
exampl eofherf orallthosewhodar etr
yt ake
mysonagai n.Iam t odeal wit
hitlater
.AllI
wisht odonowi stogoandbewi t
hmysonand
wife.Iwal kedi
ntoourchamberandf oundher
washi ngKamv a.Hegi ggl
edsomucht hatit
war medmyhear t.Ndonididnotwishtospeak
tomesoIsatandwai t
edforhertocalm down.
Shef i
ni shedandlaidonhersideandst ar
tedto
breastfeedKamv a.Hewasr ubbi
nghislit
tl
efeet
together ,cl
ear
lyheisfeeli
nggreatdeli
ght.Il
aid
behindherandKamv alookedatbothofuswi th
thosei nnocenteyes.
.
Me:Ndoni
,Iaskthaty
oupl
easespeakt
ome
(
shekeptqui
et)
Ndoni
:Whatdoyouwishf
ormet
osay
,Nt
sika?
(
shefi
nal
lysai
dsoft
ly)
Me:Anythi
ng,
myQueenbutIaskt
haty
oudo
notpushmeaway
.
Ndoni:
Itseemsy ourfami
lydoesnotwantme
i
nyourlif
eNt si
ka.Fi
rsti
twasy ourmotherand
Li
zwi.Nowi ti
syourauntwhotr i
edtostealmy
babyandnear
lyst
oppi
ngmyhear
tbecauseof
i
t.
 
Me:Myapol ogi
esf
oral
lthepai
nthaty
ouhav
e
f
eltbecauseofmyfami
ly.
Ndoni :Ihavebeenhavinggreatdi
ff
icul
tysi
nceI
fi
rstsetf ooti
nthishouse.IdonotknowwhatI
havedonet oyourpeopletodeser
vesuch
heartache.(shestar
tedtocry)
Me:Youhavedonenothing,Ndoni.Nandeand
Li
zwi wer
eevi
landNozintoisjustplai
ncrazy
.I
am ashamedt
ocallt
hem f amil
y. 
Me:
Iwi
shtogot
oZwel i
hlewi
thKamv
afora
f
ewday
s.(
myheartsank)
Me: Ndoni
yamanzi, pleasedonotpunishmefor
thesinsofmyf amily.Idonotwanty outwoto
befarawayf r
om me.Ir i
seint
hemor ni
ngwit
h
ahappyheartbecauseIknowt hatIam tosee
youboth.Ibegofy out onotgo.Wecanask
yourmothertov i
situsbutdonotgo.  
Ndoni
:Idonotwi shtogoandl
eaveyoubutI
am af
raid,Ntsi
ka.Am It
oli
vei
nfearofal
lof
yourr
elati
ves?
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngtoallowanydangertocome
t
oyou,
evenifi
tmeansIhav etosti
ckyouboth
t
omysides.(
shelaughedsoft
ly)
Ndoni:
IloveyoubutIdonotwi
shtogo
ever
ywhereyougoateverymoment,
myKi
ng(
I
l
aughedsoftl
y)
Me:Pleasetel
lmethatyouarenottogotoliv
e
i
nZwel i
hlewit
hourson.Yourfat
herisgoi
ngto
t
hinkhemadeami stakebyblessi
ngourunion.
Ndoni
:Iam notgoingtogo.Idonotwishto
keepyoursonfr
om youbuty ouneedtotell
yourf
amilytost
arttr
eati
ngmewi threspect.
Me:Thosewhomat t
eral
readyr
especty
ou,
my
hear
t.Mythanksf
orstay
ing.
 
Ndoni
:Iam j
ustgl
adt
hathei
sher
ewi
thus.
 
Me:
All
thankst
oMbal
eki
.Cl
ear
lyheknows
Kamva'
scrybecausei
tseemsi
tal
ert
edher
,
maybeshewasouthunti
ng.
 
Ndoni
:Iknewt
hatshewoul
dnev
erhar
m hi
m. 
Me:
Iknewt
oo(
Iki
ssedherneck)
.
Kamv efinishedf eedingandIhel dhi mt otry
andmakehi m sl eep.Tohav ehi mi nmyar ms
againfeelsgood.Hei ssoheav y,Iwonder
wher eMbal ekigott hest r
engt ht ocar ryhimi n
hermout h.Hef i
nal l
yclosedhi sey esandNdoni
brushedMbal eki'sfuruntilshecl osedherey es.
Iguesswehav et wobabi es,Il aughedatt he
thought.Weputoursonbet weenusandmy
Queenf i
nal l
yfell asl
eep.Wehav ebeenawake
allni
ght.Itpainsmet hatmyf ami lyhashur ther
somuch, bothdi rectl
yandi ndi rectly.Iam goi ng
tocallallr
elativesher eandt ellthem t hatifany
daretrysomet hingIshal lnotbeki nd.Iam ev en
thi
nkingofcut t
ingofNozi nto'shandsas
punishment .Thehandst hatt ookmysonand
thoughtitwasf i
net odoso.Shei ndeedi sa
crazywoman.Ev ilandcr azinessclearlyrunsin
myf amilyandIf earf orKamv aandmyf uture
chil
dren.Mayt hesecur sesnev ergetthem.I
snappedoutofmyt hought sandl ookedatmy
beautif
ulQueen.St il
l themostbeaut i
fulwoman
myey eshasseen.Ismi l
edandki ssedherl i
ps
softl
yandki ssedourPr ince'scheeks.Iam t o
enjoythesecheekki ssesbecausesoonhei st o
growupandshal lnotl i
ket hem.Myexhaust i
on
fi
nall
ywont hebattleasIf eltmyey esgrow
heavy.IheldNdoni 'shandandf i
nall
ygav ein.
Ourlit
tl
epr i
ncesaf elysl eepingbet weenus.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t34
.
#Ndoni
Ilaidinbedpr etendingt obeasl eepandwai ti
ng
forNt sikat ofallasl
eep.Ihear dhissnor ef i
llour
chamberandi tannoy edmegr eatly
.Iknewt hat
thisist heperfectt i
met oactonmypl an.I
stoodsl owlyfrom thebedandt ookoneoft he
spear sinourchamber .Helaidonhi sbackandI
gent l
ygotont opof .Themoonl itourchamber
beaut i
ful l
ysoIwasabl et oseehi m.Hisey es
openedandIpi ercedhi schestwi t
ht hespearI
am hol ding.Iaimedst raightforthehear tandI
couldseei nhisey eshowhi ssoul i
sslowl y
escapi nghi sbody .Ilookedatmybl oodf i
l
led
handsandf el
tnot hing.Nogui l
t,noregr et,no
hurtjustabsol utelynot hing.Thenav oicecal l
ed
myname.
.
Voi
ce:
Ndoni
yamanzi
,Ndoni
yamanzi
!
.
Thevoi
cebecamelouderandIopenedmyeyes.
Theymetwit
hthoseofNtsika'
sandhecl
ear
ly
i
sver
yconcer
ned.Iwasbreat
hingheavi
l
yandI
j
umpedi
ntohisembraceandstar
tedtocry
. 
.
Ntsi
ka:Itwasnothi
ngbutater
ri
bledr
eam,
my
Queen.Donotfear(heki
ssedmyneckwhi
le
st
ill
holdingme)
Me: I
..
.Iki
l
ledy
..
.Iki
l
ledy
ou(
Ist
utt
eredwhi
l
e
cr
ying)
Nt
sika:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
,Ndoni
?
Me: Myhandswerefi
ll
edwithyourbl
ood,my
King.Ipi
ercedy
ourheartwi
thaspearandki
l
led
you.
Ntsi
ka:
Ndoni,
am Inotembracingyouri
ghtnow?
I
twasallj
ustater
ri
bleni
ghtvisi
on.Pl
easetry
t
ocalm.
Me:Itf
eltr
ealandIhel
dnof
eel
i
ngsofr
egr
et
af
terIdi
dit.
 
Ntsi
ka:Youar
enotcapableofsuchevi
l,
Ndoni
.
Ir
efusetobel
i
evethatyouarecapabl
eof
hur
ti
ngt
hoset
haty
oul
ove.
 
Me:Youar
eri
ght
,itwasj
ustabaddr
eam (
Ilet
goofhi
m)
Ntsi
ka:Yougavemesuchaf r
ight
.Youwer
e
shaki
ngli
kealeafonawindyday.
 
Me:
Myapol
ogi
esf
ort
hat
. 
Ntsi
ka:Youneednotapol
ogi
sef
ori
t.Letusget
backtosleep.
Me:Youcanrest
.Iwantt
otakeofft
hismoi
st
ni
ghtdr
essandwipethesweatof
fmybody.
.
Hedi dnotgobackt osl
eepbutwentt ogeta
clothforme.It ookoffwhatIam wear i
ngand
mademy selfdecent.Heheldmynakedbodyas
wet ri
edt osleeponceagai n.Istayedawake
andl i
stenedt ohisheartbeatstrongl
y.At ear
s
fell
from myey esandont ohischest.Iwiped
them offandl uckilyheisal
readybacki nadeep
slumber .Ifearedclosi
ngmyey esagainbutI
eventuall
yhadnochoicewhenbecausemy
eyesgr ewheav
y.IgotwokenupbyNt si
ka'
s
softkissesonmyshoulder
sandIsmi l
ed.
.
Me:Sunr
isegr
eet
ings,
myKi
ng(
heki
ssedmy
l
ips)
Ntsi
ka:
Sunri
segreet
ings,myhear
t.Di
dyou
haveasweetsl
umberaf t
ert
hebaddream?
Me:Idi
d,t
hedr
eam di
dnotcomeback.I
treal
l
y
scar
edme.Whati
fIhol
danevil
hear
tandIdo
nothav
eknowl
edgeofi
t?
Ntsi
ka:Thatisasill
ythought, Ndoni
.Mostof
thevi
sionwehav eseenwhi leindeepslumber
donotcomet rueandar enev ertobetr
ue.Why
wouldyoupiercetheheartthatbeatsforyou?
Me:
Idonotknow.
Ntsi
ka:Iam aboutt
oleav
eonal ongjour
ney,
myQueen.Idonotwantt ol
eavethi
ssoil
knowingthatyouar
enotwell
.Iaskthatyou
pl
easenotkeept
hedr
eam i
nyourt
hought
s.
Me:
Ifai
ltor
idmymi
ndofi
tbutIshal
ltr
y. 
Ntsi
ka:Nowletusgetbusywit
hothermor
e
i
mpor t
antbusi
ness(hesmil
ed).
Me:
Whati
mpor
tantbusi
ness?
Nt
sika:
Makingabrot
herorsi
sterf
orKamva.
Mypoorboyhasnoonetoplaywit
h(Il
aughed)
Me:
Hehasl
i
ttl
eThando.
Ntsi
ka:I
tisnotthesame,myQueen.Doyounot
f
eelpit
yforourchil
d?(webot
hlaughed)
.
Heki ssedmyneckf i
rstbecauseheknowsi ti
s
mysof tspot.Il
etoutasof tmoan.Myhand
travelledto" mkhonto"andhasal readygr ownto
fullstrength.Wecar essedandexpl oredeach
other sbodi esunti
lwebecameoni nf lesh.Our
bodi esmov edinthesamer hythm andt he
pleasur ecausedusbot htof i
l
lourchamber
wi t
hsoundsofl ove.Intensepleasur eov ert
ook
bothourbodi
esatthesamet i
meandweheld
ontoeachothert
ight
lytr
yingt
ogai
nsteady
breat
hing.
 
.
Nt
sika:
Ilov
eyou(
hewhi
sper
edi
ntomyear
)
Me:
AndIy
ou.(
Ilookedathi
m)
Ntsi
ka:Ir
eal
lywi
shf
ory
ourbodyt
oacceptmy
seed,myQueen.
Me:Nt
sika,
Iaskthaty
ounotgoont
hisj
our
ney
.
(
hismoodchanged)
Ntsi
ka:Ithoughtwehav
espokenaboutt
his,
Ndoni.I
tisofgreati
mport
ancet
hatIgo,
my
Queen.
Me:Ij
ustdonothav eagoodf eel
ingaboutthis.
YouhaveneverbeentoBomubuphambi l
ibefore.
Wedonotknowwhati t
'speopleareli
keand
yougoi
ngthereputsfeari
nmyhear t
.
Nt
sika:
Iam t
ogowi
thf
ather
,Bant
uandguards.
Noharmist
ocometome,Ndoni
yamanzi
.Ido
notwi
shtospeakaboutt
hisagai
n.Iam t
ogoin
afewhour
sandIdonotwi shtof
ightwi
thyou.
Me: Idi
dnotsaythatIwishtofi
ght.Al
lIaski
s
thatyouletpasst
hisdealandnotgotothat
soil
.
Ntsi
ka:I
tcoul
dmeangr
eatbusi
ness,Ndoni
.Do
younotwisht
oseet
heKingdom pr
oper?
Me: Donotinsultme, Ntsi
ka.Iam yourQueen
andIwisht oseeUmhl abaOchumi l
eyogofrom
str
engthtostrength.Youj ustneednotaccept
al
ldealsthatcomey ourwayt oachiev
eit.
Ntsi
ka:Myapologiesfort
heinsul
t.Ihav
enot
accept
edany t
hing,Ndoni
.Idonotevenknow
whatthedetai
lsofthedeali
t.Iam t
ogot o
ther
eandfindout. 
Me:
Soar
eyounotgoi
ngt
oli
stent
ome?
Ntsi
ka:
Ist
hisaboutt
hedream?Ndoni
,Iwoul
d
notgoi
fIt
houghtiti
sari
sktomyli
fe.
 
Me:
Ineedt
ogetupandgetr
eady
.
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
yam.
..
Me:YouaretogetupaswellbecauseIdonot
wishtodel
ayyoufr
om yourj
ourney(Icuthi
m
short
)
Nt
sika:Am It
oleav
ewhi
l
ewear
ehav
inga
di
sagreement
?
Me: Iam notfighti
ngwithy
ou.Iam j
usttell
ing
yout hatsomet hi
ngaboutt
hisdoesnotsitwell
withme.If earthathar
m mightcometoy ou.(
I
start
edt ocry)
Ntsi
ka:Wehav
etr
avel
edl
ongerdi
stances,
Ndoni.
Me:Thisi
snotaboutdi
stance,
Ntsi
ka.I
tis
aboutmyhear
tfeel
ingf
earforsomereason.
 
Ntsi
ka:Iam toretur
n,Ndoni
.Youknowt
hatI
shal
lneverhurtyou.
Me:
Thendonotl
eav
e.
Nt
sika:
IcannotNdo.
..
.
Istoodf rom ourbedbef orehecouldfinish.I
hadwar m wat erbebr oughttoourchamberso
thatIcoul dwashmybody .Idonotknowwhy
butmyhear tappr ovesnotoft hisj
ourney .The
Kingdom i ssur enotgoi ngtocrumblebecause
ofonepossi blemi ssedoppor t
unit
y.Ihate
fi
ghtingwi thhim especi al
lywhenwear eabout
topar tforaf ewday s.I'
m hopingthathei s
goingt otellmet hathehaschangedhi smi nd
butIknowhowst ubbornhecanget .
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Isatandwat chedasNdoni bathedhersel
f.I
hatefi
ghti
ngwi thherl
ikethi
sbutherr easons
arenotval
id.Am Itoturndownev erypossibl
e
dealwhenevershehasabadf eeli
ngaboutit?
Shegent l
yputonherbodybut t
eronhersof
t
skinandt hechambergotfi
ll
edwithher
l
av enderscent.Ascentt
hatsti
l
ldri
vesme
crazy. 
.
Me:
Ndoni
(shel
ookedatme)
Ndoni
:Nt
sika.
Me:
Ify
ouwi
shf
ormet
ost
ayt
henIshal
ldoi
t.
Ndoni:Yourhearti
salreadyther
e,Nt
sika.You
willbeinagrumpymoodi fIwer
etokeepy ou
here.Iam notyourkeepersoyouneednotask
formyper missi
on.
Me: Iam t
ryi
ngt omakemymar k,Ndoni
.Ot
her
Kingsalr
eadylookdownonmebecauseIdo
notholdtheknowl edget
hatt
heyhave.(
she
camet ositnexttome)
Ndoni:YouareagreatKing,Nt
sika.Youcannot
comparey our
sel
fwiththosewhohav esaton
thei
rthronesf
oryearsandyears.Yourpeopl
e
tr
ustyouandtheyhavefait
hinyou.Youhav
e
al
readymadey ourmark.YourKi
ngdom i
s
prosper
ous.
Me:
OurKi
ngdom (
shesmi
l
ed)
Ndoni:I
fyouwishtogotothissobadl
ythenI
giv
ey oumyblessi
ng.Justpromi
sethatyouar
e
toret
urnali
veandhealt
hy. 
Me:Igi
veyoumypromi
se, myQueen.Iam t
o
r
etur
ntoyouandourpr
ince.
Ndoni
:Wemi ghtpossi
blyhav
eanot
heront
he
wayal
ready
. 
Me: Ar
eyousay
ingt
haty
ourbodynur
tur
esour
secondchi
l
d?
Ndoni
:IdonotknowbutIhavebeenfeeli
ngall
t
hesymptomsthatIfel
twhenIwaspr egnant
wi
thKamv a(
Ismiledandki
ssedher)
Me:Whyhaveyounotsharedt
hisnewswi
thme?
Iam f
eeli
ngsohappy
.(Ipi
ckedherupi
nan
embrace)
Ndoni:Iwasnotsur
eifIt
rulycarr
yachil
d
al
readybutthemidwif
esaidthatIam.
 
Me:NowIpr omisetodefini
tel
yretur
nsafe.I
am notgoingtomissthechanceofmeet i
ng
oursecondborn.Nextti
meIpl antobeinthe
chamberwhi l
eyougivebirt
htostopthe
midwifefr
om tor
turi
ngyou.(shelaughed)
Ndoni
:Itisnotthemidwi
fethatt
ort
uredme,
it
wasyoursonbecauseher ef
usedtocome
qui
ckl
y( welaughed)
Me:Mythanksforthecominggi
ft
,myQueen.
Myhear
tisful
lofjoyri
ghtnow.
Ndoni
:Mi
net
oobutpr
omi
set
onott
ell
any
one
yet
.
Me:Forwhatr
eason?Suchnewsi
stobr
ing
happi
nesst
oallourl
i
ves.
Ndoni
:Wearetotel
lthem onl
ywhenIam
showi
ngabit
,Ntsi
ka.Ibegofyou.(
Itooka
deepbr
eat
h)
Me:Youar
eright
,myQueen.Announci
ngi
ttoo
ear
lyi
snotgood.
Ndoni:Letmegobef
oreKamvawakesup.I
shall
sendforwat
ersoyoucanbat
handget
ready.
.
Shest oodandf i
nishedgetti
ngdr essed.My
bathingwat erwasbr oughtt oourchamberand
Ndoni wentt ocheckonKamv a.Shesoon
returnedsoIguesshei sst
illsleeping.Ibathed
andf inishedasshei ssorti
ngoutmyat t
ir
ef or
myt rip.Iwentt oherandhuggedherf r
om
behind.St il
ldesiri
ngherasst rongl yasbefore.
Itdidnott akemucht omakeherr eactbecause
Iknowj ustwhi chspot stotouchandki ssfor
hertol etoutt hosesof tmoansIl ov esomuch.I
satont heedgeoft hebedandputheront opof
me.Wecar essedeachot hersbodi esunti
lIlet
"mkhont o"enterthewar m,moi stfoldsofher
templ e.Ihel dherwai stasIwat chedhermov e.
Goodnesswhatabeaut if
ulsi
ght!Wemadel ove
until
pleasureov er
tookusboth.Wehadnot ime
tolayineachot hersarmsbecauseweknow
Kamv ai stowakeupsoon.Webot hgot
ourselvesdecentagainandgotdressed.Ndoni
wentt oKamv a'
schamberandIwentt ojoi
nthe
familyinthemor ni
ngfeast.
 
.
Me:
Greet
ingst
oal
l(Isatdown)
Fi
kil
e:Gr
eet
ings,
myKi
ng.I
stheQueennott
o
j
oinus?
Me:Shehasgonet
othePr
ince.Iam sur
ethey
ar
etojoi
nussoon.
Father
:Idohopethaty
ouhav
epr
epar
edwel
l
forthi
slongj
our
ney.
Me:MyQueenhadmadesur
eoft
hat
,Fat
her
.
Al
lofmycl
othi
ngisr
eady
.
Jongi
:Whydoesshenotl
etaser
vantdoi
t?
Me:
Shepr
efer
stodosomet
hingsher
sel
f.
 
Father:Sheev
enkneadsandbakebr eadat
ti
mes.HowIwi shshehadprepar
editfort
he
j
our ney
.Herbreadisli
kenonI'
veevertast
ed.
Me:Youhav
eawi fenow,ol
dman.Donot
abusemywif
e'scooki
ngski
ll
s(wel
aughed)
.
Wesatandst art
edtoeatbecauseIknowNdoni
i
st ofi
rstbathKamv a.Heisgoingtoplayand
gethimselfdirt
ysoon,asaboyshoul d.Kamva
camer unninginandcamest r
aightt
ome.I
pickedhim upintot
heair.Ndoniwalkedinsoon
after
.
.
Ndoni
:Gr
eet
ingt
oal
l(shesatdown)
Father:
Greet
ings,
deardaught
er.Doacceptour
apologi
es.Wehavestart
edtofeastwi
thoutyou.
Ndoni
:Iti
sofnobot
her
,fat
her
. 
Kamv
a:Gr
eet
ings(
heshout
ed)
Father
:Youalmostf
orgott
osendgr
eet
ingst
o
us.(welaughed)
Me:
Youneedt
oeat
.(hel
ookedatme)
Kamv
a:No,
Fada(
heshookhi
shead)
.
Ndoni
:Youar
enottobedi
ff
icul
t,Kamv
alesi
zwe.
Doyouwisht
ostar
ve?
Kamva:Kamvanoteatfood.(
Icoul
dseehi
s
motheri
sget
ti
ngfrust
rated)
Me:Youar
etoeat,
Kamv a.Got
oy ourmot
her
andshei
stofeedyouy
ourporr
idge. 
.
Hewal kedslowl
yt oNdoni andshesathi m
downnextt oherandst art
edtofeedhi m She
couldnotfi
nishbecauseshest art
edt ofeel
nauseaandr anoutsi
de.Itookwat erand
rushedbehindher.Iwaitedunti
lshefini
shed
andgav eherthewater.Wewal kedbackt othe
family
.
.
Jongi
:Isal
lwel
l
?
Ndoni
:Al
li
swel
l
.Ij
ustneedt
oeatsomet
hing.
Jongi
:IfIhadnobet
terknowledgeIwoul
dthi
nk
youar
et ohaveanot
herli
tt
leone(shesmil
ed)
Me:I
fithappenswearet
olety
ouknowdonot
wor
ry(theyl
aughed)
Fi
ki
le:
Youhav
efi
nishedal
lofyourf
ood.Kamv
a
i
ssuchabi
gboy(hegiggl
ed)
Kamv
a:Kamv
aisabi
gboy
.
Father
:Suchabi
gstr
ongboy
.(hecl
apped
handsandsodidKamva)
Me: Fatherwearetofinishandleav
esoon.
SurelyBantuandtheot herguar
dsareal
ready
readyandwai t
ingforus.
Fat
her:Letusgonow.Wedonotwi
sht
obe
del
ayed.
Ndoni
:Youhav
enotev
eneat
enmuch,
myKi
ng.
Jongi
:Donotf
ear
,Ihadf
oodpackedf
ort
hem.
Heistohav
easmuchashewant
swhi
l
eont
he
car
ri
age.
Me:
Ihav
ehadenough,
myQueen.
 
.
IcouldseethatNdonisti
l
l haddoubt sabout
thist
ri
p.Perhapsiti
sthepr egnancythatis
makingherfeell
ikethi
s.Fikil
etookKamv at o
playandfat
herandJongi alsoleftus.
.
Me:Myhear
t,Iknowt hatyourhear
tdoesnot
appr
oveoft
histri
p.Iam tobegonef oraweek.
 
Ndoni:Iam nolongerupsetwi
thyoufor
deci
dingtogo.Youhav etoldmewhyitmeans
somucht oy ouandIrespecti
t.Mot
her
expectedt
oar r
iveatsunsetsoshei
st okeep
mecompanyunt i
lyouretur
n.
Me:Givemygreet
ingst
oher.Youl
adi
escan
hol
dalitt
lecel
ebr
ati
onwhi
leweareaway.(
she
l
aughed)
Ndoni
:Andmakeal
otoft
radi
ti
onal
beer
. 
Me: Al
ltheot
hersaretohav
ethatbeerbutnot
you.Idonotwishformydaught
ertobeborn
drunk(shel
aughed)
Ndoni
:Fi
ne,Iam tostayawayfr
om i
t.Whyar
e
yousosur
et hatIcar
ryadaught
er.
Me:Iam hopi
ngt hati
tist
obeone.Remember
weareai
mi ngfortwoboysandt
wogi r
ls.
Ndoni:
Whatifweonl
yhav
ePr
inces?(
she
r
aisedherbr
ow)
Me:
Thenweshal
lexchangewi
thBukhosi
.
 
Ndoni
:Thati
ssi
l
ly(
wel
aughed)
.
Ilookedatherbeaut ifulf
acef oralongwhi l
eas
shel aughed.Beautif
ul i
stheladymyancest ors
hav echosenforme!Ther eisnowayIam goi ng
toallowany t
hingsepar atemef rom hersoshe
needsnott ofear.Ikissedherbutgot
i
nt err
uptedbyFat hersayingitisti
met oleave.
Westoodandwalkedoutt
ofi
ndKamv
aon
Mbal
eki'
sback.
.
Ndoni
: Mbal
ekii
snoty ourt
oy,Kamval
esizwi.I
f
youwishforahorsehaveyourfat
hergetyou
one.(
shetookhim of
fandhest ar
tedtocry)
Me:Ourapologies,
youngprincebutyour
motheri
sright.Mbaleki
isnotahorse.(Ihel
d
hi
m unti
lhecalmed)
Fat
her
:Nt
sika,
letusbeonourway
.
Fi
ki
le:
Gowel
l
,fat
her
.
Fat
her
:Myt
hanks,
youngmai
den.
 
Me:Gotoyourmot
her
.Iam t
oleav
enow.(
he
cl
ungtome)
Ndoni
:Comeone,
baby
.(shet
ookhi
m)
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
myQueen.
Ndoni
:AndIy
ou,
myKi
ng.(
Iki
ssedherl
i
ps
sof
tl
y)
Me:Youlookaft
ery
ourmot
herf
orme(
Iti
ckl
ed
hi
m andhegiggl
ed)
Ndoni
:Saygowel
l
,fat
her
.
Kamv
a:Gowel
l
,fada.(
Iki
ssedhi
scheek)
.
Isaidmyt empor aryfarewell
st othem al l
.The
allwavedandKamv adidnotcr yasIt houghthe
would.Bant ualsosai dhisgoodby estohi s
familyandThandocr iedforherfather.How
ti
mehasgonebyqui ck.Wewer ey oung
warriorsj
ustnotsol ongagobutnowwear e
husbandsandf athers.West i
llmissgoi ngto
battl
ebutIdoubtwewoul dtr
adeourf ami li
es
forthebush.Idohopet hatNdoni nolonger
holdsfearinherhear taboutthistrip.Ihav e
madesur et hatthereareextraguar dsatt he
royalhousewhi leIam awayandMbal eki i
ssure
toprotectthem from anyt hr
eat.Ilookbehi nd
andf oundthem st i
llwav i
ngandIwav edback.
Soonwear etohav eanot herchil
dandt hathas
broughtsomuchj oyt omyhear t
.Thehor ses
pi
ckedupspeedandsoonev enther oyalhouse
wasoutofsi ght.Myheartlongsforthem
al
ready .Ihavebeenawayf r
om homef orf ar
l
ongert hanaweekbutt histi
mei tfeel
s
di
f f
erent.Ithi
nkNdoni '
sfearshavenowr ubbed
offonmebutIhav etogot othi
smeet ing.It
mightcomewi t
hagr eatt
radingrouteformy
Kingdom andIknowmyQueenknowsi t.
Hopingt hatwear etobesaf euntil
wer eachour
destinati
on.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

NOTANINSERT!
!Thestor
yisgoi
ngtobef ast
for
war
dedint
henexti
nser
tsothi
sisjustamini
summery
.
.
Li
fef
orKingNt
sikaandQueenNdoniy
amanzi
hast
rul
ybeent
hatofbli
ss.Theyhadt
hei
r
moment sofdi ffi
cul tyasl eadingaKi ngdom is
noteasy .Nt sikai ndeedsummonsedhi s
rel
ati
vesandputoutawar ni
ngt oal lwhodar es
harm hisQueen.I tseemst ohav edonet het r
ick
becauset woy earshav epassedandt heyhave
beenatpeacesi nce.Pr i
nceKamv aisnowt wo
yearsandsev enmont hs.Hei snowabl etowal k
andtalkabi t.Mbal eki hasgr owni ntoabi g
cheetahandcont inuest opr otectatal lti
mes.
Thecounci lhadNozi nto'sf i
ngerscutof fto
teachheral esson.Herhusbandpuni shedher
bysendi nghert ocapt ivit
yandhemar ri
eda
womanwhonowcar ri
eshi sfirstlegiti
mat e
chil
d.War ri
orBant u'shi pgotpi ercedwi t
ha
spearinbat tleandi tforcedhi mt or etir
e.The
i
njurylefthim wi thaper manentl i
mpbuthe
conti
nuest ot rainy oungwar r
iors.Hehasal so
acceptedt heof ferofadv isortohi sf r
iendand
King,Ntsika.Zi phogav ebi rt
ht oabeaut i
ful
babygi r
l namedThando.Bant uwi shedf oritto
beaboybuthel ov eshi sdaught er.Shei snow
seni oratt her oyalhouse.Nt sika'sf atherf inal
ly
wentagai nsttheel der sandmar riedJongi l
e.
Hisheal t
hhasi mpr ov edbuthest il
lbal ances
wit hast ickwhenwal king.Theyaskedf or
per mi ssiont ohav ethei rdaught erFi kilestayat
ther oy al houseandt heKi ngandQueenagr eed
forXhant i'
ssakebutl aiddownr ulest oheras
wel l.Shecannotbet i
tledPr incessbecauset he
elder sr efusedt oallowi t
.Ki ngXol oandQueen
Nobuar ebot hst i
llgood.Zi nzi,mysi st erinlaw
gav ebi r
tht oanot herdaught er.TheKi ngand
QueenofZwel i
hlear ewor ri
edaboutBukhosi
whoonl ypr oducesmai denssof ar.
Nt andoy abant uhasgr owni ntoar eal strong
youngmannowandi st oreachmat uritysoon.
Theor phanagehast akeni nmor echi ldrenand
Ndoni yamanz icontinuest ohel pout .Her
relationshi pwi t
hZi nzi hasnotbeent hesame
sinceNdoni t
oldhershecannotl i
vei nt her oyal
house.Umhl abaOchumi leyohasbeen
prosper ingandgoi ngf rom st rengt ht ost rength
undert hey oungleaders.Somuchsot hatit'
s
tradingt i
eshav edoubled.KingNt si
kaandhi s
Queenst i
llref
uset otr
adei nhumanl ives.
Toget hertheyindeedseem t othriveandthe
Kingdoesnotmakemaj ordeci
sionsonhi sown.
Hepr efer
st ositdownandhearwhathi sQueen
thinksaboutmat ter
sfirstandtheydeci de
toget her.
 
.
Quest
ioni
s!I
stheuni
tybetweent
heKi
ngand
Queentor
emainsol
idornot?
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t35 

.
#Xhant
i
Ihav
eneveri
nallmydaysseenNtsi
kahandl
e
busi
nesssopoor
ly.Wehavebeenonourway
backtoUmhlabaOchumil
eyofortwodaysnow
butIst
il
ldonothaveanywordsforhi
m.Hehas
beenshortt
emperedandithasbeenannoyi
ng.
Icoul
dseethatevenBant
usawhowf ooli
shhis
fr
iendhasbeen.
.
Me:Areyoureadytohearwhati
sinmy
t
houghts?(
helookedatme)
Ntsi
ka:Speakbeforeyougi
vey ourselfa
headache,fat
her
.Icanseethaty ouhavehad
pl
entyony ourmindsi
ncewel eftthatpl
ace.
Xhant
i:Whathasgott
eni
ntoyou,Ntsi
ka.You
havet
urneddownadealthatcoul
dhavecome
wit
hplent
ybenefi
ts.
 
Ntsi
ka:Areyoudoubti
ngmyabil
i
ties,Father
?
Youaretheonewhowast ooweakt oleadour
Ki
ngdom anddecidedtoputmeinchar ge.
 
Me:Wel
litseemsthatIhav
emadeami st
ake
t
hen.WhatIsawinthosenegot
iat
ionswas
shamef
ul!
Ntsi
ka:Ionl
ywant
edmoreformyKingdom.We
ar
et heoneswhower
egoingtodomostofthe
work.
Me:Hav
eyounotheardthepar
twherethey
of
fer
edyout
hebiggestper
cent
age,Ntsi
ka? 
Bantu:
Iagreewi t
hy ourfathet,myKing.I
t
i
ndeedwasagr eatofferbuty ouwanti
ngmor
e
oftherewardscloudedy ourjudgement.
Nt
sika:
Doy
oudar
eimpl
ythatIam gr
eedy
?
Me: Youdi dnegot
iat
ewi thgreediny ourhear t
.
Nowbecauseoft hatgreedwewal kedaway
withnothing.Doyouthinktheyar etoconsi der
usagainwhenanoppor tuni
tyar i
ses?No, t
hey
arenotbecausenoonewant saweal t hhungry
partner
.Wemaket hesedealst obui l
dt r
ieswith
otherKingdomsandy ouhavejustr uinedoneof
thebiggesttiesUmhlabawoul dhav eev erhad.
Nt
sika:
Whydi
dyounotspeakup.t
hen,
fat
her
?
Allyoudi
dwassi
tandagreet oeverysi
ngl
e
wordKingSi
phospoke.Atsomest ageI
thoughty
ouwoul
dkisshisfeet.
 
Me: Itakeoffense,
Ntsi
ka.Youmi ghtsitonthe
seatofpowerbutIam st il
lyourf
ather.Ihave
puty ouinpowerandbelievemeIcanst i
ll
stri
p
youof fital
l
. 
Nt
sika:
Lett
hehor
sesst
andst
il
l(heshout
ed)
Me: Areyoucrazy?Idonotknowaboutyoubut
Iwishtobehomewi thmywife,
daught
ersand
grandson.St
oppingisonl
ygoingtodel
ayus.
Ntsi
ka:Idonotwishtobewi t
hy outwori
ght
noworwear esuretoexchangewordswecan
nottakeback.I
fyoudonotwi shtobedel
ayed
thengetoutandwalk.
.
Hesteppedoutofthecarr
iagel
eavi
ngmy
mouthopenwithshock.Isawhim wal
kfarof
f
andIgotangr
y.
.
Me:
Ithi
nky
ourf
ri
endhasbeenbewi
tched.
Bantu: I
fIheldnobetterknowledgeIwould
agree.Hewasl ikethi
ssincethedaybef or
ethe
negotiati
ons.Histemperisli
ket hatofamad
man.
Me:Somet
hingmusthav
ehappenedt
hatwe
hol
dnoknowledgeof
.
Bantu:
Ihaveaskedhim buthesaidnothingis
thematter
.Ihopethatheisnottotakethis
tempertohisQueenandPr i
nce.
Me:Thatisanotherthi
ngthatbother
sme.Heis
usual
lythefi
rstonetojumpintothecar
ri
age
andheadhomet obewithhisbri
deandson.
Coulditbeanotherwoman?
Bantu:Idoubtthatv
erymuch.Ntsika'
sheart
belongtoQueenNdoni onl
yandithasbeenl i
ke
thatsi
ncehel ai
deyesonherfortheveryfi
rst
ti
me.
Me: Iholdknowledgeofthatbutevenyouhav
e
toadmi tthatt
hey oungmaidensofthe
Kingdom wecomef rom ar
eoftruebeaut
y.
Bantu:SoishisQueen.Idonotbel
iev
ethathi
s
heartgotcaptur
edasecondt i
me.Wearenow
onlytowaitandhopeher et
urnst
ohisol
dself
.
.
Hour
swentbyandNt si
kafinal
lyapproached.
Hecameinandorderedforthehorsestomov e
f
orwardandwi
thgreatspeed.
.
Ntsi
ka:Myapol
ogi
esf
orbei
ngi
l
lmanner
ed,
f
ather.
Me:Whatseemstobethematt
er,
son?I
s
somet
hingnotwel
lwi
thyou?
Ntsi
ka:Al
li
swell
,Igi
veyoumypr
omi
se.Ar
e
youaccept
ingmyapol
ogy?
Me:Yes,
Idobutyouaretonevermakesucha
badbusi
nessdeci
sion,
Ntsi
ka.I
ftoomany
simil
armistakesar
emadet
heKi
ngdom i
ssur
e
tofal
lapartsomeday.
Ntsika:Ihearyou,father
.Itisnotto.happen
again.Donotf ear
,Ishallsendal ett
ertoKing
Siphoandapol ogi
sef orthegreedIshowed
aroundhi snegoti
ationtable.
 
Bantu:Iam sur
ethatheist
oappreci
atei
tand
perhapsputthedealuponthet
ableonce
again.
 
Me:Wearenotsupposetohopeforsuch.Heis
sur
etoacceptt
heapologybutheistonevergo
i
ntobusi
nesswit
husagain. 
Ntsika:
UmhlabaOchumil
eyoisagreat
Kingdom.Surel
ymoretr
adingrout
esaret
o
comeourway . 
.
Wer odeoninsi
lenceandIt houghtsaboutalot
ofthi
ngs.Iwasplanningtoreti
recompletel
y
andnotgoonbigr oyalduti
esbutIhavenow
changedmymi nd.Icannotr i
skhav i
ngNt si
ka
got omeet i
ngsaloneandf ai
ltobringin
businessforus.Iknowt hatsomet hi
ngisreall
y
wrongwi thhim butIdonotknowwhat .Ihope
hehasnotdef loweredoneofKi ngSipho's
maidensbecauset hatisgoingtocausegr eat
confli
ct.Wearesur etobedelayedf r
om
reachinghomeont heti
mewepl anned.HowI
missbei ngathome.
.
.
#Ndoni
Themenar eexpectedtoarr
ivetodayatsunset.
Idohopet hatNtsikamanagedtosecur ethis
dealthathelookedforwardtohearing.I
tseems
ti
mei sslowbecauseIt r
ulymisshim.Mot her
hasbeenher ewithmeandhercompanyi s
wonder f
ul.Thetwoofussataswewat ched
Kamv aplaybeforeus.Mbalekiwentt ohim and
l
ickedhischeek.Icouldseetheannoy ancein
hi
sface.
.
Kamva:
No,
Bal
eki
.(hepushedMbal
eki
'
sface
away
)
Mother:
Mbal
eki
,stopl
ickingmygr andsonwith
yourr
ought
ongue.(Mbalekikeptonli
cking)
Kamv
a:Bal
eki
,st
oponce.(
wel
aughed)
Mot
her
:It
'
sst
opatonce(
hel
ookedatmot
her
)
Me:Mbal
ekii
sjustshowi
ngy
oul
ove,
boy
.She
meansnohar
m.
Mother:
Hehasgrownsomuchandy ourf
ather
speakabouthi
m al
ot.Heisreal
l
ypr
ayi
ngfor
Bukhosit
ohaveanheirnext
. 
Me:
Iti
snotuptoBukhosi
.Fat
herneedst
o
r
ememberthat
. 
Mother
:Whatgenderdoyouthi
nktheoneyou
ar
ecarryi
ngi
sgoingtobe?(Il
ookedather
)
Me:
Iam notpr
egnant
,myQueen.
Mother:Youei
therhol
dnoknowledget
hatyou
areoryouarekeepi
ngitasecr
et.(
shel
aughed
soft
ly)
Me:Fi
ne,
Iadmi
t.Iam pr
egnant
.Howdi
dyou
know?
Mother
:Youhavebeenr
unningupanddown
f
eeli
ngil
landIsawyoueat
ingsoi
lyest
erday(
I
l
aughed)
Me:It
ri
edsohar
dtonotl
etanyonenot
ice
any
thi
ng.Doy
outhi
nkJongial
soknows?
Mother:
IdonotknowbutIam sureshehasher
suspi
ci
ons.Haveyout
oldyourKing?
Me:
Ihav eandhewasov
erj
oyed.Hewi
shesf
or
aPr
incess.(
Ismil
ed)
Mother:I
tgi
vesmej oytoseet
haty
ouarest
il
l
happy,
myblossom.Iam nowtogivey
our
fat
hergoodfeedback.
Me:
Arey
ouher
etospy
?(shel
aughed)
Mot
her
:Iam her
etov
isi
tmychi
l
dand
grandchi
ldbutXol
odidaskmet ocomewi t
h
feedbackofyourwel
l
being.SoIguessIam hi
s
spy(welaughed)
Kamva:Mada,
look(heopenedhi
shandand
rev
eal
edasmallfr
og,wejumpedup)
Mother
:Kamvalesi
zwedoyouwishtosend
yourgr
andmothert
oherend?(
helaughed)
Kamva:
Kamv akissit(Ihi
titoutoffhi
shand
bef
orei
treachedhisli
psandi thoppedaway)
Me:Youaresuchat y
pical
boy
.Pl
ayi
ngwi
th
scar
ycreat
ures(
Ilaughed)
Mot
her:
DoesKamvawi
sht
ohav
esor
esher
e?
(
shepoi
ntedt
ohi
sli
ps)
Kamv
a:No(
sheshookhi
shead)
Mother
:Theny ouarenott
okissanyf
rogsor
l
izar
ds.Comel eti
sgoinsi
debefor
ehepicksup
moresurpr
ises.
Me:Wear
esuchcowar
ds.I
tisnotev
enabi
g
f
rog.
Kamv
a:Kamv
awant
smi
l
k.
Mother
:Letusgoandgett
hemil
kforyou.My
bl
ossom,areyougoi
ngtobewel
lonyourown?
Me:
Yes,
myQueen.
.
Sheki ssedmycheekandhel dKamv a'shand.I
knowshei sgoingt orinset hosehandsf irst.I
stoodandl ookedupatt hecl earsky .Hopi ng
thatt hemenar estil
lwel l
wher evertheyar eat
themoment .Soont heyar egoi ngtosetf ooton
theirsoi lagain.Ihadaf eastpr eparedt o
wel comet hem.Hour swentbyandt hesun
startedt osetbutst i
llnosi gnoft hem.If ed
Kamv abecausehegoest obedbef oreev ery one.
Ibat hedhi m andher efusedt ocl osehisey esat
fi
rstbutheev entuallydid.Mybeaut ifull
ittle
prince.Il eftMbal ekiinhischamberasIusual l
y
doandl efttojoinmot herandt heot herladies.I
foundmot hersitti
ngal one.
.
Me:Myapologi
esforkeepi
ngy
ouwai
ti
ng.
Wher
earetheotherl
adies?
Mother
:Youneednotapologi
se,Ihavejustsat
downmy sel
f.Jongi
sai
dthattheyaretojoi
nus
soon.
Me:
Iti
snowbecomi
ngdarkout
.Ihopedt
hat
t
hemenwoul
dhavebeenher
ebynow.
Mother:Cal
m now, Ndoni
.Wearenotgoingto
bewor r
iedaboutnothi
ng.Hor
sesstoptodrink
waterormay betheyst
oppedtost
retchthei
r
l
egs.Itcoul
dbeany thi
ngbutl
etusnotthinkthe
worst.
 
Me:Youareri
ght
,mot
her
.Doy
ouknowt
hatI
f
earsunset
snow?
Mot
her
:Becauseoft
hedr
eam?
Me: Ikeeponhav i
ngthesamedr eam ov
erand
overmot her
.Inolongerknowwhatapeaceful
sl
umberf eel
slike.Whatift
hisi
sasign.
Mot
her
:Asi
gnofwhat
,Ndoni
?Thaty
ouar
eto
ki
l
lyourhusbandsoon?Thati
sjustsi
l
ly.
Me:Thenwhydoest hi
sv i
si
onkeeponhaunt
ing
mydreams.Iam evenconsider
ingsl
eepi
ngi
n
anot
herchamberuntil
itst
ops.
Mother:Thatisevenmoresil
ly.I
tisnitwisef
or
peopl
ewhoar ewedt osl
eepinseparate
chamber.Iam sureyourhusbandisnotgoing
toagreetoiteit
her.
Me:Ifearsl
eepi
ngnowbuti
tisbett
erbecause
Nt
sikaistobenextt
ometonight
.
Mot
her
:Al
li
sgoi
ngt
obewel
l
. 
Fi
kil
e:Hasfatherandbr
othernotcomey
et,
my
Queen?(sheaskedwhil
ewalkingin)
 
Me:
No,
itseemsl
i
ket
heyhav
ebeendel
ayed.
Mot
her
:Youchi
l
drenar
enott
ofear
.Theyar
e
ont
hei
rway.
Jongi
:Iagr
eewi
thQueenNobu.(
shewentt
osi
t)
Me:
Nousei
nwai
ti
ngbecauset
heymi
ghtar
ri
ve
l
ateinthenight
.Letusst
arteat
ingbef
orei
tal
l
goescold.
.
Weal l satdownandwest art
edt oeat.Hour s
passedandt heyst il
lhav enotcome.Thel adies
decidedt oretir
et othei rroomsandsl eep.Ion
theot herhandf earsl eepi ngsoIshallwaitf or
them.Iwentoutandt oseei fZiphoisstil
l
awake.Wehav emov edt hem tobigger
chamber sbecauseherhusbandi snowadv isor
totheKi ng.Shewasst illawakebecausel i
ttl
e
Thandor ef
usedt osl eep.Wesatandpl ayed
withherunt ilexhaust i
onwonandshef eel
asleep.Icouldseet hatZi nzi
isalsotir
edsoI
excusedmy self.It ookmyoi ll
ampandbr av ed
thenightt other oy alhouse.Ther ewer enight
guardssoIhadnof ear .Iwentt oKamv a'sroom
andf oundhi m sl eepingsoundl yandMbal eki
nexttohi m.Iki ssedt hem bot handmyl ady
cheetahopenedherey esqui cklybutclosed
them whenshesawi t'sme.Iwentt omy
chamberandhadbat hi
ngwat erbebroughtto
mychamber .If
ini
shedandputbodybut teron
myskin.Therewasaknockont hedoorandI
wrappedmybodybef oreopening.I
tisNtsika
andIjumpedintohisembrace.Hehesitatedbut
Ifi
nal
lyfel
thisarmswraparoundmywai st.
.
Me:Si
ncewhenareyouknocki
ngbef
orey
ou
ent
erourchamber
?(Il
aughed)
Ntsi
ka:
Iam showi
nggoodmanner
s(hel
ooked
nerv
ousinaway)
Me:
Iam yourwi
fe,
Ntsika.Youhav
eseenal
lof
mebef
ore.Arey
ougoingt ocomein?
.
Hewal kedinandlookedaroundtheenti
re
chamber .Hi
sbodyl ookedabitsl
i
mmer .Hav
e
theynotbeenfeedingmyhusbandatt hat
place?
 
.
Me:Ihadext
racandl
esbeputi
nthati
swhyit
l
ooksdif
fer
ent.Howhavey
oubeen(Iki
ssedhi
s
l
ips)
Nt
sika:
Wel
landy
ou,
myQueen.
Me:Iam j
usthappyt
hatyouar
ehomesaf
ely
.
Di
dy oumanagetogett
hedeak?
Ntsika:Ndoni
,mybodyi
stir
ed.Ihavebeenina
horsecarri
agefort
woday.Al
lIneedistobath
andr est
.
Me:Ofcourse,
myapologi
es.Ishal
lhav
ewat
er
bebroughti
nsothaty
oucanbat h.
Nt
sika:
Myt
hanks.
.
Ihadmywat erbedeposedoffandhadthem
bri
ngsomeforhim.Hest oodandlookedatt
he
spear
sthatwereinourchamber. 
.
Me:
Yourwat
eri
sready
,myKi
ng.Doy
ouneed
anyhel
p?(
Ismi
l
ed)
Nt
sika:
No,
Idonot
.Youcangot
obed.
Me:Asyouwi sh.Mymotherf
igur
edoutt
hatI
am pr
egnant.Idi
dnott
ellher
,Igi
veyoumy
pr
omise.(hefakedal
augh)
Ntsi
ka:Ndoni,
Iaskthatwet
alkaboutallat
sunri
se.Ibegofyou.(
myheartsankbecauseI
missedhim)
Me:Asy ouwish.Woul
dyoul
i
keformet or
ead
ourcur
rentbook?Ihav
enotr
eadital
one.
Nt
sika:Doasy ouwish,
Ndoniyamanzi
.Ify
ou
wi
sht oread,
readandifnott
hendonot. 
Me:
Okay
.
.
Ideci
dednottor eadbecauseheisnotas
exci
tedaboutitasbefore.Iti
sst
rangebecause
hewassocur i
oust oknowwhatt heother
chapter
scontained.Iputonmynightdressand
wentintot
hecov ers.Heblewoutsomeoft he
candlessay i
ngi ti
stoobri
ghtandst art
edto
bathhimsel f
.ItseemsmyKi ngisnothimself
.
May bethedeal di
dnotgoashehashoped.I
shallhearallaboutitwhenhismoodi sbetter.
Hecov eredhi slowerbodywi t
haclothandIf el
t
mybodyr eactatthebeautif
ul si
ghtofhisbody.
Istood,tookof fmynightdressandwal ked
towardshi m andkissedhim. 
.
Nt
sika:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng,
myQueen?
Me:Showi
ngy
ouhowmuchIhav
emi
ssedy
ou
(
Ismil
ed)
Ntsi
ka:Coveryoursel
f,Ndoni
yamanzi
.Idonot
wi
sht oseeyournakedness.HaveInotsai
d
t
hatmybodyi stir
ed?
Me:
Youhav
e(Iputmydr
essbackon)
Nt
sika:
Iam goi
ngt
osl
eepnow.Unt
ilsunr
ise.
.
Hedi
dnotev
enki
ssme.Nt
sikahasnev
er
rej
ectedmewhenIt ri
edtoshowhimlov
e,
especial
l
ywhenhehasbeenaway .Coul
ditbe
thathenolongerdesi
resme?
.
Me: No,Ndoni
yamanzidonotbesi
ll
yofcour
se
hestil
ldesi
resyou.Hi
sbodyisj
ustf
eel
ingti
red
(Iwhisper
edtomy sel
f)
.
Myhear tfeltabitheav yasIbl ewt heoillamps
andcandl esof f.Al lthathehasdonehasmade
mef eel l
essspeci al.Ilaidnextt ohim and
mov edcl oserhopi ngt hathei st owr aphis
strongar msar oundmebuthedi dnot.Imov ed
backawayt ogivehi m spacebecausei tseems
thatitiswhathepr efer s.Istartedt ocrysil
entl
y
butst opped.Iam sur elybeingsi ll
ybecausehe
hashadal ongt r
ip.Iti sexpect edt hathewoul d
beexhaust edandmay bet hedeal wasbadand
i
tlefthimf rust
rated.Myey esgr ewheav yandI
sti
llfearedf all
i
ngasl eepbutIdonothav ea
choi
ce.Ifi
nall
ygaveinandf
ell
asl
eep.Hopi
ng
forapeaceful
nightsl
umber
.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t36
.
#Ndoni
Iwokeupandl ookedtoNtsi
ka'sside.Heslept
peacef
ull
yandIdecidednottodisturbhi
m.I
gotupandcleanedmymout h.Istartedt
obat h
andgetready.Iwenttol
i
ttl
eKamv a'schamber
andfoundhimr ubbi
nghi
sey eswithhishands.
.
Me:
Greet
ings,
mypr
ince(
Iki
ssedhi
scheek)
Kamv
a:Gr
eet
ings.(
hehel
dmyf
aceandsmi
l
ed)
Me:
Didy
ouhav
easweetsl
umber
?(henodded)
Kamv
a:Bal
eki
hasgone.
Me:Shehaswentouttoeat
.Comel
etusgoso
youcangr
eatyoufat
her.
Kamv
a:Fada?
Me:Yes,hehascomebackf
rom hi
sjour
ney
.He
hasmissedKamvasomuch.(hesmil
ed)
.
Itr
iedt oholdhishandbuther anoutaheadof
me.Cl earl
yhehasmi ssedhisf atherjustas
muchasIhav e.Hewaitedformebyt hedoor
andIwentt oopeni t.Her antot hesleeping
Ntsikaandj umpedont opofhim.Nt si
ka
j
umpedupcl earl
yannoy ed.
.
Ntsi
ka:Haveyounorespect
?Iti
sil
lmanner
sto
di
stur
baper sonwhi
l
et heysl
eep.(
hesai
dina
st
ernvoice)
Kamva:Apol
ogy(
hesai
dsof
tl
yandl
ooked
down)
Me:
Hei
sjustachi
l
d,Nt
sika.I
sitasi
nthathe
i
shappytoseey
ouagai
nafterday
sofnot
seei
ngyou?(
Ipi
ckedmysonup)
Ntsi
ka:Iam t
ir
ed,
Ndoniyamanzi
.Youshoul
d
havekeptt
heboyunt
ilIdeci
detowakeup.
Me:Wellexcuseustheny
ourroy
algrumpi
ness.
Wearetoleaveyounow.Idonotknowwhat
hasgot
tenintoyou.
 
Ntsi
ka:
Youar
enott ospeakt
omel
i
ket
hat
.(he
l
ookedatmei
ntensely
)
Me:Iam notgoi
ngtoarguewithyouwithour
soninmyarms.Gobackt oyourpreci
ous
sl
umberandmay beyouaretoreturnt
oy ourol
d
sel
f.
.
Iwalkedoutofthechamberwhi l
eholdi
ngthe
sadKamv a.Howdar eheber udet omysonlike
that
?Kamv ahasdonewhathedoesmost
ti
mesbutt odayitisofannoyancetohisfat
her
andIfail
tounder st
andwhy .Exhaust
ionisnot
enoughreasont
ober
ude!Ibat
hedKamv
aand
dressedhi
m. 
.
Me:Youarenott
opl
ayi
nmudandgetdi
rty,
Kamval
esi
zwe.Nomud,
arewecl
ear
?(It
ickl
ed
hi
sneck)
Kamv
a:Nomud(
hesai
dwhi
l
egi
ggl
i
ng)
Mot
her
:Sunri
segreet
ingst
oyoubot
h.(
shesai
d
whi
l
ewalki
ngin)
Me:
Greet
ingsmot
her
.Hav
eyousl
eptwel
l
?
Mot
her
:Ihav
e,mybl
ossom.
 
Kamv a:
FadashoutatKamv
a(hel
ookedathi
s
grandmother
)
Mot
her
:Whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?
Me:Yourfat
hermeantnoharm,myprince.He
i
sjustver
ytir
ed.Not
hingseemstobethe
matter
.Ntsi
kaseemstobeinaverybadmood
si
ncehisret
urn.
Mot
her
:Hast
hedeal
notgonewel
l
?
Me:Ishal
lhol
dnoknowledgeoft
hat
,myQueen.
Wearetohearfr
om hi
m whenhewakesf
rom
hi
srest.
Mother
:Comeletusgoandeat.Xhant
imi
ght
shedsomeli
ghtonthematt
er.
.
Shepi ckedKamvaupandmadebubbl ekisses
onhi sneckandtheroyal
passagesgotfi
ll
ed
withhissweetgiggl
es.Wejoi
nedeveryoneelse,
greetedandsatdown.Kamv aatehi
sporridge
withoutanydif
fi
cult
y.
.
Xhant
i:I
stheKi
ngnotgoi
ngt
ojoi
nus?
Me:Heissti
l
lrest
ing,
fat
her
.Heshal
leatwhen
hewakes.
 
Jongi
:Perhapshefeelsr
egretformessi
ngup
thedeal
.(Xhant
ilookedather)
Xhant
i:Letusnott
alkaboutr
oyal
dut
iesdur
ing
afamil
yfeast.
Me:Howhast
heKi
ngmessedupt
hedeal
,
f
ather
? 
Xhant
i:Hewasnothappywit
hther
ewar
dsi
t
camewi t
hsohetur
neditdown.
Me:Judgi
ngfr
om t
hesoundofyourv
oice,
you
donotappr
ovewi
thhi
sdecisi
on.
Xhant
i:I
tisofnomatter
,myQueen.HeisKi
ng
andholdpowertodeci
deonwhathewishesfor
hi
sKingdom.
Fi
ki
le:
Butyouaremorewiser
,fat
her
.Isi
tnot
wi
seforhi
mt osti
l
lli
stent
oyouradvi
se.
Xhanti
:Letusputthi
smat tertor
est
.Tal
king
abouti
tisnotgoingtohelpanyofus.I
tisjust
goi
ngtoangerhim whenhef i
ndswespoke
abouthi
m behindhisback.
 
.
Wesatandcont
inuedt
ohav
eourmor
ning
feast.Nt sikajoinedusj ustasweal l wereabout
tofinish.Usual l
yKamv arunst ohim butnott his
ti
me.Hesatandat ehisf oodandIf eltli
keIam
l
ooki ngatast rangeri nthebodyofmyhusband.
Hest oodaf terfinishingsay i
nghei sgoi ngto
getreadyf ortheday .Mbal ekiwal
kedi nandshe
walkedar oundhi mi ncircleswhi l
esni ffi
ngat
hisclothing.Usual lyshel ickshisfeeti njoyof
seeinghi m.Iknewt hent hatsomet hingi str
uly
wrongwi thmyKi ngbutwhatcoul ditbe?He
wentt oourchambert obat h.IgaveKamv ato
mot herandf oll
owedhi m.Hecov eredhi mself
asIwal kedin.
.
Me:
Donotbot
hercov
eri
ngy
our
sel
f,i
tisonl
y
me.
Nt
sika:
Issomet
hingt
hemat
ter
?
Me:
Whathasgot
teni
ntoy
ou,
myKi
ng?
Nt
sika:
Idonotunder
stand.
 
Me: Youhavebeeni nabadmoodev ersince
yourretur
n.Fathersaysy
ouwerenoty oursel
f
evendur i
ngthetradi
ngnegot
iat
ions.Has
somet hi
nghappened?
Ntsi
ka:
Idonotknowwhaty
ouwi
shf
ormet
o
say,
Ndoni
yamanzi.
 
Me:Youshout edatKamvawhenhemeantno
di
srespect.Hedoeswhathedi
dall
thet
ime.
Whyhasi sannoyedyounow?
Ntsi
ka:Ithasnotbeenaneasyj our
ney.Iam
angryatmy sel
fformessingthi
sdealup
becauseIcanseet hati
tishurt
ingmyf ather
.I
shal
lapologisetothepr
inceforsaddeninghim.
Me: Mistakesaremadeallthet
imeandy ouare
notimmunet omakingthem.Moresi
milarand
betterdealsaretocome.Youcannotcarryt
he
burdenofr egr
etforev
er.
 
Nt
sika:
Youar
eri
ght
,myQueen.
 
Me:
Ihav
emi
ssedy
ou,
Ntsi
ka.
Nt
sika:
Ihav
emi
ssedy
out
oo.
.
Istoodandwai t
edf orhimt ogivemean
embr acebutIhadnosuchl uck.Imov ed
forwardtowherehest oodandki ssedhi m.Ev
en
hiskissisdif
fer
ent,itdoesnothav ethe
passionitusual
lydoes.Coul dmyKi ngno
l
ongerl oveme?It r
iedt otakeoffthecl ot
hhe
hadar oundhim buthisf i
rm gr
ipstoppedme.
.
Nt
sika:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng,
Ndoni
yamanzi
?
Me:
Isi
tnotcl
ear
?Iwi
sht
obewi
thy
ou.
Nt
sika:
Iti
sday
li
ght
.(Ibecameconf
used)
Me:
Idonotunder
stand.
Ntsi
ka:Onlyloosewomanof f
erthemselv
estoa
mani ndayl
ight.Thosewi
thselfr
espectwai
t
unti
lthesunhasgonedown.
Me:
Arey
oui
mpl
yi
ngt
hatIam awhor
e,Nt
sika?
Nt
sika:
Ihav
enotspokensuchwor
ds.
Me:Wehavebeenoneinfl
eshdur
ingdayli
ght
manyt
imesandithasbeenofnobother
. 
Ntsi
ka:Theydothingsdi
ff
erent
lyf
rom t
he
Ki
ngdom Ivisi
tedandIthi
nkiti
sagoodwayt
o
dothi
ngs.
Me:Thisi
sUmhlabaOchumil
eynot
Bomubuphabi
l
i.Havet
hesepeopl
efedy
ou
somethi
ng?
Ntsi
ka:Bei
ngt her
ehavejustopenedmymind
toalotofthi
ngs.Whyarey oualway
soff
eri
ng
your
selft
ome?Ar ey
ouaddi ct
edtobedr
oom
deal
ings?
Me: Itakeoff
ense,Ntsi
ka.Thelastthi
ngthatI
wi shtodoisfi
ghtovernothi
ng.Idonotlike
thesenewbehav i
oursthatyouhav epi
ckedup
from thi
stri
pofyours.Idonotcarewhaty ou
dobutdonotexpectmeandmysont otakeit
.I
am y ourQueennotsomecommonerandy ou
aret otr
eatmewi t
hrespect.
 
.
Iwalkedoutandlefthi
mt ohisbath.Whodoes
hethinkheis?Iam nevergoingtoof fermysel
f
tohim agai
nbecausehei sclearl
ybecomea
sel
fishbast
ard.Ihatet
hatIl ovehi
m att hi
s
moment .Il
ovehim butIdonotl i
ket henew
personhehasbecome.Ij oinedmot heroutsi
de
andshewasr unningafterKamv a.
.
Me: Youar
egoi
ngtobr
eaky ourkneest
ryi
ngt
o
chasehimli
ket
hat(
shelaughed)
Mother
:Thi
sboyofyoursist
obetheendofme.
Hehadsomethi
nginhishandandwoul
dnotlet
meseewhat.Thati
swhyIam chasi
nghi
m( I
l
aughed)
Me:Letmeseewhaty
ouhi
dei
nyourhand,
Kamva.(
hecametome)
Kamva:Not
hing,
mada(
heopenedhi
sempt
y
hand)
Me:Youaremaki
ngmymot herwor
kf or
not
hing,
suchanaught
yboy(hegi
ggled)
Mother
:Zol
ekadoesnotdothi
stomeathome.
I
tseemsli
keboysaretr
oubl
esomeindeed.
Me:
Myapol
ogi
es,
myQueen.
Mot
her:
Donotapologise.Iact
ual
l
yfi
ndgr
eat
j
oyi
nit(shel
aughed)
Me:Iam guessi
ngt
haty
ouar
etogohome
soon 
Mot
her
:Ishoul
d,mybl
ossom.I
syourhusband
wel
l
,Ndoni
?
Me:
Idonotknow.
Mot
her:
Heseemsl
i
kehehasal
otgoi
ngon.He
i
snothi
msel
f.
Me:
Ihav
enot
iced,
myQueen.(
Ilookeddown)
Mot her
:Alli
sgoi
ngt obewell
.Marri
ageisnot
alwayseasy.Menhatespeaki
ngaboutthings
thatbothert
hem butheshal
lspeaktoyousoon
andt
ell
youwhati
sbot
her
inghi
m.
Me:Ir
emainhopi
ngbecauseIdonotl
i
kehi
m
l
iket
his.
.
Wesatt her eandwat chedKamv apl ay.Bant u
camet ot heKingandcamewi thlitt
leThando.
ThelanguagesheandKamv aspeaki sonl y
underst
oodbyt hetwooft hem.Imi ssNt sikaso
much.Imi sshim nowmor ethenIdi dwhenhe
wasst i
l
laway .Myf eari sthathei sgoingt o
forceal
lofust oadaptt ot henewhi m.Iam
try
ingnott oupsetmy selfbecauseIknowt hat
i
tisnotgoodf ort hechi l
dt hatIam car r
ying.
Whatpoi sonhav ethosepeopl ef edmyKi ng?I t
hasmadehi m sl i
mmerandi thasal somade
him amanofi llmanner s.Isatandt ri
edtot hink
ofallt
hepossi blethi
ngst hatmi ghthav e
happenedont hatsoil. 
.
.
#"
Ntsi
ka"
Ihav eneverthoughtthatthispl ani sgoingto
wor kwhenIgott oldabouti t
.Igr ewupasa
commonerwhenIam i ndeedaPr ince.When
theol dwomant oldmet hatIam at wintothe
PrinceofUmhl abaOchumi l
ey oIdi dnotbel i
eve
i
t.Iwast oldthatbecauseIwasbor nsecondhe
waschosent obekeptasf utureki ng.Iwast o
bet akentotheriverandbedr ownedbuti t
seemssomeonehadmer cyonmyl if
e.Theol d
l
adyhadapl anofmaki ngmet akemybr other'
s
placeandwehadst ar
tedourpl anal r
eadybut
shedi ed.Shesaidthatmymot her ,Nandewho
l
ov edmeandnev erwant edtogi vemeaway
hasbeenhur tbecauseofNt sika'sbr i
de.The
oldwomansai dthatXhant if
or cedNandet o
givemeupandIai mtomakehi m paydear lyas
wel l
.Theoldladyalsosaidal lmymot her
wishedwasf ormet oreplaceNt sikaasKing
andbr ingherbackasQueenMot herbutshe
waski ll
edbeforethat.Inevergott omeether
buttheol dwomant ol
dmeshespokeaboutme
everytime.I tshowst hatshel ov edmebutshe
didnotknowt hatIam st i
llali
v e.Ithoughtof
givi
ngupt hepl anbutIcar ryhat eaf terIheard
whatt heydi dt omeandmymot her.Theychose
him andwant edmet odi esoIshal lmakehi m
feelthepai nIhav ef eltallmyday sofl iving.I
havebeenst al kingt hem f oryear swi ththehel p
offri
ends.Fr i
endswhoar enowexpect ing
rewardsf ort hei rhelp.Ihadt ol earnhi swayof
walking, speaki ng,laughi ngandal ltheot her
detail
s.I ttookal ongt imebutIf inall
ymanaged
todoi t.IhadNt si
kat akent obeki l
ledandI
repl
acedhi m.I tseemsl i
ket heyal lbelievethatI
am him butIj ustneedt okeepmyt emperunder
control becausei tseemshewasofcal m nat ure.
Settl
ingi ntot hi slif
ei sdi f
ficultbecauset his
Ndoni di sgust smeaf terhear ingwhatshehas
donet hatl edt omymot her'send.Ial sodespi se
Xhant iandIshal l
makehi m payf ort ryi
ngt o
havemeki ll
edasani nfant .Isatwi t
hXhant i
andBant
u.
.
Me:
Ihav
esomet
hingt
hatIneedt
otel
lyou.
Xhant
i:Speak,
myKi
ng.
Me:Iam t
otakeasecondwi
fesoon(
theybot
h
l
ookedshocked)
Bantu:MyKi ng,
y ouweretheonewhot ol
dme
thatyouarenevergoingtobeapol ygami
st
becauseitishowmanyKi ngsdie.Yousaidt
hat
notallt
hosewi vesaretoholdakindhear
tso
youpreferonewi feonl
y.
Me:
Whenhav
eIspokesuchf
ool
i
shwor
ds?
Bant
u:Si
ncewewer
ejusty
oungboy
s. 
Me:Welly
oushoul
dhavesl
appedmewhenI
sai
dit
.Iti
sonl
yfi
tt
ingf
oraKingtohav
emany
wiv
es.
Xhant
i:Thi
shascomewi t
hshockbecausey
our
gr
eatgrandf
atherwast
helastt
opracti
se
polygamy.Theancest
orsmadehisotherwi
ves
barrenandonlybl
essedthewomboft hef
ir
st
wifeandthati
swhywehav esi
ncest
oppedthe
practi
se.Whatist
heuseofhavingmanywives
whoar eofnobenefi
t?
Me:Wel lIcannotli
veaccor di
ngtothefearsof
manyy earsago.Allthewi v
esthatImarryaret
o
beasfruitf
ulasNdoni yananzi
.Ihaveseen
maturemai densamongsKi ngSi
pho's
daughter
s.Sendnegot iator
sto
Bomubuphambi liatonce.
Xhant
i:I
tisnottobet hatsi
mple.Youneedt
o
getbl
essi
ngsfrom yourQueenandwehav eto
tal
ktoherfamil
yfi
rst.Whydoy our
iskt
hegreat
all
i
ancewehav ewit
hZwel i
hle?
Me: Ihavespoken,l
eti
tbedone.Sur
elyXol
o
knowst hatanAfri
canmanisall
owedmor e
thanonewi fe.
 
Babt
u:Haveyouthoughtaboutwhatt
hisi
sto
dotoyourQueen?
Me: Youareadvisorofthebusi
nessoft
he
Kingdom andnotofwhatIdoi nmypriv
ate
space.Knowy ourplace.
.
Icouldseet hatt
heyhav ebothbeencaughtof f
guardbutIcar enot.SoonthisQueeni sgoing
tobef atandIdesirehernot.Iwishforthe
maident hatIsawinmyquest .Xhantihad
Ndoniyamanz ical
ledintotellherthenews.She
walkedinandgr eeted.
.
Ndoni
:Youhav
ecal
l
ed,
fat
her
.
Xhanti
: Ihave,deardaughterbecausewehave
i
mpor tantthingstodiscuss.Fi
rstmyapologi
es
fort
his, Idonotwishf ort
histohappen.Youare
tokno...
Me:Iam t
aki
ngasecondwifesoon(
Icuthi
m
shor
tandherey
eswidened)
Ndoni
:Why
? 
Me:Becauseanot
hermai
denhascaughtmy
hear
t.
Ndoni
:Ishal
lnotgi
vebl
essi
ngst
osuch!
 
.
Shestoodi
nar ushandwal
kedout.Shemade
ourwaytoourchamberandIf
ollowedher
.I
cl
osedthedoorbehi
ndmeandl ockedi
t.
.
Me:Iam t
otakeasecondwi
fe,
whet
hery
oul
i
ke
i
tornot
.
Ndoni:
Ov ermydeadbody!YouthinkthatIam
toal
lowsuch.Yourmaidenist
or egrett
heday
shei
st osetfooti
nmyhouse. 
Me:Doyounotwishtoseemehappy ?Your
bodyi
snotasitwasandIdonotwi sht
oseeit.
Thatmai
denisyounganduntouchedandshe
makesmedesireher
!(shest
artedtocr
y)
Ndoni
:Youar
etheonewhotouchedmeand
mademeimpure,
Ntsi
ka.Mybodyisnott
he
samebecausei thascarri
edyourheirandis
nowcar r
y i
ngyoursecond.Youar ean
ungratef
ulpig!Idonotknowwhatt hismai den
hadfedy oubuti tmakesmehat eyousomuch.
Youdisgustme, fi
l
thyexcuseofaman.I
thoughtthatyouar eakindmanbuti tseems
youwai t
edt oshowy ourtruecol
ours.
Me:Youaret
ospeakwi t
hmewi t
hrespect
!(I
hel
dherbyhercheeksaggr
essi
vel
y)
Ndoni:Orwhat?(
herbeastst
ret
chedatt
he
doorandIletgo)
Me: Weshall
speakaboutthi
soncewehave
cal
med.Youar et
oopent hedoorandor
der
yourbeastt
ocalm.
Ndoni:Youhav et
urnedint
osuchacowar dand
Istandshamedt ocall
youmyhusband.You
deservetohaveMbalekiatt
ackyouri
ghtnow
butIdonotwi shformysont ogr
owupwi thout
hisfat
her.Youhadbettergoandvomital
lthat
poisonthatyouwerefedoryoustandtol
ose
every
thi
ngsoon.Nosecondbri
dei
stostepfoot
i
nt hi
shouseandyouknowthatwi
thoutmy
bl
essingnot
hingi
stocomefrom i
t.
Me:
Wear
egoi
ngt
osee.Iam t
heKi
ng.
Ndoni:Clearl
ynott hekindandshar pminded
onethatIonceknew.Youhav eturnedint
oa
dumbf ool.Theel dersonl yappr
ov easecond
wifeagainstthewi shesoft hefir
stwhent he
fi
rstoneisbar r
en.Asy oucanseebar r
enisone
thi
ngthatIam not .Sol i
keIhavesaid,your
desir
ablemai deni stocomeher eonlywhenmy
heartbeatsnol onger .Dumbf oolofahusband.
Goneist hesoftNdoni yamanzithatyoumet
yearsago.Yourev ilf
ami l
yhasmademegr owa
thi
ckskinandIshal l
notal l
owyout owalkover
me. 
Me:Getoutofmychamberanddonotr
etur
n(I
cl
enchedmyjaw)
Ndoni:Wi
thpleasur
e,Idonotwishtoli
enextto
f
il
th.Idonotknowy ouanymore,Nt
sika.You
promisedtonothurtmebuty ouhav
ebeen
doingsosinceyourret
urn.Thi
smaidenmust
besomet hi
ngspeciali
ndeed. 
.
Shel ef
tmest andingt hereandt heangert hatI
hel
di nmewast oomuch.Sheor deredher
beasttogoaway .Iam t ohav eherchai nitupor
Iwillki
lli
t.Ihav eunder mi nedt hisNdoni very
much.I tseemsshehol dst rengt hi nherandi tis
goingtocauset roublef ormypl ansbecause
shei sQueenandshehol dgr eatpower .Ihav e
togetasecondwi fet hatcancar rymyhei rs.I
shallhavet ofindawayt ogetr idofNt sika's
hei
r sandst artmyownbl oodl i
ne.Icannothav e
thi
sNdoni standi nmyway .Shehasal ready
noticedthatsomet hingisnotr ightwi th" me"
andIcannothav eherf indout .May beIam t r
uly
tomakeherhear tstopbeat i
ng.Shei snowt he
onlyobstaclest andingi nmyway .Icannot
haveaQueenwhot r
iest oout smar tme.Il etout
asof tscream ofangerandf r
ust ration.Ineedt o
remembert obeki nderbecauseev ery onei s
goi ngtonot icet hatIam ani mpost er .Atl east
Ndoni t
hinkst hatIhav ebeenbewi tched.What
shedoesnotknowi st hatI'
mt rul
yj ustar epli
ca
ofherhusbandandIcannotl etherf i
ndout
thatIam ani mpost erwhohashadt her eal Ki
ng
kill
ed.Ifany onef i
ndsout ,I'
m asgoodasdead
ev enifIam t rulyasoni nthisfamily.Theson
thatwasmeantt obedr owned.Thepoor
commoner st hatraisedmenamedmeLahl iwe
(thrownaway )becauset heyfoundme
abandoned.Iwasmor eofaser vantt ot hem
thenason.NowIam Ki ngofoneoft hebi ggest
KingdomsandIshal lkil
lanyonewhodar est r
y
andt akei tawayf rom me.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t37
.
#Ndoni
Abi gpartofmewant edtoor derMbal ekito
giveNtsikaaf ewscr atchesforwhathei sdoi ng
tome.HowcanIhur thim whenIst il
llovehi m
somuch?Hewi shesforasecondwi febuthe
promisedt onev erturnintoapol ygami st
.My
Kinghast urnedi nt
oamonst erandIf eart hatit
mightgetwor se.Whatcoul dt hi
smai denhav e
givenhim?IaskedZi phot opleasecar efor
Kamv aunt i
lmyangerhascal med.Ilaidinmy
pri
nce'schamberandmot herwalkedi n.
.
Me:
MyQueen, Iam usel
esscompanyatt
he
moment
.(Isai
dsoftl
y)
Mother
:Whatseemstobethematt
er,
my
bl
ossom?Iheardt
hechaosfr
om af
arand
Kamvagotafri
ght
.
Me:Hewi
shesforasecondwi
fe,
mot
her
.(I
st
art
edt
ocryagain)
Mother
:OhNdoni ,
thati
ster
ri
blenews.What
ar
ehisreasons?
Me: Hesai
dthathenolongerdesi
resmeand
seekstheunt
ouchedbodyofamai denhesaw
whil
eonhisjour
ney.
Mot her
:Thepigi
stheonewhotouchedyou
fi
rstandlast
.Howdareheinsul
tyousomuch?I
am tohaveawordwithhi
m atonce(shest
ood
andIstoppedher)
Me: Leavehi m,myQueen.I fhet
hinksthatIam
goingt oblessthei
runionthenheclear
lyholds
noknowl edgeofwhoIt r
ulyam.Ihavebeenl i
ke
thi
sf amily'
smatf orsolongbutIneverthought
thatNtsika'sfeetwoul
dalsobetheonest ryi
ng
towal kalloverme. 
Mot
her
:Di
dhehur
tyou?(
Ikeptqui
et)
Mot
her:
Ishal
lnotaskyouagai
n,Ndoni
yamanzi
.
(
shesai
dinaster
nv oi
ce)
Me:
Heshowedaggr
essi
on.Hehel
dmyj
awso
t
ight
ly,
Ithoughti
twasgoi
ngt
ocr
ack.
 
Mother:Yourfat
heristohearaboutt
hisatonce.
Iam goi
ngt osendourguardstoZweli
hle
becauseIam notleavi
ngyoualonehere.
Me:No,fat
hercannotknowaboutthi
s.You
knowthathei
ssuretobreakNt
sika'
sbones. 
Mother
:Wehavenothonour
edthi
shousewit
h
youasadaught
eronl
ytoseeyousuf
fer,
Ndoni.
Me:Iam notsufferi
ng.Somethi
ngisnotri
ght
wit
hNtsika.Iti
smydut yasthewomanhe
l
ovestosav ehim.Isuspectt
hattheymight
havebewitchedhim.
Mother:
HasShi
banotcommuni
cat
edwi
th
you? 
Me: Ihavelearnttobepatient
,mother.Sheisto
communi catewheni tisneededforhertobutI
cannotwai tuntil
then.Ihavetogetthepoison
theyfedmyhusbandout .Permissi
ont ohave
Ncedi comet otheKingdom.  
Mot her:Shehasgonewi thBukhosionan
i
mpor t
antduty ,
mybl ossom.Donotf ear,
weare
tothinkofapl ansoon.Ifhel ay
shishandson
youagai n,Ishallhav
ehi m paydear
ly.Youdo
notneedal lofthisheartacheri
ghtnow,youare
car
ry i
ngachi ld.
Me:Henol ongerseemstocar
eaboutt
hechi
l
d
Icar
rynoraboutKamv a.
 
.
Wesatandt alkedandmot herist r
ul y
concerned.Idonotwi shtoi nvolv
emyf ather
yetbecauseIf earhi sfurry.Aguar dt oldme
thatIam neededi nt heguestchamberbecause
wehav eguest s.Thishasbet t
ernotbeabout
Ntsika'
smai den.Ist oodandmademyat ti
re
properandleftf ortheot herchamber .Nt sika
alr
eadyseat edandIf eltdisgustandpi t
yal lat
thesamet imewhenIl ookathi m.Isati nmy
chairnexttohim ashebegun.Het oldmewho
theguestisandf rom wher ehei sf rom. 
.
Guest
:Mythanksf
orallowi
ngmet i
metospeak,
myKingandQueen.Iknowthaty
ouaretr
uly
busypeop.
..
Ntsi
ka:
Gettothepoi
nt(
Ilookedathi
m and
shookmyhead)
Guest
:Ofcourse,
yourhighness.Ihavecome
wit
hanewt r
adingdealbusiness.(
Ntsikasatup)
Ntsi
ka:
Nowy
ouspeakmyl
anguage.Whatt
ype
t
radi
ng?
Guest
:Thet
radeofsl
aves.(
Ist
ood)
Me:UmhlabaOchumi l
eyodoesnottr
adein
humanli
v es.Youarenotthefi
rstt
ooffert
his
andouranswerstil
lremains.Wearenotsl
ave
tr
ader
s!(Ishoutedattheman)
Nt
sika:
Itsoundsl
i
keagooddeal
tome.
Me:Areyoumad?Youknowhowhar dwehave
f
oughttheseki
ndsofdeal
soff.People
t
hreat
eningtobur
nourKingdom becausewe
di
dnotagr
eebutwenev
erchangedourmi
nds.
Whynow?
Guest:
Wearetot
akethebeggar
sandor
phans.
Sur
elynoonei
stomissthem.
Me: Donotinsultmeinmyownhouse!What
partofwedonotdeal i
nhumanlivesdi
dyou
notunderstand.Idonotcarehowwhatli
fea
personl
ivesbutIstil
lsaythatwedonottr
ade
humanbei ngs. 
Ntsi
ka:Myapol ogi
esformyQueen'
sbehavior.
Sheispregnantsoshethi
nkswithheremotions
andnothermi nd.Wearetothi
nkaboutthi
s
dealandmeetupwi thyouagai
n.
Me:
TrustmewhenIsayt hatyouarenotgoi
ng
t
omeetupagainbecausethisdeal
isnotgoi
ng
t
ohappen.Nowgetoutofmyhouse.
Guest
:Iti
ssur
etobr
inggr
eatweal
tht
oyo.
..
Me: Isai
dgetoutofmyhousebefor
eyoulose
youreyetomycheetah.(
hestoodandl
eft
)
Ntsi
ka:Ar
eyoudumb?Didy
ounothearhi
m
speakofgr
eatweal
th.
Me:Ihavebeenfi
ghti
ngt hi
stradefort
oolong
tohaveyoumessitup.Mypeopl earenotgoi
ng
tobepri
sonerswhil
einnocentbecauseofyour
newfoundgreedyheart
. 
Nt
sika:
Musty
oual
way
sgoagai
nstwhatIsay
?
Me: Weusedtoagreeonmostt hi
ngsbecause
youusedtobeamanwhol i
stenedtoadvi
se
giv
entohim butnowyouarepowerhungry.
Thatsamecurseyourbr
otherhadandlook
whereheendedup.
Ntsi
ka:Speaki
ngaboutwhereheendedup.Ido
nott
rustyourbeast
.Ihavespokent
otheelder
s
andyouaretochainthatdemonupincapt
ivi
ty
orheissuretobekil
led.
Me:Scar
edthatshemightri
pthatcol
dhear
t
youhol
dfrom y
ourchest?
Nt
sika:
Ifearnot
hing.Ther
oyal
counci
lhas
agreedwit
hme.Youletawil
dani
malwat
ch
overoursonatni
ghtandt
heydonotl
i
kei
t.
Me:Thesamewil
danimalt
hatsavedtheli
feof
t
hei
rheirmanyy
earsagobecausetheyf
ail
ed
t
o. 
Ntsi
ka:Thechoiceisy
ours.Chai
nheruporsee
herdi
e.Iwantitdonebysunset.
Me: Youarehurt
ingyourson,Ntsika.Kamva
l
ov esMbaleki
andcannotsl eepifsheisnot
besidehi
m.Donotdot hi
s,Ibegofy ou.Hurt
mebecauseIseey ourheartholdsnof eel
i
ngs
formeanymor ebutdonothur thi
m.
Ntsi
ka:Ohyouholdtheabili
tytobeg?WellIdo
notcar
e.AllIknowisthatIwishfort
hatbeast
tobeoutofmyhouseonewayoranot herand
youaretochoosethatwaybysunset.
Me:
MyKi
ng,
whathashappenedt
oyou?
 
Ntsi
ka:Andyouhav
ebetterappr
oveoft
he
secondwif
eorIam goi
ngtogetyououtoft
his
Ki
ngdom t
oo,
onewayoranot
her
.
Me: Youtri
ckedmei nt
ot hinkingthatyouarea
goodmanbuty ouhidyourt rueselfwell
.Ihav
e
neverthoughtIwouldutterthesewor dstoyou
butIwill
.Ihateyou,
Ntsika. 
Ntsi
ka: Goawayandleav eme.Ihav
eimpor
tant
matterstothi
nkabout.Likemycoming
weddingandtheslavetradedeal
.
Me:BothofwhichyouareonlytogetonceI
hav
emetmyend.Ev enthenIshal
lhauntyou.I
am notgoi
ngtoli
edownl ikeadeadrot
ten
ani
mal.Iam goi
ngtofightyou.
Ntsika:Ifmaki
ngy oumeety ourendistheonly
wayt ogetwhatIwantt henperhapsthatisthe
planIshouldconsider
.Idonotwanty ou.Your
body ,y
ourfaceandjustallofyoudisgustsme.
(Ifel
tasharpstinginmyhear t)
Me:
Whyhav
eyoubecomesocr
uel
?
Nt
sika:
BecauseIf
inal
l
yseet
hewhor
ethaty
ou
tr
ulyare.Justasmymotherdi
d.I
s
Kamv al
esizweevenmyheir
?Helooksnot
hing
l
ikeme.( Isl
appedhi
m)
Me:
Donotdar
einsul
tmel
i
ket
hatagai
n!
Nt
sika:
IcandoasIwi
sh!
.
Heslappedmesohar dthatIl
andedonthe
fl
oor
.Ntsikahasnev
erlaidahandonmebef or
e
andIhaveneveri
maginedthathewould.Hel
eft
i
nahur r
yandBantuwalkedinandhelpedme
up.
.
Bant
u:Ar
eyouwel
l
,myQueen?
Me:Iam wel
l
,war
ri
or.Donotf
ear
.Wher
eis
Kamva?
Bant
u:Play
ingwit
hThandoinourhome.My
apol
ogi
esforthi
s.Idonotknowthemanwho
nowcall
shimsel
fmyf r
iend.
Me:
Excuseme,warr
ior
.Myt
hanksf
orhel
ping
meuponmyfeet.
.
Iwalkedoutqui ckly,
al mostrunningbecauseI
am holdingbackt ears.IwenttoKamv a'
sr oom
andmyt earscamef loodingout .Aft
eral ong
whileIwokeupwi thsor eeyes.IwenttoXhant i
tohearaboutt heissueofMbal ekiandhesai d
thatiti
st r
ue.Thecounci lhaveagr eedtor i
dof
her,eit
herbycapt i
vit
yordeat h.Ichosenei ther
ofthoseopt i
ons.IletKamv aplaywithMbal eki
forthelastti
meandev enall
owedhi mt ocl i
mb
onherbackwi thoutshoutingathi m.Afterhe
wasdoneIwal kedwi thhertot heroyalgate.I
knelttoherlevelandl ookedintothoseki nd
eyes.Tearsf i
l
ledmyey es.
.
Me: Myapologiesladycheetah.Icouldnotfi
ght
foryoutostay.Icannotletyour otinchai
nsor
diebecauseofme.Youar enowf r
eetogoand
bewithyourki
nd.Youar easki
ll
edhunt
ersoI
knowy oushal
lser
vice.Mythanksf
oryourki
nd
deedsbutIhavetoletyougo. 
Mother:
Thisi
scrazy
!Thesepeopl
ehavejust
spatonthewaysofZwel
ihl
e(shesai
dbehind
me)
Me:Idonotwisht
ofight
.Nowgo,Mbal
eki
.You
aref
reetogonow(shehidherf
acei
nmyneck
andgrowl
ed)
Mother:Sheknowsonl
yyou,Ndoni
.Toherit
feel
sthesameashav i
nghermotherr
ejecther
.
Ishal
lhavetheguar
dstakehert
oZwelihle.
Me:Iwanthertobefr
ee.GoMbal
eki
,i
tisan
or
der!
.(Isai
dinaster
nvoice)
Mother:
Shei ssoontor et
urn.Iam goingback
toZweli
hleandIam takingy ouandKamv awit
h
me.Yourfatheristoknowaboutal lofthisbad
tr
eatmenttheygivetohisonlyPrincess.Iam
notaski
ngy ou,Ndoniy
amanzi .I
tisanor der
fr
om yourmot her.
Me:
Theyshal
lnotal
l
owmet
ogowi
tht
hei
rhei
r.
Mother:Xhant
iiswi
seenoughtoknowthat
yourf
atherisnott
obeangered.(
shel
eftme)
.
IwatchedasMbal eki
slowl
ymov edawayfrom
me.Shekeptonl ooki
ngbackandmyhear t
wouldfeelpai
n.Shelookedatmeonelasttime
bef
oresher anasfastasshecan.Mybeautiful
l
adycheetah.Istoodandfoundmotherseated
wit
hXhanti,Ntsi
kaandelder.Igr
eet
edandsat .
.
Mother:
Iam notgoi
ngtobeataroundt
hebush.
Iam t
akingmydaughterandgr
andsonwit
hme
toZweli
hle.
 
El
der:Theynowbel
ongt
othi
sfami
l
y.Youhav
e
nori
ghttodoit
.
Mother
:Lawall
owsmet o.Yoursonhasbeen
hit
ti
ngmydaughter
.Iam togowitht
hem and
tel
lmyhusbandwhatisgoingonher
e.Achil
d
cannotbesepar at
edf r
om it
'smot herso
Kamv alesi
zweistogowi t
hus.Theel der
sof
Zwel i
hlear
etocomeher ewithmyKi ngand
discussthi
sissuewithyouall.Ihavenotgiv
en
birt
htomydaught eronlyt
ohav eherdieint
he
handsofy ourcowardson.
Xhanti
:Ist
histr
ue,Ntsi
ka?Hav
eyourai
sed
yourhandtoyourQueen.?(
hel
ookeddown)
Ntsi
ka:
Angerovert
ookmybody
,Fat
her
.Iti
snot
t
ohappenagain.Myapol
ogi
est
omyQueen. 
Mot her
:Youcangivet hoseapol ogi
esdir
ectl
y
totheKingofZwelihle.Infactwear enott
he
oneswhowi ll
comet othissoil
.Ifhehasfound
hissensesagaint
henhei stocomet oZweli
hle
withhispeopl
etoaskf orforgi
veness.Doyou
thi
nkwef earyou,
Nt sika?
Nt
sika:
No,
myQueen.
El
der:Whathasy
ourdaught
erdonet
oanger
oursonsomuch?
Xhanti:
Donotanswert hatquest i
on, Nobu.
Ntsikaholdsnorightt
obeatuphi sQueen.Iam
all
owingy outogowi t
hKamv atothesoi l
of
yourpeople,deardaughter.Itshallsurel
yteach
Ntsikaalessonandwewi llcomet oy ourfat
her
toapologisesoon. 
Me: Ihavealsonotgiv
enNt si
kamyblessings
towedagai nsothereistobenotal
kor
arr
angement sofmar r
iagewhil
eIam gone.
Hopef ul
l
yIam toreturntot
heoldNtsika.
Mot
her:
Iti
stoolat
etotravel
now.Wear eto
l
eav
eatsunset
.Iam shamedt ocal
lyourson
mysoninl
aw.Hebeatshispregnantwif
e.
Xhant
i:TheQueencar
ri
esanot
herchi
l
d?
Me:Idofat
herbutIdi
dnotwi
shf
ori
ttobe
knownyet.
Xhanti
:Youdarehitawomanwhocar
ri
esagif
t
forus?Si
es,Iam shamedt
ocal
kyoumine.
Me:
Fat
her
,Ial
soaskt
hatnobi
gdeal
sbedone
unti
lmyr
etur
n.IasQueenneedt
ogi
vei
nput
too.
 
Xhant
i:Asy
ouwi
sh,
myQueen.
 
.
Nt sikast oodi nangerandl ef tus.Idonotcar e
whatbecomesofhi m.Iwentt ogetKamv a
from Zi phoandf oundherf eedi ngt
hem.She
gav emef oodal soandwesatandat e.Itol
dher
thatIam t ol eav ebutnott her easons.We
fi
ni shedandIt hankedheragai nandleft.I
bat hedt hePr inceandt r
iedt oputhimt osleep
buthewoul dj ustnotsettl
e.Hekeptoncr ying
andsay i
ng" Bal eki"anditbr okemyhear t
.Ican
notcal lherbackbecauseIdonotknowwhat
Nt sikaist odowhi lesheisher e.Hefinal
ly
calmedandsl ept.Isl
eptnextt ohim and
star tedtocr y .Howhast hishappenedso
qui ckly?If eel li
keast r
angeri sinmyhusband' s
body . 
.
.
.
#Ki
ng 
Ntsi
ka
Iheardplent
yofnoisearoundmebutIcoul d
notopenmyey es.Ifoughttoopenthem andI
fi
nall
ydid.Myheadf eel
ssosore.Themanwho
satnexttomespoke.  
.
Hi
m:Iseey
ouar
efi
nal
l
yawake.
 
Me:
Wher
eam I
? 
Him:Youar
einBomubuphambil
i.
 Aboutt
obe
shi
ppedawaywit
hthenextsl
avesinafew
weeks.
Me:No,
Iam noslav
e.Iam t
heKi
ngofUmhl
aba
Ochumi
ley
o.Ibegofyout
ohelpme.
 
Hi
m: Howam It
ohel
pyouwhenIf
ail
tohel
p
mysel
f?
Me:
Whyar
ewei
nchai
ns?
 
Him: Youarenolongerhumannow,wearenow
asgoodasani malsthati
twhy.Youmusthave
real
lyinj
uredyourheadbadl
y.Youar
enota
King.Youareslavenumber159.
Me:No,Iam not
.HowcanImeetwi
tht
heKi
ng?
Heknowsme.  
Him:
Doy outhi
nkt
hatt
heKingcaresabouty
ou?
Youwoul
dnotbeherei
fhecaredabout
commoners.
 
Me:Iam notacommoner.Iam thesonof
f
ormerKingXhant
i.Marr
iedtoQueen
Ndoni
yamanziwhohail
sfrom Zweli
hle(
he
l
aughed)
Him:Youthi
nkthatIam tobelievet haty ouare
wedtothedaughterofthegreatKi ngXol o?He
wouldhavesentwarri
orsandbeast sal ong
ti
meagot ofr
eeyou.Getoutoft hatcr azy
i
maginati
onandacceptt hatyouar easl ave.A
nobodywhoisabouttogot of orei
gnl andst o
workforf
reeandbebeat enunt i
ldeat h. 
Me:Iam notsl
ave.Iam theKingofUmhlaba
Ocgumi
leyo(Ishoutedatall
lookedatme)
Him: Lookaroundbrother.Youar enot
surroundedbyroyal
ty.Youar esur r
oundedby
fel
lownewsl aveswhowai tf
orabuy ert
ocome
getthem li
keyouandI .Youar esur etogofast
becauseitseemsy ouhol dgreatphy si
cal
str
engt htogoworkfort hemast ers. 
.
Isatandf el
ttheheav ychai nar oundmyneck
andIshout edinanger .Irememberbei nginmy
chamberher easaguest .Iwast ogotot he
negotiationsbutIcl earl
ynev ermadei t.Iknow
someonehi tmyheadf rom behi ndbutIdonot
rememberany thi
ngel se.Icannotbeasl ave!
Surel
ymyent ir
eKingdom i slookingforme.My
Queenshal lneverrestunt ilIam home.I sthis
theplanofKi ngSipho?I fitisthensur elyBantu
andfat herareher etoo.Ihav etomaket hese
peopler eali
sewhoIam bef or eIgetsol dtoa
slavemast er.Ididnotagr eet ot hisbusi ness
becauseIknowt hepai ni tcauses.Coul di tbe
thepeopl eofoneoft hesl avedeal sIhav e
turneddownwhodi dthis?Ihav et ofindmyway
backt oNdoni .Shemustbewor riedsi ckabout
mywher eabouts.Howam goi ngt ot ellt
hese
peoplethatIam notsl av e159butKi ngNt sika
ofUmhl abaOchumi l
ey o?Ishout edi n
frustr
ati
onasIl i
stenedt ot hebittercr i
esof
someoft hey oungmenIam capt uredwi th.I
l
ookedatt hepainanddef eattheycl earl
yar e
feeli
ngandt hisiswhyNdoni andIhav enev er
agreedtobeapar tofsuchadi r
tybusi ness.
NowIam notapar toft hebusi ness, Iam t he
businessbecauseIam t hepr oductt hatt hey
areaboutt otrade.Icl osedmyey esand
thoughtaboutNdoni andKamv aandIhopet hat
theyarewel l
.Ihopeshei snotcapt uredaswel l.
Whati sgoingon?
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t38
.
#Ndoni
Iopenedmyey esandwasgr eetedbyt he
sleepingKamv a.Icannotbel ievet hatNt sika
doubtst hatoursoni shis.Kamv al ooksmuch
l
ikehim, al lhehast hatresembl esmei sthebi g
eyes.Ikissedhi sheadandr emember edt hat
myPr incesl eptwi thabrokenhear t.Ist oodt o
getreadyf ormyj ourneywithmot hert omy
homesoi l.Allt
hisnewsi ssur el
ygoi ngt oanger
theKingofZwel ihle.Ihadbat hi
ngwat erbe
broughti nandIst art
edtobat hmy self.Ther e
wasaknockont hedoorandIwr appedacl oth
aroundmybodyandwentt oopen.I t'smy
mot her.
.
Mot
her
:Gr
eet
ings,
mychi
l
d(sheki
ssedmy
cheeks)
Me:Gr
eeti
ng,mot
her
.Youaredressedal
ready
.
Youmusthav
ewokenupreal
lyearl
y.
Mother
:IdidbecauseIcannotwai
ttogetout
oft
hismiserabl
eplace.
 
Me:
Kamv ahasnotev
enopenedhi
sey
esy
et,
myQueen.
 
Mot
her
: Donotf
ear
,Ishal
lbat
hhi
m whi
l
ehei
s
i
nhi
sslumber.
Me:Isthatevenpossibl
ewi t
houtwaki
nghim?
Hebecomesagr umpyprincewhenhissl
eepi
s
di
stur
bed.(shelaughed)
Mother:Muchli
key ourfather
.Iam notgoi
ngto
dist
urbhim,youshallsee.Ihavegentl
ehands
(welaughed)
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngtodenyt
hat
.Iwi
l
laskf
or
mor
ewarm water
. 
Mother
:Getyoursel
fready
.Iam goi
ngtohavei
t
al
ldonemyselfsothatwecanfi
nishqui
ckl
y.
 
Me:Myhear tf
eelssoheavy
,mot her.Usuall
y
Ntsi
kabecomessadwhenwegov i
sitZweli
hle
butnowhedoesnotseem tocar e.Iknowt hat
heisnolongertheki
ndmant hatIknowbutI
l
ovehim.Hehashur tmesomuchal ready.Why
canInotfor
cemyhear tt
ostoplov i
nghim?  
Mother
:Iti
snoteasytodictat
etothehear t,
my
bl
ossom.Iti
sunderstandabl
ethatyoust i
l
llove
hi
m becauseheistheonlymany ourhearthas
l
ovedandheisthef at
herofyourchi
ldren.
 
Me:Iheary
ou,myQueen.Howdoyout
hink
f
atheri
sgoingt
otaket
henews? 
Mother:Heisnotgoi
ngtobetherewhenwe
ar
rivebutheistobebacksoon.Ithi
nkyou
al
readyknowhowhei sgoingtoreact
. 
Me:
Letusf
ini
sh,
mot
her
. 
.
Shei
ndeedbathedKamvawithoutdi
stur
bing
hi
ssl
umber.Thatisaski
l
lthatIneedtolear
n
qui
ckly.Ipackedourat t
ir
esandwer
ereadyt
o
go.Xhantiaskedf orustojoi
nhi
minthe
mor ni
ngfeast.Kamv awokeupandweallwent
tothemor ni
ngf east.
 
.
Xhant
i:Gr
eet
ings,
dearQueens.
Mot
her
:Sunr
isegr
eet
ings,
Xhant
i.
 
Me:
Greet
ings,
Fat
her
. 
Xhant
i:I
tsaddensmyhear
tthaty
ouar
eto
l
eaveussoon. 
Me:Ntsi
kahasgi venmenochoice,f
ather
.Ido
notknowthestrangert
hathehasbecome.All
ofhimisdi
ffer
ent.Whathappenedonthatsoi
l
? 
Xhanti
:Wewer etr
eat
edwellonthatsoi
l,my
Queen.Bantuist
obewi t
nesst
ot hat
.Ithi
nk
thatt
hismaidenhespeaksofmusttrul
yhavea
seri
ousholdonhim. 
Me:
Hav
eyouseent
hismai
den?
 
Xhanti
:Si
phohasmanydaughter
sbecausehe
hasthr
eewives.Idonotknowwhi
chhespeaks
of.
 
Ne: Somet hi
nghappenedt omyhusbandon
thatsoil
,thatIam sureof.Idonotknowwhat
happenedbutwhat ev
eritishaschangedhi
m.
Hel ooksthinandmywar r
iorhel
dthebodyofa
manofst rength.
 
Mother:Perhapstheyf
edhi m something.Weall
knowthatdar kmagici
sat hingthatexists.I
advi
cethaty outakehi
mt oseeaheal er.Iam
notbri
ngingmydaught erbackhereunl esshe
haschangedhi sways.
 
Xhant
i:Iam goi
ngtoaskt hefamilyheal
erto
come.Perhapsourancestorsaregoingtobe
abl
etoshedsomel i
ghtonthismat t
er.I
fhe
i
ndeedhasbeenbewi tchediti
stoshowsoon.I
haveal
sonot i
cedthatheisdiff
erent.
 
Kamv
a:Mada(
Ilookedathi
m)
Me:
Yes,
Kamv
a. 
Kamv
a:Kamv
awant
sBal
eki
(myhear
tsank)
Me: Shehasgonet
ohuntf orafewdays.Shei
s
toretur
noncesheisver
yfull.Doyou
underst
and,mypri
nce?(henodded)
Mother
:Comefi
nishy ourf
oodsothatMbal
eki
canfi
ndKamvafull
.(hesmiled)
Kamv
a:Eatal
lfood.
 
Xhant
i:Yes,
youngpri
nce.Iam goi
ngtomi
ss
hi
m.IstheKingnotgoi
ngtojoi
nus?  
Me: Ihol
dnoknowledgeofthat
,father.Idonot
thi
nkhei sevenbot
heredbyourdeparture.
Kamv awear egoi
ngtoZweli
hle(Isaidina
cheerful
voice)
Kamv
a:Seemor
eBal
eki
'
s(hegi
ggl
ed)
Mot
her:Tohi
m al
lthecheet
ah'
sar
eMbal
eki
(
welaughed)
Xhant
i:Youaret
osendgr
eet
ingst
oyourot
her
gr
andfather
. 
Me:Pl
easeexcuseme,
Iam notf
eel
i
ngt
oo
wel
l
. 
Xhant
i:I
sal
lwel
l
? 
Me:I
tisjusttheil
l
nessthatcomeswi
th
pr
egnancy,Father
.Al
liswell
. 
.
Iranoutandmademywayt othebushes
outsideanddi dmybusi ness.HowIhat et hi
s
partofpregnancy !Icover edallwit
hsoi land
wentt orinsemymout h.Iwaswal kingbackt o
theeatingchamberusi nganot herentranceand
Iheardnoi se.Atfir
stIthoughtt hatitisthe
servantswhoar espeaki ngt oeachot herbutI
real
iseditdoesnotsoundl i
kespeaki ng.It
soundsl i
ket hebedroom pl easuresoundsandi t
camef rom mychamber .Iopenedt hedoorand
foundNt sikahavingbedr oom dealingswi thone
ofthey oungser v
antmai dens.Iwassohur t
thatnosoundcoul dcomef rom mymout h.Thi
s
maidensawmeandj umpedup.  
.
Her
:MyQueen(
Ntsi
kal
ookedatme)
Me:Youarefi
lt
hy,Ntsi
ka.Yougetoutofmy
chamberr
ightnow! 
.
Itookherbyherneckandl edherout .Shewas
beggingmet onotshameherbyshowi ngal
lher
nakednessbutIdi dnotgi
veadamn.Al lwho
weret heresawhershameandIl edheroutof
theroy al
house.Somewer elaughi
ng, some
shockedbutIwasangr yandhur t
.Ilefther
thereandZi phocamewi t
haf ewslaps.Ididnot
havetimef orherIwantedtogofacet hat
coward.Iwal kedbacktoourchamber .
.
Me:
Whathav
eIev
erdonet
oyou?
Ntsi
ka:Youref
usetol
etmehav easecondwif
e
t
hatistosati
sfymyneeds.SoIam goingto
f
indotherwaystodoitbecauseyoufai
lto.
 
Me:
Youhav
etur
nedi
ntoadi
rt
ybast
ard.
 
.
Icoul dseet hathewasbecomi ngv eryangry.
Hewassi tt
ingont hebednotsay i
ngawor dbut
hisjawi sclenchingsomuchy ou' dswearhei s
chewi ngsomet hingverysti
cky.Iwasf eeli
ngso
hurtandbet rayedbythemanIt houghtloved
me.Hest oodf r
om thebedandhecov ered
himsel f.Notqui ckenoughbecauseIsaw
somet hing.Hei snotci
rcumcised, myhusband
i
sci rcumci sed!Theshockt hatwentt hroughmy
bodywast oomuch.Iknewt hatIcannott ell
himt hatIknow.Hemi ghtkil
lmeandIwantt o
knowwher emyhusbandi s,myr ealhusband.
.
I
mposter
: Youar
etospeakt
omewi
thr
espect
!
(
heshouted)
Me:Therespectyouspeakofi
stobeearned.I
wi
ll
notrespectsomeonewhoholdsnoregard
f
or.
..
.
Heslappedmebef oreIcouldfini
shandI
l
andedont hefloor
.Istoodquickl
yandhedid
notgivemeachancet or unbecauseheheld
meupandt hr
ewmeagai nstt
hewal l
.Somuch
thatIf
earedmyspi nenightbebroken.He
wantedtowalkt omeagai nbutmothercamein
holdi
ngaweaponandcuthi sarm. 
.
Mother:Youhavejustmadethegreat
est
mist
akeofy ourenti
rel
if
e.Iam sur
etomake
f
ir
er ai
nony ou.
 
Xhant
i:Whathaveyoudone,Ntsi
ka?Doy ou
knowtheconsequencesofwhatyoujustdi
d?I
s
i
tawary ouwishfor
? 
Mot
her
:Ar
eyouwel
l
,Ndoni
. 
Me:
Ithi
nkIhav
ewetmy
sel
f.
.
Ist
art
edt
ocr
yandshel
i
ftedupmydr
ess
sli
ght l
y.Thewar mfluidIf el
trunni
ngdownmy
thighsisnoturine,i
tisbl ood.Motheral
so
startedtocryandwar riorBant ucamerunning
andl if
tedmeupt oanot herchamber.Zi
pho
camei nwithacaretaker .Mothertol
dherthatI
am pr egnantandshedi dherj ob. 
.
Her
:Myapol
ogies,myQueen.Yourbodywas
t
ooweaktokeepthebaby.
Me:
Wher
eisKamv
a? 
Zi
pho:
Wit
hJongi
l
e. 
Me:Iaskthatyoupleasehav
ehi
mreadyt
o
l
eav
ef orZweli
hle.
 
Zi
pho:
Asy
ouwi
sh.
 
Me:MotherIaskthaty
oucall
inwarr
iorBant
u
andcar
etakeryoumayexcuseus.
 
Mot
her
:Ishal
lgoatonce.
 
.
Ifeltalotofphy sical painbutthatpaindoes
notcompar etothepai nI'mfeelingemot ional
ly.
Iam goi ngtokillthismanwhoev erheisbutI
cannotbedumbabouti t
.Theel der
sshal lnever
beli
ev emewhenIsayt hathei sani mpost er
.
Hehol dst hepowerofKi ngandt heknowl edge
ofwher emyhusbandi ssoIam sur et oneed
myf at
her'shelpindeal ingwi t
ht hi
smat ter.I
holdangerf orNt sikabecauseIaskedhi m not
togot ot hatmeet ing.Looknowhehasgi ven
oppor t
unitytoani mpost ertoaccessourhome.
Ifearthatev enhemi ghtbedeadbutIam not
goingt oinsultmywar r
iorli
kethat.Hei sout
thereandIneedf at herandwar riorBantu'shelp
tofindhi m.Bantuwal kedi nwithmot herand
closedt hedoor. 
.
Bant
u:Youhav
ecal
l
ed,
myQueen.
Me:Mythanksforcomingsosoon,
warr
ior
.
WhatIam aboutt
otell
y oubot
hist
oremai
n
bet
weenthethr
eeofus.IknowthatIcant
rust
mymotherbutcanIt
rustyou,
warri
or?
Bantu:Youcan,
myQueen.Igi
vey
oumy
promise.
 
Me:Wehol
dani
mpost
er.Thatmani
nther
eis
notmyKi
ng.
 
Bantu:
Ihavebeensuspect ingthat
,myQueen.
Thismanholdsnomemor iesofourchil
dhood
norofourti
mesinbattle.WhenIwoul daskhi
m
hesaysthathehasforgotten.Ntsi
kaisal
ways
theonewiththeshar
pestmi ndanddoesnot
for
geteasi
ly.
Mot
her
:Isi
tnotwi
set
otel
ltheel
der
s?
Me:Youhear dwhatel deraskedwhenwet old
himthattheirsonbeatsme.Hewant edtoknow
whatIhaddonet ot hei
rsont omakehiml i
ke
that
.Theyar enotgoingtobeliev
emeand
mightevensendmet ocapt i
vi
tyfori
nsanit
y.We
needfather'
sadviceont hi
s.Bantu,y
ouaret o
beourear sandey eshere.Heissuretosli
pup
andreveal
thi
ngs.Ishall
notrestunt
ilmyKing
ret
urnshomewhet herheisdeadorali
ve.
 
Mother
:Ndoni,l
etyourf
atherdeal
wit
hthi
s.
Youneedtorecover
. 
Me:Iam goi
ngtorecoveroncemyhusbandis
home.Myhearti
sonlytofindpeaceonceI
haveki
l
ledthi
simposter.
 
Mot
her
:Youar
enoki
l
ler
.
Me:Heki
ll
edmychild,
mot her.Iam goi
ngto
makehi
m payfori
tbutIfi
rstneedfather
's
r
esour
cestofi
ndmyKi ng.
Bant
u:St
artwhereital
lbegunat
Bomubuphambil
i
. Yourf
ather
'snameisfear
ed,
myQueen.Havehim goandseet heKi
ngthere.
 
Me:Youareri
ght,warrior
.Iam goi
ngt oki
ll
all
whoareinvol
vedinthis.Noonemesseswi th
myheartli
kethi
s.Mot her,
wear et
ogoatonce.
Warri
oryouaretotellusanythi
ngthatyouthi
nk
mightbeimport
ant,especial
l
ythewor dshe
ut
ter
swhenhei
sdr
unk.
 
Bant
u:Asyouwi
sh,myQueen.Wear
egoi
ngt
o
fi
ndtheKi
ngandbr
inghi
m home.
 
Mot
her
:Resty
ourbodyabi
t.
 
Me:Iam t
orestwhenthatpi
gthatcal
l
shimself
myhusbandisdead.Wehavewastedenough
t
ime.Letusgo.
 
.
Bantulef tusandmot herhelpedmegetdecent
forourj ourney.Iknowt hatIam nott ot r
avelin
thi
scondi t
ionbutIcannotwast eti
me.The
mor etimeIwast ethechancesoff i
ndi ngmy
Ntsikaar eslim.Wher earey oumyKi ng?Thi s
i
mpost erhadmor eguardssur roundinghi s
damncowar d.Mot her
,Kamv aandIl eftfor
Zwel i
hle.Itfeelsasifsomeonest abbedmy
heartandl etitbleedfrom inside.Ntsikaisto
comehomet othebadnewsandIknowt hatit
i
sgoi ngt obr eakhisheart.Iam goingt osear ch
allofBomubuphambi l
ieveni fIhavet otakeal l
thewar r
ior
sofZwel i
hlewithme.Sur ely
someonehasseensomet hi
ngsuspi ci
ous.
Mot herl
ookedatmewi thconcerntheentir
e
way .Ij
ustkeptsilentbecauseIam t ry
ingto
thi
nkofasol idplan.Wher eareyou, myKing?
Pleasejustgivemeasi gnthatyourheartsti
ll
beatswher ev
ery ouare.Tearsrolleddownmy
cheeksandIwi pedthem offquickly
.
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Ourcaptur
estookofft
hechainstoletusgo
andworkonthefarms.Wehav ebeenhereall
daywit
houtfoodorwater
.Thesuni sburni
ng
ourski
nssomuch.Aguar dcameandIst opped
worki
ng.
.
Guar
d:Whogav
eyouper
missi
ont
ost
op
wor
king?(
heshout
ed)
Me:
Youar
etowat
chy
ourt
onewheny
ouspeak
t
ome! 
Guard:
Orel
sewhat,
slav
e?(
hehi
tmewi
tha
st
ickonmyback)
Me:Comedownf r
om thathorseandfi
ghtme
l
ikear ealman,coward.Iam goingt
okil
lyou
wit
hmybar ehands.Iam notgoingtocont
inue
wit
hy ourfi
lt
hywor kunti
lyougiveuswaterto
dri
nk.(Isatdown)
.
IcouldseethatIhav
eangeredhi
m alotso
muchsot hatIfel
tmorebl
owshitmyback.
Anotherguardcameandstoppedhi
m.
.
Guard2:Areyoucrazy
?Youknowt hatweare
nottoharmthestr
ongones.Theysti
llneedt
o
dotheotherj
ob.(
heshouted)
Guar
d1:
Hei
stobet
aughtmanner
s.Ihav
e
nev
ermetsuchadi
srespect
ful
slav
e. 
Me: Thatisbecauseyouarenotstandi
ng
beforeaslave.Iam aKingandoncemypeople
fi
ndmey ouaregoingtopayforthi
streat
ment
.
Iam notgoingtodoanot herj
obforyou. 
Guar
d2:Donotwor
ry,
youar
esur
etoenj
oyt
his
j
ob(hel
aughed)
Me:Idemandwat erformeandallt
hesepeopl
e.
Whil
ey ouareati
t,IdemandtoseeyourKi
ng
(
theylaughed)
Guard1:
Theonlythi
ngyouaretoachiev
ef r
om
thi
sbehavi
orofyour
sishaveyour
selfkil
l
edor
sol
dquicker
. 
Guard2:Gi
vet
hem wat
erbef
oretheycol
lapse.
Wecannothavet
hatorwearesuretobein
t
rouble.
 
.
Theyi
ndeedgaveuswat
erandpi
ecesofbr
ead.
Mybackissor
ebutnott
oomuch.All
theones
thatlookedgr eatinphysicalst rengthwer e
chaineduponceagai n,my sel fincluded.The
chainsranf rom ournecks, tot hehandsal l
the
wayt oourf eet.Theyindeedar eheav y.We
weregi venwat ertobathandwer etoldthatwe
aretodoournextj ob.Iwassoconf usedast o
whati ti
s.Wewer etakent ot ent s.Eachtoa
separateone.Ient er
edandf oundagr assmat
i
nt hecent erandwasor deredt ogoi nandwait.
Isatandamai denwalkedi n. 
.
Her:
Greet
ings,mynamei
sNosandi
so.Iam
assi
gnedt
oy ou.
Me:Idonotunder
stand,
myl
ady
.Assi
gnedt
o
dowhat?
 
Her: Youhav eshowngreatphysi
calstr
ength
andt hathasmadet hem chooseyout o
i
mpr egnateme.Al lchi
l
drenbornherear et
obe
slavesandt heychoosestr
ongment opasson
thatgenet othenextgenerat
ionofslaves.
 
Me:Areyoutel
li
ngmethatIam expect
ingto
sl
eepwithyousoyoucancarr
ymychi l
d?A
chi
ldt
hatistobedeemedaslavethesecondit
i
sborn. 
Her
:Wearegoi
ngt
ogeti
ntodeept
roubl
ewhen
wedonotdoi
t.
 
Me:Iwouldrathertheyt orturemetodeaththen
doit
.Iam notasl ave.Iam t heKi
ngofUmhl aba
Ochumil
eyo.Iam notgoi ngtohurtmyQueenby
br
ingi
ngil
legi
t i
mat echil
dr entoourhouse.Get
dr
essedandl eave,myl ady .
 
Her:Idonotwishtodothi
seit
herbecausemy
hear
tbelongstosomeoneelsebutwearenev
er
togetoutofhere.
 
Me:
Iam sur
egoi
ngt
ogetoutofher
e. 
Her: Ihaveaplantohelpusboth.Letus
pretendlikewearedoingit.Makeallt
heri
ght
noisest olett
hem t
hinkthatwearedoingi
t.
Me:
Icar
enotwhaty
oudobutIam t
ell
i
ngy
ou
t
hatnoseedofmi
nei
stoent
ery
ourbody
.
.
Shel ookedatmedi sappointed.Idecidedtogo
alongwi thherpl anandpr etendedt obeone
witht hi
smai den.I ti
st hemostdegr adingthing
thatIhav eev erbeenaskedt odo.Idonotcar e
i
ft heyki l
lmei ftheyfindout.Idesirenoot her
l
adyandespeci all
ynoti nt
hesedi sgusting
circumst ances.Mybodybet rayedmebecause
mkhont or eactedt oseeinghernakedbodybutI
didnotgi veint oitall
.Shewett hecloththat
wasi nt hetenttomakei tseem asi fshehadt o
usei ttomakeusdecentagai n.
 
.
Me:Iaskthatyoudonotbecomeof f
endedby
myr ej
ecti
on,mylady.Youar
eoftr
uebeaut y
butIalr
eadyhavemyQueenathome.Shehol ds
myhear t
.Sheistr
ulybeaut
if
ulwi
thbiginnocent
eyesthatmakemeweak.Ski nt
hatisassweet
andsmoot hashoneyandascentthatIam
t
rul
yaddi
ctedt
o. 
Her
:It
akenoof
fense.Youmustt
rul
ylov
eher
.
(
Ismil
ed)
Me: Myheartbeat
sformyNdoni .Shecarri
es
oursecondchil
dandIam goi ngt
omakesur e
thatIam homebythetimeishast ogiv
ebirth.I
am goingtofi
ghtunt
ilIgetoutofthi
splacesoI
canbewi thmywifeandson.
Her:
Congrat
ulat
ions 
ony
oursecondchi
l
d.Ar
e
youtr
ulyaKi
ng? 
Me:Yes,
butIcannotpr
ovei
tbecausenoone
bel
i
evesme.Mypeoplearet
ocomev er
ysoon.
 
Her:Iaskthatyoupl
easefreemeaswel l
,my
King.Ihav
el ef
tmyveryoldgrandmotheralone
andIam wor ri
edsi
ckabouther.Iaskthatyou
havemef reedonceyourpeoplecomef oryou.
 
Me: Wearet
obefreesoon,
myl
ady
.Ipr
omi
se
you.(t
hecur
tai
nopened)
Guar
d:Ar
eyout
wopl
ott
inganescape?
Her:
No,wear
ejusttr
yingt
ogettoknoweach
ot
hersi
ncewearetospendmoreti
metogether
.
Guard:
Donottakemeforafool
.Ihaveheard
whatyouj
ustsai
daboutbei
ngfr
ee.(heslapped
her
)
Me:Youdar
erai
seahandonal
ady
,bl
oody
cowar
d. 
.
Ishout edandwentf orhim.Ipunchedhi m
mul ti
plet i
mesunt ilhisfaceandmyf ist
swer e
cov eredi nblood.Ifeltpeoplepullatmeand
put t
ingt hechainsbackon.Theydr aggedmet o
opengr oundandt heyal lhitmeatonce.Each
blowst ungbecauseIonl ywor ethecloth
wr appedar oundmywai st.Bunchofcowar ds
cannotf ightmef airl
ywi t
houtt hesechains.I
am goi ngt omaket hewhol elotpay.Theybeat
meupandputmei nacol dchamberbymy sel
f.
IthoughtofNdoni andf earedthatshemi ght
alsobecapt uredandi stobeusedatabr eeding
machi neofy oungsl av essoon.Whyhav eInot
seenf atherandBant u?Whati ftheyhav ebeen
kil
led?Whyhasnoonecomef ormey et
?I tcan
onlybebecauset heyar ecapturedorki l
led.I
fel
tashar psti
ngi nmyhear tasIt houghtof
thoset wopossi bili
ti
es.Icannotdi e,notbef ore
Iknowwher emyQueen, Pri
nceandf ami lyis.I
hav etospeakt oKi ngSi phosomehow.Iknow
thattheyar enotgoi ngt okillmebecauseIam a
"qualit
yslave"sur etobr ingingoodr ewar ds.I
hav etofindawayhomebef orethebuy ersset
footont hissoilbecauseonceI '
m sold,Iam
nev ergoingtobeabl et oprovemyt r
uei dentity
.
Iam sur etobesl av e159f oreverifIdonotf ind
awayout .Iaskf ormyancest orstokeepme
safeandal i
veunt il
Igohome.Ev enifitisjust
toseeNdoni yamanzi andKamv aonemor et ime
andal sot omeetourunbor nchild.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t39
.
#Lahl
i
we
Dayshavegonebysi ncemybr other'
sbridehas
l
eftthi
shouse.Suddenl yt heairIbreathefeel
mor ef
resher.Iam sti
llplanningtogetr i
dofher
soon.Ihavealreadygott enri
doft heunbor n
hei
rshecar r
iedandsoonIam goi ngtogetr i
d
oftheonewhol i
ves.Icannotal lowNt si
ka's
bl
oodli
net obef ut
ureKi ng.Iam inmychamber
wit
hamai denser vant.Nev erinmyl if
ehav eso
manymai densal l
owedmet ohav ethem.The
doorfl
ungopenandwej umpedup.
.
Xhant
i:Iam si
ckofy
ourbehav
ior
,Nt
sika!(
he
shout
ed)
Me: Idemandthatyouatleastshowmethe
respectt
hatIdeser
v e.Thi
sismypriv
ate
chamber! 
Xhanti
: Youarebusybeingawhor eofaman
whil
ey ouneglectthebusi
nessofy ourKingdom.
Youhav eletNdoniyamanzigoandIpr omise
youthaty ouarenevert
ofindsuchal adyagain.
Youhav ekill
edyourownchild!Youhav enow
gonetoof ar.
 
Me:Iam Ki
ngandIcangoasf arasIwish.
Ndonii
sawomanwhot r
iest
oout smarther
ownhusband.Shei
stoblameforlosi
ngt hat
chi
l
dbecauseheratt
it
udeangeredme. 
Xhant
i:Herindependentmi
ndi soneofthe
thi
ngsthathavecapturedy
oui nthef
ir
stplace.
Youusedt olovehowsheis. 
Ntsi
ka:Wellt
hemaidenIhavemadeapromise
todoesnotbackt
alkwhenIspeak.Shehas
beentaughtt
obesubmissiv
easawomani s
expect
edto.
Xhant
i:Youwereluckytofi
ndaQueenwhoi s
smart
,kind,l
oveandrespect
ful
.Acombinat
ion
youar
enev ergoi
ngtofindagai
n.Mostmen
begtheirancestorsforsuchal adybutnev er
fi
ndsuchl uck.Youdonotknowt hemessy ou
havecaused.Xol oisnotgoingt otakethi
sl yi
ng
down.Doy ourememberhowheal mostmade
youmeety ourend?Nextt imey ouar esur
enot
tobekuckybecausey ouhav eangeredtheone
personwhowasabl etopr ot
ecty oufrom him.If
Ihavetogiv eyouupt opreventawarwi th
Zwelihl
ethenIam sur egoingto.
Me:Youarewi
ll
ingtogiveupy
ourownsont
o
beki
ll
edtosav
et hi
sKingdom? 
Xhanti:Youar enotmyson.Mysoni swi seand
doesnotmakef oolishdecisions.Mysonwoul d
notbeatuphi swi f
eev er,especial
l
ywhi l
eshe
carri
edhi schil
d.Idonotknowwhatt hat
maidenhasdonet oy oubutIam t ofindout
today.Getdressedbecauset hehealerisgoing
tobeher esoon.St opsticki
ngy ourmanhoodi n
everymai denint hi
sKi ngdom anddoas
expectedofy ou.Bet heKingoft hi
ssoilorrisk
havingy ourti
tl
est ripped. 
Me:
Ist
hatat
hreat
?
Xhanti:
Iti
sapr omise.Youunder
minethe
powerthatIsti
llhol
dinthi
sKingdom.Get
dressedatonce. 
Me: Iam notgoi
ngtomeetupwi
thy
ourhealer
onlytohaveyoubewit
chme.Nowgetoutofmy
chamberatonce. 
.
Hel ef tandcl osedt hechamberdoor .Iletouta
shouti nf r
ustrat
ionandf eltthismaiden'ssof t
handar oundmyneckandcal med.Ibecame
onewi thheragai nandagai n.Xhantineedst o
bedeal twi t
h.Hei sr i
ght ,
hehol dspowert o
dethr oneme.Al lheneedsi senoughv ot esfrom
ther oy alcouncil.Itseemsmyangeri smor eof
aprobl em thanIr ealised.Soonmanyar egoi ng
towonderwher et hesuddenshor tt
emper
comesf r
om.Ihav enotgi venmuchat tentionto
theKi ngdom' sbusi nessesbecauseIf ail t
o
under st andhowi tallworksandIcannotask
forhelpeitherbecauset
heyknowt hereal
Ntsikaholdsgreatknowledgeofeverythi
ng.I
gottoldthatIhaveaguestandi ti
san
i
mpor tantone.Igotupandgotdr essed.Iwent
totheguestchamberandal mostgotaf r
ight
.It
i
st hePr i
nceofBomubuphambi li
, 
Ngxaki
(Trouble)
.
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e? 
Ngxaki
:Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
out
obr
ingy
our
endofthedeal
,Lahl
i
we. 
Me:Donotcal
lmebythatname.Thewal
ls
haveear
s.Doyouwi
shforsomeonetohear
you? 
Ngxaki:Lookifyoudonotsti
cktothedeal t
hen
Iam goingtostandonthehighestmountain
andtellal
lwhoy outr
ulyar
e.Ionlyagreedto
helpyouwi t
hthispl
anofyoursbecausey ou
promisedmesl avesonceyouareKing. 
Me: Doyouthi
nkthatIholdknowl edgeofthat?
IknowIstandhereasNtsika'sreplacement
becauseofyourhel
p.Iwishtor emai nandsteal
hisi
denti
tyfor
eversoIshallnotdisappoint
you.
 
Ngxaki
:Whyhav
eInothadmysl
aves,
"Nt
sika"
.?
Me:Itseemsli
kehewasagainstthi
sideaso
hisQueenhasbeenmaki
ngitdiff
icul
ttoforme
toapprovet
hedeal
.
Ngxaki
:Youlety
oursel
fbedi
ctat
edbyawoman?
Apowerlesswoman? 
Me:Shehasgr
eatpowerher
e,herhusband
madesureoft
hat
. 
Ngxaki:Wellyouareherhusbandnowsomake
sur
et hatthi
shappens.Doy ouknowt heweal th
Iam l
osingbecauseofy ou?Ifmyf atherfinds
outIhavehelpedy ouri
dofther ealKing,Iam
sur
egoi ngtodie.Iwishforyoutoremai nKi ng
asmuch.asy oudobecausei ti
sgoingt ohel p
usbothstayal i
ve.Nooneistoev erfi
ndout
aboutt
his.
 
Me:Youarenott
ocomeher eagai
n.Whathav
e
youdonewit
hthereal
King?Ihopeyouhav
e
ki
ll
edhim.
 
Ngxaki:Donotworryyour
sel
faboutthat.Heis
nevergoingtobot
herusagain.Iam tosend
negoti
atorsonceagai
nandthistimey ouar
eto
approvethedeal
.AreweclearLahli
we?  
Me:
Donotcal
lmet
hat
?(Ishout
edi
nanger
)
Ngxaki
:Youar
etospeaktomewi
thr
espect
!I
hol
dpowertodest
royyou.
 
Me: I
fyoudest
royme, youdestroyyoursel
f.You
aresuret
opaythepriceifyourfatherf
indsout
thatyour
unasecretslavetraderi
ghtunderhis
nose. 
Ngxaki:Andt
hepuppyl earnshowt obark.You
barkdoesnotscar
eme, Lahli
we.Donotdar e
getonmywr ongside!Sayy estothetradein
thenextmeeti
ngandgi vememysl aves.Ihave
passedaniceorphanagefull
ofmaidensonmy
wayhere.Idonotholdenoughslavemaidens
andIam suretohavemypi ckther
eoncey ou
gi
ventheagreement.(t
herewasf i
ddl
ingatthe
door)
Me:
Gobef
oreany
oneseesy
ouher
e.
Ngxaki:
Fearnot,
coward.Yourfathersawus
toget
heratmysoilwhenyouv i
sit
ed.TohimI
am adearfr
iendofyour
sandIam aguestf ora
dayortwo. 
Me:
Dar enotrai
seanysuspi
cions.St
opcal
li
ng
meLahli
we.Iam nowKingNtsikaofthi
ssoi
l
(
helaughed)
Ngxaki:
YouwishbutIwil
lletyoubel
i
eveit
becauseIneedyouinpower.Ihav
emetthereal
Kingandyousti
l
l hav
ealongwayt obei
ngli
ke
hi
m.  
Me:
Donoti
nsul
tme.
 
Ngxaki
:Justr
ewar
dmewi
thwhatIwant
.Do
youhav eanyi deahowdi f
ficul
titwast omake
thisplanar eali
tyforyou?Ihadt oconv i
ncemy
father,i
nfactbeghi mtoinv i
teUmhl abaf ort
he
saltdealbecausehewant edourKi ngdom todo
i
tal onetheny ouspati nhisfacebyr efusingit
duet oyourgut tergreed.Youar etomakeupf or
i
tbymar ryi
ngoneofmysi sters.Iam thesonof
thet hi
rdwifesomysi sterandIar enotseenas
trul
yi mportant.Ifshemar ri
esintosucha
strongKingdom shei ssuretogett herespect
shedeser ves.Iwantal lofitdonesoon.  
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
oensur
ethati
tisdone.
 
.
Itseemsev enthisNgxaki i
sgoingt obea
problem.Heist heonlyonewhoknowsmyt rue
secretandIfearhei sgoingtomi suset hat
power .Hi
ssisterisnotevenbeaut i
ful butIdo
nothav eachoice.Xhantiseemst olikeNgxaki ,
i
fonl yheknewwhatanev i
lmanhet rulyis.
Theyhav ebothwal kedtheroyalgroundsas
Xhantiaskedf orNgxakitogiv
eapol ogiesfor
turni
ngdownt hedealonceagain.Isoonhav e
tolearnhowt obeaKi ngwhobr ingsbusi ness
i
nf ortheKingdom andkeepi tprosperous.Ido
notknowhowIam t odothatbecauseIcannot
readproperly
.Ialsohav etogotoZwel ihl
eand
askforfakef orgi
venessbecauseIfeel no
remorseforwhatIhav edone.
 
.
.
.
#Ki
ng 
Ntsi
ka
Iwaswor ki
nginthehotsononceagai nand
todayIdeci
dedtostayoutoft r
ouble.Ihave
tri
edtobegtheguardstoal l
owmet oseet he
KingbutIhavebeenfail
ing.Themai denIam
meanttoimpregnatehasbeenaski ngmeabout
whenwear eleavi
ngnonst op.Ifearthatsheis
goingtothi
nkthatIam lyi
ngtoherandendup
tel
li
ngtheguardsthatIhavenothadheral l t
his
t
ime.Thegent
lemanthatspoket
omewhenI
f
ir
stwokeupwor kedcl
osertome.
 
.
Hi
m:Doy
oust
il
lwi
sht
oescape?(
hewhi
sper
ed)
Me:
Par
don?
 
Hi
m:Doy
oust
il
lwi
sht
oescapeornot
? 
Me:Myplanwastomeett
heKingandhavehi
m
knownwhathi
speopl
ehavedonetome. 
Him:St
opbeingafool!Comefrom y
our
i
maginat
iver
oyalf
antasies.Wear
eslav
esandI
haveaplant
ogetaway .
 
Me:Dowenotr
iskget
ti
ngcaughtandbei
ng
ki
l
led?
.
Hi
m: Sl
aver
yisnoluxury.Iwouldratherr
isk
dy
ingonmyancestorssoi l
theninthehandsof
amasteri
nforei
gnland.Arey outocomeornot?
Guard:
Whyarethet
woofy
ouwhi
sper
ingl
i
ke
wit
chesatni
ght
? 
Me:Youaresuretoknowhowwi tcheswhi
sper
atni
ghtbecauseyourmothermustbeone(I
l
ookedathimintensel
y)
Guar
d:Youareluckyt
obeoneofthe"good
qual
i
ty"sl
avesorIwouldhav
eki
l
ledyour i
ght
now.
Me: Idareyoutoputdowny ourweaponsand
comeof fthathor
sey ouuseasashield.Come
usey ourfi
tsandfi
ghtmel i
keaman.Weshal l
thenseewhoi stodie.(hecl
enchedhisjawin
anger)
.
Welookedateachotherintensel
yandhebroke
t
heeyescontactandlethishorsemove
f
orward.Thecowardnessoft hesemen!The
manspoketomeagai n. 
.
Him:
Areyoucrazy
?Wecannotescapewith
youi
fyoubr
ingtoomuchat
tent
iont
oy our
self
. 
Me:Myapol
ogi
es.Iam goi
ngt
ogowi t
hyoubut
Ihav
epromi
sedamaidentofr
eeheraswel
l.
 
Him:Mai densareonlygoingtoslowusdown.
Youaret obreakthatpromise.Ihavegonetoal
l
thestr
ongl ooki
ngmenwi ththi
splan.Someare
warri
orscapturedindefeatedbattl
essoiti
s
suregoingtowor k.
 
Me:
Whati
sthi
scl
everpl
anofy
our
s?
Him: Theyonl
yti
eusupinchai nsatsunsetand
ther
ear enotsomanyguards.Wear eto
overpowertheguar
dsbeforetheygetachance
tochainusup. 
Me:Whataboutt
heguar
dsout
sideoft
hisar
ea?
Sur
elyt
herear
etobemoreout
side.
Him: Someonefr
om thi
sKingdom i
sgoingto
escapewithus.Heknowst hewayoutofthi
s
place.Ar
eyoucomingwi t
hus? 
Me:Areyoutogetmet
oUmhl
aba
Ochumil
eyo?
 
Him:No,oncewear
eint
hef
iel
dwegoour
separ
ateways.
 
Me:
Okay
,Iam comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
.
Wewor kedandwor kedandtheygav euswat er
oncetoday.IhopedtospeaktotheKi ngbutit
seemslikeIam tohavenosuchl uckso
escapi
ngismyonl ywayout.Ifeelbadf ort
he
maidenthatIhavemadeapr omiset obutI
needtotakeanyopportuni
tythatisgoingto
comemyway . 
.
Wef i
nishedourday'sworkandasusual andi t
wastimef orustobechaineduponceagai n.I
l
ookedatal lt
hement hatIam i
ncahoot swi t
h
andweal lgaveeachotheranoddingsignal.I
gotont hehorseandtri
edtooverpowerthe
manoni t
,webothfell
becausethehorse
pani
ckedandmov edaround.It
ookhisweapon
andpiercedhisstomachwithit
.Manyoft he
othermendi dt hesamet hi
ngbutsomet hing
unex pectedhappened.Theyr eleasedwi lddogs
onusaswet riedt orunaway .Icoul dhear
someoft hemencr youtinagonyasIusedmy
newf oundweapont oscaret hesecr eatures
away .Oneat tackedmef r
om behi ndandi t
mademel osebal anceandIf elltot hegr ound.I
didnotgi v eupev enifit'
steet hsli
cedmyski n.
HowcanIgi veupwhenIhav eapr egnantwi f
e
andsont ogohomet o?Imanagedt or unaway
i
ntot heopenf i
eld.Sof armyancest or shav e
keptmesaf eandenabl edmet ogetaway .Ir
an
notev enknowi ngt hedi r
ectiont hatIam
runningt o.Ihear dast r
ongdeepv oicecal lmy
name.I tdidnotsaysl ave159, i
tact uallysai d
Ntsika!Ilookedbackandwast oof art osee
whoi tis.If earedgoi ngbackbecauseImi ght
dieifIwast or eturnbutast rongf eelingt hatI
fel
ttol dmet hatImustr unback.Iknowt hatit
i
smyancest orsgi vi
ngmeasi gn.Suddenl yI
sawacheet ahappr oachf r
om af ar.Coul dmy
Queenhavefoundme?Iranbacknotknowingi
f
Iam r
unni
ngt omydeathortosafety
.AsIwent
backIsawtheKingofZwel
ihl
e.Icrumbl
edto
thegr
assashecamer unni
ngtome.  
.
Xol
o:Youaresaf
enow,
son.Youar
ebl
eedi
ng
somuch. 
Me:Iam wel
l,myKi
ng.I
sNdoni
yamanzi
and
Kamvasafe?
 
Xolo:Youhaveani mposterinyourhome,
Ntsika.I
tseemst herei
saper sonwhol ooks
l
ikeandhasbeent ry
ingtobey ou.Donotf ear
,
Ndoni andKamv aareinZwelihle.Wenowhav e
togoandgett hatimposteroutofy oursear
beforehedoesanydamage.  
Sipho:Ki
ngNt si
ka,al
lowmetoext
endmy
apologi
es.Idonotknowhowmysonmanaged
tokeepthissecret
.Ihel
dnoknowl
edgeoft
his,
Igiveyoumypr omise.
Xolo:
Wear et
odeal wi
ththisanothert
ime.Iam
notgoingt
otakethi
sli
ghtly
,Sipho.Yourson
hadmysonhel dcapt
ive.
 
Sipho:Iam sureNgxakihel
dnoknowledgeof
thisi
mpost er
'spl
an.Theonlythi
ngheisgui
lt
y
ofishavingasecretsl
avetrade.
 
Me:Allwhohav
ebeencapt
uredwithmear eto
beret
urnedt
othei
rhomesoil
s.Iam notaski
ng
you.
 
Sipho:
Any t
hingtoav
oidawarwi t hUmhlaba
OchumileyoandZweli
hle.Iam goingtohave
them t
ransport
edouttotheirsoi
ls.
Xolo:Come,Iknewyoumightbeinj
uredsoI
havecomewi thNcedi
.Shei
sgoingtotendto
yourwoundswhi l
ewetakeyoutoNdoni.Shei
s
worri
edsick.
 
Me:
Myt
hanksagai
nfort
his,
fat
her
. 
Xolo:I
tisy
ourwif
eyouneedtothank.Shesaw
thatt
hestr
angeri
nthehousei
snoty ouand
act
edqui
ckl
y.
Me: Fir
sttakemet omysoiltori
dmyKi ngdom
ofthisimposter
.If earmyf
ather
'sl
i
f emightbe
i
ndanger .Ndoni andKamvaaresurelyi
ngood
handsi nZweli
hle. 
Xolo:Wear etogot oUmhl abaOcgumi l
eyothen.
Siphothisisnottheendoft hi
s!Youandy our
peoplearegoingtopayf orthi
s.Ifyousaythat
youarenotr esponsi
bleforthi
sthenIam goi ng
togiveyout i
met ogivemet hepersonwhoi s.I
am toreturnhereandIwantanswer soryouare
toregretthi
sdearly.
 
Si
pho:Youaret
ocomet
oanswer
s,Igi
vey
ou
mypromise.
 
.
Xolohel
pedmeupandmybodyi sinsomuch
pai
n.Ihavet
oretur
nt omysoi lsoon.Idonot
knowwhattheagendaofthisimpost eri
s.Ican
notri
skhavi
ngmyf amil
ykil
led.Iam gladthat
NdoniandKamvaar enoti
nt hathouse.Ihave
tothankmywi f
edear ly.Ifshedi dnotnot i
ce
thathei snotmesosoonImi ghthav ebeen
sold.Theot hercapt uredpeopl et hankedme
andapol ogi sedf ornotbel i
evingme.Ihadt he
mai densfreedt oo.Iam sur ethatmostar e
pregnantal readyandIam gl adt hatInev er
sleptwitht hatmai den.Ki ngSi phobet t
erhas
answer sonournextr etur nbecauseIam not
goingt orestunt i
lwhoev erdidt hispay s.I
askedf orKi ngXol ot ohav ethehor sespickup
speedsowecanr eachmysoi l soon.Ncedi was
busyt endingt omybi teandscr atchwounds.I
am justhappyt obeaf r
eemanonceagai n.I
askedKi ngXol oifNdoni isall wellhesai dy es
buthel ooksl ikehei shi dingsomet hing.Iam
goingt odeal withthisimpost erandgetmywi fe
andsonbackt owher et heybel ong. 
.
.
#Ndoni
Ihav easkedoneoft hewar r
iorsofZwel ihl
et o
teachmebasi cweaponski ll
si naday .Ihave
noty etper fect edi tbutitshal lhavetodof ormy
plan.Thephy sicalpainofl osingmybabyi snot
sobadany mor ebutIst i
llgetpai ninmyl ower
belly.Ihav el iedt omot herandsai dIam going
tosl eepaf ewday sagobutwhatIr eall
ydid
wassneakof ftoUmhl abaOchumi leyo.Iam
goingt okillthatmanwhopr etendstobemy
husband.Thehat ethatIf eel f
orhimf orkil
li
ng
myunbor nchi l
dhast urnedmei ntosomet hing
thatInev ert houghtIwoul dbe.Iwai t
edl i
kea
thiefunt ili
twasdar kandImademywayback
tot her oyal house.Theguar dsknowt heir
QueensoIhadnopr oblem goi ngin.AllIwas
wai ti
ngf orwasf orthei mpost ertosleep.I
ent eredhi schamberandhesnor edsol oudl
yI
feltdi sgusted.It iedhi shandsgent l
yjustast he
war riortaughtme.It ookt hebl adesofZwel ihle
andheopenedhi seyes, cl
ear l
yshocked)
.
Me: Youmakeasinglesoundandyouar
egoi
ng
tofeelj
usthowsharpthi
sbladei
s.Wher
eismy
husband?(Iwhi
sper
ed)
Imposter
:MyQueen, hav
eyoubeenbewi
tched?
Iam yourhusband.
Me:Yousur
elookalotl
i
kehim buty
ouar e
nev
ergoi
ngtobeevenhalft
hemant hatheis.
Nowanswerme.Whereismyhusband?
I
mposter
:Youar
etobeki
l
ledf
orki
l
li
ngy
our
Ki
ng 
Me:DoyouthinkIholdnoknowledgeofthat?
Youhavealr
eadykil
ledapartofmewheny ou
beatmyunbornchil
doutofme.( Ist
uckthe
bl
adealit
tl
eandhest ar
tedtobleedabit
)
I
mpost er:Okay,st
op.Ibegofyoutonotsl
i
tmy
thr
oat.Iam alsoav i
cti
m her
e.Iam y
our
husband'st.
..
 
.
Thedoorf
lungopenandast
rangercamei
nand
hest art
edt ogi
vealertandItookthebladeand
stuckitinthisi
mpost er
.Thest r
angerranto
untiehim anditseemst hatIhavemissedhis
heart.Ifel
tsomeonepul latmeandhel dme
ti
ght.Itistheguards.Jongicamerunningin.
 
.
St
ranger
:Shehasst
abbedt
heKi
ng.Ihav
eseen
i
twithmyowneyes.
 
Jongi
:Ki
ngNt
sika,
arey
ouwel
l
?
I
mpost er:Iwantherki
ll
edforthis.Shei
stoget
thepunishmentofdeathfordoingsomethi
ng
l
ikethi
s.Gett hecar
etaker
,Iam bleedi
ngto
death.
 
Jongi
:DearQueen,
whathasgot
teni
ntoy
ou?
Areyougui
lt
yofthi
s?.
Me: Heisnotmyhusband!Thatmant hati
son
thatbedisnotmyhusband!Jongi,
Ntsikais
cir
cumcisedandthatmanthatsit
sthereisnot
!
Youcangocheckf oryour
sel
fifyoudonot
bel
i
eveme.Cal
lfat
herhei
sgoi
ngtobetheone
whoagr
eeswit
hmebecauseheknowshisson.
Jongi
:Hei
sawayonr
oyal
dut
ies.
Imposter:
Takehertocapt
ivi
ty.Sheiscl
early
i
nsane.Sendwor doutt
oZwelihleandtel
lthem
thatt
heirdaught
erist
obeputt odeathsoon.I
am notgoingtorev
ealmynakednessandbe
shamed. 
Me: Cal
lwarr
iorBantu.Hewenttoini
ti
ati
on
schoolwit
hNt si
ka.Heshal
ltel
lyouthatmy
husband,myrealhusbanddoesnothavea
for
eskin.
 
Imposter:GoandgetthatBantu.Clear
lyhei sin
cahootswi t
htheevi
lQueen!Takehi mto
capti
vit
ytoo.Guardstakehert
ocapt ivi
ty.Ishal
l
l
ettheeldersknowthatshehaspl ott
edtoki l
l
theKing.Iwantherki
lled.
 
Me:Weholdtr
ial
shere,fool
.Idonotknow
wher
eyoucomef rom butIcantel
lyouthi
s.My
Ki
ngisonhisway!Icanfeelhi
m.Youl eav
e
Bantuoutoft
his.Iam t
heonewhowantsy
ou
deadandhehasnot hi
ngtodowit
hit
. 
Imposter:YourKingisgoingtofindyoudead!I
am theKing.Whodoy outhinktheywillbel
iev
e.
Abitterwifewhowoul dratherki
llmet hensee
met akeanotherwife?Youar eclearl
ycrazyand
IdonotknowwhyImar ri
edy ou.Donotf or
get
thatIhaveawi t
nesst oallofthi
s.Takeher
awayf rom mysight.Iam ashamedt ocallher
mywi feandmot herofmyson.( Il
aughed)
Me: Youaregoingtodiesoon.Ev eni
fIam
deadbutIknowt hatyouaresur etof
oll
owin
themostpainfulmannerever.Idonotregr
etal
l
ofthis.Al
lIr
egreti
smi ssi
ngy ourcol
dheart
.
Impost er
:Icannotbeli
evethatIhav
ebeen
mar ri
edtosuchacr uelwoman.Jongiyoualso
standwi t
nessofhowshef eelsnoguil
tabout
this.Youaregoingtopayaheav ypr
icefort
his.
Icannotbel i
evethatIl
ovedyou,Ndoniyamanzi
(Ispatonhim andheslappedme)
.
Theguar dst ookmeawayv iolentlyandIknow
thatbeggi ngi snotgoi ngt ohel p.Howsadt hat
Xhant ii
sawayonbusi ness!Iwi shedf orhi mt o
backmeupandnowIhav eputBant uindanger
too.Iknowt hatt hecounci lisgoi ngt of i
ndme
guilt
ybecauset heyar egoingt ofavour" Nt si
ka".
Ialsoknowt hatIam t odiet hesamewayI
wishedt ohav et he"Ki ng"die.Shi bai salso
quietandIhav elearntt onotr ushher .Ifitisa
partofmydest i
nyshei sgoi ngt oal l
owi t.If
dyingliket hi
si sapar toft hatdest inyshecan
notintervene.Shehasnoti ntervenedy etsoI
guessi tisall happeni ngasi tshoul d.Per haps
Ntsikahasdi edandf ateknowst hatIwi l
l notbe
abletol i
vewi t houthi m.Iknowt hatawari s
suretof ollowaf termydeat hbecausemyf ather
i
snotgoi ngt ol etitgo.Mot heri smostpr obabl y
onherwaywi thwar riorsalready .Ilaughedat
thatthought .Theguar dsthr ewmei ntothe
chamberofcapt ivi
ty.Itreekedofur ineandt he
groundi smuddy .I
tissodar ki
nher ebutIfel
t
nof ear.Iam st
il
ltokil
lthatimposterbecause
eveni fIdieheistopayf ormydeat h.Zwel
ihl
e
i
ssur et oavengeit'
sPri
ncess.Isatandhoped
thatfathercomeswi thNt si
kabeforetheymake
memeetmyend.Ev enifiti
stojustseehim
once.Imi sshimv erymuch.
[
03/02,
16:48]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t40
.
#Lahl
i
we
Twoday shavepassedsincethatwhor
e
stabbedme.IfNgxakihadnotenter
edwhenhe
didIknowshewoul dhavekil
l
edme.Nt si
ka
choseacrazywifeandIam goingtohaveher
ki
lledbysunset
.IsatwithNgxakiwhoisal
so
naggingmet oannoyance.
.
Ngxaki
:Youneedt
ohav
ethatwomanki
l
ledm.
 
Me:Doyouthi
nkthatIdonotreal
iset
hat
?She
knowst
hatIam notherhusband.
Ngxaki
:Whyhav ey oubeensocar eless?Itold
youbeforethatt
her eal
Kingwentt ot he
mountainasay oungboyf orhi
sinit
iation.Ify
ou
hadall
owedmypeopl etocutthatskinof fyour
manhoodt henwewoul dnotbei nthissituati
on.
Me: Ihaveseenboysgot othemountai
nnev
er
toreturn.Iwasnotabouttosendmysel
ftomy
death. 
Ngxaki: Nowlookwhereyourcowar dbehav i
or
hasgot tenus.Iwantmyslaves,Lahli
we.Ihav e
notri
skedmyt i
tl
easPrincefornothing.Iref
use
toall
owy outogetbet
weenmeandgr eat
wealth.Youshouldhavetreatedthi
swoman
wit
hki ndnessasherhusbanddi dandshe
wouldnothav ehadreasont osuspectsosoon.
Patheticexcuseofaperson,Iwonderify ou
ev
enar
easonofr
oyal
ty.
 
Me:Dir
ect
ingyouri
nsul
tsatmei snotgoingto
hel
peit
herofusmov ef
orward.Ihopethatyou
ki
ll
edNtsi
kabecausehi
swifekeepsonsay ing
heisonhi
sway .
 
Ngxaki:Hei
sl onggonebynow.Ihav eshipped
himtoforei
gnl andsasaslav
e.Didy ounotsay
thatyouwantedt omakehim suf
ferfortherest
ofhisdaysj
ustasy oudi
dwhilegrowingup?
Me: Ididandyouar eri
ght.Deat
hwouldhav e
beent oquickandkind.Theslavemaster
sare
goingtowor kandbeathimt odeath.Asl
ow
agonisingdeathbecauseheshallwakeup
everydaywishi
ngt hathewasdead.Whydi dI
notthinkaboutthat? 
Ngxaki:Becauseyouholdthemi ndofaf ool.I
am keepingXhantihost
ageint heunder
gr ound
chamberasy ouhav easked.Ihadtowaitf or
hi
mt oreturnfrom hi
stri
pandt ookhim before
hereachedhisbride.Hewasgoi ngtodemand
y
out
oshowy
ournakedness.
 
Me: Iwanthimtobekil
l
ed.Theelderseemsto
beli
evemyst or
yaboutthei
rQueenhavinggone
crazy.Fool
i
sholdman! 
Ngxaki:Xhanti
'
swifeisnotexact
lyt
hemost
br
ightestei
ther(welaughed)
Me:Thebrightonei sincapt i
vit
yfori
nsanit
y
andatt
empt i
ngt oki l
ltheKing.Ishal
lhave
Bant
ubeexecut edwi t
hherbecauseheknows
pl
entyaboutNt sika.Theyhav ebeenfri
ends
si
ncetheywer ejustboy s.
 
Ngxaki
:Doasy oumustbutIjustwantmy
sl
aves.Ihav
etor et
urnbackt
omysoi lbecause
Il
iedtomyfatheraboutmywher eabouts.
Me:Areyoucer
tai
nthatNt
sikahasgone
al
ready
?
Ngxaki
:DoIl
ookst
upi
d? 
Me:
Excuseme.Ihav
et omeetwi
tht
hefamil
y
f
ort
hemor ni
ngf
east.Arey
ougoi
ngtoj
oinus?
Ngxaki
:Ipref
ergoingintothevil
l
agestosee
wherethepotent
ialsl
avesare.Sothatoncey
ou
haveagreedtoaslavestradeIshal
lknow
wheretostar
tfir
st.
 
Me:Doasy ouwishbutyouarenott
oabduct
anypeopl
e.Waitunt
ilIgi
veyouthegoahead.
 
Ngxaki
:Bequi
ckabouti
t.
.
Heleftmest andingther
ewonderingwhoi s
real
l
yi nchargebetweent het
woofus.Itseems
wear egoingtohav emanyobstaclesi
nt hi
s
busi
nesspar tner
shipthatwehave.Iwalkedto
theeatingchamberandf oundFi
kileandJongi
seated. 
.
Me:
Greet
ings(
Isatdown)
Jongi:
Gr eet
ings,
myKing.Wheni
syourf
ather
expectedtobeback?
 
Me:
Itseemst
hebusi
nesshel
eftf
ori
staki
ng
l
ongert
hanexpect
ed.
Fiki
l
e:Iam happythatf
atheri
snothere.Whati
f
theQueenhadt r
iedtoki
llhi
mt oo?I
nsane
peopledomanyt hi
ngsthatarenotki
nd.
Me: Icannotbel
iev
ethatshehi
dhercr
azy
naturefr
om me.Clear
lymymotherwasri
ght
abouther.Shesawsomethingi
nNdonit
hatwe
di
dnotandt hatiswhyshewantedt
ori
difthe
gi
rlsomuch.  
Jongi
:Ihav
enev
erexpect
edNdoni
tobeaki
l
ler
,
ever
! 
.
Wesatandweat eanditseemsthattheysti
l
l
bel
iev
et hatIam Nt
sika.Wesatpeacefull
y
whenwehear dchaoticnoi
se.Nobuwal kedi
n
shout
ing.
.
Nobu:
Wher
eismydaught
er(
shepoi
ntedatme)
Guar
d:Wet
ri
edt
ost
opherbutshewoul
dnot
backdown.
 
Me:
Thisi
snotZweli
hle,
myQueen.Youar
ein
t
heroy
alhouseofUmhl.
..
 
Nobu:Donottestme,coward.Ihav
easkedy
ou
wheremychil
dis.(shecutmeshort)
Me:
Shei
sincapt
ivi
ty.
Nobu:Whathav
eyoudonet
omychi
l
d?(
she
sl
appedmeandIstood)
Me:Youar
etoshowsomerespect
!(she
st
eppedcl
osert
omyface)
Nobu:
Idonotf
eary
ou!
 
Jongi
:Letusallcal
m.QueenNobu,your
daughteri
sincapti
vi
tyf
oratt
empti
ngt oki
l
lthe
King.
Nobu:
Thi
sthi
ngy
oucal
laKi
ngi
sani
mpost
er!
Me:Cl
earl
yyourdaught
erget
sheri
nsani
tyf
rom
hermot
her(Il
aughed)
Nobu:
Youar
egoi
ngt
odi
eatsunset
.
Me: Yourchil
distheonewhoi sgoi
ngtodieat
sunset.Goodthingyouareheretobi
dyour
far
ewel l
s.Takehertocapti
vi
tytoseehercr
azy
daughterbeforeshemeetsherend. 
Nobu:
Enj
oyt
hiswhi
l
eitl
ast
s,dev
il
. 
Me:Donotl
eavet
heirsi
ght
.Shemi
ghthel
pher
ugl
ydaught
ert
oescape.
Nobu:
Ugl
yisy
ourmot
her
.(shespatonmyf
ace)
Me:
Taket
hisol
dwhor
eaway
! 
Guar
ds:
Asy
ouwi
sh.
 
Nobu:Icanwalkbymysel
f.Youdaret
ouchme
youar
esur etowakeupwithnohands
t
omorrow.(theyl
eft
)
Fi
ki
le:
Suchdi
srespect
! 
Jongi
:Keepoutofadul
tbusi
ness.
Me:Whatshespeaksi
scorr
ect.Clear
lyt
he
peopl
eofZwel
ihl
eareil
lmannered. 
Jongi
:Anymot
herwoul
dhav
ebeenupseti
fher
chi
l
di shel
dincapt
ivi
ty,
eveni
fthechi
l
dis
gui
lt
y. 
.
Inol ongerhadapatit
ef orthef ood.Ihadt he
servantmai denwhosat isfi
esmymanl yneeds
comet ome.Ineedsomet hingt hatisgoi ngto
calm medownandhol dingthet enderbr easts
ofawomani sgoi
ngt odot hatper fect
ly.Iam t o
got othecouncilmeet i
ngf orNdoni '
scr i
me
soonandIhopet hatNgxaki returnsint i
met o
bewi tness.Ishal
lhavet ohav eXhant istrangled
todeat hbysunset.El
imi natealltheenemi esso
thatIcanf i
nall
ybeNt sikawi t
houtanyt hreats.
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Ihav
eslowlybeenlosinghopei
nthi
sdark
smell
ychamber.Perhapsiti
sti
methatIaccept
myfate.Cl earl
yNtsi
kaisnotgoi
ngtobefound.
Iam f
ilthybecauseIhavenotbathedsi
ncemy
capt
ivi
tybutIam aboutt odiesowhymustIbe
cl
eanf orthat.Ihear
dsomeonecallmyname
andIjumpedupf rom t
hemuddyf l
oor
.Iti
smy
mother'svoiceandmyhear thel
dhope.
 
.
Mot
her
:Ndoni
yamanzi
!
 
Me:
Iam i
nhere,mother
.Hav
ethem gi
vey
oua
l
ampbecausei
tisdarki
nher
e. 
Mot
her
:Wai
tIam goi
ngt
obebackr
ightnow.
 
Me:Iam notgoi
nganywhere,
donotfear(I
l
aughedsoftl
yandsheappearedhol
dingalamp)
Mother
:Ohmychil
d.Whathav
etheydoneto
you,
Ndoni
yamanzi
?Whyisyourdr
essbloody
? 
Me:Iti
sfrom mymonthl
ycycle,
mother.They
arenotal
lowingmetobat
h.Iam nothurt
,do
notworry
.(shest
art
edtocry
)
Mot
her
:Whyhav
eyoucomebackher
ewi
thout
yourfat
her
,myblossom.Iwentt
oy our
chamberanddidnotfi
ndyou.Wesearchedthe
enti
reZwel
ihl
eandIknewy oumightbehere
whenwecouldnotfindyou.
 
Me: Iwant edtokillhi
m, mother.Hekill
edmy
chil
dandpossi bl
yev enmyhusband.Thepai nI
am feel i
ngi nsi
dei stoogreat.Icannotev encry
anymor e.Apar tofmedi edwhent hecaretaker
tol
dmet hatIhadl ostmyunbor nbabyandI
fearthatIam nev ergoingtof i
l
lthisvoi
dev er
again.Al lbecauseoft hatimpost er
.Iam angr y
atNt sikat oobecauseIbeggedhi mt onotgo
onthi strip. 
Mother:
Ndoni,Iknowthatyouarehurti
ng,my
bl
ossom andIam sorry
.IwishthatIcouldt
ake
al
lthepainf
rom yourhear
tbutIcannot .Nt
sika
hel
dnoknowl edgeofwhatwasgoi ngto
happen.
 
Me:Imi
sshi
m somuch.Hemi
ghtbedeadby
now.
Mother
:No,wear
enotgoi
ngtothi
nkli
kethat
.
Heisgoingt
ocomesoonandgetyououtof
her
e.
Me:Iam goi
ngtodiebysunset,mother.The
roy
alcounci
loft
hisplacei
sclearl
yful
loffools.
Canyoubeli
evet
hattheysayIam insane?(I
l
aughedindi
sbel
ief)
Guar
d:Ti
met
ogonow.
 
Nobu:Youdonotdar
eputy
ourf
il
thyhandson
me. 
.
Hedi dnotli
stensoshebr oketheoillampon
hi
m andhecaughtf ire.Hisscr
eamsf ill
edt
he
chamberandher ol
l
eddownont hemud.The
otherguardstookahol dofher,openedthe
chamberI'minandt hrewherinside.
 
.
Me:Youaregoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his.MyQueen,
are
youwel
l?
 
Mot
her
:Iam well
.Iwi
shIhadburntt
hat
i
mpost
eri
nstead.(
welaughed)
Me:Thenwewoul
dbot
hbewai
ti
ngdeat
hfor
ki
l
li
ngapig.
 
.
MotherandIsatandwedi dnottal
kmuch.She
tol
dmet hatKamvawascr yi
ngwantingt osee
me.Itbreaksmyhear tt hathesuddenl yhasto
adapttosituat
ionshehar dl
yevenunder stands.
Aguardcameandv iolentlytookmeoutofmy
cell
.Mothertri
edtohol dont omebutf ail
ed.I
knewthatIam t ost
andbef orethecouncil of
fool
s.Ienteredwheret heywer eandsawt he
i
mpost erwithadevil
ishsmi l
eonhisf ace. 
.
El
der:MyQueen,y
ouholdknowledgeoft
he
cr
imethatyouhavecommit
ted.Areyougui
l
ty
oft
hishi
deouscri
me. 
Me:
Iam notgui
l
tyoft
ryi
ngt
oki
l
l.
..
Impost
er:
Sheisgui
l
tyandIhav
ewi
tnesses!(
he
cutmeshort
)
Me:Letmefini
shbecauseuntil
y ouIam nota
cowardwhobeatspregnantwomen.AsIwas
sayi
ngbefor
ethisdevi
lint
err
uptedme. 
I
mpost
er:
Itakeof
fense,
elder
! 
El
der
:Ref
ert
oyourKi
ngbyhi
sri
ght
ful
tit
le.
 
Me: Thedevilt
hatsit
sthereisnotmyhusband.
Yes,Iam guil
tyoftry
ingtokil
lthatt hi
ngthat
si
tsthereandifIcouldturnbackt i
meIwoul d
doitagain.Theonlythi
ngIwoul ddodi ff
erentl
y
i
st ostabhisheartoverandoveragai nunti
l I
knowt hati
tdoesnotbeatany mor e.Youallare
goingtodieinthehandsofthatt hingandy ou
aregoingtoremembermywor ds.  
El
der
:Ist
hatat
hreat
?
Me:I
tisapromise,
elder
.Askhimtorev
eal hi
s
manhoodtoyou.Myhusbandisci
rcumcised
andt
hatthi
ngthatsi
tsther
eisnot
. 
I
mpost er
:Doy ouwantmetobeshamed?Iam
notgoingtodegrademysel
fbyshowi
ngyoumy
nakedness.
Me:El
dery
ouandal
lthesepeopl
ear
eabunch
off
ool
. 
El
der
:Showsomer
espect
!
Me: Ishowr especttothatwhorespectmei n
return.Youar eal
lfool
andweknowt hatfool
s
diequi ck.Heisanimposterandheisgoingto
l
eady ourancestor
sKingdom tonothi
ng.Fools,
fools,fools.
 
Elder:Iam notgoingtoli
stentoy ouri
nsult
s
any more.Wet houghtwear egetti
ngaproper
brideforoursonbutclearl
ynot .Youtri
edtoki
ll
yourownhusband.May bey ouev enki
ll
edyour
ownunbor nchi l
dbydrinki
ngr emedies.(
asharp
stinghitmyhear t
)
Me:Hav
eyouaskedyour
selfwheremyfatheri
n
l
awis?Whoknowswhatthisthi
nghasdoneto
hi
m.Heisgoi
ngtoki
l
l al
lofyou.
 
I
mposter
:Fat
heri
sawayonbusi
ness.(
I
l
aughedl
oudl
y)
El
der:Shetr
ulyisinsaneandIwi l
lnotst
andfor
i
t.Youarenowst ri
ppedfrom yourti
tl
eas
Queen.Youaretodi ebythesamef atet
haty
ou
havewishedfortheKing.Youar..
. 
Me: Sparemeal lt
hedetai
l
s.St r
ipmeofQueen
ofthissoil
,Icarenot
.Youaret osendmybody
toZwelihl
ewi thmymother.Iam goingt
obe
buri
edwi thmypeopleasaPr incess.
 
Impost
er:
Youar
etobebur
iedher
easa
commoner. 
Me:Elder,
Iam goingtomakesur ethatmyl ast
wordsistocursethissoi
l.Yoursoili
stogodr y
aft
erthatandyourKingdom issuretodie.Have
aruli
ngmadet hatIbetakentoZwel i
hletobe
buri
edthere.(
Ilookedathimintensel
y)
El
der:
Youaretogobackt oy
oursoi
lonceyou
havemety
ourend.Theyshallt
akey
outoy our
pl
aceofet
ernalsl
eep.Igi
veyoumypromise
j
ustdonotcur
set
hissoi
l
. 
Me:Nowhav
etheQueenofZwel
i
hler
eleased
atonce.
El
der
:Itshal
lbedone.
 
Impost
er:Iaskf
orpr
ivacywit
hmysoontobe
deadwif
e.ShehaspainedmebutIst
il
ll
oveher
andwishtobidmyfi
nalfar
ewell
s.
Elder:Asyouwi
sh,
myKi
ng.Mayy
oursoul
find
rest,
chil
d.
Me:Mayyourli
fef
indpeaceoncemyhusband
r
etur
ns,
fools.
Elder
:Insani
ty(
Ilaughedl
oudl
yandt
heyl
efti
n
shock)
I
mpost er
:Ohyouhavemademyjobeasier
.I
wantedtoki
lly
oubutnowIdon'
thaveto
becauseyouhavel
edyour
sel
ftoyourdeat
h. 
Me:Youthi
nkthatIf
eardeath?Iwoul
drather
di
easlowagonisi
ngdeathahundredti
mes
ov
erthenremaini
nthishouseasyourQueen.
Youwishyouwer eli
kemyhusband.Hei sno
cowardandyouar etheKingofcowar ds.A
pathet
icmanwhowoul dratherl
iveunderthe
shadowofanothermanr atherthanmakehi s
ownmar ki
nthewor l
d. 
I
mpost er:Hedi
dnotshowsomuchst rength
whenIt ookhi
m andtur
nedhi mintoaslave.
Yes,heisnowthepropertyofaruthl
essslave
master.Heisgoi
ngtowi shfordeathforal
lhi
s
remaini
ngdaysonthisli
fe. 
Me: Ar
eyoucertai
n?May bey ouwouldhave
donethatbutnotmywar ri
or.Iam notgoi
ngto
i
nsulthi
m bynotbeli
ev i
nginhisabil
it
iest
o
ret
urnhome.Hei sgoingtoretur
n.(Il
aughed
onceagainanditangeredhim)
Imposter
:St
opl
aughi
ngy
oucr
azywhor
e!(
he
slappedme)
Me:Yoursl
apsar
enowst
art
ingt
ofeel
li
ke
t
hoseofali
ttl
eboy.
 
I
mpost
er:
Getheroutofher
e.Ishal
lseeher
onceshehasmetherend.Fi
l
thywhor
ejust
l
ookatyou. 
.
Theyt ookmeawayonceandIgav ehim one
l
astki ckint hef aceast heguar dsheldmeby
myar ms.Idonotknowwher ethisnewf ound
confidencecomesf rom becauseIam goi ngt o
diesoon.Iwi shIcoul dgi veKamv aonel ast
kiss.Theyl etmymot hergoandshecoul dnot
stopweepi ng.Sheknowst hatstart
ingami ni
warwi ththeguar dsshecamewi thisonlygoi ng
tomeandeat h.Isati nt hedar kchamberand
beggedShi bat ot alktome.Ihear dav oi
ce
say i
ng" I
tisal lasi tshoul dbe.Youhav egai n
strength,child".Ihav et houghtasmuchshei s
notgoi ngtohel pi fi
tisapar tofmydest iny.I
guessIam goi ngt othegr avewi thmynew
strength.Hour spassedandt heguar dscamet o
getme.Iam t obet akent ot hehillofexecut i
on
anddi ebyspear .Istartedt ocr yuncontroll
ably
aswewal kedbutnotoutoff earfordeathbut
rathert
hewayIam t omeett hisdeat h.Iam to
dieneverknowingwhereNt si
kat rulyis.They
didnotall
owmot hertogoupwi t
hme.Theyar e
onlygoingtoall
owhert oseemeoncei tisti
me
forhertogetmyl i
fel
essbody .Thef actt hatI
am tobebur i
edinZwelihl
ebr i
ngsmepeace
becauseIdonotwi shtorestont hissoi l.I
wipedofmyt earsandcalmedmy self.Iam not
goingtomeetmyendi ntearslikeacowar d.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Wehav ebeenonther oadnonstop.Ihave
askedf orusnottostopbecauseitwouldcause
delays.Idonotwishtobet oolat
e.Wehav e
fi
nall
ymadeourwayont othesoi
lofmypeople.
Weent er
edtheroyal
gr oundsanditseems
chaotic.Coul
dsomet hinghavehappenedto
fat
her ?Igotof
ftheslowmov i
ngcarri
ageand
raninside.
 
.
Xol
o:Ntsi
ka,
youar
egoi
ngt
oinj
urey
our
sel
f
more.
 
Me:Somethi
nghashappened,
myKing.Ican
notcar
eaboutmysel
fri
ghtnow.Fat
hermight
beindanger
.
Zipho:Youar eanevi
lman,myKi ng.Ihel
dsuch
respectforyoubutInolongerdo.Youhavelet
myhusbandbekepti nt
hosef i
l
thychamberfor
doingnothing.Donothavehim ki
ll
ed,Ibegof
you.(shestartedt
ocry)
Me:
Whatdoy
ouspeakof
,Zi
pho!
 
Zipho:Bant
uheldnoknowledgeofNdoni
'
splan
tokil
lyou.Donotlethi
m meetthesamef
ateas
her.(myheartst
artedt
orai
se)
Me:Whatf
ate?Whatf
ate,
Zipho(
Ishout
edat
her
)
Zipho:Donotactdumb.Youhadherexecut
ed
fortr
yingt
okil
lyou.Theyhav
etakenhertothe
hi
l
ltoki
l
lher(
shebr
okedown)
Xolo:Wherei
sthishil
ltheyhav
etakenmy
daughter
?(heshouted)
Nobu:
Xolo,OhmyKi
ng.Theyhav
etaken
Ndoni
yamanzi
.
.
Ididnotev enhav etimet ost andandl ist
ent o
therestoft hest ory.Iranoutandgotont omy
horseandor dereditt orideasf astaspossible.
Theyhav esentf ormyQueent obeexecut ed?
Theeldersappr ov edsuchr ubbish!I
ftheyhav e
senthertot hehi llt
hent heyar esuretokillher
withani r
onweapon.If eltashar ppaininmy
heartasIt houghtabouti t
.Ifinall
ycamet othe
scenewher eiti
sal l t
ohappenandgotof fmy
horse.Ther ewasj ustsomuchbl oodbef oreme.
Iwentt olookandsawt hebodyoft heguar ds.
Somehadst ret
ches, clearlythoseofawi ldcat.
Somehadst abwounds.Il ookedar oundbut
thereisnosi gnofNdoni .Icalledheroutbyher
namebutnor esponse.Igotont omyhor seand
wentt ostar tlooki
ngf orher.Isawherr unning
from afar.Iknowi t
'sherbecausenextt oher
ranhercheet ah.Icall
edoutandshel ooked
backoncebutkeptonr unning.Ifi
nall
y
approachedherandgotof fmyhor se.She
stoodhol dingaweaponandIwasi mpr essedat
howwel l
shehel dit.
 
.
Ndoni
:Keepawayfr
om meifyouwi
sht
oli
ve.I
knowhowtousethi
s,Ipr
omise.
Me:Iti
sme, Ndoniy
amanzi .Putt
heweapon
down,myheart.Iam notgoingtohar
my ou.IfI
havewishedsothenMbal ekiwoul
dhavekil
led
melongago. 
Ndoni:Pleasejustl
eavemealoneandl
etmy
mothergo.Wear egoi
ngtoret
urntoZweli
hle
andnev ersetfoother
eagai
n.Ibegofyou.(
she
star
tedt ocry
)
Me:
MyQueen,
Iam nott
hei
mpost
er.Tel
lme
whaty
ousawt hatmadeyouknowt hathei
s
notmeandIam goingt
oproveit
.(shekept
qui
etf
oralongwhil
e)
Ndoni
:Hei
snotci
rcumci
sed.(
shef
inal
l
ysai
d
sof
tl
y)
.
Iknewt hatIhadt oshowherpr oofthatiti
s
tr
ulyme.Ishowedhermymanhoodandshe
crumbledtot hegrassl et
tingtheweaponf all
nexttoher.Imademy selfdecentandr ant
oher.
Iheldhertightl
yaswebot hjustcr
ied.Ihave
missedhersomucht hatIcoul dnotholdthe
happinessIam f eel
i
ngr i
ghtnow.  
.
Me:Myapologiesf
orall
thepai
nthaty
ouhav
e
gonet
hrough,Ndoni
. 
Ndoni:
Youl ef
t,Nt
sika.Ibeggedy
outonotgo
butyoulef
tandgav ethatmananoppor
tuni
tyto
comeintoourhouse.
Me:
Iam sor
ry.Iam t
rul
ysor
ryfornotl
i
steni
ng
t
oyou.Comeletusgohome. 
Ndoni
:Thatplacei
sf i
ll
edwithev i
l
.IfMbaleki
di
dnotdisobeymyor derandstayedaway ,I
woul
dhav ebeendead.Youwoul dhavefound
mydeadbody .Iam upsetwi
thy ou,myKing. 
.
Myhear tsankassheut teredthosewords
becauseItrulyshoul
dhav elist
ened.Ili
ft
edher
upandembr acedher.Ihelpedhergetont he
horseandr odebacktot hemai nl
and.Shedid
notspeakawor donourwaybackandwent
str
aighttoKamv a'
schamberandhermot her
fol
lowed. 
.
Xolo:
Comesheisingoodhands.Yourf
ather
wasfoundint
heunder
groundchamberbuthe
i
snotharmed.Thei
mposteri
sinthecouncil
chamber.
 
Me:Mythanksforkeepi
nghi
m herewhi
leI
wentt
olookforNdoni.Wher
eisfat
her
? 
Xol
o:I
nthecounci
lchamber
. 
.
Wewal kedt
othatchamberandIent
ered.Ido
notblameever
yoneforbei
ngfool
edbecause
helooksmuchli
keme.  
.
Me:
Whoar
eyou?
I
mpost er
:Ki
ngNt
sikaofUmhl
abaOchumi
l
eyo.
(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Iam nott
oasky
ouagai
n. 
I
mposter
:Iam yourt
win!(
Ilookedatf
atherwho
l
ookedshocked)
Fat
her
:Idonotknowwhathespeaksabout
.
Youwerenev
erbornat
win.
 
Impost
er:
Youar
etheonewhohadmetaken
awayfr
om mymother
,youbast
ard.
 
Me:
Ishemybr ot
her
,fat
her
?Iaskt
haty
out
ell
t
hetr
uthpl
ease. 
Father
:Ntsi
ka,Iwasther
ewheny ouwer ebor
n.
Youarenotat wi
n.Iswearont
hegr avesofmy
ancest
ors.Idonotknowwhothisstrangeri
s.
Imposter
:Theoldwomansaidthatyouaremy
fat
herandNandeismymot her
!Howdoy ou
expl
ainthest
rongresembl
ancetoyourson? 
Father:Idonotknow.Theol dwomany ou
speakofwasawi tch.Idonotknowhowshe
managedt hi
sbuty ouar enotmyson' stwi
n.
Ntsikawehav ehadt winsoncei nthi
sf ami
ly
andi twaswi t
hy ourgrandfather.Histwindi
ed
str
aightaf t
erbir
thsoi twasnotneededt osend
hi
m away .Youhav ebeenf ooledbyt hosewho
havef ool
edy oubuty ouarenotmyson.
Elder
:Istandwit
nesst
owhaty
ourf
ather
speaks.Youarenotat
win.
 
Me:YouelderIst
ri
pyouof
fyourt
it
leascounci
l
head.Iam goi
ngtohav
eanewcouncil
.You
havesentmywi fetomeetapai nf
ulendjust
becauseyouaretoobigofaf ooltol
ist
entoa
woman.Inol ongerhaveacouncil
.Iam going
tomakeallthedecisi
onsinthisKi
ngdom wi t
h
myQueen.Youkeepy ourmouthshutfrom now
onbecausey ounolongerhaveav oi
cehere. 
El
der
:Hehadusal
lfool
ed.Myapol
ogi
est
othe
Que.
..
Me:Keepquiet
!MyQueendoesnotacceptyour
apol
ogy.Whatisy
ourr
ealname,I
mposter?
Impost
er:
Lahliwebecausethepeopl
ewho
rai
sedmefoundmeabandonedasababy .Iam
asmuchav ict
imtoallofthi
s.Idi
dnotaskto
haveourf
atherki
llme.(Jongiwal
kedin)
Me:
Wear
ebusyher
e,Jongi
l
e. 
Jongi
: Myapologies,myKingbutIcanhearyou
fr
om afar.Youtrulyar
eat wi
n.Nandegav ebi
rt
h
totwochildr
enandnev ertol
dXhanti.Shehad
hergrandmothertaketheotherchi
l
dt obe
drownedintheriverbecauseshesaidhewasa
curse.Weall
thoughtt
hathergr
andmot
herhad
thejobdone.
Lahl
i
we: Donotspeakil
lofmydeadmot
her
.
Shelov
edmedear lyandwant
edme. 
Fat
her
:Ifshedi
dt genshewoul
dnothav
e
hi
ddenyourexi
stencefr
om us.
 
Jongi
:Ntsi
kawaskeptbecausehewasthe
str
ongerl
ooki
ngbabyandhecamef i
rst
. 
Fat
her
:Youknewallal
ongandyoukeptqui
et.I
t
makesyouasevi
lasNande!Am Icur
sedwi
th
badwiv
es. 
Jongi
:Myapologi
es,
Idi
dnotmeant
okeept
he
secr
etfr
om y
ou. 
Me:Youandmotherhaver
uinedl
ivesbyy
our
secr
et!Wher
ear
ey oufr
om,Lahli
we? 
Lahl
iwe:Igrewupinafar
minanotherKi
ngdom.
Theoldladycameandtol
dmewhoIam.You
haveli
vedtheli
fet
hatIwasdepr
ived.
 
Me:
Iti
sthef
aul
toft
hemot
hery
ouspeakso
dear
lyof
. 
Lahli
we:ImightnothaveknownherbutIloved
her.Ibel
iev
ethatXhantii
stheevi
lher
e.IfIcan
turnbackti
meIwoul dhaveki
ll
edhim onthe
fi
rstdayIsatfooti
nthi
shouse. 
.
Iunti
edhim andIstar
tedtobeathi
m up.Hehas
cl
earlycomewiththeagendatokil
lthoset
hatI
l
ov eandtheymakesmemadashel l.Ki
ngXol
o
stoppedme.
.
Father:
Wewi ll
hav ehim beheldi
ncapt
ivi
tyand
decidewhattodowi thhim oncewehaveall
comef rom t
heshock.Goandbewi t
hyourbri
de.
Shehasbeent hroughal ot
. 
Me:Whatdoyoumean?Whatel
sehas
happenedt
oNdoni
? 
Xol
o:I
tisbestt
hatshet
ellyou.Yourf
atherand
Iar
egoingtodeal
witht
his.Goandbewi thyour
wi
fe.
 
Me:Bant
uhasalsobet
terbeoutofcapt
ivi
ty.
Hi
swifei
sworr
iedabouthim.
 
Fat
her
:Hei
sathi
shome.
.
Il
eftthem t
her
eandlef
tf orKamva'
schamber
becauseiti
swhereNdoni i
s.Whatel
secoul
d
havehappenedtomywi f
e?Iknockedandwas
gi
venpermissi
ontoenter.Mymotherinl
awlef
t
us.
 
.
Me:Ndoniyamanzi,Iknowthatyouareupset
wit
hmef ornotli
steningtoyouandIam trul
y
sor
ry.I
fIknewthatt hi
siswhereitwoul
dendI
wouldnothavegone.  
Ndoni
:Iam notangr
yanymor
e, myKi
ng.Iam
j
ustgl
adthatyouarehomesafe. 
Me:Whatel
sehappenedtoy
ou,myQueen?It
seemsever
yoneknowssomethi
ngbutnotme.
(
shekeptqui
et)
Ndoni
:Iam sor
ry(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y)
Me:
Whatf
or,
myQueen?(
Iwi
pedhert
ear
sof
f)
Ndoni
:Iam.
..Iam nol
ongerpr
egnant(
she
br
okedown)
Me:
Whathappened?
 
Ndoni:
Hebeatmeuponet i
me.Somuchso
thatmybodywastooweaktokeept
hechi
l
d.I
am sor
ry,
Ntsi
ka.
 
.
Iki
ssedherl i
psandr ushedout.TheangerthatI
wasf eeli
ngwasj usttoomuch.Hedar edtokil
l
mychi l
d?Hedar edt obeatupmyl ady?It
ook
oneoft hespearsinourchamberandIwentt o
thecouncilchamberf irst
.Lucki
lytheyhavesti
ll
sattherewithhi
m aski ngquestions.Imar
ched
tohim andheldhi m byhisthroat.
.
Me:Youknow, i
fyoucamei nt
omyhouseand
waskindtomyQueen.Iwoul dhavehadmer cy
onyouandgivenyoualenientpuni
shmentbut
youcameint
omyhouseandy oudaredt
ohit
mywife,mywife!Youhavekil
ledmychildand
nowordsdescri
bewhatwhatIf eelf
oryou.
.
Il
ookedhi mi ntheeyesasIstuckt hespearin
hi
shear t.HelookedatmeandIsl owlysawhow
l
if
ei sescapinghim.Idonotcar eifheismy
brotherbuthehasgonet ofar.Ilookedatmy
bl
oodf i
l
ledhandsandbackt ohim andIf el
t
nothing.Noregret,
nopain,
nor emor se.Just
purenot hi
ng!
[
03/02,
19:12]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t41
.
#Ndoni
Istoodi nthemi ddleoft hechambersobbing.I
fel
tgui l
tformyownchi l
d'sdeathforthefi
rst
ti
me.Shoul dInothav eangeredt heimposter
thatday ?Thel ookofpai ninNtsika'
seyesasI
tol
dhi mt hatInol ongercarryhischil
disto
hauntmymi ndforever.Iconti
nuedtocleanmy
fi
lthybodyandl ethim havehisspace.Mother
wal kedinonceagai n.
.
Mother
:Ntsi
kahaskill
edt
heimposter
.Theman
washistwi
nbrother
,myblossom.(
myey es
wi
denedinshock)
Me:
Wher
eishenow?Takemet
ohi
m. 
Mother
:Herushedoutandgotont
ohishor
se.
Donotfear
,warr
iorBant
uwentaft
erhi
m. 
Me:Haveahor
sepr
epar
edf
ormet
oo.Iam
goi
ngtohi
m. 
Mot
her
:No,
Iam notgoi
ngt
oal
l
owt
hat
.You
havenotrestedyourbodyeversinceyoulost
yourchi
l
d, Ndoni.Youhavetorestproper
ly.You
cannotevenr i
deahorse. 
Me: It
houghtIwoul
dber eli
evedorhappyto
hearthatthei
mpost
erisdead, motherbutIam
not.It
houghthewasast rangerbuthewasmy
husband'swombpartner
. 
Mother:Hisapproachwasnotgood, Ndoni.He
shouldhavecomeoutandi ntruthbuti
nstead
hechoseanev ilapproach.Almosthavingyou
ki
ll
edandhady oulosey ourunbornchi
ld.Do
notfeelgui
lt
y.
Me:Iam j
ustsadthatmyhusbandhadtokil
l
hi
sownbr ot
herandithascl
earl
yupsethi
ma
l
ot.Wher
ehast hi
stwinbeen? 
Mot
her:
Youarenotgoi
ngt
obel
i
eve(
shet
old
meever
ythi
ng)
Me:Nandeagain!Howcouldshekeepachil
d
fr
om herhusband?It
hinkmenaretobe
al
lowedinthechamberwhenawomani sin
l
abournow.I
fXhantiwasal
lowedi
nthenhe
woul
dhaveseenthatshegavebi
rt
htotwo
babi
es.
 
Mot her:Ijustwantt
oknowwhyJongi didnot
sayt hatthereisasecondbaby.Youtoldher
thattherei sanimposterandsheknewNt si
ka
i
sat winbutkepthermout hshut.
 
Me:Onl
yshecananswerthat
,Mot
her
.Ihav
eto
goandgetKamvasoon.
 
Mother
:Ohmygrandchi
ldi
sgoi
ngtobe
over
joy
edtoseehi
sparent
sandBal
eki
.(we
l
aughed)
Me:
Wheni
shegoi
ngt
ospeakpr
oper
ly?
Mother
:Hei
sgoingt
osoon,donotr
ushhi
m.I
l
ovehowhestar
tshi
ssent
enceswit
hKamva
i
nst
eadof"I
"
Me:"
Kamv
awant
smi
l
k"(
Isai
dtr
yingt
oimi
tat
e
hi
m)
Mot
her
:HowIhopehegr
owsupt
obeaki
nd
man.ItseemsXhantiwascur
sedwit
hbadsons
andonlyblessedwi
thonegoodone.
 
Me: AndIam luckytobethewi f
eofthatone
goodone.Idot hinkt
hatthi
sLahliwewasgoing
tobedecentifhismotherhadnotdonesucha
greatinj
ust
icetohim.Clear
lythepainfr
om hi
s
upbringi
ngcausedhimtoseekr evengeon
Ntsika,t
hetwinwhohadi tal
l.Suchapity.
 
Mother:I
tissadindeed.Iwishforwomenwho
arel
ikeNandet obebarren.Shehasdest
roy
ed
herchi
ldr
en'sli
vessomuch.( ther
ewasaknock
onthedoor)
Me:
Ent
er(
Fiki
l
eent
ered)
Fi
ki
le:
Myf
atherwi
shest
oseey
ou,
myQueen.
 
Me:Tellhi
mt hatIam qui
ckl
ymaki ngmy
sel
f
pr
oper.Iam goingtoj
oinhim soon. 
Fi
ki
le:
Iam goi
ngt
otel
lhi
m(shel
eft
)
Mother:Theyhadbet
ternotbest
art
ingupmor
e
t
rouble.
Me:Weremai
nwonder
ingunt
ilwehearwhathe
hast
osay.
 
.
Itookmyt i
met of i
nishupbecauseIowet hese
peoplenot hingatal l
.IcleanedMbal eki ofthe
mudandbl oodf rom myescape.Iki ssedher
foreheadandt hankedherf orever
y t
hi ng.The
fewday souti nthebushmusthav ebeengood
becauseshehasev engainedwei ght .May beall
theav ai
lableani malsshecoul dhunt .Myl i
ttl
e
princeisgoingt obehappyt oseeheronce
again.Igotmy selfdecentandwal kedoutt o
wher emyf at herandNt sika'sfat
hersat . 
.
Fat
her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng,
mydaught
er?
Me:Iam wel
l
,fat
her
.Mythanksf
orret
urni
ng
myhusbandtomesafel
y(Iembr
acedhim
t
ight
ly)
Fat
her
:Doy
ounotknowt
hatIwoul
ddo
anyt
hingforyou?Yourhusbandi
sstrongand
wouldhavecomehomebyhi msel
f.Hehad
al
readygottenawaybythetimeIgotther
e.
Me:Inev
erhadanydoubti
nhi
sabi
l
iti
es.Hei
sa
t
ruewarr
ior
.
Xhanti:Deardaughter,Idonothavewordsto
tel
lyou.Nowor dscandescribej
usthowsorryI
am thaty ouhaveonceagai ngonethr
ough
suff
eringbecauseofmybl ood.I
fyouwishto
ret
urnt oZwelihleonceagainwearenotgoing
tostopy ou. 
Me: Idonotwi sht oleavemyhusband.The
Princei sgoi
ngt ocomehomebecausehi s
fatherhasmi ssedhi m dearl
y.Idohopet hatit
i
st hel astt
imet hatIam goingt ofeelsuf
fer
ing
becauseoft hepeopl eoft hi
sf amil
y.Idonot
blamey oufatherbecausey ouheldno
knowl edgeofy ourson'sex i
stence. 
El
der
:Wei
ndeedhav
ebeent
ruef
ool
dau.
..
 
Me:
Donotcal
lmedaught
er,
elder
.Itseems
youhav edoubt edmeandt heway sofmy
peopleforlongnow.Donotcal lmedaught er
wheny ouar eunabl etot r
eatmeasadaught er.
Youhav egivenmeaheav yjudgementf or
speakingthet r
uth.Ify ouhadl ist
enedtome
andhadt heimpost ershowhi mselfbef
or eyou
thenyouwoul dhav eknownt hatIspoket he
trut
h.Donotcal l
medaught erbecausey oudo
notdeservet ohav emeasadaught er
.Ishould
havey ouallpunishedf orincorrectand
i
mpul siv
ejudgementbutIam not .Myhear ti
s
notasunkindasy our s. 
Father:Allofmewant stomakeev eryguard,
councilmember sandal loft
hissoilwhohav e
mistreatedy oupayforwhathappened.
Honest l
yIdonotf eel anythi
ngforthedeat hof
yourothersonbecauseIwoul dhav efounda
wayt odoi tmy sel
f.Il
ov emygr andchildr
enand
hehasr obbedmeofachancet oagr andfather
again.Nt si
kahasaskedmet ofi
ndpeacei nmy
heartandi ti
st heonlyreasonIam si tt
ingas
calml yast hi
s.IfMbalekihadnotf oundNdoni
i
nt imewewoul dbespeakingadi fferentstor
y.I
woul dhav ekil
ledanythingthatbreathsinthis
place.Ihav egivenyourpeoplemanychances,
Xhant i.Ifmydaughterishurtagaini nfutur
e
becauseoft hepeopley oucallf
ami lyIwill
not
beki nd.Iam kindbecauseourchi ldrenlove
eachot herandwear eboundbyKamv a.
 
Xhanti
:Iunder
stand,
oldfri
end.I
fyourdaught
er
i
shurtbymypeopl eeveragai
nthenyouareto
burnevery
thi
ngdownandIam notgoi ngto
fi
ghtyou. 
Fat
her:Youareluckytohav esuchast rong
Queenwithasharpmi nd.Yoursoni stonever
meetanotheronelikeher.Evenifhetravel
sthe
worl
d,heisnotgoingtofindanot herher.
 
Xhanti:
Ntsikaholdsknowledgeoft hat
,ol
d
fr
iend.IhavealsodecidedtosendJongi back
tohermot her'
shome.Tol i
vewi t
hawoman
whoi sabletokeepsuchasecr etissuretobe
myendsomeday
. 
Me:
WhataboutFi
ki
le?
 
Xhant
i:Shei
stogowi
thhermot
herandv
isi
t
whenti
meallows.
 
Mother
:Howdoyouknowthatt
heyar
enot
goi
ngtogrowbi
tt
erhear
tsandcomeformy
chi
l
d? 
Xhanti
:Becauseyourhusbandhasalr
eady
warnedthem ofwhatmighthappenshoul
dthey
eventhi
nkaboutit
.Donotf ear
. 
.
Istoodandaskedt obeexcusedandwentt
o
Jongil
e.Iwanttoknowwhyshekeptquiet
aboutthi
s.Iknockedandshegav eme
permissi
ontoenter.Shesatcry
ingi
nher
chamber. 
.
Me:
Fat
herhast
oldmet
hathedeci
dedt
odo.
 
Jongi
:Ihav
emadehi
m hat
eme,
myQueen.
 
Me:Helovesy
ou,Jongi
.Fat
herj
ustdoesnot
l
ikef
eeli
ngbet
ray
ed.Muchlikemostpeopl
e.
Whydidyounott
ellany
one?
Jongi
:WhenNandewasst il
lal
i
veIfeared
tal
ki
ngbecauseofherandIguessIalsofor
got
aboutt
hesecretev
entual
l
y.
Me:Didy
ouknowthati
twasthet
winwhenI
sai
dthemanisani
mposter
?
Jongi:Somethingint
hebackofmymi nd
thoughtofthatpossi
bil
i
tybutIdi
dnotwantt
o
beli
eveitbecauseIknewhimtobedead. 
Me:Thatwasy ourchancet or edeem yourself
,
Jongi.Fatherwouldhav eforgiveny ouifhe
knewy ouhav etri
edtost opt heevilwhenitwas
happening.Doy ouknowt hedamaget hishas
done?Achi ldgrewupt hinkinghei snotwant ed
anditeventuall
yturnedhi shearttostone.Ilost
myunbor nchildinthehandsoft hisman.My
husbandhast olivewiththepai nofknowi ng
thathekil
l
edhisownt winbr
otherf
oral
lhi
sday
.
Somuchdamaget hatcoul
dhavebeen
prevent
ed.(shest
art
edt ocr
y)
Jongi
:Iam goi
ngtol
iv
ewit
hthegui
l
tfor
ever
andIdeser
vethi
spuni
shment
.
Me: Donotf ear,youar enotgoi ngtogohungr y.
Fatherisst
illgoingt omakesur ethatFi ki
leis
takencareof f.Anot herthing,Iknowmyf ather
haswar nedy ouaboutt hisbutIam goi ngtoas
well.I
fyouev erpl otagainstme, myhusbandor
familyoutofangerIam notr esponsi blefor,I
am goingtodeal withy ouasIhav edeal twith
allwhohav etried.Itisnotat hr eat
,itisa
promise.Nowwoul dbet hewr ongtimet oget
onmybadsi de.( shel ookeddowni nshock)
Jongi
:Iknowbett
ert
hant
odoyouharm.Ihav
e
seenyourpower
.Myapol
ogi
esf
orkeepi
ngthi
s
secr
et.
Me:Donotwor
ry.Maybey
ourhusbandi
sgoi
ng
t
oforgi
veyoui
ntime.
 
.
Istoodandl ef
therandwentt oZi pho'
shomet o
apologisetowar r
iorBantubutt henIremember
mot hersai
dhewentaf terNtsika.Iknockedand
theygav epermissiontoenter.Theywer eabout
tobowbutIst oppedt hem.Thandowent
runningtoMbaleki andwr appedherl i
tt
learms
aroundherneck.  
.
Zi
pho:
Car
eful
,Thando.Shei
slooki
ngt
ir
ed.
 
Me:Iti
sallt
henewf
atshehasgot
ten.Howar
e
you,
sist
er?
 
Zipho:Myhusbandi shomeagain,myQueen.I
am wel l
.Ineedtoapologi
setoyourhusband
foraccusinghim ofbei
ngcruelt
omyhusband
wheni ndeeditwasani mpost
er.
Me:Ineedtoapologi
setoyourhusbandf
or
hav
inghim capt
ured.(
welaughed)
Zi
pho:
Howar
eyou,
Ndoni
? 
Me:
Iam wel
l(Isai
dsof
tl
y)
Zi
pho:Howarey
ou,
myQueen?Nowanswer
metrut
hful
l
y.
Me: Iam exhausted,Zipho.Ihav
ebeenf eel
ing
empt yeversi
nceIl ostmyunbor nchil
d.Ieven
fearlooki
ngNt si
kai ntheeyesagain.(
Istar
ted
tocry)
Zipho:Youar
enottoblame,Ndoni .Yourbody
wast ooweaktocarr
ythechil
dbecauseoft he
abusethatmansubject
edyout o.Yourhusband
doesnothateyouforit
.Heisjusthurt.
 
Me:Youareri
ght.Howi swarr
iorBant
u?Di
d
t
heynotharm hi
salreadyi
njur
edhip? 
Zi
pho:Hei
swel
landst
rong.Whydoy out
hinkI
want
edtomar
ryawarr
ior
?(welaughed)
Me:Lookatusbeingmar
riedandmovedupin
l
if
e.Wewer ej
ustserv
ant
snotsolongago.
Nowwear eQueenandheadoftheroy
alhouse
st
aff
. 
Zi
pho: Ser
vantswhower einl
ovewithbest
fr
iendwarri
ors.Warr
iorswhoarenowKi ngand
Chiefadvi
sortotheKing.(
welaughed)
Me:Iam j
usthappythatwekeptt
hef r
iendshi
ps.
Doesthest
affcal
lyouseni
or?(welaughed)
Zipho:Mostoft
hem doandt heymakemef
eel
l
ikejuni
orJongi(
Ilaughed)
Me: Youar esocrazy
.Givemesomethi
ngtoeat
please.Ihavenoteatensi
nceIcameoutof
captivi
ty.
Zi
pho:
Ist
eaandbr
eadf
ine?
 
Me:I
tisper
fect.Thatmealremindsmeofthe
t
imeIli
vedi
nt heorphanage.(
wesmi l
ed)
Zipho:Doyouknowthatatti
mesIforgett
hat
youareQueen.Yourhumblenessi
stoo
amazing,myQueen. 
Me:IforgetthatIam aQueentoosomet i
mes.
Myl
ifest ar
tedast hatofahumblecommoner ,
mysister.Abigpar tofmeisgr
atef
ulforthat
. 
Zipho:Yourmothergr
ewupinroyal
tybutshe
tooiskindandhumble.I
tmustbeinyourblood
(Il
aughed)
Me:
Itmust
. 
Zipho:I
fIwasnotmar r
iedandyourfat
herwas
alsonotmar ri
ed.Iwoul
dhav emarri
edyour
father(
Ilaughedsohard)
Me:
No,
hei
sol
d. 
Zipho:
Themosthandsomeoldmanmyeyes
haveeverhadt
hepl
easureofseei
ng(
we
l
aughed)
Me:Pleasemakemyfoodandst optalki
ng
nonsenseaboutmyf
ather.QueenNobui s
goi
ngt osl
apyou.Mythanksformakingme
l
augh. 
Zi
pho:
Iti
smypl
easur
e,si
ster
.Il
ovey
ou.
.
Sheembracedmef oralongwhi
l
e.Wesatand
atet
hefr
eshlybakedbreadandi
ttast
edso
delicious.Ipl ay
edwi t
hThandowhospokeher
ownf oreignl anguagebuti tmademel augha
l
ot.Shei ssuchabeaut i
ful babywi thhai rthatis
goingt obet heenv yofmostmai densonceshe
i
sgr own.I twasdar kout sidebutIdi dnotcar e.I
am wai ti
ngf ormyhusbandt or eturn.Ziphodi d
notmi ndmebei ngher ebecauseshei salso
wai ti
ngf orherhusbandt or etur n.Thandof el
l
asleepandwesatandspokesof tl
ywhi le
l
aughi ng.Zi phoissi ll
ybutIl ov eherj okesv ery
much.Ist ar tedtof eelsleepyandbi dtempor ar y
farewel ltoherandl eft
.Igott ot her oyalhouse
andki ssedmymot hergoodni ghtandembr aced
myf ather.Iam notr eadyt ogot ot hechamber
wesl eepinusual lybecausei tisther ewher eI
l
ostmychi l
d.Iwal kedt oKamv a'schamberand
wor emyni ghtdr essandgotundert hecov ers.
Mbal ekislepti mmedi atelysoIguessshei s
ti
red.It ri
edt okeepmyey esopenunt i
lNtsika
arri
v esbutIf ai
l
ed.Myey esgr ewheav yandI
fel
l asleep.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Thelookofpainanddef eatinNdoni '
seyesis
all
thatIcoul
dthinkof.Istil
lfeelnot
hingformy
twinbrot
herbecausehehasr ippedmyhear t
outwithwhathedid.Ihav ebeenr i
dingalmost
all
nightandcouldhearBant ushoutmyname
butIdidnotsl
owdown.Igott i
redand
eventual
l
ysignal
edforthehor setostandand
hecaughtup. 
.
Bant
u: Doyouwi shdokil
lyour
sel
f,myKi
ng?
Suchspeedf orahorsecanbedanger
ousfor
ther
ider.(
Ilaughed)
Me:Saysthemanwhousedt
ogot osecret
hor
seracesasaboy(
webothlaughed)
Bantu:
Wearenolongerthoseyoungboy
s.I
haveahippr
obl
em.Ifthatisnotasi
gnof
agei
ngt
hanIdonotknowwhati
s. 
Me:Iti
sasignofi
njur
ynotgrowi
ngold.My
apol
ogiesf
orbei
ngheldcapt
ivef
ornothi
ng,
brot
her
. 
Bantu:I
twasnotabi
gdeal.Whati
sbot
her
ing
you.Isi
ttheki
l
li
ngoft
heimposter
?
Me:Iti
stheki
ll
ingofmyunbornchi
ldint
he
handsofthei
mposter.I
tisal
sot
hepainmy
wif
ehadtoendure.Iam t
oblameforal
lofi
t.
Shewarnedmeaboutgoingonthi
stri
p. 
Bantu:
Thatmanwoul dhavefoundanotherway
totr
yandr epl
aceyou.Mycondolencesf
orthe
l
ossoft heunbor
nPr i
nceorPri
ncess.
Me: I
twasaPr i
ncess,Icanfeel
it.LetusstopI
am notabouttocryony ourr
oughman
shoulder
s.Iam goi
ngtogocr yonmywi f
e's
softchest(
helaughed)
Bant
u:Idonotwishtohaveyourbi
gheadon
myshoulder
s.I
tisgoodtohaveyouback,
br
other
.
Me:I
tisgoodt
obeback.(
wehear
dcr
iesf
rom
af
ar)
Bant
u:Whati
sthat
? 
Me:
Goi
ngt
her
eist
heonl
ywaywear
etoknow.
 
.
Wer odewi thgreatspeedtothecarri
agethat
heldthecries.Wecaughtupqui ckl
y.Itsounded
l
ikelit
tl
echi l
dren.Amanst eppedoutandI
recognisedhimf rom somewhere.Theyheldoil
l
ampssoIcoul dseetheirf
aces.
 
.
Him:Lahli
we, Igr
ewtir
edofwait
ingforyousoI
hel
pedmy sel
ftowhatyouhav
epr omised.(
I
fi
nal
lyrecognisedhi
m)
Me:
Whathav
eIpr
omi
sedy
ou,
Ngxaki
? 
Ngxaki:Donotactl
ikeafool
.Youhave
pr
omi sedmeslavesinret
urnformyhel
pto
hav
eNt
sikasol
dtosl
aver
y. 
Me:Ngxaki
,soy
ouar
etheoner
esponsi
blef
or
mycaptur
e. 
.
Igotof fmyhor seandIst artedbeatingthe
day l
i
ghtf rom hi m.Iknewt hatIwillnotkill
hi m
becausehi sf athermustcomeandanswert o
thisaswel l
.Bant ul ookedi nsidethecarriage
andf oundy ounggi r
ls.Irecognisesomef rom
Ndoni '
sol dhome.Igav ehim anotherbeat ing
forstealingchi ldrenf r
om mysoi ltosellintheir
disgustingt rade.Thesear ebabi esanddonot
deservesuchal i
fe.Noonedeser vessuchal if
e.
Ihadt hecar riaget urnbackar oundandt iedt hi
s
excuseofaPr i
ncenextt oitsohecoul dwal k.
Wear r
ivedatt heor phanageandt heol dlady
wassohappyt oseehergi rl
s.IhadBant ur ide
backt ot hemai nlandt ohav eguardsbeput
here.Hecamebackaf t
erawhi l
eandwe
headedbackt othemai nl
andwi t
hBant u.We
wentt ot elleveryonewhathewast ryi
ngtodo.
Wekepthi mi ncapt ivi
tyasi njuredashei sand
underst rictguar ding.Iam t ot i
redtodeal with
allel senoesoIwentt omychamberbutf ound
i
tempt y.QueenNobut oldmet hatshei s
sleepi ngi nKamv a'schamber .Ilookedather
beaut i
fulf aceasshewassl eepingsoundl y.I
kissedherf oreheadandst ood.Ihadwat er
broughtt omychambersoIcoul dbath.Itook
offt hebl oodf il
ledcl othingandst ar
tedtobat h
my sel f.Thewar m wat erst ungbutIknewt hatI
hadt owashi tof f.Idri
edmybodywi thacl oth
andsatont hebedgent ly.Itr
iedtoputbody
but teronmybackbutf ai
ledduet othepain.I
feltwar m handsonmybackandt henaf ew
sof tkisses.Ismi ledindel i
ght. 
.
Ndoni
:Whathav
etheydonet
oyou,
Ntsi
ka?
 
Me:Iti
sbecauseofthel
i
fethatIl
iv
edasa
sl
ave.Thest
ripesar
enotsorebutt
hebi
te
woundsar
e. 
Ndoni
:Seei
ngyouli
kethi
spai
nsmyhear
t.Tel
l
mewhathappenedther
e? 
Me:Iam goi
ngt
oanotherday
,myQueen.Could
youpl
easeappl
ythi
sremedyNcedi
madef or
me. 
Ndoni:
Yes,gi
veither
e.Iam goi
ngt
obeas
gent
leaspossi
ble.
Me: Youarealwaysgentl
e.Iam sorr
yfornot
bei
ngher etoprot
ectyou,myheart.Youdidnot
deserveall
thepai
ny ouhavegonet hr
ough.
Ndoni:Youneednotapol
ogise,
myKi ng.
Every
thinghappenedasi
tshould.Howarey
ou
feel
i
ng?  
Me: I
fyoutal
kaboutmytwinbrot
hert henIf
eel
nothi
ng.Theguil
thasnotcomeyet.Itseems
l
ikethedream y
ouhadhascomet rue. 
Ndoni
:Inev
erwi
shedf
ori
tto.
 
Me:
Wear
egoi
ngt
ogett
hrought
hist
oo,
Ndoni
.
Thelossofourchi
l
dandallel
se.Str
onger
uni
tedremember?(Ihel
dherhand)
Ndoni
:Str
ongeruni
ted,
myKi
ngal
way
s.(
I
ki
ssedher)
Me:Per
missi
ontohav
ethePr
incecomehome.
Ihav
emissedhi
m. 
Ndoni
:Heisyourson,youneednotaskf
or
per
missi
on.Heisgoingtobehomesoon. 
Me:Wearetocl
eanset
hishousebef
oreheset
s
f
oother
e. 
Ndoni
:Iagr
ee.Il
oveyou,
Ntsi
ka.Iaskt
haty
ou
notl
eavemeagain.
 
Me: Notl
i
kethis.Il
oveyou,Ndoni
yamanzi.Now
Iknowmor ethanevert
hatIam bl
essedtohave
you.Mythanksforknowingmesowel l
. 
.
ShekissedmeandIwant edtomakelovetoher
butshestoppedme.Iunderst
andbecauseshe
hasbeenthrought
oomuch.Igotintobedand
heldhert ightl
yandshef eltsowar m.Her
l
av enderscentnev erleav emynost ril
sjustasI
l
ikei t.Shel ookedupatme, smiledandwe
kissedagai n.HowIhav emi ssedt hese
moment s!Atsomepoi ntIt houghtt hatIam
nev ergoi ngt of eelthet ouchofmywoman
agai n.Ist illhavet odeal withNgxaki butnot
now.Nowal lIwi shist ogi vemybodyt hewel l
deser v edr estt hatitcr aveswhi leIam cl oseto
myNdoni , myhear t,
myQueen.Li f
esur elycan
nott hrowwor seourway .Ithinkthatev enf at
e
mustacceptdef eatnowbecauseIam not
planni ngonpar t i
ngwi thmyhear tnomat tert
he
obst acl est hrownourway .
[
03/02,
19:13]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t42
.
#Ndoni
Weekshav epassedandmyKi ngandIhav e
beendistant
.Phy sicallyIam nowbackt o
normalbutnotemot ionall
yandIf ai
lto
underst
andwhy .Nt andoy abant uandBukhosi
areheretorest.Theyar ejustpassingt hrough
toanotherKingdom.Theyhav ecomewi th
Kamv asoNt si
kai sathi smosthappi est.Iam
busybathingmy sel fwhent hechamberdoor
openedandIqui cklycov eredmy sel
f.Itis
Ntsi
kaandhesatont hebed.  
.
Nt
sika:
Ndoni
(hesai
dsof
tl
y)
Me:
Ntsi
ka(
Itur
nedt
olookathi
m)
Nt
sika:
Imi
ssy
ou,
myQueen.
 
Me:Idonotunder
stand.Am Inotst
andi
ng
bef
oreyou?
 
Ntsi
ka:YouarebutIcannothelpbutfeel
li
ke
youarepushingmeaway.Lookev ennowwhen
Iwal
kediny oucov
eredyoursel
f.
Me:HowwasIt
oknowt
hati
tisy
out
hat
ent
ered?
 
Ntsi
ka:Yousti
llcl
i
ngt othatwr aparoundy our
bodyli
key ouf
earitmightfal
l andrevealyour
nakedness.Whyareyouhi di
ngy oursel
ffrom
me,myQueen?( Ikeptquietforalongt i
me)
Me:Becauseatt
imesIf
eary
ou,
Ntsi
ka(
Isai
d
sof
tl
y)
Ntsi
ka:Fearme?(
hest
oodandwal
kedt
o
whereIstood)
Me:Idonotknowwhyiti
sli
kethi
s.Someti
mes
whenyouareangr
yIf
earthaty
oumi ghthi
t
me. 
Ntsika:Iwouldneverhi
tyou,Ndoni
yamanzi.I
knowt hatyouhavesuffer
edgreatl
ybecauseof
amant hathadthesameimageasmebuthe
wasnotmeandIam nothi m.Youhav eseen
meanger edmanytimes.HaveIeverdi
rect
ed
thatangertoy ouphysi
cal
ly
?
Me:
No(
Ilookeddown)
Ntsi
ka:Iwishfort
hingst
oret
urntonor
mal,my
Queen.Ihavenotheardy
oulaughinal
ong
t
ime. 
Me:Muchhaschanged,Ntsi
ka.Wemustgot o
t
heeati
ngchamberforthemorningf
east
.It
woul
dberudetokeepthefamilywai
ti
ng.
Ntsika:
Iam goi
ngt
ositandwai
tunt
ily
ouar
e
f
inishedandwecangotoget
her
.
Me: Doyounotgeti
t,Nt
sika?Idonotwi
shf
or
youtoseemynakedness( Ishout
edwhi
l
e
cry
ing)
Nt
sika:
Whywoul dyoudepr
ivemyey
esofsuch
abeaut
iful
sight
? 
Me:
Iti
snotbeaut
if
ulany
mor
e,myKi
ng.
Ntsi
ka: Whatelsehashappened,
Ndoni ?Has
he..
.hashef or
cedyout ohav
ebedroom
deali
ngswi t
hhim?( Icoul
dseehestruggl
edto
askt hequesti
on)
Me:
No,
myKi
ng.
 
Ntsika:
Talkt
ome, Ndoni
yamanzi
.Iam notabl
e
t
or eadyourmind.
 
Me:Mybodyisnott
hesameasi
twasbef
oreI
hadourPr
ince.
 
Kamv a:
Mada(
heshout
edont
heot
hersi
deof
thedoor)
Me:
Wear
etospeakagai
nlat
er.
 
.
Hewentt oopent hedoorandKamv aranin.I
pickedhi m uptry
ingtoavoidmakingey e
cont actwithNtsi
ka.HeleftusandKamv aran
afterhim.Finall
yIcoulddressincomf ortnow.I
hav ebeenhi di
ngmy sel
ffrom him becauseI
feart hathemightseewhatLahl i
wedi dwhen
hesawmynakedness.Inol ongerhav ethe
conf i
dencet obewithhim.Ifi
nishedandwent
totheeat ingchamberwher eIfoundev ery
one
seated.  
.
Me:
Greet
ings.(
Isatdown)
Nt
ando:Gr
eeti
ngsNdoni,
Didyouknowthat
Mbal
eki
ispregnant
.(myeyeswi
dened)
Me:
Shehasj
ustgot
tenf
at.Shei
snotpr
egnant
.
Bukhosi
:Shei
s,myQueen.
 
Me:Whatdowedoinsuchasi
tuat
ion?Ar
eher
cubsnotgoi
ngt
obewil
d? 
Ntsi
ka:Idonotbel
i
evethatyourancest
ors
wouldhaveall
owedhertohaveli
ttl
eonesif
t
heywer etobeadangertous.Arewetokeep
t
hem?  
Me:
Idonotknow,
myKi
ng.Doy
ouwi
shf
orus
t
okeept
hem?  
Nt
sika:
Idonothaveaproblem wit
hhav
ing
moreMbal
eki
's.(
helaughedsoftl
y)
Kamv
a:Mor
eBal
eki
(wel
aughed)
Nt
ando:
May
bey
ouar
etogi
vemeone.
Me:Ineedt oaskfatherifkeepingtheli
tt
leones
i
ssafe.Icannotbel i
eveMbal ekiistohaveli
tt
le
ones.Makingagr andmot heroutofmeatsuch
ayoungage( theylaughed)
Bukhosi
:Cl
ear
lyshedoesmor
ethenj
ust
hunti
ng.
 
Me:IsuspectMli
loorMqhobi
.Youandfather
aret
opayf ordamagest
omyl adycheet
ah
(t
heylaughed)
Nt
ando:Ndoni
,ar
ewest
il
ltogot
othe
or
phanage?
 
Me:Yes,
Iam goi
ng.Idi
dnotknowt
haty
ou
wi
shtocomewi t
hme.
Nt
ando:
Ido(
hesmi
l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:
Bukhosi
,KamvaandIar
etogot
othe
f
armsandcheckouti
fall
isst
il
lwel
l
.
.
IdonotknowwhyNt andoissohappyt
ogot o
theor
phanagebutIam notgoi
ngtoquest
ionit
.
IgotKamv areadyforhistr
iparoundthef arms
wit hhi
sfat
her.Ihavebeenav oi
dingNtsika
sinceourconversati
onearl
ieron.Webi dour
farewell
sandweal lwentourseparateway s.
Nt andoandIarri
vedattheorphanage,we
ent er
edandgreeted.
.
Zinzi
:MyQueen,myapologiesforbei
ngill
manneredtoyoual
lthi
stime.Myhear thasjust
beenheavyforl
osi
ngasister.
 
Me:Youhav enotlostme, Zinzi
.Icomeher eas
muchasIcanbuti thasbeeny ouwhohasbeen
pushi
ngmeaway .Myapol ogiesifyoufeell
ike
youhavelostasisterbutIcannotbet hesame
Ndoniyouonceknew.Iam nowQueenandI
havepl
entyofresponsibil
it
iesbutitdoesnot
meanthatIloveyouanyl ess.Youar eall
sti
ll
mysisterbutIj
ustcannotl ivewithyou.
 
Zinzi
:Iunder
stand,
sist
er.Myapol
ogi
esonce
again.
 
Me:Apol
ogyaccept
ed.(
Ist
oodandembr
aced
her
)
Mama: I
tbr
ingsmej
oytoseepeacebetween
thet
woofyouagai
n.Zi
nzi
,youhavetogonow
andgetwat
er. 
Nt
ando:
Per
missi
ont
ogowi
thy
ou,
young
mai
den.
 
Zi
nzi
:I
tisofnoneed,
myPr
ince.
 
Ntando:ButIi
nsist
.Youar
esuretoneedthe
prot
ecti
onofay oungwarr
iori
ncaseofdanger
.
(Il
aughedsoft
ly)
Zi
nzi:
Youmaycomewi
thmei
fMamaandt
he
Queenal
l
ows.
Mama: Youmaygowi
thherbutdonotdoany
naught
ythings.
Zi
nzi:
Donotwor
ry,
Mama.Ishal
lnothav
eany
boyki
ssme. 
Me:Ntandoyabant
u, y
ouneedtobehav
eanddo
notkeepZinzif
rom herdut
ies.
 
Ntando:Ihol
dnohiddenagenda,
Ndoni
.Igi
ve
youmypr omise.Maywego,mylady
?(Zi
nzi
smiled)
Zi
nzi
:Wemay
,myPr
ince(
theyl
eftus)
Mama: Zi
nzi
isgoi
ngtost
artpl
anni
ngher
weddi
ngtothePri
ncei
nherimagi
nati
on.(
I
l
aughed)
Me:
Shei
shal
froy
alt
yisshenot
? 
Mama: Yes,
hermotherwasaserv
anti
noneof
theneighbouri
ngKi
ngdomsandhadbedroom
deal
ingswi t
hthePr
incether
e. 
Me: Ithinkt
hatchil
drensuchasZi nzineedt
o
becr ownedPrincessesbecauseitseemsmost
Kingdomsl ackmai dens.Soontherei
snot
goingt obeanyfullbloodedroy
al mai
denslef
t.
 
Mama:Iti
snotachanget hati
stocomesoon,
myQueen.Zi
nzii
slikeashamet oherfat
her
andhi
swifeshal
lneveracceptabast
ard.
 
Me:
Hav
eyout
oldherwher
eshecanf
indher
f
ather
? 
Mama: Sheknowsnowwhoandwher eheis.I
feart
hatshemi ghtrunofftofi
ndhim andonly
bedisappoi
ntedtof i
ndthatsheisnotwelcome.
EnoughaboutZinzi.Ihaveamat t
erthatweighs
heavyonmyhear t,myQueen.Per mi
ssionto
speaktoyouabouti t
. 
Me:
Speak,
Mama.
 
Mama: Thereiswor dgoingar oundt
he
Kingdom thatsay
st hatUmhl abaOchumi
l
eyoi
s
soontotradeslaves.Isi
ttrue?  
Me: I
tisallj
ustar umour.Theimpost ert
hat
wasi ntheroyalhousepretendingtobetheKing
wantedt oapprovethedeal butithasbeen
call
edof f
.Nothingisgoingtohappen.That
mant ookthechi l
drenwithoutpermissi
on.My
KingandIhadnoknowl edgeofi t.Hewouldnot
havestoppedt hechil
drenthiefifhewasalso
guil
ty.
Mama:
Myapol
ogi
esf
orbr
ingi
ngt
hisupagai
n.
Iam justsowor
ri
edaboutt
hesaf
etyoft
he
gir
ls.
 
Me:Wehaveputguardsher
esonohar
mist
o
comeyourway
.Igiveyoumypromi
se.
.
Isatandplayedwiththegirlsandt heolder
onesreadforme.Itisnoty etperfectreading
buttheyareimprovi
ng.Itwast i
mef orust o
headbackbutNt andohasnotr etur ned.The
ri
verisnoteventhatfar
.Idohopet hattheyare
wellandsafe.Thetwooft hem fi
nal lyarri
ved
tal
ki
ngnonst op.Webi dfarewellandmadeour
waybackt othemainland. 
.
Nt
ando:
ThatZi
nzi
isabeaut
if
ulmai
den.
 
Me:Shetr
ulyi
s.Whathast
akeny
ousol
ongt
o
getwat
er?
Ntando:Wehavenotdoneanyindecency
,
Ndoni.Igi
vey
oumypr omise.Wesatinthe
shadeandat
efr
uitandshesangforme.She
hasatrul
ymagi
calvoi
ce(Ismil
ed)
Me:Yes,
shei
sgi
ft
ed.Hasy
ourhear
tchosen
her
? 
Ntando:Iam tooyoungforsuch,
Ndoni.You
knowt hatwecannotlovecommoner s.Iam
sureasuitori
schosenformeal r
eady.Iam t
o
reachmat ur
it
ysoon(helookedafarwhil
e
sayingit
)
Me:YouhavelikedZi
nzi
'
scompanysinceyou
wentwit
hfathertogi
vetheor
phanagegi
ft
s.
Bukhosi
tol
dme.  
Ntando:Bukhosihasabigmouth.Doeshenot
knowthatthebusinessofmenaretoremai
n
betweenmen?( Il
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me:Shei
shalfr
oyal
ty.(
hequi
ckl
ytur
nedhi
s
headtol
ookatme)
Ntando:
Doyouthi
nktheKingandQueenareto
al
l
owamar r
iagebetweenahalfbl
oodroy
aland
af
ull
bloodone?
Me: Youar esti
ll
tooy oungt othi
nkabout
marriage,Ntando.Letust alkagainoncey
ou
haver eachedmat ur
ity.Perhapstherul
esaret
o
changei nafewy ears. 
Ntando:Youarethebestsi
ster
,Ndoni
.Ihave
al
way sbeenabletospeakt
oy oufr
eel
y.(he
smiled)
Me:Nextt
imey
ouar
etov
isi
tforl
onger
.Il
ove
you.
 
Nt
ando:AndIy
ou.Iam sur
etocomev
isi
tmor
e
of
ten.
 
.
Wer odeonunti
lwegottothemainland.
NtandoaskedtogomeetBukhosiandNt sikai
n
t
hef armssoIhadahorseprepar
edf orhi
m.He
i
sinl ovewit
hZi
nzibutt
heyaresti
ll
t ooyoung
t
ospeakofmar ri
age.I
fonl
ytheyknewt hatthi
s
t
hingcal l
edmar
ri
ageisnotaneasypar t
nershi
p
tobei nattimes.Mbal eki l
aidlazi
l
yintheshade
andIwentt oi nspecther .Shetrul
ylooks
pregnant!Whatam It odowi t
htheli
ttl
eones
oncet heycome.Ar et heychosenasshei sor
aret heymeantt obewi ld?Whywoul dIbe
blessedwi t
hmanypr otest er
s?Iwentaboutmy
dutiesoftheday .IthoughtaboutwhatNt si
ka
spokeandt ruthisImi sshi m dearl
ybutIfear
beingwi t
hhim.I tseemst hatthewoundsof
whathappenedhasst ayedev enwhenIt hought
thatitisal
lfinal
lyov er. 
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
IcannotbelievethatNdoniwouldthi
nkthatI
careaboutthechangesherbodyhasgone
thr
oughduet oKamv a'
sbi
rth.Shehasnever
hadapr obl
em bef or
esowhynow?Iwal kedin
deepthoughtswhenIhear dBukhosical
loutmy
name.Il
ookedathi
m. 
.
Bukhosi
:Yourpeopl
ehavebeengreet
ingyou
buti
tseemsy ourt
hought
stookyoufar.
 
Me:
Wher
eisKamv
alesi
zwe?(
hepoi
ntedahead)
Bukhosi
:Issomet
hingt
hemat
ter
,br
other
?
Me:Iam justt
hinki
ngaboutal
lthathas
happened.Somuchhaschanged.
Bukhosi
:Noonewouldremaint
hesameaf ter
whatyouandNdonihav
ebeenthrough.You
weremadeaslaveandthati
ssuretoleav
eit'
s
ownemot i
onal
wounds.
Me: Thati
swhyIdonotwi sht
oinvol
vemy
Kingdom i
nsuch.Atl
eastNgxakiwasdeal
twith
accordi
ngandistoneverbeaprobl
em agai
n. 
Ntando:
Brot
hers,
wai
tup!(
heshout
edbehi
nd
usandrantous)
Me:
Wher
eisNdoni
? 
Nt
ando:
Shehasgonebackt
othemai
nland.
 
Me:
Ineedt
oheadbackqui
ckl
y.
Bukhosi
:Issomet
hingt
hemat
ter
? 
Me: No,Ij
ustneedtodosomethingver
y
i
mpor tant
.Iaskthatyoul
ookaf
terKamv aand
ensurethatheretur
nshomesafely
.
Ntando: Wear
ehisuncles.Donotfear,
hei
sin
safehands.Goandattendtoyourother
business.
Me:
Myt
hanks.
.
Irantowher emyhor sei
st i
edandIr odeas
fastaspossi ble.IfNdoniyamanzidoesnot
believethatIstil
ldesireherthenIshallpr
ovei
t
withactions.Iar r
ivedinthemai nl
andandgot
i
nt otheroyal house.Ifoundherspeakingto
oneoft heser vantsandIr ushedtoherand
pickedherup.Theshockandconf usi
onmade
herunabl etospeak.Iwal kedt oourchamber,
cl
osedt
hedoorandputheront
hebed.
 
.
Ndoni
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?(
shesmi
l
ed)
Me:Showingy
ouj
usthowmuchIl
ovey
ouand
desi
reyou.
 
Ndoni
:Youneednotpr
o..
. 
.
Ikissedherbef oreshecoul df i
nishandshe
reactedwi t
hasof tmoan.Thewai twasj usttoo
muchsoIt ookof fallherclothingandIj ust
tookamomentt oappr eciat
et hebeaut ybefore
me.Idonotknowhowshecansayt hather
nakednessi snol ongerbeaut i
ful.Ikissedand
caressedal l
ofherandhersof tmoansf i
ll
edthe
chamber .Bothofourcl ot
hingl andedont he
fl
oor ,wecaressedeachot hersbodi esandI
fi
nallybecameonewi t hher.Thepl easure
becamesoi ntensethatIam sur eallcanhear
ourlov esounds.Imadel ovet omyQueenagai n
andi
tfeel
smagical
.Ihel
dherti
ghtl
yinmy
armsaswetr
iedtobreat
hnormall
y.
.
Me:Neversayy ouar
enolongerbeauti
ful
,
Ndoni
.Itbrokemyheartwhenyouuttered
t
hosewor ds. 
Ndoni:Youareanamazingman,Ntsi
ka.Iguess
Inolongerf
eltwor
thyofyouaf
terall
thathas
happened.
Me:Youareworthyofall
thegoodt hatl
if
ehas
t
oov er,
myQueen.Ihavemi ssedbeingone
wi
thy ouagai
n.(
shelaughedsoftl
y)
Ndoni
:Ithoughty
ouhav
elosty
ourmi
ndwhen
youpi
ckedmeup.  
Me:Ij
ustcoul
dnotwaitt
ohav
eyouagai
n.May
Iasky
ousomet hi
ng?
Ndoni
:Ask,
myKi
ng.
 
Me:Canwepleaset
rytohaveanotherchil
d?
Pl
easedonotdri
nktheremedythatprev
ents
pregnancy
.(shel
i
ftedherheadandl
ookedup
atme)
Ndoni
:Iwoul
dlovetocarr
yyourchi
l
dagai
n.I
l
oveyou.(
Ismil
edindeli
ght)
.
Weki ssedonceagainandmadel ov eagai
nand
again.Hav i
ngheri
nmyar msmakesmef eel
l
iket hemostweal thi
estmaninmyl i
fe.Wefel
l
asleepbutgotwokenupbyal oudknock.I
stoodup, mademy sel
fdecentandwentt o
openup.I twasaguardsayingfatherwantsto
seeusatonce.Ndoni gotupandwef ir
stmade
oursel vesdecent
.
.
Ndoni
:Whatcoul
dbesour
gent
?
Me:Idonotknow,myQueen.Hopef
ull
yther
eis
notgoi
ngtobemor epr
obl
ems.Wehav ehad
toomuchofthose.
 
Ndoni
:LetusgobecauseIdi
eofcur
iosi
ty.
.
Iheldherhandandwemadeourwayt othe
guestchamberwher efat
heri
s.Wit
hhimi sa
manandawomanwi thsomeonesit
ti
ngonthe
fl
oorwi t
hablanketcover
inghi
m orher
.We
greetedandsatdown. 
.
Me:
Youhav
ecal
l
ed,
fat
her
. 
Father
:Yes,myKingandmythanksforcoming
atonce.Thi
sisamatterofgr
eatur
gency.
Thesearethepeopl
eoftheAmandlaKingdom.
Me:Wasther
enotwor
doft
hatKi
ngdom bei
ng
nomore?
 
Father
:Indeediti
snolongerinexist
ence
becauseofani nv
asi
onfrom anotherKingdom.
Mostofi t
'speopl
ewerekil
ledandsomesol d.
. 
Ndoni
:Dot
heyseekhel
pinr
ecl
aimi
ngwhat
t
heyhavel
ost
,fat
her
? 
Fat
her
:No,
myQueen.Theycomewi
thanot
her
matt
er.Theysayt hatt
hei
rPri
ncesswas
capt
uredint
osl aver
yanditwasther
ethatshe
metKingNtsika. 
Me:Whoist
hisPr
incess?Iaskt
hatshebe
r
eveal
ed.
.
Thewomanst oodandwentt orevealt
he
persont hatsatonthef l
oor.Shelookedfamil
iar
butIcoul dnotrecall
properly.Aft
ersome
thoughtIf i
nall
yrecognisedher.Iti
sthemaiden
Iwasexpect edt oimpregnatewhenIwas
captured. 
.
Woman: MyKi ng,Iam t
hegrandmotherofthe
Pri
ncess.Shehast ol
dmewhathappened
bet
weent hetwoofy ouincapti
vi
ty.Youhave
madeheri mpureandnowshei scarryi
ngthe
chi
ldofthissoil
. 
Ndoni
:Nt
sika?(
shesai
dsof
tl
y)
Me:
Ihav
enott
ouchedt
ha.
..
 
Woman: Mygranddaughterwaspureandyou
havetakenherinnocence.Sheisnowcarr
ying
yourheirandweexpecty outodotheri
ghtthi
ng
andmar ryher
. 
Me:Idonotcarewhaty ourdaughterhastol
d
youbutIhav
enott ouchedher!Ndoni,Ihave
noti
mpregnatedanyone.Igiv
ey oumypr omise.
.
Thel ookofpai nanddi sappointmenti nhereyes
painedmesomuch.Shest ar
tedt ocryand
stoodupqui ckly.Itri
edtor unaf t
erherbut
fatheradv i
sedt hatIlethercal m down.I
wat chedassher anoutoft her oyalgrounds
andMbal ekifollowedherkeeper .Whati sthi
s
mai denplanni ng!Ihavenotev enkissedher ,
let
aloneimpr egnat eher.Icannothav eNdoni
believethatIbet rayedherliket hi
s.Ihav enever
evenwi shedf orasecondwi f
eandIr efuseto
raiseachi l
dt hati snotmine.Iwentbackt oget
thi
smaidenspeakthet
rut
hbutshewouldnot
changeherstor
y.Howam Igoi
ngtopr
oveto
myQueent hatt
hisi
snotmychil
d?
[
03/02,
19:14]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t43
.
#Nt
sika
Ididnotl i
stentof athersoIr anoutafter
Ndoni yamanz i
.Sur el
yshecoul dnothav egone
toofar.Iranouti ntotheopenf i
eldbutcoul d
notseeherandpani cst ar
tedtocreepi ntomy
heart.Iwalkedfor wardandsawherl yi
ngi nthe
grassf aci
ngthesky .ShelookedatmeasI
approachedbutf acedt heskyonceagai n.Il
aid
nexttoherandj ustkeptsi l
entforawhi le.
.
Me:
Ihav
enothadanybedr
oom deal
i
ngswi
th
thatmai
denoranyot
hermai
den,
Ndoni
.(she
keptqui
et)
Ndoni:
Howam It oknowwheny ouneverspeak
aboutyourexper
iencesatt
hatpl
ace,
Ntsika?
 
Me:Idonotwishtomakeyourhear
tfeel
heav
y
byt
ell
ingyousuchdet
ail
s.
Ndoni:Iam yourwife,
Ntsi
ka.Youaremeantt o
shareyourpainwithme.Iam notsomeweak
younggirl
.Ihaveaskedyouov erandoveragai
n
whattheyhav edonetoyoubuty oukeepon
avoi
dingspeakingaboutit
. 
.
Itookherbyherwaistandlai
dheront opofme.
Herbigey esnowsmal l
duetothecryi
ng.Shei
s
ri
ghtIhavenottol
dheraboutmyt emporary
suffer
ingasaslave.Iki
ssedherl
ipsandshe
restedherheadonmychest .
 
.
Me:
Ihav
enotspokenabouti
tbecausei
thas
ef
fect
edmemoret
hanIr
eal
i
sed,
myhear
t.(
she
l
ookedatme)
Ndoni:I
sitwhyyouhavebeenrest
lessi
nyour
sleep?Youatti
mescryoutiny
oursleepbut
refusetoshar
eanyt
hingonceyouwakeup. 
Me: Iam aman,Ndoni.Howam Isupposeto
tel
lmyladythatIcarr
yfeari
nmyhear t
?Ifear
goingtodist
antsoi
lsbecauseIf
earbeingtaken
onceagain. 
Ndoni:
Yourladydoesnotseeyouaslessofa
manjustbecauseyouhol
df ear
,myKing.You
aregoi
ngtogetthrought
hisbutIcannothave
youshutmeout .
Me: Wehav ebothbeenclosedbookst oeach
otheraft
erallwehavewitnessed.Myapologies
fornotshari
ngmybadexper i
ence.Theli
feofa
slaveisenoughtobreakeventhestrongestof
men.  
Ndoni
:Not
hingcanbreakmywarri
or.Youhav
e
j
ustgonet
hroughaterr
ibl
ethi
ngbutIknowyou
ar
egoingt
ogett
hroughi
t.Ibel
i
evei
nyou,
my
Ki
ng.
 
Me: Ihaveyoubymysi desoIcangett hr oughi t
.
Ineedt ofr
eemymi ndoffthechainsandst op
feel
ingfear.Ihavenotmadeherpr egnant .The
guardsorderedthephy si
call
ystrongment obe
oneinf l
eshwi t
htheslavemai dens.Theai mis
tohav echi
ldrenwhoar etobebor nassl av es.
 
Ndoni
:Thati
ssoter
ri
ble.Thepoorl
i
ttl
echi
l
dren
ar
etoneverhav
eatrueident
it
y.
Me: I
tisaf i
lt
hybusinessbutthismai denandI
pret
endedt obehav ingbedroom dealingsto
foolt
heguar dsbutmyseedhasnev ergone
i
ntoherbody ,myQueen.Igi veyoumypr omi se.
Idonotwi shtohav eanotherwomancar rymy
chil
dren.Myonl ysinisnottel
li
ngyouwhat
happenedt herebecauseifyouhadknowl edge
youwoul dnothav ereact
edasy ouhav ej
ust
now. 
Ndoni
:If
eltt
oohur
ttost
ayi
nthechamber
.My
apologi
esf
ort
hat
.Howar
ewet
odeal
wit
h
thi
s? 
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngtoacceptr
esponsi
bil
i
tyf
or
t
hechi
l
dcreatedbyanot
herman. 
Ndoni
:Whywouldshecomeupwi t
hsuchal
i
e?
I
tisbecauseofy
outhatshei
sfr
ee. 
Me: Iti
sactual
lybecauseofy ou.Whent hemen
Iplannedanescapewi thappr oachedmesay i
ng
thatwearenott otakethewomenwi t
hus.Iti
s
becauseofy ouandy ourfatherthatshesit
s
thereandnotwor ki
ngf oraslavemast er
.She
evensaidthatherheartbelongst osomeone
else.
Ndoni:I
tseemst heseti
tl
eswehol
datt
ractall
ty
pesofcrazy.Iattimeswisht
obeanordinar
y
person.
Me: Letusli
einthi
sgrassandbeordi
nar
y
beforegoingbacktodealwi
thournewcr
azy
.
(shelaughedsoft
ly)
Ndoni:
Thepr
obl
em i
snotgoi
ngt
osol
vei
tsel
f,
Ntsi
ka.
 
Me: Ihol
dknowledgeoft
hat,myheartbutyou
bel
ievemeandt hati
sall
thatmatt
ers.(Iki
ssed
herpassionat
ely
)
Ndoni:MyKi ng,youaremakingmybodyr eact
t
oy ourtouch.(Ibrushedhert
highsgent
ly)
Me:Thati
swhatIwant ,
myQueen.Icannotget
enoughofyouandIdonotwi shto.(
sheki
ssed
myneckanditfel
tsensati
onal)
Ndoni:Idonotwi
shforyout
ostopeit
her.
Pl
easehav emehere.Iwi
sht
ofeelyouinsi
deof
me.(shewhisper
ed)
.
Icuppedherf aceinmyhandsandl ookedather
i
ntenselyandt helookofpassi
oninherey es
drovemecr azy .Notevent
hepossibi
li
tyofwold
animalsisgoingt ostopme.Imadelovet oher
.
Thewor l
dandal li
t'
sprobl
emsdisappearedint
o
thebackgroundf orawhi l
eandIwi shedthatit
wouldnotst opbutwehadt ogobackt oreal
it
y.
Wewal kedtoanearbyr iverandplayedinthe
water.Shelaughedsomucht hatIfel
tmyhear t
befil
l
edwi thjoy.Ihavenothear dthatsweet
l
aughi nalongwhi le.Aft
erawhi lewewal ked
backtother oyalgroundsholdinghands. 
.
Ndoni:
Iaskt
hatyoupl
easeteachmehowt o
ri
deahorsewhenyouhavet
ime.(Il
ookedat
her)
Me:
Youhav
enev
erwi
shedt
olear
n. 
Ndoni
:Ir
eali
sedwhenIranoutt
hatget
tingona
hor
sewouldhavespar
edmeal otofef
fort
.(we
l
aughed)
Me:Wearetost
artthel
essonssoon,myhear
t.
Kamvaseemstoli
keital
it(shesmi
led)
Ndoni
:Heisgrowi
ngupsoquickl
y.MyKi
ng,
woul
dy ouagr
eetoal
soteachmeweaponski
ll
s.
Thewarr
iorinZwel
ihl
ecover
edthebasicsbutI
needt
ruetrai
ning(
shesai
dwithexci
tement)
Me:Justgi
vemey ourpromi
set
hatyouwon'
t
wi
shtogot obat
tl
ewi t
hourwar
ri
orssoon(
she
l
aughed)
Ndoni:No,i
tisjustforsurv
ival
.Idonotwisht
o
behelpl
essasIwasaf ewweeksago.Iwantt o
knowhowt odef endmy sel
fandKamv ashoul
d
therebedangerwhileyouareaway .(
Ismil
ed
withpri
de)
Me:Iam goi
ngtoteachyouallt
hatIknow.No
l
eni
encyistobegi
v entoyou.(
shejumpedon
mewithanembrace)
Ndoni:Youaret
ot r
eatmeasy ouwoul
dany
othery
oungwarrior
.Iam notgoi
ngtobeangr
y
atyouforshout
ingatme,Igivey
oumypromise.
Me:Wehav
ereachedhome.Ar
eyour
eadyt
o
deal
wit
hever
ythi
ng?
Ndoni
:Wedonothav
eachoi
ce,
myKi
ng.
 
.
Iki
ssedherhandandwewal kedi
ntotheguest
chamber.I
tseemsourguestsgotser
veddri
nks
andfood.NdoniandIsatdownandalley
es
wereonus. 
.
Father:
Wearegl
adthatyoubothar
eback.
Ntsika,
thi
smai
densti
llspeakst
hesamestor
y. 
Me:Youngmaiden,Idonotknowwhatyouwish
toachi
evefr
om yourpl
anbutyouandIboth
knowthati
tisnotmychil
dthatgr
owsinyour
bel
ly.
 
Her:
Youdi
dnotsaysuchcruel
wordswheny
ou
hadmeanddi
sgracedme,myKing.
 
Ndoni:
TheKingsayst
hathei
snotgui
l
tyoft
his,
f
atherandIbel
iev
emyhusband.
Grandmother:
Weknowt hatt
hethoughtof
welcomi
ngasecondwi f
einyourhomemakes
youfeel
threat
enedbutmychil
dhasnotcome
tot
akeyourplace.Shej
ustwi
shesf
orawar
m
homeforherunbornchi
ld.
 
Ndoni
:Whati
syourname,
dearPr
incess?
 
Her
:Nosandi
so,
myQueen.
 
Ndoni :Youknowt heshockofy ournewsmade
mymi ndgobl ankforamomentbutonceIl ai
d
ont hegr asslookingupint heskyIgat her
edmy
thought s.Whent heKingofZwel i
hlehelda
celebrationformyr etur
ny earsagoy ourfamily
honour edt heinvi
tati
on.Youdi dsayy ouarea
Princessoft heAmandl asoi lri
ght?Whyi sit
thatIdonotr emembery ourf acebeing
amongstt hem?  
Her
:Uhm. .
.Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l(she
"
col
lapsed")
Grandmother:Iaskforachambert
oputheri
n.
Beingpregnantisnoteasy
.Sur
elyyouhol
d
knowledgeofthat,myQueen.
Me:
Wecanal
lseet
hatshei
srunni
ngf
rom t
he
trut
h.Idonotwishtohar
m herunbor
nchi
l
d
thoughsolethergoandrest
.Weareto
conti
nuelat
er. 
Ndoni:Donotevent
hinkofspr
eadi
ngdark
medicinei
nmyhouse.Youaresuretor
egreti
t
becauseIam goi
ngtoknow. 
.
Ndoni hadaser v antgotopr epareachamber
forourunwel comepr egnantguest .Sheal so
excusedher sel fsay i
ngshei sgoingt oandgo
aboutherbusi ness.Itgivesmegr eatjott ohave
herinmycor ner .IsatRut hFatherwhor emai n
askingmepl ent yofquest i
onsandi tstartedto
annoymegr eatly.Istoodandwentoutt othe
farmst ocheckont hePr i
nces.Kamv ar ant o
measIappr oachedandIpi ckedhi m up.Hei s
becomi ngheav ierbyday .Wesatunderat r
ee
andat estrawber ri
esandsuddenl yal lseemed
hopeful again.Ndoni andIseem tobegoi ng
backtonor mal andoursoni shappy .Ourf arms
areproducingbeauti
fulpr
oductsandsoonwe
aregoingtohaveachi l
d.Wehav econceived
anotherchi
ldtoday,Icanj
ustfeeli
t.Isatwith
mybr other
sandl ookedouti
ntothebeautiful
of
thesoilofmyancest or
s.
.
.
.
#Ndoni
IfNtsikahadnotkeptwhathappenedt ohimin
thatter r
ibleplacemyr eacti
onwouldhavebeen
better.Itseemsl i
ketheproblemsofli
fekeep
maki ngast opatourdoor st
epbeforemov i
ng
on.It ookaspearandMbal ekitot
heguest
chamberwher et hi
smaidenis.Iwentinwit
hout
knocki ngandf oundherandhergrandmother
whisper ing.
.
Me:
Donotst
opy
oursecr
etconv
ersat
ion
becauseofme.
 
Grandmot
her:Iaskt
haty
ougi
veuspr
ivacyt
o
rest
,myQueen.
Me:Am Iaguesti
nyourhouseorar
eyoua
guesti
nmyhouse? 
Grandmother
:Myapol
ogi
esforoff
endi
ngy
ou.I
t
i
sjustthatmychi
l
dneedstorest
. 
Me:Iam goi
ngtomakesur esher
est
,myl
ady
.I
askthaty
oupleaseexcuseus.
 
Gr
andmot
her
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
.
Shenervouslylookedatherchi
ldandlef
tsl
owl
y.
Isatnextt
ot hemai denandMbalekial
so
cl
imbedont othebedandshej umpedup. 
.
Me:Donotf
ear
,dearPr
incess.Shedoesnot
bi
te.
 
Her
:Iti
sawi
l
dani
mal
.Howcoul
dyousayt
hat
shedoesnotbi
te?
 
Me: Youar erightshetrul
yisawi ldanimal and
shehasgi venherv icti
mspai nfuldeaths.I
cri
ngeasIt hi
nkofhowshecl awedt hem.Ican
sti
llheartheircri
esofagony .Att imesev enIdo
nothav econt r
olofher.Shehat esdeceivers
andshecansmel lthem.HowIwi shIhadt hat
gif
t.Tosni f
foutl i
arsanddeal withthem
according.Arey ouadeceiver, dearPrincess?
Her
:No,
myQueen.
 
Me:Ilovetruthf
ul peopl
ebecausetheycal
m my
cr
aziness.Isomet imeswonderwhatitwould
beli
ketoski naliarali
ve(Il
ookedatthespear
)
Her
:ThenIpi
tyt
hosewhodar
eli
..
.l
iet
oyou.(
I
smi
ledather
)
Me: Justimagine,maiden.I
fIcouldskinthe
l
iar'
sfacet henperhapsIwil
lbeabl etomake
theentir
ewor ldseejusthowuntruthful
theyare.
Iam tostartaroundtheedgesandcutopent he
ski
nt henpeel i
tawayslowlyasIlistentothe
agoni
singscr
eamsofmyv
ict
im(
Ilaughedout
l
oud)
Her:Ihavenotsl
eptwitht
heKing.Iam not
evenpregnant
.(shespokesoquickl
y)
Me: Ial
readyheldknowl edgeoft hat
,maiden.
Whatwasy ourplan?Hei snof oolandwould
neverhavetakenr esponsibi
l
ityforasinhehas
notcommi tted.
 
Her:Aft
erourKingdom burntdownmy
grandmotherandIhav enowher et
ogo.Itold
heraboutthekindnessofyourhusbandandout
ofdesperati
onmadeapl an.Pleaseacceptour
apologi
es.
Me: Iam goingtohav emer cyony oubecause
youalreadyhav enothi
ngandbecauseIknow
thatyouwentt hroughabadt i
mei nthesl
ave
camp.Youar etotakeyourgr andmotherand
whoev ertheotherpersonisandmakesur eyou
neversetf ootonmysoi lagain.ShouldIf
ind
youher ei
nf utur
ey ouaresurenotgoi ngtobe
aslucky
.IfIdarehearthaty
ouhav etr
iedt odo
thi
sonsomeoneel seyouwil
lpaydearly.You
mighthaveseenaneasyt ar
getwheny ousaw
usforsomer easonbutwear ealotofthings
butweakisnotoneoft hem.Whatdidy ouplan?
Tofakeapr egnancyunti
lwhen? 
Her:Iwasgoi
ngtosayIhav
elostthechi
l
d
onceIwasmarri
ed.(
myheartsank)
Me: Doy outhinkthatlosi
ngachi ldisat hingt
o
playwi t
h?Youdonotr ealiset
hepai nitcauses
towomanwhohav ereall
ygonet hroughi tand
youwer ewi l
l
ingtolieaboutsuchaser iousand
painfulthi
ng.Iwishthaty ouneverfeel t
hepain
oflosingachildsomeday .Nowgetoutofmy
houseatonce.  
Her:
Youarenevergoingtoseeusagai
n.We
gi
veyouourpr
omi se.Ourapol
ogi
esonce
agai
n. 
.
Shest
oodupqui
ckl
yfr
om t
hebedandshe
walkedout .Shewentt otellfathert hatshehas
beenl yi
ngal lthistimeandf atherwant edhert o
bepuni shedbutIl etthem go.Somet hi
ngj ust
tel
lsmet hattheyar enotbadpeopl e, t
heyar e
peoplewhoar eledbydesper at i
on.Ihav ehad
enoughwi t
hhav i
ngpeopl eheldi ncapt i
vit
yor
hav i
ngt hem kill
ed.Tr uthisthatIam exhaust ed
andal lIhopef ori speace.Mot herhasonce
toldmet hatawomansomet i
mesneedst odo
stuffshehasnev erimagi nedtokeepher
mar ri
agei ntact.Ihav ejustthreat enedt oskina
personal iveandj ustthinkingabouti tmakes
myski ncr awl.Iam j usthappyt hatt hiswasnot
apr ol
ongedpr oblem.It houghtt hatshewoul d
standbyherst orybutshecl ear l
ywasaf r
aid.
Aftertheywer etakenawayIwentt obat h
becausel yi
ngint hegr assiscl ear l
ynotagood
i
dea.If inishedandNt sikawal kedi n. 
.
Ntsi
ka:Fat
herhast
oldmethemaiden
conf
essedaft
eryouspokewi
thher.
 
Me:I
tdi
dnottakemuchef f
ort
.Iam j
ustgl
ad
weri
doftheprobl
em qui
ckl
y.Wherei
s
Kamval
esi
zwe? 
Ntsi
ka:Theyareall
atBant u'
s.Zi
phohas
cooki
nganicemeal andtheyhavei
nvi
tedus.I
havehonouredtheinvit
ati
ononyourbehal
fas
well
. 
Me: Iwoul
dlov
etogo.Shoul
dIhavethem br
ing
watersoyoucanbat
h.Surel
yyourbodyf
eels
i
tchy.
Ntsi
ka:Wear egoi
ngtositar
oundaf
ir
e,my
Queen.Iam goi
ngtobathoncewehave
r
eturned.
 
Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
ost
ayupandhel
pyou(
he
l
aughed)
Ntsi
ka:Donotspeakt
osoon.Youar
esur
eto
cr
avethishandsomeKi
ngofyour
ssoon(
I
l
aughed)
Me:
Stopbei
ngsi
l
ly,
myhandsomeKi
ng.What
canwet
aket
oZi
phoasagi
ft
? 
Nt
sika:
Theyhav
enotaskedf
orany
thi
ng.
Me:Wecannotar
ri
veemptyhanded,
myKi
ng.I
am goi
ngt
otakel
otsofgi
nger
.
Ntsi
ka:
Asy
ouwi
sh.Iam happy
,Ndoni
.(he
smil
ed)
Me:Iam al
sohappyandi
tisal
lbecauseofy
ou
m. 
.
WekissedandIf ini
shedgett
ingdressed.Ihad
gi
ngerbeputi nabucketandf r
uit
.Wei nvit
ed
Xhanti
becauseheneedssomehappi nesst oo.
Hegladlyaccepted.Ntsi
kacarr
iedthegiftto
Zi
phoandBant u'
shome.Wear riv
edand
gr
eeted. 
.
Zi
pho:Myt hanksfort
hegingerandfr
uits,
my
KingandQueen.Wear esuretohavebigbell
i
es
oncewefinish.(
welaughed)
Me: Mythanksfort
heinvi
te.Weneededto
spendsomet imeoutsi
deabit.I
tsmell
sso
l
ovelyal
ready.Doyouneedandhelp.
 
Bantu:Youar
eourguest
s.Youneednotl
i
fta
fi
nger.
 
Nt
sika:
Wehavestoppedbei
ngguest
sineach
ot
hershomesl
ongago. 
Xhanti
:Itseemsl
i
ket
hisi
sacel
ebr
ati
onof
youngpeople.
Ntando:Iti
snot.I
tisacel
ebrat
ionf
orold
people,
youthandli
ttl
ebabi
es.(wel
aughed)
Bukhosi
:Iam j
ustcur
ioustoknowwhent
he
foodisgoi
ngtobeready.
 
Bantu:
Ishar
ethesamecur
iosi
tyasy
ou,
brot
her.
Zipho:Goodthi
ngIam cooki
ngi
nbigpots
becauseitseemsyouareall
goi
ngtoeatalot
.I
willgoandpourthi
sdel
ici
ousgi
ngerf
or
everyone.
Me:
Iam goi
ngtohelpyou.Youcannotleav
e
meher
ewithal
lthecomplai
ninghungr
ymen.  
Ntsi
ka:Youar enott
oridofanyofusanyti
me
soon,especi
all
ynotofmesogetusedt othe
complaini
ng,dearwi
fe.(ev
ery
onelaughed)
.
Wel ef
tandall wehear dbehinduswer eman
l
aughterandbi gvoices.Ntandoyabantui
sjust
toomat ur
eforhisage.Hespeaksasi fheisthe
sameageast heothermen.Ev enf at
herwas
l
aughingsomuchandi twarmedmyhear t
.We
serv
edev ery
onegi ngerandwentt ostirt
hepots.
HowIhav emi ssedt hi
sli
fe! 
.
Zipho:
Ihaveneverseenany
onel
ooki
ngso
happywhil
esti
rr
ingapot.
Me:Thisr
emindsmesomuchofmyol
dli
feas
acommoner.Inowhav
epeopl
ewhodoal
lof
t
hisforme.
Zi
pho:
Ist
hatnotagoodt
hing?
 
Me: I
thasit'
smomentsbutnot hi
ngbeatst
his.
Justlookathowhappyeveryoneis.Ev
en
ThandoandKamv aarest
ill
awakebecause
theyfeelt
hejoy
. 
Zipho:I
tgiv
esmej oyt
hatyouar
elaughi
ng
again,
sist
er.(
Ntsi
kawalkedupt
ous)
Ntsi
ka:MyQueen,
isthefoodnotready?Your
Ki
ngisdyi
ngofhunger(hewhisperedandI
l
aughed)
Me:
Whyar
eyouwhi
sper
ing?
Ntsi
ka:Themensaidy
outwowouldli
stenand
br
ingthefoodi
ftheKi
nggi
vesanorder
.(we
l
aughed)
Zipho:
Thef oodisready,myKi ng.Youcango
andtel
lthestarv
inggr oup.Iam goingt
ogoget
bowlstodishupin( sheleftus)
Nt
sika:
Givemeal i
tt
lepi
eceofmeatbef
oret
he
ot
herssee(Il
aughedsomuch)
Me:Onl
ybecauseIhav
esomuchl ovef
ory
ou
anddonotwisht
oseey oust
arv
e. 
Ntsi
ka:Iam nevert
ost
arv
ewhi
l
eyouar
einmy
l
if
e.(Iki
ssedhim)
.
Igav ehi mt hemeatandhel ef t
.Ihear dsome
compl aini
ngf rom t hegr oupandIl aughed.
ZiphoandIpr epar edt hef oodf oreat ing.Weal l
satandhadagr eatfeastwi t
hourf riends.Iwas
feedingKamv awhi l
eeat i
ng.Af tereat ingwesat
aroundt hef i
reandt hel aught erfi
lledt heopen
air.Ifeltli
keanor dinar ypersonf orthef i
rst
ti
meaf t
eral ongwhi le.Iam notNdoni yamanzi
theQueenatt hismoment .Iam Ndoni yamanzi
thewi fe, mother ,daught er,sister,auntand
fri
end.Ti t
lesthathol dmuchgr eaterwor t
hto
met hant hatofQueen.Sof ornowIam j ust
goingt oenjoyt hemomentofbei nganor di
nary
per sonsur roundedbyt hosemyhear tbeatf or
.
[
03/
02,
19:
16]Ron:
Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosi
Makhosi

I
nser
t44
.
#Nt
sika
Weekshav egoneandl i
fehasbeenf ill
edwith
welldeservedpeace.Ihav eev enfoughtagainst
thefearoft r
avelinglongdistances.Ndoni has
start
edhert rai
ninginhor seridingandweapon
usingskil
ls.Ifi
ndt hatthereissomet hi
ngthat
fasci
natesmewhenIseeherhol dingthose
sharpirons.Iturnedt ol
ookathersl eeping
peacefull
ynextt ome.Thesunper fectlyki
ssi
ng
herbeautifulsmoot hskin.Sheopenedherey es
andcov eredherf acewi t
hherhandswhenshe
foundmest arr
ing.
.
Me:Sunr
isegr
eet
ings,
ladywar
ri
or(
shel
aughed
sof
tl
y)
Ndoni:Iam st
il
ltoomuchofanamat eurt
obe
t
it
ledthat,myKing.Sunr
isegr
eet
ingstoyouas
well
(Ikissedher)
Me:Youhav
ebeenlear
ningqui
ckl
y,myQueen,
ev
enBantui
simpr
essed.
Ndoni
:Doest hatmeant
hatyouaregoingt
o
agr
eeifIwishtogoonbatt
le?(Ir
aisedmybrow
andshelaughed)
Me:Batt
lecampsar enoplaceforalady,
Ndoni.
I
tisnopleasantpl
acetobe.Womenar etobe
nur
tur
ers.Whoi sgoi
ngtocar ef
orthehome
whenwomanal sogot obatt
le.
Ndoni:Idonotwishtogot obatt
le,myKing.I
wasjustbei
ngsil
ly.Whatarey ougoingtodoif
t
henextgenerati
onofyoungmai denshavea
wi
sht obeseenaswar ri
ors? 
Me: IhavenotthoughtaboutthatbutIdonot
thi
nki ti
sgoingtobewi se.Whathappensif
warriorsf
alli
nloveandt hemaidenwarri
orsfal
l
pregnant? 
Ndoni:Youhav eapointbutmai denscanbe
taughtthisskillt
oprotectthemselves.Most
husbandsar eawayf r
om theirhomesduet o
workandi tl
eavesthewomenal oneand
venerable.Isitnotwisetogivethem t hemeans
todefendt hemsel v
esandt heirchi
ldren?
Me:Wecouldapprovet
hatorder
,myQueenbut
mostwomenar enoti
nter
est
edinhandl
i
ng
kni
fesandspear
s. 
Ndoni:
Whichisjustsuchapity
.Thereisal
so
thei
ssueofroyal
tymar r
yingr
oyal
ty.Whatisto
happentot
heof f
spri
ngsifoneoftheirpar
ents
i
sacommonerandt heotheraroyalbei
ng? 
Me:Idonotholdanyknowledgeoft hat
, my
Queen.I
tisnotmuchtodowi ththechildrenbut
moretotowiththeal
l
iance.Arranged
marri
agesaremorebusinessthanany t
hing
el
se.
Ndoni
:Whatar
ewetodoifKamvalesi
zwefal
l
s
i
nlovewi
thacommonersomeday?Would
bui
ldi
nganall
i
ancebemor
eimpor
tantt
hanhi
s
happi
ness?
Me: Iam all
formarry
ingforl
ove,Ndoni
.Before
Imety ouIwaswill
ingtomarryoutofobli
gati
on
butoncemyhear tchoseyouInolongerwished
to.Whyar ewespeakingaboutthi
s? 
Ndoni
:Ihav
ejustbeent
hinki
ngaboutNt
andoa
l
otlat
ely
.
Me:Hassomet
hinghappenedt
oourbr
other
?
(
shesmil
ed)
Ndoni:It
hinkhishear
thaschosenay
oung
maiden.(Il
aughedsoft
ly)
Me:Iti
sunder
standabl
e,
 hei
storeachmat
uri
ty
soon.Whohashishear
tchosen?
 
Ndoni
:Zi
nzi
from t
heor
phanage.
 
Me:I
stheKingandQueenofZwel
i
hlegoi
ngt
o
appr
ovesuchaunion?
 
Me:Fat
herisnotgoingt
o.Lookhowfarhewas
wi
ll
i
ngtotravelt
ofindBukhosi
'
sbri
de.Zi
nzii
s
hal
froy
alt
y.Doest
hatnotcountf
orsomet
hing?
Me: Ithi
nkift
hefathersofthesechi
ldrentake
theircommonerloversassecondwi vesthe
eldersmightal
lowaf ul
lbl
oodr oyal
andahal f
bloodonet owedbecauset woKingdomswi l
l
stil
lbeabletobui
ldanalli
ance. 
Ndoni
:Ithi
nkthati
sat hi
ngt
hatKingdoms
mustconsi
der.Toall
owaunionbetweenhal
f
bl
oodroyalandful
lbl
oodones.
 
Me: Al
li
sgoi ngtobewell
.Weareyoungand
canimplementanewr ul
ebuti
tdoesnotmean
thatal
lotherKingdomsar
egoi
ngtodot he
same.
Ndoni:Ij
ustthinkthati
tisunfai
rforchi
l
dren
l
ikeZinzit
ogr owupi norphanageswhil
eher
f
athersti
llbr
eat hs.
 
Me:I
ttr
ulyissadandthatiswhyIdonotwish
t
ohaveil
legiti
matechi
ldr
en.Il
ovechi
l
drenandI
woul
dnotwi shtoseeanyofmyownsuf f
er.
 
Ndoni:Andt
hatisoneoft hereasonswhyIl ove
you.Mostmenar enotbotheredwiththei
r
chi
ldr
enbecausetheyt hi
nkitist
hejoboftheir
motherstol
ookaf t
erthem butnotyou.Il
ov e
howmucht i
mey ouspendt imewi t
hthePrince
whenyouarefree.(Ismil
edindeli
ght)
Me:
Idonothavearepl
ytothosesweetwor
ds.
Mythanks,
myQueen(Iki
ssedher
)
Ndoni:
Arey
oufr
eet
ogot othegar
denat
sunset
?Wehav
enotgonether
einalongt
ime.
Me:Iam fr
eebutfornowIneedyoutoget
r
eady.Ihaveagi
ftforyou.(
shesmil
ed)
Ndoni
:Whatisit
?Isi
tthebeadedneckl
aceI
sawinthemarket
? 
Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
otel
lyou.Letusgetupand
see.
 
.
Shejumpedupandhadwaterbebroughttoour
chamber.Webot
hgotour
selvesr
eadyf ort
he
dayandIcoul
dseesheisexcited.HowcomeI
holdnoknowl
edgeofthisneckl
aceshewishes
for?Ihav
etoaskZiphoaboutit
.Wegot
dressedandr
eady.
 
.
Ndoni
:Iam decentandreadyt
oseemygi
ft
.
(
shesmiledinexci
tement)
Me:
Iti
sout
side.(
Ismi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:MyKing,
whyi
sthegi
ftout
side?I
sit
somet
hingbi
g? 
Me:
Ipr
efert
oshowmyl
adyr
athert
hanexpl
ain.
.
SherushedoutofourchamberandIfol
lowed.I
chasedheraswemadeourwayoutandshe
l
aughedsomuchwhenIcaughtherandputher
overmyshoulder
.Icarr
iedhertowher
ehergift
stoodandputherdowngently.
.
Ndoni
:Ntsi
kawher
eist
hegi
ft
?Al
lIseei
s
hor
ses.
 
Me:Youcanbr
ingher
!(Ishout
edt
oamal
e
ser
vant
)
Ser
vant
:Her
eshei
s,myKi
ng(
hecamewi
tha
hor
se)
Me:Youar enowthenewkeeperofthi
sbeauty.
Yourri
dingski
ll
sareperf
ect
,myQueenandI
am gi
vingyouthi
shorseasagif
t(shestar
ted
tocry
)
Ndoni
:Sheisbeauti
ful
,Nt
sika.Lookathowher
f
urshi
nes.Ilov
ehersomuch, myKi ng.(
she
j
umpedintomyar ms)
Me:Iam gladyouloveher.Youaretonameher
your
selfbutdonotfearsheistr
ainedand
r
eady. 
Ndoni
:Asi
fyouwouldr i
skgi
vi
ngmeani
l
l
t
rai
nedhor
se.(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Youknowmet
oowel
l
.(sheki
ssedme)
Ndoni
:Idonotknowwhatt
onameher.Sheis
j
ustper
fect
.Iam goi
ngt
othi
nkaboutasui
tabl
e
namesoon. 
.
Shebr ushedherhorsewhilesmi li
ng.Thelook
ofloveandf asci
nati
ononherf acemademe
happy.Shecoul dnotri
dehery etbecauset he
horsehadnosaddl estrappedonbutshei sto
ri
deherwhenwegot othegar denl at
eron.She
thankedmeonceagai nandwewentbackt o
theroyalhouse.Wehadourmor ningfeast
.
Ndoni wenttobathKamv aaf t
er wardsandI
wenttosi twit
hfather
.Hel ookedl i
keasad
i
njuredanimal.
.
Me:
Hassomet
hinghappened,
fat
her
? 
Fat
her
:Idonotunder
stand,
myKi
ng.
Me:Youl
ookl
ikeamanwhocarri
esgr
eat
bur
densonhi
sshoul
der
s.Whatseemstobe
t
hemat
ter
? 
Fat
her:If
eell
i
keamanwit
houtpurpose,
Ntsi
ka.
Idonotknowwhenl
astmyhear
tfeltj
oy.
 
Me:
Doesi
tlongf
orJongi
? 
Father
:Itusedt
ot hi
nkt
hatJongi
isthel
adyi
t
wishestohavebutIcannotbewit
hawoman
whokeepssecrets. 
Me:
Whatwoul
dhel
pyout
hen?
 
Fat
her:Iaskt
hatyougotot
heotherKingdoms
andseekawifeforme(myeyeswidened)
Me:
Ayoungmai
den?(
hel
aughed)
Father
:Donotbesi
l
ly.Anol
dmai
denwhohas
notwed. 
Me:Andyouwishforhertoberoy
alty
?Have
youanyi
deahowdi f
fi
cultt
hati
sgoingtobe?I
donothav
eti
mef orthat
. 
Fat
her
:TheQueenmi ghtbeabletohel
p.Iam
ol
d,Nt
sikaandal
lIseekisgreatcompany.
 
Me: Iam goingt
oaskNdoni t
ot akeov erthi
s
taskbutdonotholdanyexpectations.Whatare
theoddsofanol dmaidenbei
ngav ai
lable?I
surehopet haty
ouaretobeluckyi nlovethi
s
ti
mef ather
. 
Father:
Ihavebeenbeggi
ngt
heancest
orst
olet
fat
ef avourmei
nlove.
 
Me:It
hinkyouwer
esupposet
ohavemarr
ied
manywivesasayoungman.(
wel
aughed)
Father:
Amanwi thtoomanywomenunderhi s
roofisnevert
ofi
ndt r
uepeace.Oneismor e
thanenoughbutIhavejustbeenchoosi
ng
wrong.Perhapswit
hNdoni '
shel
pIam goingto
fi
ndaki ndwoman. 
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
oaskher
. 
.
Suddenlyhenolongerl
ookedsosad.I
underst
andwhatfathermeansbycravi
ng
company .Il
ovet
heconversat
ionsIhav
ewit
h
myQueen.Theymakemeseet hingsf r
om
anotherperspect i
v eandmyl adyi saper son
whodoesnotf eartell
ingmewhatshet hinks.
Surel
yNdoni i
snotgoi ngtomi ndhel pingf ather
seekt hisol
dmai denhewi shesf or.Ij usthope
thatthenextonei sgoingt odeser vehi m
becauset helastt wocl ear
lydidnot .Ist oodand
wentt ohelpBant uwi ththetrainingofy oung
warri
or s.Ali
fet hatItrulymissbutIknowIam
tonev erret
urnt oit.Mypr i
oriti
eshav echanged
somuch.butIwoul dbeanungr atef ul mani fI
weret ocompl ain. 
.
.
.
#Ndoni
. 
IwenttogetZiphowhil
eshewasbusywi t
hher
dut
iestoshowhermynewhor se.Isti
ll
cannot
bel
iev
et hatIhavemyownhor sethatIcan
i
ndependentlyri
deon.Usual
l
ywomanar eonl
y
seenr
idi
ngi
ncar
ri
agesbutnotont
hehor
se.
 
.
Zi
pho:
Arey
ounotaf
rai
doff
ail
i
ngont
his?
 
Me:Well
sheistohaveasaddl
ewhenev
erIride,
Zi
pho.Doyounotwishf
ormetoteachyou?
 
Zi
pho:Withwhatti
mebet
weenbei
ngawi
fe,
motherandseni
or? 
Me:Nowy ouar
ejustmaki
ngexcuses,Zipho.
Sur
elyi
fIcandoitsocanyou.(
shelaughed)
Zipho:
Okay,IadmitIam af
rai
dofdoi
ngi
t.Iam
notasbrav
easy ou. 
Me:Youareast r
ongbravewomen.YouandI
aretori
det
ot hemarketonourown.Doest
hat
notsoundl
ikefun? 
Zi
pho:AQueenatthemarketwi
thoutguar
dsi
s
aQueenatr
isk(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Okayy
ouar
eri
ght
. 
Zi
pho:
Idoagr
eet
hati
tist
rul
yabeaut
if
ul
ani
mal
. 
.
Wewal kedbackt other
oyalgroundsandwent
aboutourbusiness.Kamvacamer unningt
ome
andhuggedmyl egsasIapproached.Hewas
sayi
ngsomet hingbutspokeinhisweird
l
anguagesoIhadt omakehim slowdown.
.
Me:
Whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
? 
Kamv
a:ManyBal
eki
'
s. 
Me:
Yes,t
her
earemanyMbaleki
'
sinZwel
i
hle.
Doyouwi
shtov
isi
tther
e?(
heshookhi
shead)
Kamv
a:ManyBal
eki
'
s(hesai
dinf
rust
rat
ion)
.
Ididnotunderst
andwhathewassay i
ngsohe
tookmyhandandl edmet oaguestchamber
andwewal kedin.IfoundMbaleki
lyi
ngonher
sidebreast
feedi
ngt wocubs.Ismi
ledand
walkedcloser.Theylookedsosmall
and
beauti
ful.Thei
rmot heri
slicki
ngt
hem whi
l
e
theynurse. 
.
Me:Shiba,Ineedyoutotal
ktomeplease.Ido
notknowi fIshoul
dkeepthel
it
tl
eones.(t
here
wassilence)
Kamv
a:MyBal
eki
(het
ri
edt
opi
ckupone)
Me:Donotpickthel
it
tl
eMbalekiup,
Kamva.
Youmighthurthi
m.Letusnotholdt
hem.(
he
sul
ked)
Shi
ba:
Greet
ings,
chi
l
d(Ismi
l
edi
nrel
i
ef)
Me:Ihavest
art
edt
othi
nky
ouhav
elef
tme
f
orever
.
Shiba:Youmightnotseemeorheart hesound
ofmyatal l
timesbutIam goingtoremainwit
h
you.Youaregrowingint
othewomany ouare
meantt obeNdoniyamanzi
.Youhav eeven
surpri
sedmewi t
ht hegr
acefulst
rengt
hy ou
show.
Me: Ihadnochoice,Shiba.Youdi
dwarnme
aboutthediff
icul
tti
mesandIam gr at
eful
forit
.
Couldy oupl
easetellf
atetogivemesomer est
?
(shelaughedsoft
ly)
Shiba:Al
li
stohappenasi tshoul
dbe.Donot
wor r
yabouty
ourprotector
'soff
spri
ngs.They
areagiftf
oryourchi
l
dr en.
Me:Ionl
yhav
eonechi
l
dandt
her
ear
etwoof
t
hem. 
Shi
ba:
Youcar
ryy
oursecondchi
l
d. 
Me: Mychil
drenarehei
rstot
hisf
amil
yandnot
thatofZwel
ihle.I
sthi
snotgoi
ngtocause
confl
ictwi
ththisfami
ly?
Shiba:
Zwelihl
eandUmhl abaOchumileyoare
nowboundbyt hechildrenyouandNt si
kahav e
andaretohav einfuture.Boththeancestorsof
thi
ssoilandthatofy ourpeoplehaveappr oved
thi
sunionbetweent het wofami l
i
esbeforey ou
andNt si
kawereevenborn.Yourchil
drenar
e
underthepr
otect
ionofbothfami l
i
esand
cheetahsar
eapar toft
hatprotect
ion.Donot
fear
. 
Me:Whyhav
eyounott
oldmeal
loft
his
bef
ore?
 
Shiba:Iam tel
li
ngyounow, myQueen.Iknow
thatyouandy ourKi
ngar egoingt
ocarewellfor
theoffspri
ngs.Donotfeedthem meathunted
bysomeoneel se.Oncetheyreachacert
ainage
theyaretogooutandl earntohuntf
rom t
heir
mot her.
 
Me:Asy ouwish.Mythanksformaki
ngthi
ngs
cl
earer
.Arethecheet
ah'snotgoingt
oage
bef
oretheyreachmaturi
ty?
Shi
ba: Youarenotal
waysgoingt ohearmy
voi
cebutIam here.Thesearechosenanimals,
chi
ld.Donotfearaboutthedeai
ls.
Congratul
ati
ons 
onyourcominggi f
t.(
Ismil
ed)
Me:
Ihav
enothadanysy
mpt
omssoIwoul
d
nothav
eknownow.Mythanksfort
ell
i
ngme.I
s
i
ttobeaPri
nceoraPr
incess.
 
Shi
ba:Youaretoknowoncet
hebabyi
sher
e(I
l
aughedsoft
ly)
.
Thosewer eherl astwor dsunt ilshespeaks
again.Kamv aseemst oliketheonewi ththe
unusual spot s.Ipickedthem upandki ssed
them andt heyf eltsowar m.Iam nowa
grandmot her ,Il
aughedatt hatthought .Ican
notbelievet hatIam car ryi
nganot herchi l
d.We
l
ef tMbaleki withherl i
tt
leones.Wemustsur el
y
namet hem soon.Ipl ayedwi thKamv aand
Thandoout sideunt i
ltheybecamet ir
ed.Weal l
wentt orest.Iwokeupaf terawhi l
eandf ixed
my sel
f.IaskedZi phot olookaf terKamv aasI
am goingt ot hegar denwi thNt sika.Ipacked
foodforusandf oundmyhor ser eadyf ormet o
ri
deon.Igotonandi tfeltmagi cal.Wer ode
slowlywhi l
ewet alkedaboutt hebusi nessof
theKingdom.Myhorseri
deswit
hsuch
gent
leness.Atr
ueladyshei
s!Wearr
ivedand
madeourwayi nsi
de. 
.
Me:Ithasbeenawhi
lesincewesetf
oother
e.I
t
seemst obecomemorebeaut
if
ul.
Nt
sika:
Asdoy
ou(
Ismi
l
edandbl
ushed)
Me:
Myt
hank.Youmustbehungr
y.
Nt
sika:
Icoul
deatawhol
ecow.(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Ihav
eagi
ftf
ory
ou(
hesmi
l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:
Ididnotexpectanyt
hinginr
etur
n,my
QueenbutIl
ookforwardtoseeingmygift
.
Wherei
sit?(
hekissedme)
Me:Inher
e(It
ookhi
shandandpl
acedi
tonmy
bel
l
y)
Ntsi
ka:Idonotunde.
..Wai
tist
hegi
ftachi
l
d?
(
helookedatme)
Me:
Yes,
iti
s.(
hepi
ckedmeupi
nanembr
ace)
Ntsi
ka:Themostwonder
fulnewsIhav
ehear
d
i
nal ongwhi
le.Myt
hanksforthecomi
nggi
ft
,
myQueen.
Me:
Iam happyt
oo.Idi
dnott
hinki
twasgoi
ng
t
ohappensosoon.
 
Ntsi
ka:
Iknewitwasjustamat
teroft
ime.You
l
ooksobeauti
ful
(Ibl
ushed)
Me:Mythanks.Ther
eismorenews.Mbal
eki
hasgi
venbir
thtotwoli
tt
leones.
 
Ntsi
ka:
Iwasst
art
ingt
owonderwhent
heyar
e
t
ocome.Arewetokeept
hem? 
Me:Oneisgif
tedt
oKamval
esizweandt
he
ot
hertoourunbor
nchi
l
d.Ihopeyoudonot
mind(
hesmi l
ed)
Ntsi
ka:Mbal
ekihasbeenablessi
ngtousand
havi
ngmoreofherisevenbett
er.Idonotmi
nd
atal
l,myQueen.
Me:Shi
bahasbeensoqui
et,
Ithoughtshehas
l
eft
. 
Ntsika:Theancest orsandguardi
ansarenotto
ber ushed.Iam justhappythatwearesoon
goingt obebl essedwithanot
herchi
ld.Ihope
Kamv aisgoingt obewelcomingtotheli
tt
le
one. 
Me:Heisagentl
eboysoIam sureheisgoi
ng
t
olovehisnewbrot
herorsi
ster
.Sti
l
lhopi
ngfor
aPri
ncess? 
Ntsi
ka:
Iam,myQueen.Umhl
abaOchumi
l
eyo
needsmai
dens.(
Ismi
led)
Me:
Thati
str
ue.
 
Ntsi
ka:Iam goi
ngtobeint
hechamberwhen
yougivebi
rt
ht ot
ell
ourchi
l
dtocomequickand
notcausemyQueenanypain(
webothlaughed)
Me:Ift
hechil
disasstubbornasyoucanbet
henhe/shei
ssurenotgoingtol
ist
en.(
he
l
aughed)
.
Heki
ssedmef
oral
ongwhi
l
eandembr
aced
me.Thel ookofhappi nessonhi sf acecannot
bedescr i
bedi nwor ds.Weputt hebl anketon
thegr ound, satandst art
edtoeat .Goodt hingI
packedal otoff oodbecausewebot hseemed
tobehungr y.Il
aidinhi sarmsi npl easantsi l
ent
.
Weev entuallyfellasleepbutwokeupaf tera
whi le.Wemadel oveandhet oldmeabouthi s
father 'srequest.Wher eam Isupposet ofindan
oldmai dent owedmyf atherinlaw?Iagr eed
becausei tsoundsl ikeNt si
kar eallywant sme
tohel p.Het ookoutabookandr eadbef oreit
becamedar k.Listeningtohimr eadwhi lewe
l
aidi neachot hersar msi nourf av ourit
epl ace
remi ndedmeoft hef ir
sttimewest artedt obe
l
ov er s.Thesunst art
edt osetandsoont hedar k
skygotf i
ll
edwi thst ars.Nothingbeat s
wat chi ngt hebeaut yofnat urewhi lei nthear ms
oft heoney oulov e.
[
03/02,
19:17]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi
I
nser
t45
.
#Nt
sika
Monthshav ebyandl if
ehast rulybeenki ndto
us.Ndoniy
amanzi '
sbel l
yisgr owingbeaut i
ful
.
Kamv al
esi
zwei sablet ospeakabi tbett
ernow.
Mbaleki
'sl
itt
leonesar ebi ggernow.Onei s
femaleandIt aket hatasasi gnthataPr i
ncess
i
sont heway .Ndoni hasgonet oZwel i
hlewit
h
Kamv aandZi phof orPr i
ncessMbal i
,Bukhosi'
s
secondbaby '
scel ebrati
on.Icoul dnotgo
becausemydut iesherear et oogr eat.Isatwit
h
fat
herduri
ngt hemor ningf east. 
.
Fat
her:Thepassagesi
nt hi
shousearenowt oo
qui
et.ThePri
nceismissedalr
eady.(
Ilaughed)
Me:Whenhei sher
ehebecomestoomuchf
or
youtohandl
e.Theyar
etobebacksoon,
donot
worr
y.
Father
:Hast
heQueenf
oundapot
ent
ial
mai
den
forme? 
Me: Shei staki
ngthistaskseriously,f
ather
becauseshewi shestoseey ouhappy .Donot
fear
, onceshehasmett heoneshedeems
worthyt obey ourbri
deshei sgoingt oknow.
Shehasev enment i
onedt hatshei sgoingto
l
ookamongstt hemaidenswhoar esuret o
honourt heinvit
ati
ontot hecelebrati
on.
Fat
her
:Idohope.
..
 
Guar
d:Myapologies,
yourhi
ghnessesbutthere
i
saguestingr
eatpanicaskingtoseetheKing.
Hesaysi
tisofgreatimpor
tance(hecutfat
her
shor
tandIst
ood)
Me:
Doest
hisguesthav
eani
dent
it
y?
Guar
d:Hedidnotsay,
myKing.Hehasbl
oodon
hi
sclot
hingandwisht
oseeyou. 
Fat
her:Letusgol
ist
en,
myKi
ng.I
thasspar
ked
cur
iosi
tyinmymind.
 
Me:Lethi
m wai
tint
heguestchamberandof
fer
hi
m somethi
ngt
odrink.
 
Guar
d:Asy
ouwi
sh(
hel
efti
nahur
ry)
Me:Iwonderwhatani
njur
edst
rangerwi
shest
o
t
ell
me 
Fat
her
:Letusgoandf
indout
. 
.
Webot hstoodleav
ingourfoodandr ushedto
theguestchamber.Wef oundamanseat edand
havingwater.Hi
sclot
hingisindeedfi
ll
edwi t
h
bloodbuthesuredidnotlooklikeheis
bleedi
ngtodeath.Hestoodandbowedaswe
approached.
 
.
Me:
Youmayr
ise(
hest
ood)
Him:
Mythanks,myKingandapologi
esf
or
comi
ngt
oy ourhouseunannounced.
Me:
Whoar
eyouandwhatdoy
ouseekher
e?
Hi
m: Per
missiont
onotreveal
myi dent
ity
,my
Ki
ng.Iti
ssuretoangermanypeopleeven
more.
 
Father:Youar
ewast
ingourt
ime,
str
anger
.(he
shouted)
Him:Iam Phi
ndi
le,acr
aft
smanintheKingdom
ofBambananiwhichi
sundert
heru..
. 
Me:OfKi ngGoba!Tell
uswhaty ouseekonmy
soi
l(Icuthim shor
tandlookedathi
n)
Hi
m: Ihavebeentr
aveli
ngforanent
ir
eweekt o
r
eachy oursoi
l,
myKing.Iwishtowarnyouof
t
heinvasionmyKingisplanni
ngonyourland.(I
wal
kedabout )
Fat
her
:Howwoul
dyouhol
dknowl
edgeoft
his?
 
Him:Ioverhear
dtwoofhisguardsspeaksto
eachotheraboutthi
spl
anwhiletheywere
walki
ngaboutinthemarket
. 
Me:Howar
ewet obel
i
ev et
hatthisi
strue?You
hav
ecomeall
thewayfrom yoursoi
ltoratout
y
ourownKi
ng.Whati
syoupl
an,
str
anger
? 
Him: Iholdnohi ddenagenda, myKi ng.Ki ng
Gobai sacr uelKingandmanyofhi speopl e
wouldsel lhim outbecausewehat ehi m.You
andy ourQueenv isi
tedourKi ngdom l ongago
andy oucamet omymar ketplace.Ihav enev er
seensuchki ndnessf rom r
oyaltyandmymi nd
wasnev ertoforgety ouboth.Al l
owmet odo
thiskindnesst oforyoui nret
ur n.Iwoul dr ather
ri
sklosingmyl if
ewar ni
ngyouaboutt hist hen
sitandwat chhowt hatcruelmanr uiny ou. 
Fat
her:Doyouexpectustobel
i
eveamanwho
i
sdisl
oyalt
ohisownKi ng?
Hi
m: Youcankillmenowify ouwish,your
hi
ghnessbutallIaski
sthaty oupr
epareforan
at
tack.Idonotknowwheni tistohappenbuti
t
i
stov er
ysoon. 
Me:I
fthisistruethenwegi
veourthanksbut
wecannotl etyougo.Wearetokeepyouinour
r
oyalcapti
vityunt
ilwefi
ndouti
fther
eisany
t
rut
hint
hismat
ter
. 
Hi
m:Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.
.
Il
ettheguardstakeourguesttocapti
vit
yand
hadfoodbet akentohi
m.Icannotf ul
l
yt rusta
manwhoi swi l
li
ngtobetr
ayhisownKi ng.Isat
wit
hf at
herandlooksofpanicanduncertaint
yis
wri
ttenonhisface.
 
.
Fat
her
:Ar
ewet
otaket
hiswar
ningser
iousl
y?
Me:
Wewouldbefoolsnott
o,f
ather
.Iam goi
ng
t
ogotal
ktoBant
u. 
Fat
her
:Howdar
eGobat
ryt
odot
hist
ous.
 
Me:Iam goingtoseeyoul ater,
father
.Have
moreguardscall
edforther oyalhouse.Have
messengersbesenttoZwel ihl
eandask
Ndoni
'sfat
herforwarr
iors.Wedonotknow
howbigthisatt
ackmightbe.Iam notgoi ngto
l
osemypeopl eandthelandofmyancest orsto
Goba.
 
Fat
her
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
 
.
Iwenttomypr i
vatechamberandworemy
batt
leatti
re.Ihavenothadthepl
easureof
feel
ingthismateri
alonmyskininalongwhile.I
tookmyweaponsandheadedout .Ir
ushedout
toBantu'shouseandf oundhi
m shar
peninghis
weapons.Hest oodwhenhesawmeandwe
shookhands.  
.
Bant
u:Youdonotl
ookl
i
keapl
easedman,
my
Ki
ng. 
Me:Wehavegottenawarni
ngaboutapossi
ble
i
nvasi
on.(
hisey
eswidened)
Bant
u:Wher
eisi
ttocomef
rom?
 
Me:
KingGobaofBambanani
.
 
Bant
u:Wear
enotev
eni
nwarwi
tht
hat
Kingdom.Whywoul
dhepl
anni
ngsuch?Whoi
s
yoursour
ce?
Me: HeisaKing,Bant
uandapowerhungr yone
atthat.I
twouldnotbethefir
stthatthi
sis
happening.Wegotwordfrom acommoneri n
hisKingdom.Wehav enotieswiththis
Kingdom butwehavebeenexi st
ingwell
together
. 
Bantu:Wearetoprepar
edefenseandatt
ack
l
ines.Theymustcomet omenwhoar e
prepar
ed. 
Me:Theyoungwarr
ior
saret
ojoi
nin.Wecan
notr
iskbei
ngoutnumber
ed.
 
Bant
u:Ihav
ejustgi
venmostthehonoursof
warr
ior
sandsomear est
il
lsemiski
l
led.Ar
eyou
goi
ngtobeapartofthi
s?
Me:Donoti nsul
tme, warri
or.Iam notgoingto
si
tinsomesecr etundergroundchamberwhi le
myKi ngdom i
sunderthreat.Iam awar ri
orand
Iam goingtomakesur ethattheyregretever
pl
otti
ngagai
nstmyKingdom.MyQueenand
Pri
ncearei
nsafet
yandthatput
smymi ndt
o
ease.
 
Bantu:Iadvi
sethatyousendwor
dtoZwel
ihl
e,
myKi ng.AsktheKingtohel
pwit
hmore
warri
orsbecausewedonotknowwhatto
expect.
Me:I
tisal
readydone,warr
ior
.Fat
herhassent
wor
koutforassi
stance.
Bantu:
Letusnotstandandwasteti
me.We
needtoputourdef
enseinact
ionincaseofan
att
ack.
Me:Goodt hingwepl anforsuchevent swell
aheadoft i
meorel sewewoul dbel osingour
mindswi t
hintensepanic.Areyougoi ngtobe
abl
etof i
ghtifneedbe, br
other?Iknowy ourhip
i
sani ssue. 
Bantu:Yout hi
nkthatIam goi
ngtosi
tand
watchasy ouhav eall
thefun.Webat
tl
e
together
,brother
.(Il
aughed)
Me:
Toget
her
,br
other(
weshookhands)
Bant
u:Idonotwishforthiswarningtobet
rue
butt
hethri
l
lofusingourshieldsandweapons
i
nbattl
eagaini
ssuretof eelgood. 
Me:Letwhaty
ouhavej
ustsaidneverr
eacht
he
ear
sofourbri
des(
webothlaughed)
.
Her ushedt ogetdr essedi nproperattir
eand
webot hgotonourhor ses.IlookedatNdoni '
s
horseasi tstoodgr acefulandIam gl adit's
keeperi snother e.Weassembl edalltheguar ds
andwar ri
orsandwet oldthem aboutt he
possiblet hreattoourKi ngdom.Weor deredall
totakeupt heirplacesandber eadyfor
anything.Ihav ealsoorder edforsomement o
goaheadi nt hedirecti
onofGoba' sKingdom t o
seeift hereisanypossi bleaction.Fatherhas
askedmet ost ayinther oy al
housebutIcan
not.Ifitisawart hatGobawant sthenhei s
suretogeti t.Iam notgoi ngt ohideawayl i
kea
cowar d.Iam goingtofightli
kethetruewar r
ior
thatIam.Idohopet hatthisploti
sfalseand
thatthestrangerheardwr ongbutIhav etobe
preparedbecauseKi ngdom getinvadedal l
the
ti
me.Iam sur enotgoi ngtosleepuntilIknow
whati swhat! 
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Mybacki ssorefr
om allt
hiscarr
iageri
ding.
HowIwi shforaquickerwaytoreachour
dest
inati
on.Iam happythatIam goi
ngtosee
myfami l
ysoonbecausei thasbeenawhi l
e.I
wastakingalit
tl
erestwhenIgotwokenupby
Kamv acli
mbingonme.  
.
Kamva:Nomymada(hepushedoneoft
he
l
it
tl
echeet
ah'
saway
)
Zipho:
MyPr i
nceitseemsyoudonotwi
sht
o
shareyourmother
.(Il
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me: Hehasbeenabitgr
umpy .Maybehei
sjust
ti
red.(Ihel
dhi
m andherest
edhisheadonmy
shoulder)
Zipho:Mythanksfori
nvit
ingmewithyou,my
Queen.Ihavetrul
yneverbeenaguestataroy
al
celebr
ati
on.
Me:Iam justhappythatyouhonouredthe
i
nvit
ati
on.NtsikacouldnotmakeitsoIam
happythatIhaveyouherebymysi de. 
Zi
pho:Iam ver
yex ci
ted.Ihav
emadespeci
al
at
ti
resfort
hisvi
sit(Il
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me:Ihavetoo.Wearealmostther
e.Ican
al
readyseetheroy
alhousefr
om afar(Ipoi
nted
ati
t)
Zipho:Iam gladthatwearetorestsoon,we
hav ebeenont hi
sthingf
orfart
ool ong.Doyou
thinkBantuisgoingtosurv
ivewithoutme? 
Me: Theyaregrownmen.Ther oy
alstaf
fare
goingtocookf ort
hem butIunderst
andy our
concerns.Mencanbecr ybabiesatti
mesev en
thestrongestones(welaughed)
Zi
pho:IhopeThandobehav
eswel
l
.Thi
sisher
fi
rstl
ongdist
ancetr
ip.
 
Me:WhenhasThandoandKamv
aeverbehaved
wel
l
?Donotworry,shei
sgoi
ngt
ohavegreat
f
un.
 
.
Thehor sesmov edatagreaterspeedbecauseI
askedf orit.Ijustwishtogetof fandrest
properly.Li
ttleMbal ii
stofi
nallybeintroduced
properlytot hepeopleofZwel i
hle.Weent ered
theroyal gateandf oundmot herstanding
outsi
dewai tingforus.Igotoutandshe
embr acedus.  
.
Mot
her
:Ohmybl
ossom,
Iam sohappyt
haty
ou
ar
eher
e. 
Me:
Wearehappytoo,
myQueen.You
r
ememberZi
pho?Mygoodfr
iendandseni
orof
t
heUmhl
abaroyal
house.
 
Mot
her
:Wel
comet
ooursoi
l
,chi
l
d. 
Zi
pho:Whatabeaut
if
uly
oursoi
li
s,myQueen.I
t
i
strul
yanhonour(
shesmil
ed)
Mother:Wedohopethaty
ouenj oyyourst
ay
herewithus.Ihav
epr
epar
edy ourchambersfor
you.Youallmustbet
ir
edbecauseithasbeena
l
ongj our
ney.
Me:Wewoul
dliket
orestfir
st,
myQueen.
Wher
eist
heKingandPrinces? 
Mother:
YourfatherandBukhosi aresitt
ingi
n
t
hekraalqui
tothermenandNt andoi soutin
t
hefiel
dcatchi
ngbi r
dswithhisfriends.One
wouldswearwest ar
vethatboy( Ilaughed)
.
Wewal
kedi
nandt
hehel
per
sshowedZi
phot
he
chambersheandThandoar etousedur
ingt
hei
r
stay.Motherhadfoodtakenther
etooandwe
l
ef thert
orest.Iwal
kedtomychamberandput
thesleepi
ngKamv adown. 
.
Mother
:Youneedt ost
oppicki
ngup
Kamval
esizwe,Ndoni
.Youarepregnant(
I
l
aughedsoftl
y)
Me:
Yousoundj
ustl
i
keNt
sika.Iam wel
l
,
mot
her
. 
Mot
her
:Mysoni
sri
ght
.Pi
tyhecoul
dnotcome.
I
sal
lwel
l?
 
Me:All
iswell.Hejusthasalotofbusi
nesst
o
dealwi
th.Hesendshi sapol
ogiesf
ornot
honour
ingtheinvi
tati
on.
Mot
her
:Donotbesil
l
y.Weunderst
andt
hathe
i
sKi
ngandhasalottodeal
wit
h.Howareyou?
 
Me: Iam sowel
l
.Thispregnancyi
skindt
ome
becauseIdonotfeeli
l
lallt
hetime.
 
Mother:Iam sogladt hatyouarehappy
.Letme
l
eavey outorestbeforesunset.The
cel
ebrati
onsaretost artsoon.
 
Me:
Myt
hanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng,
myQueen.
.
Sheki ssedmycheekandKamv a'
sandl eft.I
l
aidnextt ot helitt
lepri
nceandi mmedi ately
closedmyey es.Iam tr
ulyexhausted.Af tera
whileIhear danoi se.Almostlikesomet hing
fall
ingandIj umpedupt oseewhati tis.Itis
j
ustNcedi unpacki ngouratti
res.Ilookedather
andIt houghtofsomet hing.Shecanbeper f
ect
forXhant i
.IsatupandsawKamv aisnotnex t
tome.  
.
Ncedi
:Donotfear
,dearQueen.Heisplay
ing
wit
hZolekaandThando.(
shesmiled)
Me:Iam gladbecausehehasbeengr
umpy
.
Howarey ou,Ncedi
? 
Ncedi
:Iam wel
l
,myQueenandy
ou.
Me:
Iam hungr
ybutwel
l(shel
aughed)
Ncedi
:Iam goi
ngt
ohavet
hem br
ingy
ouf
ood.
(
shewantedtogoout
)
Me: Myt
hanksforyourkindnessbutIwoul
d
rat
hergoandeatwiththepeople.Permi
ssi
ont
o
askapri
vatequest
ion.(shelookedatme)
Ncedi
:Youmayask.
 
Me:Haveyouev
erbeenmar
ri
ed?(
shel
ooked
t
akenaback)
Ncedi:
Whatanunexpect
edquest
ion,
myQueen.
No,Ihavenev
erwednorhaveIev
erhad
chi
ldr
en.
Me:Doyouwi
sht
owedsomeday
?(shel
aughed
sof
tl
y)
Ncedi
:Am Inott
oool
dfort
hat
? 
Me:Thehear
thasnoage.Wel
lthati
swhatI
hav
eheardpeopl
esay.
 
Ncedi:
Iwishedtogetmarr
iedwhenIwasa
youngmaidenbuttheonemyheartchosedi
ed
i
nbattl
e(shelookeddown)
Me:Myapologi
es,
myl ady
.Iam sur
eyouwoul
d
havebeenagoodwif
e.Whatwouldyousayt
o
marryi
ngroy
alt
y?(
shelookededgyal
lofa
sudden)
Ncedi
:Per
missi
ont
oleav
e,myQueen.Ihav
e
l
otstodo.
.
Sherushedoutbef oreIcouldevenreply.HaveI
sai
dsomet hingoffensive?Isuddenl
yf el
treal
l
y
badforaskingaboutherper sonall
ife.The
Queenwalkedi nandl ookedconfused. 
.
Mother:
Issomethi
ngthemat
terwi
thNcedi
?
Shealmostranmeover.
 
Me:Iti
sallmyfault.Iaskedherrat
herper
sonal
questi
onsandoffendedherIthink.
Mother:Ncedi
isnoteasi
l
yof
fended.Whathav
e
youaskedher? 
Me:Ifshewouldli
ketomar ryroyal
ty.Myf
ather
i
nlawseeksandol dermaident owedandIam
putonchargeofthi
stask.Heneedsagood
womanandNcedi i
sav er
ygoodwomanand
shesavedhisl
if
e.(shelaughed).
Mother:Whati
sXhant
itodowi
thanot
herwi
fe?
(
Ilaughed)
Me:Hecravescompany,motherandall
the
ot
herbenef
itsofmar
riageIguess(shel
aughed)
Mother:
IguessIcannotblamehi
m.The
benef
it
sofmar r
iagear
enice.(
shewi
nkedat
me)
Me:Ishal
lnotspeakaboutsuchwi
thy
ou,
old
woman.(shelaughed)
Mother
:Soy
ouwi
sht
otakeourheal
ert
oyour
soi
l
? 
Me:
Mot
her
,Ineedt
ocompl
etet
hist
ask.You
shouldseehowNt si
ka'
sfat herlooksattimes.
Hesur eneedsjoy.Ihopey ouhav einvit
edsome
goodwomant othecelebrations.IfNcedi
reject
smyf at
her'
shandt urnIam t ochoose
from yoursi
ngl
ef r
iends.
Mother:Shamemyblossom,Iam goi
ngtohel
p
you.Iknowmanyoldmaidensforpoorol
d
Xhanti
.(Ismil
ed)
Me:Mythanks,
Iappr
eci
atei
t.NowcanIpl
ease
getsomefood.
Mot
her
:Letusgofeedy
ou,
mot
herofcheet
ahs
(
webot
hlaughed)
.
Iwentt oZipho'
schamberf i
rsttoseeifsheis
awakeandshei ndeedi s.Wewentt owher et
he
feastfortheguestsi sandhel pedourselv
es.
After
war dsItookheronat ouraroundtheroyal
grounds.Shewast rulyfascinat
edwi t
hthe
Beautyoft heplace.FatherandBukhosi f
inal
l
y
hadtimet ocomegr eet.FatherpickedKamv a
up.
 
.
Father:
Deardaught
er,
whydoy
ouf
eedmy
grandson?Heissoheavy
. 
Kamv
a:Bi
gboy(
heshout
edandwel
aughed)
Bukhosi:
Itseemsevenhehol
dsknowl
edgeof
thefactt
hathehasgrown)
Me:Hi
sfat
heri
stobl
amefort
hatbecausehe
compl
i
mentshi
m onhi
sgr
owthoften.
 
Fat
her
:Nt
sikai
sdoi
ngwel
l
.Pi
tyhecoul
dnot
come.
 
Kamva:
FadabusyKi
ng.(
Ismi
l
edbecauseIt
old
hi
mthat)
Fat
her
:Wearegoingt
ointr
oducehi
mtosome
oft
heguest
s.I
sthatwel
l?
 
Me:
All
iswel
l
,fat
her
. 
Bukhosi
:Comel etusgodri
nktr
adit
ionalbeer
,
nephew(Ir
aisedmybr owsandtheylaughed)
Fat
her
:Heisj
ustbei
ngsi
l
ly.Wear
eonl
ygoi
ng
tof
eedhi
m meat.
 
Me:Dokeepaney
esonhi
m,f
ather
.Ibegof
you.
 
Father
:Iwouldnev
erputmygrandson'
sli
fei
n
danger,Ndoni
.Donotf
ear.(
Ismil
ed)
Bukhosi:Wearegoi
ngtoseey
ouagai
nsoon.
Sayfarewel
l,
mother.
 
Kamv
a:Far
ewel
l
,mada(
hewav
ed)
.
Ikissedhim andwav edbackunt i
lthey
disappearedfrom mysight.Thandoplay edwith
Zolekaev enifsheisabitolder
.Wewentt o
helpoutwi t
ht hecooki
ngandpeel i
ngf orthe
nightfeastourguestsaretohav eduri
ngt he
celebrat
ion.Hourswentbyandi twast imef or
thecelebrati
ontostart
.IhadaZwel i
hleatti
res
bemadef orZiphowhil
ewewer estil
lin
Umhl abaOchumi ley
oandIam gl aditfit
s
properly.Wewentt obat handpr epar efort he
feast.IalsogotmyPr incer eadyf orev erything.
Ntandoar ri
vedandwant edt oknowwhyIhav e
notcomewi thZi nzi.Itseemsl ikeIam goi ngt o
beagobet weenbet weent heset wobecause
Zinzialsoasksabouthi m.Thesi ngi ngand
celebrationsoundsst artedout side.Bukhosi
wasnowher et obeseenandNt andoandIwer e
askedt ol ookf orhim.Thi sishi sdaught er's
celebrationsowecannotst artwi thouthi m.
Zinzididnotseem bot heredbyherhusband' s
absenceatal l.Iwal kedi nf r
ust r
at ionlookingf or
agr ownmanwhoknowst hatnot hi ngist ost art
withouthi m.Ihear dv oicesinoneoft he
rondav alsont her oy algrounds.I tsoundedl i
ke
Bukhosi '
sv oiceandIknockedbr ief l
yandwent
i
n.WhatIsawshockedmeandmademyhear t
soreatt hesamet ime.Bukhosi andNcedi le
wer eput ti
ngt heirclothingon.Thel ookof
shockonbot ht hei
rf acesi si ndescr ibable.I
closedt hedoor ,Bukhosi call
edoutmyname
butIrushedbackt ot heroyalhouse.Itol
dthe
Queent hatIcouldnotf i
ndhi m.Icannottel
lon
mybr other!Hewalkedi nafterawhilelooki
ng
shamedbutt hecelebrat
ionf i
nal
lystar
ted.
Fatherstoodt oaddresshisguest s.
 
.
Father
: Greeti
ngst oall
.Fi
rstl
ywewantt ogi v
e
ourthankst oal l whohavehonouredthis
i
nv i
tat
ion.Asweknowasperourway swhena
newmemberj oi nstheroyal
famil
ywear eto
i
ntroducei ttot hepeopleofZweli
hle.Iam now
goingtogi vePr inceBukhosiandPrincessZinzi
thehonourt oi ntroducetoyouthenewPr i
ncess
ofZwel i
hle.(theyst ood)
Bukhosi:Mythanks,myKi ng.Li
ketheKinghas
j
ustsaid,wear eobli
gatedtoint
roducethenew
member softher ul
i
ngf amil
ytothepeople.My
bri
de,Pri
ncessZinziandIhav ewelcomed
anotherdaughter
.Blessedisoursoilt
ohav e
thi
slit
tl
ePrincess.Wei nt
roducetothepeople
ofZwel
ihl
eandguest
sPr
incessMbal
iof
Zwel
ihl
e. 
.
HeheldMbaliupt othepeopleandtheystart
ed
tocheer
.ShestartedtocryandZinzitookherto
tr
yandcalm her.Fatherspokemorewor dsand
aft
erwar
dsallowedf orourguest
stohav efun.
Bukhosicametosi tnextt
ome.  
.
Bikhosi
:Ndoni
,aboutwhaty
ousawpl
easedo
notte..
. 
Me:
Donotf ear
,Bukhosi
.Iam notgoingtot
ell
t
heKingandQueenthis(Icuthi
m short
)
Bukhosi
:Myt
hanks,
sist
er.
 
Me:Ncedi i
sonlyafewyearsyoungert hanthe
Queen,Bukhosi
.Doy outhi
nktheyaret obe
happywiththi
s?IfIcoul
dcatchy outhenitis
onl
yamat terofti
mebeforemot herorf at
her
doestoo.
 
Bukhosi
:Icannothel
pit
,Ndoni
.
 
Mother:
Myblossom,pl
easecomeher
e.(
she
shout
edf r
om acr
osst
hechamber
)
Me:
Wear
egoi
ngt
ospeakaboutt
hissoon.
 
.
Istoodandl efthim seated.Doeshenotknow
thetroubl ethi scouldbr i
ngNcedi ?Hei ssafe
becausehei sf utur
eKi ngbutitmi ghtcome
withabanf orNcedi .Howcoul dsheal l
owsuch
andwi thachi ld?Iwi l
lspeakt othem bothonce
allhascal med.Mot herint
roducedmet osome
singleoldmai densbutal lj
ustsoundedt oo
selfi
sh.Thewomanchoseni stolivewithusin
theroy alhousesoImustchoosewel l
.Ncedi
couldnotev enl ookmei ntheey es.Ikepton
l
ooki ngatZi nzi andfel
tsorryforher .The
celebrationswentonandon.If edmychi l
dand
Iheldhi mi nmyar msunt i
lhef i
nallyfel
lasl
eep.
Mot herst oodandt hecr owdbecausesi l
entas
shegav ewor dsofgr ati
tude.Mostguest sstood
andwentt or
eti
reforthenight
.Awoman
walkedinandfat
herstood.Clear
lyl
ooki
ng
panickedassheapproached.
.
Fat
her:Guards,
getheroutofher
e!(
heshout
ed
andtheydidasheordered)
Her
:Iwantmychi
l
d!(
sheshout
edout
)
.
Thosewer eherf i
rstandl astwor dsast he
guardscarri
edherout .Weal ll
ookedatt heKi ng.
Hei scl
earl
yangr yasnev erbeforeandhel eft
usatonce.Iwant edt oaskmot herwhatt he
mat t
eri
sbutshef oll
owedhi m soonaf ter.The
thr
eeofusst oodconf used.Whywoul dt hislady
wantherchildfrom fat her?Didhehav eher
chi
ldheldincapt i
vit
y?It oldtheot hersthatIam
goingtomychamber .Goi ngtoaskt heKi ngand
Queenwhatt hatisal laboutisofnouse
becausetheyclear l
ydonotwi sht otalk.Itook
Kamv a'
scelebrati
onat ti
reofwithoutdi st
urbing
hi
ssl eepandputhim undert hecov ers.Ial
so
changedi ntomynightdressandl ai
dnextt ohi
m.
Igavehi m akissontheheadandcl osedmy
eyes.Todayhasbeenadayofshockand
confusion.Hopeful
lytomorrowIam t of ind
mor eclari
tyabouti
tall.Mymi ndf i
nallywent
quietandIwasabl etof al
lasleep.

[
03/02,
19:20]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t46
.
#Ndoni
Twodayshavegonebyandt
hetensi
onint
he
Zwel
i
hleroy
alhousehasmademedecidet
o
l
eav eforUmhl abaOchumi l
eyosoonert han
expected.Icannottakeitanymor e.TheKing
andQueenhav ebeenquietaboutwhatt he
womanmeantbyshewant sherchild.Bukhosi
andNcedi hav
ebeent oo"busy"tospeakt ome.
Thecheet ahshavebeenr estl
essandIdonot
knowwhy .IwenttowhereNcedi stoodandshe
rushedawaywhenshesawme.Igr abbedher
bythear m.
.
Me:
Donott
estme,
Ncedi
l
e.Iam noty
ourf
ool
.
Ncedi
:Iwoul
dnev
eri
mpl
ythaty
ouar
eaf
ool
,
myQueen. 
Me:
Fol
l
owme.
 
Ncedi
:Wheret
o,myQueen?Ihav
edut
iest
o
at
tendto.
Me:DidInotsaydonott
estme?(
Ilookedat
heri
ntensel
y)
Ncedi
:Asy
ouwi
sh,
yourhi
ghness.
.
Il
edt hewayinarushandshef ol
l
owedme.We
areonourwayt oBukhosi'
schambersothey
canexplai
n.IsawZinziout
sidesoIknowheis
al
one.Ididnotevenknock.Heturnedt
olookat
us. 
.
Bukhosi
:Hav
ey ounor
espect,
Ndoni
?You
coul
dhaveseenmynakedness.
Me: Iam sur
eifNcedi
lesteppedinher
ealone
youwouldnothavemi ndedshowingyour
nakedness.Youbothhaveal ott
oexpl
ain.
Bukhosi
:Ineednotexpl
ainmyacti
onstoyou.I
am noli
tt
leboy.(
heshoutedi
nfrust
rat
ion)
Me:Wellcompar
edt
ohery
ouar
eal
i
ttl
eboy(
I
poi
ntedatNcedi
)
Bukhosi:Ihav
edutiest
oat
tendt
o.Idonothav
e
ti
mef ornonsense.
Me:
Yougetoutoft
hisdoorIam al
sogoi
ngout
towheret
heQueeni
sandl
etheri
nonourl
i
ttl
e
secr
et.
Ncedi
:No,Ibegofy
outonotl
ett
heroy
al
par
entsknow,myQueen(
shesai
dinashaky
voi
cem)
Me:Youshoul
dhavethoughtaboutt
hatbefore
youhadbedr
oom deal
ingswit
hachild.Achil
d,
Ncedi
! 
Bukhosi
:Iam notachi
l
d,Ndoni
.NcediandIar
e
i
nlove(mymout hwentopenwi
thshock)
Me:Sheisoldenoughtobeyourmother,
Bukhosi
.WhenNcedi r
eachedmaturi
tyyou
werenotevenbornyet
.Doesthatnotbother
you? 
Ncedi
:Wehav
enotpl
annedt
his,
myQueen.
Me:
Youdar
espeakwhi
l
eIam speaki
ng.
Bukhosi
:Donotspeaktoheri
nthatmanner(
he
poi
ntedhisf
ingeratme)
Me:
Shehast
ofeel
somesor
tofshame.When
di
dyoust
artt
oseducemybr
other
?
Bukhosi:
Iam t
heonewhowentaf t
erNcedi
,
Ndoniyamanzi
.Shedidnotseduceme.Ionl
y
start
edhavi
ngbedroom deal
ingswit
hheraft
erI
reachedmatur
it
y.
Me: Ifyouthi
nkmotherandf
atheraretogi
ve
blessingstothi
suni
onthenyouclear
lyar
ea
fool,brot
her.
 
Bukhosi
:It
akeof
fense,
Ndoni
.(heshout
ed)
Me: Youaretohaveshame, Ncedi.Youar e
almostthesameageashi smot her.Youhav e
caredforhi
m sincehewasj ustani nfantbut
nowy oudeem him grownenought obeal over
.
Theyissickanddisgusting!Ihadsomuch
respectf
oryouandev ensawy ouaswor thy
enoughtowedmyf atheri nlaw.Donotl istento
whatnonsenseBukhosi feedsy ou.Youar e
nevertobeasecondr oy alwi f
e.Hei snotgoi ng
togetanypunishmentshoul dthisdirt
ysecr et
comeourbecausehei spr ecioustothis
Kingdom.Youontheotherhandfaceaheavy
punishment.Doy
ouknowt hatt
heycanaccuse
youonf eedi
nghi
mlovepotion?
 
Bukhosi
:Thati
sut
ternonsense.
Me: Donotbeafool,Ncedi
.Thisisnotlove,i
tis
somet wi
stedl
ust.Imighthavelostr
espectfor
youbutIdonotwisht oseeyoupunished.(she
cri
edandranout)
Bukhosi
:Ar
eyousat
isf
iednow?(
Zinzi
wal
kedi
n)
Zi
nzi
:Whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
?
Bukhosi
:Ihav
edut
iest
oat
tendt
o.(
hel
efti
na
rush)
Me:Not
hing,si
ster
.Letmegoandcheckon
Kamva(
Iturnedtoleave)
Zinzi
:Youknow.Doy
ounot
?(It
urnedt
olookat
her)
Me:
Aboutwhat
? 
Zi
nzi
:Wear
ebot
hadul
tsher
e,Ndoni
.Youhav
e
f
oundoutaboutBukhosi
'
slov
esecr
et.
Me:Youknowabouti
t?Whyhaveyounotsai
d
anyt
hingt
otheKi
ngandQueen?(Icl
osedthe
door
)
Zinzi
:Mengetawaywi thtoomuch, sist
er.Iam
suregoingtobeblamedf ort
his.Theeldersare
goingtosaythatIfai
ltosati
sfymyown
husband.Icannotfacethehumi l
iat
ionit
comeswi th.
 
Me:Doy ounotwishforhi
mtostopit
?IfNcedi
i
sbannedt henheissuret
ogetovert
hisl
ust.
(
shelaughed)
Zinzi
:Ncedi
lei
snotthefi
rstone.Bukhosihasa
softspotf
orol
derwomen.I ti
shiscurseandhe
cannotseem t
oridofit
. 
Me:
Youhav
etof
indawayt
ost
opi
t.
 
Zi
nzi
:How,
Ndoni
.Doyouthi
nkIlikecompl
eti
ng
wi
thawomanwit
hwri
nkledbreasts?
 
Me:
Inv
olv
etheel
der
s.Hei
stal
ki
ngabout
maki
ngherhi
ssecondwi
fe.
 
Zinzi
: Thati sjustwi shfult
hinkingfrom hispart.
Iwoul dnotgi veblessingstosuchandnei t
her
wouldy ourpar ent.Icannotgobackt omy
Kingdom asawi f
ewhof ail
edtokeepherf amily
together .ThatiswhyIhav eacceptedt hatmy
husbandl ikeshismai densold.Hei swi t
hmet o
fulf
ilhisdut iesasPr i
nceandf utureKing.You
arelucky , Ndoni.Ienv yyoubecausey ourKing
l
ov esy ou.Iam sur eev enwheny ouar eonei n
fl
eshher omancesy ouandmakey ouf eel
special.Iam j usther etobarehei r
s.(she
start
edt ocr y)
.
Iwant edtoembr aceherbutshewi pedher
tearsoffquickl
yandleftinarush.This
arrangedmar ri
agesinroyalf
amili
eshast ost op.
Zinzideserv
est obewi t
hamanwhoi sgoingt o
l
ov eherandgi vehertheromancingshecr aves
duringlovemaking.Bukhosiisself
ish.Iwentt o
Ncedi
onceagai
n. 
.
Ncedi
:Idonotwi
shtofight
,myQueen.My
apol
ogi
esforwhatIhav
eallowedt
ohappen.
Me:Stayawayf
rom mybrot
her
,Ncedi
le.Ido
notthi
nkyouwi
shforQueenNobutoknow
aboutthi
s. 
.
IleftherstandingthereandIcannotbeli
eve
Zinziisnotgoi ngt
ot ryandputastoptothi
s.If
shedoesnotwantt odoanythingtokeepher
fami l
yintactthenIcannoteither
.Iwenttothe
mai nsleepingchamberandknocked.The
Queengav eper mi
ssiontoenter.
 
.
Mot
her
:Youdonotl
ookpl
eased.
 
Me: Iam j
ustnotfeel
i
ngtoowell.Mot
her,why
havey ouandfat
herbeenavoi
dingus?(she
stood)
Mot
her
:Idonotknowwhaty
out
alkabout
. 
Me:Iam nochil
d,myQueen.Stoptr
eatingme
l
ikeone.Youtwohavenotbeenthesamesi nce
t
hatwomanshowedupatt hecelebrat
ion.Why
i
ssheseekingherchi
ldf
rom theKi
ng? 
Mother:I
tisnotani
ssueIwi
sht
otal
kabout
,
Ndoni.
Me:Wellthati
sapi
tybecauseIwi
shtospeak
abouti
t.Iam t
onegyouunti
lyout
ell
me.What
hasfat
herdonetot
hepoorwoman'schi
ld? 
Mother
:Heonl
ylov
edhi
m andst
il
ldoes(
come
si
tnextt
ome)
Me:
Okay(
wesatandshehel
dmyhand)
Mother:WhatIam abouttotelly
oui sgoi
ngt
o
shockyouandmakey oufeelsad.Idonotwi
sh
toupsetyouwhil
ey ouarepregnant.
Me:Iam agrownwoman, mother.AQueent
o
myownKi ngdom andIdonotscareeasi
l
y
any
more.Whatist hematt
er?
Mother
:Thenameofthewomanthatyousaw
i
sNomv ul
a.Shewasoneoft
heroyalhouse
ser
vant
s. 
Me:Donott
ell
met hatf
atherhadindecent
deal
i
ngswit
hherandmadehe. ..
 
Mot
her
:Letmef
ini
shspeaki
ng,
myQueen.
 
Me:
Myapol
ogi
es,
Iam l
i
steni
ng.
Mot
her
:Ohtel
li
ngthi
sstoryi
snoteasy
.(she
t
ookadeepbr
eathandexhal
ed)
Me:Idi
dnotmeant
omakey
ourhear
tfeel
heav
y. 
Mot her:Ineedtospeakabouti t,
perhapsIam
tof eelbet t
eraf
terwards.WhenImar r
iedyour
fatherIt houghtthatwewer etohav eachild
soonasi ti
sexpectedofar oyalwifebutthat
didnothappen.Si xmont hspassedandt hena
yearbutnot hi
nghappened.Theel dersstarted
tocompl ainandstartedtoaccusemeofbei ng
barr en.Yourfathersawthepai nthatthi
s
causedmeandhesuggest
edthatweget
anotherwomant
ohavechi
ldr
enforus.
 
Me:
Arey
out
ell
i
ngmet
hatwear
enoty
our
s? 
Mot her:IagreedwiththeideabecauseIcoul d
nol ongertaketheinsult
sfrom t
heel der
sfrom
bothf amili
es.Wehadt ochooseamai denwe
trustedandatt hattimeitwasNomv ula.We
toldheraboutt heideaandsheagr eedtodoi t.
Sheandt heKinghadt ohavebedroom dealings
ofcour se(shestartedtocryandIembr aced
her)
Me:
Youneednotgooni
fyoudonotwi
sht
o. 
Mother :Shefell
pregnantquickly
,myblossom.
Wet oldtheeldersthatIam pregnantbutneed
togot oapl aceofsafetytogivebir
thinpeace.
Theel dersboughtthestoryandbecause
Nomv ul
awasakeyser vanttheydidnot
questionhergoingwi t
hme.Mont hsand
mont hspassedandshef i
nallygavebi
rthtoa
boy.
 
Me:
Bukhosi
!(Iaskedi
nshockandshenodded)
Mot her:
IdidnotthinkthatIwouldl ovehim but
myhear tgotfi
ll
edwi thloveandj oyonceIsaw
him.Wecamebackt otheKi ngdom andt he
eldestgavemeandy ourfatherpraise.Nomv ul
a
startedtomaket hr
eatsofr eveal
ingthesecr et
i
fXol odoesnotmakeherasecondwi fe.He
refusedbecausehishear thadchosenmeand
hebannedherf rom theKi ngdom.Sheknew
goingagainstabanwoul dputherlifeatriskso
shest ayedaway. 
Me:Unti
ltheni
ghtoft
hecel
ebr
ati
on(
she
nodded)
Mother:
Theonlypeoplewhoknowaboutt
hisi
s
me,yourfat
her
,Nomv ula,
themi
dwi
feandnow
you.
 
Me:Ihavenotexpect
edt
ohearsuchnews.I
f
youarebar
renthenwhoi
sourmother?(
she
smil
ed)
Mot
her
:YouandNt
andoy
abant
uar
ethef
rui
ts
ofmywomb.I tseemsallwehadtodowasbe
pat
ient
.Iam yourmotherandIam Bukhosi
'
s
mothertoo.Ij
ustdi
dnotnurtur
ehi
mi nmy
womb. 
Me: Whatdoesthatmeanfort
heKingdom?I
s
Ntandoyabant
uthennottobefat
her'
s
successor?
Mother:Byl
awhei sbutthisi
sasecretbest
keptdeadandburied.I
tistocausegr
eat
damaget oBukhosi'
sli
fe.
 
Me:Nosecretremainsburi
ed,myQueen.
Nomv ul
aalr
eadycamet oprovethat
.Idonot
evenknowwhattosay .Somanyshady
deal
ingsint
hishouse.(Ist
ood)
Mother
:Whatdoyoumean?I
stheresomet
hing
Ineedt
oknow(Ishookmyhead)
Me: Iam j
ustamazedathowy ouhavehandled
thi
s.Itcoul
dnothavebeeneasytoknowt hat
yourhusbandishavi
ngbedroom deal
ingswith
anotherwomantoproduceanheirforthe
Ki
ngdom.Iam surewatchingherbel
lygr
own
wasnoteasyei
ther.Yety
ouhav enotcar
ri
es
bi
tt
ernessandyouloveBukhosiasyoudous.
Youaretr
ulyawonderful
woman, myQueen.
Mother:ItwasnoteasybutIcouldneverpuni
sh
myboyf orthi
s.Wewant edhim andthe
ancestorsbl
esseduswithhim.Allweneedt o
doitkeepNomv ulaawayfrom hereorsheis
suregoingtocausedamage. 
Me:Iam notgoi
ngtotel
lany
one.Igi
vey
oumy
pr
omise(Iembracedher
)
Mother:Donotfoolyour
sel
f.Youaresur
etot
ell
yourhusband(welaughedsoft
ly)
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
otr
y. 
Mother
:Donotkeepsecret
sfr
om yourgroom.
I
fyouwisht
oshareitwit
hhimiti
sf i
ne.Ntsi
ka
i
snotamanwhogossi ps.
Me:
IhavetogogiveZi
phorestandl
ookaft
er
t
hechi
l
dren.Shehasnotcomeasastaff
memberbutasaguest
.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obef
ine
ony
ourown? 
Mot
her
:Goandbewi
thy
ouf
ri
end.(
shesmi
l
ed)
.
IkissedandhuggedherandIl ef t.Thenews
thatIhav ejusthear dhasl eftmewi thal ltypes
ofemot i
ons.Bukhosi isahal fbl oodr oy al?Isti
ll
donotseehi m asanyl essofabr othert hough.
Mot herandf atherar etost opf ool i
ng
themsel ves.Asecr etdoesnotr emai nasecr et
forever.Nomv ulaissur et ocomebackand
claim herchil
donceagai n.Doesshenotcar e
aboutt hepainshemi ghtcausehi m?Iwentt o
Ziphowhowashav ingf unwi tht heot herl adi
es.
Isatwi ththem aswewat chedt hechi ldrenpl ay.
Thel i
ttl
eonessl eptandIt ookt hem tomy
chamberbecauseZi phowi shedt ov i
sitt he
mar ket.Thando, Kamv aandIl ai dnextt oeach
otherandIf eltasweetsl umbercr eepi n. 
.
Shiba:
MyQueen, goandwarmy ourfatherofan
att
ackplannedagai
nstZwel
i
hle.(Isatup)
Me:Anatt
ack?Whyar
eyounott
ell
i
ngt
hist
o
f
ather
,Shi
ba? 
Shiba:
Itisofnoimpor
tance.Getupatonce,
Ndoniyamanzi.Ti
meisnotony oursi
de.The
dangerisnear.
 
Me:
Howbi
gist
het
hreatt
obe?
.
Shekeptqui etandIj umpedupi nfearand
panic.Iaskedf orahel ptolookaf t
erthe
chil
drenandIl eftMbal ekiandhercubst here
too.Ilookedf orfat hereverywherebutcouldnot
fi
ndhi m.Ifinallywentouti nt hefareastofthe
royalgroundandf oundhim speakingt oafew
oftheHeadwar riors.Hespokel oudlysoIcould
hearev er
ythingasIappr oached. 
.
Fat
her
:Itseemsmysoni
nlaw'
sKi
ngdom i
sin
danger.Youar
et ogathersomeoft hebestmen
andsentthem outtoUmhl abaOchumiley
oat
once.Got i
memi ghtnotbeourfri
end.(he
shouted)
Me:Father
,whatdoy
oumeanUmhl
abai
sin
danger
.
Father
:Xhant
iputwordoutofapossi
ble
i
nvasionfr
om GobaofBambananiandthey
askedforext
rawarr
ior
s.(
istar
tedt
opanic)
Me:Therei
sanat t
ackcomi
ngt
oZwel
i
hlet
oo.
(
hiseyeswidened)
.
Her ushedtother oyal houseandIranbehind
him.Whati sgoingon?Howcanbot hKi
ngdoms
beundert hr
eat?Cl earlytheenemyhasbeen
planningthi
salongt imeagoandIwonderwho
i
tis.Coulditbet hi
sGobawhoi splanni
ngan
attackonUmhl abaal so.Fatherassembledthe
councilandBukhosi andItoldthem whatShiba
toldme. 
.
Bukhosi
:Arewetot
akeawarni
ngseri
ousl
y?
Whywoul dShi
bagi
vei
ttoNdoniandnoty
ou,
fat
her? 
Fat
her:Shei
saPr i
ncessoft
hissoi
li
sshenot
?
Iam goi
ngtotakethi
swarni
ngseri
ousl
y.
 
Bukhosi
:Whatar
ethechancesofboth
UmhlabaandZweli
hlebei
ngatt
acked?Itdoes
no.
..
 
Me: Wear enotgoingtoli
stentoyoucomi ngup
withsil
l
yassumpt i
ons.Doy ounotknowt hata
warningisalwaystakenseriousl
y?Nomat ter
howsmal lnowifyoudonothav esol
uti
ons
thenshutup.(Ishoutedathim)
Mot
her:
Come,mybl
ossom.Youcannotcar
ry
somuchbur
deni
nyoursi
tuat
ion.
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ilIhearwhat
t
hei
rpl
anis.
 
Fat
her
:Wepr
epar
eforsuch,
deardaught
er.Al
l
wecandoknowi
sfi
ghtandhopet
heancest
ors
ar
ewit
hus. 
Me:Isaysendmenoutt omeetthem because
i
fwewai tunti
ltheysetgroundonZwihlesoi
l
weputtheliv
esoft hepeopleandthoseofour
ownindanger. 
Bukhosi
:Isaywewai
tfort
hem t
oshow
themsel
ves.
Me:
Thenitissuret
obethedeathoftheroy
al
f
amil
ybecausetheyar
eexpect
ingthat.
 
Bukhosi
:Youar
enotevenal
lowedi
nher
eNdoni
.
Womendonotdiscussbat
tl
edetai
l
s.
Me:MyKi ngdiscussesitwi
thmeandhei sa
warr
ior
.Heknowsbestwheni tcomestosuch.
Fat
hersendoutwar rior
saheadandmakei t
di
ff
icul
tfortheenemyt osetfootofy
oursoil
. 
Father
:Wearetosendwar r
ior
sahead.Some
aretoremai
ntoprotecther
eshoul
dtheenemy
gainsomesortofaccess.
.
Hei mpl ement edhi sal readyexi stingdef ense
andat tacksl ines.Hesentoutsomewar riors
aheadi nt hedi rect i
onofBambanani .Iti
sbet t er
tobat t
lei nopenf ieldf i
r stthenwai tunt ilthey
reachtheKi ngdom.Al l thewomanandchi l
dr en
gotassembl edt oapl aceofsaf ety.Mostoft he
menwer ear medandr eadyf orany thing.I
thoughtaboutNt sikaandmyhear tf eltpai ned
atthepossi bili
tyt hattheymi ghtal r
eadybe
underat t
ack.Ihav efaithi nhi m andIknowt hat
hei sgoi ngt ohandl ethi sint hebestway
possible.It ookmybabyandwr appedhi m on
myback.Idonotknowhowmuchdamaget his
attackmi ghtbr i
ngori fi tistor eacht her oy al
groundsbutIhadt ogetweaponsofmyown
j
usti ncase.I texpl ai
nswhyt hecheet ahshav e
beensor estl
ess.Al loft hear eoutoft her oy al
houseandpr eparingt hei rowndef enseIguess.
Someoft heguest sarest i
llhereandwi shedt o
getont heircar r
iagesandgoatoncebutt hati s
goi
ngtobedangerous.Thechaoscalmedafter
awhil
eandallwecouldhopeforisthatour
pl
anisenoughtowithst
andanythi
ngtocome
ourway.
 
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Dayshav epassedandtherehasbeennosi gn
ofanypossibleatt
ack.Evenoneofthewar r
iors
thatIhavesentaheadcamesay ingthatt
hereis
noactionhappeninginthedi
recti
onsIordered
them to.Whatcouldbehappening?HasGoba
changedhismi nd?Ipar
oledtheKingdom with
Bantu. 
.
Bant
u:Goandr
est
,myKi
ng.
Me:Ofwhatusei
sgoingtother
oyal
house
whenmymi ndwon'
tqui
etdown? 
Bant
u:Ofwhatusewill
youbei
nabat
tl
eify
ou
ar
etooti
redtol
iftashi
eld?
 
Me:Idonotunder
stand,
war
rior
.Iti
sal
lj
ustt
oo
qui
et.Somet
hingshoul
dhav
ehappenedbynow
.
Bant
u: Iagr
eewi
thyouont hat
.Thesil
enceis
worr
isome.Whatexact
lyhasthisst
ranger
hear
d?
Me:Thathehear
dtwoguardsspeakabouta
pl
otagai
nsttheKi
ngdom.
Bantu:
Goandrest.I
fsomet
hinghappenst
henI
am sur
etoal
ertyou.
 
Me:
Whatabouty
ou?
 
Bant
u: Wear
egoingtotaket
urns.Bei
ngsl
eep
depr
ivedi
sdangerous 
Me:
Letmegot
hen.
 
.
It
urnedmyhor
sear
oundandl
eti
tri
det
othe
royal
house.Bant
uisrightIt
rul
yam sleep
depri
vedanditi
strul
ydangerous.Iwenti
nand
atesomefrui
t.
.
Fat
her
:Thati
snotf
ood.(
hewal
kedi
n)
Me:
Ihav
ejustcomet
orest
. 
Xhanti
:Ithi
nkwear epani
cki
ngfornot
hing,
Ntsi
ka.Ifsomethi
nghasnothappenbynow
thensurel
ythi
sthingi
sfal
se. 
Me:Whywouldast
rangercomefr
om sof
ar
awayonl
ytogiv
eusfal
seinfor
mati
on?
Father:
Perhapshethoughthewoul
drecei
ve
roy
al gi
ftsf
rom usasareward.
 
Me: I
tcannotbethat,f
ather
.Isensetr
uthin
whathespeaksandhehasnotaskedf orany
rewards.Hehasnotevencomplainedabout
beingkepti
ncapti
vit
y. 
Fat
her
:ThenIr
emai
nconf
used.
 
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
ogoaskhi
m agai
n. 
Fat
her
:Whathappenedt
orest
ing,
myKi
ng?
 
.
Ididnotanswerhim becauseIwantedtoask
thestr
angerwhatexactlyitist
hatheheard
thoseguardssaid.Ir
antot heroy
alcapti
vit
y
andfoundhimr esti
ng.Icall
edouttohim and
hejumpedupandbowed.  
.
Me:
Youmayr
ise(
hest
ood)
Hi
m:Myt
hank,
myKi
ng.
 
Me:St
ranger
,whatexactl
ywerethewordsused
byt
heguardsyouoverheardi
nyourKi
ngdom?
Him:Icannotrecal
leachdet
ail
asi
tisbecause
Iam nolongerayoungmanandIst
oodf ar
. 
Me:Ibegt
hatyout
ry.I
tisofgr
eatimportance
(
hekeptqui
etandl
ookedupclear
lytr
yingto
t
hink)
Him:Theysomet hi
nglike.
..
uhm cr
eat
inghavoc
anddisasteri
nthelandofQueenNdoniyamanzi
(hef
inall
ysaidslowly
)
Me:ThelandofNdoni
yamanzi
?Ar
eyousur
e
t
heyspokeaboutmyQueen.?
Hi
m: Iknownoot herQueenwi
ththatnamethat
i
swhyIr ushedherebecauset
hisi
sherlandtoo
si
ncesheisit'
sQueen. 
Me:
Zwel
i
hle!(
Ishout
edout
)
Hi
m:Par
don,
myKi
ng.
 
Me:Theydi
dnotmeanthesoi
lshei
sabr
ideof
butt
heonesheisadaught
er.
.
Istoodquickl
yleavi
ngthemancl ear
lyconf
used.
TheattackistobeatZwelihleandnotUmhlaba
Ochumi l
eyo.Igotmyweaponsandshi el
dand
rodeouttoBant uonceagain.
 
.
Bant
u:Suchaqui
ckr
est
?Idonott
h..
.
Me:TheattackisaimedatZwelihl
e.The
st
rangersaidt
hattheguardssaidtheyar
eto
at
tackthelandofQueenNdoniyamanzi.They
meantherhomel and.Iam goi
ngtoZwelihl
e.
Havewarri
orssentwithme.
Bant
u:Iam comi
ngwi
th.
 
Me:Stayher
eandbeinchar
ge.Idonotknowif
myassumptioni
scor
rect
.Youaretoremain
her
ejusti
ncaseIanwrong
Bantu:
Iaskthatyoubri
ngmywi
feand
daughterhome,br
other
.
.
Igavehim anodandt ur
nedtot hedir
ecti
onof
Zweli
hle.Bantucannotexpectmet ogivehim
suchapr omisewhenIf earformyownwi f
eand
son'
ssaf et
y.Iam goingtotrymybestt obri
ng
them al
lback.Ilookedbehindmeandsaw
manymenf oll
owonhor sesf r
om afar.
Somet hingt el
lsmet hatIam cor rectaboutt he
attackgoi ngtoZwel ihle.Wehav enoconf li
ct
withGoba.Sur elyKingXol oi swel l
pr epared.All
Kingdomsar et oway sbepr eparedf ora
possibleunexpect edat tackatal lti
mes.Ican
nothav eNdoni beunderf earofanat tackand
l
oseanot herchi l
d.Ishoul dnothav el etthengo
withoutmeandnowImi ghtnotbei nt imet o
protectthem.Mymi ndwasf i
ll
edwi thsomuch
butIhopet hatthisthreati snothingbuta
terri
blerumour .Iam notgoi ngtot akebr eaks.
HowcanIr estwhent helivesoft hoset hatI
l
ov earei ndangeronceagai n?HowIwi shthis
horsecoul df l
yintotheai rsoIcanar ri
vequickly
.
Mayt heancest orsofZwel i
hleandUmhl aba
Ochumi ley ouniteandhel pusgett hrought his.
[
03/02,
19:21]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t47
.
#Xol
o
Adayhasgonebyandwet rul
yar eunderat tack.
Mywar riorsmanagedt oov erpowert hefirstl i
ne
ofenemywar ri
or sbutwecannotcel ebratey et.
Ihav elostaf ewwar riorsalreadybutnotas
muchast hem.Thel astt i
meourKi ngdom had
ani nvasionat tackwaswhenIwasst il
lay oung
Prince.Itseemst oomuchi shappeni ngal lat
onceandIf earImi ghtmakemi stakes.Ist ood
withasmi leofpur eprideasmydaught erhad
allthemenl istent oherwhenwepl anneda
defenseandat tackl ine.ClearlyNtsika'
sl ov ef or
ever y
thingr elatedt obat tl
ehasr ubbedof fon
her.Iwasal soay oungwar r
ioroncesoi talso
runst hroughherv eins.Iwasi nmypr ivate
chamberchangi ngat ti
reswhenmyQueen
entered. 
.
Nobu:
Youar
enott
ogooutandbat
tl
e,Xol
o.
Me:Themor
emenar eavail
abl
etof
ightthe
bet
ter
,myQueen.Sur
elyy
ouknowthis.
 
Nobu:
Doy outhi
nkyouar
estil
lyoung,Xol
o?
Haveyouseenthegr
eyhai
rinyourheadstar
t
t
oshow?  
Me:MyKi ngdom isunderat
tack,Nobu.We
mighthaveoverpoweredthefi
rstli
neof
at
tackersbutGobaissuretosendmor eour
way.(Ir
aisedmyv oi
ce)
Nobu:
Wehavemor
ethanenoughy
oungmen
out
,myKi
ng.
 
Me: Someoft hem per i
shedwhenwe
ambushedGoba' smen.Goodpl ant hatour
daughterhadt omeett hem ahead.Theydi dnot
expectitbecauset heydidnotknowwehol d
knowledgeoft heirplotbuttheywer etooclose
tojustrel
ax.Ifthefir
stlineofattackerswereso
closethanrestassur edthatthesecondi sto
come.  
Nobu:
Ourdaught
erhasashar
pmi
nd,
much
l
i
keherf
ather
.(Ismi
l
edi
ndel
i
ght
)
Me:Iaskt
obeexcused,
myQueen.(
Iwas
aboutt
owalkout
)
Nobu:
Ndoni
yamanzi
knows(
Ilookedbackat
her
)
Me:Ndoniknowsal
otoft
hings.Whati
sitt
hat
youspeakof?
Nobu:Nomvulabei
ngBukhosi
'
sreal
mot
her
(
shelookeddown)
Me:Icannotdealwi
ththi
satthemoment ,my
Queen.Letmegetusoutofharmswayf i
rst
t
henwear etospeakaboutt
his.Justensure
t
hatNdoni br
eat
hsnowor dofthi
stoany one.
Nobu:Sheisnofool.Sheknowswhatthe
i
mpl i
cati
onsmightbebutIwishshewasnot
hereri
ghtnow.Mychi l
dcannotl
oseanother
baby.
 
Me:Youalway
stell
met
hatwear
etoremai
n
posi
ti
ve.Nowiti
sti
met
ofol
lowy
ourown
wordsofwi
sdom.Howar
ethewomenand
chi
l
dren?
Nobu: Zinzi
,ZiphoandNdoni ar
egoodat
maintainingcalm.Justmakesurethatwedo
notloseourl andtoGoba.Icannotimagi
ne
havi
nghi mr uleofthi
ssoi
l.
Me: HeistosucceedindoingthatonceIam
dead.IdohopeNt si
kaIsst i
l
lwell.Clear
lyt
hisi
s
adeliber
ateat
tackonbot htheKi ngdoms.He
mustbewor ki
ngwi t
hanot herKingdom.Wher e
wouldhegetenoughment oat t
ackbot h
Kingdomsatthesamet ime?  
Nobu:
Idonotknowjustmakesuret
hatthey
ar
edefeat
edbefor
etheyreacht
heoursoil
. 
.
Ikissedhercheekandr ushedoutt oj
oint
he
othermen.Goba'swar ri
orsclearl
ydidnot
expectacounterattackandt hati
swhatwear e
usingtoouradvantageallthankstomydear
daughter.Bl
essedisUmhl abaOchumi l
eyoto
havemyNdoni yamanzi asi
t'
sQueen.Ihavenot
heardfrom NomvulaagainandIcannotr i
sk
havingBukhosifi
ndoutorevenNt ando
becausehei sgoi
ngt owanttotakehisri
ghtf
ul
placeassuccessor.Awarbetweenbr ot
hers
canbeadeadl yoneandIcannotal lowthe
samef ateofXhanti
'ssonsbefal
lonmyboy s. 
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Ihav enotbeensleepi
ngwellbecauseIf ear
slumberisgoingt obeaweaknessesi nsucha
situati
on.Iwatchedasthechil
drenpl ayedwith
thecubsandl aughoutindeli
ght.Beingachi ld
i
nsuchchaot i
cmoment smustbeni cebecause
youar enotreall
yawareoftheseriousnessof
everythi
ng. 
.
Me:Myapologiesf
orput
ti
ngy
ourl
i
feandl
i
ttl
e
Thando'
sindanger
. 
Zipho:Donotbesi
l
ly.Wehav
ebothhadagood
ti
meandnoonei stoblamef
ort
his.Ihav
efai
th
i
ny ourfat
her
. 
Me: Lastni
ghtIfoundmy selfunabl
etoholdmy
tearsbackasIthoughtaboutNt si
ka.Theysent
thatlet
tert
of at
herdaysbef or
eweev enknew
abouttheattackonZwel i
hle.Thatmeansthat
theycouldbeunderattackaswespeak.  
Zopho: Ihaveal
sothoughtaboutBant
ubutdo
notforgetthatwespeakaboutskil
l
edwarr
ior
s
here.
 
Me: Ski
ll
edwarr
ior
swhohav enotbeentobattl
e
i
ny earsbuty
ouareright.Letusnotinsultour
husbandsbydoubti
ngt heirabi
li
ti
es.(she
smiled)
Zi
pho:
Howar
eyou?
 
Me:
Idonotknow,
Zipho.Somuchhas
happenedsinceIhav
earri
vedandthehol
dno
knowledgeofmyownf eel
ingsatt
hemoment.
 
Zipho:Idonotl
ikehear
ingt
hatwhi
l
eyouar
e
carry
ingachil
d.
Me:Iam goi
ngt
obewel
l
,donotf
ear
.(wehel
d
hands)
Kamva:Mada,
Kamv
ahungr
y.(
hest
oodand
l
ookedupatme)
Me:Letmegoandgetf
oodf
ort
hem.Pl
ease
keepaney
eonhim. 
Zi
pho:
Youneednotev
enask.(
Iknel
tdown)
Me:Iam goi
ngtogomakefoodf
ory
ou.St
ay
wi
thaunti
eZipho(
henodded)
.
Iki
ssedhi sl
i
ttl
enoseandmademywayoutt o
getfood.Thehelper
smetmeout si
deandwere
carr
yingfoodalr
eady.Ismi
ledindeli
ght
becauseKamv abecomesgr umpywhenhei s
hungry.TheQueenfoll
owedafterthefood
ser
ver
s. 
.
Mot
her
:Ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
oeat
? 
Me:Iam,mother.Iwasjustonmywayt
oask
f
orthefoodt
obeser ved.Whati
snewsabout
whati
shappening?
Mother:I
tseemswehav etheupperhand.Your
fat
herisimpressedwi t
hy ourplantoatt
ackfir
st.
Theenemywasnotexpect i
ngit.Welostsome
warri
orsbutnotasmuchast hem andwehav e
managedt okeept hem awayf r
om theKingdom
andont oopenf i
eld.
 
Me:I
tisoneofNtsi
ka'
spl
ans.Icant
rul
ynot
t
akecredi
tfori
t.
Mother
:Itmightbehispl
anbutyousuggested
i
tandwear ethankf
ultoyoubot
h.Ndoni,what
seemstobotheryou? 
Me:Mother
,wear
eunderat
tackandift
hings
gobadl
ywemightl
oseourKingdom.
 
Mot her:Iam well
awareofthatbutsomethi
ng
elseisbot her
ingyou.(
Ncediwalkedbyl
ooking
fearful
)
Me:Iam j
ustworri
edaboutmyhusband,
fat
her
i
nlaw,warr
iorBant
uandmypeopleofboth
t
hesebeauti
fulsoi
l
s.(
sheembracedme)
Mother
:Ourancest
orsaresur
enott otakea
sl
umberwhileweareinsuchcri
ses.Donotfear
.
Letusgofeedmyunborngrandchi
ld(weboth
smil
ed.
 
.
Wewentt owher ethefeastisandf oundmost
foodgonebutenoughi slefttofi
llour
stomachs.Ther ewassi ngi
ngf r
om t heladi
es
andIguessi tistodist
ractthemi ndf rom
thi
nkingthewor st.Wesat ,
sang, dancedand
l
aughedonewoul dnev ersaywemi ghtpossibl
y
diesoonifthingsaretogowr ong.Bukhosi
approachedmeandaskedt ospeakt ome.Iput
Kamv aonmybackbecauseIcanseehi seyes
aregr
owingheavywi
thsl
eep.Wewal
kedt
oa
chamberwherewehadpri
vat
eti
me. 
.
Me: Idonothav ethestr
engt
htofi
ghtabout
yourloveint
erests.Youareamanandold
enought odowhaty ouwi
sh.
Bukhosi
:Ihavecometogiv
emyapol ogy
,Ndoni
.
Ifel
tatt
ackedwhenyouconfr
ontedmeandmy
fi
rsti
nsti
nctwastodef
endmy sel
f.
 
Me:Doy ouknowt hepainyouar ecausi
ngZi
nzi
?
Sheisbeaut
ifulandki
nd, Bukhosi.Whatmor
e
doesyourgreedyheartwant? 
Bukhosi
:Doy out
hinkIhav enottr
iedtofi
ght
offt
hefeeli
ngsIhavef orNcedi
,Ndoni?Iknow
youlookatmewi t
hey esfil
l
edwithjudgment
andIunderst
andwhy .Mostmenmyagegof or
youngmaidensbutIam clearl
ynotli
kethat.
 
Me:Ididlookatyouwi
thjudgmentatf
ir
stbut
nowIjustfeel
pit
y.Notf
ory oubutf
orZi
nziand
myni eces.Youknowt het
roublefat
herwent
thr
ought oseekaroy
al wi
feforyoubutyouar
e
ungrateful.
Bukhosi:Icar
ef orZinzibutnotal
lofusare
l
uckyt owedt hosewel ove,Ndoni
.Notallofi
ts
aretohav ebeauti
fullovestor
iest
otellour
chil
drenandgr andchil
dren.
Me: Your i
skmaki nganenemyofZi nzi
'
sf amil
y.
Zwel i
hleisast rongKingdom butitisnot
i
ndest r
uct i
ble. 
Thecurrentevent
sar etopr ov
e
thattoy ou.Whathappensi ft
heytakeof f
ense
whent heyhearaboutt hi
s?Arewet or i
skawar
withthem t oo?Zinzisetfootonthissoilasa
puremai denandy ouhadt hehonourt o
deflowerher .Shehasgi venyoubeaut i
ful
babiesbuty ourgreedyheartandmanhood
clearl
ydoesnotgetenough.
Bukhosi
:Iam aman,
Ndoni
. 
Me:RightnowIam doubt
ingt
hatver
ymuch.
Youracti
onsar
ethatofaboy.Youar
e
humil
i
ati
ngyourwif
ebyhavi
ngshadydealings
wit
hawomanol denought
obey ourmother.
Thati
snott
heacti
onsofafutur
eKing.
 
Bukhosi
:Donotf
ear
.Ncedi
hascal
l
edi
tof
f.
 
Me: Untilyoumeetanot heroldmai denwhoi s
goingtot i
ckley ourweirdfantasies.Stayaway
fr
om Ncedi l
ebef oreyoucausehert rouble.The
KingandQueenar enoti nthemostpl easant
moodsatt hemomentandy oudonotwi shto
seewhatt heymi ghtdot opunishNcedi .I
accepty ourapol ogyforyourbehav iorthis
mor ni
ngbutIcannotaccepty ourbehav i
or.I
wishZinzi meet samanwhoi stol oveherand
showi ttoher .Youclearlydonotdeser vethe
ki
ndPr incess.
Bukhosi
:Iam goingt
ot r
yharderandlearnt
o
l
oveher,Ndonibutevenyouhavetoacceptthat
i
fshecontinuestogi
vemedaught ersthena
secondwif
ei stobepresent
ed.
Me:
Andy
out
hinki
tist
obeNcedi
?That
secondwi f
eistobeayoungmai denfr
om a
royal
f amil
ynotanoldmaidenwhoi saroyal
househelp.Wakeupandst opall
owingyour
i
magi nati
ontofooly
ou.Thinkl
ikethegr
own
many ousaythatyouare.
Bukhosi
:IknowthatIhavedi
sappoi
ntedyou
andyouareright
.Ioughtt
othi
nkli
keaf ut
ure
King.
 
.
Il
efthim standingthereandwal kedout.Ican
notkeeponwor ryi
ngaboutot herpeople's
mar r
iageswhenIdonotev enknowhowmy
husbandi swher eheis.Iev enf earputt
ing
Kamv adownf orapr operr estbecauseMbal eki
i
souronpar ol
eandherbabi esar etooyoungt o
defend.Hei storestwhi l
eonmyback.Hour s
wentbyandIsawf athermov eouti narushand
Ifol
lowedhi m.Hegotonhi shor sewithal otof
guardsandr odehishor seinspeed.Whatcoul d
possiblybethemat ter?Hehel dt heweaponsof
Zwelihle.Coul dourdef enseshav eweakened?
Wegotassembl edi ntoapr ivateunder ground
chamberbyBukhosi andNt ando.Ist oodi nawe
ofhowmuchmat uri
tyNt andokeepsshowi ng.
Hespoket othepeopl eandnooneasked
questionst heyj ustf oll
owedhi sorder .Coul d
theancest or sbegi vingusasi gnbygi v i
ng
Bukhosi onlymai dens?Doesi ttellust hat
Ntandoy abant u'sfutureof f
springsmi ghtsi ton
thethronemanyy ear stocome?Isati n
thought sandIl istenedt osomeoft heguest
speakabouthowmucht heyregr ethonour i
ng
theinvitati
ont ot hecel ebrati
on.Mot herkepton
l
ookingatawomanwhosati nt hef arcor ner
withascal dwr appedar oundherf ace.She
approachedt hewomanaf terawhi l
eandshe
mov eddeeperi ntot hecr owdofwomen.I
approachedherf rom t heothersi debecause
sheiscl earlyrunni ngf rom mot her.Shebumped
i
ntomeandIt ookof fherscar f,it
'sNomv ula.
 
.
Mother
:Whatdoy
ouwanther
e?Doy
ouhav
ea
deat
hwish?
 
Her:Bythel
ooksofthi
ngsweareal
ltodi
e
soon.Iwantmychi
ldtoknowhi
smot her
befor
eImeetmyend.Bukhosi
!Bukhosi
!(she
shoutedout
)
Zi
nzi
:MyQueenwhatdoesshemeanbyt
his?
Nomv ul
a:Bukhosiismyson.Nobubel
eis
barr
e..
.(mothercuthershor
twi
thaslapand
tookheroutbyherclothi
ng)
Nomv ul
a:Tell
them t
hetrut
h.Youfai
l
edaty our
dut
iesofbeingaproperwif
etoyourKing.
Bukhosi
:Mot
her
,whatseemst
obet
hemat
ter
? 
Mot
her
:Not
hingi
sthemat
..
. 
Nomvul
a:Yousaymot
hert
othewr
ongwoman.
Youar
eofmywomb.
(
Bukhosi
'
sey
eswi
dened)
Bukhosi
:Goawayf
rom her
ewi
thy
ourl
i
es,
str
anger
.Guardstakeherawayatonce(he
shout
edinangerandtheydidasheordered)
Nomvula:
Halfofmybl
oodr
unst
hroughy
our
vei
nsandyou..
.
.
Theyt ookherawaybef oreshecouldf i
nish.
Whati st hi
swomant ryi
ngt oachiev
e.Bukhosi
l
ookedatt heQueenandandme.Thel ookon
hi
sf acewasnotdescr ibable.I
tisami xof
confusion,denial,
hurt,angerandmuchmor e.
Her ushedoutandt heguar dstr
iedtostophi m
becauseoft hepossibledangeroutandhei sno
fi
ghterbuthewoul dnotl i
sten.Weranaf terhim
andhegotont ohishor seandr odeoff.Weal l
stoodnotknowi ngwhatt odo.Iwant edtoget
onahor seandgoaf t
erhim butIcannotr i
sk
l
osinganot herbaby .Iam notgoingtosur vivei
t
asecondt i
me.  
.
Zi
nzi
:MyQueent
ell
met
hatt
her
eisnot
rut
hto
t
his.Doyouknowt
heangert
hisi
stocauset
o
myf at
her
?
Mother
:AreyounotafutureQueen,
Zinzi
?Ar
e
yougoi
ngtoli
stentoeveryrumouracommoner
bri
ngsandfol
lowghosts? 
Zi
nzi
:No,
myQueen.(
shesai
dsof
tl
y)
Mot her
:ThenIam notgoingtospeakabout
thisagai
n.Bukhosii
smychi l
d.Guardsgoaft
er
him andbri
nghim back.Icannotl
osemyboy .
(twoguardslef
tatonce)
Guard:Yourhi
ghnesses,
theKi
nghasgivenus
str
ictor
derstohideyoui
nthesecr
etchamber.I
askthatyouall
comewi t
hme.
Me:Whatishappening?Whymustwehi
dehas
somet
hinggonewr ong? 
Mother:
Letusnotgoagai
nsty
ourfather
's
or
ders.Wearetodoashehasordered.
 
.
Nooneev
endar
edt
out
terawor
daf
tert
hat
becauseshecl ear l
yi snoti nt hemoodf or
nonsenseatt hemoment .It houghtaboutwhat
Zinzi saidandi tiswhatIhav ebeenf earing
sinceIhear daboutBukhosi .Herf ami l
yi snot
goingt obepl easedwi t
hFat herl y
ingt ot hem
aboutBukhosi .Hei sahal fbl oodr oy al
disgui sedasaf ul
lbl oodone.HowIwi shf ather
hadnotwentt of i
ndabr idef orhim.Wewal ked
tot hesecr etchamberandIwasshamedatal l
thatZi phohast owi tness.Somet hingiscl earl
y
wr ongoutt herei ffatheror der edust ot he
secr etchamber .Hast heenemygai nedupper
hand?Iam f eelingf earlikenev erbef ore.If ear
formysonandal lthel i
ttleonesher e.Shi bahas
beensi l
entbutIknowt hatshei sdoi ngherbest
tohel p.Sur elyNt sika'sancest orsar ealsoon
alertsbecauset heirdaught erandgr andson' s
l
ivesar eindanger .Icoul dseet hel ookofpani c
onev eryone'sf ace.Nt andoy abant uandZi nzi
l
ookedmor econf usedt hanany t
hing.Idohope
thatFat herandBukhosi ar et oretur nsaf elyand
thatNtsi
kaandev ery
oneelsei sal
sosafe.I
heldmyPr inceasherestedhisheadonmy
shoulderandMbaleki'
sli
ttl
eonesr est
edonmy
l
ap.Istil
lhadmyweaponscl ose,j
ustincase.I
am notgoingt oal
l
owt hem totakemyl i
fe
withoutafight
.
[
03/
02,
19:
22]Ron:
grat
eful
.

MoreThanJustASer
vant-ByNonkosi
Makhosi

I
nser
t48
.
#Ndoni
HourshavepassedandBukhosi hasnot
ret
urnedyet.Mot heriswal ki
ngaboutclearl
y
worri
edandi npani c.All
thewomenwi t
hl i
tt
le
onesheldtheirchil
dr encloseandwait
edt osee
whatfatei
st oawai tussoon.Theguar dsar e
clear
lyalsoingreatpani
cbutar
enot
communi cat
ingwit
hanyofus.Ist
oodandwent
tomot hertotryandgethert
ocalm. 
.
Me:Mothersi
tdown.Youarenotdoi
ngyour
sel
f
anyj
ust
icebywalki
ngaboutli
kethi
s. 
Mother:Donottellmewhattodo,
Ndoniy
amanz i.Myhusbandandsonar
eout
t
here.(sheshouted)
Me:Yourhusbandandsonaremyfatherand
brot
her,
myQueen.Doy out
hinkIam si
tti
ng
ther
eindel
ightwhi
leal
loft
hisi
shappening? 
Mother:Youar eright,
mybl ossom andmy
apol
ogiesforshout ingatyou.Ijustwi shfor
Bukhositoreturnhei snofighter.Yourfather
knowshowt ohandl esuchsituationsbut
Bukhosiisvulnerableinsuchsituations.
 
Me:Thenewsshockedhi
m butheisnotgoing
t
oleadhi
mselft
ohisend.Whatareyougoing
t
odowi
thNomv
ula?
 
Mother:Ofwhatuseisdoinganythi
ngt oherif
shehasalreadyspokenaboutthesecretforal
l
tohear?Allt
hatneedstobedonei sdamage
contr
ol.
 
Me: Theel
dersar
egoingtodemandthat
Ntandotakesuphispl
aceasfat
her
's
successor
. 
Mother
:Thi
sisbadbecausei
tmightcause
conf
li
ctbet
weenthetwobrot
her
s.
Me: WhatIf
eari
stheconfli
ctthatthi
sissur
eto
causebetweenZweli
hleandZinzi
'shomesoil.
Herfat
herissur
etoholdgreatangeroncehe
fi
ndsoutaboutthi
s.
Mot her:Ohbutwhyi sallthi
snonsense
happeni ngal
l atonce?Nomv ulaisher
etoclaim
agr ownman.Doessher eal
lythi
nkBukhosiis
toleav eandli
v eali
feofacommonerwi thher?
Hemi ghtnotbeofmywombbuthest i
l
l
remainsaPr inceoft hi
ssoilbecauseXolo'
s
bloodrunsthr
oughhissoi
l.Heevenhasthe
royalmarki
ngssotheancestor
shaveapproved
ofhim.
Me:Perhapstheyhav
eapprovedofhi
m as
Pri
nceofZwelihl
ebutdotheyappr
oveofhi
m
asfut
ureKing?(shel
ookedatme)
Mother:I
sthatnotaninsul
ttoyourbrother
,
Ndoni?Justbecauseheishalfcommonerit
doesnotmeanhecannotbeKi ng.Hehasbeen
rai
sedhereandonlyknowst heli
feofroyal
ty.
Me:Theancest
orshavebeengivi
nghim
maidensonl
y.Whoistosucceedhim someday
whenheonlyhasdaught
ers? 
Mot
her
:Ihav
enott
houghtsof
aral
ong.
 
Me:I
fNtandoistof
all
inl
ovewit
hahaldblood
commonerareyougoi
ngtobl
esstheuni
on? 
Mot her
:Wehaveal
readybeenl
ooki
ngfora
suit
orforNt
ando.I
fhewishest
owedahalf
bloodtheni
tist
obeasasecondwife.
 
Me: Thatwoul
dbeunf air
.Yoursoni sahal
f
bl
oody etyoudeemedhi m worthyenoughto
wedat ruePri
ncess.Youmi ghtbeannoyedwit
h
whatIspeakbutiny ourheartyouknowthatI
speakthetrut
h. 
Mother
:Idonotknowwhatt
odoany
mor
e,my
bl
ossom (
shestar
tedt
ocry)
Me: Wearegoi ngt otryandsol v
eital
loncewe
areoutofthi
st er r
ibl
ecr isi
s.Iloveyouandyou
areatruemot herbutev eny ouhavetoaccept
thatt
hesecreti soutandi ti
st i
met ofacei
t'
s
consequences.( Iembr acedher )
Mother
:Whatyouspeaki
sthetr
uth,
myQueen.
Whenhaveyoubecomesowise?(Il
aughed
sof
tl
y)
Me: Iam mymother'sdaught
ersoIlear
nfrom
thebest.Donotfearal
listoworkoutasit
should.Shi
batel
l
smet hatmanyti
mesandshe
i
sr i
ght. 
Mot
her
:Thatbr
ingscal
m ov
erme.Comegi
ve
Kamv
alesi
zweher
e.Letmegi
vey
ourbackr
est
. 
Me:
Myt
hanks(
Ismi
l
ed)
.
Igentlytookt hewrapoffandt ookhim of
fmy
backandputhi m onmot her
's.Idohopethathe
sleepsuntilsunri
se.Motherwentt ositwi
thher
fri
endsandImustsayshehashel pedmeby
takingKamv a.Myf eethavebeensor eand
sli
ghtlyswollen.Zi
nziapproachedandIt r
iedt
o
avoidherbutcoul dnot.
.
Zi
nzi
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng,
Ndoni
? 
Me:
Iam exhaust
edandmyf
eethur
t.
Zinzi
:Askonei ft
hehelperstorubyourfeetand
back.IknowthatpregnancyisnoteasyandI
canonlyimaginehowunpl easanti
tisi
nsucha
si
tuati
on.
Me:Iam goingtoaskf
orhelpl
ater
.Itseems
Mbalir
efusestocal
mforlong.
 
Zinzi:Idonotknowwhatt hematterwit
hmy
l
ittl
ePr incessi
s.I
tmustbeallthi
stension.
Ndoni ,doy ouhol
danyknowledgeofwhatt he
strangewomansai dear
li
er?(
myhear tstar
ted
tor ace)
Me:HowwouldIknowwhatshespeaksof
whenIdonotev
enknowthestr
anger? 
Zinzi:Whatshesai dlef
tmewi thmany
questions.Whati fi
tistr
ue?Whatifyour
mot herisbarrenandhadot herwomenbare
chil
drenf orher? 
Me: Itakeof
fense,
Zinzi
.Thi
sisyourQueeny
ou
speakofhere.Mymot heri
snotbarr
en.Weare
hers. 
Zinzi
:Myapol
ogi
esfort
heinsul
t.Ishoul
dnot
haveimpl
iedt
hatyouar
ehalfbl
oods. 
Me:Iti
swell.Weareal
lnotour
selv
esatthe
momentbutwear egoi
ngtositdownandtal
k
aboutal
loncethi
satt
ackhascomet oanend.
Zinzi
:IdohopeBukhosir
etur
ns.Hemightnot
careaboutmebutIlovehi
m( myhear
tsank)
Me:All
isgoi
ngt
obewel
l
.Yourhusbandi
sto
r
etur
nhome.
Zinzi:Idohopet heancestor
sarealso
protectingyourKing.Maytheancestor
sof
Zwel i
hleandUmhl abaOchumil
eyoprotectt
he
peopleoft hei
rsoil.(Ismi
l
ed)
Me:Iam suretheyhearourpl
eaandaresureto
doasweal l
areaski
ng.MyKingiswel
l,Ican
feel
it.Icannotexpl
aini
tbutIf
eelhi
m. 
Zinzi:Wowtoknowsuchlovemusttrul
yfeel
magi cal
.Tohavey
ourheartbeatatt
hesame
rhythm l
iket
heoneyoul
ov e.
 
Me:
Doy
oust
il
lhopet
ofi
ndsuchl
ove?
 
Zinzi
:Ihopedt
hatBukhosi
wouldchooseme
buthehasnotbutIdowishit
. 
Me:
Bukhosi
isafool
.Youar
ebeauti
ful
andhe
i
scl
ear
lyabli
ndman.HowIwishyoucanhav
e
whaty
ourhear
tdesi
res.(
shesmi
l
ed)
.
Shest oodf orwardandembr acedme.I
wr appedmyar msar oundhert oo.Iam gladshe
didnotaskmor eaboutNomv ulabecauseIam
nott hebestofl i
ars.Iwentt ositwit
hZipho
whodi dnotlookasscar edasonewoul dexpect .
Idoknowt hatsheiswor ri
edaboutherhusband
though.Hi shipmi ghtslowhi m downinbat tl
e
andi tcouldhav edireconsequences.Iwent
aroundt hechamberchecki ngtoseei feveryone
i
sst ill
well.Isawal adywhohasbeensi t
ting
aloneal l
thistime.Iwentt oaski fal
liswel l
. 
.
Me:Greeti
ngs,
myl
ady(
shebowedherhead
andsmiled)
Her:Greet
ings,myQueen.TowhatdoIowet
he
honourofhav i
ngyouseat
ednexttome? 
Me:
Iam concer
nedabouty
ou.Youhav
ebeen
si
tt
ingher
eal
lal
one.
 
Her
:Ihavecomewithmysisteri
nlaw(
she
poi
ntedatoneofmother
'sf
ri
ends)
Me:Whyar
eyounotsi
tt
ingwi
thherandher
peopl
e?
Her
:Shewoul
dnotbepleasedtohav
emenext
t
oher,myQueen.Fami
l
ytroubl
es.
 
Me:
Whyhav
eyoucomewi
thhert
hen?
 
Her:
Ihavenochoi
ce.Herhusbandi
saKing
andifsheor
der
smet ogowithherImust
. 
Me: I
fsheisyoursi
sterinl
awthent
heKingis
yourbrot
her,
whichmakesy ouaPri
ncess.Why
areyouall
owingthem totr
eaty
ousobadly?
Her:Heismystepbrot
her.Thef
ormerKi
ng
wasnotmyfathersoIcannotbedeemeda
Pr
incess.
 
Me:
Arey
oumar
ri
ed?
 
Her
:Ihav
enev
erhadt
hepr
ivi
l
eget
owed,
my
Queen.Ihaveaccept
edt
hatmyancest
orswi
sh
nosuchlif
eforme. 
Me:
Thatmi
ghtchangesoon(
shel
aughed)
Her
:Nowy ouaremaki
ngf
unofme,
myQueen.
Whowishesforanol
dmai
den?
 
Me:Iknowofaf ewmenwhowouldl
oveto
haveakindol
dmai dent
ospendt
her
estof
thei
rdayswit
h. 
Her
:Iwoul
dnotev
enknowhowt
obehav
e
bef
oreaman.
 
Me:Areyoutel
li
ngmey ouhav
enev
erhadmal
e
company
?( shel
ookeddown)
Her:Ihav
ekissedaboyinmyy
oungeryear
sbut
Ihavenotdonemore.(
mymouthfel
lopenin
shocked)
Me:Thati
ssomet
hingIhav
enev
eri
nal
lmy
year
shear
dof.
 
Her
:Iknowiti
sembarrassi
ngforanolder
mai
denlikemysel
ftobeuntouchedbutmy
mothermademepromi set
oneverall
owaman
tot
ouchmeuntil
Iam wed.Ihaveneverwed
andIdonotwi
shtobreakthepromiseImade
tomymotheri
nherdyingbed.(
Ikeptqui
et)
Me:Ncumi,
youhavejustmademespeechless.
I
tisnotembraci
ng,
myl adyj
usthi
ghl
yunusual.
 
Her
:Imadeapr
o..
. 
.
Shedidnotf
ini
shhersent
encebecausewegot
i
nterr
upt
edbyBukhosibudgi
ngin.Helooked
fl
ushed.
.
Bukhosi:
Zwel i
hlei
singr
eatdanger.WhatI
haveseenisugly.Wearetoprepar
eoursel
ves
fortheworst(t
hewomenst ar
tedtocryandthe
chil
drenfol
lowed)
Mother:
Couldyounotcall
usasidet
otel
lus
thi
s?Nowy ouhavecausedpani
c.Havey
ou
seenyourf
ather
? 
Bukhosi:
Theyhavealr
eadyst ar
tedtobur n
someoft hef
arms,mot her
.Itseemst heenemy
hasfoundawayt osneakintotheKingdom.
Fat
herismostprobablyunawar eofthisandt
he
pal
aceguardsarenottoostrongtofightenemy
warri
ors.
 
Me:Getal
lthewomenweapons.Iftheycome
f
orusthenletusnotal
l
owt hem t
otakeour
l
iv
esandthoseofourchil
drenwit
houtafight
. 
Mot
her:Guardsgetmor
eweaponsandshi
elds
(
sheshoutedandtheyl
eftatonce.
 
Ntando:Ihav
ebeent r
aini
ngwi
tht
hewar
ri
ors
f
oral ongwhil
e.Iti
snowt i
met
oputt
he
t
raini
ngtothetest.
 
Mother
:No, youar
etor
emai
natt
hebackwi
th
ot
herchil
dren.
Ntando: Iam notthePrinceofcowardness,
mot her
.Mypeopl e'sli
vesareindangerand
hidingl
ikeacowar disofnoopt i
on.LikeNdoni
said,wear et
ogi v
et hem afi
ghtsothattheyar
e
nott
ofor
getusev
eni
fwehav
emetourends.
.
Theguar dscamewi thweaponsandwehi dt he
smal lchildrenasbestwepossi blythought .I
couldal readysmel lthesmoket hatcamef rom
wher evert hef i
r eis.Ithasnowal lbecomer eal.
Wear enowt rul yawar eoft heser iousnessof
themat ter.Mostwar ri
orsar eoutandpal ace
guar dsdonothol dt hesamef i
ght i
ngski l
ls.I
l
ookedatmyf ami lyandhopedt hatt he
ancest orsshi eldussomehowt ogetherwi thall
theot herwomen.Wel eftt hosewhower etoo
afraidtof ight.Ther ewassuddenl ygr eatpani c
betweent heguar dsast heymat chedt othe
frontoft her oy alhouset of i
ghtof fthet hreat.
Wear enowr eadyf orwhat ev erfatet hatawai t
s
us, whetheri tist ol i
veort omeetourendwedo
notknow.St rangemenst artedt omaket heir
wayi nandweal lwor ktoget hert otryand
defeatt heenemy .Iwasi naweofhowmuch
ordinarywomenar ewill
ingt ogot okeept heir
chil
drensafe.Ourguardsalsodidourbestbut
theygotoverpowered.Suddenlytoomanyof
thesestr
angemencamet hroughandweknew
thatIst
oodnochance.  
.
Oneofthem: Sur
renderordi
e!Youareabunch
ofhel
plesswomanandwedonotwantt oharm
youbutifyouconti
nuewithyoursi
l
lyat
tackwe
wil
lki
ll
y ou.
 
Me:Itseemsyoufeel
threatenedbyt
hese
hel
plesswomen,coward! 
Him:Doyouknowhowreal
menmakebi g
mouthwhoressuchasy
our
sel
fshutup?(he
shout
ed)
Bukhosi
:Youdarenotcallmysist
erawhore,
bl
oodycowa..
.(hedidnotfini
shbecauset
hree
menstart
edtobeathim up)
Me:
Bukhosi
.(Ishout
ed)
.
Thechaosst ar
tedallov
eragainandItrulydi
d
notknowwhati swhatanymor e.Imadeuseof
thefight
ingski
ll
sasbestasmyhusbandt aught
meandhopedt hati
tistodomesomeki ndof
good.Isuddenlyfel
ttwomenpi ckmeupandI
kickedandscreamedandwat chedasal l
the
othersurvi
vi
ngwomengotcar riedawayina
diff
erentdi
rect
ion.Whyam Ibeingcarr
iedtoa
diff
erentdi
rect
ion? 
.
.
#Nt
sika
Finall
ywehav esetfootonZwel i
hleafterwhat
feltli
kealifet
ime.Icoul dseet
wobl acksmoke
cloudsf r
om afarandpani ccaughtmymi nd.
Thisissur el
yworset hanIpossibl
ythought .I
cannotgot oopenbat tlenowbecauseIknow
Ndoni issurenotgoingt obethere.Igaveor der
tot omostment ogoouti ntoopenfiel
d.Ihav e
explainedtheatti
reoft hewarri
orsofZwel i
hle
sot heyknowwhot heyar ef i
ght i
ngwi thand
whoagai nst.Ileftf orther oy algroundswi t
h
someofmywar ri
or sandawar ri
orofZwel ihl
e
appr oached, cl
ear l
yt hinkingt hatIam her et o
attackandnotpr otect .Hesawt hesy mbol of
Umhl abaonmyat tireandal lowedust hr
ough.I
rodemyhor seasf astaspossi ble.Wemadei t
tor oy al groundsandi tseemst heenemy
arri
v edbef oreus.Igotof fmyhor seandgotmy
shiel dandweaponsr eady .Igav ecommandf or
mywar ri
or stochar geaheadandki l
lwhoev eris
athr eat .Theydonothav emanywar r
iorshere
soi twasnotadi ffi
cul tfi
ght .Ifoughtmyway
throught hechaosandf i
nallymadewayi ntothe
royal house.Ther ei snooneoft her oy alf
ami l
y
i
nsi ghtandIhopet hatt heyar enotamongst
thedeadandi njuredt hatl aidont hefloor.We
hear dcr iesofwomenandshout ingf rom men.I
gav eor derf ormywar r
iorst ogol ookatt he
mat t erwhi l
eIsear cht hechamber sforthe
fami ly .Ev enifitisj ustone.Isuddenl yhear dthe
agoni singscream ofagr ownmanf ollowedby
mal ev oicesandal adyscr eam.Thel ady
shout ed" Letgoofme, fi
lthypi gs"andIr eal
i
sed
i
ti sthev oiceofmyQueen.Ir ushedt owhere
thenoi sei sandIfoundamanhol dingherdown,
herhandst i
edandherdr esst orn.Shewas
kickingaboutt ry
ingtofighthi m off.Irushed
andl ethi sneckmeetmybl adekill
inghim
i
nst antly.Iknel
tdownt oherandunt i
edher.
 
.
Ndoni
:Nts.
..
Ntsi
ka(
shel
etoutabi
tt
ercr
yand
j
umpedintomyarms)
Me:Youaresafe,y
ouaresafe.Havetheyt
ri
ed
tohur
tyouy oui
nthismannerbefor
e?(she
shookherhead)
Ndoni
:Heal
mosthadmeashi
sfor
cef
ull
y.(
her
gr
ipar
oundmeti
ghted)
Me:
All
iswel
lnow.
.
SheletgoofmeandIt ri
edtofixherdressso
wecouldgetup.Suddenl ymyhandhadbl ood
asItouchedherthi
gh.Shel ookedatitand
st
artedtocryandIknewwhatshewast hinki
ng.
Il
if
teditupagaintoinspectwheretheinjury
mightbeandreali
sedt hati
tisnotevenher
bl
ood. 
.
Me:Iti
snotyourbl
ood,Ndoni
.Donotf
ear
.You
hav
enotlostourchi
ld.
.
Shecover
edherfacewithherhandsandwept.I
putmyheadonherbellyandkissedi
t.Fora
minut
eIalsot
houghtthatshehadlostour
chi
ld.
 
.
Ndoni
:Weneedt
ogof
indt
heot
her
s,myKi
ng.
 
Me:Ihav
esentwarr
ior
st hei
rdi
rect
ion.We
managedtoov
erpowertheenemybuty ouar
e
r
ightl
etusgo.
Ndoni
:Mythanksforcomi
ng,
mywar
ri
or.Iam
sohappyt
oseey ou.
 
Me: HowcanInotcomeforyou?Doyounot
knowt heendofmeissur
etobetheendofme?
(Iki
ssedher)
.
Shestoodandwewentt ot
heotherchamber
butgotgreet
edbycry
ingwomenandchildr
en.
Mywar r
iorshav
edoneagoodjob.QueenNobu
rushedtousassoonasshesawus. 
.
Nobu:
Whydoesyourdr
esshav
ebl
ood,
Ndoni
?
Donottel
lmet
hat
..
. 
Ndoni
:Iti
snotmybl
ood,
mot
her
.Donotf
ear
. 
Me:
Wher
eist
heKi
ng?
 
Nobu:Outt
obatt
le.Idonotev
enknowi
fhest
il
l
l
iv
es(shecri
ed)
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
ogoandl
ookf
orhi
m. 
Ndoni
:Becar
eful
,Nt
sika.
 
.
Irushedoutandgotont omyhor setogol ook
formyf at herinl aw.Hehassav edmyl i
fe
befor eandhel pi nghimf ightforhisKi ngdom i s
theleastt hatIcando.Igotof fmyhor seand
startedt obat t
le.Ihav emi ssedt hethril
lthis
comeswi t
h.HowIwi shmybr otherBant ui s
heret of ightalongsi demeaswehav easy oung
men.I tseemst heZwel ihleandUmhl aba
Ochumi ley owar ri
orsarewor kingwel ltoget her
becauset heenemyi slosinglotsofmen.The
fi
ghtingcamewi thit'
sscr at
chesandbr uises
butawar riorisnotf azedbysmal li
njury.I
foughtanddef eatedmenandsawNdoni '
s
fatheral sof ighting.Hour swentbyandwe
fi
nallycl aimedv i
ctory.Iwentt oKingXol owho
wasbl eedi ngfr om hischest .
 
.
Me:
Wehav et
otakey
oubackt
othemai
nland,
myKing.
 
Xolo:
IdonotknowwhatIwoul
dhavedonei
f
youhadnotcomewi t
hext
ramen,myKi
ng.
Howgr eatist
hedamagei
nUmhlaba
Ochumileyo? 
Me:Wehopet hattherei
snodamage.I
tseems
thest
rangerwaswar ni
ngmeaboutt
hisat
tack
buthewasnotclearabouti
t.
 
Xol
o: Mythanks,myson.Iknowt hatGobano
l
ongerhavement obat tl
eandIam tosendout
warr
iorst
of i
nishhim off
.Heshouldnothave
messedwi t
hZwel i
hle.NowIam goingto
i
nvadehisKingdom andt akehi
sland.
 
Me:Wear
etopl
ani
twel
lsoon,f
ather
.Youar
e
bl
eedi
ngt
oomuchandi
tworr
iesme. 
.
Ihel
pedhim getonthehorseandIal
sogot
ontomine.Il
ethisr
unalongsi
demineina
steadyspeed.Ilett
hewarr
iorsstandguardfor
l
ongerjustincasebutIam pret
tysurethatwe
havedef eat
edtheenemy.Wef i
nall
ymadeour
wayt othechaoticr
oyal
groundsandIhel ped
hi
mi nside.
.
Nobu:
Xol
o!(
sher
ant
ous)
Xol
o: I
tseemsyourKingstil
lhast
hespi
ri
tof
war
riorinsi
dehi
m( helaughedsof
tl
y)
Nobu:Thati
snotsomethi
ngtolaughabout.
Takehimtothechambert
hatsi
de, Nt
sika.I
shal
lhavecar
etaker
sbewithhi
m atonce. 
.
Iwalkedhimtowher etheQueensai dandput
him down.Heletoutaloudgr oan.Clear
lythat
ofpainandthecaretakersrushedtohisaid.It
seemst hebodiesofthosewhohav eperi
shed
duri
ngtheattackhasbeent aken.Iwenttol ook
forNdoniandfoundhergi v
ingwat ertopeople
andKamvahel
dherdr
essasshemoved.He
tur
nedandl
ookedmydir
ect
ionandr
antome. 
.
Kamva:Fada,
Fada,Fada(hefel
lhal
fwaybut
gotupandconti
nuedtoruntomeandIpicked
hi
m up)
Me:Youdi
dnotev
encrywhenyouj
ustfel
l
,my
boy
.Youarenowast
rongboy,
ali
tt
lewarr
ior
. 
Ndoni
:Comesi
tdownletmel
ookatt
hose
woundsony
ourbody
. 
Me:Thesear
enotdanger
ous,
myQueen.Is
ever
yonesaf
e?Ihav
eseenNtandobutnot
Bukhosi
.
Ndoni:Hegotbeatenupbadlybythement hat
att
ackedtheroyalhousesoheissti
llunder
care.Idonotknowwhatwouldhav ecomet o
usifyouhadnotcome, myKing.Wewoul dall
havemetourend. 
Me:
Donott
hinkaboutwhathasal
readygone.
Al
liswellwejustneedtohelpwi
thai
dandhel
p
Zweli
hlestandonceagain.
 
Zi
pho:Greet
ings,
myKi
ng.Howi
sBant
u?(
I
smil
ed)
Me:HewaswellwhenIlef
thim.DonotfearI
donott
hinkUmhlabai
sinanydanger.Heis
goi
ngtobehappytoseeyouandThando.He
mademepr omi
setobri
ngy ouback.
 
Zi
pho:
Weal
lthanky
ouf
orsav
ingourl
i
ves 
Me:
Thankst
hewar
ri
orsofoursoi
l
,myl
ady
.
Zipho:It
hankyoual
l
.Iam sur
eBantu'
shear
tis
tobesadoncehehearshemissedoutonbatt
le
(welaughed)
Me:
Thati
str
ue.
 
Zipho:Letmel
eaveyou.Mythanksonceagai
n.
Istandproudt
ocall
youmyKi ng.Youl
eadus
well.(
Ismil
edandnoddedandsheleft
)
Ndoni
:Ist
andproudt
ocal
lyoumyhusband.
Mystr
ongwarri
or.
 
Me:Al
lthi
sprai
sei
ssuregoingtomakemet he
f
ir
stAf
ricanmantobl
ush(shelaughedsof
tl
y)
Ndoni
:Hav
ewel
ostal
otofmen?
 
Me:No,wehav
enot.Theseyoungwarr
ior
ssur
e
knowhowtofi
ght
.Howar ey
ouf eel
i
ng? 
Ndoni:Iam worri
edaboutf atherandBukhosi
butIam wellbecausey ouareher e.The
damaget otheKingdom isbi gbutIam sure
withhelpfat
herisgoingtor estoreitonceagai
n.
Ihaveneverseensomanydeadbodi esbutIam
gladthatmostareoft heenemy .Wehav eto
honourourwar r
ior
s,myKi ng. 
Me:Wearegoingtoonceall
hassett
led.For
nowIj
ustwishforanembrace.(
shesmiled)
.
Thethreeofusembr acedandIam sohappy
thatwehavenotlostlovedonestodeat
h.The
cheetahswal
kedinandt heonewaslimpingbut
i
tisnotMbaleki
.Hecubsr ushedt
oherandshe
l
ickedt heirfaces.Cl ear l
yhappyt oseet hem
again.Ntandoy abant uat tendedt othebeast s
andensur edt hatt heyar enoti njured.Ndoni
wentt ocheckonherbeastandshei sfil
ledwi th
bloodbutmosti snother s.Ndoni mademesi t
downbyf or cet ocl eanmywoundsbecauseshe
fearedtheymi ghtgeti nfectedandIdi dnot
arguewi thher .Ther ei sst i
llgreatchaosar ound
usandwear esur enott osl eepsoonbutt he
threathasbeendef eat edandt hati sallthat
mat ter
s.It hankt heancest or sformaki ngme
comei nt i
met ost opt hatbast ardfrom raping
mywi f
e.Iam al sogl adthatourchi l
dstillgrows
i
nherwomb.Thebl oodonhert hi
ghalmost
mademyhear tst op.Af t
ert hisi soverwear eto
teachGobaal esson.Iam sur ehi speopl ear e
goingtot hankus.Nowwewai tt ohearabout
KingXol oandBukhosi '
scondi ti
ons.Idohope
thattheybot hl i
v et ocel ebr atet hi
sv i
ctorywi t
h
us.Wecannotcel ebr atewi thf uneral
s.Igoton
myhor sewi thNt andoandwer odeoutt ot he
burningcr ops.Itissur etocrippletheir
vegetabl etraderout esbuttheycanst artafresh.
Iam goi ngt ohelpmysecondhomest andon
i
t'sfeetagai n.Iam asonher eandi tismydut y
tohelpmyf amily.Thesmokef il
ledt heair
clearl
yi ndicati
ngt hatdisast
erst ruckbuti twas
nottol ast.Theancest orsofthet wosoi lsdid
notlett heenemyseeusdef eatedandf orthatI
remai nt r
ulygrateful.
[
03/02,
19:23]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t49
.
#Ki
ng 
Xol
o
Dayshavegoneandmybodyst i
l
lfeel
sweak
andinpainbutIdoknowthattheinj
uryi
snot
goi
ngtokillme.Nobuhasnotall
owedmet o
getoutandwalkaboutanditi
sfrustr
ati
ngbutI
knowbet
tert
hantoarguewi
thmyQueen.Isat
upwhenshewalkedi
nandIsmil
ed.
.
Nobu:
Thatsmil
eissur
enotgoi
ngtoletme
gr
antyouper
missi
ontowal
kabout(Il
aughed)
Me:Ihav
egi
venupi
ntry
ingtoconvi
nceyouto
l
etmegoonwithmydut
ies.HowisBukhosi
? 
Nobu:
Heisheal
ing,
itseemst
hebonesi
nhi
s
si
dearebr
oken.
 
Me:Thati
snotagoodthing,
myQueen.Letus
hopei
tisnot
hingasser
iousast
hat
. 
Nobu:Heisi
ngoodcare,Xolo.Oursonmight
notbeawarr
iorbuthei
sstronginhisownright
.
(Ismi
led)
Me: Ihav
enott hankedy ouf
ornevercarr
ying
hateinyourheartforhim,Nobu.Notmany
womenar eablet oloveachil
dwhoi snotof
thei
rwombsasy oudoBukhosi .
 
Nobu:
Ineednotbegi
venanyspeci
alt
hanksf
or
l
ovi
ngmyownson.Hemightnotcomef r
om
mebutmyhear
thol
dsgr
eatloveforhi
m. 
Me:
Ther oyal
elder
sandcounci
lhav
easkedf
or
ameet
ing. 
Nobu:
ButXol
o,y
oukno.
..
 
Me:Icannotli
einthi
schambermuchl onger
,
myQueen.Thebusinessoft heKingstonhas
cr
ippl
edandBukhosi i
snotwel lenoughto
st
andinformeasheusual l
ydoesandnoone
i
stotakeNtandoyabantu.seri
ouslyyet.
 
Nobu:Nt
sikaandyourbr
othershavebeen
handl
i
ngbusinessonyourbehal
f,myKing.
 
Me: Iam gr
atef
ul f
orall
hehasdonebutIcan
notlethi
m goonandnegl ecthisownKingdom.
BongoandDumaIdonott r
ust.Theymightsee
thi
sasanoppor tunit
ytocri
pplemyr ul
eeven
more. 
Nobu:
Fine,
youaret
ogot othemeet
ingbuty
ou
needt
orestaf
ter
wards.(
Ismil
ed)
Me:Idonotknowt hemeaningoft
hewordrest
butIam goingtotryfory
ou.IsNomvul
asti
l
l i
n
capt
ivi
ty?(shestoodandkeptbusy)
Nobu:Shehasspar
kedcuri
osi
tyinmany
peopl
e'
sminds,Xol
o.Thi
sisunfort
unat
elyno
l
ongerasecret
. 
Me:Kumkanii
snotgoi ngtopleasedwit
hus
havi
ngmarr
iedhisdaughtertoourhalf
commonerson.Ifearanot
herat t
acki
ssoonto
hi
tus.
Nobu:Zwel
ihl
eissuretoburntoashesand
neverr
isei
fwegetattackedri
ghtnow.You
mustdosomethingaboutthi
s,myKing.
 
Me: Iam goi
ngtotrymybesttoavoi
danot
her
att
ackonoursoi l
.Iregr
etev
eraski
ngNomvul
a
tohav eourchi
l
d. 
Nobu:Donotsaythat
.Toregr
eti
tmeanswe
r
egretBukhosi
'
sexist
ence.
Me:
HasNt
andonotspokenaboutt
hissi
ncehe
hear
dNomv
ula?
 
Nobu: Ntandohasbeent oooccupiedwit
h
helpi
ngint herest
ori
ngofthisKingdom t
obe
botheredbysuchr i
ghtnow.Iam soproudof
him.Ithinkwehav eayouryoungertwini
nhi
m.
(Il
aughedi ndeli
ght)
Me:
Theybot
hhav
ethei
runi
quest
rengt
hs.
 
Nobu:Letmecleany
ourwoundandhel
pyou
getr
eadyfort
hemeetingl
ater
. 
Me:Blessedam It
ohav
eyouasmybr
ide(
she
bl
ushed)
.
Shet ookt hedir
tyclothfr
om mywoundand
cleanedi t
.Itst
ungal otbutIhadtobr av
ei t.
Shef i
nishedev er
ythingandhelpedmeget
readyfort heday.Iam gladthatIam todo
somet hingforthedayr at
herthanjuststayin
thischamber .IdonotknowhowIam goi ngto
handletheBukhosi i
ssuebutImustsur et hi
nk
ofaway
. 
.
.
.
#Ki
ngNt
sika
Thepastf ewday shav ebeenbusyf i
rallwho
wisht oseethislandpr osperousagain.Ihave
sentanot etofathertohav ehi
m sendmor eai
d
tothissoil
.Iam sur eitisonit'
sway .Iwalked
tothechamberIshar ewi thmyQueendur i
ng
ourstayhereandf oundherappl yi
ngbody
butteronherf r
eshlybat hedskin.Shelookedat
meandsmi led. 
.
Ndoni
:Youneedrest
,Ntsi
ka.Exhaust
ioni
ssur
e
goi
ngtobetheendofyou. 
Me:Youarer
ight
,myhear
t(Il
aidont
hebedon
myback)
Ndoni:
Ihav emissedyou.Wehaveal
lbeenso
busywithrepai
ri
ngandr est
ori
ngt
hatIhar
dly
seeyou.(shegotontopofme)
Me:Therei
sgreatpr
ogress,
myQueen.Soon
Zwel
ihl
eistobeasitwasbefor
ethi
sdisast
er.
Ndoni
:Allt
hankst
otheKi
ngofUmhl
aba
Ochumil
eyo.
 
.
Shekissedmeandmybodyi mmedi atel
y
react
edbecauseshei sinhernakedness.She
tookoffmyclothi
ngandki ssedandexpl ored
mybody .Wemadel ov
el i
keiti
st helastti
me
wear etoeverdoitagain.IdonotthinkIam
goingtostopdesir
ingthisbeauti
full
adyof
mine.Wel ai
dineachot hersar
mswhenIf el
t
ourchil
dmov e.Isatupinexcitementandhel d
herbell
y. 
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nther
eli
tt
lePr
incess?I
hopeyourmov
ingi
snotcausi
nganypai
ntomy
Queen.
Ndoni
:Nopai
n,donotf
ear(
shel
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me:Thatf el
tli
keastr
ongkick.Iti
sallj
ustso
magical.Icannotwai
ttoseey ou,dear
daughter.
Ndoni
:Orson(
shesmi
l
ed)
Me: Thecheet
ahgi
ft
edtoourunbornchil
dis
femaleandIthi
nkt
heancest
orsaregiv
ingusa
sign.
 
Ndoni:Iam j
usthappythatsheissti
ll
growi
ng
well
.Somuchhashappenedt hatcoul
dhave
causedmybodyt obetooweakt ocarryour
chi
ld.(
shesaidsoftl
y)
Me:Letusnotthi
nkaboutt
hat.Youbothar
e
wel
landsafeandsoisourli
tt
leboy.(
shekept
qui
etforawhil
e)
Ndoni
:Wouldyouhav
eseent hesamewoman
i
nmei ft
hatcowar
dsucceededinrapi
ngme?
(
herey
esgotf
il
ledweekt
ear
s)
Me:Bli
nksothatt
het
ear
scanfal
l,
mylady.I
wantyoutoseemepr
operl
ywhenIgi
veyouan
answer.
Ndoni:Myapologi
esforsuchaquest
ion(
she
bl
inkedandtearsf
ell
downhercheeks)
Me: Youneednotapologise.Ndoni yamanzi,
you
aretheonlywomanmyhear tbeat sfor.Idonot
thi
nkanyf atei
stochanget hat.I
fhesucceeded
Iwouldhav ebeenangryatmy selffornot
prot
ecti
ngy ouandIwoul dhavehat edt osee
youcarrysuchanemot ionalburden.ButIwould
nothaveseeny ouaslessofawoman.  
Ndoni
:Iam gl
adyoucameinti
mebecauseIdo
notwi
shforanot
hermantohaveme.(
Ismiled)
Me:Iam suret
oki l
lanymanwhodar estr
yto
i
nvademyt emple.(
shelaughedsof
tl
y )
Ndoni
:Ihav
egoodnewsf
ory
ou.(
Ismi
l
ed)
Me:
Iam l
i
steni
ng.
Ndoni:
Ithi
nkImighthavef
oundamai denf
or
f
athertowed(shesmil
edinexci
tement)
Me:
Youseekedamai
dendur
ingal
lthechaos?
Ndoni:Thati
sthethi
ng,myKing.Idi
dnotgo
outseekingamaiden.Ij
ustf
oundherandI
thi
nktheancestor
swantedustomeet .
Me:
Doest
hisl
adyhav
eani
dent
it
y?
Ndoni:HernameisNcumisabutIhol
dno
knowledgeofthesoi
lshehai
l
sfrom.Shei
s
untouchedtoo.
 
Me:Ndoni,
fatherwi
shesforanoldermaiden
wit
hwisdom sohecanhav egreatcompany
whenwithher.Notayoungnai
v emaiden,my
Queen.
Ndoni:
Shei
shi
sage(
myey
eswi
denedi
n
shock)
Me:
Whyi
ssheunt
ouchedi
fshei
ssool
d? 
Ndoni
:Shehasbeenkeepi
nghersel
fforher
weddi
ngnight
.(Il
aughedl
oudl
y)
Me:
Soifsheaccept
stobefat
her'
sbr
ide,
hei
s
t
odefl
owerher
?(webothl
aughed)
Ndoni
:Ithi
nkiti
sbeauti
ful
,Nt
sika.Iam sur
e
evenf
atheri
sgoingtobeshocked. 
Me:Wearetofi
ndoutwheresheisfrom then,
myQueen.Hetr
ulywi
shestohaveawi fe.Does
t
hismai
denwishtoeverhaveachil
d? 
Ndoni:Thatistobebetweenherandfat
her
shouldtheywed,myKing.ThereismorethatI
wishedtodiscusswit
hy oubutIhav
enothad
anytime. 
Me:Thissoundsli
keunpleasantnewsj
udgi
ng
f
rom yourtone.Whati
sthemat ter
? 
Ndoni
:Bukhosi
isahal
froy
al(
myhear
tnear
ly
st
oppedduetoshock)
Me:Idonotunderst
and(
shet
oldmeev
ery
thi
ng
andIkeptsi
l
ent)
Ndoni
:Iti
sshocki
ngnews,
Iknow.
 
Me:
Doest
her
oyal
par
ent
sofZwel
i
hler
eal
i
se
t
hedamaget
hissecr
eti
sgoi
ngt
ocause?
 
Ndoni
:Itisnolongeracomplet
esecr
et.
Nomvulatoldt
henewsbef oremanypeopl
eand
nowIknowi ti
sjustamat t
erofti
mebefor
eit
goest
ot heearsofZinzi
'
sfamily
. 
Me: Iwouldnottakebeingf
ooledlikethat
l
ightly
.Yourfat
herhasdonegr eatinj
usticet
o
thisPri
ncessbymar ry
ingherofftohishalf
blood.Imeannoi nsul
tbutiti
snotr i
ght,my
Queen. 
Ndoni:
Itakenooff
ensebecauseIagreewi
th
you.Wewaittoseehowtheyaretodealwi
thi
t.
 
.
Wekeptondi scussi
ngtheBukhosiissueandi
t
i
st r
ulyamess.Wemadel ov
eandgott hewel
l
deservedr
estthatmybodyneeds.Af terawhi
le
ther
ewasaknockont hedoor.Igotmy sel
f
decentandwentt oopen.
.
Guar
d:MyKing,t
heKingofZweli
hlewishest
o
seeyoui
nthecounci
lchamberatonce. 
Me:
Tel
lhi
mthatIam t
ojoi
nhi
m soon.
 
.
Henoddedandl eft.Iputtherestofmycl ot
hing
onandwentt ot
hesl eepi
ngNdoni .Iam not
goingtowakeherupsoIki ssedherlipssoft
ly
andleft.Whywouldt heKingwisht oseeme?I
thoughthewasnotst r
ongenought ogetup.I
walkedi nt
othechamberandbowedmyheadi n
greeti
ng.
.
Xol
o:Myt
hanksf
orcomi
ng,
son.
 
Me:Whyhavey
oucal
ledmeher
e,f
ather
.Is
somet
hingt
hemat
ter
?  
Xol
o:Wear
etohav
eacounci
lmeet
ingsoon
andIwi
shf
oryout
obeher
e.
Me:Iwoul
dbehonour
ed,
fat
herbutar
et he
Counci
lmember
snotgoi
ngtotakeof
fenseby
mebei
ngher
e? 
Xol
o:Donotf
ear
,Iam goi
ngt
ohandl
ethem.
Me:
Youar
elooki
ngst
ronger
.Thati
sgood.
 
Xolo:Thepainsti
l
lremai
nsbutamanshedsno
tearsbecauseofali
tt
lewound(
webot
h
l
aughed)
Me:
Thati
str
ue,
war
ri
or.
 
.
Wet al
kedandplannedwhil
ewewai tedforthe
othermentojoinus.Ndoni
'
sunclesarri
vedf i
rst
andtheygreet
edwi t
halookofunpleasant
ness
ontheirf
aces.Theelder
salsoar
riv
edandt he
Kingstar
tedtospeak.
.
Duma:Myapol
ogiesfori
nter
rupt
ing,
brother
.
Per
missi
ontospeakbefor
eyoucontinue.
Xol
o:Hav
eyoursay
,Duma.(
hel
ookedannoy
ed)
Duma:
Ist
hisnott
hebusi
nessofZwel
i
hle?Why
doIseetheKingofUmhl
abaOchumi
l
eyoi
na
counci
lmeeti
ng? 
Bongo:Iagr
eewit
houry
oungerbrother
.He
mightbeasoninl
awherebutt
hisisthe
Counci
lofZwel
ihl
e. 
Me: Imeantnooffensebybeinghereuncl
es.
TheKingaskedmet obepresentandI
acceptedthehonour.MyKing,per
hapsiti
s
bestIleav
e. 
Xol
o:Youar
etogonowhere,myKi
ng.Duma
andBongowher
ewouldyoubeatt
hismoment
hadKi
ngNtsi
kanotcome? 
Duma:
Idonotund.
..
 
Xolo:
Youwouldbedeaddammi t.Wewoul
dall
havebeeninadarkholewi
thdi
rtonushadi
t
notbeenforhi
shelp.(
heshout
ed)
El
der
:Cal
m,son.
 
Xolo:Iam notgoi
ngt
ocal
m,el
der.Al
lthe
ungratef
ulloudmout
hswhodonotwishtosee
mysonherecanstandandleaveoursacr
ed
chamber
.(hel
ookedathisbrot
hers)
Duma:Ourapol
ogi
esf
orbei
ngungr
atef
ul,
br
other
. 
Xolo:Youhi
dinyourhousedur ingthechaos
i
nsteadofcomingtofightf
ort hesoilofyour
peopleandnowthatitisov
ery oudar ebecome
bravewit
hyourmouths.Zwel i
hlestandst oday
becauseofKingNtsi
kaandhi swar ri
ors.Ihold
noknowledgeofhowy outreaty oursonsinlaw
butdonotexpectmet ofol
lowwhaty oudo.  
Elder
:Permissi
ont oproceedwit
hwhatwehave
gatheredherefor.Wewoul dl
i
ketoknowwhat
thereasonsfortheatt
ackwas, myKi
ng.
 
Xolo:Ihav
esentoutment obr
ingGobatome
andhissons.Ihol
dnoknowledgeofthe
reasonsbutIknowthatt
heyaresoontobr
ing
theenemyt ome. 
Duma:
Isayl
etusgi
veor
dert
ohav
ehi
m ki
l
led.
 
Me:Ofst
ayusei
shetousifhei
sdead?We
needt
hem al
i
vesohecangiv
eusanswer
s.
Bongo:
Wecannotl
ett
heenemyl
i
ve,
myKi
ng.
 
Xolo:
Itseemsyoufeart
hattheenemyist
o
rev
ealtr
uthst
hatyoubothholdknowl
edgeof
. 
Duma:
Itakeof
fense,
brot
her
. 
Bongo: Idotoo,
myKi ng.Whywoul
dwework
wit
ht heenemyt odestr
oythel
andofour
ancestors?
Me:Fat
her
, cont
inuewithourplantobringGoba
andhi
ssonst oyoursoil
.Ifyousaythatyouare
i
nnoconfl
ictwithhisKingdom thenheisto
comeandtellushisreasons. 
El
der
:Iagreewit
hbothKings.Arewet
osei
ze
Bambananiandkeepi
torselli
t? 
Xolo:Wearekeepingi
tandwear etohave
mor ef
armingdoneonit.Thewealt
hfrom i
tis
tobenefi
tZweli
hleandUmhlabaOchumileyo.
Duma:
Ist
hatnott
oomuchofar
ewar
dtot
he
Ki
ng?
 
Me:Idonotexpectanyrewards,myKing.Thi
s
i
sthesoi
lofmyQueen' sancestor
sandIdonot
wi
shtoseeitincri
sis.Norewardsar
eneeded. 
Xolo:I
tisnotupf ornegoti
ation,
myKi ng.You
havehelpedseizeitanditisonlyfairt
hatyour
Kingdom reapsthebenefit
saswel l.Ihav
e
spokenandmademydeci sion.
El
der
:Weagr
eet
oit
,son.
 
Bongo:
Thereisthei
ssueofBukhosi
.Xol
o:
WhataboutBukhosi
? 
Bongo: Weallknowaboutt
her
umourgoing
aroundthatheisnott
hesonofyourQueen.
(Xolo'
sjawtight
ened)
Xol
o:I
tseemsther
eisnousehi
dingt
hetrut
h
any
more.I
tist
rue(het
oldt
hem t
heenti
restor
y)
Elder:
ThatmeansthePri
nceisnottosi
tont
he
thronewhentheti
mecomes.Wecannotbeled
byahal fbl
ood.Nowonderhegetsnoboy
chi
l
dren.Theancest
orsar
enothappy
.
Duma:Howarewet oknowt
hatNtandoy
abantu
i
snotaproductofacommoner
'swombei t
her
? 
Xolo:Donotinsul
tmenormyQueenl i
ket
hat
.
YouhaveallseenNobubelel
epregnantwi
tht
he
pri
ncessandlatert
heyoungerpri
nce. 
El
der :Ndoni
yananziandNtandoyabant
uare
hers.Iholdknowledgeoft
hat.Whyhav ey
ou
nottoldusaboutt hi
spl
an,Xolo?
 
Xolo:Whenel der?Allyoupeopledidbackthen
wast hrowinsult
sonmyQueencl ai
mingthat
herwombi scur sed.IdidwhatIthoughtisbest
toprotectt
hehonourofmybr ide.(heshouted)
Me:
Tryt
ocal
m,myKi
ng.
 
Bongo:Wecannotcont i
nuet ohavehi
m as
yoursuccessor.Hedoesnotevendeservet
he
ti
tl
eofPr i
nce.Doyouknowt heangerthi
sis
suretocauseKumkani?
El
der
:Youshoul
dhav
eletusi
nont
hissecr
etof
yours.Weoughttodeal wit
hthismaidenwhois
Bukhosi'
struemother .Bukhosicanbein
chargeoftheotherlandswehav easPri
ncebut
heisnevertositont hethroneofthi
ssoil
.We
aretokeept hi
ssil
entf r
om KingKumkani orwe
aretobeindeept r
oubl e.DumaandBongo, you
botharetoshutyourmout hsorfacethe
punishmentofhavingy ourtonguescutout.
 
Duma:Al
lIam say
ingi
sBukhosi
ist
ost
ep
downasheirt
othethr
one.
 
Xolo:
Iam goingt
ositdownandspeakt
omy
sonmy sel
f.Noonei
stotel
lhi
mt hewhol
etr
uth
butmeandmyQueen.  
El
der:Asyouwish,myKing.Wear
etomeet
agai
noncey ouhavedoneso.Myt
hankst
oall
ofyouforcoming.
 
.
Theyallst
oodandl ef
tandIremainedwit
hKi
ng
Xolo.HelooksupsetandangryandIfear
edt
o
angerhi
m mor ebyspeaki
ng.
.
Xol
o:Idonott
rustmybr
other
s. 
Me:Whycanroy
albrot
her
sjustnotgetal
ong?
I
tseemstobeacursewit
hbeingofroyal
blood.
Xol
o:Itisthef
ightf
orpower,myKi ng.The
br
otherIgotalongwit
hdiedfrom afeverwhen
wewer eyoungboys.Zweli
hlewouldhavebeen
gr
eaterwithhi
m bymyside. 
Me:Atl
easty
ouholdknowledgeofwhati
tfeel
s
l
iket
ohaveatruebr
other
. 
Xol
o:Whenar
eyouandNdoni
tor
etur
ntoy
our
soi
l
? 
Me:I
nafewdays.Haveweout
stay
edour
wel
come?(
helaughed)
Xolo:
Donotbesi l
ly
.Ij
ustknowhow
demandingleadi
ngaKingdom i
sandIdonot
wishforyoutonegl
ectyour
s. 
Me:Fat
hersti
l
lhassomeener
gyl
efti
nhim so
het
akescareofmanythi
ngsi
nmyabsence.
Soonwemi
ghtcel
ebr
atehi
sweddi
ng.
Xolo:Iwaswonder
ingwhenheist
otakeawi
fe
again.Nomanistoli
veal
one.
 
Me:
Ndonihasf
oundhim anunt
ouchedol
d
mai
den(
webothlaughed)
Xol
o:Wher
ehasmydaught
erf
oundsuch?
 
Me:
Ihol
dnoknowl
edgeoft
hat
,myKi
ng.
 
.
Wekeptonmaki ngf unoffather'
ssit
uati
onand
ther
ewasgr eatlaughter.Ialsotol
dhimthatI
donott r
usthi
sbr otherssohemustkeepal ert
atallt
imes.HisQueenwal kedinandtookhim
torestandIcouldseehei sannoyed.Iwent
aboutmybusinessandhei sri
ghtwemustgo
backtooursoilsoon.  
.
.
.
#Queen 
Ndoni
Iwokeupt ofindNtsi
ka'ssideempt yandcold.
Somuchf orresti
ng!Igotup, gotmyselfdecent
anddr essed.IsentZiphohomeassoonast he
dangerwasov erbecauseIknowshemi sses
herhusband.Iwentoutt olookforsomet hi
ng
todoanddeci dedtogocheckonBukhosi .I
enteredandwentt ohi sbed.Theswel l
i
ngon
hisfacehasdown.  
.
Bukhosi
:Ineedtogetoutofher
eandf
eel
the
sunonmyski n.
 
Me:Goodluckwi
thconvi
nci
ngtheQueento
al
lowthat
.Evenf
atheri
sapri
soner(
helaughed
soft
ly)
Bukhosi
:Wearebl
essedtohaveher.Ndoni
,
howmucht r
uthdoyouthi
nkthatwoman's
word'
shold?
 
Me:
Whi
chone?(
Itr
iedav
oidi
ngt
hequest
ion)
Bukhosi
:Theonecl
aimi
ngt
hatIam ofher
womb. 
Me: Idonotknow,Bukhosi
.OnlytheQueenand
Kingaretoshedli
ghtontheissue.Whatwould
youdoi fi
tweretr
ue? 
Bukhosi
:Idonotknow.
 
Me:
Letusnott
alkabouti
t.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Bukhosi
:Ithi
nkthatIhav
ebr
okenbones.Zinzi
hasbeenlooki
ngaftermewel
l.Youwer
er i
ght,I
donotdeserveher.
 
Me: Iam sor
ry,
mybr ot
herbutiti
strue.Ihope
thi
sneardeatheventhastaughtyouto
appreci
ateBukhosi
.Nomor eNcedioranyot her
maiden. 
Bukhosi
:Iam goi
ngtobekindtoZi
nzi
.Igi
ve
youmypr omi
se.(t
hedooropened)
Zi
nzi
:Myapologies.Idi
dnotknowy ouareher
e,
myQueen.Ihavejustcometocleanhis
wounds
Bukhosi:Otherwomenwoul dhav el
eftmet o
rotbutnoty ou.Youarespeci
al,Zi
nziandmy
truestapol
ogiesfortr
eati
ngyouasIhav e.You
deservemor eforyouareofgreatworth.
 
Zinzi
:Isitnotmydut yasy
ourbr
ide?Itseems
thisi
njuryhasturnedyoui
ntoapersonIdonot
know( shesmiled)
Me:Theyhavebeatent
hef
ool
i
shnessoutof
hi
m( t
heylaughed)
Bukhosi :Iwasnotrai
sedli
kethat.Ihav
enever
heardt heQueencompl ai
nabouttheKing
sleepingaroundandIoughttotreatyouasmy
fatherhasmymot her
. 
Zi
nzi
:Thatwar
msmyhear
t,myPr
ince.
 
Me:
Letmel
eav
eyoubot
htoy
ourbusi
ness.
 
.
Iki
ssedBukhosi'
sforeheadandl
eftt
hem.He
seemslikehetr
ulymeanswhyhehasj ust
spoken.Per
hapsallheneededwasawakeup
call
andaheavybeati
nggaveitt
ohim butIdo
notwanttospeakt
osoon.Hemi ghtchangehi
s
tuneoncehehasheal
ed.Iwentt
owher ethe
Queenstood.
 
.
Mot
her
:Youneedt
osi
t.Lookatt
hosef
eet
. 
Me:Theyarei
nnopai
n.Mot
her
,Iwi
sht
oask
yousomethi
ng.
Mot
her
:Myear
sar
eyour
s.
Me:Therewasamaidenhere,hernamei
s
Ncumisa.Shei
sthesi
steri
nlawofoneofyour
f
ri
ends.
Mot
her
:Ncumi
,Nopopi
'
sser
vant
? 
Me:Sheist
hest
epsi
sterofNopopi
'
sKi
ng,
nota
ser
vant
.
Mother
:Iknowhert
obeaservant
.Whaty
ou
speaki
snewtome.Whatabouther?
 
Me:
Iwi
sht
oaskf
orherhandonbehal
fofmy
f
atheri
nlaw.(
shel
ookedshocked)
Mother:Doeshenotwi
shf
orar
oyal
bri
de,
Ndoni?
 
Me: Staygoodhasthatdonehimi nthepast?
Jongiwasf arf
rom bei
ngroyalbuthewedher .
Plusweseeknotamai dent
ogi veoursoilhei
rs.
Onlyamai dentol
ov eandcareforNtsika'
s
father
. 
Mother
:Youar
eonquiteami
ssi
on,
my
bl
ossom (
shel
aughed)
Me:
Wher
eisNcumi
from?
 
Mother
:From I
ntaba'
ende.Theyhavealr
eady
gonesoyouaretotravelt
here.Idonotwant
youtogosofar,Ndoni
. 
Me:Wehav eroy
almessenger
satUmhl
abat
oo.
(
shelaughedsoft
ly)
.
Itseemsthatal
li
tcomingtoget
herwel
l.Iam t
o
sentalet
tertoNcumi
'sfamil
ysoon.Mother
toldmet hattheyaregoi ngtotel
lBukhosi
the
truthbecauset heCounci lal
soknowanddonot
wantBukhosi asfutureKing.Il
etamale
serv antprepareahor seformetogooutinthe
fi
eldbecauset hatitwher eNtsi
kaiswit
hKamv a.
Itrulydidfindt hem thereandthethr
eeofus
wal kedabout .
.
Me:Mostoft
hecommoner
shousesdest
roy
ed
ar
ebui
ltagai
n. 
Ntsi
ka:I
tshowshowgreatwor
kingt
oget
heras
ateam t
rul
yis.Wear
etogohomesoon,my
Queen.
Me: IknowandIagr ee.Wehav eourown
Kingdom t olookafter.Zweli
hleisgoi
ngtobe
well.Event hesmal l
Kingdomsl edbychief
s
havegi venai dtohelprest
orethissoi
l.A
Kingdom t r
ulyneedst ohavemor efri
endsthan
enemi esori tisnotgoingtolast.
 
Nt
sika:
Somet
imest
heenemyi
sapar
toft
he
Ki
ngdom.
Me:
Whatmakesy
ousayt
hat
?(Il
ookedathi
m)
Ntsi
ka:Somet
hingabouty
ouruncl
esi
snot
r
ight
. 
Me:Butt
hati
snosur
pri
se,myKing.They
al
waysholdt
hei
rowndi
ffer
entopi
nions.
 
Nt
sika:
Ihopet
hati
sal
lther
eist
othem.
 
.
Wet alkedmor eandi tseemshethinksfather'
s
brothersareupt onogood.Idonot
communi cat
ewi t
hthem muchbutt heytrulyare
annoy i
ng.Kamv abecamehungr yandwehadt o
goback.Weal lsatasaf amil
yhavi
ngagr eat
feast.EvenBukhosi hasjoi
nedusbutt heyhad
tocar r
yhimi n.Wesatandat ewhenZi mba
rushedin.Hebowedhi sheadingreeti
ng.
.
Zimba:Myapol
ogi
esf
orint
err
upti
ng,myKing
butyouhav
eguest
s.I
tseemstheyhavecome
i
ngr
eatur
gency
. 
Fat
her
:Hav
etheysai
dwhot
heyar
e? 
Zi
mba:Theyneednoi
ntr
oduct
ion,
myKi
ng.I
tis
Ki
ngKumkaniandhi
sbri
de.
 
Zi
nzi
:Myf
ather
?(shesmi
l
ed)
Zi
mba:
Yes,
dearPr
incess(
shest
oodandr
an
out
)
Father:
Tell
them t
hatwear
egoi
ngt
omeet
them soon.
 
Zi
mba:
Asy
ouwi
sh(
hel
eft
)
Bukhosi
:Whatwouldmyf at
heri
nlawbedoi
ng
her
e?Hei sneveranantotr
avel
thi
sfar
.Sur
ely
i
tisofgreati
mportance.
Father:MyQueen,l
etusgoandmeetour
guests.Iti
srudet
okeepthem wai
ti
ng.
Bukhosi
:Hav
emet
akent
omeett
hem.
 
Mother
:Youarenottomeetanyguest
sint
hat
condi
ti
on.Goandrest..
Icouldseethepani conbot hMot herand
Father'
sface.CouldZinzi'
spar entshav efound
outaboutthemat ter?Didshesendanot eto
hersoilwit
houtanyofusknowi ngabouti t
?Al l
thesequestionsranthroughmymi ndandnota
singl
eonehadananswer .IlookedNt sikaandI
couldseethatheal sofearedt hatthevisi
tfrom
Zinzi
'speopleisnotapl easantone.Ar ewet o
prepareforanotherwar?I sthistheendofmy
people'
ssoil?Wesataswewai tedtohearthe
newsofwhati str
ulyhappeni ng.Mayf ateshine
somel i
ghtonusaf terwehav egonet hroughso
muchdar kness.
[
03/02,
19:24]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t50
.
#Xol
o
MyQueenhel dmyarm aswer ushedt othe
guestchamber .Sheisbusyfidgeti
ngher
fi
ngersandIknowi tisasignofner ves.We
walkedinandKumkani char
gedatmewi t
ha
punch.Iam notabouttobei nsult
edi nmy
housesoIf oughtback.Allt
hechi l
drenr anin
andBukhosi gotcarr
iedtothechamber .Ihel
d
Kumkani downt otr
yandcal m him. 
.
Me: Donotl
etmemakeaf oolofy
oui
nfr
ontof
yourQueen,
Kumkani
.(Ishout
ed)
Kumkani:Whatelsecouldmakememor eofa
foolt
hantoknowt hatIgavemydaught ertoa
boywhoisnotev enatruePrince?Letgoofme
atonce!(
Iletgoandhest ood)
Me:Youdar enotcomeint
omyhousei
nsucha
di
srespect
fulmanneragai
n. 
Bukhosi
:Soi
tist
rue.Iam noty
our
s,myQueen
(hel
ookeddef
eat
ed)
Nobu:
Youar
emi
ne,
Bukhosi
.Imi
ghtnotha.
..
 
Kholeka:Youdaredenyatrut
ht haty
ouknow,
Nobubele.Areanyofthesechi
ldreneveny
our
s?
(Nobuslappedher)
Nobu: Iam notoneofyourser
v antgir
ls.Doyou
hearme?Youar ei
nmyhouseandy ouareto
respectmeory ouaresuretoregretit
. 
Kholeka:Youhav ebr
oughtshametomy
daughterandy oumustnotthi
nkt
hatwear
eto
l
etgooft his.
 
Zinzi
:Mother
,letussi
tdownandspeakl
i
ke
adult
s.Ibegofyou.
Kumkani :
Gopacky ourcl
othi
ng,weareleav
ing
foroursoilatonce.Getreadyfort
hewrathof
myKi ngdom, Xol
o. 
Bukhosi
:Shewasnotev
enpur
eonourweddi
ng
ni
ght(heshout
edi
nanger)
Me:
Whatdoy
ouspeakof
,Bukhosi
? 
Khol
eka:
Youdamnhal
dbl
oodcowar
d.How
dareyouinsul
tmydaughterl
ikethat
.Shewasa
puremaidenunti
lyouhadher.Wesawt he
proofonthesheetyoupr
esentedtous.
 
Zi
nzi
:Ibegofyout
onotdot
his,
Bukhosi
(she
st
art
edtocry
)
Bukhosi
:Myapol ogies,ZinzibutIcannotstand
hereandletyourfamilyinsultmineasifthey
haverai
sedaper fectchil
d.Ihadt ocutmyar m
sl
ight
lyandletdropsofbl oodf al
lonour
weddingsheetbecausey ourdaughterwasnot
pureonourweddi ngnight .
 
Kumkani
:Thati
sofnot
rut
h.Ourchi
l
dwas
unt
ouc.
..
 
Zinzi
:Hespeaksthet
rut
h,Father.Iwasnot
purewhenwewed.Myhear tchoseay oung
warri
orofoursoi
landIwasfoolishenought
o
l
ethim haveme.Myapologi
es( Kumkani
shoutedinanger
)
Khol
eka:Howcouldy
oudot hattous,
Zinzi
?Do
youknowtheshameIfeel
atthismoment ?
Me: Nowwear eall
tot
ryandcal
m down.We
aretositandseekawayfor
wardthati
sbest
forall
ofus. 
.
Everyonesatdownexceptf orKumkani .Clear
ly
hedidnotexpectsuchaconf essionf r
om his
preciousdaughter.Itseemsthereisdishonesty
onbot hsidesofthef amil
y.Ilookedatmy
el
destsonandt helookofpai nonhi sface
painedme.Il ookedatNobuwhoi sfi
ghting
awayt hetearsthreateni
ngherey es.Kumkani
fi
nallysatdown. 
.
Kumkani:Theinj
usti
cet
hatyouhavedonetous
i
sfargreatert
hantheoneourdaught
erhas.
 
Me: Shehel
dnoknowledgeofmysonbeinga
hal
fcommonery etsheal
lowedaunion
betweenthem t
ohappenknowingt
hatshehas
beenmadei mpure.
 
Ntsi
ka:MyKings,wearetogetnowher
ewith
al
lofthi
s.Letourai
m noebetofi
ndapeacef
ul
waytomov eforwar
d. 
Bukhosi
:Ther
eismor
etot
hest
ory
. 
Nobu:
Whatelsecoul
dbet
hemat
ter(
Zinzi
let
outal
oudcr
y)
Bukhosi:Zi
nziwaspregnantwiththechi
ldof
herlover
.Shelostherunbornchil
dbutwesaid
nothingabouti
t(ever
yone'
smout hwidened
wit
hshock)
Ndoni
:Donott
ell
mey ouar eresponsi
blef
or
t
helossoft
hechil
d,Bukhosi.
 
Zi
nzi
:He.
..hewa.
..hewasnotr
esponsi
ble.
 
Nobu: Youcameher eknowingt
hatyouare
pregnantwit
hanotherman'schi
ldyetyoul
etus
takeyoutowedourson.Idonotev enknow
whattosay,Zinzi
.Ihavelov
edyouasmyown
chil
d. 
Zi
nzi
:It
oldhi
mthet
rut
hthedaybef
orewewed
butBukhosidi
dnotwi
shdi
sappoi
nthi
sfat
her
soweagr eedt
okeepi
tqui
et?
 
Me: Youweregoingtotryandmakeusbeli
eve
thatyourbast
ardchil
disaroy al
chi
ldof
Zwelihl
e?Doy ounotknowt hatweknowour
chil
dren?
Zinzi
:Clearl
ytheancestor
sdidnotwishforthe
chil
dtolivesowhatIwaspl anni
ngisofnouse
butItol
dBukhosi aboutmysecretbefor
ewe
wedandIt houghtofrunningawaybuthe
stoppedmeandpr omisedtokeepthesecr
et. 
Nobu:
Thisi
sthePr
incessy
oubr
aggedso
muchabout
! 
Kumkani:Zinzi
,Iam shamedtocal lyoumine.
Imaginetheembarrassmentwear et oface
oncethepeopleofoursoilknowt hatouronly
Pri
ncesshashadbedr oom deali
ngswi tha
commonerandcar riedhi
schild.Allofme
wishestodisownyour i
ghtnow! 
Zi
nzi
:Iam sur
edeser
vingofbei
ngdeadi
nyour
ey
esf
ort
heshamet
hishasbr
oughty
ou.
 
Ndoni
:Whatdowedonow?
 
Zinzi
:Iam nothappyint
hismar
ri
age.Bukhosi
seesmenotashi swifebutt
heonetobare
chil
drenf
orhisfamily
. 
Bukhosi:
Ihavekepty
oursecr
etsupunt
ilnow.
Doesthatnotshowyouj
usthowmuchIcar e
aboutyou? 
Zinzi
:Ineedmor ethanjustcar
e,Bukhosi
.I
needtruelove.Youhav ekeptt
hesecretf
or
yourownsel f
ishreasons.Haveyoutol
dthem
thatyouonlydesiremaidenswhoareold
enoughtobey ourmother.
 
Nobu:I
sthi
str
ue,
Bukhosi
?Thatwoul
dtr
ulybe
adisgr
ace.
.
Bukhosi
:Ihav
est
oppeddoi
ngi
t,mot
her
. 
Me: Youaretospeakaboutdesi
resonceyou
areinyourpri
vat
echamber.Ithi
nkiti
sbest
thatthePri
ncessret
urnst
oherhomesoi l
unti
l
wehav
easol
uti
onf
ort
his.
 
Nobu: Iagr
eewithmyKi ng.Justt
oomany
secret
shav ebeenreveal
ed.Youneedtogo
withyourdaughteranddealwithheri
ssueand
wear etodothesamewi t
hourson.Oncewe
haveallcal
medwear etomeetonceagain.
 
Kumkani:Thi
sisall
justsuchamessandIf
ear
i
tisnevertoberest
ored.
Me: Wearegoi
ngtoworkhar
dtofi
xthi
s
becauseweareal
lst
il
li
nshockatt
hemoment
. 
.
Zinzistoodtopackherbagsandt hatofthe
chil
dren.Somuchhasbeenr evealedandi t
feelswor sethanGoba'satt
ack.Theyl eftusto
helptheirdaughter.Kumkaniisbreathingfi
re
andIf eelpit
yforhim.Isti
ll
hopet hatwecan
restor
et hemar r
iagebetweenourchi ldrento
notbringshamet oanyoftheKi ngdoms.We
satwithourchi l
dren.
.
Nobu:Bukhosi
,Iknowthatt
hisisagreatshock
t
oy oubutIwantyoutoknowt hatIl
oveyou. 
Bukhosi:
Ihavethoughtaboutthepossibi
li
tyof
thi
sbeingtrueandIthoughtthatImightbe
angrybutIam not
.Iam reli
eved.(wealll
ooked
ateachother)
Me:
Ofwhatr
eli
efi
sfi
ndi
ngoutsuchnews?
 
Bukhosi
: Becausei thasfreedmef r
om the
burdenofbeingKi ngsomeday .Il
ovethis
Kingdom andwi sht oseeitprosperbutIdonot
wishtoleadit.Thepr essureisjusttoogreat
.
(wealll
ookedathi m shocked)
Me:
Hav
eyouf
orgi
venus?
 
Bukhosi
:Mothermightnothavegivenbi
rtht
o
mebutshehasnev eri
lltr
eat
edmeandf ort
hat
sheistoremai
nmymot herf
orallmyday si
n
thi
sli
fe(Nobustoodandembr acedhim)
Nobu:
Wedi
dwhatwet
houghti
sbestatt
hat
ti
me,myson.Wedi dnotthinkthati
tisev erto
beknownbyall butnowitis.Youmi ghtnotbe
minebutyourareaPr i
nceoft hi
ssoil.Ifyou
werenotthentheancestorswoul dnothav e
gi
venyout her
oy almarki
ngsofZwel ihlenor
wouldtheyhavegivenyouapr otect
or .
 
Bukhosi :
Ihol
dknowledgeoft hat,
mother.Iam
hurtbutnotenoughtocausechaos.Igrewup
sur
r oundedbyloveandkindnessandIam not
goi
ngt ospi
tinyourf
acesbybei ngungr
ateful
.
Permi ssi
ontoseetheladywhohascar r
iedme
i
nherwomb.  
Me:Youareagrownman.Youar
eabl
eto
deci
deforyour
sel
f.
Bukhosi
:Isi
twel
lwi
thy
ou,
mot
her
? 
Nobu:Yes,
justdonotr
unawaywi
thher(
he
l
aughedsoftl
y)
Bukhosi
:Ishal
lnot
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
 
Nt
ando:
Doest
hismeant
hatIam t
osucceed
f
ather
? 
Me:
Yes,
itdoesy
oungpr
ince.
Nt
ando:Bukhosi
Iam sur
etoneedyourhel
p
wi
ththi
s.Youholdgr
eatknowl
edge.
Bukhosi
:Youaresuregoi
ngt
oleadt
hepeopl
e
ofthi
ssoil
well
,Ntando.
 
.
Heaskedf ortheguar dstolif
thim upandt ake
himt otheplaceofcapt ivi
ty.Idonotlikehim
meet i
ngNomv ulabutIcannotst opagr own
man.Heseemedt otakethisnewswel l.Couldi
t
stil
lbethedeni alspeaking?Isurehopet hathe
trul
ymeanswhathesay sandt hatheisnot
planningrevenge.Theguar dscamet otellme
thatGobahasf inal
lysetfootont hi
ssoi l
.I
askedNt sikatocomewi thmeandheagr eed.
Wewentoutt owher eheis. 
.
Goba:
Ify
ouki
l
lmet
henmygr
andchi
l
drenar
e
sur
etogrowupanddest
royy
ourl
and
someday
. 
Me: Iam goi
ngtokil
lyouandIam goi
ngto
ensurethatIl
ivel
ongenoughtoseethei
r
att
emptt oavengeyou.Whyhaveyoucome
aft
ermyl and,Goba? 
Goba'
ason:Myfat
herowesyounoexpl
anati
on.
DoyounotknowthatKi
ngdomsar
einvadedall
t
hetime?
 
Nt
sika:
Wear
enott
oasky
ouagai
n. 
Goba'
sson:
Godi
e(heshout
ed)
Ntsi
ka:OrmaybeIshoul
dgiv
eyoual
i
ttl
etast
e
ofwhatdeat
hmi ghtf
eel
li
ke.
 
Goba:Youdarethr
eat
enamanthati
sti
edup.
Unti
ehim andfi
ghthi
mli
keaman(Ntsi
ka
smil
ed)
Ntsi
ka:
Unt
iet
heman.Perhapshei
stopr
ovet
o
bemoremanthanhi
sfat
her.
 
.
Theguardsunt i
edhim andhetookofthet
op
clothi
nghewor e.Hetr
iedtowaveapunchbut
Ntsikagavehim abeati
ngheissuretonever
forget
.Bothhim andhisfat
herwerebeggi
ng.
Ntsikastopped.
 
.
Ntsi
ka:LikeIhav
ejustsai
d.Wear
enotgoi
ngt
o
askagain.
Goba: Thesnakeswhohav eplott
edagainstyou
arethosey oucallbrother.Dumai sclear
ly
eagert oseeyouandal lthechil
drenyouhave
diesohecant akey ourplaceont heseatof
power .DumbBongoi sjusthislapdogand
agreest oever
y t
hing.Donotwor r
y ,
youarenot
thefir
stt ohav
eev i
lbrothers.
 
Me: Havethem takentotheexecuti
onhill
.No
onedarestotryandki l
lmyf amil
yandthe
peopleofmyKi ngdom andlivestotel
laboutit.
Doy ouknowhowmanyl i
veshavebeenl ostin
youratt
ack?Didy oureall
ythinkyoucouldlead
myZwel
i
hle?
 
Goba:I
fitwasnotf orthehelpofthist
hingyou
cal
lasoni nlawI'
dbesi tt
ingonyourthroneas
wespeak.Thanky ourancestorst
hathelpcame
i
ntime,fool.IdonotfeardeathandIam going
tobeaveraged.Evenitisinmanyy ear
st o
comebuty ouaregoingt ohearofthename
Gobaagain. 
Me: Taket hem awayandl etthem f
acetheful
l
punishmentf orthecr i
met hatt
heyhave
commi t
ted.Iam notgoi ngtodir
tyt
heclawsof
mybeastwi thwor t
hlessmen.Zimbamakesur e
theydoasor dered(Zimbanoddedandt hey
weret akenaway )
Nt
sika:
Whatar
ewet
odowi
thy
ourbr
other
s? 
Me:Theeldersaretoknowatoncebutt heyar
e
tobecaptur
edandf acethesamepunishment.
Theyhavebetray
edt hel
andofthei
rforefat
her
s.
Acri
menott obet akenl
ight
ly.
Nt
sika:
MayKamv
alesi
zweandhi
sfut
ure
br
other
snotcar
ryt
hecur
seourbr
other
shav
e.
I
tonlyl
eadst
oonethi
ng.
Me:
Deat
h(henodded)
.
Wel eftfort heroyal groundsatonceandsent
guardst ot hosetwof oolshouses.Dumar an
awayl iket hecowar dt hatheisbutsoonf ound
him.Itpai nsmet ol osemor ebr ot
hersbutIcan
nothav epeopl ewhopl otagainstmei nmy
counci l
.Whatt heyhav edonehascausedmany
peopl etomeetpai nful ends.Peoplewhohav e
nothingt odowi tht hef eudbet weenus.Idonot
blameBukhosi f
orbei ngr eli
evedafterrealisi
ng
thathei snott obef utureKing.Thisti
tleisbot h
acur seandabl essingbutmor eacurse
becauset her eexistslimi t
edtrustinaroy al
family.
.
.
.
#Ndoni
Allthi
snewshavebeentoomuch.Itseemst o
beraini
ngsecr
etsint
heZweli
hleroyalhouse.I
rushedtoZi
nzi
'schamberasshepacked. 
.
Zinzi
:Idonotwishtohearwhatadisgr
aceofa
womanIam, Ndoni
.Mymot herhastol
dme
thatcount
lesst
imes.
Me:Iam notcomi ngheretofight,
Zinzi.Iam
j
ustheretosaysor ryf
orthelossofy ourchil
d
l
ongago.Itisapai nIdonotev enwishonmy
worstenemy.Isthiswhyy ouputupwi th
Bukhosi
'sscandals? 
Zinzi:
Atfi
rsti
twast
hereasonbutt
henIt
rul
y
fell
forhi
m.Idowishtocomeback.
Me:
Toamant
hatmi
ghtnev
erl
ovey
ou?
 
Zinzi
:I
sitnotwhatIdeservef
ort
heshameI
havebroughtt
omyf amily
?Icannol
ongert
ake.
Myfat
herlooksatmeandheseesnot
hingbut
adi
sgrace.
 
Me: Ihavelostmyv i
rgi
nit
ytoNtsikabefor
ewe
wedal so.Youarenotthefir
stnorlastmaiden
todoi t
,Zinzi
.Icannotjudgeyouforsomet hi
ng
thatItoohavedone.ItwouldsuremeanIam a
hypocrit
e.Alli
sgoingtobewel l
.
Zi
nzi
:I
tisnot
,Ndoni
(shebr
okedownandcr
ied)
.
Irantoembraceherasshecr umbledtothe
fl
oor.Myownt earsj
ustfloodedoutbecauseI
tr
ulydocareaboutZinzi
.Idonotj udgeherand
IhopeBukhosi i
sgoingtoaskf orhertoretur
n
sotheycantry.Sheaskedt obeleftal
oneandI
didasshewished.Iwentt ogetKamv alesi
zwe
andheldhi
m unt i
lhefel
lasleep.TheQueen
camet ome. 
.
Me:
Iam t
rul
yexhaust
ed.Weneedsomej
oy
af
teral
loft
his.
Mot
her:Fat
eist
ogiveitt
oussoonbutf
ornow
weneedtobepat
ient
.
Me:Wearetoleaveforoursoi
li
ntwodays.
Ntsi
kahasdonehisduti
esalli
snowuptothe
peopl
eofZweli
hle.
 
Mot her:Yes,
gohomet osomepeaceandpl an
Xhant i
'
sweddi ngsowecanallcel
ebrat
e.All
thatishappeningist
heconcer
nofy ourfat
her
andI .
Me:Promi
setowrit
enot
esont
hepr
ogr
ess
oncewehavegone.
 
Mother:Igi
veyoumypr
omise,myblossom.
Takeyourpri
nceawayf
rom t
hist
ension.Hei
s
tooyoungforthi
s. 
Me:
Het
rul
yis(
Iki
sseshi
shead)
Mot
her:Youandy ourhusbandhavehel
pedus
somuch.Ourthanks,myQueen. 
Me:
Youar
eourf
ami
l
yandIknowy
ouwer
e
goingtohelpi
fthi
shappenedt
oUmhl aba
Ochumiley
o.Atleastt
heGobaissuehasbeen
dealtwi
th.
.
Wet alkedmor eandi ti
sr eall
yt i
met hatwe
l
eav e.Ihav ewitnessedt oomanydeat hsher e
andsecr etscomi ngout .Myuncl esarei n
captivi
tybutIknowt hef atethatawai tsthem
al
ready .Iam nowgoi ngt ofocusonar ranginga
weddi ng.Somet hingwecansur elycelebrate
andIseeknoot hermai denf ormyf atherinl aw
butNcumi sa.Ifeell
ikeshei schosen.Mot her
stoodandl ef
tandNt si
kawal kedin.
 
.
Me:Iaskthatweleavet
omor rowortheday
aft
er,myKing.Surel
ymotherandfat
hercan
dealwit
hallel
se. 
Ntsi
ka:Iwast
hinki
ngtheexactsamet
hing,
my
Queen.Weneedrest.
 
Me:Doyouthi
nkBukhosi
ist
rul
ytol
etgo
wi
thoutaf
ight
?
Ntsi
ka:Ihavenevert
oldyouthisbuthehas
spokenaboutnotbei
ngkeent ositonthe
thr
one.Iguessthi
shastrul
ygivenhim an
excusenottobutIdonotknowi fheistohav
e
achangeofheartsoon.
Me:Ialsofelttr
uthinwhathespoke.It hi
nkthat
whathedi dtoprotectZinzi
'shonourwas
amazing.Iknowhedi di
tsohewoul dnotseem
asungratefult
of at
herforlooki
ngforabridefor
hi
m buthecoul dhav echosentospeakupany
ti
mebuthedi dnot.
 
Ntsi
ka:It
hinkBukhosil
ovesZi
nzi
eveni
fhe
doesnotreal
isei
t.Notmostmencoul
ddoas
hehas.
 
Me: Letuslett
hem dealwiththei
rownissues.
Ift
heyneedhel pt
heyaresur etospeakup.You
andIar et
ot r
yandbringjoybyplanni
ngfather
's
wedding.(hesmil
ed)
Ntsi
ka:Ist
il
lcannotbel
i
evet
hatshei
spur
e.
(
helaughed)
Me:Stopmaki
ngfunofyourf
utur
est
epmother
.
Ij
usthopet
hatshei
strul
yakindwoman.
 
Ntsika:
SodoI,myQueen.Nol
yi
ng,
evi
lwoman
i
st obetol
erat
ed.
Me:
Thati
str
ue,
myK.
..
 
.
Igotcutof fbythebitt
erscr eam ofwhat
soundsl i
keawoman.Nt sikaandIl ookedat
eachot her
.EvenKamv aopenedhi sey esin
fri
ght.Ntsi
kaqui ckl
yranout .IpattedKamv a'
s
backandhecl osedhisey esonceagai n.Iput
him downandr antothedi rectionwher ethe
chaosseemst obe.Ifeltlikemypacei stoo
slowbecauseIcoul dnotr eacht hechamber
fastenough.Whatcoul dbegoi ngon?Ihope
thatiti
snotanot hercri
sesoranot hersecr et.
Hav ewenothadenoughoft hat ?Whathast he
Kingdom ofZwel ihl
edonet or emaini nsuch
dar
kness?
[
03/02,
19:26]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t50cont
inued
.
#Queen 
Ndoni
IranasfastasIpossi
blycoul
dtowhereallt
he
chaosisanditseemstobeoutsi
detheroyal
house.KingKumkaniwasbeati
ngupsomeone
anditseemsthescreamingcamefr
om Zinzi
. 
.
Kumkani
:Youdaredtohavebedroom deal
i
ngs
withmydaught
erandlethernur
turey
ourfil
thy
seed.
 
Zi
nzi
:Father
,Iaskt
hatyoustopthi
s.Iam j
ust
asgui
lt
yasZola(shecr
iedout)
Fat
her
:Youar
enotgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyourdaught
er'
s
l
overonmygr
ounds,
Kumkani
.(hest
opped
Kumkani
)
Zol
a:Iaskthatyoul
etmemar
ryher
,myKi
ng.I
st
il
ll
oveZinzi.
 
Kumkani
:Youbloodyt
rai
tor
.Youdar
easkme
tobl
essyourf
il
thyuni
on.
 
Zinzi
:Iwishtomar ryhi
m,fat
her.Wearetogo
farandy ouneverhavetoseeusagai
n.Justdo
notkil
lhim.Hei stheonl
ymanwhohasshown
mel ove.Iam nothappywit
hBukhosi(
she
start
edtocry)
Kholeka:
Ifyougowiththiscommoneryouar
e
nolongermydaughter.Youaredeadt
ome
(shespatonthegr
ound)
Mot her:I
fy ouwi
shtorunofftof
oreignland
theny ouaresurenott
akingmygranddaught er
s
withy ou.Thesear
ethechil
drenofthesoilandI
am notgoi ngtoal
lowyoutodepri
vet hem ofa
decentl i
fe.
 
Zinzi
:Theycanst ayhereatZweli
hle.Ijustcan
notstayherewher eIam notappr
eciatednor
canIgohomet of acetheshameIhav ebrought.
Father,
youcant ellthepeopl
eofoursoi lt
hatI
havedied.Thati
ssur etospar
eyout heshame
youfearsomuch.  
Me:Ar
eyouj
ustgoi
ngt
oleav
eyourchi
l
dren,
Zi
nzi
?.
Zinzi
:Iti
snotaneasydecisi
ontomake, Ndoni
butIhavenochoice.Ihaveeventhoughtof
endingmyl i
febutIdonotwanttomeetmyend
i
nt hatmanner.Iwanttobehappyinloveonce
againasIwasbef or
eIwedBukhosi .Zol
aholds
myhear tandIholdhi
s..
 
Kumkani:Youar eadi sgraceandnotwor thyto
bedeemedaPr incess.Ifyouwer enotmychi l
d
Iwouldhav estr
angledy out odead.Ifyouwi sh
togowiththisthingandl iveapoorlifethengo.
Justneverretur
nt ooursoi lbecauseyouno
l
ongerhav eparentsinus.Ev enifourpat hs
meetagai
njustpretendt
hatyoudonotknow
us.I
ntheolddaysshamefulwomenli
key ou
wouldhav
ebeenst onedtodeat
hasthey
deser
ve.
Zinzi:Iam gl adt hatInolongerhav et ocallyou
fatherbecausey ourhearti
scol d.QueenNobu,
myapol ogiesf orallIhavedone.Myt hanksf or
teachingmeal lthatyouknowandf orlovi
ngme
asadaught er.Idonotdeser veit.KingXol o,my
thanksf orthi nkingthatIwasgoodenought o
bedeemedy ourdaught eri
nlaw.Youhav eboth
beenki ndt omeandIknowZol ekaandMbal i
aretogr owupl oved.Iaskthaty ounott ell
them thatIabandonedt hem butr athertellt
hem
thatIhav edi ed.Idonotwi shf orthem t othink
thattheywer eunwor t
hyofmyl ove.Ilovethem
butIcannotgoonl i
vingmylifelikethis.Iask
foryourbl essi ngstoleave.(t
heybot hkept
quiet)
Fat
her
:Itpai
nsust
oseey
oul
eav
e,Pr
incess.
Kumkani
:Shei
snolongeraPr
incess.Shei
s
nowacommoner.
Father
:Ihadhopedt hatwearetof i
xthi
smess
tosparebothf
ami liesshamebutwecannot
keepyouhereagai nstyourwill
.Youareno
pri
sonerher
e.Ifleav i
ngiswhaty ourhear
ttr
uly
wantsthenIgi
v eyoumybl essi
ngs. 
Mother
:Itpainsmet hatyourdaughter
sareto
growupwi thoutthei
rmotherbutli
ketheKing
hassai
d.Wecannotf orceyoutostaysoyou
maygoify ouwi sh.
 
Zinzi
:Myt hanks,
myKi ngandQueen.Youar
e
suretofi
ndasui tabl
edaught
eri
nlawsoonbut
Iam notthechosenone. 
.
Herparentsleftwithoutevensay i
ngfar
ewellt
o
thei
ronlydaught erproper
ly.Idonotthi
nkI
coul
dev erdeem l i
tt
leKamv aasdeadwhi lehe
i
sstil
lali
vejustbecauseofami st
akehemade.
Every
onebi dfarewelltoZinzibutsheasked
thatBukhosi
notbecal
l
ed.Ist
oodandwatched
assheandherinj
uredmanputst
uffi
ntoa
carri
age.
 
.
Me:Idohopethaty
ouf
indt
hehappi
nesst
hat
youseek,
Zinzi
. 
Zinzi
:Doy ounotseethewayhelooksatme
Ndoni?Itisalookofl
oveandrespect
.OneIam
nevergoingtogetfr
om yourbr
other
. 
Me:Iam j
ustsadt
hatyoul
eaveyourchi
l
dren
behi
nd.Mbali
isst
il
lbr
east
feedi
ng.
Zi
nzi:I
tpainsmetoobutIam nouseasa
motherifIam mi
serabl
e.Whathappensi
fmy
miser
ybecomessowor sethatIendupki
ll
ing
myselfandthem?(myheartsank)
Me: Donotspeakliket
hat.Youarenotcapabl
e
ofsuch.Ifyouwishtoseeyourchil
dreni
n
futur
ey oumustcome.Youmi ghtbebanned
from yoursoi
lbutt
heKingandQueendi dnot.
 
Zinzi
:Youar efartooki nd,Ndoni butIaskt hat
theygrowupt hinkingt hatIhav edied.Iam
nevertoreturnhereagai n.Ilovey ou,sister
.You
havenev eri
lltr
eatedmeev enaf t
ery ouhear d
mysecr etyoudidnotj udge.Mayf at
eal way s
smileony ou,Ndoni .Mayy ourmar ri
ageandt he
Kingdom thatyouleadpr osper.Youwer ebor n
tobeQueenbutsomeofusar ejustnotandI
nolongerwi shtofor cemy selfintothinkingthat
Iam. 
Me:Il
oveyou.Mayyourl
i
febef
il
ledwi
tht
he
happi
nessyouseek.
Zol
a:Myl
ady
,wehav
etol
eav
eatonce.
 
Zi
nzi:
Ofcour
se,war
ri
or.Far
ewel
l
,Queen
Ndoniy
amanzi
.
Me:
Far
ewel
l
,dearPr
incess.
 
.
Weembracedeachot herwhi
l
et ear
sfl
owed
downourcheeks.Shewenttothecarr
iageand
i
tstart
edt omoveoutoft
heroy
algroundsunt
il
i
twasoutofsi ght
.Ist
oodandfel
tmyKing'
s
st
rongy etgent
leembr
acefr
om behi
ndandI
st
artedtocry.
.
Me: Somanybadandsadt hi
ngshave
happenedhere,myKi
ng.Idonotwishtobe
herenolonger.
 
Ntsi
ka:Wear etoleaveatsunri
sethen,my
Queen.It
hinkthattheworstisovernow.Letus
t
rytomov eforward.
Me: Bukhosi
issuretoregr
etnev erl
ovi
ngher.
Nowshei sgoneandt heonlyreminderofher
arethosetwobeautif
ulki
dswhohav etosuff
er
becauseofthefooli
shchoicestheadult
sin
thei
rli
veshavemade.  
Ntsi
ka:Ifeelf
orthechi
ldr
enaswel l
.Iknow
whatitisli
ketobedepri
vedoftheloveofa
mother.Thati
swhyIam sot hankf
ultohave
youbet hemotherofourchi
l
dren.Ourboyisso
happybecauseheget
sal
lyourl
ove.
 
Me:Iti
sbecausehegetsyourl
ovet
oo.Ican
notwai
tforoursecondt
ocome.Mybacki si
n
pai
nandIfeelti
red.
 
Ntsi
ka:Iam goi
ngtorubyourbackwhenwear
e
al
oneinourpriv
atechamber.
 
Me:Iam goi
ngtopreparethenotef
orNcumi '
s
fami
lyandsendi
tatonce.Itsti
ll
hasalongway
togoandIwishtocelebr
ateforachange.(
he
smil
ed)
Ntsi
ka:
Thiscelebr
ati
oni
stobri
nggreatj
oybut
notasmuchjoyasourPri
ncessi
ssuretobr
ing
(webot
hsmi l
ed)
Me:Nt
sika,
stopsay
ingi
tisaPri
ncess.Idonot
wi
shforyoutobedi
sappoi
ntedi
fiti
saPr i
nce.
 
Ntsi
ka:APr i
ncewouldbeasmuchofa
bl
essingasaPr i
ncessbutIcanjustfeel
that
wearet ohaveagirl
.Shei
sgoingt ohaveyour
beaut
ifulski
nandbeasbeaut i
fulashermother
.
(
Ismi
l
ed)
Me:
Whatar
ewet
odoi
fwehav
etwi
ns?
Ntsika: Wekeepbothourchil
dren.Wedonot
wisht ohaveanotherLahli
weoutthere.Weare
al
sogoi ngtopl
aceal awinourhouse.Whoever
hatest hei
rbrot
herorsist
erist
obebanned
fr
om t heKingdom (Il
aughedbutheisseri
ous)
Me:
Arey
ouser
ious,
myKi
ng?
 
Ntsi
ka: Iam t
ir
edoft hi
shateandendless
confli
ctamongstroyalchi
ldren,myQueen.So
yes,Iam veryser
ious.Youhateony ourbr
other
andsisteryouaretogodoi tfarawaynotinmy
house. 
Me:Iagreewi
thyou,
mypi l
l
ar.Weoughtt
otr
y
andrai
seourchi
l
dreninharmony
.Il
oveyou.
 
Ntsi
ka:
AndIy ou.Nowletusgoinandpackour
at
tir
esforourj
ourneyatsunr
ise.
 
.
Wewal
kedi
nandt
oldev
ery
onet
hatwear
e
goingt oleav esoon.Theyshowedsadnessbut
under stoodt hatwecannotst ay .Nt sikahelped
mewr iteal ett
ertoNcumi 'sfami lytoaskf or
herhandi nmar r
iage.Theyhafbet ternotgi ve
uspr oblemsorwear etohav et roubl e.Isense
thattheynev erwi shedtoseeherhappyand
thatist oendsoon.IdonotknowbutIhav ea
goodf eel
ingaboutt hismai den.Herpr esence
j
ustf eltright.NtsikaandIwentt oourchamber
tothesl eepi ngKamv a.Hehadmet akemy
clothi
ngof fandmassagedmyl owerbackand
sides.MyKi nghasmagi calhandsbecauseIf el
l
asleepdur i
ngal lofit.Tomor rowwear etosend
thelettert oIntaba'endeandal sol eav etogo
homeaf t
eral ongt ime.Icannotwai ttojustsit
andnotf eel worri
edaboutsomet hingor
someone.
.
.
Bukhosi
Ihavebeenst andi
ngoutsidethischamber
wheremy" mother
"isheldin.Myhearthasbeen
toofearfult
oenterbutIknewt hatIhadto.I
tookadeepbr eathandfinall
ywent.Sheisheld
i
nr oyalcapti
vi
tysothereisli
ghtandIcansee
herproperly
.Shestoodwhenshesawme.  
.
Her
:Myson(
shesmi
l
ed)
Me:Donotcal
lmet
hat
.Iam t
hesonofQueen
Nobubel
e. 
Her:
Sheisnottheonewhocar r
iedyouinher
womb.Ifel
tall
t hei
ll
nessthatcamewi t
hbeing
pr
egnantwit
hy ou.If
eltal
lthemov i
ngyou
madeandfeltt
heexcr uci
ati
ngpainsoflabour
.
Me:Whati
sitt
haty
ouseek?Whyhav
eyou
comenow? 
Her:
Yourfat
herbannedmef r
om t
heKi ngdom.
Doyouknowwhatt hepunishmentforgoing
agai
nstabanwasbackt hen?Icoul
dnotr iski
t.
 
Me:Youcansti
ll
getapunishmentbecause
f
athernev
erl
if
tedtheban.
 
Her:
Ijusthadtoseeyou.Youar
emyonl
ychil
d.
Ihavewedbeforebutcoul
dnothav
echi
l
dren.
Me:
Ofwhatbusi
nessi
sthatofmi
ne?
 
Her:
Doyounotsee,myson?Cl
ear
lyNobubel
e
hasbewi
tchedme.
 
Me:Donotdar
einsul
tthewomant hatIcal
l
motherwheny
oudonotev enknowher.She
hadcaredf
ormewheny oufai
led.
 
Her
:Youmakei
tsoundl
i
keIhadachoi
ce.
 
Me: Youhadachoi ce.Youcoul
dhav eagreedt
o
nevergivethem achil
dinthefi
rstpl
ace.They
didnoinjusti
cetoyoubecausey ouknewwhat
youwer egetti
ngyoursel
fint
o.Iaskagain.Why
areyouher e? 
Her:Iknowt
hattheKingdom hasal
otofgol
d.
Takemanyofitandletusrunaway.
Me:
Arey
ouaski
ngmet
ost
eal
from myown
father
?Iam notgoi
ngt
ohel
py ouwi
thyour
plan.Idonotwisht
ogowi
thyoubecauseI
hav eamother
. 
Her:
Mybl
oodr
unt
hroughy
ourv
einsnot
Nobu'
s
Me: Thecur seofy ourbloodIam goi ngt ocar r
y
forallmyday st ocome.Yourbl oodmi ghtrun
throughmyv einsbutNobu' sl
ov er unst hrough
myent irebeing.Iam t ohaveyoupuni shedf or
bri
ngingpubl icshamet omymot herbutIam
notbecauseIpi t
yy ou.Iam goingt oaskf ather
toreleasey ouandy ouarenevert osetf ooton
thi
ssoi leveragain.IfyouthoughtIwoul dgive
youmyl oyalt
yov erQueenNobut heny ou
thoughtwr ong.Ifyoudar eseekr ev engeonmy
mot her,ki
ndnessi swhatIshall notshowy ou. 
Her:
Youareaweakmanjustl
i
key ourf
ather
.I
cur
sethedayIev
ergav
eyouli
fe.
 
Me:
GoodbecauseIcur
sei
ttoo.
 
Her
:Ar
gdamny
ouNobubel
e(sheshout
ed)
.
Ileftherandshewaski ckingthewal li
n
frustrat
ion.Noonedar estoi nsultmymother
l
iket hat.All
thiswomanwasi sachildbar
erbut
shei snotmymot her
.Iam nott otur
nmyback
onmyown.Iwentt other oyalhouseandf ound
theQueensi t
ti
ngalone.Shest oodand
embr acedme.Ohmydearmot her!
 
.
Mot
her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Wel
l
,myQueen.
 
Mot
her
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogowi
thher
? 
Me:Whoistobeadv
isort
othef
utur
eKi
ngi
fI
l
eav
e.Ntandoy
abant
uneedsme.
Mother:Whyhaveyounev
ertol
dust
haty
oudo
notwishtosucceedy
ourfat
her
? 
Me:Itwoul
donlyhav
eanger
edf
atherandt
he
Council
wouldhavel
abel
edmeaweakmanora
coward.
 
Mother
:Ohmychi
ld.Weapologi
sebutwear e
j
ustdoi
ngasweweretaughtbythosebeforeus.
Wedidnotmeant
omakey oufeelpressur
e.
Me:Donotfear
,Iunder
stand.Wher
eisZinzi
?I
wi
shtotel
lhersomethi
ng.(shel
ookeddown)
Mother
:Itseemst hewar ri
orthatherheart
chosewasoneoft heprotect
orsherfather
camewith.Zinzi
realisedthatherheartst
ill
bel
ongstohim andshel ef
twithhim.(Istood)
Me:Donottel
lmemychi
l
drenl
eftwi
thsome
st
rangerofaman.
 
Mot
her:Thegi
rl
sar
eher
e.Shel
eftt
hem under
mycar
e. 
Me:Shemustt r
ulyhav ef
eltunhappyi nour
uni
onf orhertoleaveherchil
dr en.Zinzil
oveour
daughterswit
hal lshehasinher .Ifail
edasa
husbandandnowmydaught ersar etogrowup
wit
houttheirmot her.(
myhear tsank)
Mot
her
:Ar
rangedmar
ri
agesdonotal
way
send
upgood.Somear
eluckyandl
earnt
olov
eeach
ot
herbutsomehat
eeachothermor
eandmore
asyear
spass.
 
Me:Butshelov
edme, Mot
her
.Ndoni
wasr ight
,
Iam af
ooltoneverfor
cemyhear
tmore.Ihad
toputi
nmoreef f
ort
.
Mot
her
:Iti
stool
atenow,
Bukhosi
.
 
Me:
Whydi
dyounott
ell
mewhenshel
eft
? 
Mother
:Shewishedf
oryoutoonlyknowonce
shehasgone.Myapol
ogiesbutwecanfi
ndyou
anot
herbri
de.
 
Me: Iam goi
ngt
ot r
yandfi
ndher.Byl
uckt
he
horsesgottoot
ir
edt omov
eforwardandt
hey
gotdelayed.
Mother
:Youdonotev enknowt
hedi
rect
iont
hat
t
heywent,Bukhosi
. 
Me:Iam goi
ngtol
ooki
nall
dir
ecti
onswi
tht
he
hel
poftheguar
ds.(
Ist
oodandran)
Mot
her
:Bukhosi
!(sheshout
ed)
.
Ididnott urnaroundt ogi vehermyat t
ention
whenshecal l
edmyname.Zi nzi mustgiveme
anotherchance.Igotonmyhor seandhad
guardssear cht heotherdi rections.Istopped
eachcar ri
ageImetont hewaybutnoZi nzi.I
rodeforhour swi thnol uckanddeci dedt o
retur
nt othemai nl
andbef oreIputmyl if
eat
ri
sk.OnmywaybackIr eal i
sedj usthowmuch
mybr idelovedmebutIf ailedt oseei t
.Yes, she
camewi thherowni mper fectionsbutshewasa
kindbeaut i
fulwomanandIwast oostupidt o
reali
seit.Iscreamedi nr egr etasIcamet oa
reali
sati
on.Ir eali
sedf orthef irstti
met hatIdo
notneedt olearntolov eZi nzi
.Ial r
eadylov eher
butnowIcannott ellhert hat.Ionlyreali
senow
thewor thofwhatIhav elostnowt hatitisno
l
ongeri nmyl i
fe.Howcoul dIhav ebeensucha
fool? 
.
.
.
#Ki
ng 
Xol
o
Isati
nmychamberal onethinkingaboutmany
thi
ngs.IdohopeBukhosi istotakeZinzi'
s
departur
ewell.Icannothavehim be
emotionall
yunstabl
e.Isatandf el
tawar m wind
ofpeacegot hroughme.Thel astti
met hat
happenedwaswhenShi bastil
lcommuni cated
withme. 
.
Voi
ce:
Xol
o(Isatup)
Me:Shi
ba?Isthatt
rul
yyou,guar
dian.Ihav
enot
hear
dthesoundofyourvoi
cesince..
.si
nce..
. 
Shiba:Sinceyouwentagainstmywarni
ngsand
advice.Looknowwherei thasl
edyou.Di
dInot
warny outonothaveachi l
dwithacommoner?
(shecutmeshor tandIlookeddown)
Me:
Youhav
eguar
dianShi
babutIwast
oo
f
ool
i
sht
oli
sten.
 
Shiba: Youhav edef iedmemanyt i
mes, myKi ng
andi thascausedmegr eatanger.Thati swhyI
hav estoppedgi vingy out hehonourofhear i
ng
mespeak.Iwassoangr yaty outhatIev en
want edt odestroyt hissoi lmy sel
fbutIcould
notbecauseofy ourdaught er.Iwantedhert o
returnhomet oacompl etehomebecauseshe
deser vedthatmuchaf tergrowi ngupamongst
strangers.Yourot herchi l
drendonotev enknow
thesoundofmyv oicebecauseofy ou.Theonl y
reasonBukhosi washonour edwi throyal
mar kingsitisbecausey ourQueenagr eedt o
yourpl an.Iam goi ngt ogi veyouasecond
chance.  
Me:Iam notwort
hyofit
,guardian.Iwassoset
oncreati
ngmyowndest i
nythatIforgotthat
youknowbet t
ert
hanme.Ihav egivenyoumy
apol
ogiesmanytimesandIam happyt hatyou
haveforgi
venme. 
Shiba:Youdar enotgoagainstmywi sdom and
chall
engei tagainoryouaregoingtomaket hi
s
l
andofy ourssufferf
oryourwrongdoings.You
aretocleanset heroyal
houseandgr ounds.
Hav eallthecommoner sdothesamewi ththei
r
house.Itistolif
tthedarkcl
oudt hathascome
overthisKingdom.Iam givi
ngy ouonel ast
chance. 
Me: AchanceIam nevertotakeforgranted
everagain.Am Igoi
ngtoreceiv
ey ourwarni
ngs
andadviceonceagainli
kebefore,Shiba?
 
Shiba:Yes,youar ebuty ouaretoli
stenwhen
advised.Ndoni l
ist
ensandt hati
swhyy ouknew
oftheat t
ackbefor ehand.Donotmakemet hink
thatyourdaughteri smor ewisethany ou,Xolo.
Shel i
vestodaybecauseshehasal way s
foll
owedmywor dsofwi sdom.Youy oudeci de
tobedeaft omywi sdom theny ouaresurenot
tohav emanymor eday sont hi
searth.Youar e
goingtobet hecauseofy ourowndeat hifyou
remaintoost ubbor ntoli
stentoyourancestor s.
Me:Iam nev
ergoingt
odef
ymyancest
ors
any
more.Igivey
oumypromise.
.
Isuddenl yf el
tpeaceal laroundmef orthef i
rst
ti
mei nal ongwhi l
e.Coul dal lt
hishav ebeen
Shiba'swayt omakemel isten?Ishoul dhav e
l
istenedwhenshet oldmet hatImustwai tand
nothav eachi ldwi thNomv ula.HaveIanger ed
theancest orssomucht hatt heywoul dbe
will
ingtodest royt heirownl and?Icannotr i
sk
hav i
ngt hebur denofknowi ngt hatIam t o
blameonmyshoul der.Iam goi ngt odot he
cleansingbef oreNdoni andherf ami lyl
eav es.I
am notgoi ngagai nstShi ba'sadv i
ceany mor e.
Hear i
ngherv oi ceisgoodbecauseIwasj usta
youngKi ngwi thnochi ldrent helastt i
meIhear d
hergent lev oice.Itseemst heancest orshav e
forgiv
enmeandar et obr inglighttoZwel ihle
onceagai n.Itbr i
ngj oyt omyhear t.
[
03/
02,
19:
26]Ron:
Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosi
Makhosi

I
nser
t51
.
#Ndoni
Monthshavepassedandt odayismyf atheri
n
l
awsweddi ngcel
ebrati
on.Thebr ide'
sf amil
y
washonouredwithdowr yandal lhastrul
ybeen
well
.Al
ltheimportantpeoplehav ehonoured
thei
nvi
tati
ontoseet heformerKi ngofUmhl aba
Ochumil
eyo.Isatandwat chedasmot heris
busypi
ckingoutandat t
ir
ef ortoday.
 
.
Me:Chooseanyoneoft
hem,
myQueen.They
ar
ealloft
ruebeaut
y.
Mother:Ishouldhav
ehadnewonesmadef or
mebutIl i
stenedtoyourfatherwhenhesaidI
havetoomanyspeci aloccasionat
ti
resal
ready
.
(Il
aughed)
Me: Whywoul dy oul
istentofat
her?Heknows
nothingaboutclothi
ngbecausehei saman.
Ntsikadoesnotev ennoticewhenIam weari
ng
anewone.If oundmy sel
fthi
nkingaboutZi
nzi
somucht oday. 
Mot
her
:Youmi
ssher
. 
Me:Weddi
ngswer
eherf
avouri
teev
ent
s.She
woul
dhavelov
edt
obehere.
Mother:
Ifweknewwhereaboutshei
s,we
wouldsendherani
nvi
tat
ion.
Me:
Thati
str
ue.(
thedooropen)
Zipho:
MyQueen,
youar
eneededi
ntheot
her
chamber.
Mother:
Ndoni
, y
oucannotgoarounddoingal
l
el
seasifyoudonothav
eservants.Restmy
chi
ldIbegofyou.
Me: Theserv
antsar
emostl
ybusyprepar
ingt
he
feastsandatt
endi
ngtot
heguest
s.Ihave
promisedfat
heragoodweddi
ngdayandIam
t
okeept
hatpr
omi
se.Pl
easedoexcuseme.
 
Mother
:Donotbeamazedi fyoucol
l
apsedue
t
olackofr
est.(
Ilaughedsoft
ly)
.
Me:Wellfor
tunat
elyf
ormeIhav eawonderful
motherwhoistosurecar
ef ormeshouldit
happen(shesmil
edandIkissedhercheek)
Mother:Yout
woaretogetr
eadyassoonas
youfi
nishdoi
ngwhatyouar
eabouttobebusy
wit
h. 
Zi
pho:
Wear
esur
egoi
ngt
odot
hat
,myQueen.
.
IheldZipho'shandandrushedoutwi t
hher
beforemot hercanaskmorequestions.Ido
hopet hatshecomeswi t
hthenewsIhopet o
hear.West oodinapriv
atecornersowecan
speak. 
.
Me:
Issheher
e? 
Zipho:Yes,ourt
ruebr
idehassetfootont
his
soilt
ogetherwit
hherfamil
y.(
Ibreat
hedasigh
ofreli
ef)
Me:Nowletusgoandconfrontt
hosefool
swho
t
hinki
tiswiset
omakeaf ooloutofus.
 
.
Wel aughedandl ef
tfort
heguestquar t
erson
theot herf
arsi deoftheroyal
grounds.Myf eet
aretrulyhurti
ngbutIcannotr estunt
ilIhave
sortedallout.Isteppedi
nt ot
hechamber
chosenf orthebr i
deandf ami
lytogetreadyand
entered.The" bri
de"satwithabeadedv ei
lover
herface. 
.
Nopopi:
Greet
ingsQueenNdoni
.Youknowt
hat
youarenotal
l
owedt obeher
e. 
Me:Thi
sisapar
tofmyhouse.Icanbe
wher
everIwi
shtobe.
 
Nopopi
:Ihol
dknowl
edgeoft
hatbutwear
eto
meetwhenthetwof
ami
l
iescomet
oget
heri
n
songnotnow.
 
Me:Didyoureal
l
ythi
nkthaty
oucanf
ool
me?
DoIlookli
keafoolt
oyou?
Nopopi
:Iwoul
dnotdarei
mplyt
hat,
myQueen.I
hol
dnoknowledgeofwhaty
ouspeakof
. 
Me:
Rev
eal
thebr
idet
ome.
 
Nopopi
:Iti
snott
hewayofI
ntaba'
ende.
 
Me:Ar
eyoui
nInt
aba'
endeorar
eyouonmy
soi
l
? 
Nopopi:Iam onyoursoil
,myQueenbutthe
bri
deisfrom I
ntaba'
ende.Arewenotsuppose
toberespectf
ulofeachother'
swaysofdoing
thi
ngs.(
ZiphoandIlaughed)
Me:Isai
dtakeoft
hev ei
lofthebr
idesfaceand
r
evealhert
ome.(Ishoutedandshejumpedin
f
ri
ght)
Nopopi
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
.
Shewenttothebrideandwi t
hshakinghands
tookofft
hebeadedv ei
lcoveri
ngthebri
de.Just
aswesuspecteditisnottheNcumi sat
hatI
know.Icannotbeli
evethesepeople.
.
Me:
Whoi
sthat
?(shel
ookeddown)
Nopopi
:Iti
smysi
ster
,myQueen.
 
Me:
DidIaskf
ory
oursi
ster
? 
Nopopi
:Sheisabett
eropt
ionthenNcumisa.
Sheisofr
oyalt
yandNcumi i
sjustaser
vant.
Me: Youaretohaveshame.Youcal lyoursel
fa
Queenbuty ousi
nksol ow.Ncumi mightnotbe
bloodrel
atedtoyourhusbandbutshei sstil
lhi
s
sist
er.Youhavebeenillt
reati
ngherforsucha
l
ongt imeandnowt hatsheistofi
nall
yf i
ndjoy
youtakethatawayfrom her.Hav
ey ouno
shame?  
Nopopi
:Icanno.
..
 
Me: Yourf atherinlawnev erevenhonour ed
Ncumi 'smot herbygi vi
ngherf amilydowr y
.In
theAf r
icancul tureitmeanshehadnor i
ghtto
callherwi f
enordi dhehav eanyrighttocall
Ncumi daught er.Youandy ourpeopl eareto
takeall t
hegi ftsmyf amil
yt ooktoy ourfamil
y
aspar toft hedowr ytoNcumi '
smot her'
sfamily
.
Arewecl ear? 
Nopopi
:Areyoutorui
ny ourfat
herinl
awsday
j
ustbecauseofNcumisa?Sheistoofaraway
t
owedhi m butwehaveabr i
dereadyforhi
m. 
Me: Idonotwantt hebridey ouchose.Iwant
thebridethatIchose.Iwassur pri
sedwhenmy
husbandcamebackf rom y oursoi
land
describedamai dent hatdidnotsoundl i
kethe
Ncumi t
hatIknow.Ncumi hasoncement ioned
thatyouar enotkindt ohersoIknewy ouwould
plotagainsthersoshemaynotwed.Youand
yourpeopl earedi
sgust i
nghumanbei ngs. 
Nopopi
:Myapol
ogi
esf
ort
ryi
ngt
ofool
your
people,myQueen.Ifwewaitabi
tlongerwecan
bringNcumi i
nafewdaysjustdonotaskusto
retur
nt hegi
ft
s.Theyar
egoingtohelpus
plenty
. 
Me: Donotdaretestme!Takeal lthegif
tsthat
youhavereceivedtoNcumi '
sauntory ouar e
suretopayadearpr ice.Mycheet ah'syoung
oneshavenothadt heirownf i
rsthuntbef ore.I
shouldguessthatmeanst heirteethandcl aws
aremuchshar pert
hant herest.Donotf orce
met omakey outheirfir
stki
ll(Ipointedather)
Nopopi:Wearetotakeeveryt
hingbackt
o
Ncumi'
smat er
nalfamil
yasy ouwish,myQueen
butyoumusthonourusf oral
lthatwehave
doneforNcumi. 
Me: Ihavealr
eadyhonouredhermat ernal aunt
withgift
s.Youexpectmet ohonoury ouf oril
l
tr
eatingher?Areyoumad?.Ther eisgoi ngt o
beacel ebr
ationher
etodayandIwi shf ory outo
stayandwat chasNcumi fi
nal
lyfi
nds
happi
ness.I
fyoudaretr
ytor
uinthi
ngsy
ouare
toknowmewel landtr
ustmeyoudonotwi
sh
to.
 
.
Il
ef tthem ther
est andi
nglikeabunchof
statues.Shedar escomest omyKi ngdom and
tr
yt of oolme?Whyar esomewomensoev i
l
?I
wentt ot hechamberwher eNcumi isand
knocked.Theygav epermissiont
oent erandI
did.All bowedandIgav epermissi
ont orise.
 
.
Me:
Greet
ingst
oal
l
. 
Ncumi
:Gr
eet
ings,
myQueen.Howar
eyou?
 
Me:Iam nottheonegett
ingmarri
ed,
mylady
.I
am t
oasky outhatquest
ion.(
shesmil
ed)
Ncumi:
Isti
llcannotbeli
evethatiti
strul
yme
whoisabouttowed.Myt hanksfordeeming
meworthytowedt hefor
merKi ng. 
Me:
Ijustcannotbel
i
evet
hatNopopi
hast
ri
ed
togi
veusabr i
det hatwehav
enotchosen.Di
d
sher
eall
ythi
nkt hatIwasgoi
ngtokeepquiet
andwatchherstrangerwedmyf
ather?
 
Ncumi :Thosepeopl
ehavebeeni l
ltr
eat i
ngme
forsolongandIam justhappythatItooam to
betreatedli
keahumanbei ngandnotj usta
thi
ng. 
Me:TheformerKi
ngcannotwai
ttoseeyou,
mylady.SoonIam t
ocal
lyoumother(
she
l
aughedsoftl
y)
Ncumi
:At
ruehonourt
hati
sgoi
ngt
obe.
Me: Letmegoandgetr eady .Iam t
oseey ouat
thecelebrat
ion.Ihav
edeal twi t
hyoursi
sterin
l
aw.Donotwor r
yabouther .Justenj
oyyourday
andf earnothi
ng.For
merKi ngXhant ii
str
ulya
kindman.  
Ncumi
:Icannotwai
ttomeethi
m.(
Ismi
l
ed)
Me:Iam j
usthappyt
haty
ouhav
emadei
tin
t
ime.
.
Il
ef tthem andwentt other oyalhousetoget
my selfreadyforthecelebrati
on.Iwenttoseeif
Kamv aisstil
lwellandfoundhi m peacef
ully
playingwi t
hot herchi
l
dren.Iwentt omy
chamberandst ar
tedtochangewhenNt sika
walkedi n.Ilookedathim andsmi led.
 
.
Ntsi
ka:
Youaregoingtobethemostbeaut
if
ul
womanatthatwedding.(
Ibl
ushed)
Me:
Eveni
fIam asbi
gasanel
ephant
?
Ntsi
ka:Donotsaythat
,myQueen.Il
ove
watchi
ngyourbodychanget
oaccommodat
e
ourchi
ld.
 
Me:
Iwishforthechi
l
dtocomenow.Mybody
f
eel
ssotir
ed. 
Ntsi
ka:Myapol
ogi
es,i
fIcoul
dhel
pcar
ryt
he
babyIwoul
dhave(Il
aughed)
.
Me:
Thatwoul
dhav
ebeent
hest
rangestt
hing
ev
er.Howi
sfat
herf
eel
i
ng?
 
Ntsi
ka:
Hesaidhehasdonethi
stoomany
t
imestofeel
nerv
esbutIknowthathei
saf
rai
d. 
Me:Iwoul
dtooifIonlygotachancetomeet
mygroom onourweddingday.Canyoubel
iev
e
whatNopopidi
d?.Ntsi
ka:Iam l
i
steni
ng,
my
Queen.
Me:Doy our
ememberwheny oucamefrom t
he
dowrynegat
ionsandyoudescri
bedNcumi t
o
fat
herbutIt
oldyouitdoesnotsoundl
i
kethe
NcumiIknow? 
Nt
sika:
Iremember
.
Me: I
ttr
ulywasnother
,myKing.Theywant ed
togiveusabri
deofthei
rchoi
ceandnott he
onewechose.Theyhaveevencomewi ththe
str
angersoshecangetmarri
edtofather
. 
Ntsi
ka:Buttheytol
dusthati
tNcumisa.Arey
ou
t
elli
ngmet hatourtr
uebri
deisst
il
lonfarsoi
l
?
(
hest ar
tedtopanic)
Me: Cal
m, mypil
lar.If
igureditouti
nt i
meand
sentformessengerstof etchthetr
ueNcumi sa
j
ustintime.Shehassetf ootonoursoi lwi
th
herauntandshei sgetti
ngr eadyt
obewedt o
yourfather(
hebreathedasi ghofreli
ef)
Ntsika:
Iam tr
ulyi
mpressedwithyou,myQueen.
Fatheri
stothankyoualotforal
lthatyouhav
e
done. 
Me:
Ionl
ywi
sht
oseehi
m happy
. 
Ntsi
ka:
Hei
sgoi
ngt
obesoon,
myheartbuty
ou
ar
etomakeapr
omi
set
omer i
ghtnow.
 
Me:Icannotgi
veyouoneifIdonotknowwhat
Iam pr
omisi
ng(Il
aughedsoft
ly)
Ntsi
ka:Promisemethatyouaretorestassoon
asthecelebr
ati
oni
sov er
.Youhav ebeenbusy
al
lthi
stimeandIcannol ongert
akeit.
 
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
orest
,Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se.
 
Ntsi
ka:I
fnotthenIam goi
ngtobeforcedto
t
iesyoutothebed,myQueen.(Il
aughed)
Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
or i
skbei
ngfor
cedt
orest
soIam goi
ngtodoitwil
li
ngl
y.
Ntsi
ka:Letusgetdr
essedsowecanf
inal
l
yget
f
atherhiswif
e. 
Me: PleasegogetthePr
incebef
oreyouget
busy,myKi ng.Hewasplayi
ngwit
htheother
chi
ldrenbuthemustcomesoIcandr esshim. 
Ntsi
ka:
Hopefull
yheisnotcov er
edi
nsoi
lor
mudwhereverheis.Youknowhow
Kamval
esi
zwei s(helaughed)
.
NtsikalefttogogetKamv aandIhopet hathe
i
snotdi rtybecauseIhav ebathedhim alr
eady.I
fi
nishedget ti
ngreadyandIl ookdecentev enifI
feelli
keapr egnantel ephant
.Nt si
kawalkedin
withKamv aandhewasgr eyduet oall
thedirt
.I
hadt owipehi sbodyonceagai n.Howam It o
copewi thtwochi ldr
en?Nt si
kagotdr essedasI
gotoursonr eady.Ilookedatmyhandsome
Kingwhenhef i
nishedandIf oundmy selffal
l
ing
i
nlovewi
thhi
m evenmore.Weal
lgotr
eady
andwetr
ulyl
ookedgood.
 
.
.
.
#Xhant
i
Icannotbel iev ethatIam f i
nal
lygoingtowed
again.Ihav eagoodf eelingaboutthisonefor
somer easonbecauseshei schosenbymy
daught erandIt rusther.Thesongsof
cel
ebr ationalreadystartedandi twasfoll
owed
bythebeaut i
ful beat
sofdr ums.Thatwaswhen
Iknewt hati
tist rul
ymyday .Igotdressedful
l
y
andXol oj oi
nedme.  
.
Xol
o:St
il
lnotf
eel
i
nganynervesevenwheny
ou
ar
eabouttowedast
ranger
?(Ilaughed)
Me:Jongiwasnost
rangerandl
ookwherewe
endedup.Maybemeeti
ngmybridef
orthef
ir
st
t
imet
odayi
snotsuchabadt
hing.
Xolo:
Butyouhavetoadmitthati
tisst
range.
Theyweresupposetosendherhereaf
terthe
dowrynegati
onssoyoubothcangettoknow
eachother
.
Me: Iti
showtheydoitinherf
ami
ly.Iknow
bettert
hantodisr
espectt
hewaysofanother
Kingdom. 
Xolo:
Ihopethefat
ehasf
avor
edy
oui
nlov
ethi
s
ti
me,oldf
ri
end. 
Me:Wehopef
orthesame,
oldf
ri
end.Howar
e
t
hingsi
nZwel
i
hle? 
Xolo:Ohmyl andisgai
ningstr
engtheachday.
Thecleansi
nghasdoneal otofgood.Soonwe
aretogetourv eget
abl
eandf r
uit
strader
outes
toful
lstr
engthonceagain. 
Me:Thati
str
ulyt
hebestnewsever
.Iwas
af
rai
dwhenIheardy
ouwer ebei
ngatt
acked.
Xol
o:Nt
sikahasputast
opt
oitbef
oremuch
damagewasdone.Ihavenevert
hankedyoufor
rai
si
ngsuchagoodsonbecauseifitwasnot
foryourt
eachi
ngmydaughterwoul
dnothave
suchastrong,
smar
thusband.
Me: Iam tothankyouandNobuf orblessi
ngus
withadaught ersuchasNdoni.Sheistheli
ght
thatkeepsthisKingdom war
m.Al l
speakabout
herkindness.
Xolo:Unfor
tunat
elywear
enottotakecr
edi
tfor
that.Shewasrai
sedbystr
anger
s. 
Me:Sheiskindbecauseshewasbor
nto
ki
ndness.Howarey oursons?
Xolo:Wel
l,i
tseemsBukhositrul
ynev erwi
shed
tobeKing.Cany oui
maginethedisasteri
f
Ntandowasbor nagir
l?Iwouldhavenoonet o
succeedme. 
Me:Thatwoul
dtrul
yhavebeenadisast
erbut
youhaveanhei
rsofearnot
.Ihav
elosttwo
sons.
Xol
o:Areyouplanni
ngonhav
ingmor
e?(
I
l
aughedloudl
y)
Me:Whywoul
danol
dmansuchasmy
sel
fwi
sh
f
orbabi
es?
 
Xolo:Yourbri
dehasneverhadchi
ldr
en,
Xhant
i.
Doy ounotthi
nkshewishestoknowwhati
t
mightbelike?
 
Me:IhopeNdonitol
dhertonothavesucha
wishbuti
ftheancest
orsagr
eethanwhoam I
notto.
 
Xolo:Andtr
ustme,youwishnottoangert
he
ancestor
s.Ihav
eandmyKi ngdom al
mostpai
d
thepri
ceformystubbor
nness. 
Me:Welear
nfr
om ourmist
akes,
oldfr
iend.Do
notputt
oomuchburdenonyour
sel
f.
 
Xolo:Therei
sablackpeppert
radedealIwi
sh
tospeaktoyouandNt si
kaabout.Dor
emind
meaf tert
hecel
ebrat
ion.
Me:
Youar
etospeakt
otheKi
ng,
myKi
ng.Iam
goi
ngtobebusyaf
tert
hecel
ebr
ati
on.(
webot
h
l
aughed)
Xolo:Spokenl
ikeatrueman.Int
hatcaseIam
notgoingtobothery
ou,br
other(
weshook
hands)
Me:Letusgobef
oret
hewomencomeanddr
ag
usout.
 
.
West oodandwentoutt omeett hepeopl e.The
singi
ngisnowi ntenseandweal l knewitist i
me.
They oungmaidenssangf ormeaswewentt o
meett hefamil
yoft hebr i
de.Nt sikaandXol o
walkednexttomeandnowt hener vesstarted
tocreepintomybody .Icouldseet hebr i
de's
peopleapproachinsongandmyhear tstarted
tobeatfaster
.Ifeelli
keay oungmanonce
again.Wesangunt ilthetwogr oupsmet .
Becausewear enotj oinedy etwesangdi ff
erent
songs.TheelderofUmhl abaOchumi ley
or aised
hishandtosignal f
orsi l
enceandal l
wentqui et
. 
.
Elder:Greeti
ngstoal lwhohav ecomet o
celebratewithus.Myt hankst oeveryonewho
hadj oinedusheret odayt owi t
nesst heformer
KingofUmhl abaOchumi l
ey owedonceagai n.
Weal lhol
dknowl edgeofhowt hi
ng'saretobe
doneaccor dingtocul tur
e.Ki ngXhant i
,youare
togiv eyoubrideacal abasht hatyouhav e
chosenandpr esentittohert oshowhert hat
youchoosehert obet henur turerinyourhouse
andi fsheacceptsshei stogi v
ey ouanew
sharpspeart oindicatethatsheaccept syouas
husbandandpr otectoroft hehousehol d.
 
.
Accordi
ngtoculturethemani stogiv
eamanl y
dancetoimpresst hemaidenandIstoodand
dancedli
keIam ay oungmant r
yingt
oi mpress
ayoungmai den.Idancedandhandedhert he
cal
abash.Sheaccept editandmyhear tj
umped
wit
hjoy.Shestartedtodanceasperher
peopl
e'sway sandpr esent edmewi t
haspear
andshield.Ihavedonet hi
sbefor
ebutnev er
haveIfeltthi
shonour ed.Theeldersofboth
famil
i
esst artedtoini
tiatethecer
emonyt hati
s
todeclareushusbandandwi f
easperAf ri
can
cul
ture.Theyf i
nal
lyfi
ni shedandtheytookof
herbeadedv eil
.Shewasl ooki
ngdown.  
.
Me: Iaskthaty
oupl
easel
ookatmemylady
.
Youar emywi f
enowandIwi
shtoseey
our
faceproperl
y.
Her
:Asy
ouwi
sh.
 
.
Shelift
edherfaceslowl
yandIf el
tmyheartbe
takenatthesamet i
me.Icouldnothelpbut
danceincelebrat
ionofthebeauti
ful
woman
beforemeandshel ookeddownandbl ushedas
Iprai
sedher.Beautif
uli
st hel
adymyancest or
s
l
edmydaught ert
o.They oungmaidenssang
onceagainandwemadeourwayt otheroyal
housetocel
ebratetheunion.Ndoniandmy
famil
ytookherawayt odressherintheatti
reof
UmhlabaOchumi keyo.Shecamebackl ooking
l
ikethetr
uebri
deoft hissoil
thatsheis.The
elder
sspoketotheguest sandIthoughtto
speaktomybride.
.
Me:I
tissuchabeaut i
fulpleasur
etofi
nall
y
meetyou,mylady.Myt hanksfornott
urni
ng
downmypr oposal(
shesmi l
ed).
Ncumi:Whoam It
otur
ndownsuchabeaut
if
ul
honour
?
Me:Idohopethatyouar
eher
ebyy
ourownwi
l
l
andarenotf
orced.
Ncumi :Iam herebecauseIwantt obe,donot
fear
.Idohopet hatIam t obethebr
idethatyou
havey earnedforsol ong.Ipr
omisetogiveyou
thehonourandr espectthatamansuchas
yourselfdeser
v e.(Ismil
edindeli
ght
)
Me:Youareoft
ruebeaut
y,Ncumi
(shebl
ushed
andl
ookeddown)
Ncumi :
Noonehadeverutt
eredsuchwordsof
beautytome.Myt
hanksforthat
.Youarea
handsomemantoo,dearKi
ng. 
Me:CallmeXhant
i.I
tisonl
yfi
tt
ingt
haty
oucal
l
mebyname.Youhav ecapt
uredmyhear
t
al
ready
. 
Ncumi:Minewascaptur
edwhil
etheQueen
descr
ibedthet
ypeofmanthatyouar
etome
(shel
aughedsoft
ly)
Me:Ihopeshehasnotmademesoundl i
ke
per
fect
ionbecauseIam f
arf
rom t
hat
. 
Ncumi:Iwishnotforaper
fectman.Al
lIwi
shis
tobelovedandrespect
edasIam.Ihavenot
hadsuchinmyl i
fe.
 
Me:Iam t
olove,
honourandrespecty
ou,my
l
ady
.IgiveyoumypromisebutIaskthatyoudo
t
hesamebecauseIhavealsonothadluckwit
h
f
indi
ngsuch.
 
Ncumi:Ial
sogiveyoumypr
omi
set
olov
e,
honourandrespecty
ou.
 
Me:Youmakemefeelli
keay
oungmanonce
agai
n.(
webothl
aughed)
Ncumi:Iti
slikethatwhent
hehear
tishappy
becauseIfeelthesameway.
.
Wecont i
nuedt ospeakasourguestspeaker s
spoke.It
houghtt hatmyhearthadchosen
Jongibutnothingistodescri
behowIf eel
aboutNcumi .Herenergyfeel
ssopur eand
goodandIcannotf i
ndwor dstouseto
descri
bewhatshemakesmef eel.I
tseemsmy
l
ady '
sheartcaresaboutmet oo.The
cel
ebrati
onwentonandonandt herewasal ot
offoodanddr i
nks.Isawmydeardaught er
si
tti
ngandl ookingti
redandIwalkedtoher.She
wasaboutt ostandbutIstoppedher. 
.
Me:Youaretor
estnow,
myQueen.Itseems
mygrandchi
l
disgoi
ngtocomesoon. 
Ndoni
:Notsoonenough,
father
.Iam sohappy
t
hatal
lwentwell
.DoyoulikeNcumi?
 
Me:
Idonotl
i
keher
. 
Ndoni
:Oh(
shel
ookeddown)
Me:
Iabsol
utel
ylov
eher(
shesmi
l
edi
nrel
i
ef)
Ndoni:Father,youalmostmademet hi
nkthatI
havefail
edy ou.Iam happytoseeyouhappy
onceagain.Iknowt haty
out woar
et ogetto
knoweachot herfi
rstbutIhaveagreatf
eeli
ng
abouther. 
Me:Ihaveonlyspokenafewwordswithherbut
shefeel
sfamili
artomysoul.Iwi
shtogiv
ey ou
mythanksforbri
ngingheri
ntomyli
fe.It
rul
y
appr
eciat
eit.
Ndoni:
Not
hinggi
vesmemorepleasur
ethen
seei
ngmyfamil
yhappy
.Youneednotthankme,
fatherbutIam gl
adthatyouhavef oundthe
happinessyouhavebeenseeking.Iknowt hat
l
ifehasnotbeeneasyf oryoui
nt hesepast
yearsbutIfeelachangenow(Ismi led)
Ntsi
ka:Whatarey
out
wowhi
sper
ingabout
?
(
wel aughed)
Me:Youaretoneverletgoofthi
sgem you
havef
ound,Ntsi
ka.OurKingdom i
sblessedto
haveNdoniy
amanzileaditandweareblessed
tohaveheri
nourli
ves. 
Ntsika:
Iwoul dbeaf
ool
tol etgoofher
,fat
her
.
Blessedismyheartt
obelongtothi
slady.
(Ndoniblushed)
Ndoni
:All
thi
sprai
seisgoingtomakemydar k
ski
ntur
nredduetotheblushi
ng(welaughed)
Ntsi
ka:Congratul
ations 
onyourwedding, f
ather
.
Ihavej
ustspokent oy ourl
adyandshet rul
y
seemstobeki nd.Idonotwi shtoseeyouhur t
agai
nandIhav eaf eeli
ngthatsheisgoingto
keepyourheartsafe. 
Me:Myt
hanks,
son.Ihav
eagoodf
eel
i
ngabout
t
hist
oo.
 
.
Iwentbacktomybr ideandt hecelebrati
on
conti
nued.Wewer elaughingsomuchonei sto
bel
ievethatwearegreatfriendsfrom years
back.Hoursandhour swentbyandt he
cel
ebrati
onwer esooncomi ngt oanendbutnot
quit
e.Ncumi andIdecidedt ogotoourpr iv
ate
chamber.Wewal kedtoitandent ered.Icould
nothelpfeel
i
ngl i
kesheisner vous.
.
Me:Hassomethi
ngfr
ight
enedy
ou,
Ncumi
?
(
shelookedatme)
Ncumi:
Thener
vesj
ustr
efuset
oleav
emy
body
. 
Me:
Whyar
eyouner
vouswheni
tisj
usty
ouand
I
?
Ncumi
:I
tisourweddi
ngni
ghtandwebot
h
knowwhati
stobeexpect
ed.(
Ilaughedsof
tl
y)
Me: Youneedt obeaf
rai
d.Idonothaveany
expectat
ions.Wecansitandt
alkunti
ladayyou
feelcomfortabl
e.
Ncumi:
Iwishnott owaitanylonger.Iwantt
o
beonewit
hy ouinflesh.Ihav
enev erbeenwith
amanandnowt hatIam wedIwi shtoknow
whati
tisl
ike.
..t
hat'sifyouwanttoofcourse.
 
Me:
Arey
out
rul
yunt
ouched?
 
Ncumi
:Yes,
ist
hatt
obeapr
obl
em?
Me:No,
iti
sjustunusualinourage.Yout
rul
y
ar
esomethi
ngspecial.(
shesmi l
ed)
Ncumi
:Myt
hanks.
 
.
Iwalkedtoherandf i
rstembracesher.Imight
notbeay ounggroom butthef eel
ofherwarm
bodyagainstmineasweembr acedmademy
bodyreact.Iki
ssedmynewwi feandev enher
ki
ssingwast hatofanamat eurbutshecaught
onqui ckly
.Shei snervousbutsheneedsnotbe.
Wedi dal lunti
l wewer efinall
yonei nf l
esh.I
thinkbeingintimat enowf eelsmuchgr eater
thanal lt
heot hert i
mes.Thepr oofofher
i
nnocencewasonoursheetandIst illcouldnot
believeit
.Ncumi i
sacombi nati
onofawi se
womanwhohasacer tai
ninnocencet oher .
Trulytheladymakesmyhear tf eely
oung.We
l
aidi neachot her sarmsandIcannotwai tto
fi
ndoutmor eaboutherandl ear nmor eoft he
typeofper sonshei s.Iti
struet hattheysay
aboutt hehear tknowi ngnoage.  
.
.
.
#Bukhosi
Allthisweddingcelebr
ati
onhasmadememi ss
Zinzi.Ir
ememberhowmi serabl
eIwasonour
weddi ngday.Ididnotwisht omarr
yherbut
nowImi ssher.Isatwi
tht hefewguest
sthat
di
dnotwi
sht
oreti
ret
othei
rchamberwhen
Ndoni
camei
n. 
.
Ndoni
:Ihav
eagi
ftf
ory
ou.
Me:
Isitsomet
hingt
hati
sgoingt
omakeme
f
eell
i
kelessoft
hefoolt
hatIam?
Ndoni:Iam notgoingtofeelsor
ryf
oryoufor
whaty oufeelbecausei
tisyourownfaul
t.Thi
s
gif
tthatIam goingtogiv
ey ouispr
eci
ousand
youbet t
ertakegoodcareofit.
 
Bukhosi
:Iam notaboutt
othr
owawayagi
ftmy
ownsist
ergaveme.Wher ei
sit?
 
Ndoni
:Out
side,sogooutwit
htheroy
al st
aff
memberhereandheistoshowitt
oy ou.
Bukhosi
:Ihav
eaf eel
i
ngthaty
ouar enottot
ake
noforananswersookay
.Myt hanksfort
he
gi
ft.
 
Ndoni
:Youdonotev
enknowwhati
tis(
she
l
aughed)
Me:
Letmegoandf
indout
. 
Ndoni
:Bukhosi
,rememberyouaretocar
efori
t
asyouwouldcarefory
oursel
f.Gi
vemeyour
pr
omise.
Me:
Igi
vey
oumypr
omi
se(
webot
hsmi
l
ed)
.
Iwalkedoutwit
hthemal eservantandheled
meoutt owhereNdoni'
sgiftis.Westoodin
fr
ontofacarri
age.Didshegetmeacar ri
age?
Butwhywhenwehav eplenty
.Whi l
eIstoodin
confusi
onaladywalkedoutandIr eal
isedthat
i
tisZinzi
.Idi
dnotknowi fIam toruntoheror
notbutshewalkedtowardsme.  
.
Zi
nzi
:Gr
eet
ings(
shesai
dsof
tl
y)
Me:Gr
eeti
ngs,dearPri
ncess.Youar
ethel
ast
per
sonIhaveexpectedtosee.
 
Zi
nzi
:WhenIlef
tIt
oldNdoniwhichKi
ngdom I
pl
antoset
tl
einanditseemsshekepti
tinmind.
Shehadpeoplesear challofIgugu,theyfound
meandwentt otell
her.Shesentmeanot e
tel
li
ngmet hatyouf i
ll
edwi thregr
etaboutnot
beingatr
uehusbandt omeandt oldmet he
gir
lscr
yformeev erynight.Shetoldmewhen
theweddi
ngi stobeandIt houghtitisbestthat
IcomehereinsteadofZwel i
hlebecausey ou
wouldbehere.(shestar t
edt ocry)
Me: Theydo,myl ady.Especial
lyZoleka
becauseshei soldenought oknowt haty ouare
notthere.Ndonii
sr i
ghtIdohav eregretfornot
honouringyou.Ihavebeenaf oolandi ttook
l
osingy outoreal
iseit.Myapol ogi
es, Zinzi.I
askthaty our
eturnhomet omeandour
daughters.Noonet hereholdsanyhat etowards
you. 
Zinzi
:Ihavenothadanybedr oom deal
ingswith
Zola.Igi
veyoumypr omise.Wewoul dt r
ybut
hismanhoodwoul dnotreact.Hegotfrustr
ated
andIwokeupwi thhim goneandIhav ebeen
tooafrai
dtoret
urntoZwel i
hle.Ir
eali
sedthat
theancestorssti
l
lseeusasmarri
edsobeing
withanothermani swr
ongandthatwasaway
toshowi ttome.Iwishtocomebackto
Zweli
hleifyouall
ow.Imissmychil
drenso
muchi thurt
s. 
Me:
Ilov
eyou(
herey
eswi
dened)
Zi
nzi
:Youmeant
hat
,Bukhosi
? 
Me:
Itr
ulydo.(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y)
Zinzi
:AndIlov
ey ou.Letustr
ytorestor
eour
family
.Weowei ttoourdaughter
sand
oursel
ves.Nomor eNcedioranyothermai
den
Bukhosi.
 
Me:Ihavenotbeenwi t
hNcedi sinceNdoni
caughtus.I
tseemsIl i
kedonlythethr
il
lof
havi
ngasecr etbutnot
hingmore.Iam goingt
o
beabetterhusbandtoyou. 
Zinzi
:Iam goi
ngtobeabet t
erwifetoo.We
havemucht ospeakaboutbutIbeli
evewecan
makei twork.
 
.
Igr abbedherandki ssedher .Ihav eki ssedher
bef orebutnev erl i
ket hi s.Itseemst hatIhav e
depr i
vi
ngherofal ot.Wewal kedi nandf ound
Ndoni wai t
ingf orus.Wewentt oherand
thankedhermanyt i
mesov erandal lshesai d
wassheonl ywant st oseet hoseshel ovehappy .
Zinzi askedt oseet hechi l
dr enbutt heyar e
alreadyasl eepsoshej ustki ssedt hem sof tl
y
whi lecr y
ingt earsofj oy .Wewentt otheKi ng
andQueenbutt heysai dt heyknewshe' dbe
backbecauseshei salway st obeabr ideof
Zwel i
hle.Wewentt or etiref orthedayi nt he
chamberIam sl eepi ngi nf ort hedur ationofmy
stayatUmhl abaOchumi l
ey o.Zi nziandIki ssed
andi tl
edt ogr eat erpassi on.Passi ont hatwe
nev ershar edbef oreandImadel ovet oherf or
thev eryfi
rstt i
meandIcannotbel i
ev ethatI
hav ebeenmi ssing.Ihel dhert ightlyalmostas
i
fIf earthatshei st ogoonceagai n.Iam sur e
nev ergoi ngt otaket hissecondchancef or
gr
anted.Mysi
sterissuchagi
fthersel
fandI
am gr
atef
ult
ohav eherinmyl
ife.
[
03/02,
19:27]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t52
.
#Ndoni
Day shav epassedandt heweddi ng
celebrati
onshav ef inal
lycomet oanend.Iam
nowt r
ulyexhaust edandonl ywishtolieonmy
si
deunt i
lthebabydeci dest ocome.Ther ain
startedtof al
lsoftlycool i
ngt heair
.Therain
causedt hesoi lt
ogi veapl easantscentandI
i
mmedi atelycravedi t
.Ist oodandwentoutt o
getsomeandi ttastedasgoodasi tsmells.
Ncumi sawal kedoutwi thasmi l
e.
.
Ncumi
:Thatbabyi
ssur
etocomeoutf
il
ledwi
th
mud(
Ilaughed)
Me:Therai
nmadet hesoi
lsmell
sogoodthatI
coul
dnotresi
st.Howhaveyoubeen?(
she
smil
ed)
Ncumi:Sohappyt
hatIf
eariti
sal
lj
ustadream
andIam goi
ngtobeexpect
edtowakeup
soon.
 
Me:Fatherseemstobeathismosthappiest
t
oo.Itisal
lreal
,donotwor
ry.Youarebraver
t
hanme.Idonott hi
nkIwouldagreeto
marr
y i
ngamanIonl ymetonourweddingday
(
shesmi l
ed)
Ncumi :
Iwasalsoafraidbutmymot hershowed
hersel
ftomeinherdr eam andshelooked
happysoIknewal li
ssur el
ytobewell.Anyt
hing
i
ssur etobeanimprov ementfr
om thelif
eI
l
ivedwithmybrotherandhi swi
fe.
 
Me:Whydi
dyourmother
'sf
amilyal
lowthe
for
merKi
ngtowedyourmotherwit
houtabri
de
pri
ce?
Ncumi :Theyabduct edherwhil
eshewas
fetchi
ngwat erintheriv
er.Iwasonherbackso
theyhadt otakemewi t
h.Iam justt
hankfult
hat
theyneverkill
edmeasani nfantbecausethe
l
ateKi ngwasacr uelmanandt hati
swhymy
Mot her'
sfamilyfeareddemandingdowr yfr
om
him.
Me:Ohbutt
hatissosad.Yourmot
hermust
hav
ebeentr
ulyunhappy
.
Ncumi :
Shewasbutweatl eastat
eever
yday
ther
e.Herfamil
ywasv erypoorsoaspainfulas
theli
fewasshebaredi tbecausei
tcamewi t
h
materi
ali
sti
cbenef
its.ShediedwhenIwasj ust
abouttoreachmaturi
tyandl i
fest
art
edto
becomeunbearabl
ef orme.
Me: Myapologi
esforal
lyouhavesuffer
ed.No
chil
ddeservessuchali
fe.Igr
ewupinan
orphanagebutIatl
eastwasnotil
ltr
eated.
 
Ncumi:Somepeopleareoft
rueki
ndnessout
t
here.Suchasal
lthepeopl
einyourf
amily
.No
onehasbeeni
l
ltr
eat
ingme 
Me:
Weonl
ytur
nont
hosewhot
urnonus.
 
Mother
:Ndoni
yamanzi
,st
opeat
ingdi
rt
.(she
sai
dinaster
nvoi
ceassheappr
oached)
Me:ItisnotbecauseIwantt
obutIj
ustcannot
hel
pit.Icrav
eforit.
 
Mot her
:Youdonotevenknowwhatst
eppedon
thatsoil
.Pl
easet
hrowitaway(
Isul
kedand
empt i
edmyhands)
Me:Youhav enotevengreetedproper
lybuty
ou
ar
ealreadyshouti
ng.(welaughed)
Mot
her:
Myapol
ogi
es,
greet
ingst
oyoubot
h.
(
shesmil
ed)
Ncumi
:Gr
eet
ings,
myQueen.
 
Mot
her:
Ncumi
,howismarri
edli
fet
reat
ingy
ou
sof
ar?(
Ncumi
blushedandl
ookeddown)
Ncumi
:Iti
sallmyt
hatmyimagi
nati
onall
owed
metobeli
eveandmore,
myQueen.Iam t
rul
y
happy
. 
Mother:
Ihopet
hatXhant
icat
ersfory
our
pr
ivat
eneedsgood(shewi
nked)
Me:QueenNobu,no.(
Ipul
l
edashockedf
ace
andt
heylaughed)
Ncumi:HedoesandIl
oveal
lthatcomeswi
th
marr
iage.
 
Mot
her
:Itget
smuchbet
terwi
thage,
Itel
lyou.
 
Me:Iam notaboutt
ositandl
ist
entomy
mother
sspeakaboutsuch.Doexcuseme
pl
ease.
 
Mother:Ohcomeon, mybl ossom.Weareall
adult
shere.Youknowt hatwespeakof
becauseyoushowt heproof(shepoi
ntedatmy
bel
lyandwel aughed)
Me:
Tempor
aryf
arewel
ltoy
oubot
h.
.
Theyl
aughedandIl
eftt
hem t
ospeakaboutol
d
agebedr oom deal
ings.Theyreal
lyar
enotthat
oldbutIdonotwi sht ohearsuchdet
ail
s.Iwent
toZinziandBukhosi'schamberandfoundher
packing.
 
.
Me:
Arey
ouhappyt
ober
etur
ninghome?
 
Zinzi
:IhavemissedZwelihl
esomuch.Icannot
thankyouenoughf orwhatyouhav
edone,
Ndoni.BukhosiandIareonbett
erter
ms.
Me:Ihavedonenot
hing.Al
lIdi
dwaswr
it
eyou
anoteoftr
uthandyoudidt
herest
. 
Zi
nzi
:Heevenromancesmewhenwemake
l
ovenow.I
tfeel
smagical
.(
shegi
ggl
ed)
Me:Soonwearet
oexpectanot
herchi
l
dfrom
youtwoi
fyougoonwit
hthemagic(weboth
l
aughed)
Zi
nzi
:Iwi
shhewasmyf
ir
stl
over
. 
Me: Donotthi
nkaboutwhatyoucanneverget
back.Letusal
ljustmovef
orward.Iam j
ustsad
t
haty
oual
lhav
etol
eav
etomor
row.
Zinzi
:Atl
eastt
heQueeni
sst
ayi
ngwi
thy
out
o
helpwit
hthebaby
. 
Me:Thebabythatwi
shesnott
ocomet
othi
s
l
if
e(shel
aughed)
Zinzi
:Soon,dearQueen.Idohopemymot
her
andfatheraregoi
ngtof or
giv
eme. 
Me:Theyt
ooneedtoaskforyourf
orgiv
eness
f
orallt
hehur
tful
wordst
hattheyspoke. 
Zinzi
:Ihavedisappoi
ntedthem,Ndoni
and
humili
atedthem bygoingawaywitha
commoneri nfrontofever
yone.Myfat
heri
s
suretoneverforgi
veme.
Me:AskBukhosi tosendt heel
dersofZwel i
hle
ther
ewithgi
ftstoapol ogi
se.Lettheelders
handley
ourfather.Zinzi
,doesthefactthat
Bukhosii
sahal fbloodnotbotheryou? 
Zi
nzi:Iwaswi
l
li
ngtoli
veal
lmydayswi
tha
poorcommonernotsol
ongagosonoi
tdoes
not.Hehasfi
nal
lygrowni
ntothemanthatI
hopedhewouldbeandhisti
tl
eisofno
i
mpor t
ance.(
Ismil
ed)
Me: Hetrulyhasgrownint
oafineman.I
thoughtthatthenewsweregoi
ngtoturnhi
s
hearttostone.Whatareyout
odoabout
Ncedi? 
Zinzi
:Icannott
ellonherandr i
skhav
ingthe
royalhousel
oseit
'sheal
er.Sheisanimport
ant
partther
ebutBukhosipr
omi sedtost
ayaway
from her.
 
Me:Shei sgoi
ngtost
ayaway ,Ij
usthavea
feel
i
ngbecauseshefearsbeingbannedfrom
Zweli
hle.Wherei
sBukhosianyway?(she
seemededgy )
Zi
nzi
:Idonotknow,
myQueen.
Me:Letmeleaveyouyogoabouty
ourbusi
ness.
Iam goi
ngt
or estwhi
l
eKamv ai
soutwit
hhis
fat
her.
Zi
nzi
:Gor
estt
hoseswol
l
enf
eet
.(wel
aughed)
.
Iembracedherandl ef
thertoconti
nuewi thher
packi
ngdut i
es.Iwantedtogototheeat ing
chambertoseei fBukhosii
snotthere.Ev en
Ntandoisnowher etobeseenandi tisnotni ce
becausetheyaretoreturnhometomor row.I
wantedtoenterwhenZi phocal
ledoutmyname
andrantome.  
.
Me:Whatisthemat
ter
?Hassomet
hing
happened?
Zi
pho:
Youar
enott
ogoi
nther
e,myQueen.
 
Me:
Why
?(Il
ookedatherconf
used)
Zi
pho:
Thest
affhasnotf
ini
shedcl
eani
ng.
 
Me:Buttheywer
esupposet
odothei
rdut
ies
ri
ghtaf
terthemorni
ngf
east
.Whyhavet
hey
not?
 
Zipho:Iti
sallmyf ault,myQueen.Iforgott
o
assigneacht otheirdutiesoft
heday .Dogo
andr estel
sewhereunt ilwehavefi
nished.My
apologiesforthelazinessIhaveshown. 
Me:
All
iswel
l
,Zi
pho(
Ismi
l
ed)
Zi
pho:
Iam t
ocal
lyouwhent
heyhav
efi
nished.
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
oli
edownf
oramoment
.
.
Shenoddedqui cklywhi l
egivingmeaner vous
smileandIlefther.Il
ookedbackandf oundher
star
ringandwav ingandIwav edback.Whati s
themat t
erwithZiphot oday?Shenev erforgets
togiveduti
est oherstaffbutIguessweal l
becomef or
get f
ul.Mostoft heservantsareout
ofsightandIguessi ti
sduet oZipho'
smi stake.
Iwasaboutt ogot omychamberwhenIsaw
Ntandoapproachonahor se.Iwentoutand
waitedunti
lheappr oached.
.
Me:
Wher
edoy
oucomef
rom,
Ntandoy
abant
u? 
Nt
ando:
Nowher
e,Ndoni
(hesai
dsof
tl
y)
Me:SoifIam t
oaskfatheri
fhegave
per
missi
onforyout
ol eavewhatwoul
dhesay
? 
Ntando:
Fine,Iwentt
other
ivert
omeetZi
nzi
(
myey eswidened)
Me:Areyoucr
azy
,Nt
ando?Youwentoutsof
ar
wi
thoutaguar
d?
Ntando:
Theguardswoul
dhavetol
dfat
herand
hewouldnothav
egivenper
missi
on.
Me:Ntando,
ZinziIdohopet
hatt
hesesecr
et
meeti
ngsareinnocent
.
Ntando:
Iam notdumb, Ndoni
.Idonotwisht
o
haveababyyet.Wejustsatandtal
ked.
 
Me:Howdi
dyouev
enknowshewoul
dbeatt
he
r
iver
? 
Nt
ando:Thi
sisusual
l
ytheti
mewhenyoung
mai
densmeetattheri
vert
ogetwat
erorwash
cl
othi
ng.Iaskthatyounott el
lourpar
ent
sthatI
wentfarwit
houtprotect
ion.Theyaresur
eto
l
ectur
emeaboutr isks.(
Ilaughed)
Me:
Idonotevenknowwheref
atheri
satthe
momentbuty
ouarenev
ertogoaloneagai
n. 
Ntando: Iwoul
daskyoubutIam sureyourbody
i
st otir
edt otr
avel
.Zi
nzi
sendsherregards.(
I
smiled)
Me:
Myt
hanksandy
esIam goi
ngt
orestnow.
 
Ntando:Iam goi
ngtomakehermybr
ideonceI
havereachedmatur
it
y.
Me:Wearet
odeal
wit
hitoncey
ouar
eol
d
enought
owed.
 
Ntando:Butt
heRoyalparent
scannotstopme,
notaft
erthetr
uthaboutBukhosi
.Itwoul
dnot
befair
.
Me: Youar
efut
ureKing,
Nt andobutIagr
eewit
h
you.Youmustbeall
owedt omar r
ywhoy ou
wantto.Comeletusgoinsideandtal
k.
Ntando:IcannotbecauseIhav
eadut
yto
at
tendto.
Me:
IhopeyouhavenotmadeZinzi
apr
omi
se
t
omeetheronceagai
n(hel
aughed)
Ntando:
Thedut
yisherei
nthemai
nland,
donot
f
ear.Nowgoandrest
. 
Me:Atl
eastgoandchangey ourcl
othi
ng.I
tis
wetf
rom t
hemorningrai
n. 
Ntando:I
twil
ldr
yonmybody .Thesuni
s
al
readystar
ti
ngtoshi
neagai
n. 
.
Il
aughedandhewal kedawaywi t
hhi shorse.It
seemshet r
ul yisseri
ousaboutmar ryingZinzi
somedayandt heBukhosii
ssuegav ehim
enoughr easont opersuadetheKi ngandQueen.
Ifi
nallywentt omychamberbecausei tseems
al
lhav edutiest oatt
endto.Ifeltasli
ghtpai n
butIdonott hinki
tisenought ocallinlabour
pain.Ilai
donmysi deandf el
tasweetsl umber
appr
oachedandIf
inal
l
yfel
lasl
eep.
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
Hidingthi
ssecr etcelebrati
onf r
om Ndonihas
surenotbeeneasybecauseshei sasmart
woman.Iaskedt hefami lytohelpmehonour
mywi feincelebrati
onandal l
wer etoohappyt
o
helpme.Iam busywi t
ht heothermengetti
ng
themeatr eadyt obecooked.I tisnottobea
bigcelebr
ations,onlyfami l
y.
.
Bukhosi
:Br
other
,youhav
enowputpr
essur
eon
us.
 
Me:
Whatt
ypeofpr
essur
e?
Bant
u:Ourwivesnowexpectust
ohonourt
hem
aswell
.(Il
aughed)
Xol
o:MyNobupr
efer
sgi
ft
s. 
Fat
her:
WellNcumiandIar
est
il
lnewl
ywedsso
wearebot
hstil
lhappy
.
Bant
u:Gi
veitaf
ewmont hs,
myKi ngt
henthe
newl
ywedmagicissur
et of
loati
ntot
hinai
r
(wel
aughed)
Me:Ist
il
lfeelnewl
ywedmagicwit
hmybr
ide
andwehav ebeenmarr
iedf
oryear
s. 
Bukhosi
:Thati
sbecauseyouareaddi
ctedt
o
Ndoniassheistoy
ou( l
aught
er)
Me:
Ist
hatsuchabadt
hing?
 
Xol
o:I
tisnot
,myKing.Ist
il
ldesi
remyNobuas
Idi
dwhenIwassti
l
l ayoungman. 
Bukhosi
:Father
,Iwi
shnottoknowabouty
our
desi
resformother(
welaughed)
Father:Theseyoungment hi
nkwehavel
ostour
touchjustbecausewehav ematur
ed.Wecan
sti
llt
eachy oulessonsabouthowt
ohandl
ethe
softbodyofawoman.
Me:Sav
emesuchl
essonsf
rom y
ou,
Ibegof
you.
 
Bant
u:BukhosiyouneedtogoandhonourZi
nzi
manytimesforall
thewrongsy
oudid(we
l
aughed)
Bukhosi
:AllIcansayi
sdonott
akey
ourladi
es
forgr
anted.Ihavel
ear
ntt
hehar
dway. 
Me:Iwoul
dki
ll
anymanwhocomeshere
say
inghei
stotakemyQueenaway
. 
Bukhosi
:Whati
fshewi
l
li
ngl
ywi
shest
ogo?
 
Me:
Iam st
il
lgoi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
m(t
heyl
aughed)
Xolo:Nt
siks,hav
eyout
oldy
ourf
atheraboutt
he
pepperdeal?
 
Me:Hehasbeentoobusyenj
oyi
ngt
he
companyofhi
snewbride.
Fat
her
:Cany
oubl
ameme?(
wel
aughed)
Bantu:Ithinkt
hati
fbothKi
ngdomswor k
togetherinthi
sdealwecansuppl
ythebi
g
demand.
 
Xol
o:Andt
heyaretot
radel
i
vestocki
nret
urn.
Wecanneverhav
eenoughl
ivest
ock.
Fat
her
:Thenwhyarewesti
lldiscussi
ngit
?Let
usagr
eetothi
sdealasqui
cklyaspossibl
e.
Xol
o:Iagr
ee.
 
Me:
Howi
syourv
eget
abl
etr
adedoi
ng,
fat
her
?
Xolo:Thet
wofarmsthatwer
eburntar
eslowl
y
showinggr
eensagai
nbutIhavel
ostafew
deals.
 
Bukhosi
:Butnothi
ngbi
g.Soi
tissur
enotgoi
ng
tocri
ppl
etheKingdom.
Me:
All
thi
sgoodnewsandj
oyi
str
ulyamazi
ng.
 
Father:Nowweawai tt
hebiggestjoyofthi
s
year.Mysecondgr andchi
ld.HowIhopet he
ancestorshearourpleaforaPrincess.
 
Xol
o:Therei
ssomethi
ngspeci
alabout
Pri
ncessest
hatj
ustf
il
laf
ather
'sheart
. 
Bukhosi
:Idoknowwhaty
oumean,
fat
her(
he
smil
ed)
Bantu:Ihadhopedf
orThandotobebornaboy
butonceIsawherIwastrul
ythankf
ul.
Me:
Iti
saPr
incess.
.
Wesatandt alkedaboutallel
seandt hefeasti
s
al
socomi ngtogether
.Ziphocamet otel
lusthat
Ndonialmostsawt hefoodint heeati
ng
chamberandshewassur egoi ngtoaskalotof
questi
ons.Al
lt hef
oodgotr eadyandal l
got
prepar
ed.Iwast ol
dtogogetNdoni andbring
hertotheeati
ngchamber .Iwal kedt
oour
chamberandf oundhersleeping.
.
Me:
Ndoni
,pl
easewakeup(
Ishookhersof
tl
y)
Ndoni
:No(
shet
urnedandf
acedt
heot
hersi
de)
Me:
Kamv
afel
l(herey
esi
mmedi
atel
yopened)
Ndoni
:Wher
eishe?Howbadl
yhur
tishe?(
she
sai
dwhil
est
andi
ngup)
Me:
Hei
sfine,myQueen.Hej
ustdoesnotwi
sh
t
obewi
thanyonebuthi
smother
.
Me:
Wher
eishe?
 
Me:
Int
heeat
ingchamberwi
thQueenNobu.
.
Shedi dnotev enrepl
y.Shej ustwentthereas
quicklyaspossi bl
eandIf oll
owed.Ihatelyi
ng
toherbutitwast heonlywayIcoul dgetherto
wakeupqui ckly
.Wewal kedi nandwer e
greetedbyther estofthef amil
y.Kamv acame
runningandhuggedherl egsandsodi dallthe
otherchil
dren.
.
Ndoni:Thisisnotthebehavi
orofsomeonewho
hasjustfal
len.Whatisgoingon?Whyareweal
l
assembledher e?(
shesmi l
ed)
Me:
Thi
sisal
i
ttl
ecel
ebr
ati
oni
nyourhonour
f
rom us.(
shest
art
edt
ocr
y)
Nobu:
Donotcry
,myBlossom.Yourhusband
wi
shedtocel
ebr
atey
ouandsodowe.  
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
myQueen.
 
Kamv
a:Lov
eyou,
Mada(
weal
lsmi
l
ed)
Ndoni
:AndIl
ovey
ou.Al
lofy
ou.Myt
hanksf
or
t
his,
myKing.
 
Fat
her:Comesi
tdownandr
estt
hosef
eet
.(we
al
lsat
)
Ndoni
:Zi
pho,
isthiswhyyoudidnotwantmet
o
comeher
eearl
ier?(shel
aughed)
Zipho:Thest
affhadalr
eadycar
ri
edi
nsomeof
thefoodandIcouldnotri
skhav
ingy
ouseei
t.
Ncumi:Wehavebeenpl
anningthisr
ightunder
yournosef
orday
snow( shelaughedsoftl
y)
Me:Thi
spregnancyhasmademesot
ir
edt
hatI
nol
ongernoti
cemuch. 
Bukhosi
:Wear
egl
adt
haty
ouhav
enot
.Weal
l
wishedtothankyouforbei
ngapositi
veparti
n
ourli
ves.Mychil
drenhavethei
rmotherback
becauseofyouandIhav egott
enasecond
chancetoloveZi
nzitheri
ghtway.Mythanks,
si
ster.
 
Ndoni:
WellIsawhowmiser
abl
eyouar
eli
kean
i
njur
edoldanimal
(wel
aughed)
Ntando:Ij
ustwantt
othankyouf
orakways
l
isteni
ngtomeandkeepingmysecr
ets.
Nobu:
Youhav
esecr
ets?Whatar
ethey
?
Ntando:
Iam ayoungman,
mot hernotl
i
ttl
eboy
.
Icannotrev
eal
secret
stoyou.
Ndoni
:Buty
out
oldme.
Ntando:Thati
sbecausey
ouar
enobi
gmout
h
(
wel aughed)
Me:Iwouldalsoli
ket
ogiveyoumyt hanksfor
bei
ngawonder ful
wif
e.Myli
feisnothing
wit
houtyou.Youhavegi
venmeast r
ongson
andyouareabouttogi
vemeanot herbeaut
iful
chi
l
d.Myt
hanks,
myQueen.
 
Ndoni
:Itisbecauseyouaresuchawonder f
ul
man.Beingagoodwi fet
oy ouiseasybecause
youar
et hebesthusbandandfatherev
er. 
Kamv
a:Kamv
awant
smeat(
wel
aughed)
Xol
o:Itseemswearebori
ngtheyoungpri
nce
andkeepinghi
m awayf
rom eat
ingmeat.
 
Me:
Letusst
arteat
ingbef
oreal
lgoescol
d.
.
Every
onestartedtopickt
hefoodthatt
heywant
toeatandlaughterf
il
ledt
hechamber.Kamva
l
oveshismeatandat emostlyi
t.IsawNdoni
holdherbel
lyandclosedhereyes.
.
Me:
Whati
sthemat
ter
?(Iwhi
sper
ed)
Ndoni
:Al
i
ttl
ecr
amp,
thati
sal
l
.
Me:
Shoul
dIhav
ethemi
dwi
fecal
l
ed?
Ndoni
:Itdoesnotf
eel
li
kel
abourpai
ns,
myKi
ng.
Iam f
ine.Letusenj
oyt
het
imewi
thourf
ami
l
y.
Me:
Woul
dyout
ell
mei
fitgotwor
se?
Ndoni
:Yes,
Ntsi
ka(
shesai
dinannoy
ancem)
Me:
Imeantnott
oannoyy
ou,
Ndoni
.
 
Ndoni:
Myapologi
es,i
twasav er
yruderepl
y.I
am sur
etot
ell
y oui
fitbecomesworse.
 
.
Ismi l
ed,noddedandki ssedherhand.Itfel
ta
bitmoistont heinsi
debutIdidnotaskher
mor e.Ever
yonest oppedeati
ngandweal lj
ust
satandr el
axed.Wedancedandsangf orhour
s
unti
l t
hechildrengotti
redandfellasl
eep.Ndoni
heldthelowerpar tofherbel
lyandleanedon
herfatherwhost oodnexttoher. 
.
Xol
o:Whati
swr
ong,
deardaught
er(
hehel
dher
)
Ndoni
:Pai
n,f
ather
. 
Nobu:
Ithi
nkt
hechi
l
disont
heway
.Gethert
o
herpr
ivat
echamber
.
Me:Come,l
etmetakey
out
her
e.Al
li
sgoi
ngt
o
bewell
,myQueen.
 
Nobu:Gogetthemidwi
fe,Bukhosi
.Justbreat
h,
myblossom.Youhavedonethisbefor
e. 
Ndoni
:ButIam feel
ingtoomuchpain.I
tis
wor.
..
worsethanthatofKamva'
slabour(shel
et
outascr
eam)
Me:
Shoul
dwebeworriedabouttheint
ensi
tyof
t
hepai
n,mot
her
?(Ist
artedtopanic)
Mot
her
:Notwopregnanci
esaret
hesameso
t
hel
abouri
snott
hesameei t
her.
.
Icouldnotstandt
oseemywi f einsuchpain.I
wishIcouldtaket
hepainontomy sel
fsoshe
maynotf eeli
t.Wefi
nall
yarr
ivedinour
chamberaf t
erwhatf
eltl
ikealifet
ime.Zi
nzi and
Ziphofi
xedthebedbeforeIl
aidherdownoni t.
 
.
Zi
pho:Youmustl
eav
ethrchambernow,
my
Ki
ng. 
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngtol
eav
eheral
onelikebef
ore
(
Ndoni
screamedandmyjawcl
enched)
Nobu:
Shei swit
hwomenwhoknowwhatt hey
ar
edoing.Amani snotal
lowedi
nthechamber
whenhisladygi
vesbir
th.
 
Father
:Letusgo,Nt
sika.Wewishnottoanger
theancest
ors.Wewantt hechi
l
dtoarr
ive
safel
y.
 
Zinzi
:Wehav
etopr
eparehernowandwecan
notift
hemenar
ehere.
 
Xolo:
Wear el
eavi
ng,
daught
er.Wewi
shnott
o
causeanydel
ays.
 
Me:Iam goi
ngt oseey
ousoon(
Iki
ssedher
sweat
yforehead)
Ndoni
:Wear
egoingtomeetourchi
l
dsoon
(
shesmil
edf
aint
ly)
.
Istoodandl efthersidewithaheav yheart
.
Eachscr eam sheletoutr i
ppedmyhear tto
pieces.Whyi sthi
schi l
dbirthcausi
ngwomen
suchpai n?Fatherandal lt
hemendi rect
edme
out si
detogetsomef reshairandtobeaway
from thescreamingbuti tfai
ledbecauseIcan
heart hem f
rom here.Theyar etr
ulyworsethan
thoseofKamv a'
sbirth.Couldsomet hi
ngbe
wr ong?
.
Bukhosi
:Donott
hinkmuchabouti
t,br
other
.
Ndoni,i
sast
rongwoman.
Me:HowcanInott
hinkabouti
twhenhercr
ies
ar
eallt
hatf
il
lmymind? 
Bant
u:Whatshei
sdoingisnoeasyt
ask,
my
Ki
ngbuti
tisthewayofli
fe.
 
Me:Fat
her,
whati
stohappeni
fIam byhersi
de
dur
ingt
his?
 
Fat
her
:IdonotknowbecauseIhav
enev
erseen
amaninalabourchamberbef
orebutwegrew
upknowi
ngthati
tisnotwiset
obeinther
e. 
Xolo:Letussi
tandwai
t.Themi dwif
ehasjust
arr
ivedandsheisi
ngreatcare.Soonweare
goi
ngt oheart
hebeauti
ful
loudcriesofanew
born.
.
Iwentbacki ntother oy
al houseandwal kedup
anddowni nfrontofthechamberwher emy
Queeni saboutt ogiveli
fetooursecondchi ld.
Ittookallmyr esi
stancepowert onotgoi n
thereandhol dherhand.Zi phocameoutandI
thoughtshe'dsayt hatthebabyf inal
lycamebut
shesaidi ti
snott i
mey et.Shet ri
edtohidet he
l
ookofconcer ninherfacebutIcanseei t
.I
peekedbehi ndherassheopenedandcl osed
thechamberandNdoni didnotl ookgood.My
Queenl ookedpal eandIpani cked.Whyi sitnot
yettime?Hour sandhour sandhour spassed
andst i
l
l nosignoft hel
itt
leone.Iam goi ngout
ofmymi
ndwi
thwor
rysoIdeci
dedt
ogoi
n. 
.
Zinzi
:Ki
ngNt
sika,
nomenar
etobeher
e(she
pushedmetothedoor
)
Me:I
thasbeenhour
s.Whyhast
hechi
l
dnot
come?
Mi
dwi
fe:
TheQueeni
shav
ingadi
ff
icul
tlabour
,
myKi
ng.
 
Nobu:
Gonow,Nt
sika.Youhav
eseenenough.
(
sheshout
ed)
Father:Ntsi
ka,doyouwisht
oangerthe
ancestors.Comeoutofther
eatonce(he
shoutedf r
om outsi
deandIl
eft
)
Xolo:Whatwereyouthinki
ng,myKing?Whati
s
happeni
nginther
ei snotthebusi
nessofmen.
Doy ouwisht
obel abel
edaweakling?
Me: IdonotcarewhatIam label
edas,Father
.
Youshoul dseehowmywi felooks.Doyou
thi
nkIlikegoingagai
nstourbeli
efs?Youall
mightbeabletohavekeptstrongwheny our
wivesgavebirt
hbutIf
ailto.Hoursandmor e
hourshavegoneandallshehasbeenf eeli
ngis
agonisi
ngpain.
 
Bukhosi
:Al
li
stobewel
l
,myKi
ng.
 
.
Mor eandmor ehourspassedandi twassoon
thenextday .Concernwr it
tenalloverthefaces
ofthosebef oremebutt heytri
ednott oshow.
Unti
l f
inall
ywehear danewbor n'scryfrom t
he
chamberandIst oodandr antotheentrance.
Theymusthav ecal
ledmei nbynowt oseet he
chil
dbutt heyhav enot.Whyhav etheynot?I
couldnol ongerjuststandt her
esoIwentt osee
formy self
.Iopenedt hedoorandf oundNobu
cryi
ngandt r
yingtowakeNdoni .Myhear t
star
tedt opanic. 
.
Me:
Whati
sthemat
ter
?
Nobu:
Sheref
usestoopenherey
es.
Ndoni
yamanz
i,donotdot
histome.(
sheshook
Ndoni
whil
ecryi
ng)
Me:
MyQueen,
wakeup.Ibegofy
ou.
Midwi
fe:Shehadadif
fi
cul
tlabouranditseems
tohavecomewithgr
eatcomplicat
ionstoher
body.
 
Nobu:Mybl
ossom,
Ibegofy
ou(
shel
etouta
bi
tt
er)
Ncumi
:Whati
sthemat
ter
?(shewal
kedi
n)
Zipho:
TheQueenr
efusestowakeup.(Ncumi
cameandputherf
ingerunderNdoni
'
snose)
Ncumi:Shefail
stobr
eat
hnormall
y.MyKing
takeyourchi
l
dandputheronhermother
's
chest
. 
Zi
nzi
:Icandoi
tsi
nceIam hol
dingher
. 
Ncumi:No,i
tmustbedonebyt hef
ather.Take
yourdaught
erandputheronyourwif
e'schest
andspeaktoyourQueen.Beghert
oreturnto
us.Iam goi
ngt
ogetAf
ri
cani
ncense.
Zi
pho:
Iam t
ogopi
cki
t.
 
Ncumi :Iam goi
ngtohavetodoitmysel
f
becauseIam goingtouseittocommunicat
e
wit
ht heancestor
s.I
fiti
spickedbysomeone
el
seitissuretobetaint
ed.DoasIsayIam
goingtobeback.
.
IfrozeasIl
ookedatNdoni wholaidsostil
l
.She
l
ookedsobeaut i
fulonewouldthi
nkthatsheis
i
nanor malslumber.Someonegav emet he
babyandIlookedatmybeaut i
fulPri
ncess.I
remembertheinstr
ucti
onsNcumi gavemeand
Ifoll
owedit
.Iputourchil
donNdoni '
sbare
chest.
.
Me:MyQueen, Idonotknowwhati sgoingon
butIdoaskthatyouret
urntous.Feelthe
warmthofourchil
dony ourchestandretur
nto
seeherpr eciousface.Weneedy ou,
Ndoniyamanz i
.Youcannotgi v
emesucha
preci
ousgi ftandjustleav
eme.Doy ounot
knowt hattheendofy ouissur
etobet heend
ofme?Comebackt ous,Ibegyou.Ibegofyou,
myhear t.
 
.
Ibrokedownandcr iedandIdi dnotcar ewho
sawme.Iki ssedherl i
psandt heydidnothav e
thesamewar mnessast heyusual l
ydo.
Ncumi sareturnedoutofbr eath.Clearly
i
ndicatingthatshewasr unningl ikenev er
before.Sheaskedf orthemi dwife,Zinzi and
Ziphotoleav ethechamber .Shest artedt ol i
ght
theincenseandi t
'sscentfill
edt heroom.She
thenaskedf orNobut oleavewi ththechi l
d.Ido
notknowwhatshei sdoi ngbuti tseemsshei s
call
ingupont heancest orofbot ht her oyal
familyofUmhl abaOchumi leyoandZwel ihle.I
heldNdoni '
shandandki ssedi tmul t
iplet imes.I
havehear dofst ori
eswher ewomendi edur ing
chil
dbi rthbutIneverthoughti tcouldpossi bl
y
bemywi fe.Iknowthatthel abourwast oo
i
ntenset histi
me.Icouldseei ti
nherey esand
heari tinherscreamsbutshecannotl eav eme
ri
ghtnow.Whatam It odowi thouther ?HowI
wishshecoul dsqueezemyhandbackasIam
doingwi t
hher sbutt
her ewasnosuchl uck.I
knowt hatattimesoldlifehast ogivewayt o
newl ifebutIr ef
usetobel i
ev ethatthe
ancest orswoul dbl
essmewi thherandt akeher
backsosoon.Shehasnotev enseenour
Pri
ncessy et
.Howcoul dherbodyf ailherso
much?Iwasi ndeept houghtasIwai tedand
hopedf orNcumi '
spleatot heancest orst o
wor k.Comebackt ome, myQueen.Ibegof
you. 
[
03/02,
19:28]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

I
nser
t52cont
inues
.
#Queen 
Ndoni
Thepai nthatmybodyj ustfeltisonet hatIcan
notdescr i
bei nwor ds.Icouldhearmot hercall
mynamef rom afarandIcoul dal soheart he
cri
esofanewbor n.Itismychi l
dbutwher eis
she?Suddenl ythepainandt i
rednesst hatonce
cri
ppledmybodyi sgone.Mybodyhasnev er
fel
tsowel lbeforeinallmyl if
e.Iwal keddowna
beautif
ullylitpassageandIf eltnof ear
.Att he
endofi tIsawmanypeopl ewhodi dnotl ook
famili
artome.It ri
edt olookf ormyf amily
amongstt hem butnoonei sher e.Wheream I ?
Aladywal kedi n,beautifulshei sandnextt oher
i
sagi antcheet ah.Ont heot hersi deaman
walkedi nandInot i
cedt hatthesepeopl eare
mor espiri
tt hanflesh.Hav eIdi ed?
.
Me:Wher
eaboutam Iandwhoar
eyoual
l
?
(
Ncumiappear
ed)
Ncumi
:Gr
eet
ings,
guar
dians(
shebowed)
Me:Ncumi
,whyar
eweher
e?(
Iwhi
sper
edt
o
her
)
Ncumi:Shi
ba, guar
dianofZwel
ihl
eandy ou
Li
solaboguardianofUmhlabaOchumil
ey oI
havecomet obegy outobri
ngtheQueen's
spi
ri
tbacktoherf l
esh. 
Me:
Shi
ba?(
Iwhi
sper
edt
omy
sel
finshock)
Liso:TheQueen'sbodyhassuf fer
edtomuch
duringhertaskofbri
ngingli
feintothewor
ldof
theliv
ing.Shehassufferedsomuchagonyt hat
wet houghtiti
sbestwef reeher.
Ncumi:Iunderstand, guardi
anthatyoudowhat
youknowi sbestf orthem butIaskthatyou
bri
ngherback.Li stentothebitt
ercri
esofher
husband.Heissur enott ocopewi t
hthelossof
hishear
t.Doy ounotwi shtoseeUmhl aba
Ochumiley
opr ospermor eandmor e? 
Li
so:
Whatar
eyousay
ing,
messenger
?
Ncumi :Iam sayingthattheKingdom issureto
parishifi
t'
sleadergrieveshisQueenf oral
lhis
l
ife.Hisbrokenheartisnotgoi ngtoall
owhim
tobeKi ng.Allheisgoingt odoiswishtojoin
hisQueeni nthesacredl andoftheancestors.
Theonet osucceedhi misstil
ltooyoungsowe
needt heKingandheneedshi sQueen.
Me:
Am It
rul
ydead?
 
Shi
ba:Youarenotdead,chi
ld.Youareatt
he
poi
ntbetweenli
feanddeath.Wedonotwishto
haveyouherebutyourf
leshhasfai
ledyou
di
smally
.
Ncumi:Herfleshmighthavefai
ledher,
guar
dianShibabutherspiri
tissti
l
lstr
ong.We
askt
haty ougrantherfl
eshenoughstrengt
ht o
behomet oherspiri
tonceagain.Shehasjust
gi
venbirt
handt hatchi
ldistoneedhermot her
i
nordertogrowst r
onger.
Liso:Weastheguar
diansmustfi
rstdiscuss
thiswit
hthemosthi
gh,theonewhoi sguardi
an
t
oal
l
. 
Ncumi
:Asyouwish,
guardians.Wearet
owai t
andwear
egoingtoacceptyourfi
nal
decisi
on.
.
AlltheGuardiansst oodwiththei
reyesshut .
Suddenlyabeaut i
fulcl
earli
ghtshownar ound
them.Hast hedi scussionaboutmyf at
est ar
ted
yet?Icannotbel ievethatIam betweentheland
oftheli
vinganddead!Il ookedatNcumi andI
wasev enafraidt ospeakbutIhav etoknow
whyshei sher e.Hassheal sodied? 
.
Me:
Ncumi
sa,
whyar
eyoual
soher
e?
Ncumi:Iam amessenger
,Ndoni.Iam abl
eto
communi cat
ewit
htheancest
ors.Callmeali
nk
betweenthosewhohavegoneandt hosewho
l
ive.
 
Me:
Whyhav
eyounev
ert
oldus?
 
Ncumi
:Myhusbandhol
dsknowl
edgeoft
his
butIaskedhim nott
osayanythi
ngtoanyone.
Mymot herhadthesamegiftandpeopl
esaidi
t
i
swi t
chcraf
t.Idonotpr
act
icedarkmagic,my
Queen.Igiv
ey oumypromise.
Me:Ifyoudidyouwoul
dnothav
ebeenhereto
tr
yandt akemebacktomyfami
ly.Whati
sto
happennow?  
Ncumi :
Guar dianshaveaKi ngtoo.ThisKi
ngis
t
heKi ngofal lwholi
veont hisplanet
.Nomatter
whichKi ngdom youhailf
rom.TheKi ngofall
is
t
hepr otectorsofall
Kingdoms.  
Me:Ihavealwaysthoughtt
hatt
heancest
ors
ar
emai nguardi
ans.
Ncumi:
Donotfear
,myQueen.Youar
enott
he
f
ir
sttothi
nkso.
.
Alongwhil
ehaspassedandwestil
lwai
ted.I
s
myfleshnotgoi
ngt
or oti
fwewaitt
olong?I
hadsomanyquesti
onsbutInev
ernotoncefelt
anyfear.Justawhol elotofconf
usion.
Suddenlythelightaroundthem f
adedabitand
theyopenedt heirey
es.
.
Shi
ba:Adeci
sionhasbeenreachedaboutyour
fat
e.I
twassurenoteasyt
ocomet oone 
Li
so:Onceanor malbei
ngseent
hef
acesofthe
guar
dianstheyarenott
oret
urnt
owhereshe
comesf r
om. 
Me: Ibegofy outogi
vemeanot herchanceat
l
ife,
guar dians.Idonotwishtoleavemyf amil
y
sosoon.Idonotwantmychi l
dt obebreastf
ed
byast ranger.IknowthatIam notworthybutI
askt hatyouspar emyli
fesoIcanbeamot her
tomyy oungonceunt i
ltheyatl
eastreach
matur i
ty.
Shiba:
Areyout
odealwit
htheweaknessof
yourfl
esh,
Ndoni
?Yourbodyhast
akenmuch
str
ain.
Me:Icandealwi
thanypai
n,Shi
baasl
ongasI
hav
et hosewhoIl
ovewit
hme.
Liso:Theguar
dianofyourpeopl
e'ssoi
lfought
foryouinthedi
scussi
on.(Ismil
edatShiba)
Ncumi:Wearetoretur
nt ot
hewor
ldoff
lesh
soon,
guardi
ans.Iaskthaty
oupl
easegi
veus
yourf
inal
answer.
Shi
ba:TheQueenshall
li
ve.Wecannotdepr
ive
achil
dofthej
oysoffeeli
ngt
hewarmthofher
mother.
Liso:Youaretonamet hechildLikwezi.Shei s
thereasonwhywedeci detogi v
ey ouachance
atlif
eagain.Shei st
hel i
ghtthatistofi
nal l
y
shineafterbot
hf amil
ieshav egonet hr
ough
darkness.Youar etogoandenj oyt heblessing
withyourfamily
, MyQueen.Youmustt hank
yourmessenger .Shehaspl ayedabi grolein
pursuingus.
Shi
ba:
Yourdest
inycont
inues,
myQueen.
Me:
Mythanks,
guar
dianandgi
vemyt
hankst
o
t
hemosthi
gh.
Shi
ba:
Heseesandhear
sal
l
,chi
l
d.
.
Ncumi t
ookmyhandandwewentbackt hrough
thewellli
tpassageonceagai n.Suddenl ymy
bodyfeltheavierandinpain.Ii nhaledast range
scentandIr eali
seditisAfricanincense.I
cougheduncont roll
ablyandhear dsomeonecal l
myname.I tsoundsl ikeNtsi ka'
sv oice.Iopened
myey esandt her oom iff
il
ledwi thlightsmoke.
.
Ntsi
ka: Ndoni?Ithoughtyouhadleftme,my
heart
.Myt hanksfornotgoingtot
helandofour
ancestors.(hekissedmylips)
Me:
Ncumi
?Wher
eisNcumi
sa?
Ncumi:
Iam r
ighther
e,deardaught
er(
she
smil
ed)
Me:
Youwer
ewi
thmet
her
e.
Nt
sika:
Wher
e?
Me:Isawourguardi
ansandNcumi
wasthere
toaskfort
hem t
ohav emer
cyonmyli
feby
sparr
ingi
t.
Ntsi
ka:
Ncumi hasbeenher
eallthi
sti
me,
Ndoni
.
I
tmustall
justhavebeenadream.
Ncumi
:Iam j
usthappyt
oseeyouar
eawake,
myQueen.Howareyoufeel
i
ng?
Me:
Weakandi
npai
n.
Ntsi
ka:Iam goi
ngtomakesomer emediesf
or
youforthepai
n.Donotfeartheyarenotgoi
ng
t
ohar m Li
kweziwhenshebreastf
eeds.
Nt
sika:
Likwezi
?
Me:
Itisthenamegi
ventoherbyourancest
ors,
myKing.Ipr
omisey
ouitwasnodream.
Ntsi
ka:Li
kwezi
?Thebr
ight
estmor
ningst
ar.I
l
oveitsomuch. 
Ncumi
:Am It
opr
oceedmaki
ngt
her
emedy
?
Me:Itrustyou,
Ncumi.I
tisbecauseofy
outhat
Iam hereri
ghtnow.Nowordsaregoodenough
tot
hanky ou.
Ncumi:I
tisbecauseofyouthatmyhear
tfi
nal
ly
knowsjoysoy ouhavesavedmyli
fet
oo.You
neednotthanknorrewardme. 
Ntsi
ka:Idonotunder
stand.WhathasNcumi
done?
Me:Iam goi
ngtotel
lyousomeot
herti
me.
All
I
wi
shnowi stoseeourchi
ld(
hesmil
ed)
Ntsi
ka:I
tisaPr
incess.Shel
ookssobeaut
if
ul
j
ustli
keyou.
Ncumi :LetmegogetQueenNobu.Wemust
prepareyoutogotoanotherchamber.The
chil
dcannotcomeher ebecauseofthesmoke
thatfi
l
lsthechamber
.
Nt
sika:
Iam goi
ngtoseey
ouoncet
heyhav
e
madeyoudecent
. 
.
Heleftusandmothercameinrunningt
o
embraceme.Iletoutasof
tgroanofpainand
sheapologi
sed.Zi
phoandZinzial
socameinto
thechamber.
.
Mot her:
Youarenevertoscar
emel ikethat
again,Ndoni
yamanzi.Ar
ewecl ear
?( she
pointedherf
ingeratme)
Me:
Iheary
ou.(
Ilaughedsof
tl
y)
Mother:Youshouldseeyourl
it
tl
ePri
ncess.She
i
strul
ybeautif
ul.Xhant
iissohappyt
hathehas
agranddaught
erthatheevendanced(we
l
aughed)
Zinzi
:Iam sur
etheKi
ngofZwel
i
hleistogi
ve
thesamedancewhenhegetsagrandsonf
rom
hissons.
Zi
pho: Idonotthi
nkIwantasecondchil
d.Af
ter
al
lthatIhavejustseenNdoni
gothrough.
Ndoni
:Itwast
err
ibl
e,Zi
pho.Nt
sikahadbet
ter
stayawayf
rom mebecauseIal
sodonotwant
another
.
Mother:Di
dyounotsaythatt
hefi
rstti
me?Now
l
ooky oudi
ditagai
n(Il
aughedsof
tly)
Me:
Mybodyfai
ledmethi
sti
me,Motherand
may
benextt
imeIam goi
ngt
oreal
l
ydie.
Ncumi:Letusnotthi
nkaboutdeathwhenwe
havej
ustwelcomednewl i
fe.Letuscel
ebr
ate
thePr
incess'
sarr
ival
.
Me:Ijustaskt
hatyouhurr
ysoIcanseemy
daughter
.Iam sur
esheishungr
y.
Zi
nzi
:Shehasnotcr
iedmuch.Suchasweetgi
rl
myniecei
s.
.
Theydidwhattheydidandfinal
lygotme
decent
.IaskedNcumi toquickl
ygivemet he
remedybecauset hi
spai
nisnotpleasant.Iwish
mybodycoul dfeelnopai
nlikeafewmi nutes
agowhenIwaswi thShi
ba.Icannotbeli
ev e
thatIhavefi
nall
yseenher.Sheisatrue
goddess.Ntsi
kacamet ocarrymeintoanot
her
chamberandIf i
nall
ysawmyl it
tl
egirl
.Shei
sso
beauti
fulandIcouldnothel
pbutcry.Iam
thankful
thatIam giv
enanotherchanceatl
i
fe.
.
Fat
her
:Whatar
ewet
ocal
lher
?
Ntsi
ka:Li
kwezi becauseshei
sthebeauti
ful
l
ightofhappinessthatwehaveal
lwait
edf or
.
Pri
ncessLikweziofUmhlabaOchumil
eyo.
Xhanti:Maybl essingsandpr osperi
tyfoll
owy ou
forallyourday sint hi
sl i
fe,Pri
ncessKwezi .You
trul
yaret heli
ghtwesoughtf orsol ong.
Blessedist hesoi lofy ourancestor
sbecause
youar enowapar tofi t
.MyQueen, weknow
thatyoual mostl osty ourli
fetryi
ngt ogi
vel i
fe
toourgi f
tbutIam gl adt heancestorshada
changeofhear t.Myt hanksf ortheblessi
ng.
Fat
her:Tr
ulyt
hissoi
lisbl
essedt
ohav
ethe
Pri
ncessbeborntoi
t.Maysheshowt
he
str
engt
handgr aceli
kethepr i
ncessthatsheis.
Youhav ecomeafterati
meofsadnessbutnow
youhavecomeandweal ll
ookf orwardtothe
fut
urebecauseofthejoyyouhav ecomewi th.
Wewel comeyouPr i
ncessLikwezi. 
.
Theyallki ssedherl it
tleforeheadandmot her
ki
ssedt hosechubbycheeksaswel l.Themen
l
eftthechamberbutnotNt sika.Mot herhel
ped
meposi tionherpr operlysoshecoul d
breast
feed.I tcausedmor epai ntomybodybut
i
tisallwor thit.Shel earnedhowi tisdone
quickl
yandherf atherissopr oud.NtsikaandI
satandj ustwat chedourchi ldgetthecar ethat
shedeser v es.OurKwezi ,t
hel ightt
hatshines
bri
ghtafteral lthedar kness.
.
.
.
#Nt
sika
IdonotunderstandwhatNdoni meantby
Ncumi waswithherinthesacr
edlandofthe
ancest
ors.Ncumi hasbeenherespeaki
ngto
theancest
orsallthi
sti
me.
.
Me:Ndoni
,whatexact
lydi
dyouseei
nyour
dr
eam?
Ndoni:Itwasnotadream, Ntsika.Iwasinthe
l
andoft hespir
itguar
dians.Ther emyf at
ewas
deci
dedandt heydecidedtogiv emeanot her
chanceatlif
e.IsawShibatheret oo.Ncumi has
agiftofcommuni cat
ingwiththespi r
it
guardi
ansandsheusedi ttoconv i
ncethem to
hel
pmel i
ve.
Me:
Whyhasshenev
ert
oldusabouti
t?
Ndoni:
Becausesheinher
it
editf
rom hermot
her
andthevi
ll
agesaccusedhermotherof
wit
chcraf
t.
Me:
Soshef
ear
sthatwear
etodot
hesame?
Ndoni
:Shet oldmethatyourfatheral
ready
knows.I
fherhusbandknowst hantherestdo
notmatterbutIam t
rul
ygratefulfort
his
beaut
if
ul gi
ftofher
s.
Me:Sheneedstostophidi
ngitthen.Imustgo
andthankherf
oral
l shehasdone.(shel
ooked
atmeandsmi l
ed)
Ndoni
:Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.Shel
ooksl
i
ke
Kamval
esi
zwe.
Me:Letmegoandgethi
m sohecanmeethi
s
l
it
tl
esist
er.
.
Istoodf r
om thebedandwal kedout.Idonot
knowhowhei sgoingt otaket
henewsof
havingabi gsisterbutIhopethatthei
r
rel
ationshi
pisgoi ngtobebet t
erthant hatof
mineandmysi bli
ngs.Ifoundhi
m sitt
ingwi t
h
thefami l
yandher antomeandIpi ckedhi m up.
Helookedhappybecauseheisspeakingnon
st
op.Iwentbacktothechamberandputhi m
onthebednexttoNdoni.Hekeptquietandj
ust
l
ookedatKwezi.
.
Ndoni:
Greet
ings,
myPr
ince.(
sheki
ssedhi
s
f
orehead)
Kamv
a:Gr
eet
ings.(
hef
inal
l
ysai
d)
Me:
Meety
ourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.Thi
sisl
i
ttl
eLi
kwezi
. 
Kamv
a:Kwezi
?(hepoi
ntedather
)
Ndoni
:Yes,Kwezi
isKamva'
ssi
ster
.Doy
ou
wi
shtogiveherakiss?
Kamv a:
Kamvagi
vebabyaki
ss(
heki
ssedher
cheekandgi
ggl
ed)
Me:Youareherbi
gbrotherandwiththat
comesgreatr
esponsi
bil
it
y. 
Iti
syourdutyto
l
oveherandprot
ectherwhenwef ail
to. 
Ndoni
:Idonott
hinkheunder
standsy
ou(
she
l
aughedsof
tl
y)
Me: Iam goingtotel
lhi
m al
lthet
imeunti
lhe
underst
ands.Idonotwi shf
orhatet
oexist
betweent hem.Theyarebot
hequall
yspeci
al
andloved. 
Ndoni:
Spokenl
ikeatr
uefat
her
.Theywoul
d
havebeeni
ngreatcar
eev
enifIdi
dnotmakei
t.
Me: No,Idonotthi
nkso.Iwouldhav ebeen
suff
ocatedwithgri
eftoomuch.Iam gladthat
youcamebackt ous.Wher edoyout hi
nkour
daughterwoul
dhav egott
enmi l
kifyoumet
yourend.Idonothaveany.(shelaughedsoft
ly)
Ndoni
:Letusnowf
ocusonthefutur
e.Youare
t
onevermakemepregnantagai
n(Il
aughed)
Me: Wearegoingt
odiscussthatsomeother
ti
me.Iwanttheroyal
housefil
ledwit
hlit
tl
e
onesbutIdonotli
kethepaintheycausewhen
theyar
eborn. 
Ndoni
:Iti
sthewayofl
i
fe,
myKi
ng.
 
Me: Myt hanksforall
thatyouhavedonef orme.
Youfill
myl ifewithmuchjoy,Ndoni.Icannot
i
magi nehav i
ngsomeoneel seasmywi feand
thati
swhyy ouscaredthehelloutofmewhen
youdidnotshowanysi gnofli
fe.Donotgi v
e
mesuchaf r
ightagai
n. 
Ndoni:Myapol
ogiesforal
lthepai
nthatIhave
causedyoubutIam herenowandIam well.
 
Me:Wehavecomealongway.Hav
ewenot
?I
st
il
lremembert
hef
ir
stti
meIsawyou(
she
smil
ed)
Ndoni:Iwassoscar
edwhenJongi assi
gned
met oyourchamber
.Ithoughtt
hatyouwould
showthesamei l
lmannersasLizwi
.(Il
aughed
soft
ly)
Me:HowcouldIhav
ebeenillmanneredwhenI
st
oodbeforet
hemostbeauti
fulmaidenev
er?
Youj
uststol
emyheartonthatf
irstday
.
Ndoni
:Iwastooaf
rai
dofyoutot
hinkabout
l
ovebutasti
mewentbyIbecamemor e
comfor
tableandyourkindnessiswhatmade
mefall
inlovewit
hy ou.Wei ndeedhavecomea
l
ongway .Wehavebeenf acedwi t
htoomany
obst
acl
es. 
Me:Butwehav esurvi
v edt
hem al
landweare
sur
et osur
viv
et hosethatl
i
eahead.Str
onger
uni
ted,myheart(Ihel
dherhand)
Ndoni
:St
rongeruni
ted,
mypi
l
lar
.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
AndIl
ovey
ou.
Ndoni:
Myhandsome,
str
ongwar
ri
or(
Ismi
l
edi
n
del
ight
)
Me:
Ent
er.(
Ncumi
wal
kedi
n)
Ncumi:Ihavejustcometohearift
heQueen
wishestohaveany t
hingt
oeat.
Ndoni
:Youneednothav
ecomey our
sel
f,Ncumi
.
Youar
enoservanti
nthi
shouse.
Ncumi
:IknowbutIwant
edt
ocomemy
sel
f.
Me:
MyQueenhast
oldmeabouty
ourgi
ft
,my
l
ady
.Wearegrat
eful
tohaveyouher
ebecause
y
ouhav
eretur
nedhertous.
 
Ncumi:
Theguar
diansdi
dmostt
hewor
k.Iwas
j
ustt
heret
obegthem. 
Ndoni
:Woul
dyoul
i
ket
ohol
dher
?
Ncumi:Yes,pl
ease(
shesmi
l
ed,
wipedher
handsandtookKwezi)
Me:Younowhav
etwogr
andchi
l
dren(
we
l
aughed)
Ncumi:
Ihaveneverthoughtt
hatIwoul
dbea
par
tofafamil
y.I
tfeelstr
ulymagi
cal
.Ithi
nkshe
l
ooksli
keQueenNobu.
Ndoni:No,
sheissupposetolookli
keme
becauseKamvalooksli
kehisfat
her(we
l
aughed)
Me:West
il
lhav
etwomor
etogosot
her
eisst
il
l
hope.
Ndoni
:Iam notgoi
ngt
orepl
ytot
hat(
Ilaughed
sof
tl
y)
Ncumi
:Kamva,
doy
oul
ovehav
ingababysi
ster
(
henodded)
Ndoni
:Iam f
eel
i
ngabi
thungr
y.
Nobu:
Ihavebeenstandi
ngatthedoorhopi
ng
f
oryoutofi
nal
lysaythat
.Her
ei sy
ourfood(she
wal
kedin)
Ntando:Iam al
sogoingtocomeeather e.Iam
anuncleonceagain.YouandBukhosi makeme
ol
d.Icannotwai tt
onegot i
atedowryforal
lmy
ni
ecessomeday .Thosefuturesui
tor
sbet t
er
haveenoughgold(wealllaughed)
Xol
o:Ar
emenwel
comeornot
?
Ndoni
:Youmaycomei n,
fat
her
.Nt
andoj
ust
cameinwit
houtaski
ng.
Nt
ando:
Iwant
edt
oseel
i
ttl
eKwezi
onceagai
n.
Fat
her
:Ar
eyoual
lst
il
ll
eav
ingt
oday
?
Bukhosi
:Wehavedeci
dedtostayfortwodays
tospendti
mewithLi
kwezi
.Itseemsher
cheet
ahhasal
readywel
comedher .Lookhow
shei
sli
cki
ngt
hosel
i
ttl
efeet
.
Ndoni:
IJusthopethati
tisnothurt
ingherl
i
ttl
e
f
eet.Thei
rtonguesaresorough 
Xolo:Shewouldhav
ecr
iedl
ongagoi
fitwas
unpleasant
..
Nobu:
Iam j
ustsohappythatall
hasgonewel
l.
Ndoni
andherpri
ncessar
ebot hali
veandwel
l
. 
Me:Iam alsogladt
hatyouall
areher
eto
wit
nessthebirt
hofoursecondchi
ldasy
oudi
d
ourfi
rst
. 
Ntando:Soony
ouar
egoi
ngt
omeetmy
chil
dren.
Nobu:Ihopethatyouhavenotgott
enany
maidenpregnant
,Ntandoyabant
u.(
welaughed)
Ntando:Iam speaki
ngaboutt
hef
utur
e,my
Queen.Fearnot.
.
Ev
ery
onewassi
tt
ingandhav
ingmuchf
un.The
chambergotf il
ledwi t
hsomuchl aught er .I
l
ookedandKamv awhoi shol dinghi ssi ster'
s
handandIcoul dseet hathet r
ulylov esher .
Ndoni andIar et otryalli
nourpowert omake
ourchi ldrengr owupl ov i
ngandpr otectingeach
other.Tot hinkt hatwet houghtwehav elost
Ndoni notsol ongago.I tseemsf atehasf i
nal
ly
smi l
edonf atherbecauseNcumi makeshi m
happy .Bukhosi ishappilyr eunit
edwi thhi sbri
de
andi tisal ltot hankstomyQueen.Shei st he
happi nessandIt hinkthatev enthe
guardi ans/ancest orssawt hatwewoul dal lbe
l
ostwi thouther .Whati sahomewi thouti t'
s
l
ight?Shedoesnotknowi tbutshei san
i
mpor tantpar ti neachofourl i
vesandIam gl ad
thatwehav eherback.It ookmyl itt
lePr incess
from Ncumi andsheopenedherey essl ightl
y.I
smi l
edasshel ookedatmeandcl osedt hem
again.Iki ssedherl it
tl
ehandt hatisgr aspi ng
myf ingert ightly.Ithenki ssedhersof tcheeks.
Itistruet hataf atherfeel somet hingdi fferent
whenhemeet shisPrincess.Ihavehopedf or
hersi
nceIfoundoutmyQueeni spregnantand
Iam thankf
ulthatshei shereandshei shealthy.
WelcomedearPr incess.PrincessLikweziof
UmhlabaOchumi leyo.Mayy ourl
ightshi
ne
bri
ghtandbringpositi
v i
tyandgoodnesst oall. 
.
Cr
edittoPreci
ousGubesaf
orgi
vi
ngt
he
Pr
incessthi
sbeaut
if
ulname
[
03/02,
19:30]Ron:Mor
eThanJustASer
vant-
ByNonkosiMakhosi

MI
NISUMMARY
.
Li
fehast rul
ybeengoodf ortheroyal f
amili
esof
Umhl abaOchumileyoandZwel i
hle.Both
Kingdomshav egainedgreatstr
engtht oget
her
andindivi
duall
y.Makingthem twooft hemost
power f
ulandwealthyKingdomsont heAfri
can
soil.All
elsewi shest ohav esomesor toft iet o
thesedy nasties.Xhant iandNcumi sa's
mar ri
agehasf lorishedandt heywer ebl essed
withal i
ttleboy .Wewer eal lshockedatf i
rstbut
happy .ThenameSmangal isowasgi vent ohim.
KingXol oandQueenNobul edt heKi ngdom
untilXolof el
tli
kei twast i
met or etir
e.
Ntandoy abant uwasswor ni nasKi ngof
Umhl abaOchumi leyoandBukhosi ishel ping
they oungKi ngwi thplent y.Nobi gconf lictev er
rosebet weent het wobr others.Toget hert hey
l
edZwel i
hl ewel lwi t
ht hehel poft heirfat her .
Ntandomar r
iedZi nzi andt heysoonwel comed
aboychi ldnamedPr i
nceNkosi yabo.Anewl aw
waspassedi nmostKi ngdoms.I faf ullblooded
Kingwedsahal fbloodt hent heirmal e
offspri
ngsar edeemedwor thyt obehei r s.
Bukhosi andZi nzi fi
nallygott heboychi ldt hat
theywant edandhewasnamedPr i
nceVel ile.
KingNt sikaandQueenNdoni hav eremai ned
togetherev enaf tert heywer ef acedwi t
hmor e
tr
ials.Thei rlov eseemst ogr owst r
ongerwi t
h
mat urity .Thei rmot obei ng" St rongerUni ted".
PrinceKamv alesizwegr ewupt obea
handsomeandst rongy oungman.Wi thashar p
mindandnat uralleader shipqual i
ti
es.Muchl ike
hi
sf ather .PrincessLi kwezi i
soneoft hemost
beaut iful mai densi nall theKi ngdoms
combi ned.Hav i
ngt hesamesmoot hskint hat
hermot herhas.Shei smuchi ntoweaponr yand
horser iding.Shei snott het ypicalmai denwho
onlywi shest ositandbeasof tpr i
ncess.The
KingandQueenwel comedt winst othef ami l
y
l
ateron.AboynamedPr inceMcebi siandagi rl
namedPr incessQhamani .Asmuchast he
beliefoft winsbei ngacur sest i
llst
andst hey
deci dedt okeepbot ht hei rchildren.Nt si
kaand
Ndoni thoughtt hatt heyar edonesi ncet hey
hav et hef ourchi ldrent hatt heywant edbutgot
beaut iful surpr i
se.Ababygi r
l wasbor nandt hey
namedherPr incessKhany isa.Bant uandZi pho
al
sogotbl essedwi thtwomor echi l
drenSi milo,
aboyandNol wazi,agi
rl
.Thandohasgr own
i
ntoabeautiful
youngmai den.Shei
sbest
fr
iendswit
hPr i
ncessLi
kwezi buti
sjustas
cl
oset oPr
inceKamv al
esi
z we.
.
Agli
mpseoflif
ewiththegrownr oyal
childr
en
ofUmhlabaOchumil
eyo.Kamv a(17),Li
kwezi
(14)
,Mcebi
siandQhamani (10)
,Khany i
sa(5)
andSmanga(13).
.
#Queen 
Ndoni
Isataroundthet ableastheser vant
scar ri
edin
themor ningfeast.Wewai tedforthechildrento
comeandj oi
nus.Eachi st ocomei nfollowing
eachot herasusual.IlookedatmyKi ngwho' s
star
tingtoshowabi tofgreyhairont hesideof
hisheadbutnotmuch.Hei sstil
lthemost
handsomemant hatIhaveev erseen.Ilooked
atKingXhant iandNcumi astheyheldhands.
Theyhav emat uredalotbutitseemst hatthey
agegr acef ull
y.Kamv awal kedinandgr eeted
withhist hickv oice.Soonhei stot akeawi f
e
andbeaf ami l
yman.Her esembl eshi sf atherin
l
ooksandchar actery ettheyar esodi fferent.
Thetwi nsf oll
owedr i
ghtaf terMcebi si
'sey es
gluedtoabookasusual .Qhamani whosangso
l
oudt hatonecoul dseet heannoy anceon
Mcebisi'sf ace.Li kwezi foll
owedt het woandI
l
ookedatmybeaut i
fulstronggi r
l andsmi l
ed.
Smangaj oinedusandhel ookssomuchl i
kehis
bigbrother ,Ntsika.Hel oveshi scr aftand
makesbeaut i
ful pieceswi t hthosegi ftedhands.
Wewai tedf orlit
tleKhany iwhodi dnotseem t o
showandIgotwor r
ied. 
.
Me:
Chi
l
dren,
wher
eisKha.
..
Khany
i:Iam her
e, mother(
shesaidinasweet
voi
ceasshewal kedinbeforeIcoul
dfi
nish)
Nt
sika:
Greet
ingst
oal
l
. 
Khany
i:Gr
eet
ingsmada,
fada,
grandf
ada,
gr
andmada,
Kamv
a..
.
Qhama:Khanyi
,whatyouaredoi
ngi
sofgr
eat
annoy
ance(shecuthershor
t)
Khanyi
:Fada,am Iofannoy
ance?(
Ntsi
ka
l
aughedsoftl
y)
Ntsi
ka:
Youarenot,
lastbor
n.(
shest
uckher
t
ongueoutatQhama)
Ncumi
:Di
dyoual
lhav
easweetsl
umber
?
Khanyi
:Ihadasweetsl
umber.Li
ket
his(
she
rest
edherheadonherf
acehandsandsnor
ed,
wealll
aughed)
Smanga:Ihavenothadenoughr
estbecauseI
wasbusywithmynewwoodcr af
ts.
Xhanti
:Wear
etosel
landmakey
oual
i
ttl
e
for
tunewi
tht
hosepi
eces.
Kwezi
:Smangarefusestohav ehi
sworkbe
seenbyout
sider
s,grandf
ather.Hewi
shesnot
togai
nrewardsfr
om hispieces.
Ncumi:
Youcannotfil
ltheent
ir
eroy
alhouse
wit
hyourcr
eat
ions,
Smanga.
Me:Ithi
nkwemustgi
v ehimtimetobe
comfort
abl
eandconf
identenoughtoshowt
he
worl
dhisgi
ft.
 
Smanga:Iknewy
ouwoul
dunder
stand,
my
Queen.
Kamva:Justdonotf
orgett
hatwearetoj
oin
theot
heryoungmeninthesti
ckf
ight
ingev
ent.
Kwezi:
Iwi
sht
ogot
oo,
fat
her
.Per
missi
ont
o
j
oin.
Kamva:
Iti
snotaneventf
ormaidens,Kwezi
.
Gosi
ngatther
iverl
i
keall
othermaidensdo.
Nt
sika:Iti
str
ulynotanev
entf
ormai
dens,
dear
Pr
incess. 
Kwezi
:I
tisnotf
air(
shesul
ked)
Me:Got
othedanceev
entt
hey
oungmai
dens
hav
eatt
heri
ver.
Khany
i:Am It
ogot
oo,
mada?
Me:AskKwezi
andQhami
ify
ouar
etogowi
th
t
hem.
Kwezi
:Iam notgoi
ngwit
hKhanyi
.Shet
hrows
theot
herchi
ldr
enwithst
ones.
Ntsi
ka:Youarenott
ot hr
owstonesatot
her
s,
Khanyi
sa.I
tisnotanicebehav
ior
.
Khanyi
:Ionl
ythr
owt
hem atnaught
yboy
s.(
her
fat
hersmil
ed)
Xhanti
:Iseenopr obl
em i
nitt
hen.Youbot
hare
totakeyoursi
sterwit
hyouandy ouar
enotto
gowi t
houtguar
ds.
Me:Mcebi
si,ar
eyoutogot
othesti
ckfi
ght
ing
wi
thKamvaandSmanga?(hekeptqui
et
l
ooki
ngathisbook)
Nt
sika:
Mcebi
si(
heshout
edi
nast
ernv
oice)
Mcebi
:Yes,
fat
her(
heanswer
edqui
ckl
y)
Nt
sika:
Yourmot
heri
snott
oaskagai
n.
Mcebi
:Myapologi
es,
myQueen.Ihear
dnot
whaty
ouasked.
Me:
Areyoutogowit
hyourbr
otheranduncl
eto
t
hesti
ckf
ight
ing?
Mcebi:Iam t
oremainandwor
konmypoet
ry
pl
ease.(Ntsi
kal
ookedatme)
Me:
Youneednotgoi
fyoudonotwi
sht
o. 
Ntsi
ka:Letuseatbef
orethef
oodgoescol
d.
TheQueenandIhav edut
iest
hatar
esuret
o
keepusawayallday.
Khanyi
:Mother
,youar
eoft
ruebeaut
ytoday
(shesmil
ed)
Me:
Myt
hanks,
dearPr
incess.
Qhama:Iaskfort
hey
ell
owbeadsf
ort
he
maiden'
sevent
,myQueen.
Me: No,usey
ourownbecauseyoul
osemy
special
beadswhenev
erIl
endthem t
oyou.
Qhama:
But
..
.
Kamva:TheQueenhasspoken,Qhamani(he
sai
dinhisst
ernbi
gvoiceandshesulked.
Me:Youar
eall
totakeyourcheet
ah'
sand
guar
dswit
htoyourdai
l
yactivi
ti
es.
.
Theyal lnoddedev enSmangawhodoesnot
haveoneandev eryonelaughed.Mbal eki i
sst i
ll
goingst r
ongandal l
thecheet ah'sofmy
chil
drenar ehery oung.Laught ersoonf i
ll
edt he
chamberandIst il
lcannotbel ievehowmuch
theyhav egr own.Itseemsl ikej ustyesterday
thatIgav ebi r
thtoKamv abutnowhei sso
grown.Mcebi siissuchagent lechil
d.Hecar es
notaboutst i
ckfightsandal lelse.Theyal lget
l
ongsowel lwitheachot herev eniftheydoget
i
ntodi sagreement ssomet imes.Fat ehast ruly
favouredusandhappi nesshasbeenf oll
owi ng
usal l
thesey ear
s.Iam happy , myKi ngishappy
andmychi ldrenarehappyandf orthatIam
grateful
.
.
.
.
Thisisjustalitt
ledialoguet ogivey oua
gli
mpseoft he"current"li
feoft heUmhl aba
Ochumi ly
o.Itwasj usttogi v eapictureoft he
charactersoftheroy alchildren.Kamv at he
str
ongl eader,Li
kwezi t
henotsot ypicalmai den,
Mcebi sit
hener dyintrovert,Qhamat heloverof
al
lthingsbeaut i
ful
, Khany ithehappy ,j
oy ous
chil
dandSmangat hef uturewar ri
or.Ndoni and
herfami l
ymayhav ehadt heirupsanddowns
buttheytrulydidli
vehappi l
yev erafter .

THEEND!