Every thing was going well in the royal family until the king got sick. Different doctors from different states were called to find a solution to his illness but all they told them was that he had cancer and only had few days to live.
Princess Rose: ( In tears) Mom is this how we are going to lose dad!!!
Queen: No, come on don't say that we are not going to lose him don't worry within few days he would be back to his feet.
Princess: But mom you heard what the doctors said.
Queen: Come on Rose don't you have faith.
Princess: Mom, Faith! Faith! How can I have faith when we already know what is going to happen mom you know what is going to happen to dad so don't bring in faith here it's going to be really useless.
( Tom walks in )
Tom: Hey guys how are you doing?
Princess: Doctor Mark just left here and he said there was nothing he could do. I don't just want to believe that dad is going to die very soon.
Tom: ( Sits beside her ) Don't worry my love everything is going to alright.
Princess: Of course you know everything can't be alright after few days now we are going to lose the my father ( Breaks down in tears ).
Tom: ( Carries her in a bridal style ) Mom we have to go into our rooms now we will see you later.
Queen: Alright.
The next day, Tom goes to check on the King's health.
Tom: My king, my king ( Bends down ) Your situation is getting worse has the day passes yesterday you were able to talk even if we could barely here what you were saying but today you can't even speak a word. My king you need to fight this your daughter is turning thirty in a few days time and I want you to witness that party ( Sobs ) I don't want your seat to be empty that day my king please fight this I know you can you have been a great warrior since when you were young even if you can't fight it for so long please fight it until we are done with our five years anniversary and also your daughter's birthday. Please don't leave us alone so quick we love you, your people love you please please my king ( Sobs on the king chest ).
Queen: Tom! Tom!
Tom: ( Quickly cleans off his tears ) Yes my queen.
Queen: Are you crying?
Tom: No ma I just came in to check on the king.
Queen: That's a lie I saw the way you did when I called your name you were crying ( Puts her hand on his shoulder ) My son you see in this life some things has to happen for doors of great things to open and quote me right I don't mean my husband is a hindrance or bad luck I just want you to know that crying here can't do anything, what if your wife comes in here and found you crying do you even think of how she would feel. So come on my son everything is going to be alright.
Tom: ( Sighs ) I just wish he can fight this to even be able to witness our anniversary and his daughter birthday.
Queen: ( Chuckles) ( With tearful eyes ) Hmmm, few months to come would be our 40th wedding anniversary ( Sobs ) but I don't think he can hold on still then I miss him, I miss his his energy the way he fought for me the way he stayed by me when you both left or I rather say ran away he was always there ( Tears flows down freely ). I miss him I miss him so so much.
Tom: Am sorry ma, am so sorry we didn't have any other option that was why we fled we are so sorry.
Princess: Love where were you I searched every where for you.
Tom: Oooh eeem eeem I just went out to receive fresh air.
Princess: Why is your face swollen and red, have you been crying?
Tom: No I haven't.
Princess: Yes you have, is it about the king?
Tom: No, No it's not about the king it's just that....
Princess: Just that what! What faith do I have when even the person that tells me to have faith is faithless. Eeerh the king is going to die in a few days time that just the fact no faith is working in this cycle again and you know it yet you talk about faith. Tom, why were you crying about the king when you said I should have faith where has your faith gone to my love where?Tom: I don't know, I just don't think it's still within me I don't think it can work for this. The situation is getting worse everyday Faith is out of me, everything is getting out of hand and it was all my fault it was. If we hadn't ran away maybe he wouldn't have been depressed or sad who knows maybe that's where the cancer started to build up ( Sits on the sofa ) am fed up, am fed up of everything am fed up of trusting in faith even when faith can't trust in itself. I just wish, I just wish that he witness your birthday I just wish so.
Princess: ( Sobs ) Wait is this how a child feels when losing her father. It hurts it really really hurt I can't just imagine that within a few days my father would be gone, gone to see no more, gone aaaaaah ( burst into tears ).
( In the living room)
Queen: Rose what's wrong you look really sad what's wrong?
Princess: Why can't dad just die?
Tom & Queen: What!
Princess: Yeah, why can't he just die so that this suffering would stop.Tom: But I taught you never wanted him to die.
Princess: ( Chuckles sadly ) Of course he would and you know that, he would die within few days to come but I... I... I can't just watch him suffering from the pain he isn't supposed to suffer from. It's just too much for him if death want to take him why can't it just take him instead of getting sickness involved again eeeerh I can't just imagine that my father while still alive smells like corpse is it really cancer that is the cause of all this I don't think so cause this is too much, dad is really suffering only the evil one prays he stay alive in that bad condition ( Sobs ).
Queen: Rose, I know you really really love your dad but you know let's still continue to pray and have faith.
Rose: Faith! Mom it's been about two months since father's illness started yet this your faith hasn't done anything.
Tom: My love I taught you believed in God.
Rose: Of course I do but remember that God said there is time for everything I just want you guys to understand that the time for his death is here so why have faith when there isnothing that can be done.
Queen: And how do you know that your father time is here.
Rose: Mom that is just the truth, doctors already said it and even if he was to recover why is he getting worse everyday and even smells like a corpse while still alive ( Walks away )
Few days later, in Tom and Rose's room.
Tom: Rose are you okay?
Rose: Yes, why did you ask?
Tom: Cause as soon as you heard the king is dead you just kept quiet and you haven't even shed a tear.
Rose: Why should I when I already know what was going to happen why cry for what had already happened few months back?
Tom: Rose do you know what people would think out there for almost eight hours that we were mourning the king you didn't shed a tear and do you know what people would think about that " she doesn't love her dad after all she ran away " that was the harsh statement I heard from one of the guards and yet they would not know that you had been mourning him even before he died. Rose: I don't care about what people will say Tom people always talk no matter how perfect you seem to be.
Tom: Alright let's get out of here we have to see the king the last time before he is wrapped up and buried.
Rose: No, am not going to watch my dad placed six feet down the earth no I won't.
Tom: But that's the tradition.
Rose: To hell with the tradition, to hell with their tradition please love just leave me here am not going out.
Tom: But....
Rose: You can go if you want but as for me am not leaving here.
Tom: Fine suit yourself ( Walks out )
Few weeks later after the burial ceremony of the king, wedding anniversary and the princess birthday party a new king was to be elected.
Queen: My son how are you?
Tom: Am fine ma.
Queen: This kingdom has been in need of a king for some days now.
Tom: Yes ma am aware of that.Queen: I don't have a son so the throne is entitled to my daughter's husband.... Tom you are the only one entitled to the throne and I want you to get all the details about being a king but before that happens I want to be sure that you are interested in this king stuff.
Tom: ( Smiles ) Yes I am ma.
Queen: Okay then see you later.
In Tom and Rose's room
Tom: ( Happy ) Babe guess what.
Rose: What?
Tom: Guess who's the next king?
Rose: ( Sad ) I know it's you.
Tom: ( Sits down ) Babe what is it isn't it good news.
Rose: Of course it is it's just that am against the kingdom's tradition.
Tom: Don't you want to become the Queen?
Rose: Of course I want to but ...
Tom: But what babe?
Rose: Aren't you aware that everything that has an advantage also have a disadvantage.
Tom: ( Calm ) Of course I know.
Rose: Babe I don't want you to be the kingjust forget about the position my father's brother son can take over since he has always dreamed to do so.
The royal family, chiefs and family members are all seated in the palace.
First Chief: Good day everyone.
All: Good day.
First chief: We are all sad about the death of our king but what had happened has already happened. The throne has been left empty for almost three months now. It is the tradition of our kingdom to elect a new king before three months clock and now we have only two weeks and some days left. The entitled king to this kingdom is the princess husband and so I would like to introduce our entitled king to everyone.
( Points at Tom and they nodded in agreement )
It is a good thing but there is also a tradition that must be met before he is elected. Everything you need to be a king is available except... I hand this over to chief judge.
Chief judge: Hmmmm my son for you to gain access to the throne you have to get a .....new.....w....I...f....e.Tom: What! Never, never to hell to your throne to hell with this kingship stuff I am not interested. If this condition must be met then I don't want to be the king ( Stands up and walks away Rose follows him quickly ).
In the living room the Queen, the princess and her husband are seated.
Queen: My son.
Tom: Yes ma.
Queen: Don't you want to be a king.
Tom: Of course I would love to but marrying a new wife is out of it if I can't skip that condition then am not interested.
Queen: My son, being a king is the best thing to wish for you get all what you want.
Tom: I can't be a king and feel bad everyday that I betrayed Rose no never I love it being just a member and not the king.
Rose: Mom.
Queen: Yes my daughter.
Rose: Did dad get married to a second wife?
Queen: ( Sighs and bows her head ) No... But the consequence was a tough one, we passed through a lot for ten good years I was not able to conceive not to talk ofgetting a miscarriage or even giving birth. Few days ago you asked if the cancer was really the cause of the suffering your father passed through before he died.... Of course not that was one of the consequence of skipping the tradition.
Tom: Am so sorry about that ma, but how sure are you that it was because you guys did not fulfill the tradition?
Queen: ( Smiles ) What else could it be my son, what else.
Rose: Mom it may just be you know destiny and about dad at least the doctors said he had cancer and cancer is not a minor illness it is a tough one so I think all what happened to you was destined.
Tom: Yes ma, I agree with my wife perhaps your destiny was written in that manner but even if it was the consequence at least you still gave birth so there's no big deal about it.
Queen: For ten years Tom, for ten years. Do you know the humiliation I passed through see my son please don't dare to skip this rite.
Rose: Mom so you want Tom to get a new wife.
Queen: I don't wish so my dear but I don't want you guys to face consequences youaren't supposed to face. The consequence we faced would surely be different from the one you would face. Please my children don't skip this rite.
Vivian with her brother are in Tom's room.
Vivian: Brother Tom.
Tom: Yes.
Vivian: I got the news that you are next king to rule this kingdom.
Tom: ( Chuckles ) So that's why you came leaving your two year old daughter behind.
Vivian: At least she has a father ( Smiles ).
Tom: Well that's true am the next king to rule this kingdom.
Vivian: That's good news ooo.
Tom: Yes I know.
Vivian: Aren't you supposed to be happy?
Tom: Of course I am.
Vivian: No you are not Tom you look confused.
Tom: Never mind am alright.
Vivian: No you are not. Tom, a problem shared is a problem half solved come on share your problem with me who knows I could help out.Tom: It's about this kingship stuff.
Vivian: And what about it?
Tom: I don't know what to do.
Vivian: I don't get you.
Tom: Okay, the chiefs said that for me to be the king I have to perform some rites.
Vivian: So?
Tom: I know the rites are easy but there is this major one.....
Vivian: What is it?
Tom: They said I have to get a new wife.
Vivian: ( Surprised ) What! ( Stands up ) How is that ever possible! That's impossible don't they even had a rethink that your wife is the only King's child she is the main one entitled to the throne if not because of her gender she should be the king now and then they are saying you should marry another wife. For what!
Tom: I don't know, I don't know what's wrong with the way people think people are just unbelievable.
Vivian: So what do you want to do?
Tom: Am not taking the position if it's a must I marry a new wife.Vivian: Yes that's a good one at least you were doing fine before they brought the position unto you.
Tom: Hmmmm
Vivian: But wait ooo what about your wife what is she saying about it because I know her as a calm woman.
Tom: ( Chuckles ) My wife has become a tough woman since her father illness started she is not that calm again and about that rite she is also supporting me at least no woman would want her husband to get married to another wife when she's still alive.
Queen, Rose and Tom are in the living room.
Queen: Tom.
Tom: Yes ma.
Queen In two days time you would be called upon to decide if you are going to be the king or not..... So what's your say about that?
Tom: ( Chuckles ) With all due respect ma I don't think I am interested in being the king.
Queen: ( Shocked ) Why! I taught we have talked about this?
Rose: Mom talked about what? I can't even believe you are support for my husband to get a new wife. Mom! We don't want the throne if that rite must be done and that's final at least father's nephew is willing to take the position so let him have it at least he is also entitled to the throne.
Queen: Shut up! How can you say that don't you know that your father really fought before he got the throne, do you know that your father and his brother really had a tough quarrel on who should be the next king after the death of his father and now you are saying that your cousin to take over it, that means you are giving your enemy free and direct access to what belongs to you after all what your father passed through in your uncle's hand.
Rose: Mom Timothy is not our enemy. I love him and he also loves me even his father is easy going.
Queen: Rose! Rose! Rose! Not everyone that laughs with you really loves you my dear come on wise up.
Two days later
Tom: Good day everyone, as you all know I am the entitled king to the throne. It's a thing of joy but the condition or I rather call it rite behind it is really alarming. The chiefs said that for me to be able to ascend this throne I have to marry a new wife ( Pauses to let his word sinks down ) but that's not possible I can't marry a new wife when my wife is the main one entitled to the throne that disrespectful and unappreciative on its part. When I got married to my wife I swore that I will never get married to another wife under any circumstances. So I have decided that if this rite can not be skipped then let the throne be given to another person because if that rite is compulsory then I am no longer interested. Thank you ( Sits down)
Chief Judge: ( Clears his throat ) Hmmmm, of course it is compulsory but can be skipped and you talked about giving the throne out to someone else that's not possible because before the king died he told us to make only you and no one else the king so if it's about the rite it can be skipped but....but you have to be prepared for the consequences.
Vivian, Tom and Rose are in the living room discussing.
Vivian: ( Happy ) It's two days to your coronation brother am so happy for you.
Rose: Same here it's such an honor to be the Queen of this kingdom.
Tom: Few days to now you both won't be able to talk to me like this you will have to begin with Your majesty or ( Points to his wife ) my king. ( They all burst out laughing )
Vivian: Am just so happy for you who would have taught that a mere woodcutter would become a king like God is really great.
Tom: All thanks to Rose also ( Cuddles her ) she is a one in a million woman without her I don't think I would be able to become the king.
Vivian: aaaaarhhhh so nice we too we have husband oooo ( They all burst out laughing ).
Vivian: I can't just wait to be called a royal member.
Tom: I wonder how your baby and husband would be coping without you. Especially your husband hmm hmm hmm.
Vivian: What is the meaning of that my husband is not a cheat it's only me or no one else.
Rose: For over two weeks.
Vivian: Don't worry he is coming tomorrow for the preparation of the king coronation.
Tom: You mean my coronationVivian: Yes oooo.
A day to the coronation. The Queen, Rose, Tom, Vivian and her husband are busy preparing for the coronation while the children are busy playing with their Grandparents.
Vivian's husband: Am so happy for you Tom it's such an honor and privilege having a king as a family member.
Tom: Thanks.
Vivian's husband: You are welcome.
Vivian: How about the decoration have it been sorted out?
Rose: No I just called an event planner he should be on his way now.
Vivian: No, No, No, Event planner for what?
Rose: I don't get you.
Vivian: ( Chuckles ) When I am available, come on save your money am here for you I gat your back.
Rose: Okay ma, I leave it to you.
Vivian: No you ate going to help me I can't do it alone even the event planner can't do it alone you know he needs to get workers.
Rose: Okay enough of your story I would help you.
Vivian: Better.
Rose: Is that what you are supposed to say?
Vivian: Okay, Thank you.
Rose: Good.
Vivian: It's not even as if you are paying me.
Rose: Are you talking to me, I will go ooooo.
Vivian: Sorry I was just talking to myself.
Rose: ( Laughs ) So after all your mouth you can't do this one thing all by yourself.
Vivian: You come and do it now.
Rose: I didn't say I wanted to.
Vivian: Whatever let's start work before your husband needs you.
Rose: What do you mean?
Vivian: Can we start now. ( They both burst into laughter ).
A day after the coronation.
Vivian: Brother am so happy for you.
Rose: No point of correction my king.
Vivian: Eeeeh so because you have become the Queen now you think I can not talk to you as I like.
Rose: Yes now you can't we have upgraded.Vivian: Rose follow me let's go and prepare what our husband will eat.
Rose: No Queen don't do that.
Vivian: Okay then it's not too much to starve for just a day.
Rose: Alright, alright I will follow you ma. ( They all burst out laughing ).
Vivian's husband: Thank God they are gone. Eeeh Tom
Tom: Yes.
Vivian's husband: What tradition do you want to implement as the new king?
Tom: To be honest I don't know.
Vivian's husband: Okay I think I have an idea.
Tom: Okay go on.
Vivian's husband: Why don't you put an end to that marriage rite.
Tom: What rite?
Vivian's husband: The one that talks about the marriage of a new wife before the coronation.
Tom: Hmmmm wow that's a good idea I mean it's the best idea.
Vivian's husband: It's nice right?
Tom: Yes it is thanks so much.Vivian's husband: You are welcome.
All the Royal members were in attendance in the palace.
Chief Judge: We are all here to listen to the new tradition that must be implemented by every new king of this land. The coronation was a great and interesting one and we all enjoyed yourself so now let's greet the king as he gives his new tradition.
All: Long live the king.
Tom: Thank you so much. First of all I have to appreciate my wife, my sister, my brother in law, my mother in law, the chiefs and everyone seated here I am really pleased and happy to stand before you today as the new king of this kingdom, I am overwhelmed and grateful for this great opportunity given unto me. In order not to waste your time I am here to announce the new tradition that I would implement in this kingdom to serve as a remembrance as done by other kings. My new tradition goes thus " Before the coronation of a king there are some rites to be made and one of it is the marriage to a new wife so I come before you today to announce a stop to that rite". Thank you and I hope you all understand and cooperate with me. Thank you once again.