*
It is the big day, the crowning of the new king. The day that everyone has been waiting for. All dressed up and ready for the new possibilities it comes with. The Kingdom is alive; excitement is all over for the crowning of Prince Qophelo as their King.
The royal family walks into the great hall except for the prince and the Queen. As soon as they walk in, the get seated and everyone else follows suit. The Prince walks in, in all his might, dressed to kill with the Queen mother by his side. He helps her to her seat and takes his next to her. The Seer burns incense, chanting the Royal family clan names asking them to bless this day, to bless the Prince, watch over and guide him to rule the Kingdom with the same wisdom as his predecessors. He hands over to the Chairman of the council once he is done to proceed with the formalities.
Elder Luthuli: Today is a blessed day, a new day in our Kingdom. The crowned Prince becomes King today. May you take this Kingdom to heights that your predecessors only dreamt about. May you lead us with love and kindness as you have done as the Prince. Being King does not mean you must change who you are. You have done marvelous job so far. In your hand the our Kingdom can grow and become greater than what it is now. Be careful my child, not everyone is happy with you sitting on that throne. Not everyone recognizes the work you have done so far, not all will go smoothly. Be wise, choose your battles and most importantly, listen to your people, listen to your council and then decide. Don't rush anything.
He proceeds with formalities, and the King takes his oath promising to rule the Kingdom the best way he knows how. His mother stands from her seat with nothing but pride in her eyes as she looks at her son. She has nothing but love for him, for all her children who done well for themselves besides their rebellious actions at times just like any other child. She takes the crown from Elder Luthuli as Qophelo kneels in front of her. His mother looks at him with tears of joy in her eyes, she place the crown on his head and takes the Lion skin that belonged to his father and many others before him and places it on his shoulder.
Queen Lona: You are now King of Ntabentle - The Hidden Kingdom. Remember your father's lessons, listen to his voice and the ones before him. They will guide you and they will always protect you. I am proud of you. I only wish your father was physically to witness this moment. You may stand and face your people now as their King.
There is nothing but joyful cheers from the great hall as the people rejoice, looking forward to the new dawn, the new rule of the new King. If there is one thing about the people of Ntabentle is that they understand that not all Kings rule the same way, there will changes here and there especially now with a young innovative King.
The festivities continue as the people and the invited guests enjoy themselves indulging in food and drinks.
*
BHEKI
*
He is King now and there is nothing I can do about it. Now all I have to do is get him to agree to this deal before they find those people find out that I am not King. I need to find a way to get him to sign all the documents that need to be signed otherwise, come next week, I am screwed.
Elder Luthuli: You look worried Bheki. You should be enjoying yourself, this is a wonderful day for the Kingdom. Stop looking so sour, people will talk.
"You just had to rub in in that I am not King. This Kingdom is going to fall apart you watch."
Elder Luthuli: The only person that will make this Kingdom fall apart is you. I don't know why you cannot see that all your attempts to be crowned King failed. I know very well that you are up to something Bheki and let me give you a little piece of advice, walk away while you still can. Don't say I didn't warn you. Your nephew is not as stupid as you think, continue on this path and I know he will forget that your are his uncle and rip your head off. Now, cheer up and look like you are happy for your nephew.
He says, then walks away. He might be suspicious, but he doesn't know anything. Look at them having the time of their lives, laughing like there is no tomorrow. I can't kill him, his brother will take over if I do that. How the hell did my brother and Lona manage to have kids, after everything I did, they were not supposed to have any children, she was supposed to stay barren.
I need to visit the forest again. They need to explain to me how this happened.
Themba: You should be careful, going to the dark of the forest always has consequences. I know what you did. You should know by now that, no matter how much dark magic you conger up, it will not work here.
"I have no idea what you are talking about. I never visit the dark side of the forest." Where the hell did he come from now, disturbing my peace.
Themba: You forget that I am Seer and I hear whispers. Be careful Bheki or you will lose it all.
*
IYANA
*
The ceremony was beautiful. It's amazing how the people of this Kingdom love their King. It is one the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I don't remember seeing this much love in my Kingdom. I don't remember seeing the people appreciating my father as a King, but then again who would want to appreciate a man who thinks of himself only. I love my father but he'll never be the King that Qophelo is to his people. My father is slowly destroying our Kingdom. Sometimes I wish my brother was old enough to take over. I'm sure the council would have demanded that but then again my so called father wants to remain in power for as long as he can. Maybe the people should stand and fight for their Kingdom.
I see Qophelo walking up to me. This man is handsome. It's no wonder the ladies just go crazy when they see him. He walks with so much confidence, so much grace, like the King that he is. The butterflies in my stomach are dancing non-stop. All of sudden I feel warm and fuzzy. I feel flushed. Wait what is going on with me?
Qophelo: You look beautiful. "He says as he bends down whispering in my ear. His voice is doing things to me."
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself. Congratulations Your Highness." I say with a smile on my face giving him a bow.
Qophelo: Thank you. I wanted to check if you are still ok and to ask if you can come with me when I am done with those old men over there. I won't be much longer.
"I'm sure I can manage to wait a little while longer, I was thinking of heading up to your wing just now, I am so tired it has been one hell of day.
Qophelo: I can only hope you enjoyed yourself. Let me go and finish up with those. I'll be back in few, don't go anywhere.
"He says and walks off. Just as he walks off a lady walks to me, I think she is Princess from, arghh can't remember."
Her: Iyana, what are you doing h..... "I don't let her finish her statement.
"It's Princess Iyana, what can I do for you?"
Her: Oh wow, little Princess has grown wings. No longer the little timid girl. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that, you need to forget about Qophelo. He is mine. My father will be talking to him about our marriage to unite our Kingdoms.
Oh God, what is this now. All of a sudden I feel the sudden urge to protect him. I look at this girl and I see a dark cloud around her, I see someone standing behind her as if they are whispering things to her. What is going on with me? I don't understand any of this. I feel a sudden headache as I see a white lion standing at the far end of the hall. I hear a voice another voice over this girl's voice in my head. I see the lion moving it's lips as if to speak, the voice becomes clearer "Remember who you are, remember your powers. You are his shield. Remember." I let out a scream, as the headache becomes excruciatingly painful. I see Qophelo running towards me, just as I am about to hit the floor, he catches me and everything goes dark.