27

TEARS OF A ROYAL BLOOD

27

*Unedited*

A month later…..

LONDIWE NTULI

All her life, 24 years of her life, all she knows is pain. Misery. Sadness. It’s all she knows and seen. She used to believe her family is cursed because none of them ever have anything good going on in their lives. Her father died when she was young, her and her mother are the only Ntuli family left surviving. All the family members either die or disappear.

She uses humor to hide her pain, because she told herself that it’s actually never going to get better. So why dwell in misery when you could just laugh? Her smile and laugh hides a lot of pain. If only people knew just how much broken she was inside. The tears she has cried. Nothing in her life has gone right. Her mother almost died because of cancer, but she survived. They put her through chemotherapy and luckily it helped, she is still weak but she’s thankful to have her mother with her. She knows life isn’t bubbly but she’s scared of dying. She doesn’t think she’s ready to know what is on the other side.

The only people she has as a friend is Zama, that girl has stuck with her through everything.

She is not working for now, but she is a hustler. She doesn’t sit around all day, she travels to town everyday looking for work. Even if it’s just for a day, if she will get food for her mother it’s fine.

It’s been a month and she has not seen Solwazi. Especially after that bomb he dropped on them. Her and being royal? It must be a joke. She can’t be royal; her family can’t have royal blood. Not after so many years of suffering..

Londi:Ma do you need an extra blanket?

The weather was a bit cold.

Nontombi:No, I’m fine. Sit here.

She sat down.

Nontombi:We need to talk about it.

Londi:No. I don’t want to talk about it.

Nontombi:We can’t run away from it. Solwazi wouldn’t have wasted his time coming here only to lie to us.

Londi:Do you think it’s true mama?

Nontombi:I don’t know, but his story checks out. Your father once told me that there is something that was stolen from the Ntuli family, and he said he would bring it back. He didn’t tell me what it was. I didn’t ask further because it seemed to upset him. He said it was the cause of our generational curse. He left one day on his quest and he came back in a body bag. You were still young then, ten years old. I don’t know what killed him or who, but the police said he had a car accident. But looking at things now, don’t you think that family killed my husband? Your father?

Londi looked at her mother and sighed.

Londi:You should get some rest. Don’t overthink this.

Nontombi:Please call Solwazi and talk to him my daughter. He’s wise and I see a very bright man in him.

She blushed a little. No doubt she was telling the truth. Solwazi just has that thing that captures you into his eyes. It’s like you can just listen to him without him telling you to listen.

Londi:I will call him.

Nontombi:Thank you. I don’t want to die and leave you suffering Londiwe.

Londi:I don’t like it when you talk about death. I have lost too many family members, I don’t want to lose you too.

She said feeling her tears.

Nontombi:I’m not going to leave you. Now go and call him.

She nodded and went to the other room to take her phone.

She dialed his numbers.

“Hello”, hearing his voice just made her melt. She won’t lie, she missed him.

Londi:Hey it’s Londi.

Solwazi:Can I call you back?

He hung up.

She swallowed and blinked her tears. That was rather cold!

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SOLWAZI

Londi called him at the wrong time. He was in a meeting with the council and the argument was pretty hectic. He’ll call her back.

The elders are refusing to do the right thing. They are prepared to hold on to the throne even though it doesn’t belong to them. Mkhonto is not here, he’s resting in pain wherever he is.

Solwazi:I may be young, and not wise as you, but no one is going to stop me from giving the throne back to the Ntulis. Anyone who is against me, can just leave this place.

Elder1:I never knew you were rude.

Elder2:Ever since Qhawe died, they are doing as they please. A throne is never returned. You are inviting bad luck to this family.

Solwazi:Argue all you want, but I have said all I wanted to say.

He stood up and left them there.

Kholo stopped him.

This one was still clueless about what’s happening.

Kholo:Solwazi what’s going on? Why are you calling a meeting with the council? My son is the king not you.

He laughs a little.

Solwazi:Are you that blind?

Kholo:What are you talking about?

Solwazi:Oh my God, even after everything that has happened! You still don’t see what’s happening!?

Kholo:I don’t know anything because no one tells me things.

Solwazi:Well let me enlighten you. Your husband was not royal. The Zondos were never royal, Madida stole the throne from the Ntuli family. And he killed Ntuli, who he was friends with.

Kholo:No..

She shook her head repeatedly.

Kholo:I married a commoner?

Solwazi:Yeah. You did.

Kholo:You are lying. This can’t be. Not after everything I have done to make sure my son is the king!

Solwazi:Well that was all in vein because we are half royal, the Ntulis will be given back what belongs to them. And if they chase us out of their royal house, just know you are homeless. Because I have a house. Bye!

He left her there with her mouth wide open.

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MKHONTO

He doesn’t feel good. Everyday he feels like he is dying. A month ago, he managed to overpower Madida and regained control of his body. But that doesn’t mean he left. He’s still whispering evil thoughts in his mind. He’s trying by all means to not listen to him, but he doesn’t know until when he can hold on.

Phazama left about a week ago, and said he would return soon.

Everything was upside down when he returned, his family is gone and only his mother was remaining. He was angry to discover that Madida threw them in jail and they ran away. He can’t help but feel like this is all his fault. If only he didn’t allow temptation. Madida wouldn’t have possessed him. He would have been king the right way, and Solwazi was never jealous of him. He isn’t like that. He would have helped him with ruling this kingdom. This is his brother, he even feels stupid when he thinks about how he accused him of wanting to steal the throne from him. It’s his legacy and Solwazi told him that he is not interested because he was not chosen for it.

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ZIZIPHO

It was her, Thembeka and her mother in Solwazi’s house.

Khethi went back home. They tried to stop her but she refused, and said nothing was left for her in the Zondos. She doesn’t know whether it’s because she found out they were not royal or what…

On the other hand, finding her father’s family has proven to be difficult. And she can’t ask her brother for help because he’s got too much on his plate already, she would be really selfish if she adds this on his problems.

She went to Facebook and looked for Sipho Mceleli, but didn’t find him. It was a long shot, given the guy has been dead for 23 years.

Sindiswa:We will find them, don’t worry.

Zizipho:I hope so.

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KHOLO

She has been stuck on the same Solwazi left her. It’s only now that her mind comes back to her and she moves her feet inside. She was not prepared to hear this.. She sits on the couch staring blankly at the TV. She feels so betrayed.

Kholo:He must have been lying. No it can’t be. I refuse to believe…

She was in disbelief and shocked. She married a commoner?

She removes the scarf she was wearing over her shoulders, she felt hot and sweating!

She clapped her hands in disbelief and stood up to drink water.. She took the glass and opened the tap…..

Qhawe knew he was not royalty and yet he pursued her? She was a princess and yet she married a commoner. A whole commoner! How can Qhawe embarrass her like this!?

She is disturbed by feeling water running through her feet and she realizes that the tap has been opened ever since. She clicks her tongue and closes it.

She fetches the mop to wipe the water off the floor.

She misses a step and she falls down on the cold tiles.

“Ouch”, she cries and remains on the floor. She didn’t have any strength to get up.

After she has bragged so much that her son is a king then this happens!

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LONDIWE

He still hasn’t called back.

Arrg, typical of men! She doesn’t even know why she’s mad because the are not dating.

She jumps in excitement when she hears her phone ringing.

She composes herself and answers him.

Solwazi:Sthandwa sami…

Oh Nkosi yami! She just melts on the spot and forget she was even angry at him.

Londi:You said you will call me…

Solwazi:I know, I was still in a meeting but I’m done now. We can talk.

Londi:Never mind, it doesn’t Matter anymore.

Solwazi:Ngiyaxolisa mama(I am sorry mama).

Londi:You hung up on me.

Solwazi:I was in a meeting with the elders back at home. I’m sorry sthandwa sami.

Londi:I’m not your love.

Solwazi:Really?

Londi:Yes. We are not dating.

Solwazi:I never said we are dating, or do you want to date me?

Londi:I never said that. You are twisting my words.

He laughs a little and she just melts some more. She didn’t like the kind of effect he has on her. With him, she just gets different.

Solwazi:Are you angry at me?

Londi:A little.

Solwazi:Can you come to me then?

Londi:How will I get to Nqoboka?

Solwazi:I am outside.

She gasped and opened the curtain a little. Indeed his car was parked across the road.

Londi:You’re so sneaky.

She giggled and hung up before rushing outside.

There’s no time for hard to get. She missed him.

She finds him waiting for her outside of his car.

He pulls her in for a hug and he steals a kiss.

Solwazi:For someone who was angry at me, you sure look excited to see me.

Londi:Shut up.

She can’t help herself, she’s blushing non stop. And he smells so good. He’s a bit taller than her, which is good.

Londi:Cheese wami Madoda!

She says cupping his chin.

Solwazi laughs and kisses her hand.

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To be continued…