The dream

The princess was having a peaceful slumber when she dreamed about the people plotting against her and the king. She could tell that the people plotting against them were close to them however she could not tell who they were but their plans were evil. The dream changed and she saw her brother Lebo in some gun fight but what seemed strange was that he was fighting his friend the prince she met back in Cape Town.

She was woken up by a knock on the door and she rolled out of bed and went to open the door. Her personal maiden was standing on the other side of the door with a smile on her face and she turned it then made way for her to get inside. “Greetings my princess” greeted the maiden “Greetings my dear Kgomotso” answered the princess rubbing the sleep off her eyes.

“My princess, the queen has asked me to come and tell you that the night feast will be served in 5 minutes.” The princess was surprised, she didn’t think she slept that long for it to be night time already. “Kgomotso what time is it?” laughed the maiden seeing her horrified expression. “Its 6PM in the evening my princess.” The princess gasped “Alright dear maiden, my thanks please inform the queen that I will be right there.” The maiden bowed her head as per the way of the kingdom.

“I will do just that my princess and I will take my leave now if the princess doesn’t have anything for me to do.” The princess shook her head “Nothing my dear maiden you may take your leave.” The maiden nodded “My thanks princess.” The maiden left and the princess quickly went to freshen up so that she can look presentable at the dinner. When she was done she went to the dining room and the table was already set.

The king and queen were already seating, only the princes and her were missing at the table. The princess went in and greeted the king and queen then took her seat next to the queen, the princes  arrived just after the princess and took their seats on the king’s side. The maidens brought in the food and served them and they ate in comfortable silence. After the feast they moved to the lounge and took their respective seats.

“My princess please come and properly greet your father” said the king smiling, the princess went and shared a hug with the king, oh how she longed for him and his hugs when she was away. “You seem to have aged a lot father.” commented the princess seeing the king’s appearance. “I know my princess because you and your brothers have also grown up.” Said the king with a smile

“But am only 16 years old father am still young.” Said the princess pouting “But 16 years ago I was also young my princess but you, your brothers and the kingdom added some years onto me.” Said the king looking at his princess with nothing but love and adoration in his eyes. “But we are aging gracefully my king.” Said the queen smiling at her king.

“I will take my leave now, I need my rest walking these grounds exhausted me and I forgot how big the palace grounds are.” Said prince Tokelo getting up from his seat. “Just admit that the city has spoilt you brother there is no shame in that.” Said Lebo getting up from his seat as well. “I think that only means one thing dear brother.” Said the princess smiling at her brothers “What would that be?” asked prince Tokelo “You don’t exercise!” said the princess and the queen in unison making the king and Lebo laugh.

“You heard them my prince and I would have to agree with them.” Said the king still laughing. “Not you too father please.” Begged the prince “Am sorry my prince but the truth hurts I know.” Said the king trying to contain his laugh “I need to get married so that my wife can take my side in such situations.” Mumbled the prince making Lebo laugh at him even more irritating him in the process.

“That is not a bad idea my prince, the queen and I are not getting any younger and we would like to see you both wed before we join the ancestors.” Stated the king in a serous tone, prince Tokelo stiffen at the mention of them dying. “I will give it some thought father.” Said the prince also in a serous tone, Lebo kept his mouth not wanting this to affect him as well, he was not ready for marriage yet.

“That is all I ask my prince but whatever you do make sure you wed before the princess.” Said the king thinking about the fact that his princess will be leaving home soon to go and be a princess in another kingdom. “I will father” said prince Tokelo not wanting to talk more about the matter. Lebo was standing quietly next to him.

“My king and queen, I woke up with some news from my slumber.” Said the princess successfully changing the subject. “ What message have the god entrusted you with my princess?” asked the king, dreams here were taken very seriously as they believed that it is a way the gods communicate with them. “The chief priest must go first we don’t require his presence at the moment.” Said prince Tokelo who suddenly felt that the presence of the chief princess will do more damage than good in this matter.

“Why would you say that my prince?” asked the king puzzled by his strange request. “We have the princess now to bring us messages from the gods.” He said laughing making it look like he was only making a joke. “Mother please talk to your son.” Complained Mapula “ He is his father’s son my princess but worry not I know how to get him back.” Said the queen making the prince widen his eyes. “Mother you cant to do, am your only son” said the prince trying to convince the queen. “No you not but she is my only princess” said the queen smiling at him “Okay mother you win, I will apologise.” Said the prince  to prevent the queen from not giving him his favourite apple pie that she promised to make.

“That apology will cost you dear brother.” Said the princess giving him a mischievous smile. “Oh dear gods of Bakoena am bankrupt” said the prince looking helpless, the king and queen were laughing this whole time watching their children getting along and teasing each other. It was really a sight to behold.

“Princess tell us about the message.” Said the king serious once again, the princess told them everything about the dream she had and about the issue of her tears and the rain being connected. “We will consult with the chief priest at sunrise to hear what the gods are trying to tell us.” Said the king “What about the rain issue?” asked the princess “We will explain everything at sunrise, the chief priest will have more answers to your questions than we do” said the queen reassuring her. “Alright my queen”

Meanwhile Tokelo was quiet thinking about this dream and he knew it was meant for him. That the war was coming between his gang and Tsietsi and there is nothing he can do to avoid it. He also knows his father came to the palace and they know about the princess being promised to another. Now he was left wondering what their plan was.

BaTlakwana Kingdom in the throne room Tsietsi and his father were sitting discussing the matter of the princess’s marriage. “Tokelo has made a fool of me, that boy doesn’t know who I am I see.” The king of Romo’s voice was low but stern. “He made a fool of the both of us father but worry not I have a plan.” Said Tsietsi taking the chance to propose the plan his been thinking about. “What plan is that?” asked the king “I will ask our Mexican contacts to kidnap her and take her to Mexico.” A smile appeared on the king’s wrinkled face. “That is a great plan indeed but don’t take her to Mexico, bring her here and deflower her then we will send a dowry to them and they won’t do anything after that.” Said the king smiling “I like it father, I will organise everything.” Said Tsietsi thinking about having the princess all to himself. “Don’t mess up” the king warned. “I wont father.” Tsietsi assured him.

They both stood up sharing a handshake smiling at each other, no one knew what was on each one’s mind but none bothered to ask. The pair was only happy to get back at the prince of BaKoena for double crossing them.