THE BROODER

32

THE BROODER

32.

***RICHARD***

I can't lie to myself, I need my father. I don't know him for long but I know I want him in my life. It is 1am and I can't sleep. I took my car keys and decided to take the risk and see him.

I drive for four hours till I got to the palace. I took the driving hours to make up a lot of scenarios in my head while I drive. I thought of all the sides of the coin and I pondered all morning.

The palace guards opened the gates upon seeing me. I drive to the garage and parked. I know his room in the main house so I walked there.

I see his palace guards taking turns walking around the area. I know it is still very early but I needed to see him. I instructed them to call him while I wait by the mini waiting room. I see her coming...

Queen:" What are you doing here young man?"

"This is my house and I have every right to visit whenever I wish."

Queen:" it can only be your house after the ceremony. You don't belong here. You were never introduced to the ancestors so nobody recognizes you."

"You seem to forget the reason for the last party at which I visited. I was introduced to the family and people as the King's son and the next heir. It's a big party so you can't forget it easily."

Queen:" it's a case of mistaken identity. The king does have a son and it's not you."

"Nevertheless, I want to see him."

Queen:"I see! Well, he doesn't want anything to do with you. That's an order. I don't know how you were able to bypass the guards and all that but you have to leave these premises now. And I advise you never return. Your services are not needed anymore."

That's bullshit! And I don't believe a thing of what she said. I ignored her evil self and entered the room. He is sleeping rather soundly. I don't think he was informed of my visit.

"Dad, Dad,"

He opens his eyes weakly and smiles at me. He looks sick and I feel for him.

King Banzi:" Mcebo, you came?"

"Yes father, I tried calling you but your number was not connecting so I came myself." I help him sit on the bed.

King Banzi:"I am disappointed at you Mcebo. How can you send me such message? You broke my heart..."

Queen:" My king, I want him out of these premises! You know what the results said about him. He isn't your son. You riffraff, get out at this minute!"

" which results?'

Queen:" it is something you know very well. I had my doubts of you so we had to run some tests. You know very well that the king is not your father yet you coerce him to think otherwise. How can you do this to this man? Whose only crime is being nothing but nice to a poor orphan."

King Banzi:" Can you leave us?"

Queen:" yes leave us get out!"

King Banzi:" I meant you my queen. I want to have a word with him privately."

She's reluctant at first but she leaves...

"What test is she talking about?"

King Banzi:" She came to me with the idea of running a DNA test and I consented to it. The test was performed with a glass you used during dinner. I don't need the test results to confirm that you're my son. I believe my ancestors and my guts. I know you're my blood, my son and my heir."

"What did the result say?" I am more concerned on finding the truth.

King Banzi:"It lied...I know she has a hand in that but I don't care."

"If you weren't suspicious of the results why was my call not connecting? You blocked my number from calling you."

King Banzi:" I did no such thing! I tried calling you everyday but it doesn't connect. I thought you were mad at me for something. I booked a flight for tomorrow to come see you. I needed to see you cause I don't feel too well."

"She definitely has a hand in that too. I won't be surprised if she does."

King Banzi:" I know she does."

"If you know she does, why can't you divorce her and send her out?"

King Banzi:" it's not that easy son. The union between a king and his queen is more deeper than you think. If even I wish to, I can't do it"

"I don't understand..."

King Banzi:" Can you please stay back for now? I need you here son."

"Your grandchildren are here Dad. I came to inform you about their existence."

His face lights up and he curls up a bright smile...

"Your grandson has the mark of the lion."

King Banzi:" you have made me a happy man. I feel alive once again. I want to meet them."

"I want you to name them. I want to share my roots with them."

King Banzi:" well said Mcebo, but first I will inform the palace seer to prepare for your initiation ceremony. You have to be introduced to our ancestors as soon as possible."

"I want that done this weekend. I want to introduce the kids next weekend."

King Banzi:" perfect! I want to be close to them Mcebo. I didn't get the chance with you but I've got a second chance with them to right my wrongs. You have to move here junior. It's not an order but a last request from a dying father. Please Mcebo "

"You're not dying Dad. I will make an arrangement for your treatments. I will move here to take care of you and you'll get to spend time with your grandbabies."

King Banzi:" Best news ever! "

"But Dad, it has to be after all the ceremony. In the meantime, talk sense to your wife, I don't want her breathing fire on me every time she sees me. She no kid but she behaves like a spoilt kid."

King Banzi:"Leave that to me son. It is time to put her in her place."

"Dad, Where is Unami? I have something for her."

King Banzi:"I'll advise you stay cautious of Unami. She's as vile as her mother."

"Did she relay my message to you?"

King Banzi:" She played a sneaky trick on us"