Chapter 30
Chapter 30
“ P rince Dakar, you were right to be concerned about the Princess. There is a man in her life. From what I have gathered he has, or plans to, ask her brother Prince LaVeré for her hand in marriage. Sahel was keeping tabs on her, however he was discovered. He was taken into custody by the authorities here.”
“Unacceptable!” Dakar shouted. “It is imperative that his actions are not traced back to us. Make it so!”
Dakar slammed the phone down. How could they be so careless. He must inform his father right away. He found his father and mother relaxing on the veranda.
“There is an issue in America.” He spoke.
His father stood then walked to the side with him. “What has happened?”
“A man in America has asked Prince LaVeré for the Princess’ hand in marriage.”
“He has no authority to grant such a thing,” King Kobi stated.
“It may not matter in the United States. She is of age. Women can make these decisions on their own. We must insist she return to Emure.”
“This cannot happen.” His father stated. “Do we know who this man is?”
“Keto does. How should we proceed?”
King Kobi did not respond right away. “Your suggestion is sound. I will contact King Aswan to order her to come home to meet her future husband. You keep this man away from the Princess until after the marriage is done.”
At Dakar’s exit King Kobi returned to his seat next to his wife. “It is moments, such as these, that I wish for my sons the peacefulness of an evening looking over our countryside with a beautiful companion beside them.”
Queen Ada glanced over at her husband. “It has taken some time for us to reach a point of companionship in our marriage.” She smiled. “There were times when I often wondered if we would survive.”
“Ahh, there were,” King Kobi nodded. “I think it would be wise to find a way to encourage our sons to approach their unions in a more expedient manner.”
Queen Ada stared at him in a knowing fashion. “What is it you wish for me to convey to Jabari?”
King Kobi chuckled. “I could never get one by you, my love.”
Queen Ada smiled. “It must be a huge request for you to refer to me as my love. Explain what is needed.”
“It has come to light that Princess ZsaZsa may have a love interest in America. It would be wise for Jabari to request an audience with the Princess sooner rather than later.”
“Are your plans to send him to America?”
“No. Our son must insist King Aswan order the Princess to return home.”
“You know Jabari’s stance on this issue of forcing the Princess into marriage. He is quite sensitive to the issues he witnessed with us. I do not blame him for wishing for a different kind of marriage.”
“We all wish for something different,” King Kobi stated. “There may come a time when we have the luxury of allowing our sons to marry for love. However, that moment has not arrived.”
“It is unfair to put this burden on Jabari, while Dakar will be able to choose his wife free of any concerns for the country.” Queen Ada exhaled.
“It is the price he pays for being the first-born son. His reward for his sacrifice is to become King.” King Kobi stated. “He will rule over the land. At that point, he can change the ways of our people with a wave of his hand. However, for now, we must secure the future for Zyrier.”
Queen Ada took a deep breath. “This is not a plot of yours and Dakar to get access to the diamond mines?”
“I will not lie to you Ada,” King Kobi responded. “The thought of our people living the life of those in Asmere is in the forefront of my mind. Simply working in the mines will improve their economic status. To have a hand in securing access to the mines from our side of the border is quite enticing.”
“So, it is the people you are thinking of and not our own pockets?” Queen Ada held his stare.
King Kobi shrugged. “It is a bit of both.” He admitted.
Queen Ada had a wry smile as she looked away. “You are softening in your manner. There was a time you would have banished me from your presence for questioning your motives.”
“There was a time when you would banish me from your bedchambers.” He smirked. “Those times are no more. We are much stronger united.”
Queen Ada nodded. “I will speak with Jabari. He will make the request of King Aswan.”
“Thank you, my love. Where is he? I will have him summoned.”
“He is working in the fields, today.” Queen Ada announced.
“My son is working the fields?” King Kobi growled.
“It is what he wishes to do,” Queen Ada calmly replied. “He enjoys working with the people.”
King Kobi knew not to challenge his wife when she spoke in a soft tone. All that he had just acquired would be lost if he spoke with the irritation he felt. “I know not why he wishes to do menial labor,” he changed his tone. “We will speak with him during the evening meal.”
“That would be wise my King.”