Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Z saZsa had just disconnected her call with James. He had meetings today so they would not see each other until later in the evening. She wanted to spend every minute possible with him. After graduation, she would be leaving for her homeland. As the time drew near, she was wavering on that decision. All these years her thoughts had been of her country. Finding ways to make the people of Emure’s lives better. Her concentration was on the women, however, the programs she and James designed together could benefit everyone. Teaching them how to build homes could provide a trade for many who had none. Building a school, would benefit both the men and women. At one time ZsaZsa thought to stay for a year to ensure the school system was set up according to her specifications. But now she knew that was not possible. There was no way she could be away from James that long. It was difficult for them when he went away, and she did not want to experience that again.
As she walked down the back staircase for breakfast, she noticed a number of guards outside of LaVeré’s office. They were men she did not recognize.
“ZsaZsa,” she heard a low whisper of her name.
She looked into the kitchen to see Gavin motioning her to come to him.
“Why are you not in school?”
“Shh,” he put his finger up to his lips then pointed toward the office.
She started to walk over to him.
“Princess ZsaZsa.”
ZsaZsa froze then slowly turned to see her brother King Aswan standing in the hallway. He was dressed in all his royal finery, including his headpiece. Why was he here?
She dutifully bowed her head, “King Aswan. I was not aware of your presence.”
“As I ordered,” he replied. “I did not wish to interrupt your rest.”
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” she replied, then looked around, her heart pounding inside her chest. She knew, before he even said a word, he was here to take her home. “Are Mother and Father here as well?”
“No. I am here as your King.”
“Not my brother?” She raised an eyebrow.
“You are to return to Emure at once,” King Aswan stated with finality.
“Has something happened?” She asked, almost afraid of what he may say. “Is Mother well? Is it Father?” She took a step closer.
“They are both well,” he replied.
“Then why are you here?” ZsaZsa’s eyes narrowed.
“To escort you home.”
“I am home,” ZsaZsa said firmly. “However, my plan to return to Emure is scheduled next week after graduation.”
“Your classes are complete, are they not?”
“Yes, I have completed my classes.”
“Then there is no need for you to remain. Your certificate can be forwarded to you.”
“I would prefer to graduate with my classmates.”
“It is not possible. You are to return to Emure now, today.” Aswan countered forcefully.
“Can I not have a moment to say goodbye to my friends,” ZsaZsa requested.
“Do your friends take precedence over your King?” Aswan questioned with an edge to his voice.
ZsaZsa was on the verge of saying yes when Carolyn came down the stairs and walked into the foyer.
“Aswan,” she smiled then walked over to hug him. “Hello. We were not expecting you.”
“Apparently not,” he replied. “Where is my brother?”
Carolyn raised an eyebrow. “Not sure I am liking your tone, Aswan. While you are King in Emure, you are not here in my home. So, let’s try this again. Hello Aswan.”
Aswan smiled. “My apology. Hello Carolyn. I am not used to my inquires being ignored or my commands being questioned.”
“That is quite all right,” she replied. “What inquiry or command are you referring to?”
“I have requested information from ZsaZsa’s on return to Emure several times and have not received a response.”
Carolyn glanced at ZsaZsa for confirmation.
“Well, I was explaining to Aswan that my graduation is next week. I plan to return then.” ZsaZsa replied.
“I am afraid those plans will change. I am here to escort her home.” Aswan informed Carolyn.
“Today?” Carolyn questioned.
“Now.” Aswan replied.
“Can it not wait until after graduation?” ZsaZsa pleaded.
“You have duties at home you must attend to. I have allowed you to stay with our brother for over five years. It is now time for you to return home.”
“At least let this wait until LaVeré returns home. He is away on business but will be back tomorrow.” Carolyn explained.
“LaVeré has no say in this,” Aswan responded then looked at ZsaZsa. “I have given my order. I expect it to be obeyed.”
“I beg to differ,” Carolyn gritted out. “He is her guardian while she is in this country. He has a right to know what has happened to make her presence in Emure mandatory.”
“Yes. What is the urgency?” ZsaZsa questioned.
Aswan walked over to stand directly in front of her. “You dare to question your King?”
ZsaZsa lowered her head. “It was out of line. My apologies. May I request a word with my brother?”
“Your brother and King are one and the same.”
“Hold on here, Aswan,” Carolyn stepped between the two. “Why are you acting so rude? Why is there a contingency of guards in my home? Has there been another uprising?” She asked somewhat concerned.
“No, they are here to ensure my orders are carried out.” Aswan replied.
Carolyn frowned. “You brought armed men into our home to stand against LaVeré? He is your brother for God’s sake. You would turn an army on your own brother? What in the hell is wrong with you?”
“My brother has made it very clear he wishes for ZsaZsa to remain here in the United States. That is no longer an option. She is to return to Emure.”
“And who is going to protect her there…you?”
“Emure is her home. She does not need protection there.”
“Like hell she doesn’t,” Carolyn stepped closer to him.
Two of his guards moved towards her. Aswan raised his hand to stop them.
“Don’t you go near my mother,” Gavin walked over to Carolyn. She grabbed his arm. “Go call LaVeré.”
“He is to remain in my sight until I take my leave.” Aswan stated. “This is the rebellion I anticipated. It is the reason I came in person to retrieve you.”
“Retrieve me?” ZsaZsa frowned. “I am not a toy for a dog to retrieve. I am your sister.”
“One who has forgotten her place,” Aswan snapped back. “You are to come with me now.” He turned to one of his men. “Prepare the transportation.”
“Now wait a minute,” Carolyn insisted. “Just wait. I want to make sure I am very clear here. ZsaZsa, do you wish to leave with him?”
“Her wish is of no importance to me. I have given her a command. Need I remind you of the consequences of disobedience to your King?”
“Did you just threaten your sister?” Carolyn walked in front of ZsaZsa in a protective manner.
“It sounded like a threat to me,” Gavin stood next to them.
“In this country when you force someone to leave their home it is called kidnapping. Are you now joining ranks with your brother in using such tactics?” Carolyn hissed.
“I am not…” Aswan hesitated then exhaled. “I am not forcing her. I am her King. I have given her a command. I expect it to be obeyed. If you continue to interfere my men will take steps to ensure my command is followed. You have a son and a younger child to consider.”
“You did not just threaten my children… your nephew. Now you have gone too far,” Carolyn walked towards him.
Aswan snapped his fingers. Two guards walked over and took Carolyn by the arms. Gavin jumped on the back of one of the guards.
“Stop!” ZsaZsa yelled. “Release them.”
“Princess ZsaZsa. You have been given a command I expect you to obey.” Aswan ordered.
ZsaZsa lowered her head. “May I not pack my things?”
“They will be sent to you,” Aswan indicated.
“Very well,” ZsaZsa agreed without further resistance and looked at Carolyn. “Please,” tears were on the brims of her eyes. “Please tell James I must go.”
“ZsaZsa,” Carolyn reached for her. She hugged her tightly. “I will. Don’t you worry I will make sure LaVeré knows what happened here today.” She then glared at Aswan. “I will also inform the President that war has been declared.”
“This is not war Carolyn.” Aswan objected. “This is a family affair. One that you know nothing of. One day your husband will remember his culture and teach you.”
“It was your culture that sent your brother to me,” Carolyn replied. “You may want to take heed, Aswan. Your countrymen and women are uprising against you. You will need your brother to intercede again.”
“And as he did before, he will come to protect his people.” Aswan stated. “You are now his wife. It would be prudent to learn the ways of his country. I will now take my leave.”
Nailah and Sabra appeared. “May we accompany Princess ZsaZsa home?” Sabra respectfully inquired.
Aswan nodded.
ZsaZsa looked over her shoulder at Carolyn and Gavin. “I love you both.” She said as tears streamed down her face.
“We love you too, ZsaZsa.” Carolyn replied.
“We are going to get you back, ZsaZsa,” Gavin called out as the men left.
“Call James, while I call LaVeré,” Carolyn rushed to get her phone. “Then I’m going to call JD.”