Chapter Four

Mamkhulu was sure that the letter would get lost in the mail so she requested an email address so they could respond to the letter that was sent by Sbu’s family. The date was set for two weeks after that meeting we had at headquarters. No lobola has been paid yet, only damages. My parents were not interested in discussing marriage while Sbu’s uncles insisted that it was important and that it had to happen. They tried to convince my parents that Sbu loves me and he’d be able to take care of me and my baby but the Mnguni-Zwane family would not let up. But apparently Sbu’s family was convincing enough for my mother to agree to their offer to host us for a week so we can meet Sbu’s parents and decide if their living conditions would be conducive for a baby. So here I am, six weeks pregnant and on my way from King Shaka International Airport to Emabomvini. We’re travelling in two rental cars; my parents in their white Range Rover and I’m travelling with Nkosana and Nonhle and their parents in their black Range Rover. Mamkhulu hired Range Rovers because she thought we’d be driving on rocky terrain, gravel roads… rural vibes, you know. Sbu was also very elusive about how we’d get to Emabomvini from the airport, he said we should just type the name of the place into the navigator and that there’d be a young light-skinned girl with cornrows in a green dress waiting for us when we reach the sign that says Welcome to Emabomvini. I chose to travel with Mamkhulu because there’s still quite a lot of animosity between my mother and I. Also, I get to bond with my siblings. We’re on the road for about an hour and like 15 minutes before we are greeted by the large green welcome sign.

“Looks like this is it.” Nkosana’s dad says as he pulls over. There’s a boom gate and everything, this area looks so secluded. We can’t even see beyond the sign.

“Hmm, Ntando… is this like a concentration camp?” Nonhle asks, looking rather concerned. “Mara bo Ntando, la di yetsa.”

“Shut up, it’s not that bad.” I say, trying to convince myself.

“How can you say that, you can’t see beyond this billboard they call a welcome sign.” Nonhle says and we laugh.

“My, my, my… what have we here?” Nkosana says, suddenly fixating his eyes out the window. We follow his eyes and spot the girl that Sbu had described. She walks up to the driver’s seat and Nkosana’s dad opens the window.

“Sanibonani, are you the Mnguni-Zwane family?” she asks with quite the accent, really. Not that deep, rural Zulu accent that my cousins from KwaMashu have. She sounds more like us… which is weird. But then again, Sbu also sounds like us. Maybe they go to school in the ‘burbs, we shall soon find out.

“Yes, we are.” Nkosana’s dad says. He is now out of the car and is shaking hands with the girl. “I’m Trevor Zwane.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr Zwane. My name is Thandeka and I’ll be at your service for the duration of your stay. May I get into the car so I can direct you?” she asks. Nkosana is still drooling and his mother is annoyed, to say the least.

“Yes, Nkosana please get into the other car so Thandeka can travel with us.” Mamkhulu says. Nkosana tries to protest, insisting that the car is big enough to accommodate all of us but nobody argues with Mamkhulu. Once Nkosana is in the car with my parents and Thandeka has settled in with us, she presses a button on a remote and the boom gate opens, then she instructs Nkosana’s dad to drive straight. Once we are well past the boom gate, we are able to see Emabomvini for what it really is: lush and green and beautiful. There are vast stretches of fields with people working and tractors and livestock. There are mountains and a waterfall. It’s like a proper resort.

“This is a very beautiful village.” Mamkhulu says as she takes in the scenery. I can already imagine the pictures I’m going to take here.

“Oh no, it’s not a village. It’s a kingdom.” Thandeka says matter-of-factly. “Turn left at the T-junction.”

I see Mamkhulu raise her eyebrow. She does this when she thinks someone is being unnecessary. I agree with her. All kingdoms in Africa are villages, I mean… but I suppose she gets paid for that.

“So, Thandeka, you said you’d be at our service?” Nonhle asks.

“Yes.” Thandeka replies.

“Do all visitors have a helper? Is that something you do around here?” Nonhle asks, trying very hard to choose her words. My poor little sister, she feels like she owes the world an apology for being born rich. She’s always over-compensating and trying not to sound like a snob and, and, and…

“Not everyone. Just visitors of the Ngubane family.” Thandeka says. Hey, we’re visitors of the Ngubane family. “Take the second right turn and drive ahead until you’re outside the gate.”

The gate Thandeka is talking about is huge and, again, we cannot see beyond it.

“What’s so special about the Ngubane family? Are they, like, important?” Nonhle asks.

“Yes.” Thandeka replies. When we’re close enough to the gate, Thandeka presses another button on the same remote and the gate opens slowly. As soon as we drive in, we are in full view of a palace-like mansion. Mamkhulu takes off her shades and turns to look at Thandeka.

“Are we at the right place?” she asks.

“Yes, ma’am. All visitors must meet and greet the royal family upon arrival.” Thandeka says. “Please turn left for parking.”

“You know, Ntando, I think we’re going to be pleasantly surprised this week. I don’t think Sbu’s family is as broke as your mom thinks they are.” Nonhle says. Honestly, having seen what I’ve seen so far, I think she’s right. This place – although it’s so remote and rural – looks pretty well-off. I don’t think anyone here is struggling – not even Thandeka who appears to be some sort of royal servant girl. Once both cars have parked, she tells us to follow her towards the entrance. When my parents and Nkosana see us getting out of the car, they follow suit and we all walk along the paved walkway until we are outside the front door. There are only two guards who seem to be patrolling. And they don’t even look like guards, they’re literally wearing track pants and t-shirts in the same shade of green as Thandeka’s dress. Thandeka presses another button and a few minutes later, the door is opened by a middle-aged man in jeans and green golf shirt. Green seems to be the colour around here, to match the lush greenery perhaps.

“Sanibonani, siyanemukela ebukhosini baseMabomvini. My name is Delani, the Royal Advisor to the King.” The middle-aged man says as he comes and shakes all of our hands, flashing me an especially broad smile. I think he knows me, but how? Or maybe he’s just a creepy old man who likes young girls. I mean, besides a little weight gain, you can’t tell I’m pregnant yet so I’m still very beautiful. Not that pregnant women are ugly but you know what I mean.

“Allow me to introduce the royal family.” he says and then six people walk out of the house. It seems so rehearsed, all of it. Is this really what the royal family does every time there are visitors here? There’s a middle-aged man dressed in a suit followed by a woman who is slightly younger than him in a knee-length bodycon dress followed by… wait… is that Sbu? It is Sbu. And now we, the Mnguni-Zwane family, are all giving each other inquisitive looks. Is it possible that I’m pregnant and I barely even know the father of my child because he’s been super-ultra secretive and coming across as something he isn’t? Why do I suddenly feel betrayed? Anyway, next to Sibusiso are three other people who appear to be younger than him. They appear to be standing in age order or something. Once they are all standing there, Delani clears his throat and starts speaking again.

“King Phathizwe Ngubane, Inkosi yaseMabomvini.” Delani says and the middle-aged man in a suit comes towards us and shakes our hands one at a time, giving Nonhle and me hugs. Weird. I’m still focused on Sibusiso, trying to figure out how I could’ve missed the fact that my boyfriend is royalty.

“Queen Sizakele Ngubane kaMahlase, Indlovukazi yaseMabomvini.” Delani says and the woman does what her husband just did, rubbing our shoulders and telling us how welcome we are. She stops when she gets to me.

“kaMalandela, welcome. I am very pleased to finally meet you, ubuhle obungaka!” she gives me a hug. I don’t know how to respond and I can’t help to notice Mamkhulu and my mother simultaneously roll their eyes.

“Prince Sibusiso Ngubane, Inkosana yaseMabomvini.” Delani continues and Sbu awkwardly moves forward to greet my parents.

“A whole prince, huh? The plot thickens.” Nonhle says. My handshake with Sbu is brief and awkward and I cannot even bring myself to look at him. It’s weird, thinking of him as royalty. As a person with such status. A person who is called out to greet guests in his father’s kingdom. I feel so little. And to think my parents thought we were going to be poverty-stricken.

“Princess Sibusisekile Ngubane, Inkosazana yaseMabomvini.” Delani says and forward comes Sbu’s twin sister. I’ve seen her in pictures, she and his other siblings. He just forgot to mention that they’re a bunch of princes and princesses. Sibusisekile looks just like Sbu, as do his other siblings, and they look more like their mom. She’s brief and polite with everyone, with her heavy make-up and unnecessarily high stilettos.

“Prince Muziwenkosi Ngubane, Inkosana yaseMabomvini.” Delani continues and I’m already over this. By the time the 16-year-old last of the four royal children, Princess Thokozani, is done greeting us I am starving and need to sit down. We get escorted into the palace and ushered into the dining room. There is a long dining table, I suppose the Ngubane family is big on entertainment. There are already place cards on the table: the King is at the head of the table and his Queen sits on his left, Sibusiso sits on his right. They placed me next to Sbu which is awkward now because I’m kind of not talking to him. Once we’ve sat down, we’re offered juice and the King proposes a toast.

“Firstly, welcome to our kingdom and to our humble home. We will try by all means to be hospitable. We do not view you as guests because soon you will be family. Please enjoy the meal as we get acquainted. Lunch is served.” He says. He speaks with such authority, much like my father these past few weeks. I wonder if Sbu’s mom is also like that or if she’s more soft spoken. Come to think of it, Sbu’s dad kind of reminds me of Mamkhulu. They command respect so effortlessly. Lunch is chicken stew and rice, which the Queen prepared herself apparently. She also explained that she chose a simple meal because she wasn’t sure of what we’d like and what we wouldn’t… and who doesn’t like good old chicken and rice?

“Is something wrong with your food, dear?” the Queen asks, snatching me from my thoughts. I’ve been so preoccupied, I didn’t even realise I’ve been playing with my food. Suddenly, I’m embarrassed and at a loss for words.

“Uhm…” is all that escapes my trembling lips. Never in my entire life have I felt so intimidated. Yes, I can see it’s just Sbu and his family and they’re wealthy human beings just like us, but this issue of royal status… man, it just makes them seem so surreal. And to think that I’m carrying one of them. I have a royal baby growing in me and suddenly I’m intimidated by that, too.

“I think maybe she needs to lie down. I mean, they have been travelling for long.” Sibusisekile says, coming to my rescue.

“Of course.” The Queen says before she presses a button on a remote I didn’t even realise she’d been holding. Has she been holding it? Or was it on the table? Soon after that, Thandeka walks into the dining room.

“Sorry for interrupting your meal, Thandeka, but could you please show kaMalandela to her room.” She says before I get up and follow Thandeka. So, I take it I will be referred to by my clan name while I am here. Thandeka leads me down a very long corridor from the dining room, up the stairs, down another corridor and gestures to a door on the far right.

“This is where you will rest.” She says. “Do you need anything? Water, perhaps?”

“No, thank you. Uhm… I think I’ll be fine.” I say, not sure if I should smile or not. I’m not used to having a helper. It’s strange, I know, because we’re a wealthy family. But my mom and Mamkhulu both tend to their homes themselves. Before Thandeka leaves, she hands me a remote.

“This is for you. Press number 1 if you need me for anything.” She says and then walks swiftly in the opposite direction. I am then left alone to explore this bedroom. It’s pretty simple, but pretty huge. The walls are white, there are two double beds at opposite ends of the room and a sizeable closet at the foot of each bed. I take it I’ll be sharing, then. I hope I’m not sharing with Thandeka, that would be awkward. She seems like a nice girl and she really could be my age, but I don’t think we’re at the room-sharing stage. This bed is so comfortable and the linen is extremely soft. Probably the reason I didn’t realise that I dozed off until I hear a knock on the door. For a moment, I cannot quite remember where I am. All I know is that this isn’t my room – it isn’t either of my rooms. Another knock startles me from my thoughts and the door opens slowly.

“Sibusiso.” I say as I sit up and clear my throat. He walks in and sits next to me on the bed. He’s quiet for a while and avoids eye-contact, so I follow suit – keeping my eyes fixated on the wall in front of me. Nothing like a plain white wall to distract you.

“How are you feeling?” he asks eventually, still staring at his hands.

“Fine.” Is all I say.

“I’m sorry about all of this… the secrecy and everything.”

I shrug, not much I can do about it now, is there? And honestly, I’m not even upset about it. I’m just suffering from a mild case of culture shock. I’ve never been in the presence of royalty before… well, knowingly. Turns out I’ve been dating a prince for a whole year now and I didn’t even know. He looks at me, almost pleadingly. I turn to look at him and we lock eyes for a moment. I am overwhelmed by him all over again, it reminds of our first date… our first kiss. The sincerity in his eyes, the fullness of his lips… I’m in trouble with this one, I can’t even sulk for a day without him effortlessly making me melt. I can’t help but smile as I take hold of his hand. Relief washes over his face as mine softens.

“So, my prince, why don’t you show me around?” I say and his eyes light up.

It’s dark outside by the time Sbu and I return to the palace. Emabomvini is a beautiful place, I still don’t know why they’re not open to the public. They’d make a killing with tourists. But then again, I suppose it’s a matter of keeping it sacred. Commerce tends to ruin things, sometimes.

“Oh, there you are. I was starting to wonder.” Sbu’s dad says when he sees us walking into the lounge. I swear, I am going to get lost in this place. It’s all long passages and huge doors.

“Looks like they’re all getting along pretty well.” Sbu whispers in my ear, referring to his parents who are sitting and having a very loud conversation with my parents (all four of them). I wonder where my siblings are.

“Did you enjoy your tour, kaMalandela?” Sbu’s mom asks. Again, Mamkhulu rolls her eyes at the use of my clan name. Sbu and I are still standing awkwardly at the entrance of the lounge, not sure if we should sit and join the adults in their conversation. Technically, we’re in the same league as them… or will be soon. We’ll be married and we’ll be parents. Surely, I wouldn’t be expected to hang out with Nonhle then? Not that mind hanging out with her, but it’s all about levels. Isn’t it?

“I did. It’s a very beautiful place, you’ve got here.” I say, seemingly having found my voice around these people.

“Come take a seat, you must be exhausted.” She says, gesturing to me to share the couch with her. Mamkhulu’s face has changes suddenly, like she’s just remembered that she’s not visiting one of her rich friends. Like she’s just remembered the reason we’re all here in the middle of nowhere in the first place. I really am the family disgrace, the one who didn’t make it to 21 before the world caught up with her. The one who didn’t wait for marriage. I mean, granted, my mother married a married man but at least she waited for marriage before they had me. I think Sbu senses my reluctance to join on the adult conversation.

“Actually, bengithi it would be good for Ntando to get acquainted with people closer to her age. If you don’t mind.” He says and his mom nods approvingly. He then takes hold of my hand and leads me back outside. We walk for a while until we reach an array of cottages behind the main house. Staff quarters, maybe?

“So many cottages.” I say.

“One for each staff member.” He says as he knocks on one of the doors. It opens and we are greeted by Thandeka’s broad smile.

“Hey, the King and Queen are here.” She says to everyone before letting Sbu and me in.

“Wow, so this is where the party’s at. Have a seat, baby.” He says as he hands me a chair. Seemingly, the last vacant chair. In here, there’s Nkosana and Nonhle as well as Sbu’s siblings and Thandeka. I must say, this cottage is quite spacious and I can see a door leading to an en-suite bathroom in the corner of my eye. I’m trying to look around without actually looking around.

“Sis, did you know you’re gonna be the Queen?” Nonhle asks me. I just laugh it off. What even is she talking about?

“Of course, she knows. Even if she didn’t know before today, she is well-aware that she’s dating the first born son of a king.” Thokozani says. I think she and Nonhle have found companionship in each other, seeing as they’re the kids in this room.

“Never mind dating, she’s carrying precious cargo. Royal cargo.” Muzi says and the whole room breaks into laughter. It’s just me sitting here awkwardly trying to make sense of my life… the life that is seemingly funny to everyone else.

“Are you feeling better?” Sibusisekile asks with her hand on my knee. Sbu quickly but gently removes her hand from my knee and she rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, I think the fresh air helped.” I say. Thandeka opens the cupboard and hands me a packet of chips. I won’t say no, this girl did not have lunch with everyone else. She was too busy being hormonal.

“You’re lucky, you know? She genuinely likes you.” Thokozani says, almost begrudgingly but maybe I’m imagining it.

“Who?” I ask.

“My mother.” For some reason, she emphasises the ‘my’ as if we accused her of being illegitimate. “She made a whole fuss about you coming.”

Okay, there are a lot of underlying implications at play here and I really will not be the one who stirs that pot. I just sit there and stuff my face with salt and vinegar chips, waiting for absolutely anyone to change the topic before I learn about my boyfriend’s sister’s mommy issues.

“It’s true, though, uNdlunkulu doesn’t usually approve of Sbu’s girlfriends.” Thandeka says. Okay, I guess we’re not changing the subject.

“Or Busi’s.” Muzi says and laughs. Nonhle widens her eyes.

“Oh? I didn’t realise it was that kind of party.” She says to Busi (Sibusisekile) who blushes. I think she’s just blushing generally, I don’t think she has a crush on my 16-year-old sister.

“You’re awfully quiet, Nkosana. What’s up?” I ask, nudging him gently. He just shakes his head and continues sipping his juice. I know this. This means he doesn’t want to talk in front of all of these people. I’m sure he’ll pull me aside when we get the chance and tell me exactly what’s on his mind. Just then, we hear a beeping sound. It’s coming from Thandeka’s remote.

“Ahh, duty calls. Sorry guys, party’s over.” She says. We all clear out of Thandeka’s cottage and make our way to the dining room. I’m surprised the people in this family aren’t obese because the meals they have are heavy. Or maybe they’re just trying extra hard to impress my parents so they’ll allow me to get married. Either way, I need to watch my consumption while I’m here otherwise, I’ll turn into an elephant before I even start showing.

*****

It’s 4:15am and I am craving maple syrup. No pancakes, just syrup. It’s still very dark outside and I fear what might happen if I turn the lights on and disturb Nonhle’s deep sleep. We once had a shoe-throwing incident because of that back home and I don’t think I have the energy for that now. I’m just going to have to navigate this house alone. I roll out of bed slowly, put my slippers on and tiptoe out the door and down the passage. The lights in the passage are sensory and the sudden brightness startles me. Hmm, at least it’s not an alarm and at least I don’t have to sneak around in the dark. What am I doing sneaking around my boyfriend’s home at 4 in the morning, anyway? All because of maple syrup? Do they even have maple syrup here? It takes me about ten minutes to find my way to the kitchen, bright lights shaking me up every step of the way. The kitchen, of course, is a maze on its own. The fridge seems like the natural starting point – sure, keeping syrup in the fridge is weird but there’s only one fridge unlike the fifteen cupboards here. Wow, I have never seen this much bottled water in one place. Maybe some of it is vodka… Nkosana and I used to steal Mamkhulu’s vodka when we were like 16 and immature.

“Hungry?” a voice says from behind me, startling me so much that I hit my forehead on the fridge door trying to close it too quickly. It’s Sbu’s dad. “Hey, careful.”

I keep my head bowed, afraid to make eye contact. How does one even behave after being caught snooping in the king’s fridge?

“Uhm… I just wanted some syrup.” I say. There’s really no point in lying.

“In the fridge? Who keeps syrup in the fridge?” he laughs as he makes his way to one of the cupboards and returns with a bottle of maple syrup. Hmm, the King knows his way around the kitchen – that’s not something we can say about a lot of men. But then again, this place has done nothing but dismantle stereotypes and we’ve only been here for a day. He hands me the bottle.

“That’s definitely Sbu’s baby with the sweet tooth.” He laughs. I laugh at that as well. Sbu does love sugar, if I’m honest. “Are you okay?”

Whoa, here I thought I was just going to take my syrup and go but it seems we’re having a conversation.

“Uhm… yes, I’m okay. Thank you for asking.” I say, still not sure of what to look at really.

“So, you don’t feel pressured into getting married or anything?” he asks and my head shoots up. Now I am looking at him.

“I don’t understand…”

“Lalela, Ntando… Sibusiso is my son. I know he can be bossy and controlling at times.”

I am doing a very horrible job of hiding the shock on my face. In the year that I’ve known Sbu, I haven’t known him to be bossy and controlling. Is this something I should look out for? No… I think maybe my strong personality defused that bomb early in our relationship.

“Cha, Baba, he hasn’t been bossy or controlling towards me. I don’t feel pressured at all.” I say.

“Well, your relationship is still fairly new even though you have a baby on the way and could possibly be getting married. But if you say you’re okay, then it’s fine. Just take care of yourself. Don’t count on Sbu to do that.” he says before grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and walking out of the kitchen. I don’t understand this family at all. They’ve literally been plastered with perfect smiles all day trying to convince my parents that me marrying Sbu would be the best decision and now his own dad is telling me that Sbu won’t take care of me? Sbu literally told me he’d take care of me. What is even going on here?

I am awoken by the harsh rays of sunshine that come streaming through the bedroom window. Sbu is in my room… opening the curtains. He turns around and immediately looks disappointed by the frown with which his beaming smile is met.

“Sorry, baby. But it’s time to wake up.” He says as he sits on the bed and kisses my forehead.

“What time is it?” I ask, I can see Nonhle’s bed is already made.

“It’s almost 11, your mom is embarrassed for you.” He says, laughing. I don’t know what’s funny, really but he’s laughing.

“She shouldn’t be, I wake up at this time all the time.” I say. It’s a lie. Insomnia is my middle name – Ntandokazi Insomnia Mnguni. The only reason I slept so late is the fact that I couldn’t sleep after my conversation with Sbu’s dad. I didn’t even eat the syrup. All I could think about was what he meant when he said I couldn’t count on Sbu to take care of me. I mean, Sbu is rich. And he loves me. He is perfectly capable of taking care of me. But is he willing? Surely, he is… I mean he asked me to marry him.

“Hey, did you hear a word I said?” he snatches me from my thoughts.

“Do you think capability guarantees willingness?” I ask, absent-mindedly.

“What…?”

I can see the genuine confusion in his eyes so I decide to let it go. I might gather the courage to pick this conversation up with the person who started it in the first place. I think I need to know if I’m making a mistake well in advance.

“Nothing. Let me go freshen up and I’ll join you in a bit.”

Okay. I know that if my boyfriend’s father is warning me about him, I should probably listen. But Sbu is so pure, man. He’s so genuine and he loves me. How can I possibly doubt him now? Besides, there is no version of this story in which I raise this baby alone. No matter what happens. Sibusiso Ngubane will do right by me. Ngeke phela.

*****

I’ve basically spent the whole week trying to avoid Sbu’s dad and not finishing my food. Nkosana and I never got to speak but I’m hoping we will today when we get home. We’re getting ready to leave Emabomvini and Sbu’s mom has suddenly become so clingy. She insisted on watching a movie with me last night, we watched a musical. I didn’t enjoy it but I wanted to see how far she’d go. This morning she was singing one of the songs at breakfast. Sbu, on the other hand, has compiled a list of names that he’d like and he asked me to add to it. I am worried about my siblings, though. They seem different from when we arrived and I don’t mean that in a good way. I don’t know if Nkosana suffered from a culture shock or if he’s genuinely upset about something – I am yet to find out. And I’m pretty sure Nonhle is trying to experiment with Busi. Ever since we found out Busi is lesbian that afternoon in Thandeka’s cottage, Nonhle has been particularly friendly and clingy towards Busi. I’d love to see how Mamkhulu would react to her precious princess being lesbian. She’d probably still get off easier than I did, just like how Nkosana got a slap on the wrist for buying his ex-girlfriend expensive lingerie.

“Do you have to go?” Sbu asks me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.

“I do. I have school. Besides, I’m not your wife yet.” I say. “Did they say when the lobola negotiations would be?”

He sighs loudly and lets go of my waist, moving swiftly to sit on the bed so that he’s facing me.

“Your parents are stalling. I need you to do something about that.”

“What? What can I possibly do?”

“Don’t raise your voice. All I’m saying is, convince them to do this sooner rather than later. That’s all I’m saying.”

He walks out of the room, seemingly frustrated. What is he frustrated about? I should be frustrated because he’s putting pressure on… oh damn, there it is.