15 ANOTHER ONE

The rest of the journey was uneventful and in no time we arrived at the second kingdom. In as much as this is a life changing journey, l cant help but feel grateful that l get to travel and meet different kingdoms. Who knows if l would have been fortunate enough, had l still had my memories

Rose had mentioned before we departed that the next kingdom we were to visit is the Zlele Kingdom which is governed by a woman, Queen Gomotshego. Her story is quite remarkable and makes me wish for a success story quite liker hers

As Rose tells it, she is the first born child of her predecessors. In a time when women were not seen as fit to rule and men were the desirable first born children, her mother, quite extraordinary as well gave birth to her and was seen as the worst disappointment since the great famine that took many lives. Her husband was encouraged, more like given an ultimatum by his council to take a second wife should she fail to give him a son

The man did not take lightly to this and got rid of his council and appointed one that was inclusive of women as well. After the birth of his daughter, he started to learn the of women and wanted to help empower them so that his daughter would grow up to be proud of him

However just as things were looking up, his very pregnant wife was killed, and unfortunately the child died as well. Queen Gomotshego's father was devastated and vowed to avenge his wife's death. A short while later he too died, leaving her alone. Luckily for her the council his father had appointed were good to her and helped equip her for the role she was destined for

Today she stands as the first ever female leader whose husband is in the sidelines and she makes all the decisions regarding her kingdom. She now has two children of her own and a husband who loves her

"Do you think she tried to avenge her mother?" l ask Rose not realising that the car door is wide open and l am the only person from the travel party who still remains in the car

"Rose?" l call out for her but l don't get a response and instead a boy who looks my age comes to my aid and offers me his hand to exit the car

"Hi, my name is Thami" he says outstretching his hand for a handshake and l meet him halfway. His hand is very soft and if l had to take a guess l would say he has never worked a day in his life. But what men do. All they know how to do is boss everyone around and expect all their needs to be taken care of by everyone else around them, especially women. A very old and apparent tactic of trying to constantly oppress women

"Hi, Akia"

"Ahh, the famous Akia. When l was told that we were having visitors, l never expected to see the woman who has been causing so much unrest within the council and community. I must say that the whispers don't do you any justice" he says and the word council piques my interest

"you are a part of the royal council?"

"there you two are. Akia, l apologise for leaving you alone but l thought that you were right behind me" Rose says coming over to where we are standing

"Don't worry about it, Thami came to my rescue" at this she turns to look beside me but finds no one

"who is that?" she asks surprised to hear that there was someone beside me before her sudden appearance

"he was right here"

"let's get inside. we don't want to keep the Queen waiting" she says grabbing my hand and dragging me inside while l helplessly look around for the man who was by my side when l was left alone and l too find no trace of him. Could l have imagined it? but how so when my eyes were wide open and l was wide awake

With Rose dragging me inside, l didn't get the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the palace. There were a lot of paintings from what l could see and unlike the two palaces l have been to, this on seemed lively and welcoming. The colours were bright and the natural lights made the palace more inviting. You could tell that love lives here

"Your majesty" Rose says letting go of my hand and bowing before the royals. Standing in front of us is the Queen and her husband, with her daughter besides them

"Your majesty" l copy what Rose has done to show respect to them so that they don't feel threatened or undermined in their own home

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Akia. I am Queen Gomotshego and next to me is my husband King Thamsanqa and our beautiful daughter Aviwe" she says introducing the royal party and l bow once again to acknowledge her power over me

"Lunch is ready" she says and we all follow after her. Rose and l trail behind a little and l use that moment to ask the question that has been on my mind

"l thought that you said she has a daughter and a son,, why did we only meet the daughter?" l ask her and her face suddenly falls. I can already tell that what is about to follow will not be good news

"he died two years ago" she says and l can't help the gasp that escapes my mouth making everyone turn back to look at me questioningly

"l apologise for that, l almost tripped on my own two feet" and with that they resume walking and their conversation

The dining room is large and filled with servants ready to bow at their masters feet and make her feel like the most respected woman on the planet. Food is laid out on the table and the smell makes my stomach cry out in hunger. I can hear the princess snicker behind her hand and the Queen smiles and gives the green light for us all to dig in