“Mrs Mohale… Mofomahadi… good morning”, I hear a voice say. I know it’s Ona, but I’m tired.
“What do you want?” I ask him.
He pulls the blankets off my body and a cold chill breezes over my body.
“Ona? Keng?” I’m actually quite irritated.
“I want us to go out for breakfast together. Please?” He says.
“What time is it?”
“6am?”
“What breakfast restaurant is open 6am?”
“You clearly forget who you are married to. I make things happen. Please just come with me. We have thirty minutes. Please.”

I begrudgingly get out of bed and head to the bathroom. He is laughing at me. Is this the thanks that I get for giving him nice sex last night?
I take a shower.
While I take a shower, I need to tell you about the changes that have happened in our lives.
Lineo is Ona’s ex that nobody likes or takes seriously. And I’ve seen why.
She basically sold her children to us.
We gave her R500 000 and she let us have the kids. But you know me. I don’t trust anything that comes from Ona’s choice in women. I made her sign agreement and adoption papers, so tomorrow she cannot wake up sober and claim her kids from me. Lulu is their “legal” mother. It could never be me and we all know that.
It turns out that Lineo was in a lot of trouble with hectic drug people because she ran up her bill with all the drugs that she’d been taking from them. I offered to pay for her to go to rehab because shame, she’s such a skepcel. But nope, moghel told me that she is not a junkie. I have different views considering that she traded her children for R500 000 and I can bet another R500 000 that she is going to use all of that money for a fix.
The boys are lovely though.
They’ve had run-ins with Ona and Khotso, mostly. That’s because the four of them are the same person and it’s actually scary. It once got to a point where Ona hit Mohato. Mohato has the biggest mouth, but Reahile has the most effective mouth. He speaks and it’s enough to send someone to a mental institution. But they are building. The boys are trusting us. They trust our intentions. They trust our love for them. It’s getting better.

I walk into the walk-in closet and just get a simple white sleeveless maxi dress. My weave is sown in, so I just brush it, wear my sneakers then make my way downstairs where Ona is sitting.
“You look beautiful”, he says to me.
I look at him and smile.
He is wearing denim pants and a white hemp.
He walks up to me then takes my hand.
I follow him to a picnic set-up in one of the royal gardens. I look at him and smile. He kisses me.
“Where’s your ring?” He asks me.
I forgot to put it on.
“I was too sleepy.” I say.
He shakes his head and laughs. Then he says, “As long as you wear it to work. I’ve seen how hot you are when you go to the office.”
I laugh.

We sit within the picnic set-up. I sit between his legs. Why is Ona feeling so lovey dovey today? I never expect such things from him. They catch me off guard all the time when they happen.

“Is everything okay, my love?” I ask him.
“I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for always stepping up. Thank you for always being the queen I need you to be. You know, since we assumed the roles of king and queen, we haven’t really had sufficient time for each other. But you’ve done so well in showing up for me. I wanted to say thank you and show you that you are appreciated.” He says.
“Ona, why do you want me to cry?”
He laughs.
“I love you, Ona. Yes, I know what I’ve come here to do. I know I’m not the bride you chose, but I’m rather the bride you were given. I can’t help how I feel and things that are important to you are important to me. Even the kids. I may not always show it, but, they are important.” I say.
He kisses my forehead.
“No matter what, we will always have each other, right?” He says.
“You have my word”, I say.
We sit in silence for a while.
Then he says, “Reahile and Mohato have asked to meet Pelo.”
What?!
“You’ve told them about Pelo?”
“Yes. I’m not going to hide her. She’s their sister. Even Mohale, Tholoana and Lefatselabarena know about her.”
I’m quiet.
“Baby?”
“Ona, you are moving too fast for me with this Pelo thing.” I say.
He’s quiet.
“I don’t know what to say”, I tell him.
“I understand. It’s her birthday this weekend. Khotso and I thought it would be great if we had a birthday party for her. We will take all the kids there to meet her and celebrate her birthday with her at the centre.” He says.
I start crying. This situation with Pelo makes me so vulnerable that I actually hate it.
“Mama and Lulu will be coming with us. We would love for you to come with us. But if you can’t, we will understand.” He says.
I cry in his arms.

…

I am now getting ready for work and Ona is also getting ready for his day ahead. Today, I’ve decided to wear a body-hugging formal dress. It is a black dress. I’m wearing pantihose with this dress and black heels. Then, I wear a long yellow blazer jacket. The blazer’s length is up to my knees.
“Baby, do you have to look this hot every time you go to work?” Ona says to me.
I just laugh and leave the bedroom because I know that when he starts speaking like this, he wants sex. And I’m going to be late for work.
He looks nice too. He is in a classic black Italian suit today, looking like a snack of note.

As we make our way to breakfast, I ask him, “Baby, what are your plans for today?”
We are actually holding hands. He is so clingy today.
“I’m flying out to South Africa for some meetings. Fortunately, I’m flying with Khotso. Today, he will be in Johannesburg and I will be in Cape Town. Mama and Lulu are going to the court under the tree sessions to deal with people stealing each other’s’ cows as well as all these other things that they are having issues with.” He says. I chuckle at the way that he says it.
“Please leave your Wednesday morning open. Both you and Khotso.” I say.
“I’ll check in on our calendars. But why? What’s happening?”
“Remember the community hospital that I opened in Merementse? The one with private facilities and care, but is free for the community?”
“Yeah…”
“Well, I’ve been working on a project to improve Healthcare under your leadership, morena waka.”
He blushes.
“I found key international sponsors to assist my budget at the health department and the royal house to build more of these hospitals. We only have to pay them back by making the system work. We need to deliver the world class health system. My team and I have been building – working with Tebza’s and Maboko’s company – and on Wednesday, two hospitals will be ready to be opened.”
He pauses and looks at me.
“You didn’t even mention this to me, love”, he says.
“You were busy and I thought I should be so much more than just the woman you come home and ejaculate inside of after a long day.” I say.
He kisses me. He says, in between his kisses, “You are the best”.
I smile.
He’s still brushing my lips.
“Hai! There is staff and children all around you. Go back to your rooms for privacy!” Mme-mofomahadi says.
“Sorry”, Ona says.
But we all chuckle then get to the dining table.

Today is Mohato’s and Reahile’s first day at school. They look good in their uniform. Ona greets them so beautifully with a bromance hug. They were chatting to Khotso and Lulu. Then the boys hug me and say good morning.
We greet everyone at the table. Even Mohale and Tholoana hug me now. They are not as cold as they used to be.
Mohato and Reahile look a bit down..

After we have filled up our plates with food, I ask them, “Are you guys okay?”
“My mom said she would be here today to see us off to school. Now, she’s not here and we cannot reach her. Her phone is off.” Mohato says.
I look at Ona. I want him to say something that will make them feel better. We all know I’m not good at that.
“I tracked her down on the FindMyPhone app. It says she’s in Nigeria. I think she’s gone back to the dealer that once wanted to put us out of our house.” Reahile says.
Difebe tsa-Ona mara. Yerrr!

“Guys, I’m sorry that you are feeling and being disappointed right now. Askies hle. You know it hurts us when you guys hurt, right?” Lulu begins.
The boys are not responsive.
“Today is your first day to another exciting part of your life. We are here for you guys and we want to chat to you about it, celebrate with you guys and overwhelm you with tons of love. Please at least celebrate with us.” Lulu tries again.
“Besides, y’all have me going to schools and making nice with teachers. We all know I’d rather not be doing that”, I say.
The boys release loud laughs. Even Mohale and Tholoana laugh. Nice to know that I’m a clown.
“I’ll only be nice and accepting if I see smiles on all five of your faces. If I see anyone frown, I’m getting in my car and leaving.”
Every child is laughing now. This makes the adults at the table laughs too.
Now, mme-mofomahadi says, “We are your family, bashimane. We know we’ve missed sixteen years of your life, but we are here now. We will try our best to always be there for you… be consistent in your lives. We have our flaws, trust me we do. But the important thing is that we are family. We love each other. We are here for each other. Things are said about us all the time. We are not perfect. But, we have each other. You can always count on that.”
We all have a moment.
They feel this moment as hard as we all do.

Now, Ona is telling everyone about the hospital projects that I’ve closed and I get a round of applause around the table. As childish as this is, I’m so proud.
“Can we miss class and attend the opening?” Mohato asks.
“Absolutely not. School comes first, bashimane. But when we launch projects over weekends, you’ll definitely be there.” Mme-mofomahadi says.
Now, our day can begin.

…

I arrive at the office just after 8am. It’s a bit empty, but my executives are here. I wish them all a good morning then make my way to the office.
I am mostly busy with preparations for the launches. It takes up most of my day. I’m on calls all day, in and out of meetings…
Before I know it, Reahile and Mohato are walking into my office thinking they are cool kids. They are with Mohale, Tholoana and Lefatselabarena. They instantly overwhelm me because honestly, I’m not a kid person. Nothing has changed in that regard. But these kids seem to always find themselves around me. What are they even doing here?

“O’lady”, it’s Mohato who says that first.
I look at them.
I want them to explain what it is that they are doing in my office.
“It’s 6pm. I thought we’d come make sure that you knock off.” Mohato says.
Lefatselabarena is already too comfortable on my chair and at my desk. Tholoana and Mohale are chasing each other. It’s just chaos in here. I see my team is observing me carefully, so I cannot lose my shit.
“I have things to do, guys. I’ll see you at home.” I say.
“Papa said we must fetch you. His orders, not ours”, Reahile says.
I dial Ona.
“Hello, my love”, he says.
“Ona, you sent the kids to force me to knock off? I have work to do”, I say.
“I trust you. I know you have all things under control. Plus, you and I have an agreement. You can be a career woman all you want, but we also need you. You are also a mother and a wife.”
I really hate this.
“Fine.” I say then hang up.

These kids have already packed my things and it’s for me to just leave now. Yerr!

…

I’m walking into our home at 9pm. I really just want to go to sleep. Khotso is with me.
We find the twins still up and sitting with Thabi at the dining table. She is helping them with mathematics. Thabi is very good with mathematics and physical sciences. She has Mohale sitting on her lap and writing on some piece of paper.
This is so beautiful to watch. My heart is moved.
“Hello”, Thabi says to us.
“Hey. I didn’t think I’d find you guys up”, I say.
“I got this note from their school. They are struggling with maths, science and accounting. So, re kena skolo after school until we pick up all our marks”, Thabi says.
“Yoh, and Thabz is your teacher? Ayeye!” Khotso says then we all laugh.
“Even Mohale is doing sums. Look.” Thabi says.
She needs to calm down. Mohale is only six.
“He has an abacus. He’s using it to count. Relax.” She says.
Khotso and I probably had the same reaction.
“Where are Tholoana and Lefatselabarena?” Khotso asks.
“We come bringing homework snacks”, Lulu says walking in with Lefatselabarena and Tholoana.
They indeed have snacks and water.
“Not even coke?” Mohato asks.
“No. You only have fizzy drinks once a month. Train your brains by keeping the body fit.” Thabi says.
Hai bo!
“Does this mean that even we abide by this?” Khotso asks.
“Yep. No alcohol for –
“Hai! Rethabile! Stop it!” I say.
Everyone laughs, but I’m actually being serious.
“But the boys are all yours”, I say.
“Yes… and I’m in complete support of what Thabz has said. Thabz and I will be going shopping tomorrow for proper brain food.” Lulu is in on this too? Re shwele! These boys just had to fail school subjects.

“Dumelang”, my mom walks in and says.
She doesn’t look well.
“Hi mama. Keng?” I say.
“Reahile. Mohato. Please take your younger siblings and give us some space”, my mom says.
Now we are all worried.
“Okay mama. Come guys”, the twins say and take their books and the younger kids.
They leave and give us space.
“Thabi, we have a problem.” My mom says.
“What’s wrong, mama?”
“The Thibanes are at war. It’s time to appoint a permanent chief. Mothusi was even shot.”
“What?!” Thabi seems stressed by this. I thought she didn’t give a shit.
“We need to intervene and make a call as the absolute heads of this kingdom. We are obviously going to follow process and hear all sides of the argument. But, mofomahadi warona is from that family. We will take your recommendation into significant consideration. Who should take your father’s chair as chief of Merementse?” My mom says.
Thabi has a moment of thinking…
Then she says, “Mothusi. I want Mothusi on that chair.”
“Good. Because we’ve already fetched Mothusi from the hospital. He was in danger being there alone. He’s here. Shall we go and talk to him?” My mom says.
Thabi wastes no time. She’s on her feet and is running behind my mom to wherever Mothusi is.
I just thought I’d remind you that I was really looking forward to sleeping.

Mothusi is a bit bad, but he’s alive. All he needs is a good shot of something strong and he will live.
“Mothusi, ushup?” Thabi asks him.
“Ke shup, Rethabile. I knew it would come to this. I’m glad I sent my wife and kids away. They are in Johannesburg.” He says.
“Okay. You are safe now.” Thabi says.
“How sure are you that your wife and your kids are safe?” I ask him.
He looks at me.
“Any bodyguards with them or?” Khotso asks him.
He shakes his head.
Is he really a good choice? How is this not a priority to him?
Khotso steps out to make some calls to secure their protection.
“Thank you”, Mothusi says to me.
“Get some rest. We will talk in the morning. Baby, let’s go to sleep”, I say.
Thabi says goodnight to her brother then we leave the room.

…

It’s the morning now. I make my way to Mothusi. We need to go for a walk.

After two knocks, I walk into his room. He is up and looks like he has just showered. He has a slight bleed on his arm. Whoever shot him either didn’t want to kill him or is really bad at aiming.
“I brought you the warrior’s breakfast: raw egg and beer.” I say.
He laughs and says, “The last time I had that was when I was a manual labourer.” He says.
I laugh just to be nice. But shame, I can’t relate.
He takes a glass from me then gulps down the beer with raw egg.

I sit down on a couch in here. He sits down too.
“Your vrou and kids are safe. We’ve also put men on them”, I say.
“Thank you.”
“How did that old man do this to you? Why haven’t you put a bullet in him yet?” I ask him.
He’s laughing. Do I sound like I’m joking perhaps?
“What do you need from us?” I ask him.
“Put me on the seat. Let me avenge Thabi’s pain. Let me –
“Don’t you ever do that again! EVER!”
How dare he!
“If you wanted to do anything for Thabi, you would’ve done it a long time ago when she still needed you. We all know that right now, you need her more than she needs you. The only reason I’m even talking to you is because she chose you. But make no mistake, I’ll never forgive that entire Thibane family for what they did to my wife. So, don’t you EVER use my wife’s name in fighting for your shit. Do you understand me?”
He nods his head.
“You need us to put you on your dad’s chair?” I ask him.
He nods his chair.
“Then you are done with us? You’ll make sure that all the Thibanes leave Thabi and Pelo alone?” I ask.
He seems surprised that I know about Pelo.
“How do you –
“Ke tla o sata, boy. I see right through you! Don’t fuck with me!”
“I promise. I’ll keep my family away.” He says.
“If you ever cause problems for me, I’ll keep decreasing the royal funding to your throne. And if that doesn’t work, I will murder you. My wife. My daughter. All of my children. They are off limits! Understood?!”
He nods his head.
Wash yourself and get dressed. I want you out of my fucken house in the next hour. Thabi is almost done getting ready.

5pm.

We arrive at the Thibane royal kraal with Mothusi. Thabi walks on my left and my mom on my right.
The family meets us halfway in the kraal. Mothusi’s family is here with us as well.

“Le batlang?!” Some old woman says.
“Is that how you greet your queen?” Thabi says.
There is silence.
“Mothusi is the next chief of this place”, Thabi says.
They are all in disbelief.
“Rethabile –
“It’s mofomahadi to you! And I’ve given you an order! Put Mothusi on his rightful chair.” Thabi barks.
“You can’t come here and tell us what to do.” The lady says.
“I’m the queen of this kingdom. Ha ke rata nka le koba kaofela! Especially after what you put me through! My husband, your king, will help me banish you from here just because I woke up feeling like it. Do you really want to test me?”
Honestly, no one is a better suited queen for me. Thabi is it.
They are all quiet.
The so-called chief walks towards us.
He and Thabi face each other as if they are about to have a cheerleading challenge against each other.
“I believe you are guilty of treason. You tried to kill your chief?” Thabi starts the challenge.
“My chief?”
“Your chief! Mothusi Thibane.”
“My baby, if you come inside and hear what we have to say –
“Don’t touch me! And I’m not coming inside this house to do anything. Wena, you are going to prison and you will be dealt with accordingly.”
The police grab him and throw him behind a van.
Now everyone is shit scared. Thabi means business.
Thabi looks at Mothusi and says, “Thibane, is there anyone else in this house who has offended you in anyway?”
Mothusi looks at everyone in front of him. They are all shit scared.
“No one, mofomahadi.” He says.
Thabi nods her head. Then she looks at Mothusi’s wife and says, “Mme Thibane, is there anyone else who has offended you?”
She shakes her head and says, “No one, mofomahadi.”
Thabi nods her head.
“We are done here. Good luck, chief Mothusi Thibane.” Thabi says.
After they’ve said their thank yous and goodbyes, Thabi tells me she’s ready to leave.
“I’ll meet you in the car, baby. Go ahead”, I say.
My mom leads her to the car.
It’s just Mothusi and I now.
“What must I do with madala? Prison or coffin?” I ask him.
“For now… prison. Let me see what these old ones have up their sleeves. Then I’ll decide.” He says.
I shake his hand then I leave this place.