" Your majesty, Derek, adviser to king Shaka, king of the Shebians, is here to see you. He brought words from the emperor." A guard said.
" Let him in". King Hele said without hesitation. " Take him to court room, give him some refreshments, he most be tired after making such a long trip. I will be there shortly."
" Yes, your majesty." The guard made a slight bow before walking out of the King's chamber.
" Milord!" A soft voice spoke.
" Yes milady!" Turning around, his eyes met with her's. " You're looking exceptionally beautiful today, milady. Those pearls on your neck suits you perfectly. Indeed, I'm blessed to have you by my side. May the gods be praised." He walked closer to her, wrapping his hands around her waist.
" Milady looks troubled. what's wrong?" He pulled some strings of her hair behind her ear.
" Milord, I over heard your conversation with the guard. King Shaka, sent his adviser here, what does he want from us?"
" You don't have to be afraid, milady. I'm sure he is here to deliver a message from his King. He can't harm me in my own territory. Cheer up, my love. Such gloomy face does not suit you, milady."
" You can't blame me for worrying, for a long time, the forest tribe lived as aliens , forsaken by our brothers. And today, after so many years, the Sheba king, sent words? I have a bad feeling about this. Milord, whatever he has to say, don't pay heed to them."
" You worry too much, it's not good for your condition. Remember you're pregnant, you might harm your self and our baby." He moved his hand, rubbing her swollen tommy. " We have prayed for a child for a long time, and finally, the gods has answered our prayer. You should pay more attention to our son. Don't worry about me, I can take good care of myself."
He cupped her cheeks with his hands, then he kissed her forehead. " I have to go now, Hazel. it's rude to keep your guest waiting." He turned around and left.
" Spirit of our ansestor, please guide us, shield us from every evil." She prayed. Her hands rubbing her tummy.
" Greetings! your majesty." Derek made a slight bow.
" Greetings to you too, Derek. I hope you enjoyed the meal."
" Oh, I did your majesty. It was one of the best meals I've tasted in a while."
" I'm glad you liked it. One of my men informed me that you have a message for me, from your King."
" Yes your majesty. Milord, King Shaka requested that you join him for dinner tonight. He would be pleased if you can honour his invitation."
" Tonight? I would have loved to, but I'm afraid I won't be able to make it tonight. Send my regrets to your King, I promise to visit him some other time."
" Milord will be very sad, he looks forward to you joining him for dinner tonight, he asked me to give you these gifts." Derek waved his hand in the air, ushering his servants to bring the gifts.
Golds, expensive clothes and pearls, foodstuffs and some cattles.
" Milord wants you to have them. I can't return back to my Master if I don't bring you along. please, I hope his majesty can reconsider. I will stay here until you're ready to go back with me."