" Your majesty, they've arrived."
" Let them in. Tell the butler to serve us something nice." King Shaka instructed. " We need to give King Hele a grand welcome."
The entire palace were decorated in different colors. The entire throne room was sparkling. The maids had been instructed on what to do. The cooks made different edible dishes. The King invited the best musician to perform at the royal diner. All the elders and nobles in Sheba were invited to the diner.
" King Hele!" King Shaka called.
" Emperor Shaka."
" Welcome my brother, welcome." King Shaka embraced him.
" Thank you, Your majesty." King Hele made a slight bow, showing his appreciation.
" That's enough with the formalities, we're both kings, not just that, we're brothers. Please, let's call each other by our names." He says, ushering Hele and his servants in. " Please come in my brother, I hope my naughty servants didn't give you a hard time on the way?" He asked jokingly.
" No, not at all. They were nice and patient. I must admit, your kingdom is beautiful. Thank you for inviting me, you're too kind." Hele praised.
" Don't mention. I should be the one thanking you. You created time to come here, I know you must have been busy, yet you chose to honor my invitation." King Shaka says, with a warm smile on his face.
" Please, let my servants take you and your people inside so you can change your clothes and take a rest, you have been traveling for a day. Later tonight, we would dine together as brothers." King Shaka says, ordering his servants to attend to king Hele and his servants.
" If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
" Thank you, my brother, you're too kind."
King Hele replied, walking out of the throne room with his servants, while Shaka's servants lead the way.
" This way, your majesty." A male servant said, ushering them to their quarters.
* * * * * *
" Why did she not come with him?"
" Your majesty, I tried to convince the king to bring his wife along, but he refused, saying she is pregnant and she can't embark on a long journey."
" Derek, you told me in your letter, that the forest tribe queen, Hazel, is exceptionally beautiful."
" Milord, she is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. But don't worry milord, soon, she will be all yours." he chuckled wickedly.
" indeed." King Shaka replied, an evil smirk appeared on his face.
* * * *
" Where is his majesty?"
" Forgive me milady, I didn't know you're awake." Fega said trying to avoid her question.
" Fega, answer me, where is my husband! Queen Hazel yelled.
" He...Mi...His majesty... gone"
" Gone!" She whispered a yell.
" I'm sorry milady, he didn't want to disturb you. They left before sunrise." She said, with her voice quivering.
" How can he leave without telling me. He didn't wake me up to say goodbye. I won't have stopped him from going since he had made up his mind.
" Your majesty, do you want anything?"
" Nothing!" She yelled. She tried to walk back to her room.
" Be careful, milady. You're pregnant." Fega tried to help her.
" I don't need your help. Take those hands off me" She yelled again.
" But.. milady, the king will kill me if anything happens to you. please let me guide you to your chamber." She said in a worried voice.
" I am fine. You can leave now!" She ordered.