" Do you really have to go?" Hazel asked. She watched as the servants load the horses. " Why can't I come along?"
" You're pregnant my love, I can't allow you to stress yourself and our baby." He wrapped his hands around her waist. " I know you're afraid that something bad might happen to me, but I assure you, nothing bad is going to happen. I will be back in one piece." A bright smile appeared on his face.
" Promise me you will be careful."
" I promise. Our people are going there armed, we will be ready for any attack."
" When are you coming back?"
" The feast will last for three days, we will return on the four day."
" I will miss you, milord. I don't know how I can stay that long without you by my side." She threw her hands around his neck.
" My love, I will be back before you know it. You won't miss me too much, because I will always be here with you." He rubs her tummy, a bright smile appeared on her face. " Take care of yourself and our baby. Promise me you'll be the strong woman I've always known you to be. Whatever happens, I want you to know, I love you." He pulled her slightly into a hug.
" I love you too, milord." She whispered.
" Milord... I'm sorry to interrupt, but we're ready to move." A guard said.
" Can't you see we're busy. leave at once!" Queen Hazel yelled. The guard jumped in fright.
" I'm sorry... Your majesty." He left without hesitation.
" You scared the wit out of him." King Hele chuckled.
" He should know his place!" Hazel replied.
The woman in front of him changed since she got pregnant. Hazel was a calm and patient person. But since she conceived, every little thing irritates her. The midwife had told him that it was normal for some pregnant women to act that way, because of the hormonal changes happening inside of her. The midwife advised that he should be patient with her.
" I have to go now. The elders are waiting for me." He pecked her forehead.
" I have something for you." Hazel brought out a necklace made of shells. " Put this on. it will keep you safe from every harm. You have to return it back to me with your own hands." She placed the necklace around his neck.
" It is beautiful. Do you make it by your self?" He said, adoring the necklace.
" Yes, I did." She replied. Her face flushed with embarrassment.
" Your majesty... sorry for disturbing but we have to go now. If we don't start the journey on time, we might not be able to get there before sunset." Another guard said.
" You should leave now." She says, pushing Hele away. " I don't know who they will send in next. Your people are waiting for you. You should leave now." She said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
" I love you." He said before leaving the room. Seeing his retreating back, she subbed.
" why do I feel this is the last time I will see him." She mutters. An unexplainable sadness grabbed her heart.
* * * *
" Your majesty, they are on their way here." Derek spoked.
" Perfect! I hope everything is in place?"
" Yes milord. We have done as you've instructed. The other Kings are on their way here. Everything is perfect."
" They think they are attending a feast, little did they know it's their funeral." King Shaka chuckled wickedly.
" Your majesty, about King Elak.."
" Don't worry about him, Derek. I will handle him myself. My dearest Hazel, wait for me, I'm coming for you." An evil smirk appeared on his face.