Misozi's pov
"My king." I say as i bow my head in respect.
"Release her at once". The guards immediately let me go after hearing the kings command.
"Misozi what are you doing here?" He questions, sounding surprised.
Before I could give him a response I see the King's father and another man approach. "What's all the commotion about? " The Kings father asks.
If not paying too much attention you would think the King and his father are twins. The only thing that would give it away is the fact he has a little gray hair. He looks so young.They look alike in so many ways, he's body well build but not as much as King Dingani. They've got the same straight nose, full lips and height. Both handsome and both have the aura of dominance.
The other man obviously the same age as the King, also tall but not as huge as them. His skin very dark but smooth. He's handsome too but not as much as the king. Why am I comparing them? I ask myself, internally giving myself eye rolls. He doesn't look as intimidating as the other two but rather looks kind and easy going. I think he finds this scenario amusing, just by telling from the look on his face.unlike some people.
"Misozi what are you doing here? The king asks softly, ignoring he's father's question.
"Misozi? as in the same Misozi?" The man whose name i don't know asked?
Whatever that means. "Can i talk to you privately?" I ask, even though i'm shaking in fear because of these intimidating men.
Clearing his throat, The king responds kindly "sure."
Wow he sounds kind and gentle. maybe the things I heard about him aren't exactly true. 'too early to judge' I mentally remind myself.
The kings walks in first but steps aside to open the door wide enough for me to enter,even though the guards where standing right next to him. wow I honestly didn't expect that, given the rumors.
My cheeks warm up because i didn't expect this kind of gesture from him and neither have i ever experienced it from any man. Thank the gods for my dark skin.
I look down, mamble a thank you and quickly walk in. Even if i've walked into the palace several times, it's beauty never ceases to amaze me. Old and new portraits hanging on the white walls, making you look at them in awe even if you don't want to. Silver type of bulbs hanging on the ceiling with a design of an umbrella or so. I've only seen this kind of thing in the palace. I don't even know what they're called. On the floor is something they call a carpet, it's red in color with a few white decorations like flowers on it. Not having enough time to look at the interior, i hear a door open.
"Come in Misozi," The king tells me. Bowing my head, I walk into the room, which I now realise is his office.
What I first see is a pile of papers scattered on the table, i've seen a lot of things here but due to my lack of proper education, i can't understand what they are or what they're meant for.
"Take a seat". The king instructs me. I do as he says as he takes a seat on the other side of his table.
"So, care to explain why you're here?" he asks, his tone still gentle as before.
"I - I'm here to um-to report someone." My voice sounding weak, contrary different from how confident i wanted it to be.This man is scary. His face, his stance. Just been around him is very scary.
"Who could that be?" He asks. I sence worry from his tone but i ignore it and say.
"My- my friend's husband." Why am I stuttering? How can fight for my friend, sounding and acting like this?
"What did he do?" he asks impatiently. His voice husky and low.
Daring myself to be confident i lift up my head and face him. "He's been abusing my friend. I want him to stop, he should never treat her or any other woman that way ever again." I speak confidently.
It's like what i said no longer interests him. he's now looking at me like i'm doing nothing but wasting his time.
"Abusive? If she's wise enough and listens to him, he wouldn't treat her that way." he responds, his voice laced with boredom. it's like he's used to these type of complaints.
Holding down my anger, i say "wise or not nobody deserves to be treated like filth. beaten close to death."
"Like I said before, she would never be treated that way if she listens to him. She clearly doesn't know her place."
What the hell? I knew this man never cared much about women but not to this extent. I guess i was wrong about my assumptions earlier. The rumors are true.
"What happens if he kills her during their fights? I ask angrily.
"He wouldn't kill her, he knows women are weak people and he could never go that far but even if he does, then it is what it is."
What is wrong with this man? has he lost his damn mind? This is somebody's life we're talking about here and he is disregarding her life and the topic like it does not matter.
"This is gender based- violence we're talking about and you're going to ignore it like it doesn't matter? This can threaten a person's physical and physiological integrity. It could lead to depression and suicide. Don't you care about your people? Just like you, women have the right to feel safe and secure."I say, raising my voice in anger.
"You treat us like nothing, you don't educate the females for whatever reason you have, you took away our right to express ourselves, our right to movements, to get better jobs. you've taken so many things from us but please allow us to live our lives freely.
Quite alright you give us food and shelter but that is nothing when you take away the only thing we hold on to. if we are abused by men our self realisation and development are completely taken from us, how do you expect us to raise our children with love and care if we are stressed? how will we have the desire to give you more children? Even if you don't regard us, we have more value than you think. You need us." I finish. releasing my breath which i didn't realize i was holding while talking.
As i look at the king i see him getting up from his chair. He's walking towards me, glaring hardly at me. If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under. out of fear, i involuntarily step back slowly. With his long foot steps he reaches where i am. Looking at me from head to toe with disgust.
"A woman must submit completely. never talk or fight back. she must obey a man's every command and most of all a woman in my kingdom is only meant for pleasure. so know your place... Beneath me and every other man. You're all weak. That's how it has been and that's how it will always be. Do you understand?" The king asked menacingly.
"All these things you're saying mean nothing to me. Get out of my office before you feel my wrath." he warns.
Sensing his anger and not wanting to push him any further. I nod my head and hurriedly walk out of his office.