Chapter 61 - Final Leg; The King Dies

Many years have passed and princess Nala who now lives in the city came to visit her father at the palace. The whole village was a joyous ground as the princess walks gently into the kingdom and escorted by some elderly villagers into the compound of the king. She was met with a whole lot of smiles both by the king and his queen and all celebrated joyously by embracing each other while the king lifts up high the son that the princess has conceived after these while that she has been staying with her husband in the city. Layla was on the farm with her husband to fetch some food for the evening meal even though there are designated maids assigned to them, but they prefer to cater and go to the farm by themselves to fetch the food for almost all evenings.

While Layla and her husband headed back home after the long day at the farm, they were met with the news of princess Nala gracing the kingdom with her presence and the presence of her children. Layla was so happy to see her long-time sister. She could not recall the last time they spoke or saw each other ever since she moved to the big city with her husband. As they hugged, they both shared tears of joy of the beautiful reunion they are having at that particular moment and the king could not be prouder than watching them get along and catching up to all the lost moments they all missed in their lives. Layla could not believe that Nala had given birth to beautiful boys. Layla could finally see the children of her cousin while they introduce them to each other's family.

Days has passed and the princess together with her cousin Layla had been touring the whole kingdom while they catch up on all lost moment. Layla's son has also been given intense training and lesson in the ways of kingdoms since it was believed that he would be the heir to the throne if the princess is not able to get married so as to provide an heir to the throne. But now that she had two male children, the throne will then be made to be given to just one out of the two boys.

In the beginning, princess Nala was keen and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure her children ascend to the throne after her father even though she is already aware that Layla's son is the oldest and will be more appropriate to use him as the heir to the throne. It has begun building enmity and resentment in her heart towards her cousin until Hakeemi came back to marry her and sent her away to the big city with him. Even though Nala still feels the edge that her sons are the true heirs to the throne, she no longer sees it an issue for her to keen on her children rather inheriting their grandfather when he steps down as king.

The relationship between the children of both Nala and Layla has become stronger and stronger and no one could even notice that they are from different parent. They have grown really fond of each other that they did almost everything together and that brought peace to the heart of the king. this has reassured him that there would be no conflict if he should pass the throne to any of the children living in his palace at the moment and was sure their parent will give them the best of guidance, they need in running the affairs of the kingdom and its people.

Fast forward, the time has come that the king is to join his ancestors and that has brought dark light into the kingdom. Watching a king who ruled in he favour of his people and knowing so well of not getting a king like him really broke the hearts of the people and yet there is nothing they could have done. Death is something which is unpredictable and uncurable. At his gesture the king is requested to make his final verdict of who he will be willing to entrust the throne to between the three children standing before him on his sick bed. He watches on as his daughter and niece cry so bitterly to his demise to the ancestral world while they cling on to each other for respite.

The king looks at his children and grandchildren while he waves hands saying to them that he has live his life as expected of him. He has really ruled his people even if not to their satisfaction but has done enough which would go a long away in remembering his memories as an honest and just king. An honourable and just king who did not even flinch but gave out his daughter to the executioner for custom to take its course due to her negligence. All these has contributed greatly to the really why the people in the kingdom and wailing so hard because the greatest tree that has been providing them with the necessary shade, they need is finally being dying yet have no other tree to rely on its shade.

Princess Nala looked at her father while he lies motionless on his sick bed and said to him to give the throne to whom ever he sees fit, for they will not repeat the mistakes of their fathers and mothers. They will rather join hands in helping who ever is chosen to run the affairs of the kingdom as though he is still alive. They pledged to help each other and foresee the affairs of the kingdom being run in accordance to tradition and custom. This statement from his daughters brough light and hope to his heart and believes the kingdom will be in safe hands.

The king died few hours after his encounter with his two daughters. The son of Layla known to be Akinidad, was crown the next king of the kingdom while Nala and her children made sure they supported in the best ways that they could, and the Kingdom never had to worry ever again.