Destined

DESTINED
By: Thathu ‘Yorahalo’ Conco

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, distributed, or
transmitted in any form by any means, including
photocopying, recording, or other
electronic or mechanical methods, or by any information
storage and retrieval
system without the prior written permission of
publisher, except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain
other non-commercial uses
permitted by copyright law.
© Thathu Conco, 2023

1
 Destined
CHAPTER ONE

She can’t feel his heartbeat. That’s all she wants to feel, whenever she wakes
from her slumber, she wants her ear pressed up against his chest and hear his
heart thumping in its own irregular pattern. It brings her peace; peace is all she
has had in her life ever since he came.
Well, it took a while for peace to finally reign, he was in and out of hospital,
fighting for his life, putting up with family matters and people who tried to bring
him down, bring his family and their love down.
Was it ever love? She definitely learned how to love him, and so did he. And
they loved each other just right.
The couple of the century, a pair that worked exceptionally well together that
they led the Zulu’s to greater heights. A place where water was scarce, and
electricity was a fairy-tale, has now become a wonderland where the only
complaints about electricity are a collective complaint directed to people who
are failing to run the country as a whole.
They are praised, not only for being praiseworthy for the titles they hold, but for
what they have done for people, the way they treated them, and the way they
continued to treat them.
It’s not that Zwelibanzi failed to do that, he was doing something, but it was
never something he wanted to do, and the ancestors never approved of it, that is
why no matter how hard he tried, it just bounced back and hit him in the face
like a tennis ball.
Amile. Also known as MaGumede, better known as the Queen of Zululand,
undlunkulu. She rules hand in hand with her husband, Langalethu
kaMhlabawesizwe Zulu, and they have worked together in securing generational
wealth for their decedents. It wasn’t just his efforts, he makes sure to
acknowledge that whenever anyone with a patriarchal based mindset tries to
discredit the hard work MaGumede has put into making this family what it is

2
 Destined
today. Uwumisile umuzi wakwaZulu, just like her name says. It was something
she was destined to do, she was never going to fail to do so.
Today they will celebrate a lot of things, moreover, Langalethu will rest and let
his seed take over. These are the good days he has been dreaming of, every
single day of his life after this will be splendid, that’s what he always told his
wife.
Nsukezinhle is finally 18, this day, eighteen years ago he came out of his
mother’s womb wailing in a hoarse voice grabbing every nurse and doctor’s
attention. He came into this world bearing the gift of joy, not only to his parents,
but to the whole of Zululand. He became what they had wanted him to be, a
baby boy.
Amile was shocked to hear the same doctor who had told her that she was
expecting a girl, announcing that the fruits of her womb were actually a boy.
The heir to the Zulu throne, izibulo lenkosi uLangalethu Ntsikayesizwe
kaMhlabawesizwe Zulu, uNsukezinhle Smisosobukhosi Zulu. And when she
looked into his eyes for the very first time, she saw his father in him, she saw
her husband.
She sits up and grabs his hand to try and wake him up. She knows that he’s a
light sleeper. He is normally the first one to wake up, and he would spend his
time just staring at her. He could miraculously tell whenever she wakes up, even
before she stirs.
His hand is cold, and this alarms her.
“Mageba?” she whispers, trying to regulate her breathing pattern.
She can barely hear her own thoughts over her heartbeat. Her ears are suddenly
burning.
“Baba?” she places her shivering hands on his chest.
He is unresponsive.
“No baba you can’t do this now, wake up.” she touches his cheeks, they are cold.

3
 Destined
With tears rolling down her face, she checks the colour of his nails, they’ve
turned blue.
“I can’t believe you.” she says in a whisper as she lies her head on his chest.
His heart is not beating. It’s not a joke, her worst nightmare has come to pass.
It doesn’t make it any better that all of Nsuke’s birthdays have been the same,
them waking up thanking the Lord that he was still alive.
She knew what Thulisile had said to him before she also passed away, and they
have been living in fear of that all their lives, or all of their son’s life.
The 7th of January, was supposed to be a beautiful day, where they both
celebrate their son’s life, and also that he made it to see his son turn 18. Now
that is not going to happen.
“Couldn’t you have held on for just today Mageba, what am I going to say to
your son?” she sobs lowly while hugging his body.
It felt like her heart was being cut into two. She longed to hear his voice again,
or maybe a snicker like he always did. She was just hoping that he would open
his eyes and laugh at her for being stupid and over emotional like he always did.
He didn’t.
She got out of bed and made her away around the room to get the covers off the
floor to cover him.
Her hands trembled as she watched him laying still, his arm still curved around
the spot she was resting in. She removed the pillow from the back of his head
before she lowered her head and captured his lips in a soft kiss.
“Good night my king. Uhambe kahle Zulu kaMalandela. Uyakuthanda
uMaGumede wakho.”
She curled on the ground before she could cover his face, and her whole body
trembled, pain rushing through her whole body. She can’t begin to think how
she is going to tell all the people in the palace that their king is gone.
After having a moment to try and gather her emotions, she got up from the floor,
covered his face without looking at his pale face, and walked to the bathroom.
4
 Destined
She dares not to make any sort of noise, she’s holding in her sobs, and her heart
is pounding. It is the most difficult thing she has ever done. But she can’t afford
to break down now, she needs to be strong for her son. Things are going to
change drastically now.
She washed her face and took out changing clothes in the wardrobe. She put on
a long black dress and draped her head in a white cloth before she grabbed his
tooth necklace from the bedside table, and walked out the room, making sure to
lock the door behind her.
There’s already commotion in the house. The birthday boy is up, he’s having
breakfast with his uncle Mandlenkosi, and his brothers, Halle and Mgcini, who
are now grown men.
“No, yesterday’s game was rubbish! No matter what you say.” one of them
shouts.
She has never understood why they can’t speak like normal people, they are next
to each other. Why does the house need to rumble when they are having a
conversation. Mandlenkosi too, he’s still very much part of the boys. In actual
fact, he is the ring leader, always taking them to Durban where he lets them get
up to all sorts of mischief.
“Morning mawami.” that’s her precious boy.
She offers him a weak smile, trying to stop her tears from rolling down her
cheeks, and giving it away.
“Nkosi, can I see you.” she asks after clearing her throat to try get rid of the
lump stuck in her throat.
“You can see me MaGumede.” his entourage laughs as if he’s cracking a joke.
On a normal day, she would laugh too, and maybe smack them on the heads for
being stupid for no reason, but this is serious.
“Please Nkosi.” she says with her voice breaking.
This catches him, and he leaves his seat like it’s burning.

5
 Destined
“What’s wrong?” when he sees the tears forming in her eyes, he knows
something is wrong.
She doesn’t speak, the lump sitting in her throat has suddenly become to big for
her to swallow. She opens her hand and shows him the tooth necklace, before
the tears cascade down her face.
He takes it, confusion dwells on his face.
“No.” he knows what it means when it comes off. It doesn’t just come off.
She wipes her tears and closes her hand again.
He doesn’t think twice, he bolts up the stairs, panic clouding him.
“MaGumede come open this door right now!” now all the boys are on their feet,
staring at her, wondering what the problem is.
They can see the tears, but no one has the guts to ask. No one except Nsuke.
“Mawami?” he walks over to her, and when their eyes meet, she looks away and
wipes her tears.
She then hands him the keys and without thinking twice, he rushes to the
direction Mandlenkosi went.
When he succeeds in opening the door, he forces Nsuke to stay outside.
It feels as if his knees are failing him as he slowly approaches the bed where he
sees his brother’s side covered in the duvet.
He turns when he hears the door being pushed open.
“Smiso get out!” he commands.
He doesn’t listen, instead he walks closer and in confusion, he unveils the duvet.
“Dad?” his hands shiver as he looks at his fathers face.
No child should see something like this.
It’s too late to pull him away, he’s already holding onto his dead body, trying to
wake him up.
6
 Destined
“Baba vuka!” he cried out, shaking him and holding him at the same time.
And there is Amile, standing at the door watching the scene, tears falling on her
face.
“Smiso come let’s go.” Nkosi tries to pull him away from the body.
He doesn’t budge. He fights him off and tugs onto his father’s body.
“Nkosi leave him.” Amile begs in a low voice.
He walks towards her and embraces her in a tight hug. He’s gone numb. His
heart breaks as her whole body shudders and she sobs on his chest.

Paloma Mfusi

My feet are swollen, and I can’t feel them. Ukugida is no child’s play, especially
when you do it all night. I’m just surprised that my neighbors still haven’t
reported me for the noise. I play my drum almost every night. Especially this
week. It has been hectic.
“Sweetie, are you still alive there?” I don’t have the strength to wake up and go
open the door for her, a shout will suffice for now.
“Yeah, I’m fine mom!” my voice is strained.
I need a shower, and my bed. I need a shower, food and maybe a thirty minute
nap. That’s all I can get at this point before the dreams start attacking me and I
can’t breathe.
I need to go to the beach.
“Can I come in?” she says opening the door already.
I offer her a weak smile as she comes to kneel in front of me with a bowl of
water.
“Oh my baby, look at how swollen they are.” she said taking out the warm towel,
placing it on my feet.
7
 Destined
The relief I feel when she does that. I force my body to sit up right.
“Thank you mom. I needed that.”
“Is dad still asleep?” I ask wiping off the sweat on my forehead.
“Snoring like a warthog. He was up all night.” and that is my fault.
“I’m sure he can’t wait to go back home.” she laughed.
“He will have to thug it out, you come first.” I love my mother, and the support
she gives me.
Where in the world would I ever find another.
“So what was the reason behind last night?” I shrugged my shoulders.
I don’t have a Gobela. I am a self-initiate, and Mummy is the one that passed
this down to me. It’s always for the first great-grandchild, my father just had to
be the one to disobey his parents and have me as a teenager. Now I’m stuck with
people I don’t know telling me what to do with my life.
I’ve known that I have amadlozi since I was seventeen when papa died. I kept
having dreams of him begging me to open for him. I never used to understand
what they meant, especially because he was still alive, and still on that hospital
bed.
That was the most painful time in my life. I’ve never seen my father cry like that.
I couldn’t grieve papa’s death because I was too sick to even get out of bed. I
had to accept my calling before I could.
We did a ceremony to ask the ancestors to let me finish school before I could
solely focus on healing. I accepted from there that I would stand no chance of
having a career, I was going to end up like Mummy, working for the ancestors,
helping people who need my help.
Now that I’m done with high school, after failing grade 11 twice and matric
once, I’m finally giving them what they want. So much for having a mother who
was an A student. Mom told me that my biological mom was intelligent, it’s
such a disgrace that her child is failing.

8
 Destined
“If I’m not mistaken, that song I was dancing to is the same song I heard when
Papa died.”
“Sekukhona oshonile?” she asks looking at me.
My heart sinks. I didn’t think of that quick enough.
“Don’t you think we would know by now though?” I ask her with my heart
suddenly racing.
“I’ll go call Ma.” she says and rushes out the door.
My feet are still swollen, but they are less painful. I force myself to stand up,
gather my mat and place it in the corner.
I see Mummy’s bag. The one she had me go searching for in forests and rivers.
It’s been a long journey.
I take it and shake it. I still don’t know how to read amathambo. I don’t know
how they do it. My whole life, I thought this thing had a manual where you
would just read the symbolism behind each element in the bag like crystals for
Tarot readings.
It’s not the same.
I throw the bones on the ground and look at them.
I don’t know why they are called bones because there are also stones in here.
Eyy.
I burp loudly, scaring myself in process.
“Kade ngiphelezela bani izolo?” I ask and continue burping.
I use my hand to move them around. I see an image in my head, pictures flash
like a movie and I see the king.
I look back at the bones.
The king??
“Everyone is safe…” mom barges in and reports.

9
 Destined
I burp again.
“Bayede!” an unfamiliar voice comes out of my mouth.
I take full control of my body back and scatter the bones quickly, and throw
them back in the bag.
These things are more powerful that they look.
I go put them where I found them and escort mom out the room.
“What did you see?” she asked looking concerned. She can see that I’m spooked
out.
“Nothing important.”
Yeah, more like very important.

10
 Destined
CHAPTER TWO
Nsukezinhle Zulu

He wishes they could just grant them space, as a family to deal with this alone.
It’s one thing losing your father on your birthday, now having people asking you
questions you don’t have answers to just fucks him up even more.
Everything is happening so quickly, furniture has already been moved, calls
have been made, the media is flooding the palace, it hasn’t even been two hours.
He’s still in his parents room, he’s just sitting next to the bed staring into space,
trying to figure out what to do from here. This is where he ran off too, he knows
no one is going to come barging in here and demand things from him he cannot
give.
His father is gone. His best friend, his everything is gone. The man who
supported him through it all, the one person who understood him more than
anyone. He’s gone and he’s never going to come back. Today was supposed to
be a happy day. His mother had planned this beautiful 18th birthday dinner, and
he had invited his girlfriend to meet the family, and most importantly, his father
would give him the keys to the kingdom.
Now the decor has to be used for something else.
“Smiso, you have to come downstairs and see your father off.” he wiped the snot
of his face and stared at him.
“My father called me Nsukezinhle.” he said before cracking a pained smile,
looking around the room.
The whole place is upside down, it just shows how abruptly things happened.
“Mamizana needs you there, Nsuke.” he corrects his error.
Halle comes closer and grabs his hand, helping him up. Before he can let go of
his hand, he pulls him into a tight hug.
“Qinisela bafo.” he nodded, fighting back the tears.
11
 Destined
They walked downstairs, and as soon as they reach the lobby, they could already
hear the depressing hymns being sung.
He went to be by his mother’s side. She’s sobbing all over again and his heart
breaks. He never thought he could experience death first hand.
“Mawami.” he said grabbing her and putting her head on his chest.
He wishes he could just stop all of this, stop them from singing and just be alone
with his mom, and deal with this the way he wants to.
“His corpse is in the throne room. His skins and capes are all placed on the
throne. Please go dress him up.” she spoke after she composed herself.
His heart starts racing.
“Didn’t they take him to the mortuary?” he whispers, trying to compose himself
and not show how scared he is.
“No, he’s not going to go to the mortuary. Uzotshalwa ksasa.” she said rubbing
his arm.
Everything is happening so abruptly. And what is this of his father being planted
and not buried.
“Don’t look so scared my boy.” she kissed his cheek before pulling him into a
hug.
“We will be okay, I just need you to do me this one solid okay?” he nodded.
This is the least he can do for his mom, his dad too. She understands that it’s a
lot on him, but he also understands that maybe she isn’t strong enough to want
to go through that. So he will gladly take that burden off her shoulders.
“The press need to be addressed Ndlunkulu.” that was Khaya, his least favourite
person in the palace.
“Tell them to leave, we are mourning.” he says dismissively.
“No son, they can’t be sent away. Get Mandlenkosi to do it. Just tell him to say
he will be planted in a private ceremony and the memorial will be later in the
week.” she answers in a low voice.
12
 Destined
She can’t do much from the position she’s in, that is why she’s giving out orders.
He frowns at Khaya, who he still believes is always overstepping boundaries.
He’s too involved in their lives, he doesn’t like it. Maybe even his gayness is an
act, it’s too good to be true.
“Please go do what I told you to do.” she could see that he was about to say
something rude, that is why she was dismissing him.
He got up from the mattress and walked out of the lounge all the way to the end
of the corridor where the throne room is. He’s only ever been in here a few
times. Every time his father had a ceremony to thank the ancestors, then they
would come in here, baphahle, babonge kobabomkhulu.
Today he’s coming in here alone, to do a ceremony for his father, to prepare him
for his sendoff.
“I don’t know how to do this.” he mumbled under his breath while pacing
outside the door.
His heart is racing and his palms are sweating. He doesn’t know which step to
take next, he just knows he needs to do this for his mother, it’s the least he can
do. He needs this moment to say goodbye to his best friend too, his twin.
“Okay, I’m doing it now.” he says when he stops pacing.
He stands facing the door and slowly puts out his hand to hold the door handle.
After taking a deep breath in, he turns the handle and closes his eyes and makes
his way into the throne room.
“Dad, I don’t know how you expect me to do this…” he takes a deep breath
again. He finally decided to open his eyes, and when he does, he sees his corpse
lying on a table in front of the alter.
This table, it’s long enough to accommodate him and his long legs. He’s still not
moving. He was hoping that he would open his eyes and find his father waiting
for him with a big smile on his face, telling him it’s all a joke.

13
 Destined
“Couldn’t you wait until today ended Bayede. We’ve been speaking about this
day for so long dad, how could you do this to me?” he wiped his tears and
picked up the basin with warm water.
He got the cloth and started with his face. His face is cold and hard, he’s trying
so hard to stop his hands from shaking.
“I wanted you to meet my girl Mageba, the one I wanted to rule beside me when
you finally handed over the throne. You would have loved her, she’s beautiful,
she’s smart, and she loves me.”
“Mom cried over you today, you broke her heart and I don’t know how to make
her stop, and repair her heart.” he just laid his head on his father’s chest and took
in a deep breath to contain himself.
He loved his father so much, and nothing pains him more than the fact that he
didn’t get to experience such an important part of his life, and give him the keys
to the kingdom before handing over the throne. Now he has to do that without
him.
“Mageba omuhle, Ndlela zimhlophe, I hope you crossover like the king you
were, and continue to look over us like you did when you were still alive. Please
make mom strong, please give me wisdom to lead this place like how I am
supposed to, like how you taught me. Ngeke sikubambezele ngezinyembezi
baba, kodwa akulula.” he finished off with washing his corpse.
He got his skins and he shouted all the praises as he slowly dressed his father up
for his final resting place. No one else was going to have the guts to do this but
him, and he’s done it.

•••

“Where did you get alcohol?” his brothers are holding him up by the arms.
“It’s my birthday, I deserve it.” he slurs as he forces himself out of their hold.

14
 Destined
“Your girlfriend is here, mamizana is looking for you and you need to go
address the nation with bab’ Nkosi.” he burps and just lies in his arms.
He’s been sitting in this cellar for over two hours, and no one found him. He
couldn’t stop thinking and seeing his father’s image, he wanted to get rid of it.
Those bottles of whiskey did the trick.
“Where is Zothile?”
“She’s outside, she can’t come in without you, you need to escort her.” Halle
announces.
“Tell her to come in!” he shouts.
Mgcini is the one to walk out and Halle holds his brother up.
“Mamizana is going to kill you!”
“She can’t kill me, she needs me.” he burps again.
He might vomit at any second, he’s lost all control of himself. They struggle to
the door of the cellar, they run into Mgcini, and behind her is the one he loves so
much.
“Zothile.” he cries out.
The first thing he wants to do is pounce into her arms and cry.
“Smiso, what’s going on with you?” she shifts away from him and stares like
she’s shocked.
“Baby please…”
“MaNdlovu, he’s drunk, he can’t even stand upright.” Halle starts by stating the
obvious.
“My prince, I think he needs to lay down before the queen sees him.” she speaks
in her soft voice.
She’s always soft spoken, so poised and elegant. That’s what he likes about her.
She’s respectful too, and she listens to him. She has all the right qualities of a
queen.

15
 Destined
They agree to take him to his room before MaGumede appears and starts losing
it. Mgcini is the one to get him water so he can try sober up. His father’s burial
is tomorrow, in the early hours of the morning, he needs to be fresh.
Halle throws him on his bed before he excuses himself, leaving Zothile with her
drunk boyfriend.
“Smiso.”
“What happened to Mageba?” he’s big on respect, he’s seen how much his
mother respected his father, and he’s always wanted that for himself.
“Smiso I know this is not the right time, but we need to talk…”
“Zothile?” she sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.
“I can’t do this anymore Zulu, I’m not ready for all of this, this life you want me
to live.”
“Wait Zothile, do you understand that my father died today.” he sat up and
stared at her.
She looked away in embarrassment.
“Today is not ordinary day, it’s my freaking birthday, and not any birthday, my
18th. Is it not enough that all the plans I had today were flushed down the toilet?
My father is gone, my best friend, I’m never going to see him, and I won’t get to
share that special moment with him. And you are here to break up with me?”
She kept quiet and that seemed to anger him. He pulled her wrist.
“Zothile!” she squirmed.
He saw this on her face and took in a deep breath.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, but you are hurting me.” his eyes glistened
with tears.
“Please look at me.” he said with his voice breaking.
She lifted her face, but she couldn’t look him in the eyes.
“Why Zothile, why today?” she wiped the tear threatening to escape from her
eye.

16
 Destined
“I feel like you don’t appreciate me enough Zulu, it’s always about you. In all
the plans you make, you always include me, but never consider what I want. I’m
not ready to be a queen, I’m barely 18 yet, I just finished high school. I still want
to travel, I want to learn and see a different world outside this village. I can’t be
sitting here for the rest of my life, bearing thousands of children, for what? A
title?” there was disappointment on his face.
“We can still travel baby, I don’t want you to bear me thousands of babies, I just
want two or three, and that’s only when you are ready. My mom married my dad
when she was 17 like you and I, and that didn’t stop her from living her life.
Please baby, don’t do this to me.” he begged.
“You said you loved me Zothile.” he goes again when she hits him with silence.
“I do love you Smiso, but I have to put me first. I’m sorry.” she stood up.
More than anything, he’s angry at the fact that she chose to do this today of all
days.

Paloma Mfusi

“It has indeed been confirmed that the monarch of Zululand, King Langalethu
kaMhlabawesizwe Zulu has passed away. The king succumbed to death early
this morning at the royal palace…”
“Paloma, come see this!” mom shouts my name.
I jolt from the bed, and instantly regret it because a dizzy spell sends me reeling
back.
I make my way down the passage relatively quickly, and I find my parents
sitting in front of the TV, with the picture of the king blasted on the screen. My
palms start sweating.
“The king has died.” mom says and grabs me to stand close to her.
“Did you have a dream about it nana?” dad asks lifting his eyes to me.
I shook my head. I couldn’t even find the words to speak.
17
 Destined
He increases the volume on the TV once again when representatives from the
royal family appear on the screen. Mom sits down besides dad and pulls me to
sit on the armrest so we can listen attentively.
It’s really none of our business, but who doesn’t want to know what happened to
the king.
“As a part of the Royal house of Zululand, I’m here to address you regarding
the passing of your King, our brother, a husband and father, King Langalethu
kaMhlabawesizwe Zulu, in the early hours of the morning today. Bayede died a
peaceful death after years of suffering from heart disease. We are deeply
saddened by our loss, and we ask that we be granted privacy as a family in this
hard time, we know that he was your king too, but he also has a family of his
own, and they are torn.” they definitely look torn.
The guy standing next to the prince that is speaking; his eyes are bloodshot red,
you can’t tell if it’s from crying or another supporting substance.
“The son looks drunk.” mom points out.
My exact sentiments.
“I understand him, losing a father isn’t child’s play.” dad defends.
He was the exact same zombie when papa died. I never want to relive that; ever!
Worst period of my life.
“The king will be buried in a private ceremony tomorrow, and for privacy
reasons, the time and venue will not be disclosed. A memorial service has been
planned for the masses, the venue will be confirmed during the course of the
week. We would really appreciate you patience and co-operation as a nation, as
we are all mourning. Thank you people of Zululand.” he gets off the podium.
“And those were scenes from the royal palace where Prince Mandlenkosi, the
King’s brother, addressed the nation about the tragic passing of the Zulu
monarch.”
“There was nothing tragic about it, he was old, and clearly sick for too long.”
Mom says and stands up.

18
 Destined
That was a little insensitive.
“I wonder who is going to succeed the throne now. It’s about to get nasty in that
place.” dad says shifting to look at his wife.
“Probably the son, but the brothers might fight for that throne, these people are
greedy.” I burp.
I stand up and asked to be excused because I can feel that I’m being triggered by
their conversation. Not by choice, it’s the ancestors living inside of me that seem
to be offended that my parents are discussing matters of the palace that have
nothing to do with them.
“Eyy!” I hold on to the couch and scream.
I’m trying to find balance.
“Makhos’ amakhulu.” my mom knows how to deal with it now.
I can hear voices echoing in my head and they are driving me insane, I want to
run away from myself. I unfortunately don’t have the liberty of doing that.
“Take me to Zululand.” I burp out.
Excuse me, that wasn’t my voice, it was the woman living inside of me who
succumbed to death when she clearly wanted to live more and explore. What am
I going to do in Zululand?
“What do you need in Zululand?” I can distinctly hear my father’s voice asking
me that question.
“Take me to the palace.”
“Makhosi.” my beautiful mother.
I guess we are off to Zululand.

19
 Destined
CHAPTER THREE
Paloma Mfusi

“I want to go home.” I don’t know why she came into my room to moan to me.
I have to many problems to be dealing with her petty problems.
“This is also home Zita.”
“Yes I know, but I miss my home, the house my parents raised us in.” she’s
dreaming, that’s all the way in Johannesburg.
We are too far from home for her to be wishing to be back there. Plus, I’m
loving Durban, the air is fresh, and it’s so much cooler this side.
“Please get out of my room.” I say throwing my head back.
I cover my face with the pillow and wait to her the door shut, but it doesn’t.
she’s still here. Zita!
“Paloma what is wrong with you?” the concern in her voice is enough to make
me raise the pillow off my face.
I slowly bring my body up and stare at her.
“I have a ancestral gift, mummy gave it to me.” she hardly remember mummy,
she was young when she passed.
I was also young, but I know her because she haunts my dreams, she lives inside
my head.
“How?” she’s clearly intrigued because she’s getting comfortable on my bed.
MY bed! I thought I told her to get out.
“I don’t know how Zita, it’s the ancestors.” I know if I bother explaining, she’ll
keep asking, because this is not something that’s just easy to understand.
I unfortunately don’t have all the answers to the questions she will ask me, so
I’d rather avoid the whole conversation.
20
 Destined
“Is that why you are always talking to yourself?” you see, these are the
consequences of raising white children stuck in black people bodies.
I also did not understand the concept of having amadlozi. Yes my family was
deeply rooted in culture and traditions, but those were never a part of our
everyday lives. There is a lot that I have had to teach myself over the years, and
there is so much more I still don’t know. My siblings and I were raised in a
modern house.
“I don’t talk to myself.” I defend.
I don’t expect her to understand.
My bedroom door opens and mom peeks in.
I feel bad, her and dad are fighting because of me. He flatly refused to let me go
to the palace. He sometimes doesn’t understand that it isn’t me that wants to go
there, but it’s the woman living inside of me. So they fought, because mom
understands, and she was adamant that I had to leave, but he didn’t want to, and
mummy seemed to prove him right because she hasn’t bothered me about it
since then.
“We are leaving tomorrow.” she says in a low voice.
“To Zululand?” I ask in anticipation.
She shakes her head, you can see that she’s drained.
“No, we are going back to Johannesburg.” Zita springs up from the bed like a
jumping jack.
“I have to pack, thank you lord!” she doesn’t wait for mom to finish, she’s out of
the room before I can even blink.
Mom comes in and closes the door. She leans against it and stares at me. Before
I can even question her, she breaks down and starts sobbing. I don’t respond
very well to tears, right now I’m numb. I don’t know whether to stand and
comfort her, or just wait for her to have her moment and get over it.
“Mom.” she shakes her head and wipes her tears.

21
 Destined
“Tell me if I’m being dramatic Paloma, but Mvelwenhle understands that he has
a special child, he knows that he needs to do everything to please the ancestors
because that’s what you need to survive. Now he’s making me the bad parent for
wanting to please them. I’m doing it for you, right baby?” she’s really hurt.
“Mom, I’m fine, honestly. I also don’t want to go to Zululand, I don’t know
anything about those people, I have nothing to say to them, but I understand
what you mean.”
I stand up and go give her a brief hug. My mom is my biggest supporter, I
understand where her frustration comes from. Dad is really being difficult for no
reason.
“But mom I can’t go back to Johannesburg.”
“I know sisi.” she says in a sigh.
I need to be close to isigodlo all the time. I need to be close to the ocean, close
to the waterfall, any form of large bodies of water. There isn’t any of that back
at home. I’m not ready to fall sick again.
“He’s going to have to understand the nature of what you are going through. It’s
out of our control, uyingane yedlozi wena.” she brushes my silky hair and kisses
my forehead.
I don’t want to tell her how uncomfortable that makes me, because she is my
mom, and this is what she does to show us affection. But I don’t like being
touched or fondled, it irritates me so much.
She quickly let’s me go and I finally breathe.
“You should probably get some rest, I’ll wake you up for lunch.” she says
reaching for the door.
Napping is never a part of my daily pattern, I hate the feeling of being
suffocated, I’d rather avoid it.

Nsukezinhle Zulu

22
 Destined

The sun is slowly starting to burn through his skin. He doesn’t understand why
he has to walk barefoot to a waterfall in the early hours of the morning when his
father left him a fleet of cars, and bought him all the shoes he’s ever desired to
have. Things better not start to change now that his father is carrying sand on his
chest.
“Mawami.”
“Shh.” she says shutting him up completely.
She’s been snapping at anything and everything since yesterday afternoon. It’s
not his fault that everything that’s happening is happening.
“Ma why are we doing this?” he questioned again catching up to her.
“You would know if you would keep quiet Nsuke. Please, I don’t need this right
now.”
He wishes things wouldn’t be happening the way they are. It hasn’t even been a
day, but he’s lost so much, in so little time. First it was his father, then Zothile.
Now his mother is being this cold monster that won’t even try to listen to him.
What kind of life will he live from here on out?
They continue walking in silence. He’s trying so hard to hold back the tears. He
could tell that his family was judging him when he cried last night. But this isn’t
just anyone that died, it’s his father, he loved him. The same way more than half
the province is mourning, he too is hurting.
The path starts getting clearer and the sound of the gushing waters relieve him.
It’s just the both of them, his brothers stayed behind. He still doesn’t know what
the reason for them being here is. He does hope that his mom will stop treating
him like a child at some point, he’s grown now, especially now that he has to
take over the throne, take over all of Zululand. He would appreciate just a little
heads-up.
He watches as his mother strips off her black clothes and walks towards the
body of water. He stands aghast as she goes to stand right under the waterfall,
and he watches her slowly submerge under the clear blue water. Today is such a
23
 Destined
beautiful day, too bad it started out so sadly, with sad hymns, watching his
father go down to his final resting place. The sun is shining and there is not a
single cloud in the sky. It’s one of those days that Langa loved the most, and he
always urged them to go sit in the garden, or under the trees and just feel the
breeze whenever the days were like this.
He never used to complain because he loved spending every single second with
his father. His father was his everything, the most perfect man in his eyes, he
wanted to be close to him all the time.
“Come inside and wash off son.” she called out when she rose to the top again.
He was unsure about doing it, how sure are they that this place is safe? He’s
never even been to this side of the palace, and he’s lived here for 18 years now.
She was adamant that he had to come in, so he stripped his clothes and while he
covered himself in shame, he walked towards the rocks. He’s too old to be seen
naked by his mother.
“What are you hiding, I know every single part of your body.” he chuckled
nervously and dipped his leg in the water.
He’s always been shy, he’s always been a soft spoken little boy, who preferred
being quiet than loud. It was quite different from the boy he was when he was
just a toddler. Amile always worried about her son, about his quiet nature and
his ability to just follow when he was supposed to learn how to lead. That’s why
she worries so much about him, he has such a big task on his hands, and now he
has to handle it all alone.
He finally gets inside the water and he feels a sense of calmness when he lets his
body go. He closes his eyes and he starts to feel like he’s floating on a cloud.
“You see, not bad at all.”
He dips his head under the water and takes the risk of opening his eyes. The
water is clear, probably the cleanest water he has ever seen, and the rays of the
sun are bouncing on the surface, right under him. He feels something slithery
grabbing a hold of his ankle and fear surges through his whole body.
“Mawami!” he screams in panic.
24
 Destined
It’s difficult to scream in water, he assumes she can barely hear him.
He starts kicking to try and fight his way out of this hold, but the grip tightens
around both his legs. He then hears hisses and whispers, some sounding like
those of his fathers.
“Son, do not fear.”
“Dad?” his hands are trembling.
How is he still breathing like this, he is under water?
“I wouldn’t have agreed if I didn’t think you were ready. I believe in you, and I
know you believe in you too.” he wants to see him, he wants to find out where
exactly this voice is coming from, but he just can’t seem to.
“Baba am i going to die?” he screams.
“No, you are going to be the king.” his voice slowly fades into the water, and the
hold on his legs slithers away.
He suddenly can’t breathe so he pushes his way through to the surface.
His heart is racing as he swims to the nearest rock and tries to calm his breathing.
His mother emerges from the water not long after that and she goes to stand in
front of him.
“Are you ready to go?” she asks in one breath.
He can’t even find the words to answer her, but he can’t wait to get out of this
place, so a quick nod is enough for her to see that’s he’s seen enough.

•••

There was a car waiting for them at the bottom of the hill. He was happy that he
didn’t have to walk again because that was the absolute ghetto for him.

25
 Destined
They are back at the palace, the only thing he wants to do is go to his room, take
a shower and sleep. But as soon as he enters the yard, he realizes that his dreams
might not be a reality soon.
There is press flooding the whole main entrance, and it seems like the security is
unable to control them.
“Queen Amile, condolences to you my Queen, we are terribly sorry for your loss.
How was the burial.” these people are insensitive.
They have the microphone pushed through the window as they drive past. What
kind of question is that.
They keep throwing questions, some are inaudible because all of them are
attempting to speak at once.
They make it past the havoc and the first thing that his mother does is grab her
cellphone. He can hear her snapping at someone, and it can only be Khaya, then
she hangs up.
There are still a few family members around the house, some are helping
themselves to breakfast, and others are just mingling and gossiping. When he
makes it past the lounge, on his way to his bedroom, he gets stopped on his
tracks.
“Smiso.” he turns and stares at her.
He didn’t mean to give her a cold look, but today is not his day. He doesn’t give
her a second glance, but continues on his way. He hears her footsteps running
behind him.
“Smiso wait, can we talk!” she catches up to him and holds him by the arm.
Her eyes are red, it looks like she has been crying. He goes soft on her
immediately and lets her into his room before he closes and locks.
The first thing on his mind is to take off the clothes he’s wearing, they are wet,
and dusty, and he doesn’t feel clean at all.
“Can we talk first.” she says in a command.

26
 Destined
He doesn’t turn, in fact he continues to strip off his clothes and he wraps a towel
around his lower body. He leans against the chair with his back towards her, and
he waits for her to say whatever it is she needs to.
He can feel her eyes piercing through his skin.
“I made a mistake baby.” he doesn’t respond.
“I shouldn’t have done that, but I just felt so overwhelmed yesterday, there’s the
stress about my results, and I haven’t gotten any responses from the universities
I applied to. I shouldn’t have blamed you for something that is out of yours and
my control. I shouldn’t have broken up with you during your lowest time, when
you needed me the most, baby I’m sorry.” she stood up and wrapped her arms
around his waist.
She carefully placed her head on his back, and sobbed. He feels no ounce of
remorse for her, or what she is saying. He was not expecting what she did
yesterday, it was a whole other level of childish, and he chose her because he
thought she was none of that.
“Please say something baby.” she begged.
She let go of his waist and he finally turned around and lifted his head.
“Zothile.” he rubbed his forehead.
“I promise I’ll be everything you need, I love you baby, I made a mistake and
I’m ready to fix it.” she grabbed his hands and leaned in to kiss his lips.
He moved away. The hurt in her eyes could not be disguised.
“Nsuke, please come meet me in the study!” a knock on the door.
It’s his mother. He doesn’t respond. She knocks again.
“Nsukezinhle!”
“Ngiyeza mawami.” he responds and frees himself from Zothile’s grip.
“I need to go…” he says and goes to the closet in search of something to put on.
Clearly he’s not getting a shower.
27
 Destined
Zothile doesn’t say anything, but she storms to the door. When she is outside, he
hears his mother.
“My daughter-in-law.” his heart clenches.
They met yesterday, regardless of the situation. She doesn’t know what is going
on, and she seems to like Zothile. He suddenly feels cornered by this.
He can’t hear her response, but his mother’s response is loud and clear.
“I’ll talk to him.” he sighs as he throws on a crinkly t-shirt.
It’s still going to be a long day ahead.

28
 Destined
CHAPTER FOUR
Nsukezinhle Zulu

It’s not just his mother in the study, Bab’ Nkosi is also there. He doesn’t look
like he’s taking any of this very well. His mother looks way better than he does.
“Come sit here.” she says standing up from his father’s chair.
That’s where he used to sit, he can’t be sitting in his father’s chair without
earning it, it feels wrong. He shakes his head and looks down.
“It’s yours son, come.” he slowly makes his way towards the seat.
The only time he’s ever sat on this side of the table was when he was younger,
and his father would place him on his lap and show him things he didn’t
understand on his big computer. He wishes he could remember what those
things were, he really does, but he was so young back then.
He experiences an out of body moment when he settles in the chair, he takes a
deep breath before he places his head in his hands and takes a deep breath in.
“Son, I know this is a little premature considering that we’ve just buried your
father, but things are going to have to change.” Amile started.
He could feel the tears soaking through his palms, but he didn’t want his mother
to see him crying so he sniffed and wiped them away before he sat up and stared
at her. She can see the hurt in his eyes, and she feels it just as much as he does.
“The throne belongs to you, and baba didn’t just leave you to figure things out
for yourself. He used all these 18 years with you very wisely and he spent every
moment teaching you, and grooming your for this day. I don’t know what you
two spoke about, and the nature of your relationship, but I am sure that he
wouldn’t have chosen this specific day to join his forefathers, if he wasn’t sure
you were ready. You have big shoes to fill my boy, but you are your father’s son,
you are Langalethu’s son, and I know that you have got this.” she speaks with so
much pride and confidence, it’s even radiating on her face.
She loves him with all her heart. The only child she has been blessed with.
29
 Destined
“Bab’ Nkosi will be here, whatever you need from him, he will give it to you, he
will guide you and lead towards the right direction. You will have to marry
someones daughter and bring her home before you can sit on the throne. I don’t
think you have to search very far for that because you have MaNdlovu.” his
blood turned cold instantly.
He nodded and continued to listen.
“After the mass memorial, you will receive the keys to the kingdom, and baba’s
Will and Testament will be read out, then we can start the preparations for your
coronation.”
“Okay mawami.”
For a moment he just wishes everything could just slow down…
“Nkosi I don’t know if you want to add anything.” she said, turning to face him.
Bab’ Nkosi just shook his head, the pain in his eyes could not be missed.
“Please excuse me.” he stood up and walked out the room.
His mother’s concern is all over her face. He makes a mental note to make sure
to check on him as soon as possible.
“What did you do to MaNdlovu, why was she crying right now?” clearly,
Zothile refused to tell her.
“Please don’t get involved mawami.” he attempts to stand up.
“Don’t speak to me like that Nsukezinhle, and sit down, I’m not done talking to
you.” he sighs and sits back down.
“Don’t make this difficult for the both of us, please.” he feels tears burning his
eyes.
“If you don’t love her, don’t waste her time, tell her you don’t. I don’t want you
to be miserable for the rest of your life son, I want you to marry the girl that you
love.” he loves Zothile, that is a sure thing.
He just doesn’t know how he’s going to be able to depend on her, when she has
proven she can’t take it when the heat gets too much.
30
 Destined
“Talk to her, if you are unable to fix it, don’t force it. Just follow your heart.”
His first instinct is to ask his dad how to handle this, but his dad is not here
anymore, he can’t ask him.
“How did you know dad was the one?” he asked in a strained voice.
His mother looks up and provides a chuckle. She’s trying to stop the tears from
filling her face.
“He haunted my dreams, and he always told me he loved me. I didn’t want him
to be the one, because I didn’t know how life was going to work, marrying two
men from the same family, brothers. But when I got the chance to love him, I
knew it was him I really was meant to be with.”
“When you meet the one for you, you will feel it in your blood, in your heart
and mind. No doubt or hesitation will cross you, and all that you do for love,
will be done with intention.” he doesn’t doubt he has love for Zothile.
He knows the right thing to do, it’s a big step, but he has been preparing for it
for as long as he can remember.

•••

He asked Halle to accompany him to the Ndlovu residence. They are not
allowed to leave the yard, but he had to make sacrifices, and fix things with
Zothile before the animosity grew between them. He wasn’t exactly welcoming
to her earlier.
They are sitting in the car just a few yards away from her house. They have a
clear view of the gate and the movement in the yard. There isn’t anyone
appearing. He dials her number and it rings answered several times.
“Do you think she’s ignoring me?” Halle stares at him.
“I don’t know bro, try her again.” he tries her again, and it rings straight to
voicemail this time.
31
 Destined
“She’s definitely ignoring me.” he says in a sigh.
Halle passed him his phone so he could try calling her. She answered just as he
was about to drop.
“Zothile, don’t hang up, it’s me. I’m outside.”
“I don’t want to speak to you Smiso.” her voice is breaking, she’s still crying.
“I’m sorry I hurt you today, okay. And I want to forgive you, so you can also
forgive me then we can move on from this baby.” Halle turned to look at him
and he laughed at him.
“I can’t come out, my dad is home.” she says with her breathing hitching.
“Do you forgive me?” she doesn’t answer.
“Zothile?”
“Yes Smiso I forgive you.”
“Thank you MaNdlovu.”
She hung up the phone before he could talk further. He gave it back to it’s
owner and sighed.
“So you are telling me we came here for nothing?” Halle complains.
“No, I got my girl back, the goal was achieved.”
“You could have called her at home. Come on Smiso!” he starts the car,
frustration on his face.
“Thank you bro.” he says with a chuckle, patting him on the shoulder.
His mood has improved just a little, that’s one less trouble. Now onto bigger fish!

Paloma Mfusi

32
 Destined
Olly is naturally loud, and I don’t like noise, but I enjoy her company, and she’s
the only person who makes me feel like a normal human being. She doesn’t
make me feel like I’m strange, she understands me.
She rescued me by coming over and she has been keeping me company, instead
of sleeping. She has been discussing the royal affairs ever since she got here.
“How do we know that the queen didn’t kill him, how did he just die. She knows
what happened, she slept with him in the same bed.” I laugh.
At this point trying to defend them won’t help me in any way. People are going
to have their speculations, and it’s not like I know any better.
“I would also kill my husband so I can get the throne. Her son is not 18 yet,
right?” she asks.
“I don’t know Olz, I don’t know anything about them.” she rolls her eyes.
“You are boring. Let’s go get ice-cream down the road!” she says getting up.
“It’s too hot today, who’s going to walk?” I complain.
My skin is too sensitive, next thing I know, my skin is peeling from the burn. No
thank you.
“Come on bestie, let’s go. You are always cooped up in your room. I’m sure
your parents won’t mind. We are just stretching our legs.”
She won’t budge. Saying no is like hitting a brick wall with my fist.
“Fine, let me go tell my mom.” I get up and walk to the lounge.
It’s so cold inside this house, you can’t even tell it’s boiling outside. She’s
sitting on the couch staring at a blank television screen.
“Mom, Olly and I are going to get ice-cream.” she turns and stares at me.
She looks like she’s far in thought.
“Is it safe for you?” I didn’t understand that question.
But I nodded anyway.

33
 Destined
“Wear sunscreen and bring a hat.” she instructs before she goes back to her
staring.
This is my life. I’m 21 years old, living like a toddler. I don’t really mind being
indoors, I don’t like being around too many people, because most of the time,
their spirits start attacking me. I’m not spiritually strong to fight them off yet,
it’s something I need to work on, because the last thing I need is to be taking
home peoples spirits, tainting my own.
But my parents kind of overdo it, even Zita is not this protected.
I do as instructed, and I put a cap over my massive afro. My hair has definitely
changed over the years. I went from having straight hair to having curly coily
hair like mom’s hair. Zita’s hair is more coarse, but it’s red like an albino’s hair.
I think I got this hair from my biological mother’s hair, it just surprises me how
it happens that it looks identical to mom’s hair.
“I hate you for looking so pretty so effortlessly.” Olly says looking at me.
I turn and stare at myself in the mirror. I see nothing to write home about. I look
normal, in fact, she looks way prettier than I could ever. She puts effort into
what she wears, and how she looks. She always has her hair done, and she’s just
naturally gorgeous. I on the other hand have no sense of style whatsoever. I have
felt like my life has been dictated by the ancestors. I don’t wear pants, and I
don’t wear anything short. It has nothing to do with the rules, because many
sangoma’s out there do anything, but specifically the woman living inside of me.
I don’t have the luxury of doing my hair and nails like other girls do. I tried
braids, by the second day, it always feels like my head is on fire, and I remove
them. Even cornrows are not an exception. The best I can do are the tresses I do
every night when I go to bed, but I have to make sure I remove them as soon as I
wake up.
There is so many more things that other girls consider normal that I just can’t
and don’t desire to have.
“I want these too!” she says admiring my waist beads.
Yeah, it’s not like I have a choice not to wear them.

34
 Destined
We leave the house, out the gate, and on our merry journey we begin. Since I’ve
lived here, I’ve never walked down this way, I always drive past here. The only
time I ever walk is when I’m walking Olly home after a visit, and I always leave
her halfway.
“Did I tell you about my new mans?” she says in a giggle.
I can’t help but laugh.
“No, you didn’t.” she has a new man almost every week.
“Okay, he’s not really my man, but he’s so fine! When I tell you!” she blushes.
“How old is he?” I ask.
She has a tendency of liking older men. This is the same person who had a crush
on my father. I know my dad is handsome but eww no!
“Relax, he’s not that old! I know you like judging me.”
“No, it’s not my place to judge you bestie!” I say and chuckle.
She knows I don’t like that, but I’ve somehow accepted that it’s the way she is.
“Okay, tell me more about him.” I literally have zero relationship experience,
but because of Olly, I’ve been in thousands of relationships.
“He’s my dad’s trainee, oh he’s so handsome! He greeted me the other day, I
literally felt my beanie jumping for joy!” I chocked on my own spit after she
said.
“It what?” she laughed.
“That little thing in between your legs, it can jump for joy bestie, especially if
you see a man as sexy as Brendon.” I shook my head and laughed.
“What else do you know about him?” I ask.
“Nothing else, but in my head, we already live in our mansion with two kids and
a dog! Ouuh I can already imagine eating me up, the feel of his lips…”
“Okay, come back!” I snap her out of it.

35
 Destined
I can’t help but laugh at her insanity.
She continues to share her escapades with me. I spend most of my time with her,
but it’s always a brand new story every single day, and it literally just gets better
and better.
She actually had a normal childhood, and she experienced her teenage stage, she
got through it and now she’s trying to navigate adulthood. I feel like I’m still
stuck in my tweens. I’ve never experienced groove, or sneaking out of the house
to go to a party my classmates were throwing. I never even had that many
friends in school to be invited in the first place. And I had no desire to go.
I feel like given the opportunity, my parents would have definitely let me go out,
because that is the kind of life that they also lived, but I just had no desire to go.
It’s not my cup of tea, this fast lifestyle. I can see Zita is going to be that girl,
she’s not necessarily popular like that, but she’s a social media freak, and she’s
always invited to events.
It’s too late for me to get roped into that lifestyle now, the ancestors would never
let me.
We get to the shopping centre, and I’m already sweating. It’s so hot outside. I
stand by the shade and wait for Olly who is still conversing with one of the
many people she has seen.
I can feel my waist beads getting loose, it’s all the sweat on my body. As I am
fixing them, someone bumps my head, and their scent fills up my nostrils.
“Hey?” I look up.
He’s walking away, he didn’t even stop and turn, I didn’t see his face. Some
people are rude for no reason. Couldn’t he just have walked on the other side!?
Jerk!
“What’s wrong?” Olly takes my hand and she leads me into the shop.
“Some guy knocked my head when he walked passed me.” I fixed my hair.
“Sorry bestie.” she says absentmindedly.

36
 Destined
We make our way inside and the cool breeze instantly cools me down. I wish I
didn’t have to walk all the way back home now, it’s so nice being in here.
We are buying the ice-cream on a stick and water, and we are praying that the
other one doesn’t melt before we get to eat it because it’s so hot out there.
“Look at that guy.” she points at a man dressed in all black.
His physique is to die for, I can’t lie. His bowed legs!
“What about him?” I ask looking back at Olly.
“He’s been staring at you since we walked in.” I didn’t even notice that.
As if he can hear that we are discussing him, he turns and looks exactly in our
direction. Olly turns us around.
“You see!” she whispers.
I roll my eyes.
“Maybe he’s looking at you.” he has no reason to look at me.
It’s that scent again behind us. My eyes open in alarm, it’s the jerk.
“Ladies…” it’s the same person who is said to be staring at me.
His voice is so deep, now that I’m looking at him up close, you can tell that he
may be a little older than his body looks. I feel my shoulders suddenly getting
heavy. This is not the right time.
“Hello.” Olly speaks on our behalf.
“Do we have an issue, I saw you guys pointing at me.” his accent is so thick.
He’s black, fully black, a black man, but his accent doesn’t sound like a South
African accent. If I go on a hunch, it could be an Australian or Canadian accent.
You don’t do this in South Africa, if you see people pointing at you, you just
ignore them, you don’t confront them.
“No sir, we weren’t pointing at you…” Olly stutters.

37
 Destined
He reaches out and takes the things I’m holding that we were about to go pay for.
“Can I get this for you?” I still haven’t said anything.
I’m still trying to process what this feeling I’m feeling is. My shoulders
suddenly feel so heavy, his aura is so strong too, I don’t know what to make of it.
“No, it’s fine we’ve got it.” I say sternly, trying to take them back from him.
“I’m not seeing you for the first time.” he says holding onto the items. He’s
pissing me off, it’s not like we started off on the right foot.
“Yes, you bumped my head earlier and you didn’t say sorry.” he smiles.
Jerk!
“I’m sorry nkosazane.” I want to roll my eyes.
Olly is trying to touch me.
“As an apology, can I get this for you?” he has a beautiful smile.
I can’t shake this feeling off though. Who is he and why is he making me feel
like this.

38
 Destined
CHAPTER FIVE
Paloma Mfusi

“What the hell was that?” she asks as soon as we make our way out the store.
We just had our things paid for by that strange man. We didn’t even get his
name.
“I don’t know, but I don’t have such a good feeling about that guy.” I say. I’m
still feeling very uneasy.
“Oh don’t start please! He clearly liked you, and that is why you are feeling like
that.”
“Is that how it feels to be liked by a guy?” I really don’t have the words to
explain this feeling.
“Yes girly! Why didn’t you give him your number!” I shook my head.
“I’m not about to throw myself onto a guy only because he paid for our things.
He seems arrogant too, I’m not about that life.”
“You are boring. You are never going to get a boyfriend if you continue like
this.” the last thing I need right now is a boyfriend.
Men think they are entitled to women. Imagine having someone who expects
you to drop all you are doing for them. I’ve seen it with my parents. Don’t get
me wrong, they have a beautiful love, but I personally don’t think I’m built for
that kind of thing; love and marriage? No, I’ll pass. My dad will whine and act
like a baby, and my mom will have to run around to try and make him happy.
That’s not life, I have zero patience, I wouldn’t cope.
“I don’t want or need one, thank you very much.” I correct.
We start walking back home, she’s still entertaining me with her stories, and I’m
not complaining, I enjoy them.
A black sports car speeds past us, as we approach the street that leads up to my
home. I feel that heaviness on my shoulders once again.
39
 Destined
“It’s him, is he following us?” I say looking at the car.
“How do you know it’s him?” she raises her eyebrow.
“I saw him going to his car.” I lie.
“Maybe he lives around here, even better, now you can get to know him better!”
she’s suddenly too excited for my liking.
“Don’t put those ideas in your head, it’s not going to happen.” plus, he looks
way too old for me.
The car is driving back, this time with less speed. I open the bottle of water and
try to get rid of the lump stuck in my throat. He stops right next to us. I sigh and
continue walking as if I don’t see him. He does the unthinkable, climbs out of
the car and catches up to us.
“Nkosazane.” he says and grabs my hand.
I feel tingles going through my body like electricity.
“Mr, I don’t want to be rude, we thanked you for your generosity back there, but
I would appreciate it if you would leave us alone, please.” I said in a stern voice.
“Your eyes, they won’t let me let you go, my heart tells me that those eyes
should look into mine, and they should be the first thing I see when I open mine
every morning for the rest of my life.” he’s not serious, is he?
Olly has left me, I can see her shadow disappearing down the road.
“You don’t know me.”
“I want to get to know you.” I closed my eyes and looked down.
Why did I leave the house again?
“What’s your name?” he’s serious weh Vundisa.
“Paloma.” I say half heartedly.
“Vukani, I’m pleased to meet you Paloma.” I can’t say the same about him.

40
 Destined
He is about to become a nuisance in my life, I can just feel it. Maybe that is why
I feel so heavy around him.
“Can I have your number.”
“I don’t have a cellphone.” I reply before I can think.
I’m glad I don’t have it on me in this moment.
“It’s okay, I know you are meant to be mine, and even when you resist, I’ll find
my way back to you.” he says and holds my hands.
His confidence stinks. I look into his eyes, and I see flames. Literal flames in his
eyes, what is the meaning of this?
“Can I drive you for the rest of the way?” I shake my head and take my hands
back.
That’s when I get a chance to look at his hands, he’s wearing a wedding ring.
Yeah right, we are meant to be.
“No thank you.” he sees where my eyes are, and he hides his hands behind his
back.
I don’t take a second thought, I walk away, walking as fast as my legs can carry
me. Are men always this weird, or is it just I that had a bad encounter?

•••

“The weirdest thing happened to me today.” I say taking a sip of my water.

Tonight is the last dinner I’m having with my family before they go back to
Johannesburg. The parents seem to be fine now, I’m glad they sorted it out. I’m
going to be left all alone after today. I don’t know how I’m going to get used to
that.
“What happened?” dad is the first to ask.

41
 Destined
They have all stopped eating and they are staring at me to continue. Jeez.
“So at the store, this man bumped into me and he didn’t apologize. I saw him
again inside the store, and that’s when Olly told me that he was staring at me
since we had walked in.” I narrate.
My father’s face? He quickly interjects.
“Who is he and why was he staring at you, I don’t want to kill people.” I laugh.
“Daddy please, let me finish. So when he saw that we were talking about him,
he came to us. The first weird part was I felt a heaviness on my shoulder when
he came close to me. He offered to pay for our things because he said he wanted
to apologize for bumping me earlier.” dad keeps shaking his head.
“And then what, did he ask you out? I hope you said no.” dad again.
“Mvelwenhle please.” mom.
“No, I don’t want boys around my babies, who does he think he is asking out my
daughter. I hope you said no, you too princess, when a boy asks for your number,
give him mine.” both Zita and I laughed.
We are way too old for this, plus mom had the boy talk with us a long time ago.
She gave us the freedom to date, obviously she would need to know, so we can
keep it from dad and she can cover for us. She understands how it’s like having
a strict father. Mkhulu doesn’t play. It’s just unfortunate that I have no desire to
date. Zita is a different story.
“Yes daddy.” we both agreed in unison.
“Okay daddy don’t interrupt me now. When we were walking back, he drove
past us, and I guess he was going to his place because he came back after seeing
us. He stopped the car and started asking me out. But that’s not the weird part,
the weird part was when I stared into his eyes, I saw flames. I don’t know what
that meant.” mom frowns.
“Flames? Like how.” she asks.
“Inside his eyes, I saw flames. It was so weird, first it was the heaviness, then
the flames. He also said something about me being meant for him and even if I
42
 Destined
would avoid him now, our paths would cross again. He was wearing a wedding
ring.”
“No Dove, it was just a horny married man who has no self control and doesn’t
respect young woman. Don’t ever entertain people like that. You need to be
careful of people like that.”
“But daddy how do you explain the fire I saw in his eyes?” he is thinking about
this from the wrong point of view.
“Maybe you were seeing things baby. I need you to be careful, I don’t want you
talking to strangers anymore, he could have easily stolen you, or did something
bad to you.”
“I think you should consult your bones, and ask the ancestors what it could
mean.” mom, the level headed one, comes up with a better solution.
“I will do that mom.” maybe I’ll get the answer I’m looking for.
Zita gets up and clears the table. Dad says he’s going to take a shower, and that
leaves only mom and I.
“Dad still doesn’t take this thing seriously.” I say in a sigh.
“Give him time.” I’ve been giving him time.
How many years has he spent knowing that I’m a special child, he can’t possibly
still need time to accept it.
“Until when mom? He can’t just brush it off like this. It’s the reality of my life,
and I can’t change it. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him, he was the one who
decided to have the first great-grandchild.” mom just sighed.
She didn’t say anything. To spare myself, I got up and left her there, and went to
help Zita in the kitchen with the dishes.

•••

43
 Destined
I got zero answers from the bones. I sat there for almost 20 minutes trying to
analyse what meaning I was getting, nothing. The last time, all I needed to do
was throw them, and I saw pictures flashing. Now when I need them, they don’t
work. These things should come with a manual.
I’m sitting in my room, I’ve just finished doing my night prayer. I should be
going to sleep, but I’m not so tired. I grab my phone and start going through my
social media.
I’m tempted to search for the strange guy from today. But I can’t remember his
exact name, I just remember it started with a V. I didn’t even ask him his
surname, I was too scared to ask, I didn’t want him to think I was interested. But
those flames, they have me paranoid.
I try every name I can think of: Vusi, Vukile, Vela, Vumani. Then it finally
clicks.
“Vukani, he said it was Vukani.” it’s kind of strange, his name is strange.
It’s a common name, but for him it’s strange. He has a strong accent, but he also
speaks isiZulu fluently, which shocks me. Vukani the Australian, Vukani the
Canadian.
I find him!
“Vukani maNdabezitha kaZwelibanzi Zulu.” oh don’t tell me.
The prince? Or a prince, one of the princes. Is this meant to be a coincidence?
I scroll through his feed, and there isn’t much, it’s mostly landscape, animals,
one or two picture of him and a woman, who I am assuming is his wife. He lives
in Canada, oh I think he did. But his oldest post dates back almost 8 years ago,
and he was already there.
Now onto the real question, why did I see flames in his eyes?
*
I can tell it’s him just by looking at his physique, he’s standing at the river bed,
throwing stones in the water, and he watches them as they make ripples in the

44
 Destined
water. He seems to be enjoying this because he picks up more when they run out
and starts all over again.
I move closer to where he is standing, but I stop before I can get to him, I smell
something burning. I turn back to see what could be burning, but I don’t see it.
All of a sudden, a smoke cloud envelops the whole sky.
“Vukani.” he turns around and he looks at me.
The stones in his hand burst into flames, and I scream on his behalf. He doesn’t
drop them though, instead, I see the fire spreading through his whole body.
“Vukani you are burning!”
I start to panic so I run to him and push him right into the water. Instead of the
flame going away, it expands, and spreads across the whole river, burning the
trees, the grass, everything.
Oh no what have I done!?
He gets up from the water, and he’s not on fire anymore, but the stones are still
in his hands. He drops them on the ground and they enclose us in a circle before
another massive flame bursts.
“Please let me go.” I cry in fear.
I’m trapped in this circle of fire, and when I look into his eyes, I see the flames
before a smile spreads across his face.
Sweat runs down my face as I try to look around to find a way to get out. The
whole place is on fire, the palace is on fire.
I thought I was trying to help him, but I just made things worse.
“Let me go!” I scream again.
He laughs loudly before he pushes me and I fall into the fire…
*
“He is the devil himself.”

45
 Destined
CHAPTER SIX
Nsukezinhle Zulu

He doesn’t understand why the whole family is here, with his knowledge,
reading of the will and testament are a private intimate thing, for only the parties
involved. His dad couldn’t have possibly included all of them in the will.
There are also two representative from the press, for what, he has no idea. There
are two lawyers present, and Khaya is also here.
They just came from the memorial service, it was beautiful, the state really went
all out in making sure that the king’s send-off was memorable like he was.
“It is with great respect that I stand here and address you all. Before I begin, I
would like to greet umama waseNdlunkulu eLangelibalele, uNdlunkulu
uMaGumede, and the prince Nsukezinhle kaLangalethu Zulu. I also greet prince
Mandlenkosi and Khethukuthula kaMhlabawesizwe Zulu, and all other members
of the royal family. I would also like to acknowledge the representatives from
Our News, thank your for being able to join us this evening. We will begin by
reading the late king’s will and testament. It was re-assessed and signed by the
king on the 1st of January this year at 17:34. Everything on this document is his
royal highness dying wish, and whatever that is written in this document may
not be contested without legal consent from the high court, and her royal
highness Amile.”
He turned and looked at his mother, who was looking right ahead. His father
gave her so much power over everything that is happening in the palace, and it’s
not everyone that is going to like and appreciate that.
“It is essential that we do not continue without any of the family member absent
during the reading, if there is any one not present for a particular reason, it
would be required that they be contacted immediately.” Khaya stood up and
went to whisper in the lawyers ear.
Everyone is here, when he scans the room, he see’s all his siblings, all his aunts
and fathers.

46
 Destined
“Without further a do, this is the will and testament of King Langalethu
Nsikayeziwe kaMhlabawesizwe Zulu: it is of great importance that all parties
involved understand that all that is stipulated in this document is not only my
dying wish, but an important part of what the ancestors require, as tradition and
royal protocol. In this will, my main focus is to resolve the issues of the throne,
in order to avoid unnecessary feuds amongst family members, and controversy
in the public. According the culture of the Zulu people, and all the descendants
of the Zulu Royal Family, it is the first son, of the first son of the previous king,
that ascends the throne.” the lawyer stops and takes a breath.
When Nsuke’s eyes land on his mother’s face, she looks panicked. A frown
slowly forms on his face.
“Continuing: therefore I have made the decision to place my first born son,
Prince Vukani kaLangalethu Zulu as the regent king, in place for his younger
brother, my second born son, Prince Nsukezinhle Smisosobukhosi
kaLangalethu Zulu. This is for a period of three to six months so he can get
inducted appropriately, and become a fitting king for the next generation of the
Zulu kingdom.” his heart starts racing, and he can’t control it.
There are whispers and glances by the family, everyone is confused, no there
has to be a mistake of some sort.
He turns to look at his mom, and she’s wearing a straight face, but her jaws are
clenched, and if you look at her really closely, you can see the tears forming in
her eyes.
Khaya stands and goes to the lawyer, and whispers something in his ear once
again. He then leaves his side and goes to Amile and she immediately stands
up, and she is escorted out the room. The press and the rest of the family are
left in confusion.
“My prince, who is this prince Vukani who is to succeed the throne, we only
know prince Nsukezinhle as the king’s first son?” the press bombard
Mandlenkosi who is making his way out the room, in attempts to follow Amile.
“I can’t answer all those questions right now.” he states.

47
 Destined
He grabs Nsukezinhle’s hand and drags him with him out the room. He was
rooted on that chair, frozen. He suddenly feels like his whole life was a lie. The
last time he checked, he was his father’s only son, his only biological son.
“How did the party start without me?” Mandlenkosi pushes Nsuke behind him
when they meet Vukani in the passage.
“You?”
He chuckles and rubs his hands together.
“Baba, I thought you’d be happier to see me, right?” he has a sly smile on his
face.
“Why are you not happy to see me? Is it because no one wanted me to know that
my father had passed away? Huh? MY FATHER!?” his voice changes
immediately.
Khethukuthula immediately walks out of the room and meets them.
“Vukani, son?”
“Don’t you dare! All of you, you are a bunch of hypocrites!” he points at all of
them.
“Okay, I think you need to calm down, come with me.” Lerato grabs his
shoulders and leads him down the corridor to where the study is.
He’s not fighting her, and that’s a good thing. Nsuke looks at his hands and he
can’t stop them from shaking, and he feels tears burning his eyes.
“Smiso.” Nkosi says holding his hands to stop shaking.
“I want my mom.” he whispers, he’s almost inaudible.
“Okay, come let’s go.” they lead each other up the stairs in silence.
They are heading to his parents bedroom, and as they approach, they can hear
the commotion.

48
 Destined
“How can baba do this to me Khaya!? He shared everything with me, he
couldn’t have the decency to give me a heads-up that he was putting Vukani on
the throne?” she’s crying.
“It’s over for us, he’s not going to want to get out of that throne once he sits on
it. He hates my guts, and he won’t think twice before kicking Nsuke and I out
of this place.” his heart clenches.
Mandlenkosi knocks on the door and opens it. When they walk in, Khaya is
embracing Amile, she’s sobbing.
“Mawami?”
She lets go of Khaya and comes to embrace her son.
“I’m sorry my boy, I also didn’t know.”
“What didn’t you know, that dad had another child?” she doesn’t respond.
“Mom?” she breaks the hug and looks at her son, tears are streaming on her face.
“I knew son, but I didn’t know he put him as the regent.”
“I don’t care about the throne mom, I’m hurt that all my life no one cared to tell
me that Vukani is my dad’s son, and not my uncles son?” tears are streaming
down his face.
He knew of Vukani, he saw him in pictures and his brothers always spoke about
him. His father did too. But he never met him because he left before he could
even walk. All he knew about him was the fact that he disowned the family
after his mother died, and he was told that story by Halle. How he also knows
that beats him.
“I would have told you baby, but your father didn’t want us to, he doesn’t even
know.” she defends.
“He does know, he was down there causing a scene.” Mandlenkosi interjects.
“He’s here?” she asks fixing her shawl.
“Why is he coming back now, he’s here to cause problems.”

49
 Destined
“Amile, don’t go there, the press is still downstairs, the last thing we need right
now is more drama, they may already be making speculations.” he says
pushing he back into the room.
She’s crying again.
“Why is Langa doing this to me Nkosi, why? What did I do to him, why?”
Nkosi embraces her and she sobs all over again.
“Khaya, please get rid of the press and make sure that no one says anything to
them about what’s going on. No questions will be answered.” Khaya nods and
leaves the room.
Nsuke is rooted in the same spot, and he watches his Nkosi sits Amile on the
bed, and crouches in front of her.
“Listen MaGumede, he wouldn’t have done this if he didn’t have a reason, and
the will does say it’s only for a period of three to six months, it’s temporary.”
“He’s going to take everything away from my son Nksoi. He hates me, and that
won’t stop him from taking everything that belongs to Nsuke, and what about
him?”
“I won’t let that happen okay? But you need to be civil with him now, don’t give
him the satisfaction of seeing you down. He chose his path when he left this
family, and it’s sad that it has come to be that it’s us against him, but if he
wants to take what rightfully belongs to the both of them, and not share, then
it’s going to be us against him.”
The way they are looking into each others eyes has him feeling a little off, feels
like he’s third wheeling. There’s a lot going on here, and he doesn’t know how
to digest any of it.
“Nsuke, stay away from Vukani.” she instructs.
He doesn’t answer, he just shoves his hands in his pockets. He doesn’t know
how to respond to that.
“Do you understand me?” Nothing from Nsuke.
Nkosi holds her hand in order to calm her down.
50
 Destined
He can’t and won’t understand why they want to rage a war on his brother when
he seems to be the innocent one in all of this.

•••

He is standing in his father’s office, staring up at the portrait of him on the wall.
It’s never been there, it was put up today after the memorial. Nothing seems to
be going in the right direction. Just a few hours ago, his mother and Vukani
had a screaming match, and no one seemed to know how to get them to stop.
The mere fact that they are the same age makes him question a lot of things. He
doesn’t even care about the throne at this point. He just wants to understand
why things are happening the way they are, and why he had to be separated
from his brother for so long.
The only person who knows the answers to those questions is cold in the grave.
His mother is the last person he would ever want to ask, she’s not the
friendliest of people currently, and since she has warned him to stay away from
Vukani, she won’t appreciate any conversation that has to do with Vukani.
And here he is, waltzing into the office like he owns the place. He has a glass of
whiskey in his hand, and the all black clothes just intimidate you without even
trying. This person is the same age as his mother, he doesn’t know how to act
and behave around him.
“Mfana.” he says walking towards the wooden table.
He places the glass there and stands, one leg over the other, crossing his arms
across his chest, staring at the same picture he is looking at.
“I always wondered why your mother hated me so much. It makes sense to me
now that she was so afraid that I would take her precious son’s place in
Langalethu’s heart.” his eyes are creeping him out.
They look like his father’s eyes, their father’s eyes.

51
 Destined
“I remember how she would look at me every time I tried to speak to him, how
she tried to sabotage my every move. It was all a tactic. and in all of this, she
had to live with the fact that you loved me more than any other person in this
palace.” silence graced the room.
He didn’t understand where that came from.
“Did she tell you that you used to kick every time I walked into the room, and
that you played around whenever I placed my hand on her stomach.”
“I don’t know you.” he says in a low voice.
He take his glass from the table and knocks it down his throat.
“I’m your brother. I’ve always been, even when I didn’t know you were mine.”
Nsuke turns and stares at him. He’s not looking at him, he’s just staring at the
picture. When he finally casts his down to his brother, he snickers.
“Don’t take it personally, I don’t hate you. It’s just business.” he rubs his palms
together.
He frowns and stares at him, his heart starts racing.
he proceeds to pat his shoulder and goes to settle on his father’s chair, places his
big feet on the table, and crosses them over each other.
“You can leave me now.” he instructs.
Maybe he’s been looking at this from the incorrect angle, who is wrong, is it his
mother, his father, or is Vukani just revengeful and bitter like his mother and
Bab’ Nkosi are saying?

52
 Destined
CHAPTER SEVEN
Nsukezinhle Zulu

“So you won’t be the king anymore?” she asks as she presses her little hands on
his shoulders.
She’s been trying to hold a conversation with him for almost an hour now, but
he’s just sitting here quiet, zero co-operation.
“I don’t know Zothile.” he snaps.
She stops and climbs off the bed. She stands in front of him with her arms on her
waist.
“So are you going to snap at me every time you are in a bad mood?” he sighs
and pulls her closer.
“I’m sorry baby.” he wraps his arms around her waist and places his head on her
stomach.
“Let’s go to Durban.” he says.
“Zulu…” he interrupts her.
“I’ll tell my mother to contact yours. I need a break, just to breathe and be away
from everything.”
“My dad will never allow that, he doesn’t even know that I’m dating. How much
more when he finds out you are from royalty.” he chuckles.
His hands go down and caress her soft bums.
“He should be happy, I’m going to make a honest woman out of you baby, I
want you in my life forever. And I will respect all his wishes.” her cheeks turn
red.
“Stop touching my bum Smiso.” she can’t even hide the fact that she likes it.
“So you will go with me?” he asks again.

53
 Destined
“I don’t know baby, please talk to your mom first.” he nods.
He stands up from the bed and lifts her up. She wraps her legs around her waist.
They stare into each others eyes for a second, before Zothile can’t take it and
puts her head on the crevice of his shoulder, and lets out a soft giggle. He smells
amazing, she thinks as she takes in his scent.
“I love you baby.” she whispers.
“I love you more baby.” he squeezes her in a tight hug.
“Am I not too heavy?” she asks him, he still has her in his arms.
“What do you take me for huh? Do I look like I can’t take it.” she laughs when
he tickles her.
“I’m kidding Mageba, please put me down now.” he swings her and places her
on the bed.
She smiles and she stares up at him. He smiles back, but it’s not a full smile, the
one that makes his eyes gleam like they normally do. She misses that smile on
his face, and she wants to be the one to bring it back, she wants to be there for
him, but she just doesn’t know where to start.
It has been almost a week since his father passed away, and a lot has happened
since then.
“What?” he asks as he comes to kneel in front of her.
“Nothing.” she shrugs it off.
“No, talk to me baby.” he places his hands on her bare thighs.
Her skirt has ran up, that is why they are exposed. He can’t help it, he places a
kiss on them as he waits for her to answer.
“I’m worried about you.” she confesses and places her hands on his head.
She massages his scalp with her fingertips. He moans lowly, he’s enjoying the
feeling of her hands in his hair.
“I’ll be okay baby.”
54
 Destined
“I just can’t believe that. Maybe you should see a therapist, so they can help you
deal with the pain a little better.” she suggests.
She’s trying to be as gentle and sensitive as she can.
“I don’t need therapy, I have you. You will take care of me, and make me forget
everything.” he continues to kiss her thighs.
She doesn’t want this to happen now.
“Yes I know baby, I’m not going anywhere, but the therapist will help you in a
different way you know, emotionally.” she says holding his head, lifting it up to
make him look at her in the eyes.
“I don’t feel like having this conversation, not now, not ever.” he says with his
eyes half closed.
“How do you feel about not getting the throne, I know you looked forward to
it.” he shrugs.
“I don’t care Zothile. Can we do something else, something that’s not related to
my feelings and my family affairs, please?” he is being impossible.
He wants the impossible, and unfortunately, she can’t give him that.
“No Smiso, in fact I won’t sit with you if you just won’t talk to me. Go with
someone else to Durban.” she pushes him off and stands up.
“Zothile you can’t force me to talk if I don’t want to. It’s my fucking shit to deal
with.” he says throwing his hands in the air.
She doesn’t say anything, she just puts on her shoes and grabs her jacket.
“Fine, go!” he says to her when she reaches the door.
“So you won’t even beg me to stay?” she asks staring at him with anger.
“You said you wanted to go, go!” his eyes are bloodshot red, his head is
pounding.
He places his head in his hands and groans. She walks out the room, making
sure to shut it so the whole palace knows that she has left.
55
 Destined
“No respect for personal space whatsoever.” he says and clicks his tongue.

•••

A helper came in and offered to pack his clothes for him, so he’s heading to the
lounge in search of his mother. He wants to tell her before it’s too late that this
thing that he has with Zothile may or may not work out. She needs to understand
that before she puts her in her heart and holds on to her. And what’s the rush
now, he’s no longer going to be king, he doesn’t need to rush into marriage.
“Mawami?” they are sitting in the lounge.
They is her and Mandlenkosi, they are staring at a piece of paper, discussing
what’s on it.
“Usuzoncela mfana.” Mandlenkosi teases.
He chuckles and goes to sit right next to his mother, who then opens his arms for
him and goes to lie on her chest.
He can be the biggest baby sometimes, and it’s not like Amile doesn’t let him.
To her, he is the one and only, and she will always give him all the attention and
love he wants. He is her big baby.
His dad would scold him sometimes because boys shouldn’t be clingy to their
mothers like that, but Amile would always protect him. Sometimes he would
tease him about it, and they would laugh it off. The same way Mandlenkosi is
doing now.
“We are leaving in the afternoon, have you started packing?”
“Sisi is packing for me.”
“I can’t wait for you to get married so the house staff can get a break.” she says.
Mandlenkosi also laughs.
“Maybe he’ll also be less clingy.”
56
 Destined
“Yes, please!” she agrees and laughs too and pinches his nose.
“Stop it mom!” he says sitting up from her chest.
“Where is Zothile?” she asks staring at her.
“She left. I don’t think we will get married.”
“What have you done now?” she asks.
“Why does it have to be me that did something wrong? Maybe she did
something wrong to me!”
“Women are never wrong son, that’s the first thing you need to understand.”
Mandlenkosi says placing the piece of paper on the table.
“Yes, and even if you had one little argument, it doesn’t mean you won’t get
married.” she says to him.
“Stop being so impulsive.” he sighs.
She doesn’t get it, and he doesn’t think she will.
He goes back to putting his head on his mother’s chest. Just as he was about to
say something, a voice interrupts them.
“Oh good, the whole family is here.” he sits up and looks at Vukani.
He’s still wearing black clothes like he was on the day he arrived. What’s the
story with these black clothes. He’s waltzing in like he owns the place, oh wait,
he does own the place.
He sits down on his father’s chair, their father’s chair, and the white woman
following behind him stands behind the chair. He settles in on the chair and
breathes out in satisfaction, so much cockiness on his face. His mother is
shaking.
“This is luxury, I could get used to this.” he says as he traces his hand on the
materiel of the armrest.
“My beautiful family, I’m glad you are all here, so I can make this
announcement.”
57
 Destined
“I don’t have time for games.” Amile says and attempts to stand.
“I think you are going to want to hear this mother dearest, sit down.” Nsuke held
his mother’s hand and begged her with his eyes to sit down.
“Thank you.” he says.
The whole time the white woman is quiet, she hasn’t even been introduced.
“My wife and I have taken the decision that I need to take a second wife, as I
will be king soon, and that wife, will then be the one to bring me the rightful
heir, the one to take the throne after me.”
“Vukani you are delusional, do you know that?” Amile says.
“About what, oh are you going to tell me you don’t know how the rules of this
palace work?” he asks leaning forward with a cocky smile etched on his face.
“You aren’t the king forever Vukani, you are a REGENT! Drill that into your
head!”
“Mom calm down.” Nsuke says and holds her hand.
“Oh well, that’s fine then, but that’s not the important part of the announcement.
It is well within my right as the regent king to take you as my second wife, as
you aren’t my mother. Marrying you will guarantee that I remain the king
forever, right! And you will be the queen forever, like you want to, I think that’s
a fair trade to me right.” okay, he is being delusional.
In fact he’s being more than delusional, he’s insane, he’s lost his mind in fact!
“Over my dead body!”
“Vukani you can’t marry your father’s wife!” Mandlenkosi chimes in.
“Oh but I can, whether you, you or you like it or not! My house, my palace, my
rules!”
“The elders won’t agree to this, the council won’t let you do that!”
“Let’s watch and see; they listen to me, not the other way around.”

58
 Destined
Amile stands up, unable to control her tears, and storms out of the lounge.
Nsuke follows right behind her.
Maybe she was right when she said him coming back would wreck nothing but
havoc in this place. Everything is getting worse, instead of it getting better, and
the year just started.

59
 Destined
CHAPTER EIGHT
Paloma Mfusi

“The state of the palace is fatal. Things are falling apart, and you are here.”
“But I don’t know what I should do gogo, I haven’t gotten anything that is
forcing me to go there.” I can’t possibly rock up to the palace without a reason.
And I surely won’t just let clues lead me there, I have to have a solid story.
“Since when do you ignore your dreams. You were given the task of being a
self-initiate because you get your messages through your dreams. The problem
with this whole thing you have involved your heart, and that is going to lead you
astray.” I don’t understand what she means when she says I’ve involved my
heart.
I’m still getting those dreams; the palace being on fire, that weird man that told
me I was his soulmate; all of these things keep appearing in my dreams, but for
the first time, I’m unable to connect the pieces together.
That is why I’m here to see my mentor, I want guidance about them.
“They aren’t giving me the answers I want.” she gave me that look.
I sighed and shifted. My legs have fallen asleep.
“You know Gog’ Mfusi was the Royal seer, and was working closely with the
late king before she died. That is the gift she left for you here on earth, yes you
were going to inherit this bag because you were the first great-grandchild, but
this job, this task, it was a gift for you specifically. She left it to you and no one
is going to do it but you. You don’t want to let her down by letting all her hard
work and efforts to bring back the Zulu palace into the light go to waste.”
I kept quiet.
“You have to go there before it’s too late.”
I wish I at least knew what I’m going there for, imagine rocking up there, having
to stand face to face with the queen without a valid reason for my presence. I
60
 Destined
can’t just say “Hey your majesty, your home is on fire.” she will laugh in my
face and have me kicked out before I can even elaborate.
“Go to the water, pray for guidance on your journey, pray for protection and
strength. You are going to need it.” she said and got up from her mat.
She’s scaring me. I didn’t come here to be scared, I came here for guidance. But
the quicker I understand that she’s just my mentor, not my trainer, the smoother
this will go for me.

•••

I’ve called Olly and I asked her to bring her investigative skills along with her. I
need more information about that man, and more importantly, I need all I can
get on the royal family. I need to do this before I go to the beach.
I can hear her before I can even see her, my ears are already ringing and she
hasn’t even entered the yard.
“Open up for me bestie!” I get up and go meet her at the door.
She barely greets me before she forges her way through the door. She’s carrying
bags, looks like she came prepared indeed.
“Who are we stalking?”
“Hello to you to Olly.” she rolls her eyes.
“You called me to come, I’m here, who are we stalking!” she already sitting
down prepping her equipment.
I go sit next to her and take out my phone.
“You remember weird ice-cream guy.” I say to her.
“You mean hot sports car guy?” I laugh.
“Yes, him.” she gives me that look.

61
 Destined
“So you have a crush on him!?” she squeals in excitement.
“No, I don’t have a crush on him, but I think he may be from the royal family.”
her eyes dilate.
“What is he in the royal family, I’ve never see him anywhere before!” she’s
hooked, the royal family drives her crazy, that nothing new to me.
“I don’t know, the Prince maybe. I found his Instagram and he’s is from the
Zulu family, I just don’t know who’s son he is.”
I passed her the phone and she spent at least a minute scrolling through his
profile. I saw her eyes dilating, her mouth opening and closing for a moment, a
frown dancing on her face before she placed my phone back on the table and
started typing on the laptop.
“He’s not the prince anymore, he’s the king.” she said turning the laptop to face
me.
“King?” I said picking up.
“Don’t you watch the news?” what do I need to watch the news for.
“He was ordained last week after the public reading of the king’s will.
Apparently, he’s the late kings first son, we all didn’t know about him!” she
spoils before I can watch the clip she has placed in front of me.
I press play and watch. This is taking place at the royal palace in Zululand,
where I’m supposed to be right now. All of them are there, the royal family. A
lawyer is the one presenting the will, and when he announces Prince Vukani
Zulu as the regent king of Zululand, the queen is seen crying and being escorted
out the room.
Chills run down my spine and I immediately pass the PC back to Olly.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, I’m guessing she’s looking at the horror on my face.
“Do you really like him? Did he find you again? Talk to me P!” she places her
hand on my thigh.
For once she’s serious. She can see the horror on my face.
62
 Destined
I gulp down the lump stuck in my throat.
“There’s something I need to take care of.” I say.
“What does it have to do with him, or the royal family?”
“I can’t tell you that Olly, but my ancestors are trying to tell me something and I
need to find out what it is.” I say and stand up.
She sits there with a frown.
“So are we done here?” she asks as I make my way out the lounge.
“Yes, you will let yourself out.”
“Oh wow okay!” I don’t mean to be rude but I need to get out of here as in
yesterday.
*
“Gogo I’ve been looking for answers everywhere but I haven’t been getting any.
I have prayed, ngiphahlile, I consulted my bones, but nothing. Even my dreams
are not coming through clearly.”
“You were given plenty of time to build immunity for this trip, but you are
slowly tearing down all those walls and that is going to hinder your journey.
You have one purpose and one purpose only when going to the palace, and that
is to save it, and be the guide and protector. Don’t involve matters of the heart.”
“But my heart is not involved gogo.” my ears started ringing.
It’s giving me a headache. I close my ears and let out a shrill scream, my heart is
suddenly starting to race.
The flames are coming up and encircling me once again. It’s hot in here and I
can hear a faint scream, voices echoing in my head. I hold my head.
“Let me go! Let me go!” I feel two hands grabbing me, one on each side of me.
I can see who or what it is that is pulling me, but the other is forcing me into one
direction while the other is pulling me into another.
“LET ME GO!”
63
 Destined
I get a sudden load of strength and I gain the courage to fight them off. The fire
that was surrounding me stops, am I free?

•••

I can’t seem to get myself to go into the water like I normally do when I get to
the beach. I’m sitting so far away from the shore that if the water comes any
closer, I feel the sudden urge to get up and run away. Something is wrong with
me, my heart has been bulldozing my chest the whole day.
I know for a fact it has everything to do with these dreams I keep having, or
better yet, this pending issue I keep postponing, my issue of going to Zululand.
The Mfusi ancestors are making sure that they make me suffer for my terrible
decisions. It feels like my heart is going to stop.
I get up and leave my shoes in the sand. I gradually make my way towards the
ocean. The sun is about to set, it’s late in the afternoon of a Friday afternoon,
people are slowly but surely starting to leave. I also always choose the quiet side
of the beach, because sometimes my rituals may require me to do abnormal
things, and not everyone should experience that.
I step a little closer, and if feels like my heart will come out of my mouth.
“Come on Paloma, you love the ocean, nothing is going to happen to you.” I
said out loud, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.
I’m sure I look so stupid to people who can see me.
I could hear the waves drawing closer, I kept my eyes closed and when I felt the
cold water wash against my ankles, I opened my eyes. I saw the whole body of
water turn blood red before I felt as if the place where my foot was placed was
sinking.
I didn’t know I could run and scream until today. I wasn’t looking at where I
was going, in fact, I was running with my eyes closed, trying to wash away the
image of the blood…
64
 Destined
“Hey, are you okay?” instead of looking up, I buried my head on the chest and
cried.
I clung onto the stranger so much so that when my senses kicked back in, I felt
so embarrassed that I let go of him and looked down.
“I’m so…”
“What’s wrong?” he lifts my chin and looks at me in the eyes.
He looks mesmerized. Its probably because my eyes have changed colour. Well
not completely, I have blue eyes naturally, but they seem to look different to
people when I have tears in my eyes. They really don’t change colour, its just
the reflection of the tears that…
“Nothing, I’m okay.” I say and remove his hand from my face.
I don’t like being touched. I walk past him, and do a little run back to where I
left my shoes and shell jar. I should have just stuck to collecting shells today,
going into the ocean was a terrible idea, now people think I’m mentally unstable.
“Nkosazane, you dropped something.” there it goes again with that word,
Nkosazane!
I turn around and he’s holding my waist beads in his hands. When I try to take
them, he pushes his hand behind his back. I’m really not in the mood for this.
“You are the most beautiful human being I have ever laid my eyes on.” why do
men of this age have no decency, is he trying to ask me out? Really.
“You can keep the beads if you don’t want to give them back, but I really don’t
want to do this right now.” he saw the unimpressed expression on my face and
he brought back the hand that held my beads.
“I’m just being honest with you, you are so perfect. And I just want to make sure
if you are really okay, I mean you almost tripped over your own feet running.”
he chuckles.
I don’t see whats funny about anything he just said. He wipes the smile off his
face and folds the beads that I haven’t taken from him, and he puts them in his
pocket.
65
 Destined
“Thank you for your compliments and for your concern, I’m okay.” he then
proceeds to scan me from bottom to top, and his eyes sit longer on my waist.
I clear my throat and move away from him.
“I’ll get going then.” he announces.
I really don’t care. Well I think I don’t care until I look into his eyes and I see
the flames I saw in Vukani’s eyes.
I tried to blink multiple times hoping it would go away, but his eyes were glued
to mine, and his were on fire. I’m the first one to back away from the eye
contact, I bend down and pick up my shoes and jar, and walk away from him, as
quickly as my feet can carry me.
Shit I didn’t take my beads from him! There is no way I’m going back there, this
is all too good to be a coincidence. Is he also related to the royal family? I need
to go to the palace as in yesterday, this is not the life I signed up for.

66
 Destined
CHAPTER NINE
Nsukezinhle Zulu

It’s just him and his mother on this weekend away. Both of them need it, it’s
been a hectic two weeks, tomorrow he’s getting his matric results, but there isn’t
anything to be happy about, nothing to look forward to. He doesn’t even want to
go to stupid university anymore, the person who was helping him with all the
application processes is gone. His dad more than anyone encouraged him to
further his studies, and pursue the career he wanted to go into.
He took a walk along the beach today in the late afternoon. You can’t come to
Durban and not visit the beach. More than anything, he needed to clear his head
and do some self introspection on his life.
He doesn’t have a plan. Nothing at all. He doesn’t know what life will look like
for him in the next 2 years, or in the next week, even tomorrow. It seems as
though his life has taken a complete stand still. His whole life has been about
growing up and becoming the king. Al his childhood he was always reminded of
who he is, that he is the future king of Zululand, that he will rule and take over
from where his father had left off.
But his father changed all of that, and seemed to turn his whole life into a lie.
That why he doesn’t have a plan. The vision he had for his life seems to have
just vanished from his thoughts since he died. Now he’s just hopeless, confused
and afraid of what he doesn’t know.
His mother is sitting across him, they are having dinner in the chalet. For the
first time in ages, she prepared a meal, and he really enjoyed it, well the first few
spoons of it. It’s just that his appetite is really limited, there is a lot on his mind,
he also just can’t seem to get rid of the thought of the girl with green eyes. Or
were they blue? He couldn’t tell, but she had the most capturing eyes, he
couldn’t keep his eyes away from hers.
“Nsukezinhle, are you listening to me?” she snaps her brow as she frowns at her
son.

67
 Destined
“Yes mawami.” he looks up at her with the most confused face.
“What did I just say?” he stutters and wipes his face.
“I’m sorry mom I wasn’t listening, but now I am.” he put the beads that he kept
fiddling with and placed them on the table.
They belong to the girl with the blue-green eyes.
“What is that that’s keeping you so distracted?” she asks staring at the beads.
“I met this girl mawami, she was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.” he
said with a look of content on his face.
“I thought I was the most beautiful girl in your life.” he chuckled.
“You are the most beautiful woman in my life mom.” she smiled.
“It better stay that way then my boy. So tell me about this beautiful creature.”
she says as if she’s already seen her.
“I swear shes a creature mom, she so beautiful it’s scary. She has long curly
brown hair and guess what, she has blue-green eyes.”
“What? Blue-green eyes?”
“I don’t know mom, I couldn’t tell the exact colour through the tears that were
in her eyes, but she was so beautiful, I can’t stop thinking about her.” his mom
gives him a smirk.
“Don’t be too quick to be drawn to looks only Nsuke, she might not be what you
want, or what you deserve. And so did she give you her beads?” she asks resting
her elbows on the table.
She has fully invested her time into hearing this story.
“She dropped them, and when I offered them back to her, she said I must keep
them. We didn’t even interact that much, but I felt such a strong connection to
her, to her soul. It felt as if when she looked into my eyes my skin was burning.”
Amile’s smile slowly faded into a face of concern.
“And what about Zothile, you promised to marry her.”
68
 Destined
“I don’t know mawami, I’m confused about a lot of things happening in my life
right now, and I wasn’t saying that I wanted to marry this girl, I don’t even
know her name, she was very cagey, and I may never see her ever again, she just
really caught my attention.” silence passed between the two of them.
“How are you doing son, genuinely. I’ve been so caught up in trying to fix the
palace I forgot to ask you how you are, and how you feel about losing your
father.” he wasn’t expecting this conversation to go there.
“I lost my best friend mom, I don’t think I will ever be okay with that. On top of
that, all the plans he made me believe were going to be my life have suddenly
changed, all of a sudden I have a biological brother that hates all of us. He’s
sitting on the throne as we speak, a throne I’ve been told all my life would
belong to me. It feels like my whole life has been a lie, and now that things are
happening the way they are, I don’t have a plan to move on.” she sighed and
stood up.
She came and crouched next to her son and took hold of his hands.
“I know how much you and your dad got along, and I know I could never try to
fill that void that he left, but he wouldn’t make decisions if they weren’t going to
be for the benefit of his family, which is us, me and you. He loved the both of us
unconditionally, he lived only for you Nsuke. I know you have questions, I also
do, and I do wish I could go and wake him up from that grave and ask him why
he would abandon us like this, but he always urged me to let him make decisions,
and for me to trust him. He knew what he was doing when he put Vukani on the
throne. We might not understand now, but sooner or later, things will make
sense and it will all fall into place, okay.” he nodded.
“We are going to be okay baby, I promise you okay. I’m here, and I will not rest
until you get what rightfully belongs to you. Life will go back to normal soon,
just without dad there with us physically, but you know that he lives in you, he
lives inside of all of us, in our hearts.”
This hatred she has for Vukani seems to come from deep within.
“Now finish your food, I spent the whole afternoon preparing this for you.” she
gets up from the floor and pats his shoulder.

69
 Destined
“Thank you mawami, I will certainly enjoy this moment because I know it will
never happen again.” she chuckled.
“Kuhle ngoba uyazi mfana wami.” she sat back down in her chair and they
continued to have a chat over the warm home-cooked meal cooked away from
home.
Home is not a place to him, home is where his mother is, and wherever she goes,
he goes too.
*
When he lifts his head and opens his eyes, he can hear the sound of the leaves
bustling and the water running. There are birds chirping and when he lifts his
eyes to the sky, the sun shines through the the gaps of the tall green trees. Its so
beautiful here, the sky is a clear blue, maybe the clearest sky he has ever seen.
There is a cool breeze fanning his face, cooling him down from the heat he feels
from within.
He’s sleeping on a pile of leaves, green luscious leaves. Its in the middle of
nowhere. His body jerks up and he’s on his feet in an instant, trying to scan his
surroundings. What is this place?
The first thing on his mind is to try and find a way out of these massive trees,
and find some form of path that will lead him somewhere, anywhere he can find
some sort of answer. As he tries to walk, he almost trips and he realizes that his
ankles are tied together by something.
He bends down and undoes the knot. It’s the beads he got from the blue eyed
girl at the beach, he balls them up in his fist and continues on his search.
He feels like he’s walking around in circles as he runs into the bed of leaves he
was lying on for the third time, what is happening.
“Somebody help me!” he shouts as he leans down to touch the soil.
It slips through his fingers so gently, it is so soft, and it smells amazing. He
picks up more and draws it closer to his nose. As he is about to take in the
amazing scent, a voice startles him and he jerks up to meet an intense gaze.

70
 Destined
“What are you doing here?” his eyes must be deceiving him!
He springs up and thrusts into his arms.
“Dad, is it you!?” he can fully see that it is him, it really is him.
He is in a state of disbelief, he keeps touching him to make sure that he isn’t
making this up in his mind, he’s really touching him.
“Nsukezinhle how did you get here?” he pushes him away and stares at him
from arms length.
“I don’t know dad, I just woke up over there, I don’t know what happened or
how I got here.” he really doesn’t look happy about his presence, it’s not the
reaction he expects from his father, not when he’s missed him so much.
“What is this place Mageba?” he asks scanning the surroundings, he still can get
over how perfect it is.
“You are not supposed to be here!” he raises his voice at him.
His heart beats fast and he tightens his hold on the beads in his hand. He hasn’t
let go of them.
“Go back!” his father shouts at him again.
He lifts his head and tears well in his eyes as he looks at the rage in his fathers
eyes. He’s never seen him like this.
His eyes land on the beads, and they suddenly widen, he tries to snatch them
from his son, but he grabs onto them for dear life.
“Dad no! These are mine, dad stop it!”
*
“Dad!” he sits up, his whole body goes cold as he is met with darkness.
The bead are in his hand, wrapped around it.
This was the first time he was having a dream about his dad since he passed
away, and it really wasn’t the most pleasant dream. His dad has never shouted at
him like that, let alone look at him like that, with anger and almost hatred.
71
 Destined
His heart is rolling drums as he rolls out of bed. He’s going to the toilet.
He stops on his tracks when he hears sounds coming from his mothers room. It
sounds like she’s crying. He turns on the lights, wears his shoes and heads out
down the passage to where she’s sleeping.
“Mawami?” he knocks on the door.
Now that he’s closer, he can hear that she’s not crying, it sounds like shes
gagging or vomiting. There is water running, and a whole lot of coughing.
He opens the door to the room and he passes her empty bed to go to the
bathroom where he can still hear her fighting for her life.
“Mawami?”
“Go to bed Nsuke.” she says before she coughs out.
Shes sitting on the bathroom mat, her head inside the bathtub.
He does the opposite of what he has been instructed to do and goes to rub her
back. She seems to have stopped vomiting now, but shes still gagging.
“I’m fine my boy, I think I have bile.”
“Come, let’s go to bed.” he helps her up and walks with her back to the bed.
He turns on the lights and carefully tucks her in the covers. Her face is red, so
are her eyes.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” she says touching his hand.
If only she knew.
“You didn’t wake me mom, I was up. Maybe you should visit a doctor.” he says
and wipes the tears in her eyes.
“No, I don’t need a doctor, I need castor oil.” she chuckles.
“If you say so then. Please get some rest, I’ll clean up the bathroom okay.” she
nods.
“Thank you baby.” she puts her hand on his cheek.
72
 Destined
“You look exactly like your father.” she says with a faint smile.
That compliment doesn’t sit well with him, the dream just keeps flashing in his
mind. He looks away for a moment before he kisses her forehead and gets up
from the bed.
“Good night mawami.” she doesn’t respond, she’s already half asleep.
As he walks out the room, he keeps his gaze on his mother, she’s already so
peaceful. He switches off the lights and closes the door. He stops in the passage
and stares at the beads wrapped in his hand. Do these have some sort of
superpowers? What was that place, was it heaven? Is that why his father was
there, or was it hell, and that’s why his father looked like a demon, a demon he
never was when he was still alive.
“I need to find this girl.” he whispers to himself as he walks down the passage
back to his room.

73
 Destined
CHAPTER TEN
Paloma Mfusi

I have my bags packed ready to leave for Zululand. It was the first thing I did as
soon as I came back from the beach, something inside tells me that I should be
there already, that I have already wasted too much time and that things are going
to fall apart if I don’t go. But I’m so scared to leave. I still don’t know what to
expect, I have no idea what I’m going to do when I get there.
I’ve been staring at these bags for the past 3 hours trying to comprehend what to
do, to pick them up, call my driver and go there, or just get into my bed and
hope that my ancestors don’t strangle and kill me in my sleep for deciding not to
go.
I get my phone from the desk and dial my mom’s number. It’s really late, she’s
probably asleep, but I need her advice.
“Paloma.” she’s sleeping like I thought she is.
“Mommy I don’t know what to do.” I said in a sigh.
I hear some shuffling in the background, I’m guessing she’s getting away from
dad.
“Whats wrong sweetie?” she finally asks.
“I’ve packed my bags for Zululand, my instinct is telling me to go, and every
other factor involved, but my heart just won’t let me go.” I’m so stressed.
“Why is your heart telling you not to go?” she asks while yawing, I’m such a
terrible daughter.
“I don’t know. I feel like going there is going to change my life, and not in the
way I want my life to change. I feel like I’m losing my connection to my
ancestors now because of this. Today I went to the beach but I couldn’t even
bring myself to get in the water. I don’t know whats wrong with me.” I feel tears
stinging my eyes.

74
 Destined
“Have you spoken to gog’ Majozi?” that’s my mentor.
“Yes, I did, she said I’ve put my heart into this, that’s why I feel the way I feel. I
don’t even understand what that means mom.”
“Does this have anything to do with the ice-cream man?” she asks lowering her
voice.
It has nothing to do with Vukani.
“Paloma.” I sigh.
“No mama…”
“It’s okay to like someone, you are human, you have feelings. If you have a
crush on him, I can’t blame you, but you must not forget who you are, and what
your job requires you to do and not do. Don’t let this distract you from doing
what you are supposed to do for your ancestors.” I definitely don’t have a crush
on Vukani.
I don’t want to have a crush on Vukani. Heck I don’t even know what having
crush feels like!
“Chris?” that’s my dad in the background.
“Your dad is up, I have to go back to bed. But I trust you will make the right
decision baby, remember who you are. I love you, I’ll call you tomorrow okay.”
“I love you too mom.” she hung up.
I hate being who I am.
I dial my drivers number and he answers quickly like he was waiting on my call.
“Please take me to Zululand.”
“Yes ma’am.”
This could potentially be the best or the worst decision I have ever taken in my
life.

75
 Destined
•••

I feel uneasy about this trip still. Now more than I did before. Before I left, I
tried to go and ask for safe travels from my ancestors, and my incense would not
want to light. I don’t know what made me leave under those circumstances,
from that, I know that I have no protection from my ancestors whatsoever.
It’s almost sunrise, we left Amanzimtoti at about 2 am. Mdluli, my driver has
been playing this deep house music from the time we left, and the volume is
relatively high, I guess he’s doing that so he doesn’t fall asleep. He’s also
drinking lots of Redbull.
Me on the other hand, I’m sure I have dark circles under my eyes, I haven’t slept
at all today, and that is purely because I am afraid. Maybe I’ll only sleep when I
get to the palace.
We are pulling up to a filling station. I don’t even know how far we are from
arriving, all I know is that we’ve been on the road for almost 2 hours now.
Mdluli is driving slowly, he knows I don’t like a speeding car.
“Must I get you anything?” he asks as he unbuckles his seat belt.
“Just water please.” I say.
He nods and gets out the car. I watch him disappear into the garage store. I take
this opportunity to stretch my legs. I get out the car and lean against the car. The
sky is painted in orange, the sun is about to rise. In summer, the sun rises at 4
am, and it’s the most beautiful sights ever.
Whenever I see a sunrise, I remember papa, and how he promised me he would
paint the sky for me whenever I felt like I missed him, and I would go out and
look at it to feel closer to him. He painted this sky, and I know he’s protecting
me, and he’s holding my hand in this life, the first man to love me
unconditionally. Not that my father doesn’t, but I spent most of my life with
papa, I always knew that my connection to him was unbreakable.
“It’s a beautiful sun rise.” Mdluli says as he passes me.

76
 Destined
“It really is. Thank you.” I accept the plastic and climb back into the car.
Off we go!

Nsukezinhle Zulu

There is another voice in the lounge, and the voice is talking to his mother. This
chalet is small, everything is closer together, he can hear the slightest
movements. He gets out of bed and goes to the lounge.
It’s bab’ Nkosi, he’s relieved.
“Morning baba.” he greets him and goes to give his mother a hug.
“Morning son.” he greets him back with a smile.
“Why are you up so early?” his mother asks him.
“I heard voices, what’s this?” he asks looking at the plastic in his mother’s hand.
“It’s castor oil.” he looks between the two of them.
They are both standing, it doesn’t look like bab’ Nkosi is here to stay.
“I bought it for her, she told me she’s not feeling well. But I don’t think you
should drink it today, we have to go back home.”
How? Why? They just got here.
“Khaya hasn’t said anything though, so I don’t see a reason for us to rush back.”
she says shaking her head.
She really doesn’t want to go back. they’ve only been here for two days, she
needs more days, just to unwind.
“Have you checked your results yet?” bab’ Nkosi asks him.
Oh yes, that’s today.
77
 Destined
He rushes to his room to get his phone and comes back to stand with them. He
scrolls through the phone. There are already a number of notifications from his
schoolmates, he missed the hype in the early hours of the morning when people
were checking their results. He was asleep, dreaming about his father.
“How did it go?” his mother asks him.
She already knows he passed, she’s only interested in how well he did. Her son
has always been a diligent learner.
“I passed.” he says with a lack of enthusiasm.
He can’t bring himself to be happy, his dad is not here to experience this with
him.
Bab’ Nkosi takes the phone from him while his mother engulfs him in a tight
squeeze!
“I’m so proud of you my boy!” she says and pats his back.
“3 distinctions, well done Mageba!”
“Let’s go out for breakfast, my treat for cutting your holiday short.”
“You are serious about us going back home?” his mother questions him, looking
at him with puppy eyes.
“Yes MaGumede, we can’t leave Vukani in that place alone for too long, god
knows how much he’s already changed in our absence, and I can’t leave the
both of you here. So get ready for breakfast and you’ll come back and pack,
Mgabadeli has been notified.”
She looks unhappy, but bab’ Nkosi has made up his mind, they are leaving.

•••

78
 Destined
Today he experienced a family setting after such a long time. Bab’ Nkosi is
excelling in playing a father figure in his life, and he’s treating his mother with
so much respect, he really appreciates him for his efforts.
They did some shopping too, he was paying for everything his mother was
putting in the shopping bags. He doesn’t ever recall doing this with his father,
and yes he knows he was a public figure, but he’s experiencing this with bab’
Nkosi and he’s realizing that this is the side of life that he never got to
experience, being able to go out in public and not have to worry about the whole
world ambushing his family. Bab’ Nkosi made things happen, shops were closed
specifically for him, seems like he’s well known, personally by the owners.
He enjoyed his morning, he really did, but his mood is slowly decreasing as they
drive through the palace gates.
“I will never forgive you for this.” he hears his mother whispering to Bab’ Nkosi.
He’s sitting in the front seat and the both of them are at the back. There is no
response from bab’ Nkosi.
Mgabadeli parks the car in front of the palace doors and he quickly jumps out
the car to open the doors for the queen and prince. He opens his own door and
jumps out the car. The first thing he does is inhale the air, it’s really that unique
air, so clean, so fresh and earthly. No matter where he goes in the world, this
will be the only air that will ever smell like home to him.
“The happy family is back!” who other.
He’s standing at the door, with his arms folded across his chest.
“How good it is for you to finally grace us with your presence, come inside.” he
can feel his eye twitching as he watches his so called brother standing there with
a sly smile on his face.
He’s seeing it now, the reason why his mother despises him so much. He has
this evil look on his face, and he’s covering it with a smile, but this smile, its
giving him chills all over his body.
He’s walking towards them, in fact, he walking directly to him. He stands next
to him and throws his arm around him.
79
 Destined
“Mommy dearest, did you finally clear your head and make a decision?” he
stares at his mother.
She doesn’t respond, she walks in the direction he just came from. Bab’ Nkosi
stops and looks at him.
“Vukani, you know what you are doing is not acceptable.” he just chuckles and
rubs his brothers head.
Nsuke quickly pushes him off, much to his amusement.
“I’m the king remember, what I say goes.”
Bab’ Nkosi was about to interject, but there was a car driving into the palace
grounds. They all turned to watch the car in anticipation.
“Looks like we have guests.” Vukani says and steps closer to where the car is
going to park.
Nsuke and Nkosi exchange a look, and Nkosi just shrugs.
He slips his hand into his pocket and it makes contact with the beads, his beating
heart seemed to calm down and he drew in a deep breath. The car door opened
and his heart almost stopped when he saw her beautiful face.
He takes a step forward to stand where Vukani is standing and gets a clearer
vision of her. It’s really her, it’s the girl with the blue-green eyes.
“Nkosazane.” they say in unison.
Her face goes pale. They exchange a look, what the hell is this!?

80
 Destined
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Paloma Mfusi

I have two identical faces staring at me with bulbous eyes. I didn’t realize they
were so identical until I saw them next to each other. The flames, there they are,
in both of their eyes.
My whole body is heating up, there is a ringing in my ears and I feel light-
headed.
“Nkosazane!” I don’t know who caught me first, but when I open my eyes, I
have two people hovering over me.
I’m in the other one’s arms, the one who took my beads. He smells so amazing,
but that’s not what I’m here for.
“Is anyone going to explain what is going on.” another male voice asks.
“Come let’s go inside.” Vukani holds my hand and tries to carry me but the
other one grabs my other hand.
“NO, she’s coming with me.” he says in a stern voice.
“We are going to the same freaking house!” Vukani says through gritted teeth.
Okay, I’m not their possession that they can just fight over!
They are leading me inside the palace, one person on either side of me. I feel
like a princess of some sort, they are fighting over me as if I’m the last piece of
meat on the braai stand.
“How did you get here?” I’m pretty sure you saw me pull up in a car.
“Obviously she drove here, couldn’t you see that.” the bead thief says. I don’t
know his name.
“Are you okay, do you need anything?” he asks coming to kneel in front of me.
Do they both realize that I have not spoken a single word since I arrived?

81
 Destined
“Water, juice, snacks, anything for you?” Vukani adds on, doing the same thing
his brother just did.
“Stop it, both of you!” I say and shut my eyes.
I’ve only met both of them once, but they are acting like I’ve known them my
whole life.
“Okay, both of you move out the way.” the man says coming to stand in front of
me.
The boys move out the way. Vukani isn’t really a boy, he’s just acting like one.
“I apologize for their behaviour, how can we help you?” he speaks very slowly.
All of them are surrounding me. I scan my eyes around them, then back at the
man who is now staring at me waiting for an answer. I’m sure he’s just confused
about the girl with the blue eyes who came to faint in front of his front door.
He’s the late king’s brother, I saw him on TV. I know he isn’t trying to, but he’s
intimidating me, with his white beard.
“Can you speak?” he asks me.
I just spoke a few seconds ago. He heard me, but I don’t answer him, I can’t
seem to find the voice to answer him.
“Nsuke call your mother.” he instructs.
He’s out in a second.
Vukani comes back to kneel in front of me. I look into his eyes and I see the
flames. I close my eyes immediately. I feel his hands on my bare thigh.
“Nkosazane, please say something.” I can hear the concern in his voice, but I
can’t get myself to open my eyes.
I feel so alone, I don’t feel the presence of my ancestors as I sit here, and that is
very unlikely. Now that I actually sit here, I realize that I don’t know what to say
to these people. I’m stupid. I packed my bags and came here to say what?
Nothing, absolutely nothing!

82
 Destined
“What is the problem?” that is the queen’s voice.
My heart starts beating rapidly and my armpits sting.
His hand leaves my thigh, he’s no longer in front of me. I open my eyes, and I
see the queen standing in front of me. She’s so intimidating.
“What’s wrong sisi, are you lost?”
“No your majesty.” I say and lower my head.
“Please excuse us.” she says in a low voice.
I still can’t get myself to look up at her. The prince stands up and pulls Nsuke
with him. Vukani is not budging.
“Vukani, give them space.” he says sternly.
Vukani looks like he has anger issues, or issues in general, he honestly can’t be
a normal person.
“Are you the girl from the beach that my son saw?” she asks lowering herself
next to me.
So she knows about that. I didn’t think it had that much significance. The only
significance to it is he took my beads and I haven’t been able to connect to my
ancestors ever since. That was only a few hours ago, imagine! My life is a
rollercoaster.
“Yes I am Your Majesty.” I’m so nervous, my palms are sweating.
“So why are you here, do you want your beads back?” her voice sounds so
unwelcoming, I’m too afraid to look at her face.
I shouldn’t have come here, I’m making a fool of myself.
“No your majesty, well yes I would love to have them back because I need them
to connect to my ancestors, but it isn’t the reason why I am here. I was sent here
by my ancestors…I think they wanted me to come here…”
“You sound confused.” she say.

83
 Destined
“I apologize my queen, I didn’t really prepare myself to come here, to the royal
palace. I don’t know what to say and I’m wasting your time.”
“You are wasting my time.” she says and stands up.
“Mgabadeli, please escort her out the premises.” she says, and my heart drops to
my stomach.
“Your majesty please hear me out…”
“You said you don’t know what to say.” I stutter, and look even more stupid.
“I’m Thulisile’s great granddaughter. I have her gift, I inherited it and I have
been having dreams about the palace since the passing of the king, may his soul
rest eternally.” I said and bowed.
She keeps quiet, and my heart is pounding so loudly I swear she can hear it. I
almost scream when I feel a hand on my arm.
“Mgabadeli wait, give us a moment.” he lets go of my arm and walks out.
The queen offers me a seat once again and she sits again.
“Shlobo’s grand-daughter?” Shlobo, I know not of any shlobo, but I’ll nod I
guess.
“What dreams are you having about my husband?” she asks as her voice lowers.
I didn’t say I was having dreams about her husband.
“I was the one that accompanied his majesty to the ancestral realm the night he
passed, I just didn’t know it was him I was accompanying until the following
morning. But since that night I have been having dreams of the palace on fire,
and I know I have to be here to do something, I just don’t know what.” she
heaves the greatest sigh.
“MaMfusi omncane.” she bows for me.
I should be bowing for her, not the other way around.
“Your great-grandmother was a great friend of ours, my husband and I. She
treated him in his most vulnerable time and we are forever indebted to her. She
84
 Destined
died serving the royal family, not out of obligation, but because of love. We are
honored to have you here, and I don’t doubt that you will do whatever you can
to help us.” did she not hear the part where I said I don’t know what to do.
I’m still an initiate. A self initiate at that, I fail to interpret half the things that
happen to me. I couldn’t even use my bones up until recently. There is a lot I
haven’t figured out about my calling, I can’t be taking up such a big mission. I
haven’t even healed a single person, how am I going to fight demons from
destroying a whole freaking royal house?
So now how do I tell her that I’ve lost the connection to my ancestors since this
whole debacle started?
“Sis’ Melo, please get the helpers to fix a room for MaMfusi, you are here to
stay right?” she directs the last question to me.
“Your Majesty ye…” she doesn’t even let me complete my sentence.
“Wonderful. They are going to get you settled in and we will go catch up in the
garden, I have so may questions.”
Wasn’t she the one ready to have me kicked out just a few moments ago. I can’t
say no now, I did leave Amanzimtoti with the sole purpose of staying, but I
didn’t think it would be so easy.

Nsukezinhle Zulu

He’s been sitting by the window staring at his mother and the girl with the blue-
green eyes sitting in the garden drinking lemonade for over an hour now. He has
her beads in his hands, he keeps fiddling with them. He’s mesmerized by her
like the first time he saw her. He can’t believe she’s actually here, in his home.
It’s a sign, it has to be a sign!
“Nsukezinhle!” why is Vukani in his room, just barging in like he owns the
place.
85
 Destined
Oh yes, he does own the place.
“Get out of my room!” he shouts back.
He doesn’t do that, he instead closes the door, and points a finger at him while
drawing closer.
“Stay away from that girl.” he threatens.
“What girl?” he pretends to act dumb.
“Don’t play the fool, what you did back there, fighting me for her, she’s my girl,
I saw her first, leave her the fuck alone.” this is another level of delusional.
Nsuke makes sure to wrap the beads around his wrist before he sits up from the
window and stares at his supposed brother.
“Unless she makes it clear that she doesn’t want me and she wants you, I have
every right to go for what I want, that’s what my father always taught me. You
wouldn’t know because you ran away from him.” he spits back.
“You forget that your precious daddy left his throne to me, not you! I have the
power here, and neither you or Amile will stand in my way.”
He sees it now, the crazy side that everyone has been pointing out about Vukani,
it’s not even about revenge anymore, he’s just mentally unstable.
“I will spend the rest of my life making sure that you and Amile’s life is
miserable, you both took everything from me! Both of you will listen to
everything I say, I am your master!” he says as he aggressively points to his
chest.
He can’t deny the fact that he’s scared by this sudden outburst, but this is just
motivating him to go for the kill even more. This is the sign, the motivation he’s
been looking for. Let it all go up in flames, he was born to sit on that throne, it
was his birth right, and no one can take it away from him, not even the one who
gave it to him.
He gets up from the window, and comes to stand face to face with Vukani, his
eyes turned and filled with rage, a feeling he has never let take over him.

86
 Destined
“It’s on.” he hisses.
Vukani maintains his eye contact, they stare into each others eyes, hatred so
visible and so thick it can’t be separated. Things just turned ugly very quickly,
may the best sperm win.

87
 Destined
CHAPTER TWELVE
Paloma Mfusi

The queen seemed to know more about gog’ Mfusi than I did. She told me so
many stories about her, and how big of a role she played in restoring the palace
to what it has been for the past 18 years. She told me all about how she rescued
‘baba’ as she calls him, and took care of him for a full three years before he
returned back home. She was the one who built the connection between them,
even when they were so far away from each other. She guided them through
leading this place into what it is today, a Zululand that all citizens are proud of.
Now things are falling apart again, and shes not here to fix them, apparently, its
my job.
The sun is about to set, she has finally given me an opportunity to go to ‘my’
room to go and freshen up for supper, so she can formally introduce me to the
rest of the family. I haven’t seen Vukani and Nsuke since they left me with their
mother. I think it’s weird that I call the queen Vukani’s mother when they are
literally the same age.
Vukani is actually regent king, much to everyone’s annoyance. By everyone I
mean the queen. I’m sensing that they don’t really like each other that much.
“This was the room I was kept in when I first moved into this house when I was
only 17 years old, no guest has ever been in here since.” the queen tells me as
she opens the door to the room I have been allocated.
It’s so creepy in here, it’s dark and cold. Although the decor is absolutely
breathtaking, it is nothing compared to what I imagine myself living in. Not that
I had expectations. There must be a reason why she’s putting me in this room.
“It feels good to have another female in the house for a change, it isn’t just me
now.” she says walking inside.
She really thinks I’m here to stay permanently. I don’t even know what I’m
supposed to be doing while I’m here.

88
 Destined
“Okay, get some rest, I’ve kept you the whole day. You can freshen up, dinner
will be served in the next hour and a half.” she says before she leaves me alone
in the creepy room.
I went to throw myself on the massive bed and stared at the ceiling. What am I
doing here, what am I going to achieve by being here? I don’t feel the
connection to my ancestors anymore, I feel so alone and I don’t know how to
navigate through all of that. I know I didn’t leave the comfort of my home to
suffer in someone else’s home.
I get up from the bed and look for towels in the wardrobe. My things have been
neatly packed into the shelves, my suitcases are shelved too. To them it seems
I’m here forever. I grab a towel and my toiletries and find my way to the
bathroom.
There is a massive tub in here, it’s so tempting. This bathroom is honestly a
dream, it’s actually the complete opposite of the room, there is light, sufficient
light, and it smells amazing. I don’t think twice, I fill the tub with hot water and
play around with the bubbles at my disposal.
As I relax my body into the water, and the warmth embraces my skin, I close my
eyes and take a deep breath. The flashes of the sunrise from this morning fill my
mind, and I instantly feel tears burning my eyes. I never cry, I’m not the crying
type, but this feeling is consuming me, this feeling of emptiness. I didn’t think I
would ever miss the feeling of having the heaviness on my shoulders, or the soft
whispers in my head. I can’t feel any of that in this current moment, and I feel so
hollow.
A picture of papa flashes in my mind, and as I clench my eyes tighter, it starts to
feel as if I can feel his warm embrace around me. An uncontrollable sob escapes
my mouth and I sink into his arms. Maybe I’m not alone after all.

•••

89
 Destined
I feel so much better after that bath, I lit some incense around the room that I
brought with me, and inhaling it just brought so much calm to me, I still feel
hollow, but not so alone.
I’m strutting around the room in my towel, I’m trying to locate where they put
certain clothing items of mine. I can’t find a single traditional cloth of mine, and
I need it.
I startle when I hear a soft knock on the door. Is it six thirty already?
I go open and my heart sits in my throat when I see the flames in his eyes. Is this
even normal? He flashes me a mother of all smiles.
“Can I come in?” no you cannot, I’m not dressed.
But Vukani doesn’t care, he’s already inside the room, closing the door behind
him.
I’ve never been with a man in a closed room like this before, I don’t know how I
feel. My heart is racing though, and I suddenly feel naked. Maybe that’s because
I am naked, completely naked under this towel, one mistake and he will see my
temple, something no man has ever seen.
“I hope I’m not intruding, I just wanted to come see you before dinner.” you are
intruding.
“No your majesty, not at all.” I can’t be rude, he’s the king.
He reaches out for my face and tucks the strands of hair on my face behind my
ear. His touch is so gentle, it sends a flutter in my stomach.
“Your beauty is out of this world. I have the desire to know you better, I long to
explore every part of your world, and hopefully be a part of it. I told you that
you would find your way back to me.” he says with a chuckle and lifts my chin.
I’m at a loss of words, his tongue is so smooth, he has a way with words that just
makes me speechless. He has such a gentle look, so much that the monster in my
dreams seizes to exist. Anyone that knows me know how much I hate being
touched, but his fingers on my chin feel so warm, it feels so…

90
 Destined
“Your majesty I cannot be a part of your world.” I say so softly, its as if my
voice won’t come out.
I close my eyes to take a deep breath and before I can open them once again I
feel his lips on mine. I freeze and lose all power in that moment. What is he
doing? Why is he kissing me? Why can’t I find the power to stop him or push
him away? What is happening to me?
I’m not doing it back, this locking of lips. His soft lips are caressing my own,
but I can’t seem to get myself to reciprocate. I’ve never been kissed before, this
is my first kiss, and it’s with a man I…a man that…a man!
He cups my face and deepens it. I may feel a flutter in my stomach, but I come
back to my senses and gently push him off. No, this is wrong! It is against
everything I have ever believed in, I don’t date, I don’t kiss men, my body
belongs to God.
“I’m sorry nkosazane, I got carried away. Your beauty just mesmerizes me.” he
says.
The flames in his eyes, they are dancing ever so slowly, they aren’t blazing like
they do in my dreams. Maybe the monster I’ve made up isn’t real.
I don’t know what just happened to me, but I know that this man has to get out
of this room as in yesterday!
“I hope to see you at the table.” he says as he makes his way to the door, his
eyes still locked to mine.
When he finally leaves, I look down at my hands and I see them trembling.
There is something happening between my legs, I can’t explain it, all I know is
that Vukani is dangerous, and I need to stay away from him.

•••

Everyone is already gathered at the table, it seems like they are waiting for me.
As soon as I appear, the queen flashes me a smile and Nsuke is the one to get up
91
 Destined
and pull the seat that is next to his for me. I utter a greeting as I lower myself on
the chair, and apologize for being late.
There is a white lady at the table, she’s sitting opposite the queen, next to
Vukani, who I can’t bring myself to looking at. That’s his wife, his WIFE
Paloma!
“Are you okay?” Nsuke whispers to me.
Before I can answer him, a bold voice clears its voice.
“I’m glad you all decided to join us back here…” Vukani begins, staring at the
queen who is wearing the most disgusted look.
Awkward.
“This is what a family should look like, now you all should just look a little
more happy to be here, I know I am.” our eyes meet, but I quickly look away.
“You are speaking but I’m not hearing a single thing you are saying. So it’s best
you shut up and let me do the talking.” the queen says and stands up.
Okay? Vukani responds with a chuckle. Nsuke next to me clears his throat.
“I’d like to welcome our guest, MaMfusi. She is shlobo’s great granddaughter,
and she is here to begin her process of being the royal seer. We are so happy to
have you, and I have hopes that you will gracefully take over from where
Thulisile left off. And you don’t have to worry about anything, your future king
right there will be there and you will figure out everything together.” she’s
referring to Nsuke who is right next to me.
There is a lot of animosity in this family, and I feel like I’m about to get caught
in the middle.
“Siyabonga ndlunkulu, you may take your seat now, and let me finish what I
was saying.” Vukani interjects, he also rises from his chair.
Okay, now I see it, they are definitely the same age, they are so petty too.
“I have no doubt that MaMfusi will be an important part of our family very soon,
and I as the king, intend to make sure she does. This is your home now, please
92
 Destined
feel free, and if you need anything, my wife here will assist you.” I swallow hard
at the last part.
“Thank you Bayede.” I say and bow my head.
I can feel Nsuke going stiff beside me.
“Okay can we eat now!” prince Mandlenkosi says.
He’s been so quiet I forgot he was at the table. I understand him fully, all of that
was so unnecessary. Vukani sits down and the helpers come in with the food.
There is now silence at the table, and the queen’s helper begins to dish for her.
She doesn’t lift a finger, she hardly does.
We all finish dishing for ourselves and as soon as we are about to begin eating,
her face changes, and she gags.
“Get this away from me.” she says.
The prince is the closest to her and he reaches for the plate. Her face is turning
red and before we know it, she gets up and runs to god knows where.
The prince and her helper follow behind her, and Vukani just sits there shaking
his head.
I turn my head to look at Nsuke and he’s wearing a concerned face, staring in
the direction his mom ran.
“Don’t worry about her.” I say and pick up my fork.
I didn’t mean to say that. Well I know what’s wrong with her, but it’s nothing to
be worried about, in fact he’ll be very happy.
He stares at me for a long time, the flames in his eyes blazing, no calm at all. I
feel the heaviness on my shoulders once again for the first time I arrived here,
and my heart can’t help but leap for joy.

•••

93
 Destined
After that awkward dinner, I’m back in my new room. I don’t think I’m going to
get used to this environment anytime soon.
I’m getting ready for bed, I always change before I have my prayer session to
avoid a lot of things. A knock sounds on my door and my heart sits on my throat.
The last time I let someone into my room, my morals changed, I have to ask for
repentance from God from that unholy act from earlier.
I take a deep breath and go open for whoever is at the door. Surprise surprise,
it’s Nsuke. What is this? Are they taking turns in checking up on me, and what
is going to do, have sex with me?
“I hope I’m not intruding...” oh I’ve been through this already.
“I wanted to bid you a good night and give you back what I took from you.” he’s
still standing outside the door, unlike his brother, he didn’t forcefully enter my
space.
I let him in and left the door ajar. He’s wearing my waist bead on his wrist.
“Are you really the new royal seer?” he asks scratching his head.
“I don’t know, I was just as shocked when your mother mentioned it.” he smiled
at me, so much that I tilted my head and looked at him. What was so amusing.
“You are so perfect.” I wanted to roll my eyes, but I can’t so I just chuckle.
“Can I have my beads back please mntwana.” he doesn’t break eye contact with
me as he unwraps the beads from his wrist.
“These things are powerful.” he said as he put out his hand to give them to me.
I know they are, but they only work for me, not for anyone else. I took them
back.
“Thank you.” the heaviness was back on my shoulders, and the ringing in my
ears began.
I started burping.
“Eyy!” you could tell that he was startled because he moved back.

94
 Destined
Look at the girlies coming back now, maybe it was because I lost the beads.
“ungayikhohlwa into oyizele lapho.” whispered the voice.
“Makhosi amakhulu.” I burped again.
He’s staring at me dumbstruck.
“Good night MaMfusi.” he says as he walked backwards.
His feet couldn’t carry him out that room quick enough. I can’t help but laugh at
him.
“Ngiyabonga gogo.” I say before going to kneel beside my bed.
I’ll see my ancestors later, I want to talk to my maker.

95
 Destined
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Paloma Mfusi

*
“You see this, this plant will help her with the vomiting.” she points at it.
I bend down and smell it. I know I can’t pick anything from this garden, so I’ll
have to find it in mine.
“Does she know yet?” I ask following her further into the garden.
“No, she doesn’t know yet, but don’t tell her just yet, she must figure it out on
her own.” I nod.
“That one mixed with that one will keep her and the baby safe from harm.” I
have to make a mental note of all these plants.
“You have a big job to do while you are here, it’s your job to restore this place
to it’s former glory.”
“I know gogo, I just don’t know how, and I feel like you have turned your backs
on me.” I blatantly admit.
“I could never turn my back on you, all of them can but I would never. You just
need to make the correct choices because you know the difference between right
and wrong. Always choose the path that aligns with what I taught you.”
“Yebo gogo.”
“Respect your body, it is the temple, the instrument of communication, keep it
pure and sacred.” she tells me all the things I have known since my journey
began.
“Izizwe ziyobusa nakufika wena mntanami, ungakukhohlwa lokho.” a big smile
spreads across my face.
*
I missed having positive dreams, dreams where I actually feel at peace from.
96
 Destined
I sit up from the bed and scan the surroundings, I’m in Zululand.
My beads are next to the bed where I left them before I went to bed. I survived
the whole night. Maybe my stay here won’t be as bad.
Now first on the agenda is helping my queen, I have to go find all of those plants
and come back to mix them.
I check the time and it is just after 6 in the morning. I call my mother, I miss her,
and I didn’t talk to her before I went to sleep last night. She doesn’t know how
my travels to Zululand were.
“Paloma, why are you calling so early in the morning?” she asks in a sleepy
voice.
She has never been a morning person, and I don’t think that will ever change.
“I was calling you to check on you mommy, I miss you.” she chuckled.
“Hello baby, I miss you too.” she says accompanied by a yawn.
“How’s Zululand, did you travel safely, have you made it to the palace?”
“Yes, surprisingly, not bad. I can’t necessarily divulge private matters, but I
think I’ll live.” she giggles.
“Are they more dramatic than your aunts?” she loves gossip.
“Way more dramatic and petty.”
“Oh my gosh okay, don’t tell me, I don’t want to get you in trouble.” we share a
laugh.
“Where is your husband?” she sucks her teeth. I’m guessing they aren’t on good
terms.
They fight all the freaking time, but I know it’s never anything serious, it’s
always petty fights, it just goes to show how much they love each other.
“He’s getting ready to go to the office because we had a little squabble last night
and as always he has to run away from me.”
“Does he know that I’m in Zululand.”
97
 Destined
“No and I don’t dream about breathing a word to him about it. You are on your
own for this one.”
“But mom!”
“Hayi don’t involve me, you should have told him.” she knows exactly how he
gets.
“But it’s your job mom…”
“Excuse me, no it isn’t. I do you a favour by asking him, and I always get shat
on so no. You tell him, and you better tell him before he finds out himself.”
she’s really not playing on this one.
“I thought you had my back mom, but its okay. Your husband doesn’t even call
to check up on me.”
“I’ll tell him to call you.” she says.
It’s really not the same, but its whatever.
“Send my greetings to the queen will you.” I laugh.
“Bye mom!”
I miss her so much, she’s the one person who I share my whole life with, who
understands me without judging me, I don’t know what I’d be without her.

•••

The royal family didn’t sit together for breakfast this morning, I guess last night
was a front, and quite frankly, it was a terrible one because anyone with eyes
could see that they hate each others guts. One of the maids came to serve me
mine in the room before I could go out to the garden.
I opted to sit in the room and eat there, and she was there to collect my plate
before I could stand to take it to the kitchen. We had helpers growing up at
home, but I’ve never been this spoiled in my life, ever. My mom instilled chores
98
 Destined
into our daily routine when we were growing up because that’s what she also
grew up doing. I mean she did take care of herself and grandpa her whole life,
unlike dad who was served breakfast by mama every morning, and never did a
single chore in his life, ever.
I’m wearing a sundress today because the sun is out and it promises to be a
beautiful summers day. The perfect day for me to go exploring in the garden. I
put a sun hat over my unruly hair and prepare my little bag to go to the garden.
When I open the door, I’m met by a pair of fiery eyes staring at me. A wide grin
spreads across his face.
“I was just about to knock, are you going somewhere?” I clear my throat and
bow.
“Yes your majesty.” after last night, I really can’t afford to look at him in the
eyes.
“It’s Vukani to you, now tell me, where are we going?” he grabs my hand.
He’s so friendly, nothing like the monster he turns into in my dreams. I can’t
seem to accept that.
“I was going to the garden to look for some herbs.” I said lowly as we began to
walk.
What will his wife say when she sees us walking while holding hands. In my
defence, he’s holding my hand, I’m not holding his.
“I was thinking last night, since you are going to take up your place as the royal
seer and healer, we should get you a nice working space, where you can keep all
your herbs and potions.” I don’t work with potions.
“I don’t think I’m going to be staying here permanently your majesty, it’s just
temporary.” I said.
“So you aren’t going to be the royal seer?” after last night’s dream, I know that’s
what I should be doing here, but I’m still in initiation, am I allowed to leave my
home?
“I am, but I’m not a healer yet, I’m an initiate.” he nods.
99
 Destined
“Okay that makes sense, but we’ll build you a rondovel anyway, you need it.”
he said with a smile.
We are approaching the garden, I can see the whole of Zululand from where I’m
standing, the mountains and hills are so exquisite.
“I didn’t realize that I missed this place until I came back.” he said walking
towards the trees.
“It’s home, where you grew up, you can’t not miss it.” this place is honestly so
magical.
The air is different, and I thought the air in Toti was different.
“This place only has terrible memories for me, that’s why I didn’t want to come
back.”
“So what made you come back?” I regret my question only after I’ve asked it.
He doesn’t answer me, instead he turns and pulls my hand.
“What kind of plants are you looking for? I know all of them!” this garden is
massive.
And I don’t know the plant names, I can identify them because gogo showed me
in my dreams.
There are so many plants, trees and vines in this garden, I keep scanning the area
for plants that look similar to the ones I saw.
“That is the Agapanthus, it is very common now that it is summer.” he says
picking one of the flowers and putting them in my hair.
I can’t help but smile. As he walks me through the garden, he keeps naming all
the plants and their purposes, he really does know his plants.
“Are you a plant enthusiast?” I ask when we stop in front of a bush.
“No, I’m a farmer.” he cracks me a smile.
He’s a farmer. Wow.

100
 Destined
I think that’s the plant I’m looking for. I go and bend down to smell it and make
sure it is the one I was told to find.
“The Lemon Balm.” he says standing next to me.
This actually looks like mint to me.
“Reduces anxiety stress and it eases discomfort and nausea.” I look up at him.
“So you know all the plants by head?” I ask.
“When I stayed here after I got kicked out of school, I explored this garden
everyday, and I would find every plant I saw in the books I had about plants, and
somehow memorized all of them. As soon as I got to Canada to study, plant
study for me was the easiest part of my studies.” so he went to Canada to study
and he never came back.
I picked them and put them in my bag. He assisted me by helping me pick all the
other medicinal plants in the garden, and I also got a lesson. He’s so passionate,
you can see in the way he explains, he even uses his hands, and his eyes light up.
The fire is still there, today it’s blazing.
I’ve never enjoyed picking herbs like I did today, and I owe it all to him, maybe
he isn’t as bad as they make him out to be.
“Ma’Mfusi.” he grabs my hand and he pulls me closer to his body.
I inhaled his scent, it’s nothing like I’ve ever smelt before.
“I can’t seem to keep this to myself any longer. I want you Ma’Mfusi, I want to
be around you all the time, I want to kiss your soft lips longer, feel your skin. I
want your heart.” that heart that he wants, it’s racing.
“Your majesty…I…” he cuts me off.
“It’s Vukani to you nkosazane.” He whispers against my lips, his breath fans my
face.
I find myself parting my lips as I feel a heat building up inside of me. What is
happening to me? I feel his lips on mine, his are cold and wet. This is my second
time feeling his lips on mine, but it’s the first I’m reciprocating the action. I’m
101
 Destined
following his lead, his soft lips are locking with mine and all I feel is absolute
bliss. This is officially my first kiss, something I never thought would happen.
My heart is racing, and other parts of my body, well, those lady parts are
reacting and I don’t know how to act.
His hands travel down my waist and he gently wraps his arm around my waist
and he pulls me closer to him, I’m pressed against his body. His one hand grabs
on to my bum and a sound, a gentle satisfactory sound leaves his lips.
“Your majesty, I’m sorry to interrupt…” we are startled back to reality by a
voice. We both turn our head and meet with a distraught stare.
I’m embarrassed, so I wipe my lips and look down.
“The queen is ready and awaiting you to go to council.” He reports.
“I’m coming.” He said through gritted teeth before he turned back to me.
“I have to council, I’ll be back before you know it, you and I need to finish this.”
He said and ran his finger on my cheek.
I couldn’t speak, so I just nodded. I watched him and the escort walk away from
the garden. I feel numb. Actually, I’m not numb, I have feelings, a rush in my
blood.

Nsukezinhle Zulu

His mother is getting ready to go to council. They got a summon this morning,
and Vukani was also summoned. To say he’s angry would be an understatement.
Why isn’t he the one going, Vukani is the fucking regent, he’s only warming up
the seat for him, the real king.
“Ma I don’t understand why I’m staying behind, I also want to go.” He whines
as he stands up from the bed.

102
 Destined
“Nsuke you know how those men are, they summoned us, we didn’t summon
them. That means they want to discuss something important. If they needed you
there, they would have told me to come with you.”
“You all seem to forget that I am the future king, not Vukani!”
“I know baby, but you father did us dirty and we are where we are right now.
But I won’t stop fighting until you are on that throne.” She said as she did the
finishing touches of her make up.
He didn’t want this throne not so long ago, but his interaction with Vukani
evoked something in him, the lions that lives within, he’s now prepared to go for
the kill, fight for what is rightfully his. And no one is going to stand in his way,
no one! Not even the stupid council. He will get the throne then get the girl.
“I won’t let whatever dad did ruin my chances of destroying Vukani. I’m going
to that meeting with you mawami, they must respect me, it doesn’t mean
anything to be young.” He says as he struts to his father’s closet.
Amile turns and watches him.
“What are you doing there?” his clothes haven’t been touched, they were only
packed carefully after he died, and she wasn’t the one who did it.
He doesn’t answer, he disappears inside. She is about to follow him and ask him
what he is doing when there is a knock on the door. It’s Khaya.
“My queen…” she cuts him off.
“Cut the bullshit Khaya, what did he say, is he ready?” She asks taking her purse.
“Yes he is, but I saw something else and I don’t think you will like it.” He
reports.
“Step inside.” She whispers.
He does as told and stands next to her. He also lowers his voice.
“I found him in the garden, and he was with the girl, that one with the blue eyes.
They were kissing.” Her blood boils.

103
 Destined
“I’m ready to go.” Nsuke appears, he’s wearing one of his fathers jackets, a
black one.
Amile freezes and looks at him. Khaya darts his eyes between the two of them.
“Mawami?” he asks.
“Let’s go Mageba.” She says and walks out the room.
Nsuke follows right behind her like a puppy, and Khaya right behind the both of
them.

104
 Destined
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Nsukezinhle Zulu

They are all traveling in different cars. His mother in her own, Vukani in his
own, and he’s traveling with one of the other drivers. There was no need for this
drama, he really could have travelled with his mother, but they refused.
He keeps checking his phone screen, he received a call from Zothile earlier, but
he couldn’t bring himself to answering it, and she has been bombarding him
with unending messages that he just looks at and ignores. He’s hooked on
Ma’Mfusi, that’s who he with his whole heart.
They have arrived at council, he’s never been here before, he always heard of it,
but never physically set foot here. His father always said it’s not a playground
for small boys, he’s not a boy anymore, neither is he small. Not going was not
an option for him, he aims to get shit in order now, he’s let it slide for too long.
The driver opens the door for him, he climbs out and stands fixing the almost
oversized jacket he’s wearing. It belonged to his father, he wore it today because
he somewhat wanted to feel closer to him, today more than ever. He doesn’t
know why Vukani and his mom were summoned today, and how he got
excluded, but he’s here to earn the respect.
When he looks behind and sees Vukani’s car, they exchange a glare as he also
hops out. Vukani proceeds to scan him up and down before he spits on the
ground and turns to walk in the direction leading him inside. His hands shake
with rage seeping through his skin.
“Don’t let him get to you, let’s go.” His mother says placing a hand on his
shoulder, leading him in the same direction.
He clicks his tongue.
“You are not on his level, don’t stoop that low, do you hear me. You are
Langalethu’s son!” she says nudging him.
He nods and continues to walk with his head held high.

105
 Destined
“When we get in there, you don’t speak do you understand me?” she says.
“But mawami…” she interrupts him.
“No Nsuke, you forced your way here, you weren’t summoned. Those old men
in there are very old-school, and they won’t appreciate your presence, let alone
acknowledge it, so it’s best you keep quiet and just listen.” he’s not happy with
this, but he has to listen to his mother.
“I don’t know why you brought your brat here.” Vukani whispers in Amile’s ear,
not loud enough for the brat to hear.
“Watch your words Vukani.” she says through gritted teeth.
They are in public, they should at least pretend to tolerate each other.
“The Queen MaGumede and the regent King Vukani kaLangalethu with
umntwana uNsukezinhle kaLangalethu.” Khaya announces their presence to the
council.
As they make their way in, the men are whispering among themselves at the
presence of Nsuke, who was not summoned. They stand and bow for them
before waiting for them to take their seats and sitting down.
“Sisukuma ngokubingelela kubantu baseNdlunkulu, and we therefore thank you
for honouring our request to meet with us at such short notice.” One man stands
up and starts.
“I think the queen can see that there is one of missing, Mr Mthembu is in
absence as he is lying in hospital in a critical situation, so I will be taking over
for him.”
“We have him in our prayers Njinji, thank you.” Amile responds.
“Thank you my queen. Before we can begin, I just want to take a moment of
silence for uBayede, Ingonyama yethu sonke esikhotheme.” they all bow their
heads.
Vukani folds his arms across his chest and stares at all of them, Nsuke is the first
to lift his head and sees this. This is definitely not someone that deserves to call
Langalethu his father, he most definitely doesn’t deserve the throne.
106
 Destined
“Siyabonga S’thuli sika Ndaba, Bayede!”
“Bayede!” everyone says in unison.
Nsuke glances at his mother, and he can see that she’s holding back tears. He
just realized that he hasn’t asked her how she’s coping with her husband’s death,
it’s always been about him. He makes a mental note to do that as soon as they
leave.
“We also want to give a warm welcome to unobamba wesihlalo, inkosi Vukani,
we as the council welcome you and we hope that we can work together in
ensuring that the kingdom remains as it was.” Vukani smiles and bows.
“Bayede!” they all chant, except mother and son.
“I think it is a very wise decision that the late king made to put you in charge, he
never failed to let us know of how proud he was of you and how much you
achieved in your studies overseas. We are certain that you will oversee all the
agricultural processes, and lead us to greener pastures.” Njinji announces.
Vukani is wearing the biggest of smiles, while Nsuke’s heart pounds against his
ribcage. His father was really living a double life.
“My dream as king is to make Zululand a agricultural superpower, and
effectively use our beautiful land to create generational wealth not only for our
families, but for the whole of Zululand.” all the men nod along in
acknowledgement of what he said.
“Regent king, brother…” Nsuke corrects, he fails to hold himself.
Amile shoots him a death stare but he completely ignores it.
“We both know that baba put you there temporarily.” he adds on, putting
emphasis on temporarily.
Before Njinji can even answer him, Vukani claps back.
“Oh, my bad brother, my vision as the regent king, and then you will take over
from there successfully, and take all the credit for all my hard work.” he says.

107
 Destined
“As the rightful king, yes, I will take some of the credit brother.” Nsuke says
and leans forward.
Everyone seems to be uncomfortable now, and Njinji clears his throat.
“Mntwana, it is of utmost respect that I ask you not to disrespect us as elders
like this, he may be your brother but he is still the regent king and the one who
will mentor you and prepare you for the throne, using his wisdom.”
“What wisdom does he have?” he asks the old man, staring at him dead in the
eyes.
“Nsuke!” Amile reprimands.
Njinji along with the rest of the council are stunned.
“I apologize on his behalf Njinji.” Amile excuses him.
“I have never been disrespected like this since I was born.” he says placing his
hand on his chest.
“Ma, you are the queen mother, this is your kingdom, why do you take orders
from these people.”
“Nsuke you are out of line.” Amile says and stands up.
She signals Khaya who quickly come to stand next to her.
“Take him home.” she instructs.
“This is unfair mawami.”
“Smisosobukhosi I don’t have time for your bullshit do you hear me, go home.”
she says through gritted teeth.
He immediately leaves and leaves the room filled with murmurs.
“My apologies bantu bomkhandlu omkhulu, I will sort him out when I get
home.” Amile says, with a look of embarrassment covering her face.
Vukani sits there, folds his arms across his chest and shakes his head in
disappointment, looking directly at Amile.

108
 Destined

•••

Amile is fuming as she steps through the palace doors, Vukani is strolling right
behind her, he wants to see everything, and not miss a single moment.
“This is what you get for dragging your puppy with you everywhere, you are left
to clean up their shit.”
“You better shut up if you know what’s good for you.” he just responds with a
chuckle.
Nsuke appears.
“Why do you want to embarrass me and make me look like I don’t know what
I’m doing as a parent Nsukezinhle!” she shouts at her son.
Mandlenkosi appears and he is alarmed at once.
“MaGumede why are you shouting?”
“Is it not this boy, who chose to go and embarrass me in front of the whole
council, after I told him to shut his mouth and not speak.” she’s crying.
Nsuke’s heart breaks. His intention wasn’t to make her cry.
“Is it because I’m not baba, is that why you disrespect me Nsuke? You know
what, Nkosi, I don’t have the strength to do this.” she says and wipes her tears
before she storms into her room.
She’s leaving it up to him to deal with it basically, just like all the other things
that have happened.
“Nc nc nc nc, umfana ongamuhloniphi unyoko. Isiphoxi somfana.” Vukani says
shaking his head, walking away, followed by a mocking chuckle.
Nsuke is about to pounce on him but Mandlenkosi holds him back and points a
finger at him.

109
 Destined
“Awukhuzeke! Didn’t you have enough making your mom cry?” he’s not happy
with him, and he can see that very clearly.
“Calm down, this is not how you conduct yourself Smiso, why are you going off
the rails manje?”
“Why is no one talking to him, why am I the one being crucified for
everything?”
“Because you are out of line and you are disrespectful. You seem to forget that
you may not like him, but he’s your brother and he’s your regent king, he’s the
one going to give you the keys to the kingdom, and hand the throne over to you.
So if you continue behaving like this, he may decide to keep it forever.” Nsuke
didn’t like hearing this. He freed from his grip and folded his arms over his chest.
“This attitude you have won’t take you anywhere my boy, so I suggest you go
apologize to your mother, and to your brother too.”
“But baba…”
“Smiso, I’m not asking you.” he says sternly.
“Yebo baba.”
“Hamba ke.” he pointed him upstairs.
He dragged himself up the stairs. He’s remorseful. Bab’ Nkosi wasn’t even
shouting at him, he was talking to him properly, but his words cut deep, except
for the part about grovelling to Vukani, he’s not about to do that, especially after
they looked each other in the eyes, and declared war on each other. But his
mother, his mother shouldn’t get involved, that is not his intention, so he’s going
to apologize.

Paloma Mfusi

I sat in my room after Vukani left and I mixed my herbs and plants for the queen.
Something in me still can’t let me bring myself to accepting what happened so
110
 Destined
easily. He said he wants me, I’ve never been wanted, or been shown that I’m
wanted like this.
He’s very adamant in his approach, he doesn’t give one the room to say no, or to
fight him, how do you say no to someone like that? Someone with soft lips,
warm breath, a scent so heavenly, and a brain so big. I don’t know this foreign
feeling that I’m experiencing, but I know it’s nowhere good for my spiritual
journey, not at all.
My phone rings, which is very odd because I always have it on silent, and no
one ever calls me. I wipe my hands on my cloth and grab it. My heart stops
beating for a second when I see my dad’s name on my screen. Damn, I didn’t
call him and tell him about my whereabouts. He’s going to kill me.
“Hello daddy.” I say in a high pitched voice.
My voice goes high pitched when I’m guilty or lying, that’s how you catch me
out, or at least my mom knows how to catch me out.
“I thought my daughter loved me, and respected me as her father.” I can’t pick
up his mood from his voice, but normally I can.
“I do daddy, I love you so much and I respect you like crazy.” I say sitting up.
“So not once did it occur to you to pick up the phone and say ‘Daddy, can I
please go to Zululand?’ I have to hear it from people.” I’m guessing people is
mom.
Or maybe there’s someone else.
“I’m sorry daddy.” I say ashamedly.
One thing about my dad, he will make me feel guilty.
“No don’t apologize Paloma, you know your apology doesn’t change anything.”
I swallow hard.
Now I don’t know what to say.
“I was going to call you last night daddy, but I lost track of time, and I’ve been
busy today.”
111
 Destined
“Kulungile phela musungasangithandi. It’s okay. How are you Ma’Mfusi?” I
shake my head, he’s so petty.
“I’m okay daddy, I’m just sad because you think I don’t love you. I do daddy,
and I’m really sorry for not calling you and telling you before I left, I should
have done that. Next time, I will make sure that you are the first person I let
know. Ngikuthanda ngenhliziyo yami yonke Mfusi.” I could hear him smiling
over the phone, literally.
This is what he wants, he wants to blackmail me emotionally and hear me
grovelling to him.
I mean it though, he’s the only man I love, I love him with my whole heart.
“I love you too my dove. Now when are you coming back?” I knew it.
I can’t help but chuckle.
“I don’t know daddy, I only arrived yesterday, so I haven’t really started my
journey.” although I think protecting the queen is the first thing on the list.
“Is it safe there, are they not mistreating you?” there’s a hint of concern in his
voice.
“No daddy, in fact, I’m getting so much princess treatment. I might not come
back at all.” I said with a giggle.
“That absolutely cannot happen, you are my baby, you have to come back. Also,
I was talking to your mother, and we are thinking we should have uMemulo for
you next month.” my eyes widen.
“Really baba?” excitement rushes through me.
“Yes, it should have happened as soon as you turned 21, but last year was such a
hectic year for you, so maybe this one will be a little better, right?”
“I hope so daddy, but I would really love that. I’ll be sure to let you know when
I come back, I hope I don’t stay for too long here.” I say.
“Okay my dove, it was great hearing your voice, I missed you, It’s unusual not
having all my girls with me.” that made me miss him, and home.
112
 Destined
I was about to respond but there was a knock on my door.
“Maybe I’ll be able to come visit home for a few days after I come back.
There’s someone at my door, so we will talk later.” I say standing.
“Bye my baby, I love you okay.”
“I love you too Mfusi.” I say as I open the door.
My heart sits in my throat when I see her standing there, her face is, I don’t
know, I can’t read her face.
I remove the phone from my ear.
“Can I come in?” she asks in her thick accent.
I’ve never actually heard her speak.
“Yes, you may come in.” I say moving out of the way.
I don’t know how to react. She is after all the queen consort, and she’s standing
in my room. I’ve been sucking face with her husband, I’m sure he’s not hiding it
that he wants me.
“My husband is obsessed with you.” she says faking a laugh as she walks into
the room.
I tense up.
“You know he thinks I’m an idiot and I don’t know this culture, he thinks I’m
just going to take everything he says. Cheating is cheating, don’t you think?”
she asks and turns around to stare at me.
“It is.” I say swallowing the lump in my throat.
“So I wouldn’t be wrong for asking you to stay away from him.” consider it
done.
Problem is, will he stay away from me. She said it herself, he’s obsessed with
me, and it’s not like I can do anything about it, I’ve tried rejecting him, and it’s
not working.

113
 Destined
“My queen, I don’t think you should be addressing this with me, but the man in
question himself, as he is the one who is after me, and I have tried to have stop,
but he won’t.”
“Then make him stop, the same you made him want you.” she says through
gritted teeth.
You can see that she really loves him. She looks a little older than him, she’s a
bit on the plus size as well, but she dresses very well, not on the standard of the
Zulu culture, but she’s a lady.
“My queen, the king is entitled to taking a second wife in order to grow his
legacy and expand the family, but that second wife can’t be me, it won’t be me,
I promise you.” I say.
“I’ve been lied to too much since I got here, I can’t trust anyone, not even my
husband. So stay away from him, I have my eye on you.” even her threats are
not violent.
I nod though, because I don’t like hurting another woman. Her husband really
needs to stay away from me, because after this, I’m doing the same. No matter
how soft his kisses my be, or how good he smells.
He’s not yours to want Paloma, the ancestors would kill you.

114
 Destined
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Paloma Mfusi

I’m heading to the queen’s room, following her helper. She told me that she isn’t
feeling well and she’s resting.
I’ve never been pregnant, but it seems like it is a dreadful journey. I’ve
experienced a few pregnancies with my aunts, and I could remember how sick
they would get, and how many times they would complain. But it certainly is the
best thing in the whole world, and a baby is a blessing from God. I believe this
is a gift that the king left her with, and I know she will be very happy when she
eventually learns about it. My instincts are never wrong, I felt it when we sat at
that table, and then gogo told me in the dream.
“My queen, Ma’Mfusi would like to see you.” the helper announces.
She’s groaning as if she’s in pain.
“Tell her to come in.”
The helper moves out the door and gives me leeway to enter. I thank her before
entering the room and closing the door. There is a heavy presence that sits on
my shoulder as I make my way to her.
“My queen.” I bow in front of her.
“Ma’Mfusi, I’m not feeling well…” she says tossing.
She’s curled up in a ball, her eyes are red, she looks like she’s been crying.
Maybe this is more of an emotional pain than a physical one.
“I have something for you, I saw you vomiting the other night, this will help
with the nausea.” I have the medicine in a little bowl for her to drink.
“It will also calm your nerves, and bring you peace and relief.” she sits up and
stretches.
“So you are a doctor too.” she says with a weak smile.

115
 Destined
“Not really, well not yet a traditional doctor. But soon, hopefully.” I say handing
the bowl to her.
She scrutinizes it, and smells it.
“It smells nice.” she says lowly.
She then brings her lips to the bowl and drinks the medicine. She finishes all of
the contents, and soon after, her hand rushes to her stomach. I feel sharp pains
on my back, in my stomach, then I involuntarily yawn out.
“Can I pray for you my queen?” I don’t give her room to say no.
“Father I come before you in the presence of the holy spirit on behalf of the
queen MaGumede, and I come to ask you to pour your blessings upon her. I
pray that you protect her through the fire, the heartache the pain and give her the
endurance to withstand and get over this hurdle that You has thrown at her. I
pray You free her from the shackles of a broken heart, and give her a new heart,
a heart that will forgive all those that have caused her pain, a heart that will open
up and accept all that life has to offer her, both good and bad. I pray that she
embrace the gifts that You will give her, and she will stay standing through it all.
It is of great importance that she stays true to herself, and what she has been
taught and what she believes. For I know that my prayers will be heard oh Lord,
I thank You for Your abundance and mercy upon this home, and upon her
heart.”
My prayer is always led by the holy spirit, and when I begin, its as if it dwells
inside of me and takes over me, and combined with my ancestors, it becomes
stronger. Sometimes I speak in tongues, and sometimes I cry. I’m doing both
today, I feel the heaviness on my shoulders. She’s crying too. I’m doing
something right.

•••

I feel a little lighter now. This is what healing feels like.

116
 Destined
“I feel like there is something going on inside of me.” she says, holding her
stomach.
I look at her and smile.
“I’ve been having the dreams, I just didn’t want to really accept it…but, we
finally did it.” she sheds a tear.
“Am I pregnant?” she asks and looks at me.
“Yes my queen.” so this is what gogo meant.
She shakes her head and laughs, while tears stream down her face.
“We’ve been trying for years to have a baby, and it just never happened after
Nsuke. And now he’s not here to experience it with me.”
“It’s the gift that His Majesty has left with you, I guess to remember him by.
And he is protecting you, the both of you.” I say and hold her hand.
“Thank you Ma’Mfusi, you have no idea how powerful your prayer is, I’m
astonished at that.” I bow my head in gratitude.
“Now tell me, my right hand man told me that he caught you and our vile king
kissing in the garden, please don’t tell me it’s true.” embarrassment covers me.
Vile king? I don’t think that is a nice way to describe Vukani. I don’t think he’s
vile.
“It wasn’t meant to happen my queen, it was a mistake. The king doesn’t want
to seem to leave me alone…”
“Do you want him to leave you alone, or are you enjoying it, this running
around?” I really don’t have an answer for that.
“Look, I know what it’s like, I was young once too. In fact, I was way younger
than you, I know how it feels like to experience the thrill of being chased and
wanted. Or the feeling of experiencing a crush. But Vukani isn’t the one you
should let close to you.” I shouldn’t let anyone close to me.

117
 Destined
“Gogo Mfusi’s ancestors hate men, they are my ancestors now. They don’t want
me in any sort of relationship, and I never did have the desire to be in a
relationship then.” I pause.
She gives me a look. I don’t know, maybe I have caught feelings for Vukani,
and that scares me so much. I don’t want that.
“And you do now? With him?” she finally asks.
I swallow hard and look down.
“I’m not going to lie to you. Vukani declared himself our enemy as soon as he
stepped foot into this palace. It’s all of us against him, and I know my husband
wouldn’t have appreciated this, but it’s all him, baba caused this.” is she making
me pick a side.
Why are there even sides? I don’t understand.
“So for your sanity, do the right thing.” she says.
I keep quiet for a moment, contemplating what I want to say, but the words
simply don’t come out.
I’m about to answer when I hear something smashing and breaking. The queen
sits up alert.
“What is that?” there’s banging on the walls, and then a scream follows.
We don’t ask further questions, we both get up and rush out the door, stand over
the balcony and see the brothers fighting. Nsuke has his hands around Vukani’s
neck, he’s trying to strangle him.
“Nsukezinhle!” the queen shouts.
We both rush downstairs. The helper was the one who screamed, I think she
almost got hurt.
“Nsuke leave him alone!” the queen shouts again.
Vukani doesn’t seem to be fighting back, his eyes are so dark, I’m so afraid I
turn away. He hits him back, he finally fights back and Nsuke stumbles back a

118
 Destined
little, but he comes back up and attempts to hit him with his fist, but Vukani
holds his arm and almost breaks it, before he sends another punch his way.
“Vukani please!” his wife is here.
No one is willing to get in between the two of them, we are all women here, if
we get in between, we will get hurt.
The queen risks her life, I almost want to pull her back, but she’s hysteric. I
follow right behind her.
“Nsuke stop what you are doing.”
We succeed in pulling them apart, I’m pushing Vukani away from the boy, he’s
wiping blood from his lip, his breathing is out of control.
“This is not how you behave Nsukezinhle!” I hear the queen shouting at her son
as they move away.
I turn and look at them, my eyes meet with Nsuke’s, his eyes filled with so much
rage, I feel guilt in my heart, I don’t understand this feeling, but I ignore it, and
continue pushing Vukani out the house.
I’m now outside with Vukani, he’s sitting on the step of the porch, huffing and
puffing. I don’t even know what to say to him. His wife should be here, not me.
“Vukani.” I say placing my hand on his shoulder.
He stares up at me, his eyes, the fire, so bright, the flame so big it can burn me.
It is burning me, on the inside.
I sit down next to him. I look at his hands, the same hands he’s also looking at,
his knuckles are bruised. I feel sorry for Nsuke’s pretty face, if these knuckles
look like this, his face must be bad.
“What happened?” I saw that he didn’t hit him back for a while, he was holding
himself, but I can’t take that and assume that Nsuke started the fight.
“I’m going to kill that boy one day, I swear and it won’t be my fault.” this is not
what I asked him.

119
 Destined
That didn’t sound like a threat, it sounded like a promise, and it sent chills down
my spine.
“Don’t speak like that, he’s your brother.” I say.
He glances at me. His lip is busted.
“Let me go get something to clean this up.” he nods.
I attempt to stand up but he grabs my arm and stares at me. My heart starts
beating rapidly.
“Vukani.” he lets me go.
I go to the kitchen and ask one of the helpers for a first aid kit. She gives me a
small bag and I return to my bruised patient outside.
I stop dead in my tracks when I see Vukani sitting with his wife, she’s cleaning
the same bruises I was coming to clean. I’m feeling hurt, I don’t know why, but
my heart is clenching.
“I don’t like this place, it’s bringing out a horrible side of you, I want to go
home.” I hear her say.
“This what my father wanted, I’m not going anywhere.” he replies.
That’s my cue to go.

•••

I’m lying on my stomach in my room, my head buried in my pillow. I’ve been

sitting like this for a while, just listening to my heart bulldozing my chest. The
queen’s words keep replaying in my mind, gogo’s words too, and how I should
always keep my body sacred.
I’ve caught feelings for a man, that was not supposed to happen, especially a
man I was supposed to be healing. I don’t even know if this is what catching
feelings is supposed to feel like, but it really hurts, it pains and stings.
120
 Destined
There’s a knock on my door, and my body jerks up. I quickly move my hair out
of my face and I see him standing by the door. He then walks in and proceeds to
close it behind him. The last time he was in my room, I found myself
exchanging spit with him. I’m frightened.
“It’s just me.” he gives me an innocent smile.
That’s the problem, it’s him.
“You left me broken and bruised earlier.” he says sitting on the foot of the bed.
I scan him, his bruises look purple, his lip is swollen, but they’ve been cleaned.
“Your wife did the job pretty well your majesty.” a frown forms on his face.
“We are back here again?” I look away.
“Ma’Mfusi omuhle, cela ubuke mina.” he says shifting closer.
I turn my head and look at him. He leans closer and pecks my lip.
“I was asked to stay away from you. I probably should.”
“But I don’t want to stay away from you.” he says pecking them again.
I close my eyes and listen to my heart beating. My whole body is warm.
“Why were you and Nsuke fighting?” I said pushing him off me.
He can’t kiss me like he was this morning, his lip is swollen and looks very sore.
He heaves a sigh.
“He left his mother’s breast and came to disrespect me, spewing nonsense,
stepping on my corners.”
“So you hit him first?” I ask.
“I didn’t. I didn’t want to hit him, but he just kept pushing and pushing, I had to
fight back.” I shake my head.
“I don’t like this tension and these fights in this house, this division makes me so
uneasy about being here.” I confess.

121
 Destined
“They hate me, especially Amile, and she successfully poisoned her son against
me. Fuck I didn’t even want to come back here, but baba begged me before he
died, he begged me to come back home, and make things right with her, but that
can’t happen, she hates me. I’m too old to be having family feuds, this is not the
life I want for myself, but I feel like this, being here is the only way I can
connect to baba, to make up for all the time that I lost when I was…angry at
life.” I looked at him in the eyes.
He has tears in his eyes.
“She knew you were his son?”
“She did, she knew that we were communicating, but she didn’t want anything
to ruin the perfect image of her perfect family she had created, that’s why he had
to keep me a secret. Although all the family members knew, they just thought it
better to keep it from me and obviously the world.”
“And Nsuke.” I add.
He just sighs.
“When I left here, she has just given birth. I had begged them to let me go to
Canada as I had gotten a scholarship to study. I was an angry boy, especially
after my mom committed suicide, and I know I shouldn’t have taken out my
frustrations on Amile, she was just trying to be a good person to me, but I was
young then, so I turned my back on this place, and I found a way to get myself
to Canada because they didn’t want to. And I survived, for years without
communicating with any of them. I think Nsuke was 5 when baba reached out,
and he begged to meet up with me. I didn’t protest, by then I had met Hayley,
and she had transformed me into a better man, a less angry man. I came back,
and he flew to Cape Town to meet with me. That’s when he told me he was my
real father, and not the man that raised my whole life. A lot of things made sense
then, and I really couldn’t be mad at him, it was also out of his control. Like I
said, I had changed. And so we’ve been working on our relationship since then,
but it wasn’t the same, the same relationship Nsuke has with him. He spent time
with him on a daily, and I just had to remain his secret, because Amile couldn’t
stand the sight of me.” that’s a lot of information he’s just given me.

122
 Destined
“You know he told me that he was putting me on the throne as regent. Everyone
was expecting Amile to be the regent in this case. He changed the will on New
Years day, he called me on the second and told me what he had done. I laughed
at him, but he wasn’t joking. He said he wanted me to be an example to Nsuke.
That day he told me how proud of me he was, and how much I had made him
proud to be my father. It was emotional for me. I never though that he would die
just a few days later. I missed his burial, I wasn’t back yet, everything happened
so abruptly, I didn’t even say goodbye to him the way I wanted to.”
“Sounds like you had a beautiful relationship with him, and he loved you very
much. And he will always be a man for reaching out to you, and forming this
relationship with you. And you, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself, you were
able to let him in. You should live with the satisfaction that he died knowing that
you loved him.” I said holding his hands.
He nodded. He then placed his hands on my face.
“I love you Ma’Mfusi.” I choke.
He smiles.
“You don’t have to answer me.” my heart races.
He pecks my lips. I close my eyes shut. He makes me so weak, I don’t know
whether I like this feeling or not.

123
 Destined
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
*
He placed endless kisses on her chest as she slowly moved on top of him. He
was amazed at the beauty she possessed, and every time he looked at her, he was
sent into a daze.
Their moans were subtle, but loud enough to show that they were both receiving
so much satisfaction. He could feel himself getting close, so he grabbed onto her
waist and made her grind faster on top of him. She clenched her walls and that
seemed to speed it up because in no time he was screaming her name, the same
way she screamed his name too.
She lay there, catching her breath while he got out of bed and waltzed to the
bathroom. He came back with a towel wrapped around his waist, and had a
warm towel to wipe her. His eyes locked with hers and a smile formed on his
face.
She sat up and leaned in to kiss him.
“Are you not coming to cuddle with me baba?” he sat down next to her.
“No mkami, I have to go remember…to see Vukani.” she swallowed hard, and
tried to keep her face straight.
It has been so many years since he left, their son is five now, he has never met
his brother. She thought they had let go of the longing to reach out to him,
because if he wanted to be family with them, he would have come back, or at
least reach out and apologize for how things ended.
“No, don’t give me that look.” he says caressing her cheek.
“And what about Nsuke, he has that father’s day thing tomorrow at school.”
she’s blackmailing him into staying, she knows he has a soft spot for his son.
She really doesn’t want him to go, especially to meet him, Vukani. The way he
left, it still doesn’t give her peace. She’s still holding it against him.
“I’ll talk to the boy, I can even ask Mandlenkosi to go with him because I don’t
think I’ll be back by then.” she frowns.
124
 Destined
“This is the only chance I have to fix things with him, when he left here, he
hated us, and the fact that he agreed to meet with me, it’s a step in the right
direction, and maybe we can be a family again, with all our boys.” he says
caressing her arm.
He’s being delusional. Vukani hates her, they will never be a family.
“Baba you know that will never happen.” she said attempting to climb on his lap.
“Because you don’t want it to?” he asks holding her waist.
“No, because Vukani hates my guts, he told me this in the face.”
“Well, maybe he has changed.” she’s slowly getting annoyed by this.
She rolls her eyes and gets off his lap.
“MaGumede I haven’t even met with him, I haven’t heard his side of the story.
Can’t you give him a chance.” she’s picking up her clothes from the floor, his
too.
“Baba, you know I respect you and I love you very much, and you saw that I
tried with him, but he made it clear to me that he hates me, and he doesn’t want
me near him. So I think it’s better that way, that I stay away from him. I want to
respect his wishes, and protect myself.” he really looks disappointed.
“Ngiyakuzwa.” he says.
“You can go meet with him, I’ll tell Nsuke you had to work, I’m sure he’ll
understand.” she says as she walks away.
He rubs his forehead in frustration. This is not a good way to start the day.
*
“I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Mandlenkosi says as he enters the room.
She wipes her tears and looks at him. She can’t even fake a smile with him, he
knows that’s she’s barely holding it together, and he’s here for her.
“Oh Nkosi.” he goes to crouch in front of her.

125
 Destined
He looks just like Mhlabawesizwe now that he’s matured more. He also has a
grey beard, he looks exactly like his father.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks.
“Everything is going wrong, all of it.” she says and cries.
“If it’s not the bloody ancestors who want the impossible from me as always,
it’s Nsuke disrespecting me and treating me like his age mate. And now Vukani
is here to make all of that ten times harder. Why do the Zulu’s hate me so much,
why? Why did baba do this to me?” Nkosi grabs both her hands and begs her to
calm down.
He doesn’t know what to say, she’s already upset, whatever he says, it probably
won’t work.
“I want to leave.” she says after aggressively wiping her tears.
“And go where MaGumede? You can’t leave, you are still in mourning.”
“I don’t care about being in mourning, I’ve had enough of all of you people, 18
fucking years of my life dedicated to making all of this work, I’m done. Leave
me, let me go and raise my child in peace.”
Child? Nsuke is everything but a child, he questions himself.
“Are you…?”
“Pregnant, yes Nkosi I’m fucking having another big headed Zulu baby, and the
one that made me pregnant, where is he? He chose his ancestors over me.” he
gets up and engulfs her in a tight hug.
She sobs all over again, and words just seem to fail him at that point.
“Have you told Nsuke?” he asks when she’s calmed down a little.
She shakes her head no.
“I don’t want to tell him yet, I don’t want to tell anyone, especially with
everything going on.”
“I spoke to Vukani…” she interrupts him.
126
 Destined
“Don’t mention his name in my presence.”
“Amile I can’t not mention his name, this may be important to you.” she
removes her hands from him.
“Nothing with the name Vukani in the sentence will ever be important to me, is
this not the same person who was ready to destroy my life, my sons life too,
saying he wants to marry me. Which side are you on Nkosi.” he looks distraught
at the last sentence.
“There are no sides Amile, we are a family, Vukani is my son too, as much as
Nsuke is my son. He’s not here to destroy the family, he’s here to help, he has
great plans, maybe if you can give him an ear. Yes at first he wasn’t the best
person, but he was angry at how things happened, he missed his father’s burial,
and no one cared to tell him.”
“I don’t care about all of that Nkosi, all I know is Vukani threatened me and my
son, and that makes him an enemy.”
He’s left speechless.
“In fact, I want to go to Durban for a few months, I can’t be here, I don’t want to
be here.” she says.
“At least wait until next week for the cleansing.” she doesn’t look keen.
“Please MaGumede, I’m begging you.”
“Nkosi I’m so tired, so so tired. I just want peace.” she says in a sigh.
“And I will do all that I can to give you peace MaGumede, just this last time,
sacrifice, if not for yourself and your wellbeing, think of Nsukezinhle, and this
little one, okay.” he placed his hand on her stomach.
Their eyes lock, hers a filled with tears, but she’s trying to hold them back. It’s
not easy.
“You don’t have to act strong with me.” he says.
She nods and places her head on his shoulder.
“Thank you.”
127
 Destined
“I’ll always be here if you need me, don’t forget that.” he whispers.
He vowed to take care of her, and that’s exactly what he will do.

Paloma Mfusi

It’s been almost a week since I left home and came here, I don’t know whether
I’m adjusting or just surviving. Some days are better than others, sometimes I
miss my space, my home, and sometimes I just appreciate being a vessel for the
royal family, to heal them and do the Lord’s work.
I’m sitting in the garden, weaving a mat, I learnt this when I was very young
from mama, I also don’t know where she learnt it, because she is a city girl,
she’s been one for all her life, but when I visited with her in the Eastern Cape,
she would make them, and I was so interested, I ended up learning. I’ve always
been good at using my hands I guess, not so much a book smart person.
I can feel a eyes piercing my back, someone is staring at me, and my shoulders
are starting to feel heavy. When I turn around, my soul almost leaves my body
when my eyes met with his. I don’t know why I got so frightened because I
somehow was expecting to find someone there, I could feel it.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” he says coming closer to the bench.
I put my hand on my chest and take in two deep breaths. My heart is pounding.
“Can I take a seat?” he asks slowly lowering himself on the bench.
“Yes, you may.” I say moving my things, putting them on the ground.
“I’m really sorry I scared you, I didn’t mean to.” he looks really remorseful.
“It’s okay mntwana, I don’t know why I was so frightened.”
Maybe because he was being weird, and staring at me. The Zulu men scare me,
genuinely.
“Please call me Nsuke.” he says, tilting his body to face me.
128
 Destined
He looks so much like his brother, but he also has a striking resemblance to his
mother, the queen. His eye is a little less swollen now, he looked way worse a
few days ago, Vukani’s beating ruined his pretty face.
“I haven’t had a proper chance to talk to you since you arrived.” what could I
possible talk about with him.
Yes he’s my age group, if I’m not mistaken, he’s 18, I’m 22, but I don’t possibly
know what a conversation between the two of us would play out. Even now, I’m
acting awkwardly, I hope he doesn’t notice.
“Do you need help with anything?” I ask politely, so it doesn’t sound like I’m
brushing him off.
“No, not really. But I would love to get to know you better.” oh lord help me,
not another one.
The last time a man said this, I lost all my morals, and lost my mouth virginity.
He still comes to my room, steals kisses and makes me weak. I’m really
concerned.
“I’m not here to make friends Nsuke, no offence. I need to focus on my healing
journey.”
“I promise I won’t be a distraction. In fact, we will help each other.” I don’t
even want to know how he can begin to help me.
But I don’t want to be rude.
“And how can we help each other?”
“You can help me get the throne back, and then like my mo…the queen said,
you will work alongside me, as the royal seer.” I want to shake my head, but
once again, I don’t want to be rude.
There are so many things wrong about what he just said.
“The throne didn’t belong to you, it’s not yours.” I correct him.
He wants to say something, but he stops himself. I wish he didn’t.

129
 Destined
“I can’t work as the royal seer before I complete my initiation, maybe being here
is a part of my initiation, and maybe once I’m done, I will leave and you will
find another royal seer. I don’t make those kinds of decisions for myself, the
ancestors do. And if you do become king…” he interrupts me.
“What do you mean if?” what do I mean?
“I mean if it happens you sit on the throne. The ancestors don’t appreciate the
violence and anger that you are carrying with you in your heart, and they won’t
let you sit on that throne if you continue the way you are. So if you do become
king, your royal seer will find their way to you.” that wasn’t me who was
speaking.
I don’t know which ancestor it is that is speaking through me. I close my eyes, I
see nothing. I feel the heavy presence of my shoulders. I burp.
“Mhlabawesizwe, phuma enganeni, musa ukuphehla udweshu.” I feel cold
shivers all over my body.
“Are you okay?” he asks putting his hand on my arm.
He looks spooked out.
I need to leave.

•••

I see fire, everywhere. Everything is on fire. I consulted my bones, and all I see
is fire, and Vukani is still in the middle of it all. My heart is racing. Why did
Nsuke come near me, I was fine, now all of this is happening.
I light my incense, get on my knees and speak to the ancestors.
“I call upon all the ancestors, boMthiyane, Linda kaNonkosi. Please give me
clarity on this journey I should take. Ngicela kuwena gogo Mfusi, nekhehla
uVundisa, cela ningikhanyisele. I’m confused, I’m going astray, please show me

130
 Destined
back on the right road, and give me a sign that will lead me back to the right
direction and do what aligns with what you want.”
I need all the clarity I can get, I remember gogo’s words that she will never turn
her back on me, I know she will make this clearer for me. I finish up and sit on
the edge of the bed. My phone is ringing on my bed. Its my mother.
“Mom.” I answer.
“Paloma, your uncle Mthonga has been trying to get a hold of you, please call
him back.” oh.
It’s never something good when uncle Mthonga calls me.
“Did you hear me Paloma?” she asks.
“Yes mom, thank you. I will call him back.”
She quickly hangs up on me, something about going to fetch Christian from
school. Trust mom to drop everything for her son.
I check my call log and see that I have missed calls from uncle Mthonga. I’m so
afraid to call him back, I’m not looking forward to what he has to say, but it
would be rude not to return the call, so I call him back.
I was about to rejoice when it rang unanswered for a moment, but just as I was
about to put it down, he answered.
“Amen malume.” I say.
“Amen Ma’Mfusi, how are you doing?” I’m anxious.
“I’m okay malume, how are you?”
“I’m good, I’ve been thinking about you these past days, so I thought I should
check on you. Your mother tells me you are in Zululand.” who else has my
mother told?
“Yes, I’m in Zululand. I’m having some difficulties malume, when I got here, I
wasn’t even sure if I should be here, things have been so weird and I feel a
disconnect from the ancestors. Maybe I shouldn’t be here.” this is honestly how
I feel.
131
 Destined
Sometimes I feel like I know, then other days I feel completely clueless about
my journey.
“Are you still having your dreams as normal?” he asks, there’s concern in his
voice.
“Yes, the dreams come through, some of them are clear as always, some are just
a riddle that I don’t know how to solve. That’s why I feel some sort of
disconnect from them” he sighs.
“Some things won’t be clear, don’t let that discourage you from healing, and
doing what you are supposed to do. Your ancestors will never leave you, they
will always be with you. But you also have to give them the attention they want,
and abide by all the rules they lay out to you.” he says.
This is why I always fear speaking to uncle Mthonga, he has a way of knowing
all of my secrets, and I didn’t even tell him anything. I’ve gone astray, and
didn’t abide by the rules, and he’s somehow calling me out for it.
“You are abiding by all the rules right?” he asks.
This is exactly what I mean.
“Okay, what have you done?” my silence gave me away.
“I kissed a man malume, not once. I know it’s wrong and I shouldn’t let my
body control me, but…I’ve never felt or experienced this before.” he chuckles.
“So you caught feelings Paloma?” why is this man laughing.
“I don’t know.” he laughs even more.
“Listen to me, that is normal, before you are umntwana wedlozi, you are human,
and you have feelings.”
“But idlozi lami wants me to keep my body sacred and pure.” gogo made it clear
to me more than once.
“And you will do that successfully, you have been doing so for so long.
Catching feelings, and exploring those feelings will not taint your body in any
way. But that person needs to understand the kind of person you are, and he
132
 Destined
needs to respect that. We don’t know, maybe we will be marrying you off soon.”
oh no!
“Malume don’t say that.” he laughs.
“I know Mvelo would never let that happen.” he says.
Yes, we have all met Mvelwenhle Mfusi.
“Thank you for checking on me malume, I really appreciate it, and thank you for
listening to me.” I say.
To think I was even scared to talk to him, he just made things so much easier.
“You know I’ve got you baby, we as abantwana bamanzi stick together.” he’s
honestly one of the best things that have happened in this family.
Unconventional for a family like mine, but we all love him very much, and he
sort of makes this life thing easier for some of us, more especially me and
babomncane.
“Oh and Paloma, your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you malume.”
When the call ended, I felt a little less guilty, and more determined to make sure
that I give my all into this healing thing, and listen to all the signs that are
thrown at me.

133
 Destined
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Nsukezinhle Zulu

Bab’ Nkosi and his mother are sitting in the lounge, it’s early in the morning,
both of them are still wearing pajamas. He doesn’t mean to eavesdrop, but them
whispering peaks his curiosity, it’s 5 in the morning.
“You made a promise.” she says looking up at him in the eyes.
“I know MaGumede, I know…” he stops talking and breathes out.
“Everything is ready though, I will come with you for the first week or so, but
you know I can’t stay for too long, I have to keep an eye here, and start the preps
for Nsuke’s ceremony.” his mother nods.
Where are they going?
“Have you told him?” his confusion increases.
“Not yet. I don’t know how to.”
“Maybe because you know it’s not right Amile.” his voice goes even lower.
Nsuke leans closer so he can hear more clearly.
“You can’t say anything that will change my mind Nkosi, we’ve talked about
this.”
“Ungaze uphuke umqala, yini lengaka oyilalele.” Vukani slaps his shoulder, his
heart almost jumps out of his body.
Great! These two know that he was eavesdropping. What’s going on in this
house, it’s the wee hours of the morning for crying out loud, why are they up.
“Why would you do that?” Nsuke ask through gritted teeth.
Vukani just laughs.
“Good morning to you too little brother.” he says and walks past him.

134
 Destined
“Nsuke come here.” his mother calls out to him.
He slowly walks towards where his mother is sitting, bab’ Nkosi moves away
from her and sits on the sofa on the far end.
Vukani is walking back to his room, but Nkosi stops him.
“Please give us a moment of your time.” Nsuke doesn’t miss the death stare that
his mother shoots at bab’ Nkosi.
Vukani doesn’t protest or complain, he makes his way to them, and sits on the
couch next to bab’ Nkosi, leaving their father’s chair empty. Nsuke wasn’t
expecting that. The first time they sat like this, he was quick to grab that chair.
“Your mother has something to tell you.” he announces.
Amile doesn’t look too happy about what he has just done. But all eyes are on
her now, and everyone is waiting on her to speak out.
“I’m going to stay in Durban for a few months. I just need space from
everything, some time to myself. I’ve dedicated 18 years of my life to this
family, it’s time I put myself first.” she says and clears her throat.
Vukani turns to look at Nsuke, there is hurt on his face, he genuinely looks
shattered.
“You can’t leave me mawami.” he says, he sounds like he’s close to tears.
“I can, this is your home, and your people and your family is here. You have to
sit on that throne and look after this kingdom.” he shakes his head.
“He’s here, he’s already on the throne mawami, I don’t want it. You can’t
leave.” he begs her.
“I’m not going to change my mind Nsuke. Unfortunately, you have to grow up,
this is life. I won’t always be here to solve all your problems and tell you what
to do. Your task is to lead, and you can’t do that while you are still mommy’s
boy.” she replies sternly.
“So when are you leaving?” he asks her.
Pain is evident in his voice.
135
 Destined
“Tomorrow morning. I don’t love you any less my boy, you know this. But I
need this.” his head drops.
He doesn’t even know what to say, his heart is sore. He just lost his father,
things have already changed, and now this.
He gets up and leaves the room thick with tension.
“Let me go check on him.” Nkosi says following behind him.
Amile and Vukani are left alone in silence. Vukani’s heavy breathing is the only
thing that is audible, he is contemplating.
Amile stands up to leave, she intended on telling her son only, not other people.
“Ndlunkulu, can I please speak to you.” he says also standing up.
She stops. They haven’t had a civil conversation ever since he came back. The
last time they spoke properly was 18 years ago, before he almost killed her.
Their first encounter when he came back resulted in shouting and cussing at
each other, and in his defence, he was just trying to protect himself, she came
with her guns blazing that day.
“Will you sit?” he asks.
“I’m fine standing.” she says.
She’s not even looking at him. This is going to be difficult.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to apologize to you…” she dramatically turns,
eyes out.
“You want to what?” she asks mockingly.
His jaws clench, he balls his fist to suppress himself from being rude. He wasn’t
planning to do this now, but the opportunity presented itself, she shouldn’t
behave like this, it’s taking a lot for him to do this.
“Apologize.” she slowly lowers herself back on the couch.
“Apologize ke, I’m listening.” she says.

136
 Destined
He takes in a deep breath. The last thing he wants is to blow a fuse and ruin
things even further, that’s not what his psychologist taught him.
“I know you hate me, and that is all my fault, I hated you first. Before I begin
my apology I just want to make you understand why I was the way I was.”
“Justifying yourself and your horrid actions is not an apology Vukani.” she spits
back.
“Can I just finish please, I’m not trying to fight with you.” she keeps quiets and
listens.
“You never did anything to harm me, in fact you spent most of your time trying
to be civil with me, but I was an angry child, even when both my parents were
living. Dad never had time for us, we was always busy, and that alone angered
me. So when you came, I just had another person to channel my anger towards,
and then things happened the way they did. I was wrong and I am very sorry for
that. It wasn’t your fault, I shouldn’t have blamed you.”
“Yes, you shouldn’t have blamed me. You had no idea the shit I was going
through.” he keeps quiet and takes a deep breath.
“But despite my anger towards you, I had this inexplicable love for your son.
The kind of love I can’t even begin to comprehend. And I was afraid of it. Now
that things have unfolded, I understand, but I didn’t know then. I was angry all
over again when my mom died and you all denied me the opportunity to follow
my dreams. Now that I’m older, I realize that I was blinded by anger, anger I
shouldn’t have let me do the things I did.”
“You almost stabbed me Vukani, how do I forget such?” she asks, her voice
almost breaking.
“I’m sorry Amile, I really am.” the remorse in his voice can’t be mistaken.
“Is that all?” she asks, casting her eyes at him.
He swallows the lump in his throat.
“No. I also want to apologize for the way I behaved when I arrived. I just felt so
betrayed and excluded from everything, I missed his funeral, I wasn’t even

137
 Destined
informed of his death, I had to hear from it in the press. Even after all the years I
spent without him, I had to miss this too. I…” she interrupts him.
“You know before you left, I begged Langalethu to tell you about your identity.
Something so strong inside of me knew this would happen one day, I knew you
would come here and cause chaos, I just never anticipated he would be the one
who caused it. And he didn’t even have the decency to tell me he was putting
you on the throne?” she looks so hurt.
“All of that, just knowing that I lived and looked you all in the eyes and you lied
to me about who I was. Those actions just proved to me that you didn’t want me
close to you, and I did understand, I almost killed you, but I thought you were
better than that.” he confesses.
“Don’t you dare Vukani! Don’t you dare.” she points a finger at him, finally
letting the tears go.
“I gave up so much for this family, for Langalethu, for Mhlabawesizwe! I’m
sorry if I wasn’t so keen on welcoming someone who threatened my life. Do
you know how much peace my life had after you left? I was finally happy…”
“And my presence was going to jeopardize that.” he finishes the statement for
her.
She wipes her tears.
“For what it’s worth Amile, I’ve forgiven you for that, I know it was all driven
by my actions. That’s why I am apologizing to you and not expecting an
apology in return. I’m not here to ruin your perfect family, I’m not here to take
anything away from Nsukezinhle, I’m here to feel closer to my father, and make
up for all the time I lost when I was angry at life. I’m here to make Zululand a
better place like baba wanted, and if that steps on your toes in any way I
apologize in advance.” she keeps quiet, only her sniffing is audible.
“I hope we can be civil going forward.” he proposes.
“Civil is fine with me.” she says and stands up.
She takes a few steps, but stops mid way and turns back to him.

138
 Destined
“He loved you, very much.” she says.
He nods and buries his head in his hands. This is a relief he didn’t know he
needed.

•••

The whole family is here, they were cleansing and taking off the mourning
clothes. Nsuke has been grumpy the whole day, the news of his mother’s
departure are not sitting well with him.
No one has been notified about it, it is only the four of them who are aware, and
they intend on keeping it that way.
All the formalities and traditional stuff is out of the way, there is a beautiful set-
up out in the garden for a dinner. This was his favourite place, he loved outdoor
dinners, so his wife put one together in his honour.
“This is a beautiful gesture MaGumede, we know bhuti would have loved it.”
Khethukuthula says standing next to her and Mandlenkosi.
They are just standing admiring the sunset, the food is almost ready.
“How are you coping?” he asks.
She sighs, and just before she can find the words to explain, she feels tears
burning her eyes.
“It doesn’t seem to get better bhuti.” she utters, her voice is cracking.
“I’m so sorry MaGumede, I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through.
But you have us here, you have our support in everything you do. And don’t
ever feel like you are alone now, you have us, and you have your sons.” she
nods and covers her face, wipes her tears.
She doesn’t want all these people here to see her crying. No one better come to
her with the “are you okay?” business because it just brings her to tears. She’s
everything but okay.
139
 Destined
“Where is Nsukezinhle?” she asks Mandlenkosi.
“I think he’s inside. Do you want me to call him?” he asks.
“No, it’s okay. We can go sit now, it’s getting late.”
Nsuke walks down the passage, and passes his father’s study, the door is shut.
He stops right after the door, and he can’t bring himself to continue walking. He
contemplates whether he should go inside, or walk past, he already saw his
family going to take their seats in the garden, the dinner is going to start soon,
and his mother doesn’t appreciate lateness.
His intrusive thoughts get the better of him and he opens the door. It’s dark
inside, but he can hear heavy breathing, and the office chair is facing the other
direction, facing away from him. He turns on the lights and the chair turns.
It’s Vukani, he has a glass of whiskey in his hand. He’s always drinking, always.
His eyes are red, he can’t tell whether it is caused by the alcohol or because he’s
crying. He sniffs and wipes his nose.
“Why aren’t you with your family?” he asks the boy.
“Why are you in my father’s office?” he replies, walking into the office, closing
the door behind him.
Vukani gets on his feet, and discards the remains of his drink down his throat.
“Our father.” he corrects him.
“No, he’s my father, my father would have told me if he had another son.”
Vukani just chuckles.
“Well he didn’t, and it’s sad he’s not here to answer for himself, but I think I
also can, as his son.” he says placing the empty glass on the table.
“You are not his son!” Nsuke raises his voice at him.
“You had all his time, his presence, and his love. I have to live knowing that he
told other people he loved me, but I never heard it from his as often as you did. I
didn’t have the life you had, you had him, and I didn’t. He’s gone now, and
quite frankly, I’ve lost more than you have! So this, you trying to fight me over
140
 Destined
a mere title, being Langalethu’s son, it’s nothing compared to the shit I’ve had to
fight for my whole life.” he pushes past him.
Nsuke feels a vibration of anger dancing inside of him as he watches Vukani
heading towards the door, and a sound of rage escapes his lips before he picks
the glass his brother just left on the table, and throws it in his direction.
It misses Vukani by an inch, and goes straight to the wall where it shatters into
pieces. He stands there huffing and puffing, while Vukani just stares in utter
disbelief at what Nsuke has just done.
“Next time I won’t miss.” he says in a deep voice.
A knock sounds on the door.
“Is everything okay in here?” it’s Ma’ Mfusi.
He turns to the door and opens it.
“Don’t come in, there’s glass on the floor.” he warns her.
“Are you okay, I heard something breaking.” her sweet voice asks.
Nsuke’s rage seems to calm when he hears the voice. When he looks up, and
sees her, and see’s the look of concern painted on her face, he draws in a deep
breath.
“I’m okay, don’t worry.” he places his hand on her waist and pushes her away
from the office door.
“Okay maybe we should tell someone to clean it up.” her voice says in the
distance.
“Don’t worry, the person who made the mess can clean it up.” Vukani answers.
Nsuke rushes to the door and he watches them disappear down the passage.
“Fuck!” he utters and closes the door with him inside.
He can’t even explain where that sudden wave of anger came from, he’s never
been an angry person, ever, and he certainly has never ever retaliated in violence.
This is the second time this is happening to him, the first time, he started a fight
141
 Destined
and ended up with a swollen eye. Now he’s throwing glasses at people. It means
Vukani is the problem.
He bends down to pick up the big pieces of the broken glass but he cuts himself
and his blood drops on the carpet, leaving small red stains. He leaves the broken
glass and leaves the office at once.

•••

“Thank you to MaGumede for putting together this beautiful dinner for us to
come together and just remember our brother. It’s only been a month since his
death, but it’s been a difficult month for us all. But he wouldn’t want us to sit
here and cry over him, he would want us to celebrate his life, and be happy with
the memories he left with us. It’s going to get easier, as long as we stick together
and hold each other down, we will get through this together.” Mandlenkosi says.
“So can we just take this opportunity and raise our glasses to him, long live King
Langalethu kaMhlabawesizwe!”
“Bayede!” everyone at the table raises their glass.
It’s a bitter sweet moment for all of them. Pain is etched on Vukani’s face, the
same pain is also on Nsuke’s face, but this pain, it’s different for both of them,
and they could never understand each others pain.
“With that, I think it is fitting that I formally introduce to you our regent king,
our son, Vukani. We are very thrilled as a family to have you back home son,
and we know that your father would also be very happy to have you here. The
role he has entrusted you with is big, and we know that you will tackle it with
ease, you have already proven that you are fit to.” he is unable to speak, so he
gives a subtle smile and nods.
“And next to him is uMa’Mfusi, our royal seer. She has been a blessing to us for
the past 2 weeks, and she has successfully guided us towards the right path in
terms of connecting to our ancestors. On behalf of the queen MaGumede, thank
you for your dedication and help Ma’ Mfusi.” she also responds with a nod.
142
 Destined
He finally sits down, and the desert is served, and conversations continue around
the table.
Paloma’s head slowly bows, but no one is minding her. She feels shivers taking
over her whole body, so much that her body slowly jerks up, and it alarms
Nsuke, who was staring at her.
He stands up and goes to her.
“Ma’ Mfusi?” she burps and grunts.
Now everyone is staring at her.
“What’s happening?” Lerato asks.
“It’s idlozi.” Amile answers and stands up.
Most of them are dumbstruck and don’t know what to do. She visibly starts to
shake and grunts, and keeps muttering.
“Igazi lizochitheka.” they all asking themselves what she is saying.
No one can hear her, but Nsuke stands there in silence, after being the only one
who heard her loudly and clearly.
“Lizochitheka igazi.” she repeats.
His eyes are avoiding everyone else, he suddenly feels like they are all staring at
him, but they aren’t. the only person who is staring at him is Vukani, and when
their eyes meet, he feels something moving inside of him.
Before they can do more, a heavy rain pours upon them and they all run to the
shelter. Both brothers run to pick up Paloma who is still in a state.
“Leave her, I’ll do it.” Vukani says.
Nsuke is about to protest, but his mother calls out to him. He stands there frozen
as the rains soaks him, and watches everyone disappear into the house.
Who’s blood is going to spill?

143
 Destined
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Paloma Mfusi

*
I’m sweating profusely as I dig out the soil using my hands. I probably should
have brought a spade, but there is too much urgency, I need to find this thing,
and I need to find it now.
“Keep digging, you are close, it’s there.” gogo says, hovering over my shoulder.
I want to ask what it is I am digging for, and what it will change after I dig it out,
but today she’s wearing a no nonsense face, I don’t want to annoy her.
“Dig, dig, dig Paloma, it’s this thing that is making these two fight so much,
take it out!” she shouts at me.
Oh my goodness, she’s talking about Langalethu’s children.
My knuckles make contact with a hard surface.
“I think I can feel it gogo.” I say inserting my hands to feel this thing.
It’s like a metal box. I remove more soil so I can take it out easily.
“Gogo this thing is stuck.” I say.
She doesn’t answer me. I turn around and she’s not there anymore. I panic and
tilt my head trying to locate her.
“Gogo!” I scream.
I try to get up but I feel hands covering my face and I can’t scream any more. I
kick and and try to free from their grip but it is so strong. I feel myself slowly
losing my breath.
*
“Gogo!” I sit up immediately and scan my surrounding.

144
 Destined
It’s dark, and it’s raining outside. I don’t know how I feel about this dream, but
it’s really making me uneasy.
I roll out of bed and go fetch my bones. I lay my reed mat, light my incense and
throw them. I ask the ancestors to show me something, anything, or to make me
make sense of the dream I just had.
My first instinct would have been to wait till the morning to go dig this thing up,
because there is something in the garden that is creating this wedge between
Nsuke and Vukani, but my bones are saying now. It’s pouring out, who the hell
is going to go digging in the rain. This is a whole other level of madness.
I wear my Crocs because those are the only shoes that will allow me to go
stepping in the rain, and I drag myself to Vukani’s bedroom. There is no way
I’m going out there alone.
I knock on the door. I didn’t even check the time, I know it’s early in the
morning because the sun hasn’t even risen yet. After some time, I knock again
because no one is answering.
The door opens and it’s Hayley, she’s standing there yawning.
“Did you see the time?” she asks me.
“I apologize for disturbing your sleep, please wake Vukani up and tell him to
meet me in the foyer, it’s urgent.” I say.
“Bitch didn’t I ask you to stay away from my husband?” she walking closer to
me.
“I would stay away, but his life depends on this, so if you don’t wake him up,
his death will be on your hands.” I say.
I don’t even wait for her response, I run towards the direction of Nsuke’s room
and knock on the door. He doesn’t keep me waiting, he opens immediately, but
he’s stunned to see me standing there.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, meet me in the foyer right now, it’s urgent.”

145
 Destined
“Okay.” he says with confusion etched all over his face.
It doesn’t seem like he was asleep in the first place. He goes back inside while I
go to the foyer where I asked them to meet me.
Nsuke is the first one to arrive. He’s wearing shorts and slops, I don’t think that
is going to work.
“What’s wrong Ma’ Mfusi, it’s 2 o’ clock in the morning.” it’s not like you were
asleep.
Before I can answer him, Vukani appears, dragging himself. You can tell he just
woke up from a deep sleep. His wife is right behind him, tying her robe.
“I’m going to need you to wake up, we are going to the garden to dig, there is
something there.” Vukani frowns.
“It’s raining outside.” Nsuke points out.
“I know, but we can’t wait till morning, and I’m a girl, I can’t go dig outside
alone at 2 am. So get some shovels and follow me.” I say to the both of them.
I see them sharing a look. They have no way of getting themselves out of this, at
the end of the day, its going to benefit them.
“Okay can I at least get changed.” Nsuke asks.
“Please hurry.” maybe it’s a good thing that we do it now.
I don’t know what we will find there, maybe it’s going to be something that I
can’t even comprehend. And the last thing we need are people looking at us,
wondering what the hell we are doing digging in a garden.
They both go change, Hayley is following Vukani like a lost puppy. It’s only us
and the servants here at the palace. The queen and prince Mandlenkosi left for
Durban two days ago, we saw her off, and seemingly, the ancestors approved of
her departure. I know something is brewing, the visions I have been
experiencing are indication of that, and maybe sending her away is their way of
keeping her and the baby protected from all of it.
They both come back, Hayley still following behind her husband.
146
 Destined
“We need umbrella’s, we can’t go stand in the pouring rain like this.” Vukani
says.
“They are in the basement, I’ll go get them.” Nsuke says and sprints off.
“Kodwa yini Ma’ Mfusi.” Vukani asks me with soft eyes.
Your wife is right here Mr! This girl already hates my guts, he mustn’t give her
yet another reason.
“Unkosikazi wakho ula, ungayenzi leyonto.” I say.
He chuckles because he thinks I’m a joke. She’s looking at the both of us squint,
exactly what I didn’t want. She hooks her arm around his and clings onto him.
He places a kiss on her head.
“Why don’t you go to bed my love?” he asks her.
He uses the same soft tone he uses with me. I suddenly feel less special now.
“I want to go with you.” she whines.
Vukani steals a glance at me, I look away. My heart is bleeding, it’s a stupid
heart, I know he’s a married man, he doesn’t belong to me. I shouldn’t be
feeling hurt.
Nsuke comes back with two shovels and umbrella’s. He hands one to the couple
and as we head to the door, he opens one for the both of us to share. I carry the
shovel for him as he shelters us under the umbrella.
We stand on the porch, it’s pouring out, not just a minor drizzle. It will be by
God’s grace if we wake up and we don’t hear that peoples houses flooded
because of this rain.
“Are you sure?” Nsuke asks me.
“Yes I’m sure. Let’s go.” I say pushing him to walk.
My shoes get soaked as soon as I make contact with the soil, but I can’t
complain.
“It’s dark, how are we going to dig in darkness?” Vukani shouts behind us.
147
 Destined
“Why didn’t you think of that before we walked out the house!” Nsuke shouts
back at him.
They have to shout in order to hear each other, but this is Vukani and Nsuke,
they are shouting because they want to.
“Smart ass.” the one next to me mutters.
It’s going to be such a long night.

•••

I’m so close to screaming and telling both of them to leave it and let me do it
myself. It’s been 30 minutes, and these men have only dug up a small portion of
the soil. Instead they are arguing about everything. I’m so fed up, even Hayley
left and went to bed. Unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury.
“Stop throwing the mud that way, the rain water is going to push it back here!”
Vukani says.
“I heard you the first time!” Nsuke retaliates.
“Then stop doing it!”
“Will you two stop talking! Please just stop!” I say, finally blowing my fuse.
“You see, you’ve upset her.” Nsuke starts.
“It’s your fault, you won’t listen.”
I drop the umbrella and walk towards them. I push Nsuke out the way and take
the shovel from Vukani.
“Move, I’ll do it myself.” I can feel myself slowly getting drenched by the rain
water.
“No don’t…” they both try to stop me.
“MOVE! I said I’ll do it myself. Niyangicasula.” they didn’t hesitate to move.
148
 Destined
It’s so difficult to dig on wet sand, and the rain keeps moving the mud back into
where I’ve dug. I’m not going to lie, this is tougher than they made it look.
Vukani picks up the other shovel and come to assist me.
“Please let me do it Ma’ Mfusi.” he holds the shovel in my hand to stop me.
Nsuke walks closer and takes it from me.
“Stop bickering.” I said to them.
They both nod and proceed to dig in silence. I’m standing there cold, I’m
shivering and there’s more water getting into my shoes. Whoever is making it
rain so hard is torturing us, honestly.
“I can feel something.” Nsuke shouts.
“Isn’t that just my shovel.” Vukani protests.
I’m already walking closer so I can see what it is he feeling.
“No, move your shovel.” Nsuke hits his shovel.
Vukani throws him a death stare before he moves it. Nsuke bangs his on the
open part of the ground, and there is something metal like.
“That’s it, keep digging.” I say in relief.
The person who was burying this really didn’t bury it too deep in the soil, they
were in a rush, you can tell.
In no time, they have fully uncovered the box. They are helping each other
remove it from the ground. It’s not a big box, it doesn’t look heavy too, but it
looks like it’s stuck in there. I go assist them in pulling it out.
When we succeed, I stare at it, it’s a metal box, it so rusty, you can tell it was
put in here a long time ago. They are both looking at me in anticipation.
Oh they are waiting for me to open it.
“This is the cause behind your bickering.” I say to them before I kneel in the
mud and attempt to open the box.

149
 Destined
At this point, we really don’t care about the rain, we are already soaking wet, it
will be by God’s grace that we don’t get the flu after this.
I struggle with the lid for a moment, and when it finally comes off, I see
something inside. I can’t really pin-point what it is, there isn’t sufficient light for
me to see.
“What is it?” Vukani asks.
“I can see.” I reply.
“Let’s go inside.” Nsuke says.
“No, we can’t take this inside, we have to burn it, you two have to burn it.” I say.
“Ma’Mfusi we can’t start a fire here in the rain, it’s either we go inside or we
wait till the rain stops.” Vukani says.
I really can’t be stubborn about that, he’s right. The important part was digging
it out, I’m sure we can wait till the rain stops so we can finish the job. Vukani
offers to accompany me to the garden shed where we will leave the box, and
Nsuke goes back to the house. I can’t risk have it going inside the house, I know
it has bad spirits associated with it, as soon as the rain stops, if it stops, we are
coming to burn it.
I’m about to walk out when he pulls my hand and I crash on his wet body. He
lifts my chin and lowers his lips on mine.
“I’ve missed this.” he mutters pulling me closer to his body.
I want to protest but his kiss, his cold wet lips always feel so good against mine.
It’s a guilty pleasure I just can’t seem to get rid of. He grabs my bum and pins
me against the wall and rubs himself on me. His thing, it’s hard and it’s poking
me.
“Vukani, stop.” I say assertively, then gently pushing him off me.
My heart is racing, then I cast my eyes down to…
“I’m starting to lose control, this is what you do to me Ma’ Mfusi.” he says
caressing my cheek.
150
 Destined
So this is just normal for him. It just keeps escalating and escalating.
“I think we should go back.” he chuckles.
“Let’s go.”
He leads the way for me, and I follow behind him, embarrassment has me, and I
can’t run from it.

•••

The rain has stopped. I haven’t slept a wink, my eyes were wide open. I’ve been
listening to the pitter patter, and watched the light shine through the window. I
know it’s morning now, and the rain has finally stopped.
I sit up and stare into space. It takes me about 10 minutes to actually snap out of
it and get out of bed.
I run myself a bubble bath, and while I wait for my tub to fill, I look for
something to wear. It looks like the sun is going to shine, it’s still cloudy, but it
promises to be sunny. I pick out a silk skirt and a top and as I’m walking back to
place it on the bed, a knock sounds on the door. I first run to the bathroom to
switch off the water before attending to the door.
Surprise surprise, two pairs of flaming eyes are staring at me. I don’t know who
to look at first.
“The rain has stopped.” they say in unison.
I squint my eyes at the both of them.
“I haven’t even taken a bath.” I report.
“Neither have I, but this is important, right?” Nsuke says.
“Yes, it is.” his brother backs him up.

151
 Destined
Once again, I am looking at them. These are the same people who couldn’t seem
to agree last night. Now they are here ganging up on me?
“Okay, let me put on my shoes.” I say and close the door.
I go take my shoes and a jacket because it’s cold outside, and I’m in pajamas.
When I open the door, both of them are standing on either side of the door,
waiting for me.
We are walking out to the garden shed, Vukani is leading the way for us, he has
the keys in his hand. I still can’t believe that they didn’t question me or anything
we did for that matter, they trust me so much.
He opens the door and I walk inside to get the box. I find it where I left it, pick it
up and walk back out with it.
I place it on the ground, kneel and open it once again. It’s two cow tails tied
together in a knot. I look at them.
“What is it?” Vukani is the first to ask.
“Cow tails.” I say.
I don’t even want to touch it with my bare hands, but they have to separate this.
“Gloves, you need gloves so you can undo this knot.” I tell them.
Nsuke looks dumbfounded. Vukani goes back to the shed and he comes back
with a box. He takes out a pair of latex gloves and he throws them at Nsuke.
“So I have to touch that thing?” he asks disgust etched on his face.
“Stop being a pussy, you won’t die.” Vukani says putting on the gloves.
“Don’t call me a pussy.” he spits back.
“Oh yes, you’ve never seen one before.” Vukani mocks, then laughs.
Nsuke is getting angry, I can see his jaws clenching.
“Will you stop it please, just undo this knot so we can burn this.”

152
 Destined
I move away from the box and Vukani is the one to bend down and pick up the
tails. He scrutinizes them in disgust.
“This is a whole other level of witchcraft.” he says.
Nsuke doesn’t look keen on touching it. Vukani tried to undo the knot by
himself.
“You can’t do it alone, mntwana please help him undo the knot.” I beg him
nicely, because that’s what he wants me to do.
The disgust is not leaving his face. He helps his brother and they struggle with
the knot. While they are undoing it, they are bickering.
My ears start ringing.
“The one who did this didn’t want peace in this family, they didn’t want
harmony and it affected these boys.” the voice in my head.
“Kuseyisiqalo lesi. Ukuxabana akukazophela manje.” another voice speaks.
“Eyy.” I burp.
They stop bickering immediately, and look at me.
“Don’t stop, untie that knot.” I say to them.
They continue to struggle until it becomes undone, and both of them hold on to
one tail.
“Don’t let go of it, we are going to burn them.” I say.
They follow me to the fire pit. They stand there and watch me start a fire on the
ground. It’s not long before the flames start blazing. I’m reminded of the fire I
often see in their eyes whenever I stare at them.
“Throw them in at the same time.” I instruct.
They walk close to the fire and throw the tails in at once, and they vanish like
they never existed.
“So is it over?” Nsuke asks looking at me.

153
 Destined
Well that was only the beginning, the bickering is far from over.

154
 Destined
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Paloma Mfusi

My task today is quite odd, well it requires me to go do something I’m familiar

with, it’s just I have to have company.
And the company I’m supposed to have, I really don’t like it. I don’t even know
how to approach them.
It’s still early in the morning, I’m standing outside the porch having tea because
I needed to clear my mind, and quite frankly, prepare myself for today. It looks
like it’s a beautiful sunny day today, no more of the rain that has been blessing
our land.
I can see the royal cars driving in from the gate. There is no way the queen
decided to come back, it’s only been a few days since she left. She told us she
was leaving for a few months.
It’s not her though, it’s the prince, and he’s coming back alone. He looks so
rejuvenated, his spirit looks and feels so clean, he’s radiating all his good energy
from afar. I hope the energies in this place don’t taint him.
I go greet him.
“Mageba.” I bow.
“Good morning Ma’ Mfusi.” he greets back politely.
“I’m glad the palace hasn’t burned down yet, I didn’t trust these boys, but you
seemed to handle things well.” I chuckled, so did he.
Yes, I will take some credit for stopping a number of fights between those two.
Quite frankly, I’m fed up with them.
“I tried my best.” I say modestly.
“Hopefully you’ll get to catch a break then. We need to get to planning Nsuke’s
ceremony, that is why I came back.” oh there’s also that.

155
 Destined
“I will certainly lend you a hand wherever I can Mageba.” he nods.
“Let me leave you to it then, I’m starving.” he says walking inside the palace.
He’s such a free spirit. He doesn’t deserve this stress that this family comes with.
Now how the hell am I going to ask these boys to…
“Good morning!” he pokes my side and I jerk up.
I almost spilled my boiling hot tea, is he insane!?
“Nsukezinhle don’t do that ever again.” first of all, I hate being touched.
“Wena awuyikhiphanga inyoni usamncane.” he says standing next to me folding
his arms.
“Are you good Ma’ Mfusi?” no, not anymore.
And what does he know about inyoni, idiot.
“Are you mad at me now?” he asks standing in front of me.
“You almost burnt me.” I say sulking.
“I’m sorry ntombemhlophe, it wasn’t my intention. I hope you can find it in
your heart to forgive me, and show me just a little smile.” he smiles widely at
me.
I roll my eyes and give him a little smile. I’m not mad, I just don’t like being
crept up on, especially when I’m plotting.
Actually, I can use this to get what I need.
“I’ll forgive you if you agree to accompany me to the forest to get imithi.” I say.
“Is that all it takes? Consider it done, tell me the time and I’ll be there.” he says
enthusiastically.
“Okay, I’ll tell you when we are leaving.” I say sending a killer smile his way.
He just made this so much easier for me.
“Spontaneous, okay.”
156
 Destined
He looks so excited, I hope he’s this excited when we actually leave, but I
suspect he’s not going to be very happy. Deep breaths Paloma, one down, one
more to go.

•••

The mere fact that I have to go find these herbs deep in the forest scares me. I’ve
gone many places looking for herbs and medicine, but never in the forest chile.
I’m worried.
But I’m going to be walking with two warriors, that’s more than enough
protection I need, unless they decide to fight and end up killing themselves, then
I’m in deep deep trouble. Also, I haven’t asked the second warrior, and the first
warrior thinks it’s just the two of us. This healing thing, it’s hard.
I’m done tying my takkies, I’ve packed my bag, and I’m ready to go ask Vukani.
I don’t know how he’s going to react, I mean it’s so last minute, I’ve been
postponing the whole morning, when I had so many opportunities to ask him.
He’s much more intimidating than Nsuke, I can’t just go up to him and bribe
him with a smile. Well maybe I can, but I don’t have the guts to.
I’m told he’s in the fields, that makes me feel worse, he’s probably working his
ass off. That’s what he does, he spends all his afternoons ploughing in the fields,
sometimes he herds the cattle, and on other days he will just drive the tractor
around the plot of land. You can tell he is very passionate about it.
I never go to this side of the palace, the fields. Firstly because it’s outside the
palace gates, it’s a little further away from the actual house, secondly, I have
absolutely no reason to visit the fields. But you can see them very clearly from
the garden, they are the most luscious fields ever, very well taken care of.
There he is, the hard-working man. He’s wearing blue overalls and a hat, he’s
leaning on a stick watching the men working. At least he’s not doing hard labour.
I don’t want to sneak up on him, can he just sense me and turn around.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” right on time.
157
 Destined
I give a guilty smile.
He takes off his hat and comes to where I’m standing. He’s sweating, it’s hot out
here.
“Did you walk here alone?” he asks scanning me.
“Yes, I needed to talk to you.” I say.
He gives me a smile.
“Sengikhona ke mama.” he’s so charming, I can’t.
But I’m not here for his charming personality and smooth tongue. I’m here for
business.
“I know this is last minute, and I probably should have asked you sooner
because it looks like you are busy.”
“Not too busy, never too busy for you. What do you need?” he’s so nice.
“I need to go to look for herbs and medicine in the forest.” I say.
My nerves melt a little when he gives me a warm smile.
“And you want me to come with you?” he asks for me.
“Yes please.”
“Well you look just about ready to go, so we can be on the way.” he says
pointing the way.
“Can we go back to the palace first, I need to get a few things.” a few things
being a whole human being.
It is vital that we start the journey together, all three of us, if this is to be
effective, it has to be carried out correctly.
He doesn’t protest, in fact, he’s very happy to come with me.
“You look beautiful.” he says hooking his arm around my waist.

158
 Destined
He’s very publicly affectionate, it means nothing to him that we are walking
outside where the whole worlds eyes are.
“Thank you Mageba.” I say.
His hand feels so warm against my skin. This thing of being touched, I don’t
think I want to be touched by anyone but him.

Nsukezinhle Zulu

He was so happy when Paloma asked him to accompany him to go to the forest.
This crush he has on her just seems to be getting stronger as he spends more and
more time with her. He’s no longer worried about Vukani being in his way of
getting her, first of all, he’s way older than her, and he’s married. He definitely
doesn’t stand a chance with her, and the fact that she asked him over Vukani
goes to show that she’s interested in him as much as he is.
At first he was disappointed when she said she didn’t want to be friends, but
they talk more now, their interactions are not just limited to hello’s and good
nights. He’s hopeful.
There she is, she’s coming from the garden, she’s so beautiful. He takes his bag
and walks out to go meet her halfway.
“Oh, I was just about to go find you.” she says as soon as she sees him.
“Are you ready to go?” he asks.
“Yes, but there’s just one little thing I didn’t include.” she says.
She’s about to answer, but an additional voice that annoys him to death speaks.
“I’m ready to go!” he says enthusiastically.
Nsuke opens his eyes in shock.
“Are we going with him?” he points at his brother.
“We? Who is we?” Vukani asks staring at the both of them.
159
 Destined
“Yes, we are going together, all three of us.”
“Oh hell no.” Vukani says.
“For the first and last time, I agree with you brother, I’m sorry, I can’t.” Nsuke
says.
“But you both promised me.” she throws puppy eyes at them.
“That was before I realized that the little one was coming with us.” Vukani says.
“Fuck you.” Nsuke lashes back.
“Do you both think I want to spend the day walking with two bickering toddler-
like adults? No, I don’t! but I have to, so both of you don’t have a choice, you
are going with me, and you will walk behind me, the both of you.” she says
firmly.
Nsuke is about to complain but she turns on her heels and walks away from the
both of them.
“You see, you made her angry.” Vukani says and runs after Paloma.
He just clicks his tongue and follows suit. His mood has just plummeted
drastically. And he was looking forward to spending time with her, just the two
of them.

•••

She’s walking in front of them, she looks so carefree, singing her traditional
songs, picking leaves and other things from trees, bushes and the soil. They are
just walking behind her in silence because she demanded that they maintain their
distance from her, she’s still mad at them.
“We have been walking for over thirty minutes, I haven’t heard a single word
from both of you.” she says turning around.
They both frown.
160
 Destined
“Vukani, you are the regent king, you have to be teaching your brother, the
future king about how to rule a kingdom.” she adds.
“This one said I don’t have wisdom.” Nsuke rolls his eyes.
“You don’t, maybe if you were a king in your past life, I would believe it.”
“Nsuke, your attitude is stinking.” Paloma claps back.
She’s not taking nonsense today.
“He started it.” he whines.
“And he’s going to finish it, he’s older, you are young, he’s seen life, you
haven’t, therefore he has more wisdom. Now Vukani, you will stop being petty
and you will give some of that wisdom to that boy and make him a man.
Otherwise we aren’t going home. I can stay here the whole night if I want to.”
she continues to walk.
“I want to hear talking!” she shouts, not even turning around.
She’s back to her singing.
“I’m going to talk and you will listen.” Vukani starts.
“Why should you only talk. I also want to talk.”
“You have no wisdom boy, you don’t even know what pussy looks like.” Nsuke
clicks his tongue.
“Pussy doesn’t equal wisdom, it takes a man to know that. And I know what it
looks like.” Vukani just chuckles.
“Uyazelaphi, does mommy dearest know you look at girls private parts?” he
asks mockingly.
“We are not here to talk about my sexual experiences. You are here to give me
so called wisdom so I can take over the seat you are warming for me.”
“Your father gave you the real wisdom, mine doesn’t matter.” Vukani says.
“That is true, my father did.” he puts emphasis on ‘my’.

161
 Destined
Vukani’s jaws clench. The animosity between them is so thick. The way they
speak to each other is so vile, there is no love between them at all.
“Well would you look at that, your father still didn’t trust you with his prized
possession with all the wisdom he gave you, he thought: ‘Hey, maybe he’s not
ready, maybe Vukani should give him some more.’ and that is why we are here,
dear brother. Me on the throne, and you, not. So are you going to listen or are
you going to continue being rude?” Vukani asks, stopping in front of him,
crossing his arms across his chest.
They stare at each other intensely, Vukani’s stare is strong, and his words pierce
Nsuke’s heart like a dagger. He’s the first one to break eye contact.
“I thought so.” he continues walking.
“I might have not spent time with Langalethu like you did, but he left me with
some of his wise advice, and those are some of the things I live by. And I know
he might have shared some of them with you, so I won’t speak about it.”
“Do you know what you want to say?” Nsuke asks.
“Does it sound like I don’t?” Vukani asks, raising an eyebrow at him.
“Yes, it does.” he blatantly admits.
“I was caught off guard, and in all honesty, I can’t begin to build on what your
father already left, he was too smart, too ahead. I’m just a farmer.” Nsuke shakes
his head.
Where is the confidence he had all the time?
“I don’t hate you Nsuke, I never have, and I don’t think I ever will. I may have
disliked your mother for a few things that happened in the past, but that never
influenced how I feel about you. I still cared about you the same way I cared
about my mother’s children. I know you don’t want to admit it and accept it,
kodwa siphuma esendeni elilodwa, that won’t change because the man who
made you didn’t tell you. I also didn’t know for 23 year of my life, so we are
even, don’t you think?”

162
 Destined
“He told you, he looked you in the eyes and told you. I didn’t get that.” Nsuke
replies.
“How do you think that makes me feel? I feel like a dirty secret too, someone
that didn’t deserve to be known by his favourite son because it would destroy
things. And look how that ended up, you hate me now.” he says.
“I don’t hate you.” Nsuke mutters.
“You don’t?” Vukani asks.
Nsuke is unable to answer so he keeps quiet. They walk in silence for a while.
“What happened between your mother and I, it shouldn’t have happened, it was
my fault, and I have apologized. We are civil now. I hope we can be civil too, to
at least get through this journey you are welcoming into your life, and I will
leave as soon as you get on that throne.” Vukani says.
“Zululand is also your home.” Nsuke says.
What a change of heart.
“So will you stop being rude?” Vukani asks.
“You should also stop being rude.”
“I think you forget that I’m way older than you, double your age in fact.
Ngingakuzala mfethu.” he says patting his shoulder.
“Well that doesn’t mean anything.” Nsuke says rolling his eyes.
Vukani just chuckles.
“How are you going to get married when you are still rolling your eyes?”
“I’m not going to get married.” Nsuke says with his chest.
“If you don’t find a fiance now, you will be forced to be in a polygamous
marriage, do you know that? Because if you sit on the throne before marrying or
engaging a woman, you will have to marry another one, the one who will bear
the royal heir, the one who will sit on the throne. Just like this.” he points
between the two of them.
163
 Destined
Nsuke sighs.
“Can’t I marry her?” he points at Paloma.
“No, hands off, she’s mine.” Vukani defends.
Nsuke’s heart races immediately. They were just making progress, they can’t go
back to fighting again.
“I saw her first, I wanted her first.” Nsuke says defensively.
“When? You were busy crying over your daddy on television when I courted
her.” Nsuke’s hands quickly ball into fists.
“You see what you are doing now!” he feels the rage building inside of him.
They’ve stopped walking, Nsuke pushes him lightly.
“Nsukezinhle, don’t start me.” Vukani warns.
“Don’t talk to me like that.” Nsuke warns.
“I’m telling you she’s mine, I have her heart, she kisses my lips, not yours.
Don’t cross the boundary, we just made up.” Vukani says through gritted teeth.
Nsuke’s hands reach for his neck and he starts to strangle his brother, his eyes
turning black with rage.
“Nsukezinhle!” Vukani screams breathlessly, trying to free from his grip.
“She’s mine!” Nsuke screams through gritted teeth.
Vukani is not trying to fight him back, but that only lasts for the moment, when
Paloma can be heard from a distance screaming for help, Vukani gains back
power and quickly knees Nsuke in the balls, and he quickly lets go of his neck,
and runs breathlessly towards where the scream is coming from.
Nsuke crawls slowly towards a rock, he is feeling an unmeasurable amount of
pain. That rage episode took over him once again, and he lost control of his
whole body once again.
“Fuck this shit!” he says trying to get up.

164
 Destined
He needs to get himself in control, he can’t be losing his shit like this.

165
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY
Paloma Mfusi

I’ve never been hurt on any of my journeys and adventures, this is my very first
time, and I seemed to have sprained my ankle because I am feeling an intense
amount of pain. I can’t even see the boys, I guess I got carried away and walked
too far from them.
I’m screaming for help while crying, hoping they can hear me, I’m in so much
pain I’m shaking.
I can hear Vukani shouting my name, I can’t put anything into words, I just cry.
“I’m coming mama, bekezela.” he’s getting closer, his voice is more audible.
I see him appear and he looks breathless. He comes to kneel next to me.
“What happened?” he looks flushed.
He cups my face, concern etched on his face, he wipes my tears.
“My ankle, I fell, it’s sore.” I show him.
He looks at it, and when he presses on it, pain shoots through my whole body.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you okay. Come, we are going back home.” he
says getting up.
He takes off his t-shirt and wraps it around my ankle, and it’s so tight it pains.
“I know its sore, but it will keep it in place until we get to the palace.” I nod.
He lifts me up from the ground and takes my bag for me.
“Am I not heavy?” I ask through tears.
It’s a long way back to the palace.
“Not for me mama, don’t worry.” but where is Nsuke?
“Where’s Nsukezinhle?” he doesn’t answer.
166
 Destined
“Vukani where is Nsuke?” I ask a little louder, maybe he didn’t hear me.
“I don’t know, and I don’t care.” he says through gritted teeth.
“No, what do you mean you don’t care!? He’s your brother, he’s in the woods
alone!” I’m crying all over again.
“He tried to kill me, I wouldn’t have made it to you. So excuse me if I don’t care
about where he is.” I’ve never seen him like this.
I’ve just been scolded. I just sob softly. Maybe we shouldn’t have come out here,
why did the ancestors allow this to happen.
“Vukani we can’t leave without him, please. Can we at least try and find him?”
one thing about me, I’m a scaredy cat.
What will I say to the prince when we come back without the future king. What
will I say to the queen? I lost him?
“If he’s walking back in this direction, we will run into him.” he says through
gritted teeth.
I wonder what happened between them. Nsuke isn’t violent. None of them are.
Okay maybe Nsuke is a little provocative, but what would piss Vukani off to
this extent? I’ve never seen him this angry ever since I met him. Even when they
hit each other, he wasn’t like this.
After walking quite a distance, he asks for me to go on his back, I guess he’s
feeling the weight.
He gently puts me down, and makes sure my injured foot doesn’t touch the
ground so I don’t hurt myself further. He then helps me piggy back on his strong
back. He’s topless, so my hands are making direct contact with his chocolate
skin, he smells like absolute bliss.
I’ve stopped crying, and we are slowly approaching the entrance of the forest,
but there’s still no sign of Nsuke.
“Vukani, we haven’t run into Nsuke.”

167
 Destined
“Ma’ Mfusi my main focus right now is getting you home, and getting you in
bed so this injury can be checked out. If I have to come back and look for
Nsukezinhle, I will, but I have to get you home first.” he says sternly.
I can’t fight him, he seems to have made up his mind. So I shut my mouth.

•••

I just woke up from a nap. Vukani called in a doctor to come check out my
injury and he told me it was just a sprain, no major damage. I was starting to be
concerned with the amount of pain I was feeling, but I was relieved when he
said that. He gave me ointment and bandaged me, and made me drink painkillers
that knocked me out till now.
The room is so dark, it’s scary. I roll on my side and turn on the side lamp, I’m
so hungry. I sit up and touch my hurt ankle. It’s still sore when I touch it. So I
don’t think I’ll be able to walk.
I sit still for about 10 minutes trying to contemplate how to find a way to get
attention so I can notify them that I’m up and I’m starving. Just as my hunger
rises, the door opens, and Vukani’s head peaks in.
I don’t know whether to frown or be happy he’s here. He opens the door widely
and behind him is a maid carrying a tray of food. Happy it is then.
“You’re finally up.” he says giving me a smile.
He comes to sit on the foot of the bed and the maid puts the tray on my lap. I
thank her before she leaves.
“Are you comfy?” he asks standing up, moving closer to me.
“Yes, thank you. How did you know I was up?” I ask.
He shifts closer and starts prepping my spoon. Is he going to feed me?
“I’ve been coming here to check on you in 20 minute intervals. You have been
peacefully sleeping for 3 hours straight.” even I’m embarrassed.
168
 Destined
“Open up, I’m sure you are hungry.” I can’t help but laugh.
“My ankle is hurt Vukani, not my arms or hands.” I say in between laughs.
“I know mama, but I want to make sure you are fully fed.” he gives me a warm
smile.
I open my mouth and let him feed me. He does that in silence, up until I take the
last spoon of the food.
“Good girl, I’m so proud of you.” he says picking my cheeks.
I roll my eyes and laugh.
“Thank you for feeding me.” I say.
“You are welcome.” he says and stands to go take the plate back to the kitchen.
I think the helper meets him half way because he doesn’t even disappear from
the door. One thing about these helpers, their timing is always on point.
He comes back and sits exactly where he was sitting. He looks like he’s a bit
calmer than he was when we came back from the forest, but there is still that
issue hanging over our heads, and it needs to be addressed.
“Did you go find Nsuke?” I ask him.
He closes his eyes shut and draws in a deep breath.
“I sent out guards to go look for him, but he came back on his own, before
them.” he says.
“What happened, did you guys not fix things?” he sighs again.
“We talked and we sort of fixed things, but then marriage came up and he sort of
went off the rails, he almost strangled me to death.” I open my eyes widely.
“What made him so angry about marriage, does he not want to marry?” I’m so
confused.
He squeezes his nose bridge, he looks angry all over again.

169
 Destined
“Nsuke has a crush on you, and he said what if he married you, and I said no
because no one is marrying you but me.” he says in a low voice.
This was about me? Are they being serious?
“So you provoked him?” I ask folding my arms.
“How is telling him he can’t marry you provoking him? It’s not my fault that I
met you first, and fell for you first. Nsukezinhle has anger issues and he needs to
deal with them, because one day he will murder someone unintentionally and
regret it for the rest of his life.” I don’t know why I don’t believe him.
“So he just strangled you out of the blue?” I ask him.
“No, he started by pushing me, then he started strangling me. I didn’t want to
fight back because I didn’t want to hurt him, but when I heard your screams, I
had to fight him off and get to you. He looked possessed, he just didn’t stop.” he
looks really concerned and somewhat traumatized.
So that’s why he looked so pale when he got to me, imagine a dark skinned man
being pale. I don’t know what traumatizes me more, the fact that Nsuke almost
killed Vukani for liking me, or the fact that brothers want me, and they both
have so much entitlement over me. It honestly scares me.
“But he had to know that you, Ma’ Mfusi are my girl.” he says moving closer.
“I’m no ones girl Vukani, you are married, you have a wife.” I say keeping him
at arms length.
But has that ever stopped Vukani.
“When I told you I loved you Paloma, I meant it. I’ve never been a man to want
a polygamous marriage, but the way I feel for you won’t allow me to let you go.
I want to be yours, and you be mine.” he says and caresses my cheek.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say my name before, it just rolls off his tongue.
“I told you Vukani, I can’t be with you…” he moves even closer and puts his
hand on my thigh.
“You can’t or you won’t?” his breath is fanning my face.
170
 Destined
My lips part immediately, he’s so close to me, I can almost feel his lips on mine.
He doesn’t let me answer, instead, his lips lock with mine, and as always, I feel
fireworks in my body. I finally understand this feeling that they always explain,
this feeling of butterflies in the stomach. As his tongue dances in my mouth I
feel all my problems fade into the atmosphere. There’s a magic in the air, as his
lips tenderly lock with mine. We’ve had beautiful kisses before, but this one, it
seems to take the cup.
I lean back and I feel him climbing on top of me, not daring to break the kiss.
Nothing is prompting me to stop this from escalating, curiosity and longing is
getting the best of me. His one hand is caressing my thigh, the other one he is
using to balance on. The motion he is using to rub my thigh, it’s doing
something to me, something that has never ever happened to me before. That
beanie dance that Olly is always talking about, it’s happening.
My breathing pattern is changing, and he can see it because his is also changing.
The kiss is getting breathier, and his hand keeps diving deeper, now he’s
massaging the inner thigh. He leaves my lips and starts planting soft kisses on
my neck, I lose it. I bite my lip as he continues to trace his wet lips on my neck,
down to my chest. I’m quickly losing my senses, and I don’t know how to get
them back.
His hand is trapped between my thighs, too close to my palace, I squeeze my
thighs together hoping to make the tingling stop, but it just won’t stop, it doesn’t
want to stop. I’ve never felt like this before, my brain is telling me to tell him to
stop, but my heart won’t let me stop him. He squeezes my boob over my top,
and massages my nipple, I can’t help the soft sound of pleasure that escapes my
lips, that felt so…it felt good. He plants more kisses on my boobs before he
comes back and gradually takes my lips into his. His hand moves away from my
thighs and I feel something else touching me there, it’s hard.
He lowers his body closer to mine and it makes direct contact with my palace. I
should be stopping him, yes we are fully clothed, but it’s escalating. He puts his
hand on my waist and I feel him pressing himself on me, then a groan escapes
his lips, it’s low and sexy. He moves slowly in a motion that drives me insane.

171
 Destined
He stops kissing me and closes his eyes, I look at him, he looks like he’s on a
cloud, his lips slightly parted.
He goes back to kissing my neck, and it just feels even nicer, but I can’t let this
go on, I can’t, I can’t!
“Vukani.” I say holding his head.
“Please stop.” I beg him.
He looks at me with his eyes filled with lust.
“I love you Paloma.” my heart beats rapidly.
“I…I’ve never felt like this before.” I confess.
He gives me a smile and steals a kiss on my lips.
“I shouldn’t be feeling like this for you, for anyone, but you’ve got me
Mageba.” why am I doing this?
“Be mine please.” he begs.
I need to tell him that I can’t, will he hear me?
“My ancestors need me to keep my body pure and sacred. My body is their
instrument, and it is their tool of communicating with me, I need to keep it in the
form that they require me to keep it.” I confess.
“It’s not just about your body, it’s not just your body I’m after. I’m after your
heart Ma’ Mfusi. I want to steal your heart the same way you have stolen mine. I
will honour your ancestors in every way possible, and I will wait for you for as
long as I have to. As long as I have your heart in my hands.” it feels so wrong.
But it also feels so right. I…
He’s a married man, he has a wife. He’s not just anyone, I’m healing him, we
are on a journey. I can’t be falling in love with patients.
Love? What is love? Love is a big word, and he’s said it twice now. He loves
me? Vukani loves me? Maybe I love him back. But what do I know about love?

172
 Destined
Nsukezinhle Zulu

He’s been avoiding any interaction with people, and hiding in his room since he
came back. He doesn’t know when this wave of anger will surface again, and he
doesn’t know whether he will be able to control it.
He’s afraid of facing Paloma. He knows Vukani has probably told her. He’s also
afraid of facing Vukani, because maybe this rage will awaken again. He doesn’t
know how to control it, he can’t even begin to explain it.
After the shit that happened today, he misses his mom. Life has been so different
since she left. Sometimes she doesn’t answer his calls, she wants to be the one to
call him, and she only calls him once a day, sometimes never. Like today, he
hasn’t spoken to her at all. He wants to call her, but he doesn’t think he wants to
stress her out with all of this, she already left running away from all of it.
He brings a pillow to his face and screams into it, and slams his fist on the bed.
He’s battling a series of emotions all at once and he doesn’t know how to handle
it.
A knock sounds on his door, and it opens before he can permit the person to
enter.
“Son.” it’s bab’ Nkosi.
“What is the problem, you’ve been here the whole afternoon, there were search
parties out looking for you?” he hasn’t lifted his face from the pillow.
He’s holding himself from sobbing and breaking down.
“Smiso, khuluma mfana.” he begs.
He sits up and looks at him with red rimmed eyes. Nkosi looks frightened.
“What’s wrong, talk to me.”
The only person he wants to talk to is his mom.
“I want my mom.” he says in a scratchy voice.

173
 Destined
“Your mom is not here, you can’t want your mom at every sight of problems
Nsukezinhle.” he reprimands.
He buries his head on the pillow once again.
“Sit up and talk to me.” Nkosi says more sternly now, slapping his shoulder.
He sat up once again and rubbed his eyes.
“If you don’t want to talk to me, go write down whatever you are feeling on a
piece of paper, and burn that paper.” Nsuke frowns.
This is part of the reason why he misses his mom so much. She wouldn’t
disregard his feelings like this, she would listen and give him sound advice
without making him feel judged. With him, he hasn’t even started talking but he
already feels judged.
“Uzokhuluma?” Nkosi asks.
“I don’t want the throne.” he says.
“The throne is not just a toy you can give back and say you don’t want.” Nkosi
says.
“What? So my only sin was being born?”
“Unfortunately, yes it was. Trust me, running away from the throne will bring
you nothing but heartache and suffering, and you will wind up back here. Your
father did the exact same thing, but he couldn’t run away from his reality.”
“Why isn’t it Vukani, he deserves it, not me.”
Nkosi holds his face.
“It’s not about who’s deserving and who isn’t. it’s about who’s chosen for it,
and you are the chosen one. Vukani can’t keep it forever, even if he wanted to.
That throne solely belongs to you, and whether there is anyone who stands in
your way or not, you will sit on it. I know Langalethu didn’t raise you to doubt
yourself and your capabilities, he raised you to be head strong and tackle all
these problems head on.” he slaps his shoulder.
Nsuke closes his eyes. The pressure on his shoulder, it’s too much.
174
 Destined
“Stop pushing us away, don’t push your brother away, you need him more than
you think. Put that pride aside, and don’t involve yourself in things that had
nothing to do with you, and accept him, he loves you, he cares for you, and he
wants to see you do well.” his heart pangs with guilt.
He remembers the events of the day. His heart races. He almost took his life, but
he never fought him back, not even once. Even when he almost smashed his
head open with a glass, he never retaliated. It took him a long time to retaliate
even on the day they got physical with each other. He told him he doesn’t hate
him, and he really doesn’t. it’s just…he can’t explain it.
“Do you understand me?” Nkosi asks him.
“Yebo baba.”
“Get some rest. Tomorrow we are going to pick the goat for your ceremony, it is
long overdue now.” he says and stands up.
Nsuke sighs. It really doesn’t seem to be getting easier for him, where is the
manual for this life thing because it certainly isn’t straightforward.

175
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

She’s breathing lowly, just listening to his heart beat. She’s drawing circles on
his chest, his bare chocolate chest has always been her favourite place in the
whole world, a place where she feels safe. She wants to tell him something that
he has been longing to hear for years since they got married. She doesn’t know
how he will react.
Things have changed, their living arrangements and the dynamics of their
relationship. She’s in this new environment that she doesn’t know, with people
she doesn’t understand, strangers. She couldn’t have let him relocate alone,
aside from making a vow to be by his side through thick and thin, she loves him
to the ends of the earth, and she knows that he loves her just as much.
A soft kiss lands on her forehead, and she tilts her head up to see his warm smile.
He leans in and gives her a wet kiss on the lips.
“You’ve been up for a while.” he says in a whisper.
“Mmh.” she hums.
“What’s on your mind?” he asks squeezing her in his embrace.
They cuddle even closer, and she feels a sense of comfort once more.
“Are we ever going to go home?” she asks.
He just sighs in distress.
“I know this isn’t what you were signing yourself up to when you married me,
but this isn’t a temporary stay my love. This is my home.” he breaks it to her
gently.
“And my home is your home.” he adds.
“Everything is changing Vee.”
“And I don’t want that to happen, I really don’t. But some things are out of my
control. All I can do is protect you from harm, love you unconditionally and
keep you happy at all times, that is my duty as your husband. Please baby,
176
 Destined
whenever you feel like I’m not doing that enough, tell me.” he says and runs his
hands through her soft silky hair.
She nods. There is that lingering question she wants to ask.
“And what about her?” she asks in a low breath.
“I fell for her.” daggers in her heart.
“But that doesn’t take away the place you have in my heart Hayley, I still love
you like the first day. You are still the number one.” he adds.
“I’m just not the only one anymore?” her voice is breaking.
“Please don’t cry baby, you know I don’t like it when you cry.” he lifts her up
and she sits on his lap.
Her face has turned red. He removes all the strands of hair on her face and cups
it.
“It’s still you and it will always be you, okay?” he reassures.
She nods, her bottom lip quivers. She holds his wrists and moves his rough
hands away from her face. At first he frowns, but she gently directs his hands
onto her stomach. Confusion still on his face, she lifts her eyes to his, and she
slowly parts her lips.
“Are you…?” he can’t bring himself to complete the sentence.
She nods, and watches as excitement fill his whole face. He engulfs her in a
tight hug.
“Baby, thank you so much. You are making me a man, a father, thank you.” he
cups his face and kisses her multiple times.
The happiness that fills her heart leaves no room for the hurt and disappointment
of the other woman coming into her life.
He grabs her waist and kisses her belly.
“Hello, this is your daddy, and I love you so much. I will never leave you, and I
will always protect you. Both you and mommy.” he says.
177
 Destined
A big smile spreads on her face.
“This was exactly what I needed to hear my love, thank you. I will never say this
enough.” he says, tears filling his eyes.
“I love you Zulu.” she says softly.
He lays his head on her bosom and just listens to her heart beating.

•••

“Nkosi, I told you, I don’t want any disturbances, I will call you guys when I
want to.” she’s being a diva as always.
Mandlenkosi sighs and turns his head to look at Nsuke who has his hands deep
in his pockets, staring into nothing. He should be helping Vukani choose a goat,
but Vukani is chatting up a storm with the owners, he loves livestock.
The bad blood between them seems to be growing thicker and it doesn’t seem to
ease up.
“I’m just updating you about your son since you won’t call him. I thought letting
you come there was to unwind and relax, not neglect your family.” he says
sternly.
“I got held up yesterday, I couldn’t call. But I promise to call him today.” she
answers sounding more guilty.
“We are picking a goat for his ceremony, it’s next week. I’m going to come
fetch you in 3 days.”
“What? No, I’m not coming.” she protests.
“What do you mean you aren’t coming Amile?” the shock in his voice can’t be
missed.
“I’m not coming. It’s not like you guys need me there, it’s a man’s ceremony,
it’s all about men.” she defends.
178
 Destined
“It’s your son’s ceremony. He needs you there Amile you can’t disappoint him
like that. And you are the queen, technically the elder here, your blessings are
needed.” he says.
“I can give my blessings from here Nkosi. Not being there doesn’t mean I love
Nsuke any less. I will call him and talk to him.” she says firmly.
She’s closing this topic.
“You are so stubborn.” he says defeated.
“Don’t tell him, I’ll tell him myself.” she adds.
Nkosi’s mood has decreased drastically, and quite frankly, he’s disappointed in
Amile’s actions, but he can’t and he won’t call her out over the phone because
that would be like fighting a losing battle. It takes a lot for her to admit she is
wrong, and she tends to have an attitude he can’t handle over the phone. It’s
easier when he’s looking at her, she won’t pull the shit she is now.
He drops the call and makes his way to the boys. They aren’t even standing
together. Nsukezinhle is staring into space with his hands in his pockets. She
should be picking his own goat.
“Which one do you like.” Nkosi asks putting his hand on his shoulder.
“Baba, come this side, these goats are beautiful.” Vukani says looking back at
him.
He’s standing with the owner, watching all of them. Nkosi pushes Nsuke
forward so they can go together. He really doesn’t want to.
“Yinhle imfuyo yakho Magaduzela.” Vukani says, wearing the biggest smile on
his face.
His excitement is unmatched as he admires the animals.
“I think that one will be okay, it’s nice and big.” he says pointing at one of the
goats.
“Nsuke?” Nkosi pokes. He wants him to participate.
“It’s fine.” he replies flatly.
179
 Destined
Nkosi is about to reprimand him but Vukani stops him.
“Okay, then we are taking this one.” he can see the look on Nkosi’s face, and
he’s ignoring it.
They handle all the payments and then Nsuke unwillingly helps Vukani load the
goat in the van.
It’s just the three of them in the car, and Mandlenkosi is the one driving. He sort
of wanted to have a bonding session with them, and see where their heads are at
in terms of helping each other navigate this throne issue. He knows they don’t
get along, he’s not trying to get them to, but at least to help each other, that’s all
he wants from them.
“Did you see how beautiful his land and livestock is? That is definitely someone
who takes care of their land, and he could potentially make great money, only if
he was connected to the best. His land has the potential to produce food
commercially, because subsistence farming is not beneficial that much.” Nkosi
looks at him.
“You live and breathe agriculture?” Vukani chuckles.
“Yes, I do. You see our land, there’s a lot we can do with it. I was in contract
with some commercial farmers last year and we made a great deal by trading
with African countries, we can do the same thing here. The money we could
make could end all the poverty in this place. People can get proper houses, not
these houses that get damaged by the littlest inconvenience in weather.
Especially if we can target the households headed by pensioners first.” Nkosi
looks impressed.
“You have big plans for this place.”
“I do, it’s so sad seeing people struggle, especially old people. It’s not a nice
feeling knowing you are going to bed in a comfy surrounding with a full
stomach and someone doesn’t have that.” Nkosi nods in agreement.
He then casts his eyes to Nsuke through the rear view mirror.
“You see Smiso, this is the person you should keep close to you.” he suggests.

180
 Destined
Nsuke doesn’t even flinch. Vukani just chuckles and looks ahead. He’s also still
mad at Nsuke, and he’s not planning on speaking to him unless he apologizes
for what he did. But he won’t tell him that, he has to figure it out on his own.
“You remind me of your father so much. He always cared for his people more
than anything, and he wanted the best for everyone. Quite frankly, he did all that
he could in his power to ensure that everyone got what they deserved.” Nkosi
adds.
Vukani nods along. That got a reaction out of Nsuke, he’s never been compared
to his father, ever. But ever since Vukani came, he’s like Langalethu in
everything he does. He thought he has come to terms with Vukani being his
father’s son, but this also angering him.
“I hope my son will take over me as well.” Vukani’s tongue slips.
“Is the white lady pregnant?” Nkosi asks in excitement.
Vukani laughs.
“She’s my wife baba. Yes, she is. I don’t think I was supposed to tell you yet,
but I’m so happy.” he says.
“Nonsense, we are your family! I’m going to be a mkhulu? I’m too young to be
a mkhulu.” he says.
“We’ve been wanting to having this baby for forever. She’s finally making me a
man.” he adds.
“You already are a man son, and now you have to teach all that you know to
your brother, who also needs to be a man. Smiso, where is Ma’ Ndlovu, when
are we sending cows to her home?” Nkosi pries.
Nsuke just clears his throat and looks out the window. Vukani is also quiet now.
“Uma ungasamufuni phela ngizokutholela mina intombi emhlangeni.” Nkosi
says jokingly, but only Vukani chuckles.
“When are you getting married?” Vukani asks him.

181
 Destined
“I was born to be a bachelor, this marriage shit is not for me.” he says tapping
the steering wheel.
“I want a second one.” Vukani says.
Nkosi laughs out loud. Nsuke’s hands are balling into a fist and he feels his heart
pressure rising. He breaths out loudly to try and regulate.
“How old are you son?” Nkosi asks him.
“I’m 36, I got married when I was 26, ten years ago. I think it’s time for another
one.” he says proudly.
“You wouldn’t speak like this if you didn’t already have one.” Nkosi suggests.
Vukani offers him a chuckle.
“Ukhona.”
“Uzoyimela leyonto?” Nkosi asks looking at him sideways.
“I’m a man, I’ll never not stand for what I started.” he says and looks at his
brother through the mirror.
Rage pulses through Nsuke’s veins, but he takes the deepest breath in and is able
to control himself. This is harder than he wants it to be.

•••

There’s commotion in the palace, people are up and down prepping for the
ceremony. The wives came to prepare the traditional beer today, and they are
now skinning all the chickens. Nkosi stands in pride as he watches them, he’s
put this together all by himself, it’s his first ceremony that he’s doing without
the help of both his brothers. He is now the only elder at eLangalibalele Palace,
he has to step up.
He see’s Ma’ Mfusi walking to the door. Her ankle looks a little better, she can
walk now, but she’s still wearing the brace. He runs to catch up with her.
182
 Destined
“Ma’ Mfusi omuhle.” he says to stop her.
She smiles.
“Mntwana.” she bows.
“I can see your ankle is getting better.”
“Yes, it is thank you. The preparations are going well, I can feel that everything
will go well.” she says.
“If you say so then I have no reason to doubt.” they share a chuckle.
“I just wanted to tell you if you want to invite you family you are more than
welcome to. I know you haven’t seen them in a while, I’m sure they miss you.”
she nods.
“Oh, ngiyabonga mntwana. They do and I miss them just as much.” she says.
“Okay then, I just wanted to let you know of that.” she bows and excuses herself.
She’s walking in the direction heading to her bedroom, but she runs into Nsuke,
who is walking in the opposite direction. She picks up her pace to avoid seeing
him, but it’s difficult because her ankle is still sore. He spots her, and rushes to
where she is.
She’s about to enter her room but he holds the door handle, opens the door, and
pushes the both of them inside, closing and locking the door behind him.
“Mntwana.” she says in confusion.
“Please tell me it’s not real, tell me that he’s just fucking with me.” he said, his
voice is almost breaking.
“Tell you what is real?” she asks, her throat going dry instantly.
“Tell me it’s not.” he says walking closer to her.
She’s moving back. There’s no wall behind her. He’s trying so hard to lock eyes
with her, but she’s avoiding it.
“I like you Ma’ Mfusi, and I want to make you mine.” her eyes widen.

183
 Destined
She didn’t think Vukani was serious.
“You are young Nsuke.” she says leaning against the wall.
“And he’s 36 years old!” he says, his voice rising.
Her eyes dilate. She’s swallowing intensely. She’s not shocked by his age, no.
She’s shocked by the truth in Vukani’s words.
“He has a wife, she’s pregnant. Why would you want to be his second best when
you can be my wife, my one and only, my queen.” there is hurt in his voice.
“It’s not about that Nsuke…” she doesn’t finish. He interrupts her.
“Then what is it about, do you kiss him?” her chest is bouncing up and down.
“Nsuke you hit your brother, your regent king and you almost killed him over a
non-existent relationship. I don’t want to be with either of you, and this game
the two of you are playing at will take you no where. Blood is thicker than water,
you can’t love a stranger more than your own brother. Please fix things with
your brother, it’s your duty because you were the one who wronged him.” she
says sternly.
“But what about these feelings I have for you?” he asks her.
“Invest them in fixing your relationship with your brother.” she says.
Her lips are dry, she licks them.
“You will find a wife soon, but it won’t be me.” she assures him.
She’s against the wall, he shifts closer to her, places his hands on her tiny waist
and pulls her closer.
“Nsuke.” she reprimands.
“If you will never be mine, I want to feel what I will never feel ever again.” he
says and lowers his head to reach for her lips.
She has no where to run, she’s against the wall. His soft lips touch hers, she
tastes the alcohol on his lips immediately. It’s so wrong what they are doing.

184
 Destined
The kiss is slow and soft, not hurried and with urgency like it tends to get with
Vukani. He’s gentle, and his hand is massaging her waist.
“Nsuke please.” she begs pushing him away.
The kiss was good, she holds her lips, and locks eyes with him. That doesn’t
seem to make it any better for him, because he seems to be falling deeper for her,
by looking into her blue eyes.
“I’m going.” he says.
But instead of going, he grabs her and kisses her again. She wraps her arms
around his neck and deepens the kiss.
If the ancestors don’t turn their back on her now, they never will.

185
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Paloma Mfusi

*
“Gogo where are we?” she doesn’t respond.
She’s walking in front of me, she has her hands behind her back, her head
lowered.
“Gogo ngiyakucela, cela ungiphendule.” I beg.
I walk fast to try catch up to her. When I do, she stops in front of the big gate. I
have a bad feeling about all of this.
“Gogo?” she doesn’t answer me still.
She proceeds to go to the gate, and fiddles with it. It’s not long before it opens
and she moves away from the entrance, and leads the way for me to enter.
“Where is this place gogo?” I know I’m not supposed to question her ever, but I
really have a bad feeling about this.
This lady is just quiet, and she’s wearing a stoic facial expression. I walk inside
the premises, and not question her. She slowly bring the gate to a close, and the
creaking of the bolts hurts my ears, it didn’t make this sound when she was
opening it.
“Gogo, don’t leave me.” why is she locking me on the inside.
“Gogo!” I shout for her, but she proceeds to walk away ignoring me like I don’t
exist.
I feel like crying or screaming, or both.
“What’s wrong?” I turn around, it’s a lady, she’s wearing a white sundress and
sunhat. She’s so beautiful, and she looks so familiar.
“My granny, she locked me in here.” I say looking around the place.

186
 Destined
It’s a lot of trees, but there’s also birds and rivers, and flowers and fruits. It’s
such a beautiful place, and the sky is clearer here, unlike the outside.
“Who are you?” she asks scanning me.
“Paloma Mfusi.” I say.
She looks at me like it doesn’t ring a bell.
“Is there a way I can get out of here?”
“I’m shocked at how your grandmother was able to open that gate because the
only person who can is the king, and he left here years ago.” she says and picks
up her basket from the ground.
“Which king?” I ask following right behind her.
This place smells like sweets, or is it her?
“Mhlabawesizwe, my husband.” she says.
Mhlabawesizwe as is the late king’s father, the also late king? Where is this? Is
this heaven? Oh no!
“Didn’t he die?” I ask in panic.
I can’t be dead.
“No, the man packed his bags and left.” no, he died.
I hold my chest because I start hyperventilating.
“Are you okay?” she asks me.
I shake my head. I can’t possibly be dead, it can’t happen. Why did gogo bring
me here and leave me alone? Why would she do that? She wasn’t even talking
to me. What did I do to her?
I close my eyes and scream, but it seems like my voice is not coming out at all.
I feel arms lifting me up.
“Come, let’s go.” it’s the king.

187
 Destined
The actual king is here lifting me up. What in the actual fuck!? I free myself out
of his hold, he doesn’t fight me back.
“No, I’m not going anywhere, what’s going on.” tears stream down my face.
“Shlobo sent you here.” he says.
I don’t know of any shlobo. I want to leave.
“Am I dead, why won’t gogo talk to me?” I ask.
He doesn’t answer me. He lifts me up over his shoulder and walks with me. I’m
kicking and screaming but he won’t let me down.
Ain’t no way I’m being kidnapped by the king.
*
My phone is ringing, and it’s bringing me out of my deep sleep. I wanted that
dream to continue. I hate myself for waking up.
I sit up and attend to the call. It’s my sister.
“Zita.” I grumble.
“Are you still asleep, at this time?” she asks.
She’s so bubbly so early in the morning.
“We have just left the house, dad is asking for the location.” she says.
Oh, today is the day of Nsukezinhle’s ceremony of receiving the keys to the
kingdom. Prince Mandlenkosi said I could invite my family, and I did. I miss
them so much, and I’m excited to see them. This is the longest I’ve spent away
from them.
“Okay, I’ll send it now now.” I say rolling out of bed.
“And wake up, we will be there in a few hours!” I can hear dad saying in the
background.
“Yes daddy, I’m up.” one thing about my father, he doesn’t like people that
wake up late.
188
 Destined
After dropping the call, I look at the time, and it’s just after 7 in the morning. I
overslept today, and I’m sure the women have arrived to start cooking. The Zulu
royal wives are also coming to assist because there are no female elders here.
The queen bailed and she said she isn’t coming back for the ceremony. Vukani’s
wife is white, and she doesn’t understand the traditions. I’m certainly not an
option, I can’t handle anything from here, especially anything pertaining to the
preparations of the ceremony, I can only guide them and give directive and
assistance from what my ancestors have told me.
I still am concerned with that dream I just woke up to. What was I doing in the
Zulu ancestral realm, only the dead people of this family go there. I’m alive, I
shouldn’t be there. But gogo led my there, and she proceeded to make me enter.
I don’t know what to think. Whether I should interpret in a literal manner, or
look deeper. I feel like I’ve been disowned by my ancestors, that isn’t right. Is it
what I did, that disgusting act I have done?
I also can’t forgive myself for it, it is unforgivable, and nasty. Is it not enough
that I’m already the reason these brothers hate each other, now have to lead one
on, and string the other one along.
The feelings I have for Vukani are inexplicable. I don’t have the right words to
describe them. I can’t say it’s love, I don’t know what loving another person
who isn’t my family feels like. For Nsuke, it was just a mistake, it shouldn’t
have happened, I shouldn’t have let it get that far. But that kiss, I enjoyed it so
much I feel guilty. It’s not right Paloma, it’s hoe tendencies and my parents
would kill me if they found out.
So I’m going to do my best to avoid both these brothers. I know I’m fooling
myself for saying that, it’s very impossible because we live together, but these
things can’t keep going on. I have to cut ties with both of them. This is the time
where I have to be head strong, be firm and take a grown up decision.

•••

189
 Destined
“I remember for Vukani’s ceremony, we didn’t even know he was Langalethu’s
son. Ma’ Gumede was heavily pregnant with Nsuke and we brought Vukani’s
mom here behind our husband’s backs. The lashing out we got when we got
here, I have never seen Langalethu that angry.” Ma’ Sithole says shaking her
head.
She’s very talkative. It’s her, Hayley, myself, and a few other Zulu women in
the kitchen. She’s the eldest. Apparently, the helpers are not allowed to cook
anything, or even enter the kitchen today, so that is why everything is being
prepared by them. I offered them my assistance in chopping, I’m not even
supposed to be in the kitchen, but there’s a shortage, and I can’t just sit and do
nothing. And the ceremony at the alter is not being handled by me, gogo told me
in my dreams a few days ago that I shouldn’t involve myself, and that I don’t
enter their alter, neither do I enter the throne room.
Again I didn’t question that, but now that I’m sitting here after having that
dream, I want to question it all. I’m confused. I can’t go to the alter, but I’m sent
to the ancestral place. I can’t help but feel like something is completely off.
I’m so lost in space, they are conversing with each other, the chatter is loud.
This is why I’m not good company, I tend to zone out quite a lot. I’m only
brought back to life by my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out and
answer.
“Daddy?” all eyes turn to me.
That makes me uncomfortable, I don’t like being looked at. I stand up and stand
at the door.
“It’s not your daddy, we are here, can you come meet us halfway?” it’s my mom.
“Okay mom, I’m coming.” I say and immediately drop the call.
The ladies are talking, but their voices are much lowered.
“She’s fucking Vukani.” Hayley says.
I stop in my tracks. They are talking about me. I know I’m not fucking Vukani
like she says I am, but she doesn’t know that. She will assume the only reason
he is claiming to love me is because I’m throwing it back for him.
190
 Destined
“What? Is this the girl he wants to make his second wife?” wait so this thing of
Vukani wanting to marry me is public discussion among the Zulu’s?
“He told me he fell for her.” the way she’s speaking is so malicious.
Just like all the times she spoken to me. She hates me, and I don’t blame her,
I’m taking the life she’s known for years away from her, without even trying or
wanting to.
This hurts me, the fact that I’ve inflicted pain on another woman. I don’t bother
going back to the kitchen, I just walk out the door and go around so I can go
meet my parents.
I can feel eyes piercing my back, and only one person makes me feel jumpy like
this. This boy is weird. I turn back and it truly is him. I turn back and walk
ahead, I’m avoiding him.
I see my dad’s car, Zita is already standing outside stretching herself, she has her
afro out and she looks so exotic. I pick up my pace and go give her a massive
hug, I missed her crazy ass.
“My darling!” she shouts.
She’s also loud.
“Shh, you can’t be making a noise we are at the royal palace. I missed you so
much.” I say.
She giggles. Sometimes we get along, sometimes we don’t, but we are sisters at
the end of the day, and we love each other very much.
My brother is also here, I wasn’t expecting him to come. I also give him a hug,
he’s shocked by this because I’m not the hugger in the family, but it’s not a
crime to miss my family.
“You’ve lost gang weight Paloma, when are you coming home?” my dad says
inspecting me before he hugs me.
“Don’t be dramatic daddy.” I say laughing, throwing myself in his arms.
“Just say you missed me.” I say to him.
191
 Destined
He kisses my forehead.
“I did baby.” he says.
“Okay, it’s my turn now.” mom says opening her arms.
Oh how I missed my queen.
“What changed, you give hugs now?” she says.
“I missed you guys.” I whine.
“And you seem like someone who doesn’t plan on coming back any time soon.”
dad says.
I just sigh.
“I don’t know daddy.” not when I have a man telling his whole family he wants
to marry me.
“Everyone is inside, should I go introduce you?” I ask.
“Yes, come.” Mom says.
Zita is the first one to grab my arm, and now we are walking in front of the
parents, she wants to gossip.
“Are you going to introduce me to the prince?” she whispers.
“Zita no!” I say loudly.
“Shh, I just want to be his good friend you know.” I just laugh.
I know she wants him, but she can’t have him, he wants me.
“I’ll think about it.” I say mockingly.
She lets go of my arm. I just laugh at her.
I lead them inside the lounge and that is where the elders are sitting. Prince
Mandlenkosi is the one who stands up to meet us, he’s wearing such a friendly
smile.

192
 Destined
“Mntwana, this is my family, my mom, my dad and my siblings.” he reaches for
my dad’s hand first.
“Mr Mfusi, it is a pleasure.” he then reaches for my mom’s, then my sisters, and
fist bumps Christian.
There are only men in the lounge so only dad and Christian remain. As we are
walking towards the kitchen, the door of the throne room opens, and Vukani
walks out, he’s holding a body part of an animal, wearing overalls and his hands
are bloody.
He gives me the biggest of smiles.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” he says.
“My king.” I bow.
Our eyes lock for a second. He looks so sexy when he’s working. Paloma!
“Let me go drop these off, I’ll see you now.” I nod.
We continue walking down. Now I suddenly don’t want to take them to the
kitchen, those ladies were gossiping about me.
“Maybe we should go to the garden.” I say turning on my heels.
Mom looks at me inquisitively.
“Don’t the ladies need help in the kitchen?”
“No, they don’t.” I say dismissively.
Zita is ready to follow me to the garden, so I lead the way and we go sit on my
favourite spot. Mom doesn’t waste any time.
“There is something between you and the king?” she asks raising her eyebrow at
me.
I’m not a good liar.
“No mama.” I say. But my voice sells me out.
“Paloma?” she says sternly.
193
 Destined
“Okay mama, he’s the man I said I met that day we went to buy ice-cream with
Olly. I already knew when I came here that he was the regent king, but I thought
he had forgotten about me, but he hadn’t and things have escalated.” I say in
defeat.
“What do you mean things have escalated?” she has fear in her eyes.
“He wants to marry me.” she chokes.
“Haibo you know that can’t happen.” she says.
I sigh.
“Really mom, it can’t happen?” Zita is laughing like all of this is funny.
“So you want to marry him? Your great-grandmother never married, she wasn’t
even dating.” she says.
This is the only theory we associated with the fact that my ancestors said they
require me to keep my body sacred and pure. Automatically to us, it meant no
dating, no sex, no marriage. But my eyes have been opened up to see this other
side of the world. Not that I want to marry Vukani, that is a lot of politics, but
damn, what I felt when he kissed me, and he was grinding on me, it’s a feeling I
want to experience again, no matter how embarrassing it is to admit.
“When I spoke to uncle Mthonga, he didn’t say I can’t get married.”
“So you want to marry him?” this question again, I’m avoiding it.
“No mama, I don’t want to marry Vukani. He’s already married, and his wife
and him are in love.” I don’t know how quickly things got here.
Mom just arrived and she’s already juicing me of information. I’m definitely not
going to tell her about the whole situation with Nsuke.
She just sighs.
“You’ve only been here for a month Paloma.” she says in defeat.
“I know. And I honestly can’t wait to go.” I say standing up.

194
 Destined
Nsuke and Vukani are still not on speaking terms. I don’t know how they
entered the alter mad at each other. Vukani was the one doing most of the things,
he was in charge of the slaughtering, I’m sure they made him speak empephweni.
He possibly can’t handle all these things for a person he’s not speaking to.
I’m worried about the well being of this family, and I honestly feel like I
shouldn’t have come into their lives in the first place.
“Well before you go, you have to introduce me to the young prince.” Zita says
as if I haven’t told her about my unhappiness.
Mom just gives her a disapproving look. But this is Zita we are talking about,
she really doesn’t care. She wants the prince right here.

195
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Nsukezinhle Zulu

Everything of his was done by Vukani, he was the one talking at the alter, he
was the one who put isiphandla on his wrist. It was also Vukani’s first time
doing it, he was caught off guard, but he had to for his brother, not matter how
angry he is at him.
Everything has been done now. Some of his friends from school are here, he’s
loosened up a bit, he’s around people that he can laugh with. But his mind is
stuck on Paloma, he saw her with her family, she looked so happy, that brought
joy to his heart, he wants to meet them, but she’s avoiding him, it’s hard for him
to get to her.
He’s sitting with his friends and his brothers just outside the kraal around the
fire braaing meat. He can see two figures from a far making their way to them.
“Bro, this is the girl I was talking about.” Halle says.
They are getting closer, he’s talking about Paloma’s sister. She’s also beautiful,
with a red bouncy afro, but his eyes are still on only one girl.
“She’s so hot what the fuck.” they are all agreeing with him.
They draw closer so the boys compose themselves. They are carrying trays.
“Mntwana.” Paloma bows in front of Nsuke.
“We were asked to take some meat for the ladies in the kitchen.” she adds.
Nsuke is blushing, he feels very important in this very moment.
“Let me carry that for you.” Mgcini says standing up to take the trays from both
the girls.
The sister is just stand behind Paloma doing exactly what he’s doing, which is
bowing for them. When Mgcini is done putting the meat on the trays for them,
Nsuke offers to hold them for them. And he walks back with them.

196
 Destined
“You didn’t introduce us.” he says to Paloma.
The sister looks at her and cracks a thin smile.
“My apologize mntwana, this is my little sister, Zita. Zita this is prince
Nsukezinhle kaLangalethu, but we call him mntwana.” she says.
Nsuke chuckles.
“She’s being ridiculous, it’s just Nsuke.” he says.
“It’s lovely to meet you Nsuke.” Zita says in a soft voice.
Paloma keeps stealing glances at him. He’s exuding a different energy today, not
normally what he looks like around here. He’s always mad, frowning and
throwing tantrums. Maybe the ceremony really did him some good.
“I hope you are enjoying your time here at the palace.” he says stealing one
more glance at Zita.
She smiles and nods. Paloma frowns at this, but she’s trying to compose herself.
“We are, my sister is showing me around, and meeting some of the family is
great.” she says, still maintaining the soft voice.
These people technically are the same age, Paloma thinks to herself staring at
them conversing.
When they approach the kitchen, Paloma stops them.
“I think we can take over from here, thank you mntwana.” she says in a low
voice.
Zita grabs the tray from Nsuke, and they stare at each other for a little moment,
before his lips stretch into a wide smile, and he breaks eye contact with her, and
hands the other tray to Paloma.
“It was lovely meeting you Zita, maybe I’ll see you around today.”
“Maybe.” she says blushing.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” Nsuke acknowledges.

197
 Destined
Paloma nods, and quickly turns on her heels to head to the kitchen. He slips his
hands into his pockets and watches them as they disappear into the kitchen.
There was something there, he can’t put into words, but his curiosity is peaking,
and something is drawing him in.

•••

He’s coming out of the toilet heading to his room. It’s been a ridiculously long
day, he’s tired and he just wants to go rest. Most of the people have left, they
will most probably come back in the morning for izigqoko, there’s an excess
amount of meat and beer for the men of the village, it happened to be too big of
a ceremony, which was not the intention. He has bab’ Nkosi to thank for all of
that, and he wants to.
About his mother not attending, he doesn’t know. He’s numb to it at this point in
time. He has somewhat accepted that he has to go through this alone, and alone
he will go through it.
“Nsuke?” someone whispers his name.
He turns around and it’s the girl with the red hair, Paloma’s sister. He can’t
really remember her name, and he wants to kick himself for that because she
currently looks so damn gorgeous. She has her hair in a tight bun, and she’s
wearing her dressing gown over her night wear. She has radiant skin and a
beautiful physique. Her and Paloma are so different, yet so similar too.
He just wishes he could remember her name as she’s walking closer to him.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” he says scanning her.
She blushes.
“I didn’t know you were staying over.”
“Yes, I wanted to spend some time with my sister, but she’s asleep now, and
she’s a heavy sleeper so waking her up will be impossible.” she explains.

198
 Destined
“She’s such a party pooper. So what are you going to do the whole night?” he
asks.
“I don’t know, watch some instagram stories or tik tok.” he wasn’t expecting an
answer like that.
But he tries not to show the disappointment on his face.
“Do you want to come and watch tik tok with me then?” he asks.
He doesn’t even have tik tok on his phone. To him it’s a stupid dancing app, he
doesn’t dance.
“Okay.” she doesn’t think twice.
He’s shocked to say the least, but he doesn’t show it. He wasn’t expecting her to
agree so quickly and easily without putting up a fight. That’s what girls usually
do, or that’s what her sister usually does. Paloma will challenge everything he
says and does.
He closes the door behind them and goes to slide himself inside the covers,
where he had already left them open.
“Come join me here.” he says patting the space next to him.
She looks unsure for a moment, but she unties her dressing gown, places it on
the chair, and saunters to the bed in her short night dress. He stares in
amazement. Her petite body has to be the most attractive body he has ever laid
his eyes upon in reality. She has the Kylie Jenner physique, he can’t stop staring.
She leaves a space in the bed, but he quickly wraps his arms around her waist
and pulls her closer to spoon her in. Her scent is sweet and flowery.
“Is this how you watch tik toks?” he asks, breathing down her neck.
Her breathing is hitching. His hand caresses her thigh.
“I don’t think so.” she says in a breath.
He chuckles and plants kisses on her neck.
“Where is your phone?” he asks.
199
 Destined
“I didn’t bring it.” she says feeling stupid.
“Aww, so now we can’t watch tik tok. What do you suggest we do?” this feels
like a trap.
She chuckles.
“Is this what you wanted?” she asks.
“You were the one who called me.” he defends.
His hand keeps massaging her thigh.
“Nsuke, you are sneaky.” she says with a giggle.
“I can’t deny that I felt something earlier, when you looked at me.” he says
shifting closer to her.
She feels him growing, and he starts to rub himself against her.
“I can’t fuck with you.” she says.
“What’s stopping you?” he caresses her hip.
He kisses her neck softly, and leaves bites.
“If you bite me too hard, you are going to have to explain to the whole world
why I have hickeys on my neck.” she says putting her hand over the one on her
thigh.
“How would they know?” he says pulling down the strap of her nightie.
He guides her hand up to her boob and he caresses it. She moans.
“You still aren’t fucking with me?” he says rubbing her nipple over the thin
material.
“It stays between the two of us, and it ends here.” she says sternly.
“You have my word.” he says already climbing on top of her.

200
 Destined
She parts her legs and he settles in between them, and gently captures her lips in
a soft kiss. Her hands explore his body with confidence, and he can’t help but
think that maybe she may know more than he thinks she does.
She quickly pulls his shorts down, and she has him in her hands. He breaks the
kiss, and their eyes lock as she gently strokes him, gentle sounds escape his lips.
She reciprocates the same facial expressions he’s giving her, and she watches
him as he squirms like a little boy.
“If you don’t stop I’m going to cum before I even enter you.” he says breathing
heavily.
She giggles and stops immediately. She then moves up and quickly discards of
her night dress and is left in only her underwear. He stares at her in wonder, and
traces his fingers on her beautiful white chocolate skin. He plants wet kisses on
her stomach, all the way down to her panty line. She doesn’t hesitate to lift her
legs and let him remove it.
She’s not aroused fully, so he brings his face closer, plants soft kisses on her
inner thighs, and slowly makes his way to her opening. She is quick to wrap her
legs around his neck and direct his head to where she needs it to be. His tongue
works wonders for her, she shivers and moans softly. He doesn’t let her get to
the end, he pulls his head up and comes to attack her with a s sloppy kiss, lifting
her leg up and preparing to enter her.
“Condom.” she mumbles.
“I don’t have any, I’ll pull out.” he promises.
She wants to protest further, but the longing to feel him inside of her stops her.
He eases himself into her opening with not hassles, and the tightness and
warmth send shock waves through his whole body. He cries out, and she can’t
figure out whether he is feeling pain or pleasure. He’s moving his waist, but it’s
subtle movements that don’t seem to satisfy her.
She firmly grips her fingernails into his butt and that stills all his movements,
she takes control and goes on top of him. When their eyes meet, he is shocked,
and as she starts moving in satisfaction, he watches in pure amazement and

201
 Destined
ecstasy as she slowly grinds on him, both their panting and moans loud in the
room.
“I’m going to cum!” he groans.
She’s not listening, she’s chasing her own cloud of ecstasy. His toes curl and he
grips onto her bum firmly and thrusts into her from below, and that seems to
drive her even more insane because she crumbles, and her legs begin to shake as
she creams him.
Nsuke flips her once again, and just as he is about the continue, three gun shots
go off in the distance. A window shatters and silence shortly follows. She looks
startled, even though she’s still trying to gather her scattered brain cells. Nsuke
isn’t done.
“Nsuke.” she says staring at him.
“I’m almost done.” he says in a grunt.
“Pull out!” she unintentionally shouts.
He pulls out and uses his hand to finish off, and leave all his semen on her
opening.
“Fuck!” he groans.
That was both chaotic and exciting, but reality has dawned upon him.
“Were those gun shots?” he asks panting.
“I don’t know.” she says in a panic.
“No one screamed so we are safe.” he concludes and lies on his side catching his
breath.
“I think I need to leave now.” she says and rolls out of bed.
“You are leaving me already?” he asks leaning on his elbow.
“I don’t want Paloma to wake up and not find me.” she’s already getting dressed.
“I’ll come with you, maybe it’s not safe.” he says rolling out as well.

202
 Destined
They dress in silence. She’s still covered in his semen down there, she needs to
make a stop at the toilet. She folds her underwear and slips it in the pocket of her
dressing gown.
When he is done, he leads her to the door. Before they can exit, he stops her,
pins her on the wall and kisses her in a hurried manner. She’s responding
positively, she moans in his mouth. When they break the kiss, she looks at him
and smiles.
“You weren’t too bad for a first timer.” she says and pecks his cheek.
Confusion dances on his face. How did she even begin to figure that out? Still
dumbstruck, she opens the door and lets herself out, and he follows behind.
On the bright side, now he can finally tell Vukani that he hasn’t only seen pussy,
but he’s tasted it too.

•••

He’s patting the space next to him, it’s cold. This alarms him, he’s been fast
asleep he didn’t hear her get up. He sits up and turns on the bedside light. It’s
still dark outside, which means it’s not too late.
He gets out of bed and puts his shoes on. He goes to check the bathroom first,
but the lights are off.
“Baby?” he says turning them on.
There is no sign of her. Where could she be?
As tired as he is, he drags his body to the door and opens it. It’s not locked like
it was when they went to sleep, so she did unlock it and go.
Maybe she went to the kitchen, that is the first thing that comes to his mind.
Hayley loves waking up in the middle of the night for water, and on other days

203
 Destined
she wants snacks, or milk. She hasn’t been doing that since they arrived here, it
was a foreign environment for her, she wasn’t comfortable yet.
He loved seeing the women in his family accepting her and making her feel like
she belonged. They didn’t outcast her because of her race, and that for him made
him absolutely content. He knew he didn’t have to worry about feeling some
type of way after everything is done.
This whole thing of him wanting to take a second wife hurts her, she can’t hide
it, but her love for him is greater than the hurt, that is why she is going to
support him throughout.
The kitchen lights are on, he gets some relief, maybe she’s here.
“Hayley baby, are you…” he stops mid sentence when he sees her lying on the
floor.
“Baby!” he runs to the other side of the counter, and when he draws closer, he
sees her lying in a pool of blood.
“No no no no Hayley wake up, baby!” he screams as he pulls her to his chest.
There’s a bullet wound on her forehead, her eyes wide open. She’s long cold,
he’s hysterically shaking her, and tears are streaming down his face.
“Baby please Hayley you can’t leave me.” he sobs hysterically.
The first person to run into the kitchen is Mandlenkosi, he’s coming from
upstairs.
“Vukani.” he says.
He cries even louder.
“Oh my goodness!” he says when his eyes land on the corpse.
He’s frozen still on the spot, his heart is bulldozing his chest.
“Son, what…how?” he says shaking.
Vukani doesn’t respond, he just shakes his head and cries.

204
 Destined
Next walk in Paloma and Zita, they are both still in a state of sleepiness, but the
noise coming from here woke them up.
“Oh kodwa nkosiyami!” Paloma says and covers her mouth.
Warm tears stream down her face, what is the meaning of this, how could
something like this happen inside the house and no one hear.
She crouches down and tries to move him away from the corpse.
“Vukani…”
“Leave me the fuck alone! Leave me!” he cries, clinging tightly onto her body.
“She’s gone Vukani, I’m so sorry, but you have to let go.” she begs, her voice is
cracking.
He shakes his head multiple times and sobs.
Nsuke is the last to walk in, and when he sees what has happened, his insides
churn. Zita steals a glance at him, he covers his mouth and gags. Knowing he
could have prevented this from happening hurts him, but he didn’t. They should
have come and checked.
“Mntwana please call the police and the morgue.” Paloma says.
He’s frozen on the spot, his hands still shaking. She seems to be the only one
who is thinking straight, even though she’s also crying.
“Ayehle ingehlile Mageba, we will find who did this.” she says in comfort to
Vukani.
He keeps kissing her cold cheek, staining his lips with her blood. How will he
ever begin to live without his love, his first love?

205
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Paloma Mfusi

How do you even begin to console a person after they lose the person they love
the most? How do you tell them to move on and forget about them, and carry on
with life as if they never existed?
Vukani and Hayley have been married for 10 years, they’ve been together for
even longer. He loved her, that was no secret, even to me who he claimed he
loved too.
He’s been a zombie since that night. He won’t speak to anyone, neither is he
eating. It’s so painful to watch him go through this, it hurts me deep inside my
heart. It’s no secret that I care deeply about Vukani, so this, it just kills me.
What kills me even more is the fact that she died thinking I was out to get her
husband, to take him away from her. Her life was taken away from her, and it is
still unknown whether it was direct target at her, or it was meant for someone
else here. The police are investigating, it’s still a mystery how none of us in this
house heard any gun shots. It was as if we were all drugged.
The police are yet to take our statements, they were just asked to give us some
space to grieve because Vukani is not okay, he really isn’t. The funeral is
tomorrow, the preparations are already underway. At this point I just want to go
home with my family. Being here is putting me under a lot of strain.
I want to go see Vukani, and bring him some calming tea, but I’m so afraid to
face him, we haven’t spoken to him, the only person he speaks to is prince
Mandlenkosi, and it is only when he need important information pertaining to
the funeral. Khaya, the late king’s PA is the one doing the run around. That man
must be paid a great sum of money, the things he does for this family are insane.
Obviously the press has gotten a hold of this story, and the royal family is once
again on the news. It doesn’t make it better that the state is handling the case
personally, and they are updating the country as if they deserve to know more
than the family does, more than Vukani does.

206
 Destined
I hesitate to knock on the door a few times, but I finally swallow the fear and
gain the courage to. There is no answer at first, and after the second time, I let
myself in, hoping he doesn’t pounce on me and murder me.
He’s sitting on the floor, his eyes are blood red, he’s holding a clothing item in
his hand close to his face, he’s sniffing it. My heart breaks.
“Mageba.” I say lowly.
I’m testing the waters to see if it’s safe for me to enter. I’m still just standing by
the door.
“I brought you some lemon balm tea to calm your anxiety.” I say stepping closer.
He looks up at me, he has a stoic face. He looks like he’s ready to kill me. I
don’t know whether to run and hide or to step closer.
I do the latter, he looks like he needs someone to talk to, he isn’t okay. I go sit
next to him on the floor, and put the tea in front of him.
“I put some chamomile inside as well…” I say in a whisper.
“How are you holding up?” I’m too afraid to touch him.
And I can see he’s barely coping, barely holding on, it’s a stupid question, but I
don’t know how to get him to talk to me.
He just breaks into a sob, and my heart breaks.
“I’m so sorry Mageba.” I say and coldly place my hand on his shoulder to
comfort him.
His head drops to my lap and I just brush his head to comfort him. I wasn’t
expecting this, I thought he would kick me out. Maybe he just needed someone
to check on him, instead of probing him to be okay, because I think that’s what
everyone has been doing.
But I understand him. He has lost the only person he felt ever truly loved and
cared for him. I can’t imagine what that must feel like.
“There has to be a way to bring her back, somehow.” he mumbles through tears.

207
 Destined
My heart breaks further.
“Who would be so cruel, to take my wife away from me, to take away the air I
breathe. My everything is gone, and I have nothing, absolutely nothing to live
for.” he says.
“Don’t say that Mageba…”
“What Paloma? The one person who loved me has been taken away from me, I
have no one left to love me.”
“That’s not true, there a lot of people that love you, your family loves you, and
I…I care about you.” he looks up at me.
“You don’t love me?” I wipe his tears and place a kiss on his forehead.
“God doesn’t take what He won’t give back. Although it may feel like for now,
Hayley’s life was cut short, it was in His plans, and He called her to be an angel
beside Him. It’s not fair, it never has, but she’s in a better place, and she isn’t
feeling any pain anymore. She loved you so much, and I don’t doubt for a
second that you knew that. Please set her free, and don’t hold her back from her
journey.” I say avoiding his question.
His lower lip in quivering. I don’t like this one bit.
“I’m so sorry Vukani, truly.”
I really am. I’m sorry for being the reason she died mad, she died thinking that I
was out to ruin her marriage. I’m sorry for being the cause of her tears. It cuts
me up inside and there is nothing I can do now, she’s gone.
But I hope she can find it somewhere in her heart to forgive me, for God knows
my heart. It was just a slip up, and I went astray. But I will make sure that I stay
away from Vukani now, no matter how difficult it may be for me, I’ll honour
her dying wish.
*
“Your Majesty I have not wronged you in anyway, and if I have, I deeply
apologize, but please, please let me go.” I beg, getting on my knees.

208
 Destined
“Please stand up Ma’ Mfusi.” he says.
I wipe my tears and stand up. Why did he take me, why did gogo leave me here?
“Your connection to this family is so strong, have you noticed that?” I gulp
down the lump in my throat and nod, but I’m very hesitant.
“Your great-grandmother left you here for a reason, please don’t panic.” he begs.
He has such a calming voice.
“Ikhehla lakwaMfusi lidiniwe isenzo sakho. That is why you are here. Your
heart is stuck on my son, and you have his too. Our families, the Zulu’s and the
Mfusi’s were destined to be, kube igazi linye. It should have happened through
me and Shlobo, it didn’t. It shouldn’t have happened to you, but it followed you
instead.” he’s saying so many things all at once, and I don’t know what and
what not to grasp.
“Amagazi asehlangene, sekwenzekile obekufanele kwenzeke. Now you need to
decide whether you become the person your great-grandmother became, or you
follow your heart and stay here forever, and let love lead you, and not your
ancestors but ours.”
This feels like an ultimatum. My confusion is peaking.
“She brought you here for a reason, she didn’t want you to live the same lonely
life she lived, so that is why she is giving you the option to choose. But she
promised you to never leave, and that she will never do.” why isn’t she the one
telling me all of this?
This is a lot to take in, and I don’t know what to think or believe any more.
*

•••

I don’t know how much I’ve cried since that day. I took off all my beads, packed
them in my bag and and just balled my eyes out. I still remember that dream like
209
 Destined
it happened yesterday, it haunts me. That is the reason for the disconnect I feel, I
feel alone and so powerless.
I didn’t tell anyone about it. I had no one to talk to anyway, no one will
understand what I say here, so I won’t bother. It has been so difficult to decide
what I want to do or what to choose. And now that I know I have to choose, i
can feel the disconnect even more. I haven’t had a single dream, vision or
whistle since that dream.
I can go all around the world, and ask all the other people who have walked this
journey, they will tell me that no where in history has this ever happened, ever.
No ancestors just give up on you after one mistake, and make you choose for
yourself, they dictate your life, not you.
I know some people will say I’m being selfish, but healing and being a spiritual
being has become who I am, now having the choice to just give it up, give up
my own ancestors to serve other people’s ancestors sounds absurd to me. But if I
choose them, I will be destined to live this miserable life, no joy, no excitement,
no fun, no love. My parents and siblings won’t always be there to love me, they
will also start their own live, and what about me, I’ll be the girl that spent her
whole life alone like mummy? Taking care of Christian’s wife when he dead?
No.
In that dream, the king was not specific about which son’s heart I have. I haven’t
been able to look at Vukani since that day I went to his room to check on him.
He kissed me again that day, after I had promised myself that I would stay away
from him to honour Hayley. I definitely understand why Mkhulu Vundisa would
not be happy with me. Fighting these feelings for him is hard, it’s really so hard.
I don’t even know about Nsuke. I definitely know I have no feelings for him,
none at all. The kiss was a mistake, a mistake that I enjoyed in the moment, but
a mistake I wish never happened. I think we haven’t interacted a lot lately
because of the funeral and all the drama that has been happening here, and I’m
glad.
That is why I’ve packed my bags. It’s time for me to go home.

210
 Destined
The house is so quiet as I walk past with my luggage. I want to leave it in the
foyer, Mdluli said he’s on the way. I haven’t really spoken to anyone about my
departure. I wanted to tell the prince, but he’s not here, he left for Durban late
last night, and I made the decision to come here early this morning.
When I turn around, my eyes meet with Vukani’s and he wears a frown on his
face.
“You didn’t tell me you were leaving.” he says drawing closer.
I look away, embarrassment has me. Vukani can do that with just a simple stare.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” he lifts my chin so I look at him.
“When did you tell me you were leaving?” he asks again, his voice is firmer.
“I didn’t.” I respond.
He scoffs.
“So you are leaving me? When you promised me you would be there for me?”
he asks.
He’s making me guilty, although I never made any of the promises he’s naming.
I never said I would never leave him.
“Vukani I can’t be here anymore, I don’t want to be here anymore.” I say.
“Okay but what about me, and what about this love I have for you? What must I
do with it?” he looks frustrated, the way his eyebrows are furrowing.
“You are still in mourning. I can’t be with you.” that’s not the best excuse I
could have come up with.
“And that’s the time you think is the best for you to leave me? When I’m
vulnerable and hurting, when I need your support the most?” I’m shocked.
“I don’t owe you anything Vukani! We aren’t together, don’t get it twisted!
Don’t you think maybe that you depending on me is also putting a strain on me?
Like I’m supposed to be strong all the time? I’m also going through shit okay!” I
unintentionally shout.

211
 Destined
Tears involuntarily leave my eyes. He pulls my arms and locks me in his arms,
but I push him away.
“No, I don’t want you to hold me.”
“Paloma I love you. I wasn’t lying to you or trying to gain something when I
said I did. I still do. And yes I may look selfish right now, and it may look like I
don’t care about your well being, but we need each other, to heal each other. We
can get through this together. I know you can’t carry all that is bothering you
alone, the same way I also can’t carry it alone. Please mama, please don’t leave
me, we can figure it out somehow, I will wait for as long as I have to, just please
don’t leave me.” he begs and cups my face.
His lips rest on mine, but tears are cascading down my face. I’m faced with such
a big decision to make, and I’m not ready to make it just as yet. I didn’t think me
going home would mean me making the decision, but it looks like it is what it
has turned to.
“Ngiyakucela Ma’ Mfusi wami omuhle, please don’t break my heart.” he begs.
I cup his face and kiss him deeply, this may be the last time I ever, so I want to
make sure I kiss him so I don’t forget him, forget his scent, his soft lips, his
warm breath. When I break the kiss, he looks at me, pain in his eyes. I can’t
stand to look at him.
“I love you.” I say. It’s not forced, nor is it a lie.
“But?” he can see it in my eyes can he?
Mdluli parks the car. My eyes quickly turn back to him.
“I have to go.” I can see his heart breaking.
I get my bags, and Mdluli comes to meet me halfway. I turn back to take one
last look at Vukani, he’s looking at me. The pain in his eyes can’t even be
disguised.
I turn around, I don’t want to say goodbye and hurt him more than he already is.
I don’t want to hurt myself too.

212
 Destined
As I am about to close the car door, he stops me from doing it, and before I can
protest, he pulls me into his embrace and I just sob uncontrollably. The way he
holds me tightly, it makes me feel so safe, I feel peaceful, but my heart hurts so
much.
He cups my face and attacks me with another kiss, a kiss so heated and so
steamy I never want to let him go.
“Vukani.” I say.
He stops.
“I love you Paloma.” he’s trying to change my mind.
“I have to go…” he wipes his face and moves away slowly as he nods his head.
I wave at him as he slowly closes the door. I can’t stand to look at him as we
drives away, not only have I hurt him, but I’ve hurt myself, and the thought of
having to live with this hurt my whole life, it’s too much to think about.
But my ancestors made me who I am, and I am forever indebted to them.

•••

I’m shocked to find Zita in the house, all alone. She’s sleeping on the couch in
front of the TV. I wonder how dad agreed to leave her here alone, because he
told me they drove back to Gauteng two days ago. I didn’t tell them I was
coming back.
I leave my bags in the passage and go to stand over her. There’s a wine glass
and an empty wine bottle on the floor. Please let it not be that she’s drunk right
now.
“Zita!” I shake her.
“Mmmh!” she moans.
“Why are you here?” she opens one eye and looks at me.
213
 Destined
“Why are you here?” she asks me the same question.
“I stay here.” I justify.
“And this is my home too, so I can stay.” she says and closes her eyes and goes
back to sleeping.
She’s just drunk. I’m worried about her state, how can she finish a whole bottle
of wine by herself? She’s only 19.
I wheel my luggage to my room and take my phone from my bag. I sit on the
bed and call mom. She doesn’t answer the first time, but when I try her again,
she answers.
“Dove?” dad calls me that, it’s so unusual coming from her.
“Mom, why is Zita here?” I get straight to the point.
“Here where? In Zululand? What is she doing in Zululand?” she panics.
“No, not in Zululand. I’m back in Toti, at home, and she’s here.” I say.
“She didn’t want to come back with us, I don’t know why, but your father didn’t
protest so…” I don’t think he would be happy to learn that she’s drunk.
“Oh okay.” I say.
“Why are you back? And you didn’t even say.” she questions.
“Kanti why is everyone shocked that I’m back, was I not supposed to come
back?” I snap.
“Haibo calm down Paloma, I was just asking.” I sigh.
That was rude.
“I’m sorry mom, I didn’t mean to snap, it’s just that…”
“It’s okay Paloma. I was still busy with something so I’ll call you back when
I’m done.” great, I hurt her feelings.

214
 Destined
She hangs up on me. I just came back, but I already feel like I’ve made the
biggest mistake by coming back. My sister is drunk on my couch, my mom is
angry at me, and I feel like absolute shit.

215
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Paloma Mfusi

My room is very close to the bathroom, so I can hear everything that happens in
there. The walls of this house are extremely thin, every sound travels. Zita is in
that bathroom puking her guts out, it’s so early in the morning, I wonder what
her problem is.
When she’s done, I get up from the bed and open the door to meet her as soon as
she walks out. I stand at the door and when she walks out, she looks pale.
“Are you okay?” I ask staring at her in the eyes.
She nods. She doesn’t look okay.
“Did you eat something that upset your stomach or something, I heard you
vomit in there.” I ask again.
Tears are forming in her eyes and she shakes her head.
“What’s wrong, talk to me sis.” I say and come to hold her tightly in my
embrace.
I lead her to my bedroom and close the door behind us. We’ve been staying
together for about a month now. It’s been a month since I came back from
Zululand. It took me some time to finally adjust to my new reality once again,
the same way it took me a while to adjust to life there.
Zita has been staying with me since I came back. She hasn’t stated why as yet,
but who are we to question her, it is her home to. She’s just lucky she’s not in
school, she got to have those gap year things, she said she wanted to discover
herself. I hope what she wants to tell me has nothing with her discovering
herself.
“I think I’m pregnant P.” she says, her hands are shaking.
“What do you mean you think you are pregnant?” my heart is racing.
There is no way my sister is having sexual intercourse and I’m not.
216
 Destined
“I don’t need you to judge me, I need you to listen to me and help me as my
sister.” I raise my eyebrow.
“P please.” she begs.
I’m not a judgemental person by nature, but sometimes it’s hard not to. But she
needs a sister and a comforter and a shoulder to cry on, not a judge.
“Why do you think you are pregnant?” I ask her.
“I didn’t have this month’s period yet, but I thought it was just my cycle
changing, but now I have nausea, and today I vomited.” she looks really
petrified.
“Did you have unprotected intercourse?” I ask her.
“I did.” she says.
Oh my gosh okay, I’m not judging, I’m helping. I’m not shouting, I’m being
nice and calm.
“Maybe we should go buy a pregnancy test just to be sure, before we can jump
to any other conclusions.” I suggest.
She lets the tears fall, and my heart breaks.
“Go wash your face, and we will go to the garage to get those cheap ones for
now. Shops are still closed.” I say to her.
“I want to wait.” she says.
You can tell she’s petrified. I pull her in for a hug.
“It’s okay sis, I know you are afraid. So we’ll go after breakfast. Just go get
some rest for now.” I say to comfort her.
“I’m really sorry P.” she says.
“No, don’t apologize.” I can’t even begin to imagine what she must be feeling
right now.

217
 Destined
I’m scared on her behalf, but I can’t break down and fall apart now, I have to be
strong for her, and be sane enough to try and find possible solutions if this is a
reality.

•••

We took an Uber to the shops, she’s gripping onto my hand for dear life as we
walk through the shopping aisles. I’m just hoping we don’t run into anyone that
knows us and see’s us browsing this section.
She stands next to me as I look for the different tests.
“Which one is the one that people use a lot?” I ask her.
“It’s the digital one.” she points at it.
It’s so bloody expensive, but it’s for a good cause. I also take the one with two
inside, it’s not a digital test, just in case it doesn’t work. She doesn’t say
anything so we just go to the till.
We both look young, but I’m the oldest, so I have to carry them for her. I can
see the lady at the till judging me. The Zita I know would have fetched her for
being so sus, but she’s currently not in her normal state, so she’s just looking
down.
When we walk out the shops, I lift her chin.
“Hey, look up. It’s going to be okay.” I give her a small smile.
She doesn’t smile back, but she lifts her chin and walks a little more proudly.
We request another uber and we stand waiting.
“When did this happen?” I ask her.
She sighs and looks down.
“Last month.” she says.

218
 Destined
“So you know who it is right.” I ask.
“Yes, I do.”
I don’t know why we are conversing as if we already know it’s happened. Lord
knows how I don’t want that to be the case. How are we going to explain to
Mvelo and Chris? I know daddy will kill us. Mom will just be disappointed that
we have abused this freedom she has given us.
I’m saying us because whatever shit she’s going to get, I will get too, she’s my
sister, and I promised to be there for her and not judge her.
The car arrives and we don’t hesitate to get in. I think both of us just want to get
this out of the way as quickly as possible. The driver keeps making conversation,
but both of us are so out of it, we don’t have the energy to be holding
meaningless conversations.
He drops us off at home, and we are literally rushing inside. I go take a cup for
her in the kitchen and we go to my room. She’s sitting there staring the the tests,
her hands are shaking.
“Do you want me to pray first?” I ask her.
She nods. I hold her hands, and I ask God to help us accept whatever results we
will receive after doing these tests, it’s pointless asking for negative tests, it’s
already done now, we are just confirming.
I hand her the cup and she takes all the tests and goes to the bathroom to pee. I
sit anxiously on my bed. I grab my phone to busy myself. I go on instagram, and
my heart almost jumps out of my throat when I see his name pop up. I remember
when I was stalking him, I never followed him, so he stalked me and found me.
He liked all my highlights. He’s commented on one of my posts: “I miss you
mama.”
This is an old post, I made it even before I met him. Why is he saying this on a
public platform, he is the regent king, what will people say? I go to the private
messages, and here he is, he’s flooded my dm’s.
Ma’ Mfusi my life isn’t the same without you.

219
 Destined
I miss you.
Today marks a month since you left, I still love you.
Will I ever see you again?
I’m going back to Canada.
That is the last text he sent, and when I check the date and time, it was sent
yesterday. My heart sinks to my stomach. What does he mean he’s going back to
Canada?
My thoughts are interrupted by Zita walking back in. She has all three sticks in
her hand.
“What do they say?” I choke.
“They aren’t ready yet.” she says coming to dump herself on the unmade bed.
We left everything upside down when we left. I take my phone and continue
looking at the messages, my heart is so sore once again, and I thought I had
somewhat moved on, but I haven’t
“Whats wrong?” she asks in a soft voice.
I shake my head.
“Nothing important.” I say.
She moves my hand and looks at the screen. I think she quickly identifies him.
“You really liked him?” she asks.
I nod, trying to hold back tears.
“So why did you come back?” I sigh.
“It was never going to work out, that’s why.” I say.
She doesn’t say anything further. I get up and walk to the pedestal and pick up
the sticks to inspect them.
The first one has on dark line, and one feint one.

220
 Destined
“What does it say?” she asks, fear on her face.
“I don’t know what a feint line means.” I say.
She takes it. Her hands are shaking.
“It means pregnancy P. Check the others.” she prompts.
I look at the other one, it has two lines. Well damn.
“Am I pregnant?” she asks.
I nod slowly and hand it to her. She takes it and looks at it in disappointment,
and tears well in her eyes. When I look at the digital one, it’s written pregnant
3+. So this is our new reality, I’m going to be an aunt.
“Daddy is going to kill me.” she says and buries her head in her hands.
“Who made you pregnant?” she’s sniffing.
“I don’t think you want to know.” she says.
Why would she think I don’t want to know.
“Zita just tell me, we are already in shit, both of us. The least you can do is tell
me everything so I can help you.” I say to her.
“It’s Nsukezinhle Zulu.” she says.
I can’t help but burst into laughter. I knew my sister was delusional, but not this
much.
“I don’t know why you are laughing.” she’s wearing a serious face.
“You can’t be serious, how? When?” I’m so confused.
“That night of his ceremony, I ran into him in the passage, and he invited me to
his room. He gave me his virginity.” I move to sit down.
My head is spinning. How can I not go crazy now?

221
 Destined
“You said you were staying behind because you wanted to spend time with me,
not spread yourself like a full chicken in front of Nsuke.” I say, feeling
frustration.
“You were asleep.” she defends.
I feel like slapping her, but I know I could never.
“Do you know that you might be forced to marry him now?” I don’t think she
considered the consequences of sleeping with royalty.
Nsuke is a boy, he’s careless and young. What was she thinking?
“I’m not doing that.” she says in an attitude.
“I don’t know how I feel about this Zita, how could you be so careless?”
“He didn’t have condoms, and he pulled out. I don’t know how it happened.”
I don’t even know myself, I’m a clueless virgin, I’ve never even seen a man’s
private part.
“How am I going to raise a child? I’m barely an adult myself.” realization is
slowly sinking in.
“Paloma I can’t don this.” she says shaking her head.
I embrace her. I don’t even have the words to console her, I’m just as shocked
and numb.

•••

She cried herself to sleep, and I held her throughout. She just woke up now, and
we are just sitting through it. We haven’t eaten all day.
“We haven’t eaten today.” I say.
We are cuddling.

222
 Destined
“I don’t have an appetite.” she says.
I also didn’t, but I woke up starving.
“Well we have to eat something, so let’s get up.” I say and we roll out of bed.
We still haven’t made it, we’ll make it when we come back from making food.
She sits on the counter and I start taking things out of the fridge.
“How am I going to tell the parents?” she asks me, she looks so scared.
“We will tell mom first, and if she doesn’t kill us, then she will help us tell dad.”
“You keep saying we as if we are both pregnant. I’m the only one who’s going
to suffer and get shat on for it.” she says.
“But you asked me to support you, and be there for you. So any shit you get, we
are getting it together.” I say.
“What if I don’t want it?” she says.
I turn to look at her in shock.
“You can’t do that Zita, you’d have a life of bad luck and trauma. Especially
since it’s the first son of the future king.” she screams in frustration.
“Nsuke and being the future king?” she asks.
“Yes, his coronation is being planned as we speak. He’s supposed to find a wife
before the coronation, and now that you are pregnant, they will probably probe
you guys to marry.”
“But I don’t want him!” she says.
“I don’t want to be having mediocre sex for the rest of my life.” I can’t help but
laugh.
“You said it yourself, it was his first time.”
But that’s what she get’s for throwing herself at people for their looks and status.
Now she’s pregnant with a royal baby.

223
 Destined
“We have to go report that pregnancy to the elders there, that you can’t run from.
You are too young to be single parent, he must also own up to his actions.” I say.
“But I don’t want to marry him. What if he denies the pregnancy? I can’t handle
that kind of humiliation.” knowing Nsuke, he would try to deny it.
But his mother and prince Mandlenkosi, they wouldn’t let that happen. But how
could Nsuke have sex with my sister when he claimed he wanted me. If I was
another girl, I would be going crazy, but I didn’t take his little crush to heart,
because that’s all it was, just a silly crush. I just don’t understand how it
happened to make him so angry that Vukani wanted me too.
Maybe this is what the king meant when he said amagazi asehlangene. So that
means I don’t have to be with Vukani, I can serve my ancestors.
“Don’t worry about that. He won’t get away with denying it.” I tell her.
“But imagine being the queen of Zululand?” she says staring into space.
I laugh and shake my head. The delusional Zita is back.

224
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Nsukezinhle Zulu

He keeps having dreams, and he can’t remember them when he wakes up, the
only thing he remembers about them is the fact that he hears a baby crying. He
doesn’t know how to interpret them, and Paloma isn’t here anymore, he would
ask her. She didn’t even say goodbye, they all heard from Vukani that she woke
up one day, packed her bags and left. He says he tried to stop her but she didn’t
budge.
Their relationship is still rocky, but it’s just the two of them in the house
majority of the times, they converse sometimes, and sometimes, he follows him
to the fields to learn a few things about the agriculture from him. They weren’t
lying when they said he has wisdom, he was just too angry to see it, and too
prideful to admit it.
They are sitting having lunch in the dining room, served by the helpers. They
came back from the fields after working the soil, hungry, thirsty and dirty. They
are sitting eating in silence. This dream thing is bothering him, maybe he can
give him some insight.
“Do you know how to interpret dreams?” he asks him.
“Angisona isangoma mina.” he answers, staring at him.
“I know you aren’t, but I’ve been having this recurring dream and it’s bothering
me.” he says.
He’s really desperate.
“What happens in the dream?” he gives in a little enthusiasm.
“I don’t ever remember it much when I wake up, but I always hear a baby crying
before I do. I don’t know what that could mean.”
“Baby crying? Did you make anyone pregnant?” Vukani says jokingly.

225
 Destined
But it doesn’t get across as a joke because he chokes. This quickly gets Vukani’s
attention. He raises his eyebrow at him.
“Wenzeni mfana omncane?” he asks staring at him.
“I may have had unprotected sex with this girl.” he says and rubs his neck.
Vukani just laughs.
“So has she told you anything?” he asks.
“No, we haven’t spoken, I didn’t get her number, I don’t even remember her
name.” he says.
Vukani continues to shake his head, and quietly shoves a spoonful of food in his
mouth.
“So how do you want me to help you when you don’t even remember this girls
name? Where did you even sleep with her, you’ve been here all these months.”
“It happened last month.” he confesses.
Vukani’s eyes squint.
“Here at home, it was Ma’ Mfusi’s sister.” Vukani’s eyes widen.
“You said you wanted to marry Ma’ Mfusi but you go ahead and fuck her
sister?” he asks and laughs at him mockingly.
“She doesn’t know that.” Nsuke defends.
“Well she probably does now, those people tell each other everything.”
“What do you suggest I do?” Nsuke asks.
“Oh so now my opinion matters?” Vukani asks raising an eyebrow.
Nsuke rolls his eyes.
“It doesn’t, but what would you do?” he says, too prideful to ask for the help he
needs.

226
 Destined
“Well I would track her down, it won’t be hard, you know Paloma. But good
luck trying to get her to respond to your messages.” he says, hurt visible on his
face.
Nsuke sighs. They did vow to keep things between the two of them, pregnancy
was not on the cards, and he pulled out. This could potentially tie them together
forever, and his family may force him to marry her if she’s pregnant. He can’t
marry a fireball like that, she’s so headstrong, and seems like a dominant and
opinionated girl, he doesn’t need someone like that, he needs a soft and
submissive girl like Zothile and Paloma.
“Ihhe yazi niyadlala nina. How can you sleep with a girl and forget her name?”
Vukani asks still laughing.
“She threw herself at me.” he defends.
“And you caught her, very smart. How sad, you impregnate on your first rodeo.”
Vukani says standing up.
“It shows that I’m a man.” he mumbles.
Vukani heard that, and Nsuke only realizes later how insensitive it was for him
to say that. But he won’t apologize.
Vukani takes his empty plate and walks towards the kitchen. He can finally enter
the kitchen, for the longest time he battled to go there. He couldn’t bear to walk
in there without seeing the image of Hayley lying in her own pool of blood,
lifeless.
He’s barely healing, especially with everything going on. He was already broken
when Hayley left, he felt like his world was coming to and end. But Paloma
reassured him, and those words of comfort went a long way in making him
come to terms with her death, no matter how hard it was for him. She became
the only thing that kept him sane in those two days filled with drama and chaos
from Hayley’s family, although she stayed far from him.
He thought maybe he was giving him the rightful space to deal with it all, and
after all has settled down, then maybe they could finally talk about them. And no
he didn’t feel guilty or feel like he was replacing Hayley, no one could ever take

227
 Destined
her place in his heart, and she died knowing that Paloma was there in his heart
too. So when she packed her bags and left, he felt alone all over again, just like
how he felt when Zwelibanzi died, and his mother went mental.
Being the man that he is now, he tried not to shut down, and try to stay positive,
to stop him from going back to that dark place of heartache and suffering, but
it’s been so impossible, not when everything has been going south for him. The
thought that he came here with everything, happiness, love, a loving wife, and
he was finally going to be a father. Now he’s going back, and he has nothing.
He’s slowly sinking back to that hole of depression, but he’s trying hard to
ignore it, by going to the fields, and doing what he loves, but everyday it gets
harder and harder. Nsuke’s comment just seemed to add salt to that already wide
open wound. Maybe he is making the right decision by going back to Canada. It
might not ever be the same again without Hayley, but that is the only home
where he found peace, this place has brought him nothing but pain and heartache.

Paloma Mfusi

Mom and Christian are visiting us for the March holidays, it’s only a week of
holidays, and soon Christian will be going back to school. It’s been two days
since they arrived, and Zita and I have been successfully keeping this secret
from mom. She doesn’t seem to suspect a thing, but now I think it’s time we tell
her.
The reason why is I don’t want her to find out later, and hate us for keeping such
a big thing from her. I don’t know why I’m not afraid of telling her, I’m more
afraid of Dad. Zita on the other hand, is so scared, and I understand, this could
either go really badly, or she will shout, be disappointed and help us find a
solution.
She’s sitting in the lounge watch a reality show. When she came here, she
shouted at us for always leaving her alone and locking ourselves up in our rooms.
So I go to Zita’s room.

228
 Destined
“Darling, let’s go chill with mom.” I say.
“No, what if she suspects something?” she’s too jumpy.
“She’s going to be suspicious if we keep avoiding her, and she knows we always
sit with her, so just come.” I say.
She’s not happy with me, but she forces herself out of bed, and takes her fleece
with her. She’s barely a month pregnant, mom won’t suspect a thing.
She smiles when we enter the lounge.
“Finally, you guys have been in your rooms since I arrived, what are you hiding
from me.” I see panic on Zita’s face.
I try to keep it cool, and just laugh.
“We’ve just gotten used to staying in our rooms.” we sit down.
“Mmh, so tell me, who are you guys dating?” she says curiously.
I laugh.
“I thought you were watching.” I say trying my best to avoid this topic, because
Zita is not her normal self, she will act out.
“No, these are repeats, I’ve watched them. I feel like you girls don’t tell me
anything. You know I never had a mom or a sister to share these things with, so
please, share with me. This is a safe space.” she really looks excited, she’s even
sitting up.
Zita and I share a look. Okay, I don’t think she suspects anything, she’s just
wanting to bond with us.
“You know I don’t date mom, and you know I would tell you if I was.” I start.
“But you had that thing with the regent king.” I really don’t want to talk about
Vukani right now, but if I don’t the topic will shift to Zita, and we can’t have
that.
“It was only a few kisses, and they were never meant to happen mama, he was a
married man.” I say.
229
 Destined
My heart hurts whenever I talk about this man, and Zita keeps looking at me
because she knows.
“I don’t think I’m ever going to date.” I say.
“Oh my Dove, love is such a beautiful thing, and it always hits you so
unexpectedly. Don’t ever run away from love because it is the only feeling on
this planet that will ever give you fulfillment. When I fell in love with your
father, I felt that life was finally complete, although we had challenges in our
dating life, and married life, I still couldn’t imagine a life without him. You’ll
find that one day, and when you do, don’t give it up because it never comes
twice.” she says.
I nod. This feeling in my heart is…I don’t know. My heart is sitting in my throat.
Maybe I had found that, but I let it go before I could even let it grow. All of this
is putting ideas in my head.
“And you? You are always dating.” she says to Zita.
She chokes, and covers it up with a laugh.
“I’m taking a break from all of that.” she says with a straight face.
“Okay, that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes you just need time to discover yourself,
because some of your relationships don’t work because you haven’t spent time
with yourself.” mom is so wise.
“How did you and daddy meet again?” we all know the story, but it’s always fun
to ask. The joy she always has in her eyes when she tells it.
She starts off by giving a soft laugh.
“So I have a secret to tell you guys. I think maybe I can tell you because you are
older.” oh no, don’t tell me they were lying to us this whole time.
“Mom please don’t say the Mc’ Donald’s story is not true.” Zita says getting
comfy on the couch.
Finally, she looks less tense now.

230
 Destined
“No, it is true, it was just a halved and censored version. You were still too
young so we couldn’t really tell you everything.”
“My whole life is a lie.” Zita says, we all laugh.
“No, we did meet at Mc’ Donald’s, and he spilled the drink on my dress. Then I
didn’t know him, but after that day, well I did stalk him a little, and had a little
crush on him. Your dad was one of those rich pretty boys that you see on social
media. He was very well known, and everyone then called him by his second
name, Andrew. I don’t quite remember how we reconnected after the Mc’ D
saga, whether it was at a restaurant, or he called me, it’s really foggy, but soon
after that, we became mates.” Zita and I shared a look.
“What are mates?” Zita asks before I can.
“Friends with benefits, fuck buddies if you may. That thing of no strings
attached.” someone come sweep my jaw from the floor.
I would have never thought! Yeah they definitely gave us a censored version of
their relationship.
“Ma!” I exclaim.
“Yes, but you guys are not allowed to have them. He was a cold person then, he
was suffering from past trauma, after your biological mom passed, and all the
other things going on in his life. But we started getting close, he started taking
me to his parents house for sleepovers instead of booking hotels, we would talk
for hours and he would come to my place, and met my dad.”
“Grandpa knew about dad before you guys started dating?” I ask.
This is all news to me. From my knowledge, they met, fell in love, and three
years later, they got engaged, got married and had Zita.
“Yes, Mvelo was the troublesome boy that dad always loved to hate. This one
time, we hadn’t spoken for months, and he came to my house to apologize.
When I tell you that he refused to leave when my dad came home, I was so
scared I’d get a whooping for the first time that day.” we both laugh.
“Was dad your first?” Zita asks.

231
 Destined
“No, he wasn’t. He was my second and last boyfriend. You know we were
scared of having children. For the longest time we had agreed that it was just
going to be Paloma, and we would not have anymore. But we slowly started
falling in love with the idea of having a family, and when you came,
Ziphozenkosi, everything just made sense.” Zita smiled.
“How does it feel, having a baby?” she asks.
You can tell that she’s fearful, but trying to mask it. Mom doesn’t suspect a
thing.
“It’s the best experience in the world. Your baby becomes your whole life, and
takes up all the love in your heart. It’s always love at first sight. It’s a little
overwhelming at first, but if you have a partner who is present, it is such a
smooth transition. Your father was there for your birth and your brother’s birth,
and he supported me through the mothering journey.” Zita nods.
“Yini usucabanga ukuba nengane yini?” she asks jokingly.
Zita keeps a serious face, before she looks down. Mom frowns and looks at me.
“Paloma what’s wrong with your sister?” she’s still asking jokingly.
But I also can’t seem to answer her, so I keep quiet.
“One of you better start talking.” she’s getting frustrated.
“Ma, please calm down, and don’t crucify us too much for what we are about to
tell you.” I say.
She keeps her eyes on Zita, who just has her head bowed. She’s sold herself
away.
“Who’s pregnant between the two of you?” I know for a fact deep down she’s
hoping it’s not Zita.
Zita is still young, and to be honest, she was given more freedom than me. But
that was only because of my ancestral calling. If I didn’t, maybe we would be on
the same level. But yet again, I’m no socialite. My heart is suddenly pounding,
and the words won’t leave my mouth.

232
 Destined
“It’s me mom.” she confesses.
She still won’t lift her head. Mom just exhales deeply and covers her face. She
doesn’t answer.
This just went from a girls bonding session to a moment of truth.
“I’m sorry mom, I know I’ve disappointed you and the whole family, it was a
mistake.” she says, her voice is breaking.
Mom is still quiet. I’m sitting her just numb, normally, I have something to say,
but right now, I’m at a loss of words.
“Mistake Ziphozenkosi? Mistake?” she says lifting her head.
Her eyes have gone red. She looks ready to murder her. Zita is shaking.
“Who is he?” she asks.
We both keep quiet.
“Who is he!” she asks again, shouting this time.
“The prince.” I say.
Her eyes move from Zita to me.
“So you all planned this, it was a plan.” she’s asking me this question.
“No mama, it wasn’t Paloma’s fault, she didn’t know anything.” she defends me.
“Do you know what a mistake is Ziphozenkosi? A mistake is leaving the stove
on, not climbing on a boys dick and letting him cum inside you. That’s not a
mistake.” she shouts.
“What will I tell your father, you are only 19? I was the one who convinced him
to let you take this gap year, only for you to what? To fall pregnant? He’s going
to kill me.” she says holding her face.
Zita whispers a low sorry.
“Does he know, the prince?”

233
 Destined
We both shake our heads.
“Yabonake njengoba bewo-boozom friend bakho, you are going to tell them
about this.” she says to me.
She’s so mad, and my mom is never mad.
“But he will want to marry me mom, I don’t want to marry him.” Zita says.
Wrong move.
“So what must happen, you will raise this baby alone? Do you know what
happened to Isabelle when she fell pregnant at 19 with you, her mom kicked her
out. Your father will never let you become a single mother at this age, while the
father is alive and kicking, especially when he had to step up and become a
father too at his age. So this is not about you, it’s your ‘mistake’ angithi, fix it
ke!” she shouts.
Yes, I’m a product of teenage pregnancy. Maybe it’s a Mfusi thing.
I can’t even begin to imagine what dad’s reaction will be like. I’m petrified.
She can’t stand to look at us any longer, so she stands up and leaves us. I go sit
next to Zita and hug and comfort her. She’s not crying, she’s just shaking.
“It’s going to be okay.” I say.
These are just words, I don’t believe them myself, how do I expect her to
believe them. I hope mom finds it in her heart to forgive us.

234
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Paloma Mfusi

“Mafusi amahle, bogogo nomkhulu, Vundisa, Linda kaNonkosi, we are asking

that you bless our journey this morning as the women make their way to
Zululand, kumhlaba woZulu, oMageba, beyobika nasi isisu sabo. We ask that
you protect them on the journey, and you soften their hearts.” Zita’s hand is tight
around mine.
It’s 03:30 in the morning, my dad is speaking to the ancestors and two of my
aunts are here, we are going to Zululand to report Zita’s pregnancy. When he’s
done talking, he gets up and leaves the rondavel. He’s still very much angry at
all of this, you could hear it in the way he spoke.
Telling him was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. Mom sat there
and kept her mouth shut like she didn’t know a single thing. I had to do the
talking, and obviously I got the bad end of the stick first. It’s been a week since
that happened, but Mvelwenhle Mfusi is still not talking to either of us.
Everything he needed from us, he would ask mom to ask. I don’t blame him, but
it’s enough now, nothing is going to change.
I help my sister up and we walk out the rondavel after the rest of them leave.
“Will he ever forgive me?” Zita ask, a pain in her voice.
“He will, don’t worry.” I comfort.
We are all heading to the car. Auntie Khauhelo and Lindelwa are coming with
us, they are not really the best candidates for this job, but they are dad’s sisters,
and my mom needs the support. I hope they don’t cause chaos there. I’m also
going because I know the Zulu’s personally, and more importantly, to support
Zita.
Mom and dad are standing by the car, dad is talking to mom, then he pulls her
closer and kisses her. He looks so stressed, so drained.
“I made him like that?” Zita asks.

235
 Destined
I don’t even have the energy to answer her. As we draw closer, dad kisses mom
one last time, before he walks past us like we are invisible. My heart breaks.
Mom climbs in the car, and we follow suit, Auntie Helo and Lindelwa are
already inside.
“At least umithele ebukhosini, those are standards.” Auntie Li says.
Mom sends her a death stare, this promises to be a chaotic day, and it hasn’t
even started.

•••

We are approaching the royal palace, it’s just hit 07:30, an hour earlier than we
anticipated to arrive. We had minimal bathroom stops on the way, and Mdluli
was heavy on the accelerator. Zita is sleeping on my lap.
“Wake her up.” Auntie Helo says to me.
She’s so peaceful, she was silently crying before she slept, I know she’s in so
much pain. I shake her gently.
“Wake up sis, we are almost here.” to her it might just feel like a dream she
wished she would wake up from, but it’s her reality.
She sits up and rubs her eyes, looking out the window. We are now driving
through the gate, this long dreaded drive up to the turning circle.
“The pictures don’t do this place any justice, it’s so beautiful.” Auntie Li
admires.
My heart is beating in my ears as we get closer and closer. There are a lot of
memories I made here, in just a month, I created memories that haunt my
dreams, and my ancestors don’t.
When the car stops, mom instructs me to be the one that hops out first. The
doors are already open, and prince Mandlenkosi walks out. A big smile lands on
his face when he sees me.
236
 Destined
“Ma’ Mfusi, what a great surprise.” it truly will be.
“Mntwana.” I bow.
“What do we owe the pleasure? You left such a long time ago.” he says walking
down to where I am.
It’s been 3 months since I left this place, it still feels like yesterday ago.
“I have brought my aunts, and my mother with me to report a damage that has
been done by the Zulu’s.” his smile fades.
He looks down on me and frowns, he thinks it’s me.
“Is the queen back yet?” I asked.
“Yes, but she is only visiting. You are welcome inside.” he says showing me the
door.
I bow for him before going back to the car and tell them they can come.
“Is the queen here?” mom asks.
“Yes, she is.” I say and clear my throat.
I can see the panic in Zita’s eyes, she didn’t meet her when she came here, she’s
bound to panic.
They get out of the car and Mom and auntie Helo lead the way. I can’t walk in
front, I have to support my sister, and she has to be at the back. Mom stops at
the door.
“Sikhulekile koMageba.” she says.
Auntie Li is tall, so I can’t see who it is in the lounge. My heart is racing, Zita’s
hand in sweating in mine.
“You may come in, you are welcome.” it’s the queen.
They walk in, and when we do, she has her back turned from us, she hasn’t seen
that it’s me. She’s still wearing pajamas.
“You may take a seat.” her belly is now showing, she looks so radiant.
237
 Destined
She frowns at me when our eyes meet, and confusion is etched on her face.
“Is it Nsuke or Vukani.” she hasn’t even sat down.
She’s staring directly at me. I clear my throat. She thinks it’s me, it’s not me,
I’m sealed.
“It’s Nsuke my queen.” she sighs.
She struggles to sit down and when she finally does, she turns to my mom.
“My queen, thank you for welcoming us into your home. Although we don’t
come bearing the best of news.” she says.
“So I’m having a baby as the same time as my son? What kind of madness is
that?” she says shaking her head.
She still thinks it’s me.
“She is in her third month now, and she claims that it is umntwana wendlunkulu
who has made her pregnant.” Auntie Helo says.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” Zita lifts her head.
“Yes your majesty.” she responds and bows.
The queen looks at me.
“Is it not you?” she asks looking directly at me.
“No my queen, it is not me.” I say.
There seems to be a wave of anger flashing in her eyes.
“Sis’ Melo, call that boy for me!” she shouts.
Sis’ Melo dashes as fast as she was called.
“How much of a coincidence is this?” she asks my mom.
“They say it happened on the night of his ceremony, when she stayed behind to
bond with her sister.”

238
 Destined
“And the bonding happened with my son.” the queen is just as cheeky as my
mom, they sound exactly the same.
Nsuke comes out of his room, dragging his slippers. He looks like he’s just been
woken up from a deep sleep.
“Mawami.” I can feel Zita cringing next to me.
This is her baby daddy.
“This young lady right here says that you made her pregnant.” she blatantly puts
it.
Nsuke chokes. Zita quickly lifts her head.
“Did you sleep with her?” his mother asks.
His eyes lock with mine, but I maintain a poker face, I’m not his friend, and I’m
not on the Zulu side today, I’m on the Mfusi side.
“I did.” he says looking away in embarrassment.
“She’s carrying your heir. Do you know that now you have marry her and your
coronation preparations have to be sped up, so this child is not born out of
wedlock? Do you know that the person in her tummy will have to be the one
who will ascend the throne when you are no more, do you see the consequences
of your actions, doing things without thinking. Do you even love her?” she’s not
shouting, but she’s so angry it can’t be missed.
He looks at me, then looks at Zita, his eyes stay on her for a little longer. Then
he looks back at me.
“I do.” he’s lying through his teeth.
Zita frowns, and looks at me, she wants me to say something. I can’t say
anything, that’s what he feels I guess.
“So you will marry her?” he looks at Zita again.
She’s shaking her head at him, and tears are cascading down her face.
“Yes, I will.” I can feel the heat from where I’m sitting.
239
 Destined
Mom looks at the both of us, Zita is crying silently.
“I think that should be a decision they take together your majesty.” mom
intervenes.
She’s feeling sorry for Zita. No matter how angry she is at her, she’s still her
daughter, and she loves her. She doesn’t want her to feel pain.
“They can’t be trusted to be left alone.” the queen says.
“Paloma can sit in with them.” ME?
The queen turns to look at me.
“That’s fine with you?” I’m being pushed into a corner.
“Yes my queen.” the parents are staring at each other.
You can see that Nsuke hasn’t recovered from the shock, and well Zita is trying
to keep it together, but she’s failing dismally.
Well, it’s time to play policemen. They act as if I was there when they decided
to exchange bodily fluids. I didn’t open her legs, neither did I insert his penis
inside her. But she’s my sister, and I’m here to support her. And it’s not like
they can make another baby over this one.

•••

“You love me? Really? You?” she says as soon as they walk into the room.
I haven’t even closed the door. I don’t understand why I have to be here.
“What did you want me to say? That I don’t so my mom can kill me?” she
chuckles bitterly.
“Not only are you young and immature, but you are also a mama’s boy. Oh lord
what was I thinking.” she says holding her head in panic.
“Would you stop shouting at each other and have a civil conversation.” I say.
240
 Destined
“Talk to your sister.” Nsuke says pointing at her.
“Both of you just calm down, and speak to each other like adults.” I say calming
my voice.
Nsuke walks closer to where Zita is sitting, she’s rocking back and forth like
she’s traumatized.
“Look, what’s done is done, right. There isn’t anything we can do about it. I
always knew that my reality included marrying young and having an heir, but I
thought it would be someone I loved. Now that I am in this situation, I won’t
choose someone I love over my own blood, and you are carrying my blood, the
future king or queen of Zululand. I don’t want my child to be far from me, and I
wouldn’t want them to grow up with a step mother, when I didn’t, and I had
both my parents under one roof. We could learn to tolerate each other.” he says.
“I can’t give up my life to be a wife, a Zulu wife even worse? What about my
parties, and my instagram followers? What about getting my dream job, going
on vacations and having millions just lying around for leisure. I want to make
mjolo content like all the other kids out there, and I won’t get that if I marry you.
I can’t.” she’s sobbing.
I can’t help but shake my head. She’s not wanting this marriage for all the
wrong reasons. Maybe both of them are just a little immature. I wonder what
kind of parents they will make.
“Being a wife doesn’t restrict you from doing all of those things, you will
continue to live your life like you have, the only difference is you will be a mom,
a wife, and move locations, and become a woman with responsibilities.
Vacations and millions will be at your display.” I love the empty promises.
“But you don’t love me Nsuke.” she whines.
He grabs her hands, holds them tightly, and kisses them.
“I can learn to love you, the same way you will also learn to love me. But please,
think this through. You will have all that you could ever want, and your baby,
our baby will grow up in their home, witnessing their parents.”

241
 Destined
Although he found out today about this pregnancy, he seems like someone who
knew a long time ago, and thought about this. Zita still very much looks hesitant.
“Can I think about it?” she asks, her voice is strained.
“You can, but don’t take too long because if we do get married, it has to be
before you start showing.” he says and stands up.
He’s so cold towards her, even I can see it. I don’t know how I feel about that.
His approach for wanting this marriage is driven by all the right reasons, but do I
really want my sister to put herself in such a commitment? I don’t know. Both of
them are still young, and very inexperienced, and immature. They barely know
each other, marriage is a big step. What if all these promises don’t happen, and
what if they never learn to love each other like he claims they would. Then my
sister would have given up her whole life and happiness to serve and protect her
baby.
How funny is it that I’m in the exact situation, and I didn’t follow my heart, but
did what I thought was best, now my life is miserable and I’m keeping watching
of grown people so they don’t have sex again. I should maybe start practicing
what I preach.

242
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Paloma Mfusi

I feel like I’m partially responsible for enabling my sister to make the wrong
decisions. She’s been crying all morning, and she can’t even hide the hurt she is
feeling. Everyone keeps telling her that she solely made this decision herself, so
she doesn’t have the right to be crying the house down like she was forced.
But they weren’t in that room with us, they didn’t hear the things that Nsuke
promised her that day. He made it so that she was pushed into a corner, and
made it seem as though if she didn’t choose this, she would be destroying her
child’s life, and no matter how they came about, I can tell she already has
developed those little feelings towards the baby.
Today is her lobola day. Things are moving at the speed of lightning, I think
that’s why she’s so emotional. It hasn’t even been two weeks since we came
back from the palace but the delegates sent a letter last Friday announcing their
arrival today. The rest of the family, like my uncles and mama and other aunts
don’t know the real reason behind the hurried marriage, to them, they fell in love,
and she’s marrying him because he’s about to get coronated.
I thought dad was mad when he found out about the pregnancy, but that wasn’t
close to what he is now. I don’t even have the words, it’s sour here, I wish I
could just crawl away and hide. It doesn’t make it any better to know that I’m no
longer having dreams, my ancestors are just gone, gone! How does that even
happen?
The ancestors I chose over my happiness are dormant. I don’t know if they left
me completely, or if they are mad at me and I have to beg for their forgiveness,
but with every passing day I sit and start to regret the decision I made slowly but
surely.
Vukani stopped sending me messages, I don’t know why that hurt me so much,
but everyday I can’t stop myself from going to check if he hadn’t sent anything,
and I always get disappointed when I don’t find a thing. It’s selfish of me to
keep thinking he will always run around and beg me when I made it clear not
243
 Destined
only with my words but with my actions that I don’t want him near me. But
slowly everyday I regret it, and wish I had done things differently.
Uncle Mthonga is the one heading the negotiations today. They have been in
that living room since dawn. I don’t know why they arrived so early, but these
discussions are sure taking a hell of a lot of time. I never thought my sister
would get married before I did. And never in a million dreams did I think she
would be the future queen of Zululand.
Auntie Helo comes to us in the room. She’s the only one who’s been a little
kinder to Zita in this whole situation. She kind of underwent a similar situation
to hers, she understands how being judged feels like.
“They are asking for the flowers.” she says smiling.
“Are we the flowers?” I ask laughing as I stand up.
“Yes baby, the beautiful flowers of the Mfusi’s.”
“And what happens if they pick the wrong person? Will they leave?” Zita asks.
We both laugh at her.
“No, they will pay a fine.” Auntie explains.
She doesn’t look impressed.
“Look baby, I know this may not seem ideal for you, and you are afraid of what
life may have in store for you, but you guys are both young, you will grow
together, and experience life together. All the things you haven’t explored, and
all the things he hasn’t explored, he will do them with you as his wife, and you
will with him as your husband. And he’s rich so you are not decreasing your
standards by marrying him. Don’t cry baby.” she comforts Zita.
When she wipes her tears and calms down, we cover ourselves with blankets,
and we slowly head to the living room and we kneel on the mat. There’s
indistinct chatter. Uncle Mthonga announces our presence, and tells them to pick
between the two of us. I think they pick the right one because Zita gets
uncovered.

244
 Destined
“Ziphozenkosi, do you know these people.” she probably doesn’t know a single
face she’s seeing, and she has the option of saying no, but she doesn’t.
“Yes malume I know them.” she says in a low voice.
Even without having to look at her, I can hear the absolute fear in her voice. It’s
easy to say she put herself in this situation, but everyone makes bad decisions,
and you never anticipate that they could have such terrible consequences in the
end, because they feel right in the moment. But that’s just how life works I
guess. This is literally the beginning of a whole new different life for all of us,
and I was still trying to figure out my old one. I don’t know what it has in store
for us.

•••

I think the Zulu’s are up to something. The family and I are currently getting
ready to go to Umhlanga, we weren’t told what exactly we would be doing there,
but I know for a fact that it has to do with the royal family.
I have never worn make-up before, but there is a make-up artist here, and she
has done my face. I don’t know how to feel about that, those are Zita’s things.
But everyone keeps complimenting me. I’m wearing a blue satin evening dress,
I think mom bought it for me because it is not my style at all, but as I’m staring
at myself in the mirror, I’m impressed. Zita is in a similar dress to mine, but
her’s is a different colour. Her bump is still very much non existent so she’s at
an advantage.
“We are already late, let’s go.” mom says bursting into my room where Zita and
I are getting ready.
She’s a bit better than she was now, she’s loosened up a bit and she may not be
the normal mom we are used to, but slowly but surely she will go back.
“Will you tell us where we are going?” I ask.

245
 Destined
“We are going to a family dinner, we have a reservation at Umhlanga, just a
little celebratory dinner for Zita.” she’s shocked.
She thought there was nothing to celebrate with this whole arrangement.
“And dad is in on it?” she asks.
“Yes, he is.” mom says.
“We will be late, come please. You both look absolutely beautiful.” she says and
leaves the room.
We follow her out the room after we have gathered all our belongings and we
wait as we are allocated our transport. Zita and I are driving with dad. He’s
playing music, and both of us are sitting at the back. He hasn’t breathed a word
to us since the trip started.
It’s so unlike us to travel in silence, especially because of the kind of
relationship we have with our dad. Normally, he would offer us to play our
music, and we would jam out all together, and we would teach him our music.
None of that is happening today because this man is mad at us.
Zita is texting on her phone, and a few seconds later, my phone vibrates.
Do you think Nsuke will be there?-Zita
Idk, maybe, I’m still shocked that dad is also in on this. If the royal family isn’t
there, then that means he paid for everything.-Paloma
That is insane!! he isn’t even talking to me, why would he pay for my
celebratory engagement dinner??-Zita
People don’t know about the pregnancy, so he’s buying face, to pretend he is
happy about the engagement. It’s not everyday your daughter marries into the
royal family.- Paloma
She sends rolling eye emoji’s.
He’s so petty, I can’t with him.- Zita
One thing about my sister and I, we will gossip over text. Daddy is being petty
though, I absolutely agree. He seriously has not breathed a word to us since this
246
 Destined
whole thing happened. He honestly can’t avoid us forever though, there’s going
to be a point where he will be forced to speak to us, and what will he do then?
We arrive at the hotel, there is a valet on standby ready to meet us and take the
car. We start to make our way inside the venue. I find myself marveling at the
beauty of the finer side of life. Dad is walking in front of us, and I can’t help but
look around and admire the place. It’s absolutely breathtaking, I’ve never been
here before, and my curiosity is peaking. I wonder what awaits us inside the
venue.
We continue to follow in silence, the lady of the moment swabbing my hand
every now and then. I feel a sense of excitement coming from her, who wouldn’t
be excited, this place is beautiful. But I haven’t seen this side of her in a long
time, I’m happy.
We are heading in the direction of the conference room, and as soon as we enter,
we see the beauty of the set up. It looks like a wonderland. There is a long
dinner table with a beautiful set up, candles on the table brightly lit up the whole
room, giving it an ambiance. There are a few faces I recognize. My whole
immediate family is here, mama is here, and more shockingly, although I kind of
expected it, the Zulu’s are here. Zita is just as shocked as me.
The queen is also here with her big baby bump, looking so gorgeous it should be
illegal.
“No way.” Zita whispers to me.
I can’t help but giggle. I wonder when they put all of this together, it has Khaya
written all over it though. The queen is making her way to us, and I can feel the
panic coming from Zita.
“Congratulations Mrs Zulu to be.” she says grabbing Zita’s hands and squeezing
them.
They hug tightly. I don’t know if she’s really good at pretending or if she’s
being genuine. She didn’t strike me as a person that was happy about this whole
arrangement.
“Thank you your majesty.” Zita says and bows.

247
 Destined
“And soon it will be you.” Zita chuckles shyly.
The queen then proceeds to greet me and she gives me a hug.
“You left and you never looked back.” she says to me.
I give an awkward chuckle.
“It’s okay, maybe now I’ll come home, I have a new daughter.” she says as she
proceeds to pull my sister, she suddenly looks livelier.
Maybe they will get along. I watch them walking along together, she’s taken her
to her side of the family to meet them. I’m scanning the room, I’m not ready to
go mingle with my family yet, they will ask me never ending questions. My eyes
are searching for the man in question, he’s not here, neither is his brother.
A waiter comes to me with a tray of champagne.
“Is it alcoholic?”
“No ma’am.” he replies.
I take a glass and thank him before he goes.
I’m looking around, everyone is standing with another person, and everyone is
socializing, some of my family socializing with the Zulu’s, and the queen is
busy taking Zita around to meet every single family member one by one. She’s
smiling from ear to ear. She doesn’t look unhappy like she usually does.
“She looks happy.” I turn to my side, and it’s my dad.
I’m so shocked, he hasn’t spoken to us in days.
“Daddy?” I’m still in shock.
“Is she really happy, and is this what she really wants?” he asks.
His eyes keep moving in Zita’s direction. Is he asking me because he wants an
answer or?
“She is happy daddy, but she won’t be okay if you continue to give her the silent
treatment, that hurts her.” he sighs.

248
 Destined
“I’m angry at her. I’m angry at the both of you.” he says.
“You two were supposed to be my princesses, and never leave my side. You
guys weren’t meant to make the same mistakes I made. I may have healed from
the trauma I suffered with Isabelle, but the thought of it still scares me Paloma.
She’s the same age she was, what if she doesn’t make it?”
“Nothing is going to happen to her, she will be okay daddy.” I lean in and give
him a side hug.
He hugs me back, his heart is literally racing.
“Soon enough you will also tell me you are leaving me?” I don’t know if I have
the words to answer him.
Even I don’t have the answers to that question. I’m just the most confused and
complicated human being.
The clinking of a glass goes off, it’s auntie Helo.
“BaseNdlunkulu, I would like everyone to please make their way to the table so
the dinner can be served.”
I free from dad’s grip, and I walk in front of him to find my seat. There are name
cards on the table, and my seat is directly opposite an empty seat. Two people
are missing tonight, one of them is the groom to be. Zita is now sitting next to
her mother in law. This is another level of fancy.
There is chatter around the table as we eat our meal. I’m sitting alone, the only
people of my side are literally adults. I’m still stuck on the fact that this is a
celebratory engagement dinner but the groom to be is not here. Zita really
doesn’t seem to care that much.
“Why are you so quiet?” auntie Li says.
“I’m bored.” she laughs.
“Your sister has become a part of this family instantly, and she fits in perfectly.”
she adds.
“Where is the prince?” I whisper to her.
249
 Destined
She shrugs her shoulders.
“How come his family is here but he isn’t?” this makes absolutely no sense.
“I’ve been asking myself the same question the whole evening, maybe he’s
going to come later.” I don’t know why, but I don’t have such a good feeling
about this.
I look across at Zita and she’s looking at her phone, so I quickly pull mine out
and send her a text.
“Is Nsuke not coming?” I ask.
“No, he isn’t.” she replies.
That makes no sense at all.
I look up and see that she’s looking at me. I shrug my shoulders at her and she
does the same.
“Apparently, he’s not coming.” I tell auntie Li.
“That is so strange. But maybe it’s their culture.” she says and shrugs her
shoulders.
She doesn’t spend anymore time speaking to me, she’s back to conversing with
her sisters. I’m already full so I stand up, with the intention of going to the
bathroom.
“Are you feeling alright, I saw you, you were quiet.” mom asks putting a hand
on my arm.
“Yeah, I’m fine, I’m just going to the restrooms.” I report.
She nods and lets me go. My feet are sore as I walk through the quiet corridors
of the hotel. I’m not used to wearing heels, so my feet are aching.
I reach the door that leads to the rest room but the door opens before I can do
that. My heart sits in my throat when my eyes meet with his. For the first time in
my life, ever, whenever I look into his eyes, I don’t see the flames. My
temperature increases and I feel light headed. I haven’t seen him in three months,
three freaking months, and this is how I run into him?
250
 Destined
We just stare into each others eyes, mine are tearing up. He opens his arms for
me, his eyes are so sincere. I…
“Come here.” I don’t protest, I throw myself in his arms.
I don’t know why I’m crying, but I’m crying in his arms. As I’m inhaling his
scent, I realized just the extent in which I missed this man. The longing I felt in
there, that was the longing I felt to be with him, to be in his arms like I am right
now. This is what I have been secretly wanting and needing. I love him, I love
him so much and maybe I should stop running away from that.

Nsukezinhle Zulu

This has been the hardest week for him in his whole life, ever. Even writing his
matric finals wasn’t as stressful as this. The amount of pressure his mother is
putting on him to make this relationship and this marriage a success is not only
straining him and draining him mentally, but he spun himself into this web, and
the only way to get out is to obey his mother.
They paid lobola for Ziphozenkosi today, and then his mom insisted that this
engagement celebration dinner be held. He didn’t attend it because he was
forced to plan a nice surprise for her.
He’s obviously going to take the credit for this, but it wasn’t his idea, although
he doesn’t like him, Vukani did pull through and made his big head useful. He’s
on the roof of the hotel, there are rose petals on the floor, beautiful lights and a
ring. He suggested that he formally propose to her, so she can also have some
sense of normalcy in this relationship. He’s already doing a lot by pressuring her
to be in a loveless marriage, the least he can do is make it comfortable. He also
doesn’t want to be here, but she was doing him a favour, because she would
have been fine without him, but he wouldn’t have been without her. He knows
that very clearly, and she wasn’t afraid to point it out.

251
 Destined
He Googled some sweet words, and put in some effort in learning them so he
could recite them, and hope she had never heard them anywhere before. It’s the
thought that counts at the end of the day.
He texted his mom about 10 minutes ago telling her that they can now make
their way up to the roof. He’s ready, but he’s anxious as he keeps staring at his
watch, the nerves are slowly kicking in with every tok of the clock.
He can hear voices before he pulls out his phone to text again, so he stands
properly in position, and takes a deep breath in.
The door opens, and it’s just his mother and her, at least there isn’t a large
audience. She’s blindfolded, his mother is holding her hand. They are laughing
like old friends.
“It’s cold up here.” she says.
His mother just laughs.
“Okay, I’m going to remove the fold, are you ready?” his mom says.
She points a thumbs up in question at him, and he nods. She then slowly
unwraps the fold over Ziphozenkosi’s eyes. At first, she blinks a couple of times,
and when her eyes are clear enough for her to recognize what is going on, she
stares back at the queen, and then back at him.
“Go to your man.” his mom prompts her forward.
Nsuke gives a big grin at her. His palms are sweating, he doesn’t even know
why, he wasn’t nervous till now.
She’s strutting towards him, he didn’t realize how stunning she looked until she
came closer, she looks absolutely breathtaking.
“Hi Zee.” he says.
“Hi Nsuke.” she says and bows.
He has a smile on his face, and it somehow won’t leave his face, he’s absolutely
mesmerized by this beauty.
“How are you?” she just chuckles.
252
 Destined
“I’m good, how are you?” she asks.
“Yeah, I’m good. I’m just a little nervous.” she blushes.
“So why didn’t you come to the dinner?” she asks.
“I wanted to surprise you, are you surprised?”
“No, not yet. I knew you were here in this hotel somewhere.” she says, his smile
is infecting her.
The speech he prepared just went out his mind, and that has made him ten times
more nervous. He didn’t expect to see such a pretty figure standing in front of
him. He knew she was beautiful, but he hadn’t seen her like this before, she’s
just out of this world.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look?” she just shakes her head no.
He grabs her hands and pulls her closer. She takes two steps, and stands right in
front of him.
“You have to be the most beautiful girl I have ever laid my eyes on.” he says.
She giggles, she wants to roll her eyes, but she holds herself.
“Damn you are making me nervous, I prepared a speech and everything, but I’ve
forgotten it.” he says.
“Say what’s in your heart then.” he clears his throat.
He holds her hands tightly in his, and locks eyes with hers.
“I know this isn’t you wanted, and I know this isn’t what you imagined your life
would turn out, but there isn’t anything that time won’t heal. And I don’t
promise to always know what I’m doing, but I will never let your and my baby
down. I owe it to you, your family for giving me this chance, and my people, the
whole of Zululand. So with that, I wouldn’t be trying if I didn’t do this.” he
swallows hard and bends on one knee.
Tears well in her eyes. They skipped a lot of steps to get here, but the thought
that he’s doing this puts a smile on her face, and her heart at ease.

253
 Destined
“So, Ziphozenkosi Mfusi, will you be my missus?” he opened the box.
When her eyes landed on the big diamond inside the box, her eyes widened.
“No way Nsuke.” she’s shocked.
He chuckles.
“My knee is starting to hurt.” he says taking out the ring from the box.
He gently pulls her right hand.
“Not this one dummy.” he laughs and takes the right hand.
“Yes?” he reassures.
“It’s not like I can say no.” she says giggling.
He shakes his head and slips the ring on her tiny finger.
“So now I’m going to be a queen?” she asks.
“Don’t push it, just a princess for now.” he says jokingly.
She punches his chest gently, before he squeezes her in a hug.
“Thank you, I know you don’t have to do this, but you are doing it, and I
appreciate it.”
She nods and lays her head on his shoulder.

254
 Destined
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Paloma Mfusi

They are all staying here, the Zulus. He has a room booked out, and he took me
there because I was a sobbing mess. I don’t know if I want to go home or not.
We’ve been talking for hours. It’s late now, and the only reason I’m not pushing
to go home is the fact that maybe I don’t want to let go of this moment. It is so
precious, just being in his presence. I feel at peace.
He just came back from taking a shower, he said he hadn’t taken a shower the
whole day, he didn’t explain why, I also didn’t ask. I’m trying to keep my eyes
away from him as he lotions his body, I don’t want to make him uncomfortable
by staring at him. He finishes quite quickly and before I know it, he’s sliding in
next to me. He places a kiss on my cheek, he smells so good and fresh, and he I
am with a full face of make-up still.
“Are you sleeping with me tonight?” he asks.
“It’s late now, I think most of my family has left already.” a huge grin spreads
across his face.
I have never shared a bed with a man before. I’m a little nervous.
“Okay, you should get comfortable then.” I nod.
I stand up and he does too. He’s looking through his suitcase for something I can
change into. I’m confused by the heaps of clothes he keeps pulling out in the bag.
This could easily be his whole wardrobe. How long is he planning on staying at
this hotel for him to pack if not his whole life, then half of it into a suitcase. Was
he kicked out the royal house?
I decide to keep the questions to myself, and take the black t-shirt he offers me. I
head to the bathroom and start by washing off the make-up on my face before
hopping into the shower. The warm water gently caresses my skin, it warms up
my whole body and has me longing for the warm touch of his hand on my skin.
He’s been holding back since I came here, he hasn’t attempted to kiss me, or do
anything else for that matter. And I definitely will not do that myself. I don’t
255
 Destined
know how I feel about that. Not that he should be obligated to do it, I was the
one that pushed him away, but I really just want to feel that feeling again, just a
little. This longing I have, it feels so wrong, but so right too. It’s making me
frisky and irritable, my heart seems to be racing, I want that feeling so badly.
I hop out of the shower, wrap my hair up in the towel and lotion my body. I’m
using his manly products, his scent is all over my body. His t-shirt fits me like a
short dress. I don’t have any underwear on, I shouldn’t have washed the one I
had on. What is he going to think of me, sleeping in the bed without any
underwear?
After catching my breath, I open the door, and find him standing there staring at
me. My heart almost stopped.
“I was starting to get worried.” he says chuckling awkwardly.
“I’m done.” I say.
I walk past him and although my back is facing him, I can feel his eyes piercing
through my skin. I’m too afraid to turn around and face him. My phone has been
switched off since I came into this room, it ran out of battery. I have no desire to
turn it on, I know mom is probably worried about me, I left going to the toilet,
and never came back. But I’m enjoying this moment, just being away from
people, and it being just me and this man. I can deal with everything else
tomorrow.
I feel arms snaking around me, then his warm breath on my neck. I turn back
and meet his face, it’s so close to mine, his breath is fanning my face.
“Now you look like my Paloma.” I laugh.
“So you don’t like me with make-up?” I ask.
I also don’t like myself with make-up, although I look gorgeous.
“I prefer this you, this is the you I fell in love with.” he drops his hands to my
waist and pulls my body closer to him.
His eyes are sparkling. I part my lips, I want him to kiss me now. His lips gently
touch mine, but he just pecks them. No, I don’t want a peck.

256
 Destined
I cup his face and pull him closer, and lock my lips with his. I don’t know where
I’m getting the confidence to do this, but he’s reciprocating with not complaints.
Soon enough, his hand slide under my bum, and he scoops me up from the
ground and has be wrapping my legs around him. My hand caress his bald head
as he slowly moves backwards in the direction of the bed. This feeling is slowly
coming back.
When he gently lays me on the bed, he leans in and continues to kiss me. I’m
trying to keep my legs closed because I have no underwear underneath, but he’s
in between my thighs, and the moment he realizes, I’m gone for. His hand is
gripping on my thigh, and then he slowly begins to move it further apart from
my other leg. After he does that I feel his body even closer to mine, and the kiss
is getting deeper.
From there his hand travels to my inner thigh, and his lips leave my mouth and
go to my neck. I don’t know what’s driving me more crazy between the neck
kisses or his hand on my thigh and him gently rubbing it. My breath hitches
when I feel his hand stroking my honeypot. He grumbles in my ear and he
continues to rub his fingers on it.
I feel wet down there, his fingers are slippery. A shock wave surges through my
body when he presses down on my beanie, and I can’t help the moan that
escapes my lips. His head leaves my neck and he looks me dead in the eyes, I
know I have a look of shock on my face, his finger continues to rub me in a
circular motion, my breathing patterns change and I arch my back. This feels
sooo good! Is this really the life I have been missing?
I feel him inserting a finger, and it slides in with no hassles, I gasp. Everyday I
disappoint my ancestors and lose my seat in heaven, but if this what impurity
feels like, I don’t want to be pure anymore.
“Are you still good?” he asks me.
His voice is so deep. How can I not be good when he’s making me feel like I’m
floating on a cloud. I can only offer him a nod, words can’t form each other in
my mouth.

257
 Destined
He takes that as an indication because he starts using his finger to pleasure me,
thrusting it in and out, sending me to the moon. I’m feeling a number of
overwhelming feelings when he starts doing this, my back is arching, my beanie
is pulsating, and my nipples are hard. There are vibrations in my legs, I don’t
know how to describe this feeling. He kisses me once again, and he quickens
the pace of his finger, while he also doubles down by pressing down on my
beanie. Immediately, my toes curl and I jerk up.
He stops kissing me immediately, removes his fingers from there, and lifts my
legs to his shoulders. He begins by removing the t-shirt and caresses my thighs.
He’s looking at my coochie like there is gold down there, I’m shivering like it’s
cold.
“This is the most beautiful treasure I have seen.” he praises.
I can’t help but blush. He goes on his knees, and proceeds to pull me to the edge
of the bed. His head disappears between my thighs, and I can’t help but exclaim.
Is this what you guys really do when you do the nasty? This is why it’s called
the nasty?
“Vukani.” I say.
He lifts his head and looks at me, his eyes are sparkling.
“Is that even allowed?” I ask.
He just chuckles, and parts my thighs, and uses his one hand to rub my nipple, it
doesn’t last long before he pushes me to lie back down.
“You tell me.” he says.
I feel his tongue on my beanie before he stars to gently suck on it.
“Oh my goodness!” I unintentionally shout from the pleasure.
That gives him an indication to continue. Oh my I don’t want him to stop, he
shouldn’t stop. I find myself trapping him in between my thighs, and he slurps
and licks me like I’m such a delicious meal. I’m slowly losing it, the feeling that
was close the other time is coming through quicker than it was the first time. I
suddenly feel the urge to let go of this thing that’s holding me back.

258
 Destined
“I think I need to go to the toilet Vukani.” I say holding his head.
“Let it go baby, don’t hold back, you are doing so well.” he says caressing my
thigh.
He’s not stopping, he’s alternating with his finger and his mouth to stimulate my
clit. I do as he says and I feel a rapture taking a hold of me as an explosion
erupts from my body. My legs shake and I hold my mouth and bite my tongue
from screaming out. Is that really what an orgasm feels like? That was the best
thing I have ever felt in my life, ever!
He gradually comes up, and stars by kissing my naval, then my chest, my boobs,
then my lips. I can taste the saltiness of my juices on his lips. The things these
men do.
He looks at me in the eyes and smiles at me warmly. I’m shy so I look away, but
he quickly makes me look back at him.
“You were so perfect mama, thank you.” he says and runs his finger on my face.
If anything, I should be thanking him.
“I love you.” he says.
I nod and wrap my hands around his neck and kiss him.
“I love you too.” I say.
His eyes glisten. I have no reason to hide it from him anymore, it feels like love,
I know it’s love.
He excuses himself to go fetch a towel. He comes back with it and wipes me,
it’s nice and warm. When I sit up, I see the tent on his front, that thing looks so
painful. He catches me looking at it.
“Is it painful?” I ask.
He laughs.
“No, it’s just irritating.” I don’t know what to say.

259
 Destined
He discards the towel on the table and walks closer to me. I look up at him
towering over me, I’m so curious, and curiosity killed the cat.
“What?” I ask shrugging my shoulders.
The way he’s looking at me makes me think he can read my mind.
“Do you want to see it?” he asks me.
I blink multiple times. I’m too scared to say yes. He takes my hand and places it
on the band of his shorts. I mean it’s only fair I get to see his, he saw mine right.
I slowly pull down the shorts and my virgin eyes feast upon the male organ for
the very first time in reality. I keep my eyes glued on his for a moment. Once
again, he grabs my hand, and make me wrap it around his hard shaft. Our eyes
don’t break contact.
“How do I do it?” I ask him.
“Like this.” he says directing my hand.
I see his eyes closing shut and he sucks his lip in between his teeth as I continue
using my hand. He’s moaning softly. I continue with the same pace and he
begins to get excited, his hand finds mine again, and he demonstrate for me to
go faster. I do as instructed, and he tilts his head in pleasure. I have never seen a
man like this before, how can I make him lose it like this with just basic hand
movements?
“Oh fuck Paloma.” he says holding onto my shoulder.
I continue going faster, and before I know it, he groans loudly, and there is
semen running down my hand, dripping on my thighs.
Damn!

•••

260
 Destined
We are cuddling after that session we had. He’s running his hands in my hair.
For the first time, human touch doesn’t annoy or bother me. Vukani is honestly a
different breed, he makes me feel things I never thought I would feel.
“How are things between you and your brother?” I mean we’ve spoken about
everything tonight.
Everything but his family and his wife. Did I mention that he’s wearing the
wedding band?
“Nsukezinhle? You mean him?” he asks.
“He’s your only brother.” I say.
“No, he isn’t, I have two other brothers from my mother.” he says.
“Okay, I mean Nsuke.” I add.
I can tell he’s trying to avoid the conversation. At first he keeps quiet, he doesn’t
speak for quiet a while.
“I’m not his friend, he’s not mine. I tolerated his presence until I couldn’t any
longer. I’ve accepted that we can never be close. So that’s why I’m giving him
space.” he says.
“Is that why you have brought all your things here, your suitcase and all?” I
finally ask.
He clears his throat and shifts uncomfortably.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” he says.
This is not going to be a good thing.
“I wanted to go back home…” he starts.
“Then go home.” I say. No one is stopping him from going home.
He’s still the regent king, he technically has to hand over the throne to Nsuke
first.
“No, home is in Canada. I’m going home. I had booked a flight for tomorrow.”
he says.
261
 Destined
Oh hell no. I sit up. It’s dark, I can’t see his facial expression, I want him to see
mine. I turn on the bedside lamp, he turns on his. I look at him. He looks guilty.
“And all this time I’m here with you you didn’t think to tell me that you are
leaving tomorrow?”
“I was waiting for the right time.” he says, a look of guilt dancing on his face.
“And you think this is the right time Vukani? After you made me so vulnerable
towards you, and made me show you this side of me, you will just up and leave
me? What about this love I have for you.” it hurts so much.
I did the exact same thing to him, and I feel it, it hurts.
He sighs.
“My life is in Canada. And I made this decision to go way before I knew I
would see you again. I sent you messages Paloma, I told you I would leave. I
would have left a long time ago, but bab’ Nkosi begged me to stay at least for
Nsuke’s lobola negotiations. I didn’t want to, Nsuke is a brat and he is
ungrateful and entitled. Him and I will never get along. Tonight wasn’t
something that was in my plans, you know I would never deliberately hurt you
Paloma, I love you.” I shake my head.
“No, you don’t. you would have told me sooner if you did. You would have
been honest with me and you wouldn’t have made me fall deeper in love with
you just for you to break my heart.” I say, my voice is breaking.
“I wanted this moment too Paloma, I wanted it as much as you did. Do you
know how much torture I suffered in the past three months? I lost my wife and
my baby, and then I proceeded to lose you. I’ve been miserable, I’m sorry that I
jumped at the opportunity to feel happy again.” he justifies.
He sounds like a selfish asshole.
“At the expense of my feeling Vukani? Really?” I say wiping my tears, I don’t
want to cry in front of him.
This night is not going the way I envisioned it to go.

262
 Destined
“I’m sorry Ma’ Mfusi, I’m sorry if you feel like I toyed with your feelings.” he
says reaching for my hands.
“Sorry doesn’t take the pain away.” I say and turn my back on him.
I lie down and switch off the lamp.
“So how can I take it away? Tell me and I’ll do it.” he begs, holding my waist.
I don’t say anything, I’m trying my best to hold back the tears from flooding my
eyes, but they are burning me. He kisses my cheek multiple times.
“I love you Ma’ Mfusi, ngikuthanda ngenhliziyo yami yonke.” he says, he
sounds apologetic.
But like I said, his love won’t take away the pain I’m feeling. It’s not nice when
the tables have been turned on me. So this is what they call karma. And he’s the
bigger person here for not once reminding me that I did the exact same thing to
him, I think that is what hurts me even more.

•••

The last time I was awake, I remember he was snoring in my ear, but he was
holding me very tightly in his arms. I had cried myself to sleep, I just couldn’t
bring myself to accept that he was leaving me the following day.
Now it’s morning, I know because there is light shining in the room. There is
wind outside, but that’s not what woke me up. What woke me up in his bold
voice speaking on the phone. He’s reprimanding someone, I can’t really tell who
it could be that he is speaking to, I’m still in a deep sleep, but he’s speaking.
“I’m not asking for a refund, I’m telling you to cancel the flight tickets, I’m no
longer going.” he re-emphasizes.
“NO, I am not rescheduling, I am canceling the ticket.” he adds.
“Yes, I am no longer going. So cancel all the tickets I have.”

263
 Destined
“Yes, they were business class flights.”
So he’s no longer going? I don’t want to shuffle too much and alert him. It
sounds like he’s done with the call so he gets up and comes back to bed. I can’t
keep my eyes closed any longer and as soon as he gets into the bed, he looks at
me.
“Ma’ Mfusi.” he smiles at me.
He leans in to give me a kiss on the lips. I’m still mad.
“I don’t like the fact that you went to bed angry with me, and seeing you crying
hurt me so much. I’m so sorry baby.” he says.
I close my eyes and draw in a deep breath. I then proceed to sit up and stare at
him.
“I’ve canceled my flights, I’m no longer going. I was mistaken to think that I
had nothing left for me here. I have you, I may have lost a lot since I arrived, but
God gave me you and I would be a fool to fumble that. I have taken this decision
because I have hope that you will choose me too, and we will live the life that
we both want, live it together. There is nothing I want more than that in the
whole world Paloma.” he says.
Sacrifices have to be made. I regretted the first decision I made, and I went for
days missing this man like hell, life started feeling a bit difficult to live. He’s
made several sacrifices for me, and he has kept his promises to me. Maybe it’s
time I show him just how much I love him, and make some compromises for
him as well.
I cup his face and kiss him.
“I love you.” I say.
He smiles and nods.
“I love you too sthandwa sami.” so this is my first official relationship?
I trust him, I trust him with my whole heart, by body, my life. It’s him, I never
knew it would be, but life has it’s own way of putting things together, and He
definitely put him in my life for a reason. The weird ice-cream man with
264
 Destined
flaming eyes, who makes me uneasy with his presence has now become my first
love.

265
 Destined
CHAPTER THIRTY

It’s early in the morning, he didn’t have a wink of sleep because he had to stay
up. He’s pacing up and down his room in panic. Today is a big day for him. Not
only is he becoming the king of Zululand today, but he’s also becoming
someone’s husband. A husband to a woman he barely even knows. He shouldn’t
be panicking this much, he needs to keep his cool so he can defeat the bull and
make today’s day a success for not only his family, and the nation, but for
himself too. So he doesn’t feel like a failure.
He doesn’t know who to talk to about how he’s feeling, so he stops his pacing,
picks up his phone and scrolls through his contacts. He see’s Vukani’s name,
and guilt hits him. He didn’t have his number for the longest time, but he had to
have it for the time they stayed alone, not that he used it a lot. He was just a
useless person to him then, but now that he’s going through these stages, he
wishes he could have someone to talk to. Someone like him.
Yes they didn’t get along, and they fought all the damn time, but Vukani always
gave him sound advice. And he’s gone through marriage, he’s navigated this
part of life. Bab’ Nkosi doesn’t understand him, he’s never been married. To
think he didn’t even extend the invite to him to attend the wedding and he might
not be here today, somewhat bothers him.
He ignores the feeling and scrolls past his contact like he didn’t see it. His eyes
land on her number, and he doesn’t hesitate to call her. Who better than her to
understand him.
“Hello.” she sounds like she’s in a deep sleep.
“Hi Zee.” he says, his voice is shaking.
“Nsuke.” she acknowledges.
“How are you still asleep at this time?”
“We just came back from the waterfall, my body is aching and my abdomen is
so sore. I was taking a little nap.” she says.

266
 Destined
“Abdomen? Is my baby okay?” he asks.
“I think so. What’s up with you, are you okay?” he breathes out.
“I’m nervous.” he admits.
“It’s normal to be nervous, I mean you are going head to head with a bull today,
and not only that, but you are getting married.” he sighs once more.
“Don’t be too worried, you are Nsukezinhle Smisosobukhosi Zulu, you’ve got
this.” she assures.
A smile spreads on his face.
“I knew calling you was a good idea.” he tells her.
She smiles right back.
“Do you believe that the next time we see each other, we will be husband and
wife, and king and queen of Zululand?” he asks.
“I don’t. I have nerves of my own, but we can do this.” she says.
“We can mami.” he feels a little relieved.
“Let me not keep you up from your sleep, you need energy for the rest of
today.” he says.
“I hope I’m not sick today.” she says.
She’s been battling with a lot of sickness in this pregnancy, and there’s only so
much he can do, he’s also so far from her, but now that they are getting married,
she’s going to be close to him and he can take care of her.
“From today on, you won’t be sick alone, I’ll be there and mom will be there.”
he says.
She nods, although the mom talk sometimes puts her off completely, she has no
other choice but to tolerate it. His mom is not going anywhere.
“Okay then, get some rest. I’ll see you soon.” he says.
“See you soon.” she replies.
267
 Destined
He drops the call feeling a little more ready to face the day ahead.

•••

It looks like it’s going to rain, the clouds are gathered in the sky and making the
whole world look dark. There is a big army of men outside waiting for him, it’s
early in the morning, he’s going to face the bull.
There’s a rumble in the sky, he’s making his way to the throne room. Before he
enters, there is the traditionalist who is helping them with their traditional
ceremonies. He’s talking to Mandlenkosi. When he reaches them, they both look
at him.
“Where is Vukani?” Mandlenkosi asks him.
“I don’t know.” Nsuke replies nonchalantly.
“What do you mean you don’t know, didn’t you invite him? We can’t do
anything without him here.” Nkosi adds.
Nsuke looks at the traditionalist.
“He is the regent king, and he is your fathers blood, your blood. He is the one
who is supposed to bless the spear in which you fight the bull with, and he is
supposed to lead you. He is supposed to be standing in place of your father.
Without him there is no ceremony.” he says, concern on his face.
“Why does everything of mine have to revolve around Vukani!? Bab’ Nkosi is
here, he is also my dad’s blood, he can bless the spear. I don’t want him here!”
he says with attitude.
“Your attitude won’t help you in anyway.” Nkosi reprimands.
“Where is my mom?”
“She’s quarantined, she’s not feeling well. She won’t save you now, Vukani will.
Put your pride aside and just call him, otherwise there is no coronation.” Nkosi
says.
268
 Destined
Nsuke doesn’t listen, instead mumbles and then pushes his way through to the
door of the throne room.
“Smisosobukhosi!” Nkosi tries to stop him.
He opens the door and walks in, he’s stomping through, heading straight to the
alter. The spear is on it’s holder, he’s marching up the stairs to go take it.
“Nsuke will you just do as you are told!” Nkosi shouts behind him.
He’s not listening. He goes to grab the spear from the holder, but a lightening
bolt hits the ground and his hand vibrates. Before he can blink, flames erupt
from the spear.
“Nsuke!” he’s moving back in fear, the flame is growing bigger, and it’s
spreading.
He feels hands pulling his back.
“Ngiyekeni!” he screams.
The royal chairs have caught on fire, and the flames are moving through the
room like lightening. The rain begins to pour down. They carry Nsuke out the
room, and people start running in with buckets.
“You have upset the ancestors.” the traditionalist says to Nsuke, who is still
fighting to break free from the grip.
He’s so freaking tired of being told to depend on Vukani, to ask him for
everything, why can’t he just do things for himself if he’s the rightful king?
Now things are falling apart.

Paloma Mfusi

I hear screams and I smell smoke and fire. I can’t move my legs, neither can I
scream out myself. I’m experiencing a sleep paralysis, I went to sleep after we
came back from the bath in the waterfall, and now I can’t move. I can’t see a

269
 Destined
single thing. These screams are piercing my ears, and the smell of smoke is so
strong it is slowly invading my lungs and making it hard to breathe.
I feel my breath slowly running out, I start praying hard, and try to fight back so
I can get up, but it’s so difficult. I haven’t experienced this in a long time, I
wonder what is happening to me.
When I finally get out of that state, I sit up and catch my breath as though I was
running. I look around the room and find that I’m alone. They all left me.
I look at my fingertips, they are stained in ash. That alarms me because when I
look around, there is nothing that could help me make sense of it. What is
happening?
I run as fast as I can to the door, and I find the lounge filled with my sister’s
friends, they are getting ready. Everything looks jolly, there is chatter and good
spirits.
“Finally you woke up.” one of them says to me.
I don’t say anything. I walk right past, I need to find Zita. I run into mom.
“What’s the problem?” she asks me.
“Where is Zita?”
“She’s in her room getting ready.” she says.
I thank her and rush past. When I get there, she’s halfway through getting
dressed, she looks gorgeous, but that’s not what I’m here for.
“You aren’t ready yet?” she asks panic spreading over her face.
“When last did you speak to Nsuke?” she frowns at me like I’m crazy.
“Like early in the morning, right after we came back from the waterfall.” she
says, still frowning.
“Call him now.” I have such a terrible feeling about this sleep paralysis.
And this ash? The smell of fire and smoke?

270
 Destined
“P we have to get ready, they are probably waiting for us as we speak.” she’s
being stubborn.
“Can you just do as I am saying and stop being stubborn.” she asks the person
doing her hair to excuse us.
She stands up and goes to take her phone. She proceeds to dial his number and
waits for it to be answered.
“He’s not answering.” she says it like it’s the obvious.
“P not today, please. Today is my wedding day, it’s the only one I’m ever going
to have, please don’t start with your things.” really, my things?
“Are you really going to say that to me, after I’ve supported you like this?”
“No, I don’t mean it like that sis.”
“Don’t be a bridezilla.” I say and leave the room immediately.
I head back to the room we were sleeping in. I just don’t understand her sudden
attitude, and it’s really uncalled for. I pick up my phone and try Vukani. He
answers on the first ring.
“Baby.” he sounds like he’s asleep, and it’s awfully quiet where he is.
“How are you asleep Vukani?” I ask.
“What do you mean how am I asleep, it’s early in the morning.” he says
yawning.
He can’t be serious.
“You are supposed to be in the kraal with Nsuke right now! Where are you?” he
chuckles mockingly.
“I wasn’t invited to anything.” he says.
“Haibo Vukani! You know you are supposed to be doing all the things for
Nsuke’s ceremonies, you know things can go awfully bad today right, he’s
getting married and getting coronated.” I remind him.

271
 Destined
“I know baby. But he doesn’t need my help, because if he did, he would have
reached out and asked for help. I’m safe and healthy where I am.” I feared
something like this would happen.
Before I can answer him, the door opens, and one of Zita’s friends get in.
“There is a fire at the royal palace.” she announces.
Oh my goodness gracious. It’s happening!

•••

“The only person who can make this whole thing stop is umntwana uVukani.”
the traditionalist says.
I’m tired of begging and pleading him to come here. There is so much chaos, the
queen is in labour, the palace is on fire and there is no way to save it, Nsuke is
unconscious, the rain is pouring.
“He needs to take the queen uMaGumede to the kraal to give birth, bury the
umbilical cord there, then umntwana uzovuka.” he adds.
We are all in the servant quarters, there are fire fighters trying to stop the fire,
I’m hovering over Nsuke, I’m shaking my head. There’s more chaos outside
than in here.
“Please beg him Ma’ Mfusi, please.” prince Mandlenkosi asks me.
He’s on the opposite bed, helping the queen practice breathing exercise, she’s
feeling the contractions.
I dial Vukani’s number once more. He answers.
“Mageba omuhle, please, if it’s not for me or your brother, please think about
the innocent baby, please, they need you.” I’m close to tears, I’m so frustrated.
“I’m here.” he says.

272
 Destined
I can hear his voice on the other side of the door as he says that
The door opens. I run into his arms.
“Thank you Mageba!” he doesn’t hug me back.
He doesn’t want to do this. When I step back, I see my sister, she’s sobbing.
“Is he okay?” I just nod.
I know now that maybe he will be okay. But we are all here because of his
stubbornness.
The traditionalist instructs him about what he should do and how to do it.
“Ma’ Mfusi, you will accompany him to the kraal, and help the queen give
birth.”
I’m not a midwife, what does he mean? I’ve never been pregnant, I’ve never
even had sex before.
The queen gets on her feet before I can even protest. The prince goes to be by
her side immediately because she’s in pain, and she shouldn’t be forcing herself
up like that. The traditionalist instructs him to hold Nsuke instead, and I to assist
the queen.
Vukani is told to light a candle, and he does, then he proceeds to lead the way in
silence. When we walk out the quarters, the house is still burning, and there are
still thousands of people in the yard, reporters, neighbours and everyone else
who cares to see the royal house go up in flames.
When we reach the bottom of the kraal, the traditionalist opens the gate, and
Vukani is the first to walk in, he speaks as he walks around the whole kraal. The
queen is silently crying next to me, the rain is having no mercy on us, I’m so
nervous. When he finishes, the traditionalist prompts the queen and I to enter.
She screams as soon as she gets inside, and loses balance, falling down to her
knees. I hear the whistle in my ear, and voices.
“Nkonyane ka Ndaba!” she cries out.

273
 Destined
I think she’s pushing. I kneel down and assist her by making her sit down. When
she does, I can see the head. She continues to push and the baby comes out
faster than I anticipate. I hold her in my hands and I hear Vukani praying behind
me. He’s calling out on all the ancestors, he’s calling out to God, he’s even
speaking in tongues.
There is something so powerful about everything that is happening in this very
moment. And when the baby begins to cry, I feel the whole earth shaking, the
queen is huffing.
I applaud her for her strength, her bravery. She has just delivered a baby with no
drugs, and no medical help, in a kraal.
*
The kingdom is on fire, the trees have also caught on fire, and it’s spreading. I
can see Nsuke running up and down trying to put out the fire. He’s crying and
screaming.
“Please help me put this out, anyone, please.” he has a bucket in his hand, he’s
running up and down trying to put the fire out.
“Nsuke, stop it.” I say holding him.
He’s trying his best to free from my grip, he’s hysterical.
“It’s all my fault Ma’ Mfusi! I did this and I don’t know how to fix this.” I hold
him tightly, and he just cries on my chest like a little baby.
“Listen to me, you need to come home, come back with me, and don’t stay
here.” I beg him.
“I need to put out the fire first.” he protests.
“Leave it, coming back is more important. You are not supposed to be here
Nsuke. Ngiyakucela Mageba, Zulu omnyama, do it for your baby, he still needs
you. Come back.” I free him from my embrace.
He falls on his knees and cries. And after that, he starts to call on his ancestors,
he asks for guidance, strength, and a good heart. I feel tears burning my eyes as
he does this.
274
 Destined
When he stands up, he walks in the direction of the burning house. I don’t know
what outcome that will have, but I don’t want to stop him. I watch him as he
disappears into the flames. Maybe when he comes back, he will have left behind
the bitterness and the stubborn nature that he inherited from his grandfather. He
may have been the king, but he ruined the whole of Zululand with his cold heart,
and the nation doesn’t need that.
•••

The wedding had to continue amidst the turmoil, and the lives lost. Prince
Nsukezinhle Smisosobukhosi kaLangalethu Zulu is now King Nsukezinhle
Smisosobukhosi kaLangalethu Zulu, and next to him on his throne is his queen,
uNdlunkulu Ziphozenkosi Zita Ma’Mfusi Zulu.
The royal palace of eLangalibalele is in ashes. The only thing that survived was
the spear, and that was the one that he used to kill the bull, and become the king.
Today was a such a bittersweet day, filled with chaos and tears, but the outcome
is both good, and bad.
There is an additional member in the family, Princess Zibusiso kaLangalethu
Zulu. She’s such a precious baby, and I was the first one to get to hold her. She
was born in the kraal, and her umbilical cord was cut and buried by Vukani
immediately. Obviously the queen and her had to be rushed to the hospital
afterwards, but they have been reported to be healthy and okay.
My family was against the wedding continuing, especially after so many
incidents had occurred all at once, but in this family, things don’t get postponed
or canceled. Whether there is rain, fire, thunder or sunshine, anything that has
been reported to the ancestors has to happen. The rain stopped immediately after
he left the kraal, and started again when they said their vows to each other. What
other sign would they need to see that their union was blessed, I don’t think
there is more.
And then there is Umntwana uVukani kaLangalethu Zulu, the man that I love
with my whole heart. I can’t help but stare at him as he stands talking to

275
 Destined
amabutho. He really came to the rescue today, not only for the well being of the
family, but he came through for his brother.
Things really didn’t turn out the way I expected them to. I mean when I first met
him, and saw those flames in his eyes, I always thought he would be the one
igniting them, and he would be responsible. But he wasn’t. More than anything,
it was the ancestors, and they were angry at not only the way things had been
going on in the palace, but the drift between the brothers. The hatred they had
for each other was real, and it had the potential of destroying the both of them.
And it almost did. Nsuke didn’t lose as much as Vukani did. Vukani somehow
made a sacrifice for his brother, without even knowing it.
Hayley’s death, it may have seemed like a mistake to the natural human, how
those drunk guards almost got away with shooting in the night. It was devised
by the ancestors to prevent the spilling of blood, the blood of either or them. It
was meant to be Vukani or Nsuke, it would have been either of them that died,
and if I hadn’t undone that curse that was put upon them, one of them wouldn’t
be here, and this place would cease to exist, and not just end up in ashes.
Everything that happened was for a reason, and it might have been painful to go
through, but it was all for a good cause. King Langalethu kaMhlabawesizwe
knew what he was doing when he made him the regent.
And what about me? I don’t know. I know my love for Vukani will never go
away, and I don’t see the point in trying to run away from it because it will
always consume me, take over me, and hold me tightly.
I feel his arms snaking around me. He smells like smoke, and yes, the man is
wearing overalls at a wedding.
“What are you daydreaming about?” he whispers in my ear.
“I’m just thinking about how chaotic today was.” he sighs.
“It really was, I’m just glad we all made it out alive.” he says.
I turn around and place my hands on his shoulders.

276
 Destined
“Thank you for what you did. I know how difficult it was for you, and I know
the pain you have endured, but you sacrificed and now things will start to look
up.” I say.
“I wouldn’t have done this without you Ma’ Mfusi, you know that. You know
that all that I have done, I have done it for you. There is nothing I need more in
this world than to be with you.” he says looking at me in the eyes.
I exhale. I feel light. There is definitely a long way to go before things start
looking up again, but the worst is over.
He turns his head and looks at Nsuke and his bride.
“Do you think we will ever get along?” he asks.
“You will. It’s going to take a little time, and effort from the both of you, but
you guys have a connection that cannot be severed. And he still needs you, he
may be the king, but he still needs a guide.” I say.
“He must just stop being a brat.” he says and frowns.
I laugh. He’s such a father. He reminds me of my dad sometimes.
“He has a brat of his own coming, maybe that will change him.” I say.
“I’m glad he got over that stupid crush he had on you. Now I can put a brat in
here.” he says and puts his hand on my stomach.
I giggle. Vukani has too many jokes.
“Marry me Paloma.” he says, his voice going low.
I look at him, he looks sincere.
“Okay.” I say and give him a dashing smile.
“Okay.” he says and smiles too.
He tightens his hold on my hand and we just stand there admiring what lies
before our eyes. Maybe we shouldn’t look at this as the end, rather the beginning
of a beautiful future, a future filled with peace, love, joy and unity. I’m excited
to take this new journey of life, step into womanhood, and embrace that I am a
277
 Destined
child of the ancestors, no matter which ancestors I serve. I was always destined
to be.

278
 Destined
LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR
My name is Thathu Conco, better known as Yorahalo, and I write stories on
Facebook and Wattpad. Thank you for taking your time to read my book, I
really appreciate it, and I hope you thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope that I took
you on a journey, and you were able to fall in love with my characters the same
was I have fallen in love with them. You can contact me on the following
platforms:
Instagram: @yorahalos.stories
Facebook: Yorahalo’s Stories
WhatsApp: +27 83 398 8241
Email: tlconco07@gmail.com
Do not hesitate to contact me, I would
love to hear your feedback!

279