Toby the Protector

by Blue Saffire

  “I’ll do it,” the words are out of my mouth, before I can think straight.

  Are you fucking crazy, Black? You’re no king. Shut your fucking mouth. I hear the words in the back of my head, but the words that matter more are louder.

  This is it. This is how we save our family. This is how we keep Kamara and the babies safe. I’ll do anything to keep her safe, even be a king.

  My heart is made, even as my mind wars about it. Kamara looks at me with her mouth gaped open. I think I have shocked us both. I place my hand over her belly and look into her eyes.

  We have a silent conversation, just the two of us. Well, I thought it was just the two of us, until I feel my babies move for the first time. It is then that my mind comes on board. Kamara’s face lights up at me, I give her a small nod to let her know I felt it.

  I’m doing this with no question. I have the three of them to think about. I feel a strength flow through me I’ve never known before. Looking into my girl’s big brown eyes, I already feel like a king.

  Her eyes tell me that she trusts me. I see that we can do this together. Our time apart proved that we mean more to the world as a whole, not apart. I take a fortifying breath because I can also read in her eyes that we’re in way over our heads.

  Never said I was the most sane person. I only said I would guard what’s mine with my life. Push comes to shove, am a Black. We always come through in a bind.

  “Even as a young man, I saw something in your eyes,” King Elijah says. “Spirit recognizes spirit. I know a king when I see one. Afafa is no king. You, Toby, you will find the king and warrior within you. You will stand beside Kwäzē as his brother, as you have always done.”

  “Elijah, you are getting ahead of yourself. We hope this will work. We still have much to work through. The girl is with child. We cannot send her back home. This engagement party is an issue that must be dealt with,” Queen Catherine, Kamara’s mother states.

  “I have planned for this. First, they wed, then I will take care of the rest. We must take action, I will not let this vile human being take from my family what my ancestors have sacrificed so much for,” King Elijah says, showing the first sign of his temper slipping.

  “When do we need to do this?” I ask.

  He stands and straightens his suit jacket. “I am king. I will wed you now.”

  My heart almost hammers out of my chest. My mouth gapes open. I guess I won’t have time to come to grips with this.

  Fuck me, I’m going to be a king.

  ~B~

  Kamara

  I truly don’t think Toby understands what he is signing up for. However, the fact that he is willing to do this for me takes my love for him to all new levels. Without thought, just to insure my safety and the future of my people he has offered his life.

  This is a death sentence. Even if we dethrone Afafa, the people can choose to turn on us. This is such a gamble, but for my people I know I will do it, but Toby. He has no reason to put his life on the line for a kingdom he has never seen. For people, he has never been around.

  Our kingdom is one filled with wealth and resources. Our ancestors were blessed to be prosperous in our land. America does not depict our land in its true light. I’ve known the finer things in life all of my life.

  Toby knows none of this, but here he stands ready to take this all on for me. For me and our unborn children. This is not how I have imagined my wedding, but it has happened. A secret wedding and our unofficial carnation have happened all at once.

  I look up into the eyes of my husband, my king. It is the first time I have ever seen this type of fear in Toby’s eyes. I see the moment the weight of this settles on his shoulders.

  It is the moment my father places the crown on his head. Our beach house wedding has just become very real to us both. In the place where we made our children, in the home I first gave myself to Toby in, we have become man and wife, king and queen.

  “I speak many blessings to your kingdom. May you reign forever,” my father says, as he looks between us proudly.

  I wish I had his confidence. I may now have a king, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be queen. I’m still not safe or welcomed in my home. Not like this.

  My father cups my face. “You my daughter, have been a blessing from the day you were conceived. Everything I have done, I have done for you. I will not fail you now,” he says, with emotions threading his words, before kissing my forehead.

  My mother claps her hands, lifting her head. “I grow tired of missing my home. Let’s go start a war.”

  My father throws his head back and laughs. “You will not take the warrior out of my queen. But I agree. It is time to transition my throne to my son and bring peace to our land,” he nods at his own words.

  “Is there anything we need to do?” Toby asks, looking a little bewildered.

  My father pats his cheek. “What you have been doing all along, my son. Keep my daughter safe. Let no one know about this union until the time comes.

  “For now, this is need to know. The future of your kingdom relies on your ability to keep your wife, your children, and your crown hidden. For now.”

  My mother comes closer and pulls me into a hug. “I’ve always known you would make a beautiful queen. You are never given more than you can handle. This too shall pass,” she whispers to me.

  “Toby, I have watched men fall to their knees, when crowned. The weight was too great for them. Your knees are holding, you will be fine,” my mother says, with a warm grin on her lips.

  “Rest tonight, Kwäzē will be here to take you to your new home. This place is no longer safe. Goodnight,” my father turns to gather my mother and her things.

  Just as swiftly as they appeared, my mother and father leave. My shoulders sag with the weight of the last few hours. This day has been more than overwhelming.

  “I thought we would have more time,” Toby mutters, pulling me into his arms.

  “I was thinking the same thing. This has all happened so fast,” I reach up to finger the crown on my head.

  “We were just joking about this. Fuck! More shit I have to keep from my family,” Toby scrubs a hand down his face.

  “It will be fine, they will understand when we can tell them,” I reassure him.

  “My dad is going to kill my ass,” Toby sighs.

  I look down at my bare feet. “Do you regret this?”

  He closes the small distance between us, cupping my face. “I’ll never regret anything that leads me to you. I’ve wanted to make you my wife, since the day you told me you were pregnant, before that honestly. I just didn’t think I had the option,” he says against my lips.

  The kiss that follows his words, makes me lightheaded. I cling to his shirt front, not wanting to release him ever. With all that’s going on, it hasn’t truly set in that Toby is my husband. Yes, I’ve said it in my head, but it is real coming off of Toby’s lips.

  “I think it’s time I made love to my wife,” Toby purrs, as a smile takes over his lips. “We have plenty of time to figure out the rest.”

  “Whatever you like,” I tease. We happened to watch, Coming to America, a few weeks ago.

  Toby laughs and shakes his head at me. “Very funny, Queen Toby,” he teases back.

  “Ha, that one was lame,” I giggle.

  “Whatever,” Toby growls and sweeps me off my feet.

  I yelp and wrap my arms around his neck. Someday, someday we will always be like this. I give my word as queen, someday, this will be our life.

  chapter Twenty-One

  Brother to Brother

  Toby

  I stand across the kitchen counter from my new brother-in-law. Kwäzē hasn’t said much since he arrived ten minutes ago. He has only stared at me. I won’t be the first to break, so I continue to stare as well.

  We haven’t seen each other, since he returned to California, over two years ago. He looks good, tired but good. His eyes narrow on me, as if he is making the same observation.

 
“You don’t look like a king to me,” he mutters, his first full sentence.

  I shrug my shoulders. “Didn’t think I would after one day. What’s wrong, you mad I became king before you?” I shoot back, testing the waters.

  Kwäzē cracks a smile, loosening the tension in the room and in my chest. This is still my best friend. I’ve missed him. I could use his friendship now.

  “You’re still an asshole,” Kwäzē laughs. “Welcome to the family.”

  He moves around the counter to pull me into a hug, slapping me on the back. It is a welcomed embrace. I woke this morning to the full realization of what happened yesterday.

  I would never tell Kamara, but I’m scared out of my fucking mind. I am now a king, a husband, and soon to be a father. I’m the third youngest of seven brothers, I’ve never had this much responsibility in my life.

  “You’re still the only one outside of my brothers, I’ll let talk to me like that,” I throw back at him.

  “Might just make a king out of you yet,” Kwäzē chuckles. “Where is my sister?”

  “She’s having a slow morning, today,” I sigh.

  Kamara has been sluggish this morning. She hasn’t had morning sickness very much, but every now and then she may have a bit of a time in the morning, extra tired and lethargic. I was actually getting ready to make her breakfast, when Kwäzē arrived.

  Kwäzē’s face turns somber. “You know, I think that is the part I regret the most. I never got to see my children swell the belly of the woman I love,” he murmurs down at his hands.

  “Want to talk about it?” I can see the sadness in his eyes.

  Kwäzē has had so much on his shoulders. I couldn’t imagine not knowing about my children for nearly three years. Not to mention, all the other shit going on with his family.

  His jaw works in indecision. “No,” he shakes his head. “I’ve come to assist you guys with the move. We have much to do. In time, you and I will be able to sit like old friends, in time.”

  “Old brothers,” I correct him.

  “Yes, in the literal sense now. I have missed our talks,” Kwäzē smiles again.

  “I have too,” I reach to pat his shoulder.

  “Does not mean I am not going to fuck you up for impregnating my sister,” he teases.

  “Whenever you’re ready, the ring is waiting,” I shrug.

  “The ring for what?” Kamara’s cautious voice fills the air.

  I turn to see her walking into the kitchen. She looks gorgeous. Tired, yet, she’s glowing. Her hair is loose and wild, my favorite way.

  Her long legs are on display in her yellow short, shorts. She has on an oversize shirt that’s falling off one shoulder. I would love to be kissing that bare skin. I wish we were alone.

  “Would you two stop looking at each other like that,” Kwäzē groans. “This is why you failed to hide your feelings from everyone.”

  “No, you are just nosey,” Kamara shoots back. A shy smile covers her full lips. “Where is your respect, brother? No bow for the queen?”

  I swear, if Kwäzē were a lighter man, I think I would see all the blood drain from his face. He steps back from the counter, preparing to give his sister a more formal greeting.

  Kamara throws her head back and laughs. “Don’t you dare, Kwäzē. It was a joke,” she sings.

  “A joke that should be taken seriously. You are right,” he mumbles.

  “For now, no one is to know. It’s no big deal. We’ve gone on this long…,” Kamara starts.

  “Soon, we will be restored. Our children need to learn the proper way,” Kwäzē insists.

  Kamara holds up her hand. “Not in the mood to argue. Let’s agree to disagree. I’m starving and my belly is starting to itch. Let’s eat so we can get to the other house and pack my things.”

  “No need, you and I both know, father was not going to let you pack a thing. It is being taken care of. We are going straight to the new house. Toby and I will then drive the numerous routes to the house, from his work and family’s houses.

  “You will need to be very careful. Never take the same routes home and change transportation as much as possible,” Kwäzē instructs.

  I tilt my head and press my lips at him, folding my arms over my chest. “Really?”

  Kwäzē pumps his hands in front of him to hold my words off. “I know, I know, this is what you do for a living. It is my sister, Toby. Indulge me, I need to feel like I have covered everything concerning her,” he says with a plea in his eyes.

  I roll my eyes, but nod my understanding. I start to get breakfast ready so we can get this show on the road. I want to know every route, every hospital, every back and main road, before night fall.

  I also want to look at the house. I can’t call my brothers or anyone I know to fit the place with security and a weapons room, like I would like to, but I will install a system and build what I need myself.

  I feel a ping in my chest, when I think of all the shit I want to share with my family. I’m married and I’m going to be a father. I felt the babies move again, last night.

  “I will do everything in my power to end this sooner than later,” Kwäzē says, when I walk plates over to the table for him and Kamara.

  “And I will do all I can to help you,” I nod back.

  “Phew, the bathroom is calling,” Kamara sighs.

  It’s her third trip, since she first came out. I watch her lift from her seat and start for the bathroom. When she’s out of sight, I go back for my own plate.

  “I don’t have to tell you how important it is to keep her safe,” Kwäzē says, when I sit down.

  “No, but I’m sure you’re going to anyway,” I shrug and tuck into my plate.

  “My father is under the impression that this is going to be so easy. It is not. Afafa has gained the favor and ear of more than the politicians. Some of the people have lost faith in our family,” Kwäzē shakes his head.

  “What are you all planning to do about this engagement party? It is sure to cause more problems for you guys,” I ask curiously.

  “I will return in a few days. We have a cousin that looks a lot like Kamara. My concern is the danger she will be in if we place her before Afafa,” Kwäzē places his fork down to rub his forehead.

  “It is all so complicated. The wrong move will tip this all over. My father wants to fake his own death to force my reign as king. I think we will just be shaking the tree with that move,” Kwäzē sighs.

  “But the people trust you, don’t they? It may not be such a bad idea,” I nod to myself, as I think.

  “Yes, I was all for it, as well, until I found out about my twins. If we make that move, I will have to spend more time in Africa. I have things here I need to pursue,” Kwäzē rubs his chin. “Unless.”

  I drop my fork as well, sitting back in my seat to narrow my eyes at my friend. I can see the wheels turning. I’m all for keeping my family safe, but I see what he’s thinking. It has me shaking my head right away.

  “Bad move, Bro. Don’t do it,” I grumble.

  “I have to do something. The death of my father and my succession to king will override the engagement. The people will be in mourning. The focus will be drawn to me and my next move,” Kwäzē muses aloud.

  “Dude, she has a life here. The children have a life here,” I answer his thoughts.

  “She also has a distraction here. He does not deserve her. I can’t prove it, but I don’t like him and I want him away from my family. He is not who he says he is,” Kwäzē says tightly.

  I sit up, the hairs on my neck and arms standing to attention. “You need me to look into him? You want to pay him a visit?”

  “Ah, we cannot pay these visits like when we were teenagers, King Toby,” Kwäzē laughs. “Still, I like this new plan.”

  I groan. “You’re going to push her too far,” I warn.

  “Let me figure that part out,” he smiles. “You worry about keeping your half of the royal family safe and hidden. I will worry about keepi
ng my half where they belong.”

  “Playing with fire,” I mutter under my breath, as Kamara returns.

  “Only way to play,” Kwäzē chuckles back.

  chapter Twenty-TWo

  Distracted

  Toby

  Four months later…

  I shouldn’t be here. This mission is too dangerous. I could get killed here. Yet, there was no way to tell my father and Wyatt that I’m a king. How could I tell them, I have no business leaving my pregnant wife without me? Especially, not right when she’s so close to being due with my twins.

  This mission hasn’t settled well within me from that first call with Sam Mairettie. I knew then, I would be leaving my wife, right when she needed me. I had four months to bail out of this mission, but I couldn’t figure out one way to do it and keep my secrets safe.

  I think of Kamara and our twins. I’ve been away from them for two weeks. I smile, I can’t believe we’re having a boy and a girl. It’s my thoughts of my family that make this trip worth it, even if I don’t want to be here.

  When I saw the young boys and girls among the others, I wanted to open fire right there. Right at that makeshift warehouse, the Russians are keeping them in. The place was filthy and it looked like they weren’t feeding the hostages well. All I could think of was what I’d do if someone tried to harm my family.

  I pull a picture from the pocket of my cargo pants. It’s of Kamara, she’s almost seven months in it. She looks so beautiful. She hates this picture, which makes me love it more. She doesn’t see how perfect she is.

  I run my thumb over her face, saying a prayer for her to hold on until I return home. I want to be there, when she gives birth to our children. I start to feel sick to my stomach. I swear, I don’t think I’m going to make it back home in time.

  “Everyone, look alive, the target is in sight,” I hear in my ear.

  I quickly shove the picture in my pocket. Turning back onto my stomach to look through my scope. I feel something tug at my pants leg, I look back to see it’s just a branch.