by Blue Saffire
Brooklyn looks at Wyatt, lifting his brow higher and pointing a finger at me, as if to ask for confirmation. Wyatt nods his head with a blank expression, causing Brooklyn to whistle. I ignore them both and keep talking.
“This is King Elijah and King Kwäzē,” I say.
Brooklyn’s face reflects more shock, but he doesn’t speak this time. I turn my attention to LaSalle. His face is expressionless, but I see in his eyes that he’s calculating.
“Wait,” Brooklyn decides to speak up. “If these are ye in-laws, what does that make ye little cousin?”
“Ah, so, we can get straight to the point,” I nod. “I’m King as well. My wife has her own right to the throne. A right that’s being threatened.”
“You want a seat with the Alliance,” LaSalle says. “Right’s to your title, resources, and connections, in return for eliminating this threat.”
I nod. “Exactly.”
“My family and I have many valuable resources. Our kingdom is vast enough to split it in two,” King Elijah adds. “I have heard whispers of this Alliance. We can be of value to you.”
LaSalle sits back and folds his arms over his chest. His grey eyes are sharp, as he looks between me and my in-laws. His eyes then pan the room to look over the rest of my family.
“You’re all willing to commit to this? Unless Toby is moving to Nigeria, this becomes all of your problem,” LaSalle says.
My eyes narrow and I lean forward. “I never said anything about Nigeria,” I rumble.
“It’s called an Alliance for a reason. What we are about to do is not some small operation,” LaSalle nods to Kwäzē. “Your succession made enough noise to get my attention. That asshole Afafa has tried to get a meeting with me. I’m not interested in him, but this. This has my attention.”
“Unbelievable,” Kwäzē growls. “He will stop at nothing. It is time to put him in the dirt.”
“Patience, my son,” King Elijah cautions.
“Your warriors are the equivalent to assassins. From what I understand Afafa thought he would be able to sway them into his corner. He didn’t take in account that they would remain loyal to you,” LaSalle says.
“Afafa is a fool. He did not do his due diligence. He did not know my wife was a member of their tribe and that her mother is a war chief, among the elders,” King Elijah smiles slyly.
LaSalle smiles back. “Will access to the assassins be on the table?”
“For my daughter’s life, I will lead them into battle for you, myself. Anytime you need, I will send you my finest assassins with no question,” King Elijah booms into the room.
“Do you think you can regain control of your government?” LaSalle inquires.
“Yes, I’ve been working on the people. The council sees this. Afafa loses more favor with each passing day. We expect a little rebellion with the announcement of Kamara’s marriage to Toby, but we are ready for it. I will handle it,” Kwäzē responds.
“To answer your initial question. This is our brother. If he needs us, we’re there. We know what this will mean,” Wyatt says.
I have to hold onto my own emotions. Hearing my brother have my back this way, after him being so angry at me, gives me strength I didn’t know I needed. It means more to me than he will ever know.
“It’s yer seat, Toby. Ye can have your father-in-law and brother-in-law there, but it’s yer request, yer seat. Are ye ready for that responsibility?” Brooklyn asks.
I can tell he is just as unhappy about this, as Logan will be. Brooklyn has yet to slip back into his mottled New York accent. I don’t let that deter me. I’m committed to this plan.
“Born ready,” I reply to my cousin in Gaelic.
LaSalle nods to my response. “In that case, tell me your thoughts. How do you want to handle Afafa?” LaSalle replies.
chapter Thirty-Five
A True Queen
Kamara
Three months later…
Things have been so quiet. If I didn’t know better, I would never think that so much has happened in our lives, but I am not a fool. Toby is still up to something. He has asked me to let him handle it and not worry.
This is what I have tried to do. I still feel like we are waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I try not to focus on that. Some days are harder than others.
Now that the family knows about TJ and Lulu, someone always has my children. TJ’s health has gotten so much better. I think he is too busy to be ill these days. Between hanging with Uncle Noah in the gym. Braxton spoiling the twins rotten and everyone else bending over backwards to cater to them, I rarely see my children anymore.
Today is no different. Toby mumbled something about needing to take the twins over to his parents’ house this morning. Before I could fully wake and help him get them ready, the three of them were out of the door.
I’ve been cleaning up and trying to stay busy. Nellie has little Nora to take care of so I don’t want to bother her. I know what it’s like to have a two-month-old.
I get ready to look for my kindle, hoping to find a good book. I’ve been waiting on my favorite author to finish her latest series. The doorbell rings stopping me in my tracks.
I turn and head for the door, not sure who it could be. As that thought enters my head, I slow my pace. We moved back into the house a few months ago. Toby assured me we’d be more than safe here now. Apparently, our house is rigged to sound the alarm to the entire family if something is wrong.
I peek out the window to see that it’s Nellie, Bean, and Heather. A smile takes over my face. I rush to open the door for my friends.
“Hey, what are you guys doing here,” I say, as they start to file into the house.
Nellie has the baby in her carrier, Bean is carrying a big gift box, and Heather has garment bags in one hand and a bag rolling behind her. I wrinkle my brows in curiosity. The smiles on their faces tells me they are up to something.
My curiosity grows when no one answers me. I follow them all to the living area, after I close the door. They are still wearing those smiles.
I place my hands on my hips. “Okay, what is going on?”
“Your husband asked us to stop by,” Heather finally answers.
I give her a sideways glance. “Why would he do that?”
“Open the box,” Bean gushes.
I walk forward hesitantly. I kneel to the floor, before the coffee table, where Bean placed the box. Bean, my heart warms as I think of the fact that I’ve become a part of the inner circle. I now call her Bean as well.
“What is it?” I ask, while taking off the lid.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Nellie says, almost bouncing in her seat.
I pull the tissue paper back and roar with laughter, when the gold dress and crown inside the box appears. Toby is such a fool. I lift the dress from the box and it looks just like the one from the movie.
I can’t stop the face splitting smile that comes over me. Coming to America, our own private joke. I hold the dress to my chest and look at my friends, debating on if I should share the joke.
“I think I should do your hair and makeup first. Then you can put the dress on,” Heather taps her bottom lip and nods to herself.
“What? Hair and makeup,” I look at her confused.
“Yes, hair and makeup. Come on, Toby gave me specific instructions,” Heather grabs my elbow, pulling me up to stand.
Nellie and Bean follow behind us to my bathroom. In no time, there is music playing, a baby whining, food being passed around, and laughter chorusing it all. I am flooded with so much joy.
This is what I thought America would be like when I first arrived. I know I can call each of these women my friend. I don’t think I could be happier in this moment. It is a moment I will treasure.
~B~
Toby
I look around the large room once more, from my view on the balcony. Everything is in place. A lot of planning went into this. Not only am I doing something special for my wife. I’m sending one loud f
ucking message.
We stop hiding today. Kamara doesn’t even realize that both our mothers have been helping her to plan our wedding. Random questions here and there have helped them fill in the blanks.
I could have gone simple, tonight could have been enough, but Kamara deserves more. Tonight, I will treat her like the true queen she is. Tomorrow afternoon, we board a plane to Ireland.
“You ready for this?” Ry asks, slapping me on the back.
“Yeah, I am,” I say with a wide grin.
“Dude, I’m proud of you. I know we’re all still giving you shit over this, but we’re all proud of you,” my little brother says.
“Thanks, that means a lot,” I nod, holding back my emotions.
“This place looks great,” Ry changes the subject.
I can see the emotions building in his eyes as well. That’s one thing about being so close, we all get each other. I couldn’t ask for better brothers.
“You know I’m going to laugh my ass off if she shuts you down,” Braxton says, as he walks up.
“Fuck you,” I mutter.
“Love you too, Bro,” Brax chuckles.
“I can’t believe two of my brothers are married,” Ry shakes his head.
“The way Noah and Bean are going they’re next,” I chuckle, looking down below.
Noah has Bean wrapped in his arms, while whispering something to her. They look great together. It’s about time they figured their shit out. They’ve been going strong for a while now. I’m happy for them.
“Oh, please, those two are already married in my head,” Brax snorts.
“You guys fell too easy. I want a bit of a chase when I find the one,” Ry muses.
Brax and I laugh, turning to look at Ryan. “You will fall the fastest and the hardest, just because of that comment,” I pop him upside the head.
“Nah, not going to happen,” Ry croons.
“They’re here,” Brax says, looking down at his phone.
“How do you know?” I quiz, turning to look at him.
Braxton just shrugs and walks off. I turn to Ryan, who just grins at me, shrugging his shoulders as well. I narrow my eyes at him, but decide to let it go.
For now, I have business to attend to. I have a date with my queen. We have a future to build and a kingdom to claim.
~B~
Kamara
I feel like a queen, all dressed up. The gold gown Toby sent for me, molds to my body to perfection. Heather placed rods in my hair to reform my natural coils.
I now have a mass of large spiral curls, that are wrapped gracefully around the crown Toby sent along with the dress. It is not my real crown. That one, we have locked away in a safe, along with Toby’s.
My eyelids glitter with gold and my lips are painted a lush red. I don’t think I have ever felt more beautiful in my life. I am nervous to see if Toby likes it.
I am also nervous to see what all Toby has planned. I was surprised to see the cars lined up outside of the house, after everyone was dressed and ready to leave. Even baby Nora had a change of clothes.
Nellie dressed her in a pretty little pink dress and head band. Seeing everyone else get dressed up as well, has my mind on overdrive. However, stepping out to see the line of Rolls Royces with flags representing my kingdom, that threw me for a loop.
My father stepped from one of the cars and I nearly burst into tears. It has been over two years, since I last saw my mother and father. I missed them so much.
Seeing my father’s face, was like seeing a sign that this would all soon be over. We won’t have to hide anymore. I can finally be free.
I think I talked my father’s ear off, while riding in the car with him. I all but forgot about my nerves, until we pulled up to the large hotel entrance. My curiosity rose once again, as all of the cars pulled to a stop.
“Are you ready, Ogeima,” my father says, with a gentle smile.
“Ready for what?”
“Ah, that you will have to wait and see,” he chuckles. “Come, your mother is waiting to see you.”
My heart almost leaps from my chest. The door opens, and I take the hand offered to me. I look around for some indication of what’s to come. Nothing seems to stick out.
I turn to see the girls and the baby getting out of one of the other cars. Wyatt and Johnathan get out of a car as well. Both are dressed in black tuxedos.
I turn to my dad, when I feel him grasp my hand. He tucks my hand into the crook of his elbow. I smile up at him, as he beams back at me.
Everyone else moves into the hotel before us. I’m eager to get inside myself. Unfortunately, my dress demands caution, with its heavy train.
We move to the ballroom of the hotel, but everyone else has entered the room and the doors are now closed. I look over to my father and wrinkle my brows. He returns my questioning stare with a smile and a kiss on the cheek.
“I am a proud father. You are happy. That is all I ask,” he says, before leading me to the door.
The two hotel workers that seem to be guarding the doors, reach to open them. My father releases my arm once we step into the room. My face lights up with a smile, when I see Toby standing in the middle of the ballroom floor.
I know the room has other people in it, but he’s the only one that I can focus on. He is dressed in a black tux with a crown placed on his head. It looks good on him. I haven’t seen him wear a crown, since our wedding day.
My feet carry me forward, before I tell my mind to take me to my husband. It is as if they know where I belong. The smile on Toby’s face is enough to draw me to him.
I stop before him and he cups the side of my face, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “You look gorgeous,” he says against my lips.
“Thank you,” I say shyly.
“You’re welcome,” he smiles back at me.
“What is all of this,” I ask, taking a moment to look around us.
All of the family is here, including my own. I see my mother and brother and I’m torn between running to them and staying to find out what Toby is up to. Toby’s words pull my attention back to him.
“I never got to propose to you. We never had an engagement party and all that stuff. Our wedding wasn’t the one you dreamed of,” Toby says, while looking into my eyes. “We never had a proper honeymoon, either.”
“Yes, but I’m okay with that,” I reply.
“You don’t have to be,” he shakes his head at me. “It is my job to give you all your heart’s desires. I will start from this moment.”
Toby lifts his hand in the air and suddenly a stage is illuminated and a small string orchestra appears. The violins begin to play, followed by the cello and the harp. I gasp when out of nowhere, like snowfall, gold flakes begin to fall from the sky.
I look around and the room is decorated for a king and queen. Gold and sparkly decorations are everywhere. The chandeliers make all the of the golds seem to shimmer and glow.
I look up and blink, as the gold flakes fall gently onto my face. I look back at Toby, but have to look down. He is on one knee holding up a box, with a stunning ring inside.
I cover my mouth, tears start to spill over. I was not expecting this. I can feel my hands and lips tremble.
“I never gave you a ring either,” Toby smiles up at me. “I want to give you the world Kamara. Make things happen for you that seem impossible, like gold rain, fairy tale weddings, conquering a tyrant king.
“I want to grow old with you,” he pauses and gives me a sheepish smile. “Make more babies with you. I want to be a better man because of you. You are already my wife, my queen. I just want to ask that you wear my ring so the world knows, I’m the one willing to bend the earth in two for you.”
“Oh, my, God, Toby,” I whisper out. “Yes, of course.”
He lifts to his feet swiftly, pulling me into his arms, cupping the back of my neck. His lips devour mine, kissing me deeply. When he breaks the kiss, I’m breathless.
“Tonight, we celebrate our engagement. Tomorrow,
we leave for Ireland. We’re going to get married there,” Toby says excitedly.
“But we’re already married,” I say, knitting my brows.
“Yes, but a royal wedding is needed. We need to send a very clear message back home. Kwäzē has already revealed Afafa’s corruption to the council and the people. Our hand is in play,” he replies.
My eyes grow wide. “Is that wise?” I breathe.
“Yes, I have it under control. After the wedding, you and the children will stay in Ireland with my mom, until I return for you.”
My chest tightens, as it fills with worry. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to Toby. I don’t want him to go off to fight a battle that should be mine.
As if he can see my inner thoughts, Toby pulls me closer. “My queen will never have to fight her own battles, as long as I’m pulling breath in this body. Don’t worry about me. I was born to serve, protect, and worship you. That’s what I plan to do until the day I die.”
I take his words in. Also, letting it sink into my brain that we’ve been swaying to the music playing. It is a slow and sultry song, the perfect soundtrack for the moment I fell in love with my husband all over again.
“Are we good?” he asks, kissing my forehead.
“Yes, my king,” I smile up at him. “We are great.”
“Good,” Toby pecks my lips, just as I feel two little bodies crash into each of my legs.
I giggle, looking down to find the twins beaming up at us. I laugh, when I see someone has placed Lulu’s hair in the same exact style I wore the first day I met Toby. When I look over at TJ, I see he has a fresh hair cut as well, looking like his father.
“You look so pretty, Mommy,” Lulu sings.
“You do to, my Lu,” I sing back.
“Daddy, can we have ice cream now?” TJ asks, with impatience.
I look to Toby and his cheeks blush. “That was our secret,” Toby playfully growls at TJ.
“Oops. Uncle Braxton told me to come ask,” TJ shrugs his little shoulders innocently.
“Yeah, I bet he did,” Toby grumbles, glaring in his brother’s direction.
I laugh harder and hug my arms around Toby’s neck. I know in my heart we are going to be fine. We have to be.
