by Blue Saffire
Toby and I are changing. For now, I think it is for the better. I still don’t know what Toby has planned. I am not sure how he intends to deal with Afafa, but I am trusting that whatever he has planned will bring much needed peace. I just have a few thoughts of my own on the subject.
“Mara,” Toby groans sleepily. “You’re doing that leg thing.”
“What leg thing,” my voice squeaks.
I am still watching his face. His eyes are closed, but he is frowning. He reaches out, placing his warm hand on my thigh. I realize that I have been shaking my leg back and forth.
“Oops,” I giggle hoarsely.
“I thought I wore you out. Why are you up?” he grumbles into the pillow.
“I don’t know. Thinking,” I murmur.
“I’m going to need you to think a little more still,” he huffs, flipping onto his back.
“Sorry,” I pout.
Toby cracks an eye open, turning his head towards me. He sighs and throws an arm across his face. His hand on my thigh squeezes it gently.
“I knew this was coming,” he blows out.
“What was coming?”
“Come on, Babe. I can read you like a book. You’re worried. Even though I’ve told you, a million times. You have nothing to be worried about,” he peeks from under his arm at me.
“I’m not so much worried as curious,” I shrug. “What do you plan to do?”
“That, I will know tomorrow. We’ve been collecting intel. Afafa has a lot to think about,” Toby replies.
“I was thinking,” I say cautiously, I pause to try to clear my throat.
“Yes, I can tell,” he snorts.
“Since I am queen, shouldn’t I be going with you,” I continue, ignoring his words.
“No, hell no,” Toby says, removing his arm from his face.
“Listen to me,” I plead, my voice struggling to come out.
“No,” he says firmly.
“Don’t do that to me, Toby,” I fume. “My entire life, everyone has chosen to handle this their way. It is my life, my future. I think I should have a say.”
“Do you think we’re going in there to talk and play cards?” Toby gives me a pointed look. “That man can’t be trusted and he is unpredictable. There is no way I’m allowing you within two yards of him.”
“Those are my people. That is my kingdom. Do you understand that? How this is handled means everything. The odds are already stacked against us. If you roll in there like you own shit…without me, the queen,” I shake my head. “Toby, it is not going to go over well.
“Whether Kwäzē is there or not. I need to be there too. We have to be a united front in whatever you choose to do,” I stand my ground. I need to be heard.
Toby looks at me long and hard. I can see the wheels turning. I know he hears me. I know he knows I am right.
“They will not show loyalty to you just because you say you are king. Even if you are freeing them of Afafa’s oppression. You are just one face being traded for another. You have not earned their trust any more than he has,” I try to drive my point.
“And if he doesn’t go peacefully? Do you know he has set sanctions to prevent anyone from harming him? It’s one of the things that has tied everyone’s hands for so long,” he retorts.
“So, you can be put to death for going in there and harming him,” I gasp.
“No, I’ve secured ties that will insure the right eyes are blind, all ears are deaf, and every mouth will be sealed. It is a great death and debt to cross me and my friends. Afafa is now dead in the water,” Toby rumbles. “We’ve been working to disarm him of his resources.”
“Then, I am coming with you,” I lift my head and state with finality. “As your queen, it is my final word. If you haven’t learned what that means. Tell my father and Kwäzē I said so.”
Toby looks up at the ceiling. “The fuck. Did she just?” He says to himself. He looks at me and points a finger at me. “I know what that means. You know what, I’m not giving your ass dick for a week.”
I roll my lips, trying not to laugh. Toby storms out of bed into the bathroom. I’m not worried. I still trust him to make this right. I just know I’m right as well.
chapter Forty-One
Reclaiming
Toby
Aren’t you supposed to be in a good mood after your honeymoon night. I’m not. I’ve been pissed as a motherfucker for the last two days. Of course, King Elijah agrees with Kamara the one time I need him not to.
I did not want her coming on this trip. To be honest, I just wanted to roll in, take this motherfucker’s head off and go back home. There was nothing diplomatic about the way I intended to handle this.
Too bad Brooklyn was the only one that agreed with my plan. Both LaSalle, my father, and King Elijah agreed with each other. Although, once I realized the true power the Alliance has behind it, I saw reason.
LaSalle’s reach, or should I say the reach of the Alliance is much greater than I first imagined. Afafa has to be shitting in his boots. I love it when my enemy knows I’m coming for them, but they just don’t know when or how.
My brothers and cousins have come along with us to Nigeria, even though I don’t think I’ll be needing them this time. Wyatt and Noah refused to leave anything to chance, especially with Kamara taking the trip with me.
“We shall reach the palace in ten minutes, your highness,” our driver announces.
“Thank you,” Kamara replies.
I wrap my arm around her and pull her closer to my side. I can see the driver looking back at us through the rearview mirror. It’s not the first strange look we’ve gotten since arriving.
I can see how right Kamara was. Honestly, I think this approach is going to go over smoother. Our welcome has been a little stiff, considering this is the inner court, those King Elijah has trusted.
I kiss Kamara’s forehead. The only thing I’ve ever thought of her skin, is how beautiful it is on her. I’ve never thought of her being black and me being white. Seeing firsthand, the reaction to us being together has burst the little bubble I’ve been living in.
It has made me all the more fiercely protective. My love for Kamara doesn’t have a color and I dare someone to target her because of it. My body coils with tension just thinking about it.
“It will take time,” Kamara places a hand on my chest.
I look into her eyes and see the plea there. I inhale deeply, knowing how important this is to her. I have to think before I do, I remind myself.
We pull into the palace gates. I look around, it reminds me of Granny’s back in Ireland. Maybe a bit vaster in size. It is a palace by all definitions of the word.
I step from our car, holding out my hand to help Kamara out. King Elijah and Queen Catherine step from the car in front of us. I can see the shock and awe on the face of those moving about the grounds.
Clusters of people begin to form and fingers begin to point, at the thought to be deceased king and queen. We are causing quite the disturbance, as we knew we would. Eyes begin to turn to Kamara.
As far as the people know, she has been “traveling.” Kwäzē no longer thought it safe for their cousin that was standing as Kamara’s double. He sent her to the States not long after we blocked the engagement party. All of which falls into our plan.
I smile inwardly. This is going to be better than I thought. Murmurs start as attention begins to turn to Kamara and me. There are a mix of reactions.
Some look at me with distrust, others look on with curiosity. Kwäzē steps from the car that is last to pull in. At once, everyone seems to realize the royal family has arrived. Collectively, they all begin to bow.
The military escort disembarks from their truck, making our party complete. This is when I let a ghost of my smile hit my lips. I’m going to enjoy this.
I can tell from the glee in their eyes, that King Elijah and Kwäzē will as well. We all begin to move into the palace. The military escort surrounding us.
As this is not Kwaz
e’s palace, but the one built and planned for Kamara, odd looks cover every face, as we walk in like we own the place. However, no one moves to stop us. We continue straight for our target.
Large doors are thrown open, before us and we all march right in. The look on the face of who I assume to be King Afafa, is priceless. It is a cross between shock, expectance, and fear.
He’s known we were coming for him. He just didn’t know how. For his crimes, I think this is bittersweet. I would love to put a bullet in him, but I think watching this may prove to be just as satisfying.
Oddly, the man before me isn’t at all what I expected. He looks small, behind the large oak desk. His head is balding and his gut looks like he may have tried to create an heir on his own. His face is wrinkled and his eyes look as if his health has seen better days.
I look to Kamara’s face and see her fighting hard not to frown, as she looks at the pudgy little man. She has never seen her so called betrothed before. Her reaction says a million words.
“You know I can look like that in a few years or so,” I whisper to her.
Kamara turns to me, her brow raised. “At least then, I would look the same,” she whispers back.
“Never,” I wink.
“Afafa,” booms the general, along with us.
“That is King Afafa,” the man behind the desk finds his voice to bellow back, lifting to his feet and planting his palms on his desk. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Afafa, you are being charged with treason, the tempted murder of King Elijah and Queen Ada, as well as the kidnapping and attempted murder of Queen Ogeima,” the general informs him, as men rush into place cuffs on him.
Afafa blanches, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. I’m sure he didn’t see this coming. I was right about the Alliance, it was my ace in the hole.
LaSalle managed to frame Afafa for the disappearance and attempted murder of King Elijah and Queen Catherine, or Ada, as she is known here. LaSalle managed to me make it look like that car crash from almost two years ago was all a conspiracy of Afafa.
The icing on the cake is pinning Kamara’s so called kidnapping on him. As far as the people will know, Kamara never went to travel. Afafa tried to have her kidnapped and murdered, which lead her to the States were she and I met.
The timeline won’t match if anyone looks closely, the twins are a year too old. Still, we’re not worried about that. As I said, the Alliance will shut down any questions.
Afafa has made many enemies with some of our friends. Friends willing to set him up and turn a blind eye. The fear in his eyes tells me he knows he’s fucked.
“I did none of this,” Afafa thunders. “Uncuff me. This is my kingdom, my palace. How dare you?”
Kamara steps forward, away from me. I can feel the rage rolling off of her. She surprises me with the sudden move. I’m surprised again when she speaks.
“Add to his charges the murder of King Habib and the impersonation of a king,” Kamara demands, with her head held high.
“Yes, my queen,” the general nods.
“Queen, she is no queen,” Afafa scoffs.
“That is where you are wrong. This is my kingdom. These are my people. You tried to steal a throne that was never meant to be yours,” Kamara hisses at him.
“The people will not follow you. You and this…,” he begins, but his words are cutoff, when I step forward, placing my hand on Kamara’s back.
“Keep talking. I’m sure we can keep adding to your crimes,” I boom into the room.
“King Toby is right,” the general adds. “If I may your highness. I have a few charges that should be added.”
The general looks to me for confirmation, but it’s Kamara who speaks. “I want him charged for all of the women he has raped, maimed, and murdered. I am sure someone here can provide you with a list,” she says, with every bit of the authority of a queen.
“You can’t prove any of this,” Afafa snarls.
“Yes, we will,” Kamara snarls back.
“Be done with this,” King Elijah speaks up and waves his hand.
Afafa is escorted from the room, yelling and protesting. I can’t help the smile that graces my lips. I wrap my arm around Kamara’s waist, pulling her into my side.
“I’m proud of you,” I say against her temple, placing a kiss to her soft skin.
“We are not done yet. It is time my people meet their queen. It is only right, Kwäzē and I reunite the kingdoms as one. My grandfather’s gift was meant for us to share, not divide,” she replies.
“Yes, it is time to restore order,” King Elijah says. “Toby, I wish to have a word with you.”
I nod and kiss Kamara’s cheek, following the king to the other side of the room. He turns to me and looks me in the eyes. I can see the fierceness in their depths.
“I know and understand what the Alliance wants. I agree this was the best way to do things for the eyes of the people. However, Afafa will not live another day,” King Elijah informs me.
I shrug my shoulders. “What do you need?”
“I don’t want to dishonor your agreement with LaSalle and the Alliance, but this is not up for debate. Inform him if you must. I will take care of the rest. I have waited for the day I would deliver this justice,” he replies.
“And the council? Do you believe you can trust them?”
“Those who can be trusted have nothing to fear. Those that upheld this dishonor will meet their fate,” he says firmly.
“I’ll take care of the Alliance,” I reassure him.
“I think I will have to sit down with your father, as well. I know he is still a bit angry with me for keeping secrets from him. He is a longtime friend, but as I have told you.
“You reveal what you must, when you must. I have my reason for not telling him about you and Kamara sooner,” he says thoughtfully.
“I think he will understand and get over it,” I nod.
“Thank you, Toby. I will handle this from here.”
chapter Forty-Two
Gifts
Kamara
It is over. At least the worst of it is. My people are free from that tyrant and peace is starting to settle. Kwäzē has done a lot of the ground work for the restoration of our people and our home.
We told the people Kwäzē was the one that set in motion the investigation that lead to Afafa’s arrest. The people cried out with such joy. The celebrations went on for days.
As we thought, the people were not as accepting of Toby or our marriage. Not that anyone would say it out loud, but it was seen in the faces and behavior of the people. My father says to give it time.
As we rebuild our relationship with the people, they will come around. I can only hope. Time will tell.
For now, my concern is the price Toby has to pay for the help of his friends. Our trip to New York revealed to me a lot about the type of people that stepped in to help us.
It also revealed to me that I’m stronger than I thought. I found more new friends. Valentina Donati, Pam Briggs, Paige Mairettie, and Rita Mairettie just to name a few.
Toby doesn’t know this, but not only does his entire family believe that I should learn to protect myself, so do all of my new friends. Toby’s head would probably explode if he knew what I really do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I’ve returned to school for my Masters.
I do go to class on those days. I just happen to make a stop somedays before, other days after class. Noah has Nellie and Bean help with my training. It is the newest, family secret. This time, everyone knows except for Toby.
I may not have Afafa to fear any longer, but after almost getting snatched for the third time I had enough. Especially, after watching Cass pull two shotguns, as if it were nothing.
I will not be the weakling in the family. I smile down at my new gun. It was a gift from Noah. He said I am ready to have my own. Toby would lose it if he knew.
I hear movement at the front of the house. I quickly close the case to my gun and lock it. Rushing to the c
loset, I hide it behind all of my shoes. Toby will never look here.
I hadn’t noticed the time. The day has gotten away from me. I spent the morning with Noah and Bean, working on my hand to hand combat. When I returned home I started dinner.
Toby has been working a new case. He’s been so busy lately, I have planned something special for tonight. Cass wanted to spend time with the twins so I dropped them off, before heading to meet Noah and Bean.
Everything is set. I just wanted to glance at my new piece once more. I step out of the closet, smoothing my hands down the front of my romper. I look in the mirror to check my face and hair.
I grin at the afro puff on top of my head. It is so much larger than when I was a young girl, but I know it is something Toby talks about all the time. The first time we met and the puff I used to wear.
“Mara,” Toby calls through the house. “Yo, Baby, come here.”
I laugh and shake my head. He sounds so excited. Wait until he sees what I have planned. I saunter out of the bedroom, looking for him. He’s not in the kitchen or the living room.
“Toby,” I call out.
“Out here,” his voice comes from the garage.
I frown. Toby never goes into the garage. He always parks in front of the house. I go out to the garage to find my husband sitting against the front of a brand-new car, with a bow on top.
I fold my arms and cock my hip to the side. “You went to get a new car. I thought you changed your mind,” I laugh.
Toby shrugs. “I did. I decided to get a new car for my wife,” he says, with that sexy grin on his face.
My eyes round and my mouth pops open. “No,” I gasp out. “No way. You didn’t, Toby.”
“Yes, I did, Kamara,” he says teasingly.
I step to the side to look around him. I start to jump up and down, pointing at the car. I’d just mention this car the other day, when we were hanging with the family.
It was a joke. I love the car, but I had no intentions of trying to get one. Nellie was talking about dream cars and the rest of us girls chimed in.
Toby stands up straight and catches me in his arms, before I break my ankles in my heels, from jumping up and down. He laughs at my excitement. I bury my face in his neck.
