Page 83 of Royal Pain
“I’m going to cry like a baby if I say anything but thank you,” Zan says, returning to his seat.
I take his hand and kiss his wet cheek.
“Now me,” my brother James says. “That’s going to be impossible to follow, but I’ll try. I want to welcome Zan and his gracious family to ours. This chapter of our family’s story is unexpected. I’m pretty certain none of us ever thought our little sister would marry a king. We were just hoping whoever she married was worthy of her.”
Chuckles all around the table.
“Our fears were unfounded, and not because her husband- to- be is about to be coronated. It’s because he’s a great guy. We like him, and that’s an understatement. So here’s to Zan and Belinda. Hope you have a wonderful life together.”
Oh, sweet James. Now I’m crying.
“I’m going to need to reapply my makeup pretty soon!” Soraya teases through tears.
“Before you do, let me speak. Then we both can excuse ourselves and wipe the mascara off our faces,” the queen says.
I look at Soraya, because I know she’s thrilled that the queen just spoke to her. It almost makes me laugh to see the look on her face when she sees me watching.
Queen Ayana rises and holds her flute of champagne out for a refill, which is done within seconds. The staff moves to refill all glasses.
Her eyes scan the table. All guests acknowledged with a smile. Then she settles on Zan and me.
“My children. You are my daughter now, Belinda, and I welcome you into our little world. I say little because that is what King Mansa and I fashioned it to be. We deal enough with the big world and all its problems. For us the family is a tight contained unit, powered by the love and affection we offer each other. Tonight I offer you mine.”
I touch my heart, which has just been filled with her words.
“My son Zan holds a special place in our hearts because he came to us in such an unusual way.”
I watch the people’s faces. Some know the story, others don’t. But what everyone sees is a mother’s love. The purest of emotions put to words.
“He has been a gift. Not only to his mother and father, brothers, and nephews and nieces, but to our country. His compassionate nature shapes everything he has done. Because of that I know he will be a great king. But king will not be his greatest role. It’s husband and father that will hold that title. I know you will be brilliant at them both.”
“I love you, Mother,” Zan says with a cracking voice.
“And I you, my son.” Then she turns to me. “Beautiful Belinda. I want to thank you for your immeasurable contribution to not only our family, but to Mozia. Your love of my son has made our destinies possible. Without you, I’m not so sure we’d be about to crown a king. You came into our lives at the darkest of our times. You loved us even when we were lost in grief. Tonight there’s a king and a prince smiling down on you with gratitude. And we here at this table are doing the same. You are loved beyond measure.”
She raises her flute and all follow the lead. But I can’t see a thing through the tears.
* * *
I look into the full-length mirror. My close-fitting, beautifully tailored long sleeved white dress is magnificent. The simplicity of it defies the impact. It’s the best I’ve ever looked in anything. Mission accomplished.
“Make sure it’s going to stay put! If I lose my veil halfway to my husband, it wouldn’t be good.”
“This thing isn’t going anywhere! Hold still!”
Soraya fastens the last clip holding the six-foot beaded veil to my hair. The circular band sits atop my braided knot, surrounding it with all colors of blue. Down my back, white and blue beads drape to the floor.
“This sucker is heavy,” Soraya says, straightening it out behind me.
“Oh, you look beautiful, Belinda! I’m crying already.” My mother weeps into her handkerchief.
“How many brides can say a Zulu Chief gave them their wedding veil? This is awesome!” Soraya examines the intricate beadwork.
“Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?” I say, staring at my image. “Do I look okay?”
Both my mother and Soraya chuckle at the question.
“You look like an angel.” My mother takes my hands. “I’m so happy for you, darling.”
