"Simba," Munya said not too pleased as he stood to greet his brother. "Monsieur Thomas a pleasure to meet you in person," Munya smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine your highness. And who is the beautiful flower gracing our meeting," he said taking Rudo's hand in greeting bringing the said hand to his lips.
"Forgive me darling," a woman said as Monsieur Thomas beamed at the woman giving her a peck on her lips.
"Ah Maria the love of my life," he greeted her as he introduced her to the group.
"This is my friend Rudo," he said introducing her keeping an eye on his brother as he shook her hand.

Helping her into her seat he made sure she was closer to him by pulling her closer to him earning a questioning look from her.
"What?" He asked innocently as the waiter brought their menus.
"Can you relax," she said touching his arm.
Someone clearing their throat made them look at Simba.
"Can we have the meeting now?" He said in an irritated manner. Ignoring the question he reached for the menu going over it with Rudo, thus ordering a seafood platter whilst she went for a chicken dish.

Enjoying the meal conversation flawed smoothly as he smiled watching her laugh at the tales Thomas told about how he wooed his wife who could only blush and correct him several times as he exaggerated.
"Please excuse me," she said pushing her chair back as he helped her up.
"Is everything okay," he asked her.
"I'm fine just need to use the ladies," she whispered.
Smiling at her he nodded his head watching her walk away.
"Lovely young lady," Maria said as her husband nodded yes. "Now tell me again why we can't invest in their project," she said turning to her husband.
"Because I like to meet with the man in charge first not a messenger," Thomas said making Munya smirk realizing that's exactly what he would have done had the tables been turned.
"Well please forgive me, I was very busy."
"Indeed you where," Simba said taking a swing of whiskey.
Ignoring his comment he turned to the couple talking further with them just as Simba stood up excusing himself. Munya saw his brother sway a bit as he walked out of the room which told him he would not take anymore alcohol or risk being embarrassed.

Pitching his idea to the couple Munya frowned seeing Rudo was taking longer than expected.
"Excuse me," he said as the couple stood out of respect.
Walking to the entrance of their dining room he pointed at two of his guards to follow him as he walked onto the main floor scanning the dining area. Several eyes looked in his direction as some recognized him. Seeing a few familiar faces he simply passed by them more concerned with finding her.
"Find my brother," he growled as he walked towards the ladies room.
Swinging the door open he found the room empty making him clench his fists in anger. If she was not here then where was she, he thought to himself.
Walking down the corridor he caught sight of the mens room door slightly open.

Opening it his blood boiled as he saw his brother pinning a waitress against the wall.
"Keep your voice down or else," he whispered in a low raspy voice as tears ran down her cheeks.
Pulling him off her, he shoved him away from them.
"Don't you ever lay a hand on her or any of my staff," Munya growled angrily.
"Why brother. Are they all not sluts," Simba spat.
"Say one more word. I dare you," Munya said taking a step towards her.
"Come on. Please don't tell me that, that girl has changed you," he said as Munya growled in anger.
Grabbing Simba by his collar he punched him breaking his nose in the process before shoving him to the ground. Turning to look at Rudo as she stood in shock at the entrance.
"Love," he said taking quick strides towards her. "Where were you?" He asked looked over her before holding her face in his hands.
"Munya!" she screamed as Simba attacked him. Punching Munya he lost his balance hitting his head against the sink passing out instantly. Several guards rushed into the room grabbing ahold of Simba before he could do any more damage.

Monsieur Thomas walked into the room and found Rudo kneeling beside Munya crying, begging him to wake up. The waitress was already being consoled by a coworker as Rudo focused on Munya.
"Come my dear, he needs to be taken to hospital," he said realizing that a pool of blood was forming on the floor.
Using the back entrance to exit they rushed off to the hospital. All the while Rudo never let go of his hand.

—————

He slowly opened his eyes to find the room void of any other human being. The opening and closing of a door grabbed his attention as he turned his head towards the direction of the noise. Walking slowly she didn't even see that he was awake as he closed his eyes his head pounding excruciatingly.
Sitting beside the bed he felt her hands on his skin as she gently held his hand.
"Please don't leave me," she whispered.
Even in his state he could detect a hint of more that just worry in her voice.
"I'm not going anywhere love," he whispered for her benefit making her look up at him.
Giving her the best smile he could master she looked at him tears flowing.
"If you don't stop crying I'm going to just have to kiss you," he whispered making her chuckle as she wiped her tears away.

"How long have I been in here," He asked.
"One week," she said as he looked at her in shock.
"The girl?"
"She is alright. Her family stopped by to see you," she said. "You are her night in shining amour," she smiled.
He smiled at her.
"I'm everyone's night in shining amour," he said giving her a wink.
"Yeah right," she said rolling her eyes.

"What of my brother?"
"He was released. Only if you press charges will he be detained once more. John said something about diplomatic immunity."
He closed his eyes in thought before he looked at her once more.
"You should rest," she whispered as he closed his eyes once more.

——————

"Thank you your highness," the young girl said looking down on the ground in embarrassment.
"I should be the one apologizing for my brothers actions," Munya said apologetically.
"I don't know why he attacked me," she said as Munya looked at her.
Even Gareth saw what his king saw. He could have easily mistaken her for Rudo if he did not know her closely.
"Once again I apologize," he said facing the old couple who where her parents. "I shall deal with my brother personally," he stated spotting Rudo as she walked into the room.

Walking up towards them she stood by his side smiling at the young girl.
"Is he behaving," she said as he reached for her hand making the old couple chuckle breaking the serious atmosphere.
Looking at him she found him looking at her fondly.
"What? I know how intimidating you can be," she said making him laugh.
"We shall take our leave now," he announced as they made their way out.
Walking out of the house he smiled looking at her. "Had it been anyone else to do that they would definitely not live to see tomorrow," he said as her face paled. "You though are not anyone love," he smiled bringing her hand up to his lips seeing her relax.

Sliding into the car he looked at her still smiling before he leaned back to rest.
"I told you you should have taken your medication," she said handing him the bottle of water as he reached for his medication.
He had to control the urge to smile at her show of concern. Not even his ex wife had shown such care for his wellbeing.
"I just needed to see them first before we left," he said.
"Very well, but you put your health at risk," she said crossing her arms as she looked outside through the window.

"I'm sorry love," he said seeing she was upset.
"It's just that when I saw all that blood and you weren't waking up, I just thought that you where, that you wouldn't...," she trailed off wiping away her tears as he pulled her into his arms.

"What if I am to tell you I have had those same thoughts every time I have seen you wounded love. But one thing I know is that fate has brought us together and nothing will separate us. Not even a little bruise," he smiled. "Besides you nursed me back to health," he said kissing her forehead.
"Just don't put yourself in danger next time," she said in a serious tone.
"Yes ma'am," he said with a smile.

--------

"Where are we going?"
"I need to conduct business affairs with the other elders hence the need to be closer to them. But at the same time I need you closer to me," he said making blush. "Hence forth we shall be residing here," he said the the gates swung open to reveal a long winding driveway lined with trees on both sides. It felt like ages before the driveway opened up for then to be greeted by another gate and a security wall flanking the large doors. Two guards dressed in suites with the royal seal displayed proudly on their shoulders pulled the gate open as she then realized the two towers flanking the gate as armed men stood alert watching.

"Why so much security?"
"Do you really need to ask?" He smirked.
She sighed remembering who he was. The past days had been so normal she actually forgot he was a king. He had behaved as any normal man would, cooking for her, opening her door for her, well any normal gentleman that is. Normally his staff would take care of all these things but he had taken care of them on his own.
Slowly driving down towards the mansion, she gasped at the sheer opulence of it. By far the was the most exquisite thing she had ever seen. A total of three floors worth of building greeted her as she looked up. But that was not all as she looked at just the entrance. Golden doors swung open as two guards bowed as she was pulled towards the building left to admire the exterior another time.

She clamped her mouth shut for fear she would drool all over the place as she looked at the interior. Clearly Munya need not worry about money as the room screamed wealth indeed. A young lady bowed her head as Munya approached her.
"You have a reception in your house?" She whispered as he looked at her laughter in his eyes.
"Good afternoon your highness. John asked me to hand these to you," she said handing over a sealed folder.
Nodding his head in acknowledgement he turned to find Rudo looking at the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
"Show her to her rooms," he said to the young lady.
"How come your palace back home is not this grand?" She asked having not heard his instruction to the girl.
"Because that is not my palace. I shall show you my real home. Let's just say that is my office. I don't like mixing business with my personal life. But here I can do so," he shrugged.

She remained silent processing all this. Clearly the man took every aspect of his life seriously.
She felt his lips up one her forehead before he slowly pulled away.
"Get some rest love," he said looking into her eyes.
She nodded her head before he turned to leave. A man walked up to him bowing his head as his king spoke to him in hushed tones.
"Right away my king," he said as he signaled two man to come towards him. Both looked intimidating in nature but opposites of each other. One taller and bulkier than the other but both looked tough nonetheless.
Walking towards her she looked surprised as they stood silently heads bowed, before the one Munya had spoke to came towards them.

"His royal highness has requested they accompany you wherever you go."
"I don't need babysitters," she said looking ahead to see if Munya was still there to object to this.
"It is for your own safety," he said before turning to leave.
Just then Gareth showed up.
"The King informed me that you shall have security with you always," he smiled. "I see Lionel took great care in choosing a good team for you. Mathew and Matt are the best," he said looking at the two rocks that stood before them.
"Please show me to my room," she said ignoring his comment.
"As you wish," Gareth said with a bow. "She frowned at this. Never had Gareth bowed before her realizing that even the two rocks had done so.

-----

After resting for an hour she found the goons waiting outside her room. Going in search of her brother she found him with a tutor going through the some mathematical problems. Pleased with this her next priority was Munashe whom she found sound asleep in his room. Looking at the two men she sighed in frustration before an idea popped into her mind.
Wincing in pain she watched as they stopped in alarm looking at her. Clutching her stomach she sank to the ground forcing some tears out as she asked them to get Gareth. Fear is what she read on both their expressions.
As one left in search of Gareth she asked the other to get her water. Smirking as they left her alone she went the opposite direction wondering the halls in search of Munya. She needed to tell him there was no need for babysitters.

Walking into one room she found a grand piano sitting untouched gathering from the layer of dust on it. Looking outside through the window she smiled as she saw what looked like stables at the far end of the estate. Walking down another hallway she heard angry voices but one voice in particular she knew. She found the door slightly ajar as she peeked in heart pounding as she prayed she would not get caught.

"What I do with my personal life should not concern you," Munya growled slamming his hand on the table before turning away front the men who stood looking at him.
"Your highness. Divorcing your wife is something unheard of. You will have to return her to her parents stating why you are returning her as custom demands."
"Name the date and time I will gladly do so," Munya spat as she saw Matthias smirk at his blunt manner.
She frowned seeing Munya clench his fists a mannerism he showed when truly angered.

"As for the girl?" One of the leaders said watching him flare in anger.
"Your friend," another added trying to quench the flames.
"What of her?" His voice boomed.
"Is it a good thing to have her around especially with the news of your divorce still raw for the rest of the world. Forgive me my king but if I may speak freely. She will be labeled as your whore, better yet your mistress," the elder said as the others visibly paled at his choice of words.
"I will kill whoever speaks ill of her," Munya whispered in a deadly voice. "Choose your next words wisely," he told the man before him.

"What I mean to say is that if she remains close to you, your chances if wedding her with honor will be at risk as the world will perceive she is the reason behind your separation to the young princes' mother," the old man said as several heads nodded in agreement.
"Do I look like I care what other people think over my love life?"
"Think of our countries image your highness," another pleaded.
Looking around the table his eyes stopped once more on the one who had insulted him. "Speak Jacobi," he growled.
"We all clearly know your marriage was arranged and there was no love. A feeling all of us here are well aware of and have," he said as they all nodded except for Munya. "Clearly you like Samson's daughter," he said as all the man looked at their king unmoving watching for his reaction.
"Like," Munya chuckled running a hand through his hair. "I am in love with that woman," his voice boomed with pride just she heard commotion heading in her direction watching as Munya made his way towards the door swinging them open.

She stood in shock as she looked at him forgetting the numerous guards who came running in her direction.

Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed. Please please tell me your thoughts so far and don't forget to vote and tell your friends about the story. Stay blessed ☺️