"I can't say the same," Munya said with a frown as he saw his brothers gaze turning to his wife.
"Good evening my queen," he said bowing before Rudo who simply acknowledged him with a smile.
Munya remembered the incident in Paris realizing she was completely oblivious to his brothers intentions.

Snaking his arm around her waist he pulled her closer to him showing Simba that she was off limits. Simba smiled facing his older brother.
"Ever protective of her I see," he said.
"Love why don't you go find our seats. Let me have a word with my brother," he said taking her hand caressing it.
Looking up at him she smiled as he leaned down towards her. He felt her hand on his cheek as she kissed her deeply.
"Be nice," she whispered feeling how tense he was as her hand moved to rest on his chest.
"Simba," she acknowledged him before walking away flanked by her two guards as the other two remained with Munya.

Walking towards the bar Simba ordered a drink but Munya didn't bother.
"She really is something your wife," he murmured sipping his glass of wine.
"Watch what you say about my wife," Munya growled but Simba ignored him.
"Such a shame she had to be scarred because of tradition. I hear she was touched by another, such a shame. It would have been exquisite to taste a true virgin," he smirked seeing Munya take a step closer to him.

"Now if I were you I would keep my cool. Take a look at this," he said pulling out his phone.
Munya froze as he looked at a picture of Rudo in her dance studio smiling at the little girl. The next showed as she stepped out of the building. Another showed her walking across the street to his office building with her guards. In all the pictures she looked happy.
"What are you up to?" Munya growled.
"Nothing. Just keeping an eye on the great kings' weakness. A beautiful weakness," he said.
"Show my brother the way out," he growled as the two guards stepped forward.
Before the men could lead him away Rudo appeared.
"Darling," She said as he turned to face her.
"Is your brother joining us?" She asked him.
"Oh not tonight love. He was just leaving," he said.
"Oh how unfortunate. Well enjoy your evening Simba," she said seeking Munya's hand as they interlocked their fingers.

"Care for a drink love?" He asked her.
"Red grape juice would be lovely," she whispered as he ordered two glasses for them.
Mingling with the other guests he relaxed forgetting about Simba. Snaking his arms around her he held her close as they discussed politics with a group of influential men.
"Your highness, if I didn't know better I would say you two are on your honeymoon. You haven't let go of the lady since you joined us."
"Well what can I say. With a room of filthy rich bastards like yourself I have to guard my wife else she will be snatched away," Munya said looking at his wife as she looked up at him with a smile whilst the man laughed.
"And I have to keep the ladies away from what is mine," she said as the man saluted them saying touché.
Munya lifted her hand to his lips giving her a seductive smile as she leaned more into him.

"May I have this dance," he asked her as a familiar song came on.
Smiling at him she said yes as he led her onto the dance floor. He held her close to him as they moved slowly to the tune.
"What bothers you dear husband?" She asked as he held her hand close to his frantic beating heart.
"It's my brother," he murmured. "He is after something I love dearly," he said softly for her ears.
"Can he not find his own I mean he has the means and money to get anything he wants," she said.
"He does but..." Munya sighed.
"But?" She asked.
"But he can't have you," he whispered tightening his hold on her as he looked into her eyes.
"What?" She asked in shock.
"Smile love we have an audience," Munya said as he released her waist twirling her around just as the song finished.

Walking off the dance floor arm in arm her body language told him all he needed to know. Walking out of the hall he signaled two guards to keep guests out of the office they entered.
"Munya what are you talking about?" She spat furiously.
"Love relax I will not let him touch you," he said as she paced back and forth as she began to hyperventilate. Swinging open the balcony windows he watched as she took a deep breath as she gripped his arms tears rolling down her face.
"Why can't we catch a break?" She gasped. "Why is it we have to face one more challenge when we are happy?"
"I don't know Love, but one thing I know is I am not losing you to anyone or anything," he said pulling her into his arms.

Calming down in his arms they returned back to the party after straightening up. They couldn't leave as they where the guests of honor as Rudo had insisted they stay.
"I will be back love. I'm heading over to the bar," he said.
Smiling as she watched him walk away she knew it took much effort on his part. Where he would have ordered a servant to go he chose to go himself thus she knew he was getting them more beverages. If it had been for someone else he wouldn't have bothered, this she knew very much.

Making small talk with the other guests she laughed at the outrageous recount of how the couple before them had met.
With a frown she looked at her chief guard who was speaking into his communication device.
"Where is he?"
"His highness is at the bar my queen," he said.
"Excuse me," She said getting up as the others at the table quickly stood bowing before her.

Walking towards the bar she found him talking to a beautiful woman who was clearly flirting with him to her utter dismay. He seemed to be oblivious to this as the ladies hand rested on his arm.
As she reached them Munya turned right on time smiling at her as he reached out for her. He stepped back pulling her to stand in front of him and not beside him. Circling his hands around her abdomen he kissed her ear apologizing for being late as she felt his lips on her shoulder.

"Apology accepted," she murmured caressing his arm as he pulled her closer to him engulfing her with his warmth.
"Angelica please meet my wife, Rudo," he smiled at the woman who smiled at Rudo but her eyes revealed pure hatred as Munya handed his glass of juice to his wife.
"So this is the woman who took my place," she said as Rudo burst into a bout of coughing looking at the woman wide eyed.
"Angelica," Munya said in warning after making sure Rudo was alright.

"You knew my husband?" Rudo questioned.
"Very well," she responded with a smirk as Rudo looked at Munya with a questioning look. He felt her loosening her hold on his arm as she distanced herself from him.
"Well it's good to see my husband has an eye for beautiful woman, I really am a lucky girl aren't I," Rudo smirked. Seeing fury written all over Angelica's face.

"Baby I'll be at our table. Why don't you finish up here," Rudo said caressing his cheek as he leaned down towards her letting her initiate the kiss. She smirked seeing the dazed look in his eyes as she pulled away from him.
Stepping away from him he watched as she walked away from him but not in the direction of their table. Signaling his men to keep and eye on her he turned to look at Angelica.
"You didn't have to throw such words. Now my wife is angry with me," he smirked.
"Thank me later. A great make up you will have," she chuckled just as her husband showed up pulling her away from the king.

He followed one of the guards down an empty hallway to an unoccupied room. Getting a rose from the vase he walked towards the open balcony doors finding her looking over the city.
"Love," he said seeing her become tense at the sound of his voice.
Reaching out to touch her arm she shook his hand off stepping away from him still not looking at him.
"I got you something," he whispered hoping she would turn to look at him. But still she didn't bother. Placing the flower on the balcony he moved towards her slowly wrapping his arms around her glad to do so when she didn't refuse him.

"Nothing happened between Angelica and I," he said.
Sniffling; he frowned turning her face towards his. Before she turned away from him hiding her tears.
"Do not lie to me Munya. Half the woman in that room alone knew you. You knew your ex mistresses or girlfriends would be here and still you brought me to this event. You know how women are territorial especially if the man has left an imprint upon their hearts. Just how many of them did you really sleep with for more than one night?" She spat angrily.

Munya smirked at her rant.
Turning her around he titled her head up to get a better look at her expressions.
"Are you jealous right now?" He asked her as she narrowed her eyes at him moving away from him as she walked out of the room.

Following hot on her heels he saw that clearly they were leaving the event as she got into the already waiting car.
He remained silent as they drove out of the city before he asked her once again wearing a smirk.
"Are you really jealous my love?"
"Of course I am. You....you...you are my husband and no one else's!" She yelled as he looked at her taking in her appearance as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Do you have any idea how hot you look wearing all that jealousy on you?" He murmured as she looked at him in fury.
Ignoring him she turned to look outside. "What shall I do to earn your forgiveness?" He asked her as he leaned towards her.
She moved away from him as he looked at her still wearing a smirk.
Taking her hand in his he leaned down to kiss her fist as she slightly relaxed allowing him to place his lips on her palm.

"I really hate you right now," she mumbled still not looking at him.
"Hmmmm that can be easily rectified," he said in a husky tone as the car cane to a halt.
Quickly getting out of the car he slowly followed her as she walked through the open doors.
Walking towards the kitchen he removed his jacket as she grabbed a glass walking towards the refrigerator. Waving the kitchen staff away they bowed leaving the room. As she was closing the door she felt his hands on her waist.

"Forgive me love," he murmured against her ear as she felt his warmth engulfing her. "What is my punishment," he whispered smiling as he saw her small smirk of triumph.
"You will sleep in the couch for a week, plain and simple," she said seeing his look of utter disbelief.
With a simple nod he obliged her knowing full well she would forgo her punishment.

To his surprise she slept alone that night. If it had been any other woman he knew he would have paid dearly but not with his wife. She was truly a blessing, he thought to himself. Walking out of the bathroom he found her already dressed as though all was okay.

Walking into the dining room he found her nursing a cup of tea as Panashe told her what he would be getting up to.
"Your teacher tells me you could skip a grade or two if you continue to do well in your studies," she said with pride as his face lit up. Watching their interaction Munya wondered why he never got along with his own family.

Finishing his food he gave John instructions to change their morning schedule. As Rudo stepped out of the palace she found him standing beside his car.
"Ready to go," he said as he opened the door.
"Thank you," she said softly as he helped her into the car.
Getting into the car he sat next to her before opening his iPad to look at his schedule.
"What time will you finish at the school today?" He asked her.
"Before one o'clock we should be done," she said softly.
"Great so we can have a quiet lunch by the office," he smiled typing something on his iPad.
"Hmmm I suppose so," she said gently closing her eyes as she relaxed.
Taking her hand he gently rubbed her knuckles as he watched the trees blurring last then.

"Love," he said as she opened her eyes to find the car had stopped.
She felt rather tired as she hadn't slept that night. The door opened as she made a move to leave the car he held onto her hand tightly. Turning to see what the matter was she found Munya looking at her in question.
"No kiss goodbye?" He said with a questioning tone.
"Forgive me," she said reaching to cup his cheek as her lips met his.
He did not respond instantly as she pulled back to look at him in question. Closing the door she turned to look at him once more.

"Are you angry about sleeping on the couch?" She enquired as his eyes revealed his answer so easily as she leaned towards him. "If you stop sulking maybe, just maybe you can come back tonight," she whispered seeing she had his full attention. "Now can I get a kiss goodbye, my students are waiting," she said pulling him towards her.
Taking time to reacquaint themselves they enjoyed a slow tantalizing kiss as he pulled her closer to him. Grabbing ahold of her hands before they ignited a fire no water could douse.

Pulling away from her he looked into her eyes seeing she was turned on before a smirk appeared on his face.
"You should go love," he said as she looked at him in question. "I have a meeting," he said with regret.
"Enjoy your day your highness," she said knowing how he hated those words on her lips as she quickly got out of the car.
Not even bothering to look back she walked into the building as the children greeted her at the entrance.

Checking up on Gareth as he headed to the office he opened the file which contained the same pictured his brother had showed him. The file had been dropped off at his office and John had sent it to his house. It was clear she was a target hence the extra security he had placed down to the least suspecting person his brother would not touch her. 

————

"So simply put are we making any profit at that hotel or should I give the go ahead to change the purpose of that building?" He asked leaning back in his chair.
"The profit margins are not what was expected. I believe your idea will bear much fruit," the finance director said as the other department managers nodded their heads in agreement.
"Very well," He said standing up.

Walking out of the board room he looked at his watch to find he was right on time.
"Make sure the club at the top floor does not interfere with the other floors. If the walls need to be soundproofed get it done. The children's playzone will take up the entire ground floor. Make sure the teens floor has a higher wifi reception and for those books worms make sure they have access to an online library. Each floor should be unique. Cater to different age groups. Spare no money I want the best security. Even you should feel safe to leave you child there and enjoy the company of loved ones without a worry," he said as John took notes.

————

"Great job guys," Rudo beamed clapping her hands in glee as the children bowed after completing their routine.
Walking towards the table to grab a glass of water  and quenched her thirst, turning back to her class the room suddenly started to spin as she passed out.

————

As he was walking out of the building he stopped in his tracks as his phone rang.
"Hello love," he said with a smile seeing who was calling.
"Your highness," he heard making him look at John. "The queen fainted at the school. We are on our way to the hospital as we speak," the bodyguard said.
"Which hospital?" He questioned in a gruff voice turning around to head back into the building.  "Get the chopper ready!" He yelled to John as he ran towards the elevator.

Looking down upon the city one thought was on his mind, she had to be okay.

Walking into the hospital he headed straight to the room she had been admitted. Looking at her she looked restless.
"Why does she look like she is in pain. Where is the doctor?" He growled.
John walked in with the doctor who looked worried.
"Your highness. May we speak in private," the doctor said looking at John.
With a simple head nod they had the room to themselves.

"After running a few tests we found traces of poison in her system. Luckily it did not affect the pregnancy, but there is a cause of concern over this issue," he said as Munya walked towards the bed taking her hand in his. "Only I know the true identity of the patients results for safety purposes as per your instruction," he added as Munya simply nodded his head in understanding.
"Give my assistant a printout of the results you found," he stated in a flat tone. The doctor bowed and took his leave thus leaving Munya with his wife.

Only then did he reveal his true emotions as he lay beside her careful not to wake her. Placing a hand over her belly she became slightly relaxed as he stared at her. This is when he saw  the small puncture wound on her neck. To the untrained eye is was not visible but he knew his wife, he could tell the difference between a bruise and her natural complexion on her dark skin any day.
So archaic the method used to poison her had been he knew someone had seen something. Going to the door he called John asking for his phone. He had left all electronic devices with John not wanting to disturb her.

Calling the dance school he asked to speak to any student she had been with.
"Hi little one.  Tell me what happened," he said softly. To his surprise he heard multiple voices only to discover he was on loud speaker.
"She...she was drinking water. Then she fell. The big man took the flower from her neck...another big man came and called you," they said as Munya pieced everything together his assumption verified.

Balling his hand into a fist he took a deep breath to calm himself down. Either he had a mole or someone had gotten into the building undetected. Throwing the phone against the wall he looked at the pieces on the ground as a million thoughts went through his head.
"Munya," he heard making him quickly look in her direction.
Fear and worry were the only emotions she saw on his face and in his eyes.
"Come," she commanded as his legs moved at their own accord.
Climbing into bed beside her he lay his hand over her chest feeling her strong heartbeat before taking her hand in his.
"I am fine love," she whispered seeing that this time words failed him. It was clear what he wanted to say but he just couldn't voice the words. Sitting up slightly she looked at him before reassuring him the only way she knew would make him understand.

Gently kissing his lips he did not disappoint her as he responded to her kiss at the same time taking over as he pulled her closer. Pulling apart they were both panting for air as they looked at each other before tears appeared in his eyes.
"Munya, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" She asked concerned.
"We are having a baby," he smiled as tears fell. The emotions on her face went from worry to surprise to joy in an instant....

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