LULU'S POV

"Lulu stop moving so much, I need to finish doing your eyes."Marini scolded as she held an eyelash curler over my eyes.

"You know I don't care much for make up so why are we doing all this anyway."I grunted unimpressed by all the sitting I was doing.

"Because today is a big day and you have to look good for the people. The Master of Ceremony can't go out there looking shabby."Marini pointed out.

"I'm never shabby but I will sit still because I want this to end quick. I've been on this chair too long, I think my ass is going numb."I lamented.

"Good, I'm almost done anyway so be patient."She demanded resuming her task.

I relaxed and just let her work as my mind started mentally checking off all the things that needed to be done for the day. Food check, location check, guests check, gifts check, ribbons check and scissors check. Our guest of honor was the President of Kenya. He'd heard about the project from the big leagues my sister had gotten donations from and he had actually managed to weasel himself into the mix. I should not have been trash talking my president but the man was corrupt and if he been even remotely good at his job, Marini and I wouldn't be doing it for him. But we had done it and successfully at that so it was all good. But if he even tried to take credit for it, I would personally call him out on it, president or no president.

"Done and done. You can get up now before your ass becomes permanently glued to that seat."Marini joked and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her.

Before I got up, I put on my heels making sure they were strapped on right. Facing the full length mirror, I gave myself a once over appreciating how good I looked, Marini had outdone herself and I had to admit that I looked perfect. My make up was flawless and covering all the healing scars on my face.

James and I had agreed not to talk or think about the accident, that bitch Nalu and anything negative just for the day and I had agreed so before the negative thoughts filled my mind I pushed them away.

My hair was freshly cut short and perfectly styled, my new jewelry courtesy of my fiance accentuated my neck, ears, wrists and waist perfectly. My outfit for the day was palazzo African print pants and a matching slightly cropped top.

"We look good don't we."Marini commented standing on my right as we looked at ourselves in the mirror.

"Yes we do."Amani agreed standing on my left.

My sisters were both dressed in Maxi Ankara full length dresses with hair and make up done perfectly courtesy of Marini.

Our admiring session was interrupted by the roaring of helicopter blades.

"Shit, the president. He is actually on time for once."Marini exclaimed jumping away from us.

"Calm down Marini, we're ready."I soothed her.

"Yes you're right, let's go get James and Isaac and get this show on the road."Marini declared reaching for her purse.

We all gathered what we would need for the day before leaving my cabin and walking towards the resorts restaurant where Isaac and Jeremy were having a chat at the bar. They noticed us before we got to them so they got up and joined us so we could go meet the president together.

"I've never met the president in person before."Jeremy commented as we all walked towards where the recently landed helicopter was.

"Neither have we, only Marini has but we'll be okay. He's just a man, the most powerful man in Kenya, commander in chief of the armed forces so you know, don't make any mistakes or he'll send the military after you."I teased Jeremy freaking him out more.

"That is not helping."He whisper yelled.

"I know."I laughed.

"Jeremy calm down, the president is actually a pretty laid back man in person. A little greedy and pretentious but approachable nonetheless. Don't worry though, I'll protect you."Marini consoled him.

Her words did little to calm him down but we didn't have any more time to baby sit him.

The morans and traditional singers we had requested to dance, sing and perform for the president when he arrived were already at the foot of the helicopter singing and dancing their lungs away dressed in Samburu traditional wear. The president's personal guards were in all black and suits in two lines just outside the helicopter doors.

A few minutes later after his security confirmed it was safe to alight, the helicopter doors opened and the president stepped out. Immediately, everyone clapped as the dancers started dancing and singing with more vigor. The president smiled and shook hands with as many people as he could before he got to us.

"Ah if it isn't the Kiarie-Mutua family."The president grinned shaking our hands.

"Welcome to Ndoto Mr President. It's a pleasure to have you here."I welcomed him since I was after all the Master of Ceremony.

"Thank you, it's my honor to be here. My pilot took me around before we landed and I have to admit you ladies make me look bad. This place is a paradise."He admitted and for once he said something truthful.

"Just lending out a helping hand Mr President, you can't do it all on your own that's why we stepped in, to help."I said soothing his ego.

"Thank you, you are a blessed family."He concurred making us smile.

"We have to leave now just in time for the ground tour before we officially start the ceremony."I reminded everyone.

"Lead the way."The President smiled holding his hand out.

It would have been better if the first lady had joined us, she was a delight compared to her husband but she was away on a conference in South Africa.

The president's security was quite tight so it took us a while to actually leave the resort. All the guests had the choice to use the tour buses provided courtesy of Zuri Safaris or use their own personal cars. We were going to cover as much of Ndoto as we could and anyone who wanted to see more would have to wait until after the event to get a private tour.

We went to the newly built state of the art hospital and a few select guests got a personal tour of the interior by Doctor Ezra. Then we visited the solar panel field that was powering the whole village with the plan to move to nearby villages. The electric powered wells were also on our list of places to visit and the final place on the list was the Sanctuary. James felt really bad that he wasn't able to give the tour of the new and improved space himself but his uncle Sam did a pretty good. We even got interact with Grace and Kovu who had grown attached to the sanctuary. Kovu marvelled everyone with the fact that she was born without tusks but Sam explained to everyone that most elephants were being born without tusks now as a way to adapt to poaching.

Finally after an hour and a half that passed by really fast the tour was over and we started driving towards the primary school where the event was being held. James, Mark and Ruth were already there holding down the fort for me.

"I know we've been here two weeks and have seen it all already but it still awes me everytime. The before and after photos of this place are inspiring. You did a good job Lue."Isaac praised making me beam.

"I'm proud of me too and my team. Our rich sponsors weren't so bad either."I chided making everyone in the SUV with me laugh.

My whole family was with me in one car so we wouldn't get separated amidst all the travel.

All the money in the world would have been useless if I didn't have a trustworthy team to work with. I didn't like corruption so every bit of work I'd done at Ndoto was honest, fair and transparent. My team from me, my engineers to the labor men, all had put in their best foot forward and I was very happy and proud.

When we arrived at the school, another one of my pride and joys we were received by school children dancing and singing happily. The school had new classes, enough to fit all the kids and with space for more from other villages. There was stationery for all, desks and chairs, a new staffroom and administration block, a dining hall, recreational rooms and a mini football stadium with stands and a running track.

My three side kicks were there to receive everyone as we entered the football field where the event was being held.

"Mr President I would like to introduce you to James Lankenua, he is the head veterinary here at Ndoto and my fiance, Mark a ranger at Samburu National Park and Ruth who is a teacher here at the school and Mark's wife."I introduced the three.

They tried their best to stay calm but I knew them well enough to know that they were nervous.

James looked dashing in a long sleeved with rolled up sleeves, dark khakis with one leg cut at the seam to accommodate his broken ankle and a red shuka draped over his chest. Mark was dressed the same as James but his shirt was blue, khakis were brown and he had a blue shuka. They were both fully accessorized with necklaces, bracelets, arm bands and traditional head gear. Ruth was wearing a full length maxi dress made of the same material as James shuka with her neck full of necklaces, wrists decorated with colored bracelets and a beautiful headband. James wasn't on his clutches but I could see him subtly leaning on Mark which didn't please me at all. He should have been seated not standing.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all, James you're a lucky man. Mark thank you for keeping our wildlife safe and Ruth, you are moulding the bright minds of the upcoming generation, keep up the good work."The president praised making all of them smile.

"I am indeed lucky Mr President, welcome to Ndoto."James replied warmly.

The president nodded and proceeded to greet other people while I stayed back to have a few words with my three helpers.

"I said no but he insisted."Mark defended before I could even get a word out but my glare did all the speaking for me.

"Hi baby, you look beautiful."James grinned kissing my cheek softly to butter me up.

"You're not supposed to be putting weight on that ankle, do I need to call Doctor Ezra on you?"I asked resisting the urge to fall for his charm.

"Please don't, I'll be fine and besides I have Mark, he'll be my crutches for the day."James defended.

"You two better find your seats immediately before I get angry. Ruth darling come with me."I replied holding my arm out for her.

She linked it with mine smirking at the two men as I led her away.

"Sheesh, I'm even more scared of her than I am of the president."Mark mumbled lowly but I heard him.

"Yes and you'll do well to remember that, now go sit down."I yelled back without turning around.

I heard them both cuss and scurry away towards their specified tent.

"Can I freak out now? I mean I just met the freaking president and shook his hand."Ruth whisper yelled.

"Yes you can."I replied smiling.

I gave her a few minutes to squeal excitedly and dance around before she composed herself.

"Done, now let's get this show on the road."She smiled as we walked up to the podium where my family, all the teachers and very important guests were seated.

I could see James, Mark and their families from where I was seated. I even spotted Rashid and his fiance Yasmin in the crowd. Now that our work at Ndoto was done, Rashid wouldn't have any more excuses not to marry Yasmin. I wished nothing but the best of luck to both of them.

After everyone had sat down I took my place behind the microphone as the Master of Ceremony. We first prayed, sang the national anthem led by a very beautiful young girl before I officially began the events of the day. Everyone was invited to the event so the stands were overflowing with people but there was enough room and shade for all. Since the event would be long, we had a catering team going around offering water and refreshments to everyone. There was enough to go around so that no one was left out.

"Mr President, esteemed guests, family, friends and all my beautiful people of Ndoto I welcome you all to this beautiful day where a new Ndoto is born."I paused for the clap before continuing.

"My name is Lulu Kawira Kiarie and I'll be your host for the day. I don't like being on the spotlight but I couldn't resist being up here today. From the moment I arrived here at Ndoto I was in love, not only with the place but with the people too. You received me as one of your own and not just because I was pouring millions into this place."I paused again to allow for laughter.

"You loved me so much that you decided not to let me go that's why you roped one of you into locking me down."I joked holding out my left hand to show off my ring making everyone laugh and cheer again.

I looked at James who winked at me and blew me a kiss. I smiled and subtly winked back.

The event was being live streamed to a lot of television stations all over the country so I was sure that our little exchange didn't go unnoticed but I didn't care.

"It's okay though, I forgive you because now I have a whole village as my family. So without further ado let's get to it but first I'd like to say a few things. Refreshments and water are available for everyone so please don't scramble. Everyone was given a program booklet for the day so please keep it close so you can be in sync with what is going on. For now sit back and enjoy what we have planned for you. First agenda for the day is some entertainment and the first group on stage are the morans with a song and dance. Welcome."I invited and everyone clapped.

I took my seat next to my Marini who immediately took my hand squeezing my fingers. It was her way of telling me that she was proud of me.

After the entertainment segment was done, it was time for everyone to watch the before and after pictures and videos of Ndoto on the huge screens placed strategically all over the stadium so everyone could see. It was both funny and emotional to watch.

The speeches followed next and a lot of people gave heart warming speeches. James father got to talk, one of his brothers, Doctor Ezra, Ruth and the school principal, a representative from from World Health Organization who had been one of our main donor, my sister Marini, a few chosen politicians and businessmen, I gave my official speech before letting the president speak last.

After the president was done and we'd had the ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially unlock the new Ndoto it was time to conclude the event but Ruth passed me a last minute note. It was definitely not in the program but there was time so I allowed it.

"I'm being informed that our mom, who everyone knows and loves would like to talk to us before we conclude. Naeku welcome."I invited.

She smiled and walked up to the stage with a radiant smile accompanied by one other woman carrying a covered item in her hands. Isaac stepped down to help Naeku take those last few steps to the stage. I handed her the microphone to which she took smiling at me fondly.

"Thank you my daughter. I'm aware I was not on the program but I won't take long. Lulu calls me mama now because she is engaged to my youngest son. I've been pushing these two together ever since Lulu arrived at our village many months ago and now I am lucky to have her as a daughter in law. It's not official yet but in my eyes they are as good as married."She paused and turned to the president before continuing.

"Ever since Lulu arrived, this village has experienced a lot of new things. We got to see a helicopter up close for the first time, we have electricity, tarmacked roads and for the first time in my eighty years of life I have seen the president with my own eyes in person. You are so close I can almost touch you but I won't, that young man behind you looks ready to shoot me if I do."Naeku said making everyone laugh.

The president surprised everyone by laughing too and getting up to hug her. Naeku looked ready to cry but controlled herself and hugged him back.

"Not so tight now, I am married woman after all."She continued cueing more laughter.

The president let her go and sat back down.

"Lulu my youngest baby, you have been a blessing to us all. You fought for us when no one else would and now we are an oasis in the middle of the dessert. That is why, I, Naeku Koinet, mother to all of Ndoto come before you with a gift. Come here my child."She requested softly asking me to stand before her.

"Please kneel."She directed again taking me and everyone else by surprise but I did so nonetheless.

I looked at Ruth questioningly but she just shrugged at me showing she was clueless too. My back was to James so I couldn't see if he knew what was going on or not.

Naeku motioned the lady with her closer and she unwrapped what she had been holding to reveal a beautiful beaded crown with the most intricate designs. I gasped slightly when I realized what she was about to do. She took it and put it on her head.

"In Britain they crown the next queen in a very big ceremony. We don't have Queens here at Ndoto but we have mothers. I have been the mother to Ndoto for many years my child and now I am passing on the mantle to you. I know you're not married to my son yet but I Naeku Koinet, crown you Lulu Kawira Lankenua as the new Enkinki, queen mother of Ndoto."She declared and very slowly took the crown off and put it on my head .

The clapping, cheering and shouting that ensued could be heard from miles away. I hadn't expected such an honor to be bestowed on me and I was humbled.

I didn't realize I was crying until my vision because blurry. Naeku helped me to my feet before hugging me and pulling away.

"Thank you for the honor mama, I will not fail you."I promised her.

"I know you won't, now smile and chin up."She smiled wiping off by tears.

I hugged her again before letting her go and letting Isaac walked her back to her seat. James was looking at me with a proud look on his face and I knew that he wanted to come to me but his ankle stooped him. I would get to him in private because if I allowed him to touch me at the moment I would unravel.

Marini took the stage for a few minutes as I composed myself in Ruth's arms. I didn't even hear what she said but the crowd was laughing which was good.

Finally I took my place back on the stage.

"Honestly I have no words. Thank you mama and the people of Ndoto for this honor, I will not fail you. Who knew that me wishing to be queen when I was a child would actually come true one day. Thank you thank you so much."I cried once more sniffing as I wiped my tears away.

"Okay back to the original order. Ladies and gentlemen before I conclude I am happy to announce that due to all the publicity surrounding the great work done here at Ndoto we have been able to raise five hundred million Kenyan shillings."I stopped to allow a loud and long applause.

"This will go directly to uplifting more underprivileged communities here in Kenya so as to give them an equal chance in matters of better living standards, food, education, health, job creation and electricity. I am positive that we will continue to receive more support from our donors and from the government, especially you Mr President, you know I have your number now so I'll just call you directly."I joked making everyone laugh.

"But on a serious note, let us continue helping and being generous because not everyone is as blessed financially as we are. Thank you everyone for coming, I will now invite Pastor Luke to pray for us before the real party begins. There's plenty of food for everyone, enjoy the music and entertainment planned for you guys, feel free to interact and leave at your own leisure though I'd please request that you stick around to enjoy all the beauty Ndoto has to offer. Thank you everyone for coming, Pastor Luke, welcome."I concluded seating back down.

It took five minutes for the crowd to settle down enough for Pastor Luke to pray. The president and my family had my attention for a few minutes but when Ruth realized I was fidgeting and uncomfortable she took charge and led them away to our assigned table for a meal while I slipped away. Her ability to read me was why she was my best friend and my matron of honor at the wedding.

I saw Mark helping James towards the deserted library so I followed them there. I was stopped a few times by different people for pictures and questions so that by the time I got to James he was alone in the library with Mark nowhere to be seen. He was seated on top of one of the table and smiled when he saw me sneak in.

"My queen, everyone will call you that now but let record show you were my queen first."James smiled.

I touched my crown and smiled.

"All original credit goes to you love. Did you know about this?"I asked James standing between his parted legs.

"No, no one did, not even dad but everyone loves you so don't worry no one will fight you for your crown."James chided making me roll my eyes at him.

A fleeting image of Nalu floated in mind but I didn't let it fester so as not to ruin my good mood.

"I love you my queen, now come, let me hold you for a while before I have to share with everyone else."James requested holding out his arms.

I stepped into his embrace and was immediately home when I felt his arms around me.

I was actually queen of Ndoto and James was the elders son making him some sort of royalty so when we got married we would be king and queen, wow.

James and I stayed like that for five minutes before both our phones started ringing non stop.

"Back to the real world."James grumbled.

"Don't worry, they will all leave soon and you can have me all to yourself."I consoled.

"I can't wait."He smiled.

I helped James back onto his feet and out of the library. The rest of the day went in without a hitch or with any surprises making it a successful day and the perfect conclusion to my work at Ndoto. Now I just had to figure out what the next stage of my life would be but as long as I had James by my side I would figure it out.

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

That was the longest chapter I have ever written, sorry it was so long but I couldn't help myself or divide it into two. I hope you liked it.

Happy new month my darlings, the month of love is here. Last year on a day like this I started a Dialogue Book titled "Twilight Confessions" and wrote it for the whole month of February with daily updates.

I was going to continue with the same tradition and start another book today but my schedule has become too messed up. I also haven't completed this one yet but I am hopeful I'll do it soon. Hopefully then I'll get the chance to move on the another book. Y'all are not ready for what I'm about to bring to you guys, I'm excited.

Anyway, we're at the final chapters of Queen Of The Plains and I hope you liked this chapter.

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Love @Lyssah.