Page 67 of Royal Pain
Chapter 23
Zan
Walking down the hallway, toward the conference room, Belinda pauses. She’s searching through her bag for the favorite pen. It always goes missing. I always find it. I open the outside pocket.
“Here it is.”
“Oh great! Thank you, baby.”
“I still can’t believe my mother is letting you sit in on the family meetings. Her advisors have consulted with her, saying it’s a horrible idea.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. You don’t seem to be surprised by that.”
I watch her switch gears, and put on a different face. “No. I’m surprised, but I’m getting used to the way she works. I think she wants accurate reporting for historical purposes.”
“Well, this will be educational. Kwai’s here today. Said he’s got some great ideas he wants to share.”
“Are you worried?” It’s a valid question she asks.
“Not worried. Leery.”
The guard opens the door and we walk in to find the queen and Kwai and Nubia sitting at the big table. I’m surprised the cabinet isn’t here.
“Where is everyone?” I say.
“I wanted to have some time alone with my boys. Belinda is going to be taking notes. No recording, no iPad please.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Why does my mother want Belinda here, if not to record anything? Doesn’t make sense. She takes out a notepad and turns to a blank page. We take our places, mine to the left of the queen, Kwai to the right.
“So, we find ourselves in a difficult situation.” Her eyes settle on her grandson, who looks out of his comfort zone.
“Nubia, you are the rightful heir to your father’s throne. But your age eliminates the possibility. You’re much too young to handle the things a king must be responsible for.”
“Thank God,” he says, visibly exhaling his fear. “I don’t want to be the king anyway.”
“Few do, darling.” She says it with the tenderness of a grandmother. Then her attention is on us. “Some have suggested I take the job. And there’s good argument for doing just that. I could rule until such time Nubia comes of age.”
She watches the faces and reactions of the three of us. Her grandson is just happy to be eliminated. I’m waiting to hear the next proposal, which escapes me. But Kwai is wearing his excitement on his sleeve. He thinks it’s him that will be chosen. This is going to be tough.
“I have a proposal I think would benefit Mozia, its people and our family’s pockets.” Kwai spills it out like it’s been hard to keep in. He’s smiling as if he’s about to solve the world’s problems. But mother and I wait. I don’t think Kwai has ever offered a winning suggestion. Obviously I’m not alone in my assessment. It’s backed up by the expression on Nubia’s face. He doesn’t think much of his uncle’s ideas. And I know why. They’re not formed with the logic or sensitivities Tarik used. The boy sees the flaw.
“What are you proposing, Kwai?” my mother says.
Kwai stands and starts moving around the table with an excitement that can’t be contained.
“I’ve been talking with a few interested parties. You know, investors who have the money to back up their proposals.”
The queen gets a steely look in her eyes. I know my expression has darkened too.
“Anyway, we literally have a gold mine at our disposal. It’s been good for our country, but I think we’re missing an opportunity. We could be making so much more.”
“How’s that?” I say, trying to hold back the doubt I’m feeling.
Kwai’s face tightens. “I knew you’d dismiss this great idea. You haven’t even heard it yet. Let me lay it out.”
