Monday Morning

08:40

After the most important meal of the day, Rosie and her grandparents relaxed in the lounge, patiently waiting for Yasteer, as one of the securities had been ordered to summon him. A woman appeared with a tray of tea, also wearing a mangenta-haze shirt and skirt. She had a nice haircut that looked good with her light-skinned, rounded face. As she poured the tea, Rosie saw another two women in the same uniform coming down the passage with laundry baskets.

“Thank you, Snenhlanhla,” said the grandmother, her usually lovely beam spreading on her face, and the woman bowed and scuttled away.

“Sne-what?” Rosie was confused by the unfamiliar name.

“Snenhlanhla. It means we’re lucky,” she said, handing the cup of tea to her husband who was reading a newspaper.

“Lucky for you or her?”

“For her parents. They were gifted with a child, or another one.”

Rosie smiled. “It’s a beautiful name. What about the one who called me last night for dinner?”

“She has an English name, Nicolette. She’ll be your personal server. Started a week ago. If you need anything she’ll get it done for you.”

Rosie guessed Snenhlanhla was their personal server, and the other two women she saw probably served Jude and Sthandiwe. This place really would be heaven, she thought, with a smile on her face.

Speaking of which, Jude hadn’t returned home but had called his mother earlier this morning to notify her he’d be home in the afternoon. It was strange to Rosie that no one seemed to mind his behavior since he was a royal child. Perhaps he was hiding his identity to the public or just lying to everyone about his whereabouts.

Yasteer finally appeared in the lounge. Mr Mpande stood and shook his head and ordered him to take a seat.

“Young man, myself and my wife would like to thank you for saving our granddaughter. If it wasn’t for you we would be having the same situation as last week, burying one loved one. You prevented that from happening by risking your own life to save our queen. We’re really grateful, and for that, we’d like to compensate you and give you a promotion too.”

Yasteer curled his mouth. Rosie saw his little smile and her lips curved too.

“Promotion?” He asked for clarification.

“Yes. Would you like to be part of our security team?” Mr Mpande asked.

Yasteer grinned. “Yes, I would love that, sir.”

“Good. Because you’ll be the queen’s personal bodyguard.”

Yasteer glanced at Rosie, and his eyes glinted with joy, obviously surprised by being given such a huge responsibility. He kneeled in front of her, bowed his head and said, “I would be honoured to look after the queen. Risk my own life in honour for her to stay safe. I am grateful to be at your service, my queen.”

Rosie whispered in his ear saying what she wanted to tell him last night. Yasteer continued looking down, but with embarrassment all over his face. As quick as flash, Rosie was on her feet, saying they needed to get him a suit and a haircut.

“He can be provided with the suit,” said Mr Mpande, but she declined as she never liked those oversized grey suits that the securities wore.

“If he’s going to be my bodyguard, he will have to look unique and smart.”

Both her grandparents chuckled and, as for Yasteer, he kept a straight face.

Tell us: Yasteer has been promoted, what are your thoughts?