BETWEEN DUTIES AND DESIRES

CHAPTER 04:Between duties and desires

OLERATO MOAGI – POV

My alarm went off, sharp and unforgiving.

I groaned, rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling.

Saturday.

I let it ring for a few seconds longer than I should have before finally reaching for my phone and silencing it. My body felt heavy, like sleep had abandoned me halfway through the night.

Being a doctor was exhausting in ways people never truly understood.

I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, letting the hot water run over me, loosening stiff muscles and quieting my thoughts. By the time I stepped out, I felt slightly more human.

I moisturized slowly, pulled on a pair of jeans, a clean white shirt, and my sneakers. Simple. Comfortable. No effort wasted.

Downstairs, the apartment was already awake.

Onthatile and Omphile sat at the dining table, plates in front of them.

"Morning," I said, joining them.

"Morning," Onthatile replied warmly.

Omphile looked me over. "You look like someone who forgot what rest feels like."

"I don't remember it anymore," I said, pouring myself tea.

She laughed and stood up, slipping into her blazer. "I'm late. Court won't argue itself."

"Lawyer life," I muttered.

She leaned down, kissed my cheek, then Onthatile's. "Try not to save any more royal families today."

I rolled my eyes. "Get out."

She grabbed her keys and left, the door closing behind her.

Onthatile watched me quietly. "You're going to the hospital."

"Yes," I said. "I need to check on the Queen and King."

She nodded. "Drive safe."

---

The hospital was calm when I arrived.

Saturday calm.

I checked charts, reviewed vitals, then made my way to the Queen's room.

Her breathing was steady.

As I adjusted the monitor, her fingers twitched.

Then her eyes slowly opened.

"Your Majesty," I said gently. "You're safe."

Her gaze focused slightly. "My husband?"

"He's stable," I reassured her. "You're recovering."

Relief washed over her face.

The door opened.

I felt him before I saw him.

That presence.

That cologne.

I turned.

Prince Khayelihle Zulu stood there, eyes immediately locking onto his mother.

"She's awake," I said.

He moved quickly to her side, emotion clear despite his control.

I stepped back.

Then I felt it.

His hand at my waist.

Warm. Firm.

Instinctive.

I sucked in a breath.

"This is a hospital," I whispered.

"I know," he replied, just as quietly.

Neither of us moved.

Until—

"Mrs. Moagi!"

We jumped apart.

A nurse stood at the door. "They need you in ICU. Now."

"I'm coming," I said quickly.

I glanced back once.

His eyes followed me.

Promising.

Dangerous.

---

KHAYELIHLE ZULU – POV

The room felt quieter after she left.

Too quiet.

I turned back to my mother, who watched me with the same sharp awareness she'd always had.

"Sit," she said.

I obeyed.

"You are distracted," she said calmly.

"I was worried," I replied.

She hummed. "About me?"

"Yes."

"And something else."

I said nothing.

"Khayelihle," she said, "when your father wakes, there are matters we must address."

I frowned. "What matters?"

"Your future," she said. "Your marriage."

I stiffened.

"The Ngwenyama Kingdom has a princess," she continued. "A union would strengthen both thrones."

I stood. "No."

Her brows lifted. "You will listen."

"I will choose my wife myself," I said firmly. "Not politics. Not alliances."

"You are a prince," she said. "Your life serves the kingdom."

"And my heart serves me," I replied.

Before she could respond, the door opened.

Sibusiso walked in, followed by Andile.

"What's happening?" Sbu asked.

"She's arranging Khaya's wedding," Andile said dryly.

Sbu whistled. "That was quick."

"I will not be forced," I said.

Andile studied me. "You've met someone."

I hesitated.

That was answer enough.

My mother exhaled slowly. "Be careful, my son."

"I am," I said. "For the first time."

As I left the room, one truth burned clear—

No throne would decide my wife.

Not when my heart had already begun to choose.