Be My Princess

In the kick of her tenth week at the palace, Kat received an invitation to attend the inauguration of the new Democratic Republic of Congo section at the Rusangu Retu [1] Museum along with the two princes. As Kat could be considered to be the most important Congolese figure present in Ruund at the moment, the director of the museum had thought that her to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

From the moment Kat's presence at the palace had been made public, the royal family had been flooded with invitations that were, in depth, just means to get the maiden to places where reporters and paparazzi would be able to corner her. Consequently, all those invitations had been turned down one after the other. But since the Rusangu Retu Museum was endorsed by the Throne, the royal family could rest assured that the members of the press who would be there to cover the event would be carefully picked.

Dressed in a white peplum blazer, a red pencil skirt and silver T-strap heels assorted to the clutch lying on her laps, Kat was feeling like royalty, sitting between the two princes dressed in black designer suits, at the back of the limousine taking them to the museum. Jane had chosen a golden wristwatch bracelet inlaid with diamonds, and simple gold threaders for her ears. And since her outfit did not really make room for a necklace, her pendant was carefully resting in its case back at the West Wing. Her hair had been attached in a sophisticated chignon to which was pinned a fascinator comb with red feathers and white pearls.

When they reached Rusangu Retu Museum in the centre of Musumb, people were already packed on both sides of the building entrance, waiting to see the guests of honour. As the limousine stopped at the level of the red carpet, a royal valet – who had arrived in a preceding car – came to open the car door under flashes of cameras.

Angel came out of the car and stretched his hand to help Kat come out at her turn. Francis came out last, and they all proceeded on the red carpet, greeting the cheering audience in passing.

A short, dark skinned and round middle-aged man dressed in an ash-grey suit flashed his best smile when the trio reached the top of the stairway to the entrance.

"Avudee vudee mwanyi [2], Crown Prince Angel; Prince Francis; Changadim Kat," He said with a deferential bow to greet them. "Wezanyaku [3] to Rusangu Retu Museum. I am Nathanael Zeng, the director; twajiktish for accepting our invitation," he added before turning to the young woman. "It is our great honour to have you present at the inauguration of the Congolese section of our History museum, Changadim Kat."

Kat smiled graciously. "The honour is truly mine that you have thought me for the ribbon cutting ceremony." She replied.

The director invited his guests of honour to follow him as he gave them, together with other prominent guests, a brief tour of the museum before leading them to the new section. The tour turned out to be more for Kat and Francis' benefit as the rest of the guests were already very familiar with all the museum had to offer so far.

The tour was laid out to end with the Congolese section, and when they reached their main destination, all the guests marvelled at the bronze statue of a leopard lying of a branch placed in between two doors. On the concrete pedestal was attached a bronze plaque indicating 'Democratic Republic of Congo'.

There, Nathanael Zeng introduced the guests to Benoit Nawej, a historian, and Elaine Muten, his archaeologist associate; both specialised in Congolese History. The two formed quite an unusual pair given that the 49 years old historian looked more like a scrawny near-sighted nerd with his round spectacles and tall frail figure; whereas the 36 years old archaeologist looked more like a husky bully with her petite and robust figure, and her strongly tomboyish mannerism.

"My name is Benoit Nawej, and I would like to welcome all of you to the newly created section of our history museum. As the curator that will be overseeing this collection, I would like for all of you to know that what you're about to see is the result of the dedicated joint work of my associate's team with a Congolese team.

Due to that, we also had to spend a long time negotiating with our Congolese associates on which of the artefacts we would be allowed to bring back to Ruund. We finally reached an agreement by offering to give a few more artefacts from our museum to the History Museum of Kinshasa.

The collection we are about to present to you comprises different items that depict the evolution of the different peoples that inhabited the Congolese soil before the colonial period…"

The curator went on to give a few details on the nature of the artefacts that would be on display before closing his speech; then Kat and the two princes were invited to stand behind a red ribbon attached to two movable posts that were placed in front of the statue for the occasion.

Kat received a golden pair of scissors from the director and proceeded to cut the ribbon in two places under the sparkles of camera flashes and the applause of the guests.

Nathanael Zeng then invited all the guests through the entrance and, as they entered the new section, Benoit Nawej took over to expose on each of the displayed artefacts for the audience. Passionate about stories of the past herself, Kat was listening to the curator's words with much fascination.

For the special occasion, tables filled with drinks and hors-d'oeuvres had been set inside the exhibition room for the guests. Once Benoit Nawej was done with his presentation, the audience quickly broke out into small groups around the room as the guests started to mingle according to acquaintance. The guests of honour, however, did not need to roam around the room. All the different groups of guests were coming to them at turns to pay their respect and chat for a bit. Among them, Kat was able to recognise some of the guests who had attended Francis's birthday celebration; this time in company of their parents.

But, although their interlocutors were all smiles and courtesy, Kat could still detect a hint of distance in everyone's tone.

"This is so impersonal." She thought to herself. "Would they even bother to approach us right now if Angel and Francis did not hold princely titles in Ruund? Being born in a palace really sets you apart in good and bad ways."

After all the guests had paid their respects to the princes, the director, accompanied with the curator and his associate, came to them, eager to get Kat's impression of the whole event.

"I have a mind that always thirst for knowledge. Whether it is history, wildlife, art and craft or music; I just like to learn new things." Kat explained with enthusiasm. "Having the opportunity to find out more about the history of my country or the ancestry of my people is really thrilling.

Plus, being the daughter of Charlotte Sama, the number one expert in Ruund History in DRC, it'd feel like I'm letting my mother down if I did not have a slightest interest in history."

At Kat's words, Benoit Nawej's face lit up to an epiphany. "Now I get it! You mother is of course Charlotte Tshikut since you're late Mwant Isaac Tshikut's granddaughter. That's why your face reminds me of her so much."

Everyone looked at the curator with curiosity.

"Benoit, how can you be making the connection just now?" The director enquired. "Changadim Kat was on the news over a month ago. All this stuff is well known."

"Director Zeng, remember that over a month ago we were still in Kinshasa, fiercely negotiating with the Congolese team over the artefacts." Elaine Muten explained. "And you know that TV is more like an ornament for our bookworm of historian here."

"Elaine, dear, you do have a point; but what I truly mean is that Changadim Kat here is like a replica of my dear old friend Charlotte Tshikut." Benoit Nawej explained in his turn. "How come I did not make the connection right away?"

"Old friend? You mean, you know my mother personally?" Kat asked with astonishment.

"Well, I may have used a too strong word by saying friend; we were more like classmates." The curator rectified. "We attended the same high school and then both majored in African History at the same university. We were not really friends; but we did work on most of our academic projects together."

"Wait a minute… is that the Charlotte you said was your first love?" Elaine Muten enquired with a teasing smile.

Amused and intrigued eyes all fell on a curator who was now looking like a cookie-stealing kid caught red-handed.

"Wh… When have I ever said such a thing?" Benoit Nawej protested in an embarrassed tone.

The archaeologist laughed heartily before adding: "You sure won't remember that; it was about eight months ago, when we were still on our archaeological expedition. You had 39 degrees of fever, and the medication we had given you had rendered you quite… chatty."

Kat looked at the middle-aged man with endearment. A devotion towards one person that could withstand so many years could only force one's admiration.

At that moment, their pleasant chatter was interrupted by the arrival of two new guests. At the sight of the new arrivers, the director's face, and that of his two employees immediately lit up while that of Kat somewhat stiffened.

"Adolph, my friend!" The director exclaimed. "I was starting to think that you would not make it."

Adolph Irung embraced his friend then shook hands with Benoit and Elaine before bowing before the royal guests as Nathanael Zeng made the introduction.

"Adolph Irung has become a dear friend of mine since his passion for history has led him to become the major sponsor of all our research projects and archaeological expeditions for more than five years now." The director explained. "He is now an honorary board member of our museum."

While the two princes were politely listening to the director, Kat was looking at the young woman hooked at the major sponsor's arm. Everything from her sheath dress and platform heels to her jewellery – at the exception of her minaudière inlaid with translucent gems – was in black. In addition to that dress-up, her smoky make-up was giving her a 'femme fatale' kind of look.

"And I see you have brought your daughter today." Elaine Muten observed. "This is the first time we get to meet her."

"Yes. As I've told you before, my Natacha has no interest into 'old stuff', as she usually calls them." Adolph replied with a chuckle, while looking at his daughter with kind eyes. "So today, I feel like I have achieved really big by convincing her to accompany me."

Adolph Irung's comment must have been to fool his museum friends; because, to Kat and the princes, it was evident that Angel's presence at the event was the only reason why Natacha Irung was standing in front of them.

At the little to none reaction from his guests of honour, Nathanael Zeng was finally reminded of the recent shock wave that had swept through the kingdom when the crown prince's relationship with the 'Warrior Princess' had been revealed, and came to the realisation that he might made an enormous mistake by not informing the royal family that Adolph Irung was an honorary members of the board of directors and, as such, would not be listed among the guests.

To make up for his major blunder, the director rummaged through his brain until he found a good excuse to lure his whole troop away from his royal guests.

"Thanks to someone, it is becoming very difficult for us to attend an event without risking to face an uncomfortable situation." Francis commented sarcastically once they were left alone.

Kat looked at the prince with a slight frown. "That's not really a nice thing to say, Francis."

"I'm just joking." Francis replied with a smile.

But his expression was stiff; somehow similar to what Kat had read in his eyes during their conversation in the Heritage Hall a few days prior.

"Even so, I still don't think that it was nice." Kat argued. "Given the circumstances…"

Francis' smile disappeared and his expression slightly darkened. "Are you defending him now? Does it bother you that much that I pick on your precious crown prince? How funny! He is the one who is always putting us into difficult situations, yet I'm the bad guy just for joking a bit about it."

To not be heard from anyone else, Francis had leaned closer to her in a posture that could only suggest to the onlooker that they were having a nice private conversation. Taken aback by his sudden hostility, Kat took a small step away from the prince.

"You are acting very strangely since Sunday, Francis. What is it exactly that's bothering you?" She asked with concern.

Francis seemed to be disarmed by her question, and Kat took advantage of his short moment of hesitation to seek Angel's help. But to her dismay, she noticed that the crown prince was no longer standing next to them when she turned around.

...

When the director had managed to take everyone away, Natacha had immediately abandoned her father's arm, walked back to the trio and dragged the crown prince to a shaded corner hidden behind a column while Kat was talking to Francis.

"I've been expecting your call since the ball." Natacha complained after making sure that no one was paying attention to them.

But Angel's mind was elsewhere. Even from a distance, he could perceive that Kat was perturbed by whatever his cousin had just told her, and seemed to be looking for him.

Natacha followed Angel's line of sight, then pulled on his arm to attract his attention. "The maiden is with Prince Francis and doesn't need your attention right now… I do!"

Angel brought his eyes back to Natacha and quietly waited for her to proceed; which irritated the young woman all the more.

"Angel, is there still an 'us'? Huh? Do you still love me? Answer me, please!"

"Do you think this is a good place to discuss such a matter?" Angel replied.

Angel's tone had the effect of a cold shower on Natacha's heated spirit. "Angel…" She only let out, at a loss for words.

"We are here on an official outing; reporters are all over the place; yet you drag me to an isolated corner like this just so you can satisfy a selfish need. You don't even think of how bad it could look to everyone present here."

Natacha frowned. "Everyone…? Or someone in particular?"

"I don't want unnecessary attention to be set on me today just because you don't know that there's a right time and place for everything."

At that, Angel walked away without giving the young woman an opportunity to speak more.

Left alone in the corner, Natacha looked at Angel's back gradually distancing itself from her with increased anger, and balled fists. "Unnecessary attention…? Right time and place…? So there are times and places where you no longer want to be seen with me, Angel?" she muttered to herself.

...

Kat was still looking for Angel with her eyes when he came back to her side. When he saw that she was relieved to see him, he shot his cousin a reproving look.

"Is there a problem?" Angel asked at both Kat and Francis' address.

"Angel!"

Before either of them was able to answer Angel's question, the call resounded loudly in the room, attracting everyone's attention to the woman standing two meters away from the guests of honour. Looking at them with a dark expression, Natacha slowly reached into her minaudière and pulled out a miniature gold-rimmed handgun.

Most of the guests did not immediately recognise the object that the young woman was holding; but, the few who were able to make it out quickly moved away in fright, making the trio aware of the lurking danger. Kat instinctively grabbed Angel's hand and the crown prince swiftly placed himself in front of her as a human shield.

Clamours of surprise and fright rose in the crowd when Natacha suddenly brought the weapon to her temple. Still holding tightly unto Kat's hand, Angel stretched out his free hand in a gesture to compel her to calm down.

"Natacha…"

"No! Don't ask me to calm down. What is the purpose of me living if you don't want to be with me anymore?"

"Natacha! What are you doing?"

Natacha slightly shifted her position following the direction of the voice. Adolph Irung had just made his way through the crowd and was now trying to approach his daughter, a desperate look in his eyes.

"Don't come closer, Taatuku. Otherwise I will…" Natacha warned, pressing the handgun all the more against her temple to infer the rest of her sentence.

Adolph stopped his walk and lifted his hands in capitulation. "Okay, I will stop… But please Sweetheart, put the gun down…"

Taking advantage of the moment Natacha was distracted by her father, Angel searched the room and soon spotted Peter stealthily making his way through the crowd; slowly approaching the young woman from behind. When the two men made eye contact, a tacit agreement passed between them.

All Angel had to do was to keep Natacha distracted.

"Natacha, please calm down…" He started.

"Why should I?" The young woman let out angrily as she looked back at him. "For the sake our love, I have forsaken the dream you know I hold most dear. I have given up on becoming an Olympic medallist just so I could show you just how much I love you. But you… you are now running away from me as if I am nothing but an embarrassment to you…"

Eyes filled with tears and hands trembling, Natacha seemed to come to as sudden realisation. She looked at her father's pleading eyes and gave him a sad smile before looking back at Angel.

"I have nothing left to me now that you're abandoning me…"

As her trembling index finger started to press on the trigger, Peter swiftly jumped from behind a couple. His right hand grabbed the hand holding the gun and directed it towards the ceiling right at the moment the blast went off before disarming her while his left arm wrapped around the young woman and locked her in a very tight grip.

In the panic created by the gunshot, royal guards stepped in to help Kat and the princes safely leave the premises while Peter kept Natacha neutralised until the arrival of the First Response team on the scene.

_____

[2] Very respectful greeting

[3] Welcome (when addressed to more than one person)