First Crack
Kandundu stepped closer to the doorway when she heard the reed curtain move.
Before she could speak, a voice came through.
"Sister… may we enter?"
She turned slightly.
"Is that you, Namiluko?"
"Yes," he replied. "Imbua is with me. May we come in?"
"You may."
The reed curtain shifted, and the two princes stepped inside.
Liyunyi immediately bowed her head slightly.
"Greetings, princes of Mulambwa," she said.
Kandundu did not interrupt her. She let it stand as it was.
Namiluko entered first. His posture was controlled, but his face was tight. Imbua followed behind him, quieter, careful with his steps, as if he was measuring the room before committing to it.
Monambeza sat upright.
"What brings you here, brothers?" she asked. "If news were to arrive, it would come through a messenger. For you to come yourselves is… unusual."
The word stayed in the air.
Kandundu stepped forward slightly.
"What is it that you bring?"
For a moment, neither prince answered.
Namiluko and Imbua exchanged a brief look.
Then Namiluko spoke.
"Your presence is requested, Mukwae," he said. "The Indunas and the Kuta have gathered. They are meeting with our elder brothers… and the Queen Consort."
Kandundu nodded once.
"A messenger could have delivered this."
Her eyes shifted between them.
"You did not come only for formality."
"What else should I know before I go?"
Imbua exhaled slowly.
"You may not like what we must say."
Monambeza leaned forward.
"What is it?"
Imbua's voice lowered.
"There is talk within the Kuta… a possibility…"
He stopped briefly.
"…that the coronation of the next Litunga may take place before our father is laid to rest."
Silence fell.
Monambeza reacted first.
"What?!" she said sharply. "That cannot be right."
"That cannot be right," she repeated, more firmly now.
"The Kuta cannot be thinking clearly. To crown a new Litunga before the burial—"
Namatama cut in.
"It is possible."
Everyone turned to her.
She remained calm.
"But it is not right," she added.
"That is where the problem begins."
Monambeza frowned.
"But why would they do that?"
Namatama answered steadily.
"Because fear of uncertainty moves faster than tradition."
Imbua looked down slightly.
"We cannot confirm it," he said. "But the discussion is already happening."
Namiluko stepped forward again.
"Sister," he said, looking at Kandundu now, "you must come with us. Perhaps your words can temper the Kuta… or guide the Indunas."
"Someone must act."
Kandundu did not answer immediately.
She already knew something like this would happen.
Still—it felt heavier hearing it confirmed.
She looked at him.
"Tell me plainly," she said. "Was it Mubukwanu's idea?"
A pause passed between the brothers.
Then Namiluko answered.
"Yes."
That was enough.
Kandundu's expression changed slightly—not shock, but certainty settling into place.
She straightened.
"Very well," she said.
"Give me a moment to prepare."
Her voice stayed controlled, but clear.
Then she added, more firmly:
"I will make sure this is not done without honor."
She turned slightly.
"Then you may lead me to the Kuta."
Liyunyi stepped closer.
"Mukwae," she said gently, "I will prepare you."
Kandundu gave a small nod.
At that moment, Katoka stood.
She moved closer and reached for Kandundu's sleeve.
"Sister…" she said quietly.
Kandundu looked down.
Katoka's voice was soft, uncertain.
"This feels wrong."
"They shouldn't do that before Father is buried."
She hesitated.
"It feels like they are pushing him away too fast."
Kandundu softened immediately.
"I know," she said.
Katoka looked up again.
"I don't like it," she added.
Kandundu placed her hand over hers.
"It is wrong," she said.
"And you are right to feel it."
Katoka stayed quiet but held her hand tighter for a moment.
Then slowly released it.
Namatama stepped closer once more.
"Mukwae," she said, "do not go there only with grief."
Kandundu looked at her.
"They will not hear grief alone."
"Go with clarity. Go with purpose."
She leaned slightly forward.
"You speak not only as a daughter. You speak for the order of this kingdom."
Kandundu nodded.
"I understand."