Chapter 52: The Ratu

The Dining Hall was beginning to clear out. Most everyone seemed to be heading for the beach. They were having a marshmallow roast later, after the sun goes down. In the meantime, they had organized some fun and games, like badminton and volleyball, and even beach bingo.

Grace and Catherine came and stood beside my chair.

“It’s time, Michael,” Catherine said.

“Yeah. I’m looking forward to meeting your new ladies,” Grace teased.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I wasn’t at all sure about this. “Helping people can sure be tough on a guy!” I said out loud to no one in particular.

“But you’re very good at it, Michael,” responded Catherine.

“And it’s why we love you so much!” added Grace as the three of us went to meet the Ratu.

Catherine, Grace, and I made our way over to their table.

Stopping before Kalani, I bowed, and then bowed once more to the Ratu. She reminded me of the queen that Gaugin had described in ’Noa Noa’, his self-published journal of his two years in Tahiti. Despite Kalani’s earlier pleas to dispense with the formality, I could sense that manners were important to the Ratu. So I waited for her to speak first.

“Michael, may I present my esteemed mother, Simako,” Kalani said formally.

“Ileana, help me! Is it ‘Your Highness’ or ‘Your Majesty’?” I thought to her quickly.

“Sha-mah ah-hah-lean-e, fa-ma mon hi-heen-e,” Ileana thought back.

“Sha-mah ah-hah-lean-e fa-ma mon hi-heen-e,” I repeated by rote to the Ratu.

“What did I just say?” I thought to Ileana.

“I am honored, Favored Grandmother,” Ileana replied.

You could sense the Ratu’s pleasure in the simple greeting, so I said, this time in English, “I am honored, indeed, Favored Grandmother.”

Kalani’s eyes were wide as she tried to smile knowingly, and Mikeya just beamed. I glanced at Ileana and winked. She giggled, but said nothing. I was going to have to find a way to thank her later.

Catherine nodded as she was introduced. However, when Grace was introduced, she curtsied as she repeated the same phrase I had used.

I smiled at Grace. I was impressed with her, and the Ratu seemed very pleased at our greetings. Simako then spoke to us in her native tongue. Kalani waited until she finished before interpreting her words.

“My Mother says that she is honored to meet such a wonderful family, and that the manners of the children are a reflection of the parents who raised them. She says to you,” referring to Catherine, “that you also deserve the title ‘Favored Grandmother’.”

Catherine nodded, saying nothing.

“Thank you, Favored Grandmother,” I thought to all of them. “But as I am much older than you, and have read your heart, your need for a translator is lost on me.”

The Ratu ignored me as if I hadn’t even spoken. But Kalani spoke to her quickly, in their native tongue.

I looked at Ileana.

“Mother is warning Grandmother not to underestimate you. And not to embarrass her,” Ileana thought to me.

“Kalani is correct, Simako. You should not underestimate me!” I thought to them.

This time, the Ratu immediately leveled her eyes on me. I had just stripped away two of her favorite subterfuges. I detected anger, and something else I couldn’t put my finger on.

I immediately connected with Ileana and then scanned the Ratu.

“She debating whether to challenge you. She isn’t sure that you are what we said you are.”

“Princess Mikeya, Princess Ileana. It appears that the Ratu has some doubts,” I said. “If so, I would not want to intrude upon your wonderful family. Perhaps you may find someone more to her liking.”

Then turning to the Ratu, I said, “Favored Grandmother, I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing.” Then taking Grace’s hand, we turned to leave.