The cock crowed long before dawn, but the palace of Ikoro was already awake. Servants hurried across the courtyards with clay lamps, warriors polished their spears, and the griots rehearsed songs of war and glory.
In the inner chambers, The second prince of the empire, Prince Adebayo prepared himself for the journey ahead with different feelings and thoughts. He sat by his window, gazing into the misty forest beyond the palace walls. The emperor's decree had reached Ikoro the day before, carried by royal messengers with drums and trumpets. The words had been clear: the prince must leave, not as royalty, but as a common traveler.
- " Common traveler.." The phrase tasted bitter. Those two words seemed to have had double effect on him.
Adebayo's jaw tightened at the thought . He was the prince of Ikoro kingdom, famed for his sharp tongue,
wit as well as his beauty. The thought of hiding his identity like a thief unsettled him. Still, he knew this was no ordinary journey—it was destiny. Deep within, something in the decree tugged at him. Adebayo feels a strange pull towards the unknown future- not just danger waited beyond the gates... but also something else, something unspoken, something that felt like -
"Your Highness.." a servant entered, bowing low- calling him out of his thoughts. "The council of elders awaits you."
His face seemed to hardened a bit. Soon. Very soon, he would leave the walls of the palace.
Adebayo rose, dressed in Adire- an Indigo dyed fabric, his father's dagger fastened to his belt. His royal beads had been removed, replaced with a simple leather charm. His disguise was beginning.
The great hall of Ikoro buzzed as he entered. His presence lit up the hall. His steps were strong and yet soft and resplendent.
" Beautiful -" a chief complimented underneath his breath.
" Wow..-" another whispered.
" I see him almost every time I come and I am still stunned by his beauty- "
"Rumors says he is the most beautiful prince ever in the empire- "
Even dressed as a commoner, heads turned—his beauty too striking to be hidden by plain cloth. Truly, the rumors aren't exaggerated.
The Second prince, prince Adebayo took his seat right next to his father.
Chiefs and warriors eyed him with a mix of pride and doubt. Some whispered that he was too young, too reckless.
- Others placed secret wagers on whether he would return at all.
Some believed he has what it takes to become the emperor.
"Your highness" they all bowed in respect.
At the head of the hall sat King Olufemi, Adebayo's father. His once-black beard had turned gray, but his eyes burned with the fire of a warrior king.
" Kabiasi- Your majesty...In the next six months, a new emperor will be elected. The other kingdoms are already making preparations and striving for their prince to become the next emperor. We have to take actions too. At once. Without delay. " Otun, one of the chiefs in the hall was the first to speak... laying his worries.
( Kabiasi- Your majesty)
" Relax Otun.. Our prince is strong and able. Of all the princes, he is best suit to be the next emperor. No one deserves to be the next emperor but him. " Osi said in a firm voice and a smile on his face.
He has known the prince since birth and trusted in his abilities.
" Yes.. yes. "
" He is the best. "
"Only he can be the next emperor."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall— some voices loud with conviction, others only echoing out of fear. A few men thought otherwise, but none dared to speak.
The second prince eyes which were as calm as ever looked up.. passing over the chiefs and their unending noise and halted outside the hall. For some reasons unknown, he took a deep breath and tapped his fingers which were resting on his thigh.., slowly. He had spent most of his life within the walls of the palace but now...-
" Osi is right. My son the second prince is fit to be the next emperor. As the other two kingdoms have began to take actions, we shall not be idle. " The king paused then continued with a more serious tone. He stretched his hand towards the prince and continued.
" Be rest assured as the emperor himself has given the three princes a task. They shall each leave the palace to complete this task. Our young prince is known to be intelligent and diligent. He is bound to win and will certainly ascend as the new emperor. "
The second prince looked at his father who was also looking at him proudly..with a smile on his face. The second prince, Prince Adebayo flashed a reassuring smile at his father and bowed his head a little.
"Adebayo," the king's voice boomed. "The path before you is filled with darkness and deceit. You will meet strangers who wear the faces of friends, and friends who may strike as enemies. Remember the blood that flows in your veins."
Adebayo knelt, bowing his head. "I will not fail you, Baba-"
(Baba- Father)
The king placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Do not seek the crown, my son. Seek the truth. Only truth can rule men's hearts."
The words lingered in the air, heavy and mysterious.
After the council dismissed, Adebayo found himself in the palace stables. His horse, a black stallion named Ajanaku, snorted impatiently. As he mounted, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Leaving already, Adebayo? Without saying farewell?"
Adebayo turned to see Princess Morenike, his younger sister- A dark skinned lady adorned in rich hand woven fabric and beautiful traditional jewelry.
Her eyes glistened with unspoken worry. She pressed a small calabash into his hand.
"For protection. Mama's charm." she whispered.
" Mama warns - Oyo is full of traps and eyes that smile while plotting your downfall. Be careful brother. Promise me you will return."
Adebayo managed a smile, though his chest tightened. "I promise. I will miss you. "
Tearfully she hugged her brother. " I don't care about you being the emperor or not. Just- " a tear cracked - breaking her words.
Adebayo placed his hand on her neatly bantu knots weaved hair.
" Shhh..." He comforted in a low soft voice.
" - Come back home safely" she looked up to him.
" Trust your egbon." (older brother. )
He disengaged the hug with a kiss to her forehead.
He urged Ajanaku forward, riding through the palace gates as drums thundered in farewell. His male servant, Idowu tailing behind him.
Villagers lined the streets, some cheering, others murmuring prayers.
Beyond the palace gates, no one had ever seen the princes' faces, and those within were forbidden to speak of them.
His disguise was simple. Even in plain cloth, Adebayo's presence was unmistakable.
Although no one beyond the gates of the palace have seen the prince face- same goes for the other princes. Only those within the walls of the palace have seen the princes faces and were warned not to give out information about their looks and description.
The prince, though disguised as a commoner with his face well hidden behind the cloth around his head , his quiet radiance marked him- The prince of Ikoro was leaving. Not as a prince or royalty, but as a wanderer.
As the forest swallowed the road ahead, Adebayo glanced at the calabash charm in his hand. The emperor's words rang in his ears: In six months, one shall return. One shall ascend. And one shall fall.
He tightened his grip on the reins.
Whatever awaited him— fate, crown, love or death— his journey had begun.
But he had no idea that somewhere beyond the forest, another prince was already walking a path that would one day collide with his- through rivalry, destiny, and a love neither of them could foresee nor escape.
To be continued…-