As soon as Ada opened her eyes, she heard a cock crow. She lay still trying to listen for movement so she could know if she had company in the house. Rolling quietly to the edge of the bed, she peeked at the floor to see if Ikenna was still in the room. His spot on the floor was empty Ada breathed a sign of relief and thank the gods she was alone.
'Searching for me?'Ikenna asked, leaning on the door post behind her. Her breath caught in her throat and she slowly turned to face him. Ada detected hint of mockery in his voice and quickly searched her head for answer.
I had a tiring night my lord I just rolled over she mumbled.
He mad his way towards her and sat on the edge of the bed with his backto her and Ada got up immediately eager to dispel the discomforting silence between them. Then she would quickly disappear into the silence of the adjoining house (hut)
Ada, we need to talk 'He said
She turned to faced him and saw that his expression had softened
What do you want to talk about my lord?
I have told to call me Ikenna
He motioned her to sit down she was nervous but stir up her mind and sit down, making sure to put a secure distance between them. What did he want to talk about? Did he want her to play her wifely duties this morning? Her head began pounding and her palms got sweaty as Ikenna turned his gaze towards the door and started talking.
Ada I did not want to go through with this marriage.
Ada thought her ears were fooling her, she turned to face Ikenna. He continue am in love with another woman but I is my responsibility to follow the custom as the next king of Afudo.
The prince did not want this too? Ada opened her mouth, but only gasp escape her she tried to swallow but her mouth was dry.
Ikenna paused for a moment thinking of how to unfold the plan he had came up with. We must pretend before everyone today so they believe that we are ready to live as husband and wife. However that pretence stops the moment we enter this house. We will continue with the sleeping arrangements we have last night Ikenna said.
Ada's mind reeled with thousands of questions. How exactly would they pretend to be happy? And what was it with the crown prince dictating things to her like she was his servant? She finally found her voice.
My lord i have heard you, and i will do my best to do your bidding. All I ask is that you respect my decision that affect me, Ada replied.
This was not the response Ikenna was expecting. He needed her to play her part in this game or his plan would fail.
'I will keep my end of the bargain as long as you keep yours, Ikenna replied.
As far as Ada was correcting the bargain was not yet fair but she would make sure this arrangements favoured her. 'I appreciate your honesty Ikenna I am also in love with another. I agree to act before the royal family's, servants and villagers she paused for a moment wondering how to make her request. She took a deep breath and said, however I ask that you provide me with a hut that can house about twenty people, I wish to use it for something personal and I want it built on the outskirts of the village. If we must do as you said, I ask you to not request what I wish to use if for.
So she was in love with someone else that was perfect I will grant you your request Ikenna said. Just give me three moon (months) and it will be done.
She smile , I shall go and bath
As she enter the bathroom , the prince laid flat with is back on the bed. They had to appear before the king and queen soon and he hped Ada could pull off the act. He worried if she would be a le to play the part of a loving wife, considering how shy she seemed. He closed his eyes and willed the day to be over soon so he could see his love.
Ikenna heard Ada humming a tune from the bathroom and it reminded him of the day he at (Ifu forest) when he met his love for the first time. He had heard her singing from a distance and searched through the forest until he found her. She had later promised to sing for him everyday when they get married and hw was going to make sure those days came. Ikenna was surprised, but glad that Ada had agreed so easily to go along the plan