Ikenna walked quickly through the forest wondering where his love was today. He had sent her a message to meet him at their favourite spot in Afudo forest. Today the air felt very dry and the leaves looked as colourless as the air.
He knew his love was angry at him and he would be mad too if he was in her shoes, but he had no choice. If he didn't marry Ada, he would lose the right to his throne forever.
As he got up to leave the forest, she walked in and he felt her eyes stab his conscience with betrayal.
'Why did you send for me, your highness? Shouldn't you be with your bride? She asked with fire in her eyes.
'My love you know I had no choice. There was nothing I could do. I still love you and....
She cut him short. So what am I supposed to do with myself? Am always going to be your mistress and never your queen? She walked to him and touched his shoulder, raising his chin to her face. 'I have loved you for too long my love. I can never love another.
'Neither can I, my love I....
Again she cut him short and continued speaking. You must do something to make me your bride. Ada cannot reap where I have sown.
Ikenna looked at her and smile, am working on a plan.
She smiled at him and kissed his. For now this will do
Give me time and I will come up with a plan of my own My prince. They sat under the shade of a mango tree and Ikenna laid his head on her thighs.
Sing for me, he asked.
I have promised to sing for you only when we are husband and wife, she said laughing.
Ikenna looked up at the sky and thought of the time. I must return to the palace, he said sitting up quickly. The king and queen expect to Ada and I for our first meal of the day. He hugged her and his hand slid to her waist as he asked pleading. When will I see you again?
She gazed at him and laughed briefly. I need five of the new wrapper coming from Eke village today. It will cost me ten silver.
But I just gave you 20 silvers for some wrappers and beads last week. What do you need new wrappers for again? Ikenna was surprised.
My prince the wrappers are coming all the way from Eke village (a neighbouring village) they are made of the finest material, befitting of a future queen. Started to sob I cannot wear rags, Ikenna. I am your future wife. Even Ada would wear something worth more than fifteen silvers.
Ikenna held her 'I am sorry my love. You deserve much more.
She smiled in his arms and Ikenna released her and kissed her forehead. I'll send my personal guard to bring it to you. See you later.
As he walked away she thought about what she would do next. How a nobody like Ada could be a princess while she remained a servant, still baffled her. Ikenna's wealth was hers alone and nobody would take it away from her.