As they approached the palace, Ada began feel queasy about pulling off the act that she and the prince had planned. She clutched his hand harder and felt sweat forming under her arms. They were just a few feet from the palace, a grand building with a garden full of beautiful flowers which allow you to bresth in plenty of fresh air. The king and queen were already seat waiting for them, and Ada squirmed under the scrutiny as the older couple watched them approach.
Smile tenderly at. Hold my hand with trust and not fear, he whispered in her ear as they were led to dinning room by the servant. She wanted to pull away from the discomforting warmth of his lip so close to her, but remember that the lives of her orphans depended on this act.
Come to me thou blessed and favoured of the gods the king said as he stood and stretched his hands towards Ada. She bowed before him and then walked into his embrace. Ikenna's mother smile and embrace her as well.
She has also found favour in the eyes of the queen. Where my reign ends hers will continue. She she become the mother of the whole Afudo kingdom the queen said.
Ada knelt before them. It is an honour to be married into the royal family, she said and welcomed into the warm embrace of the king and queen who have become my new father and mother.
She then looked at Ikenna an continued swallowing a gulp. The prince is a rare rocking the whole Afudo kingdom and it will be my pleasure to love him with everything I have.
Ikenna took her hand pulled her close and whispered in her ear again well done Ada.
Finally they sat to eat. Ada was uncomfortable with ikenna's attention so she avoid the eye contact of his parents.
The maids brought in the food and Ugomma came in and served everyone. As soon as they pick up their spoon and delved into the meal, the queen complimented Ugomma on the food. This meal is very tasty. The vegetable complements the yam so well. What gave you this idea, considering we normally eat yam and palm oil?the queen asked.
Ugomma's eyes darted from the queen to Ada. Her highness Princess Ada prepared the meal this morning your majesty.
The queen looked up at Ada with confusion in her eyes. Ada you are a princess of this kingdom. Why did you go to the Kitchen? That's the servant job.
I wanted to make the meal for your majesties this morning. It my way of saying I feel welcome into this wonderful family. Besides, cooking is something I love to do. Please let me oversee your meals with Ugomma, your highness.
The king looked at her and smiled. You are the daughter I never had. He turned to his wife please my dear let her wish be granted. By the way the meal is wonderful.
The qeen smiled. The king has spoken if I will make you happy my daughter your wish is granted. She turned to Ugomma from now on you will report to the princess on the matter of the kitchen.
Yes your majesty Ugomma replied. Ada hoped Ugomma did not think she was trying to edge her out of her job.
The prince watched Ada as she wove her way into the hearts of the king and queen. He silently asked himself what she wanted with the big house she had requested for earlier. Perhaps she wanted to have personal time with her lover, but why in a building that will house so many?
Ugomma served the fruits and cleared the plates of the main dish.
Ikenna I have some issues I wish to discuss with you after the meal the king said.
Ikenna nodded Yes your majesty.
Ada wondered what the relationship between Ikenna and his parents was. The prince seemed a bit stiff with them and never spoke until he was spoken to. Ada perceived that the king and queen desired a closer relationship with their son. She remembered how she and papa would take strolls in the evening, laughing and talking about all sorts of things.
Only her father knew of how she loved her children and the secret hideout where she fed the orphans and sang for them. She had to devices a means of seeing them today because she had to take food to them. What was the use of being a princess if she could not use her position to take care of them?
As soon as they finish their meal, the king was eager to know what she had planned for lunch. Ada laughed you must be patient your majesty It will be surprise. After all she did not yet know what she was going to prepare yet.
The king and Ikenna went to the royal court to talk and Ada was left with the queen who requested that the young woman sit close to her. Her heart started drumming as she had no idea what the queen wanted to discuss with her.
As she sat down the queen looked at her and smile. You seem very happy with my so. I just want you to know that you can talk to me anytime. I know this is not easy for you because I been where you are before, but this is the tradition of our people. She placed her hands on Ada's shoulders you tried running away.
Ada turned her face away afraid of what the queen might do with such information. Don't worry dear only I and the palace guard know what happened. You see he was my personal guard assign to watch and guard you. But now you are the princess I no more fears. I am happy your plan failed because you are a beautiful girl fit for none other than a prince. She looked at Ada more seriously you and continued to speak. 'Anything you want will be given and even much more. She got up leaving the dining to go out of the palace but turned back to face Ada. Remember a lots of maidens In Afudo would die for this opportunity but you are chosen by the gods