CHAPTER TWELVE

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Ada I did not want to go through with this marriage.

Ada thought her ears were fooling her. She turned to face ikenna. I am in love with another woman but it is my responsibility to follow the customs as the next igwe (means: king) of afudo.

The prince did not want this too? Ada opened he 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 hut (house). We will continue with the sleeping arrangements we had last night, Ikenna said.

Ada's mind reeled with a thousand questions. How exactly would they pretend to be happy, and what was it with the price 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 me and request my input on any 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 concerned, the bargain was not yet fair but she would make sure this arrangement favoured her. 'I appreciate your honesty, ikenna I am also in love with another. I agree to act before the royal family, servants and the villagers She paused for a moment, wondering how to make her request. 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 that you to do not request what I wish to use it for.

So she also was in love with someone else? That was perfect I will grant your request Ikenna said. Just give three moons (months) and it will be done.

She smiled, I shall go and bath

As she enter the bathroom, the prince laid flat with his back on the bed. They had to appear before the king and queen soon, and he hoped Ada could pull off the act. He worried if she would be able to play the part of a loving wife, considering how shy she seemed. He closed his eyes and willed the day to be over so he could see his love.

Ikenna heard Ada humming a tune from the bathroom, and it reminded him of the day at the 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 to him everyday when they got marrie. He was going to make sure those days came. Ikenna was surprised, but glad that Ada had agreed so easily to go along plan.