Ten

Apeke laid down in her room thinking about the events of the last few days. It all seemed like a dream. Everything was happening too fast.

How could she have been bethrothed to the crown prince the same day she met someone she was beginning to have feelings for? It wasn't fair. Oh well,life wasn't fair.

She was glad she had been educated. She was among the privileged few to be. She could clearly remember Amope,her teacher. She had traveled far and near. She was an adventurer but in her old age,she chose to come back home and live with her people. She had always told Apekeola that it was okay to be different. After all,she was too.

The people didn't accept her and what she had to offer. Only Ajani had agreed. He did so because his business required him to relate with foreigners and language was always a barrier. There were interpreters and soon he could understand a little of the language but it wasn't the same.

....

Omowumi sat starring at the sky. She's always loved admiring the stars. They were beautiful. She wished she could be a star,so far away from humans . So far away from the troubles,the wars,the blood shed,the pain.

She was distracted by the sound of footsteps approaching.

It was too dark to tell who it was so she used the torch and she could see it was Alani.

"What are you doing here ?"

She asked him.

"I could say the same for you. It's the night of the festival and you are here missing out on all the fun."

"I can't leave my father and neice alone , not at night. "

"Fine,then I'll stay with you."

"Don't you have to go to the festival?"

"What's the point of you're not there?"Alani said making her blush.

....

Apeke wondered what Michael was doing at that moment. She wondered if they would ever meet again.

She decided to go to the lake . Maybe she'd find him there.

As she was preparing to leave her mother called for her. "We have to make an appearance at the celebration of the festival today."Her mother said.

"Why?"

"The queen wishes to see you. Be on your best behavior. Try not to ruin this,okay?"

Apeke didn't reply. She didn't know how to. What was she supposed to say?

...

Apeke was surprised the queen asked her to seat with her. She felt wary. What did the she want this time? She was the cause of her worries, anyway.

"How have you been,Apeke."

"Fine,your highness."

"You must be wondering why I summoned you. I heard you are refusing to marry my son. Is it true?"

What was she supposed to do now? She would rather be having this conversation with the crown prince. It was their lives,after all.

"You need to think this through very carefully. Don't make rushed decisions you'll later regret." The head queen said.

"My mind is already made up." Apeke replied.

"Then I have no choice but to use other means,if necessary. You cannot turn down this request. It would be an insult to the royal family."

"My apologies,your highness but.."

"Mother,what are you doing?"Crown prince Adelaja interrupted them.

"I don't need you to speak on my behalf, neither do I need you to get me a bride. I am capable of doing that myself."He said to his mother

"You,come with me."He said to Apeke.

She stood up and followed him while Michael watched from afar.