Dolorous!

The next day, I took off my mourning clothes which were white in color and wore my favorite royal garment. It was scarlet and purple in color along with the necklace 'my Love' had gifted me. I dressed up beautifully for I had indeed mourned my mother long enough. I took white and purple tulips to her grave, bid her goodbye and returned to the palace.

Back in the palace my father was in a really good mood. I greeted him and went off to perform my duties; which were to ensure that the garden was in good shape and the female servants were properly dressed. Later on, I took my usual lessons - all related to technology, exercised and took my regular dance lesson. I am an energetic dancer and would dance for the entire Zangula town at the Ziv ball. The Ziv ball is a ball held annually in Zangula. It takes place in the tenth month and is very colourful. Everyone dresses beautifully and performances are made by volunteers. Almost everyone has a great time. Just one visit to this ball and you would fall in love with Zangula.

At about 3:00pm my father, King Achebe summoned me. My father and I were very close and whenever he needed to speak with me he would come to me directly. However, he sent my chief maid servant, Leah, to get me; she was more of a friend to me. I had a bad haunch about this meeting yet I must obey the King. Huh!

Ndale: Father you sent for me. Is there any problem?

King Achebe: Sit dear! What happened to you calling me 'Kacheboo'?

Ndale: Well since you sent for me as the King, I ought to be formal lest I dance to the music.

King Achebe: Silly child!

He chuckled.

Ndale: Father I mean Kacheboo, I am a big girl now.

King Achebe: Yes that's the reason I sent for you.We've got real business to discuss.

Ndale: Speak please, she is listening.

I smiled.

King Achebe: According to our tradition, you, my darling, should be wedded in ten days and I have chosen the perfect man for you. You will be marrying Hoshama Javan. He is the second wealthiest man in Zangula and is very handsome. He will give you everything you want and will make you happy. I have made all the necessary arrangements. Your gown is ready and beautiful. Your mother would be proud of you. You look as gorgeous as your late mother did when she was just about your age.

Ndale: Kacheboo, how can you do this? Mother just passed away and I am just recovering from everything. I am not ready for any marriage.

King Achebe: People die and life goes on and you do not need to worry about the preparations, I will sort everything out.

Ndale: Father! She was not just anyone, she was my mother. Look how quickly you got over her death certainly because you have other suitors.

Father slapped me for the first time in my twenty years on earth.

King Achebe: Watch your tongue young lady. These are the traditions of this kingdom and they cannot be altered. And you will respect them.

He said angrily.

Ndale: Father I do not want to get married now much less to Hoshama Javan. He is nothing close to my idle type of guy. He is disrespectful and very intimidating.

King Achebe: Do not speak of your husband that way.

Ndale: He is not and will never be my husband.

King Achebe: Do not test my patience, young lady.

Ndale: But Father..

King Ache : Ndale Abasi you are marrying Hoshama Javan in ten days, the engagement is tomorrow and that is an order. Do you understand?

Ndale: Yes my King I will do as you have commanded. May I take my leave now?

King Achebe: Good! Go and get ready, tomorrow will be a big day for you. Rest well my dear.

I paid respect and left. The King is greeted by kneeling and gently placing the forehead on the ground. I was really hurt and headed straight for my room. 'Oh my goodness'. The thought of not having a say in the affairs of my life was just overwhelming. I wish my mother was here, perhaps she would have put in a word for me. I took a shower and laid in bed thinking about everything. I later went to Father and pleaded with him to not push through with the wedding but all my petitions fell on deaf ears. He was not willing to go back on his words. His decision was final. It did not make any sense, I should be the one making the choice afterall it is was my life. I cried myself to sleep.

The next day I woke up with a migraine and was too weak to get out of bed. After mourning my mother for a whole month my body was certainly tired from all the crying and bad eating habits I had adapted. I forced myself out of bed, took a bath and sent word to father that I was not well. He surmised that I was only pretending. To confirm it, he came along with a physician; who ran some tests on me and gave me some bitter herbal medicines.

Father later scolded me for not taking good care of myself. Hoshama Javan later came in. He had a stern look on his face and I could not keep eye contact with him. He insisted we went through with the engagement later on. Father agreed without asking for my opinion. My 'husband to be' sat beside me holding my hands but still had that intimidating look on his face. His palm was as soft as a baby's palm. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to sink into dreamland; at least I could do whatever I wanted in there. I found myself in a land filled with beautiful purple tulip flowers happily dancing. I danced freely and was in a peaceful state. I was exhilarated because my mother was there as well. She hugged me affectionately and kissed my forehead. She mumbled 'everything will be okay, Dear'. I was brought out of my amazing world to reality with a cold sensation on my lips. Opening my eyes only to find Javan's face close to mine and his lips on mine. I pushed him slightly and for the first time since he came to my room he spoke to me.

Javan: Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. You were smiling beautifully and I just could not resist the urge. How do you feel?

I could not help but cry and he wiped my tears.

Javan: Please stop crying. Tell me what I can do so you would shed no more tears.

After sobbing some more, I finally found the strength to speak.

Ndale: Sir please make it tomorrow.

Javan: The engagement?

Ndale: Yes please.

Javan: Promise me you would stop crying.

ndale: I can't help it. I am just overwhelmed by everything.

Javan: Are you so weak, Princess?

Ndale: Tears do not signify weakness but sorrow, sorrow from the heart. I am a strong girl, no doubt about that, but today I am weak. I am very sad. It would be disrespectful to perform the marriage rites in bed. Sir please consider my situation. Please!

Javan: Okay I get you. You have three more days to prepare for our engagement.

Ndale: What about my father?

Javan: I will handle everything, just rest. You have wept enough.

Ndale: Thank you Sir!

I hugged him and sobbed for a while. I was a cry baby.

Javan: Enough!

He stroked my back gently until I felt much better.

Ndale: I am so sorry, Sir.

Javan: It is okay. Take a good rest. I take my leave now 'my Lady'. One more thing you can call me Javan.

Ndale: Thank you Sir. Sorry, Javan, Javan.

He kissed my forehead and walked out. Javan was handsome, very tall, was well built and had rich black hair. He had an aquiline nose, downturned lips, monolid eyes and a square shaped face. I want to believe he has a kind heart masked by a stern looking face.

After regaining my composure, I took my diary and jotted down the events that had recently occured. I opened to the previous pages and read all that I had written early on.The picture of 'my Love' was beautiful and I was now more than ever determined to find him. He could probably help me out.