Alarmed

Two days after Javan had agreed to take me to the palace, he finally fulfilled his promise. Our drive to the palace was a bit long but worth it. Javan should have used the flying car instead of his automatic car. We arrived at about 11: 30 am. My garden back at the palace was doing great; Leah was doing a good job. My younger sister who was one and a half years younger than I was surprisingly the happiest to see me. She was the arrogant daughter of my father's second wife. We never got along, we were basically the cat and mouse of the palace hence, my reason for not mentioning her early on. She goes by the name Lady Leonora Abasi. Her welcoming was highly questionable; she even got me a gift. Well maybe it was her way of apologizing. Jade on the other hand, stood at a distance watching everything. I walked up to him and hugged him tightly. I could not wrap my finger around his distant behavior, well I was glad everyone was doing well, most especially my father. My father even scolded me for coming to visit so early; he just had to hurt my feelings and make me feel as though he wanted me far away from him.

After having an unforgettable meal for lunch, Javan had a chat with my father and I went to speak with Jade. In Jade's room...

Ndale: What is wrong?

Jade: Nothing

Ndale: You are acting distant.

Jade: Why did you agree to marry that beast? Why didn't you fight for your freedom?

Ndale: He is not a beast and I basically had no other option. You know what our father is capable of doing.

Jade: But..

Ndale: Kiddo, I am perfectly fine. He is not a beast. He is actually very loving and kind.

Jade: I miss you so much. The palace is not the same as it used to be when you were here.

Ndale: I know, I am irreplaceable. How is my project? Our project, sorry.

Jade: Everything is set, you just need to add some finishing touches.

Ndale: Great, that is 'my bro'.

Jade: Yeah, the one you abandoned.

He said sarcastically.

Ndale: Really?

Jade: From your mother's death, to comma, to marriage...

Ndale: I did not want things to go that way but I was in a lot of pain. Sorry I shut you out for so long but you do not understand what it feels like to lose your loving mother.

Jade: I understand but, nevermind.

Ndale: Kiddo please do not take things the wrong way, I will always be there for you. Even if I have to risk my life to secure your safety I would. And..

Jade: Blah, blah, blah...

Ndale: I will keep my promise my king, your faithful protector.

We both laughed and hugged each other. Problem solved, what a relief.

Jade: I can take care of myself though.

Ndale: Sure you can.

I said teasingly.

Jade: Let us have a dance battle.

Ndale: No

Jade: Yeah great! Your status has changed, you are currently married.

Ndale: Kiddooo, don't be like that.

Jade: Like what?

Ndale: Fine, let us do it. Music please, I would certainly win.

Jade: Do not be so sure.

We danced happily mainly hip pop however, Jade won because I got exhausted after a short while. After our dance battle we discussed the project. Our project was an underground safe house for the inevitable.

Ndale: This is only to be between us.

Jade: What?

Ndale: The safe house.

Jade: I kind of shared it with someone.

Ndale: Who?

Jade: Kumpe

Kumpe was Jade's chief servant. I never trusted him, there certainly is something fishy about him.

Ndale: Of all the people you could tell it was Kumpe. I have always told you not to trust that guy

Jade: But...

Ndale: But nothing, you are so stubborn. How much does he know?

Jade: Everything, he can be trusted.

Ndale: Are you kidding me? I feel like giving you a tight slap.

Jade: You should not be upset, it is no big deal.

Ndale: It is, tell him no more. Do you understand?

Jade: Yes Ma'am.

Ndale: If there is ever any sign of war or danger take the family there, especially, father. Have I made myself clear?

Jade: Yes

Ndale: Be alert and do not hesitate to give me a call when you need any help.

Jade: Okay. Your lovely husband should come and take you home already.

Ndale: Great, goodbye.

Jadde: I was just joking.

Ndale: Father even scolded me for coming to visit and now you are asking me to leave.

Jade: I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I am glad you are here. I wish you would stay the night.

He hugged me warmly.

Ndale: It did not seem like it.

Jade: It was just a simple joke.

I smiled.

Ndale: Well, it depends on Javan's decision.

Jade: See?

Ndale: What would you have me do?

Jade: I just wish Father did not force you into the marriage and you had fought back. When I am crowned king, all these nonsense would stop I promise you.

Ndale: Okay oh! Can you stop troubling me like this? Let us talk about something else unless you really want me to leave. You are making things more difficult for me.

Jade: I am sorry, that was not my intention.

Ndale: No problem.

Jade: Let us play a video game.

Ndale: You will never change, will you?

He laughed shyly; I missed playing video games with Jade. We played using our touchpad connected to the the screen via bluetooth. I won the video game as usual.

Ndale: I am 'the pro'. Up until today you have never been able to win against me.

Jade: Someday, I would win and you would give me a reward.

I smiled.

Ndale: Well, you know what to do ... Give me ten.

He did ten push ups with so much ease and I clapped for him. I could remember the first day he lost and had to do the push ups so vividly; he looked so funny but now he did the push ups perfectly. He was as tall as Javan was.

Jade: I told you I was a big boy.

I laughed and had the expression of admiration written all over my face.

Ndale: I taught you well.

Jade: I can't wait till you lose against me.

Ndale: I am afraid that may never happen.

Jade: Do not be so sure. It is just a matter of time. Do you care for some ice cream?

I sat on Jade's lap as we ate the ice cream. It was a vanilla flavored ice cream with mango syrup; We both loved that combination. As we ate...

Jade: Don't you think Javan would be pissed if he sees you sitted on my lap?

Ndale: There is nothing to hide, this is how it was before I got married and I do not plan to change this habit. Do not worry, enjoy.

Jade: I just do not want you to get into trouble with your husband.

Ndale: Please let us enjoy the ice cream, it is a free world.

We ate happily, Jade cracked intelligent and funny jokes which made me laugh so much. I fell asleep a while later and Jade carried me to the car. I was not fully asleep so I witnessed everything. Jade and Javan had a brief discussion however, Jade was giving a stern look while Javan was smiling. Oh my, Jade was a man now. I chuckled at the thought. I wonder what they were talking about. Well, I went back to sleep.

I had a nightmare and woke up screaming ''stop''; Javan parked the car immediately. The dream was about Javan and Jade; they were in a fierce fight which began with an argument. They were deafened to my pleadings to stop the fight. Jade was at the brink of death and Javan choking him mercilessly to death. Javan turned on the light; I was so scared and it was written all over my face.

Javan: What happened?

Ndale: Sorry, I had a nightmare. Please keep driving.

He gently touched my face with a concerned look on his face.

Javan: Are you sure you are okay?

I nodded nervously. I was confused. Why would they fight? I wanted to ask him questions but I just kept them to myself.

Ndale: Let us keep going please; it is quite late.

Javan: Okay. I can see you are tired, on our next visit to the palace, we would use one of my luxurious flying cars.

I smiled. I could not catch any more sleep because I was so worried. Javan constantly checked up on me via the rare view mirror. I smiled whenever our eyes met to assure him that I was doing just fine. I was thankful for a safe ride back home. We got home at about eleven pm. Javan looked exhausted. We walked to the room with Javan's left around my waist, took a warm shower and rested. Javan slept peacefully, I on the other hand was restless. I finally slept at about three in the morning.