Then Their Lips Touch (4)

Stepping into the warm afternoon, Emeravwe and Akpokene breathed with relief; the atmosphere around Mudiaga’s mother and grandfather had been stifling.

But they were barely outside before his sister cornered them. She led them over to the stall of accessories with a bright smile. “Choose whatever you like. I’ll give you a discount ‘cause yer Mudiaga’s friends.”

Akpokene corrected, “You mean free, because we are Mudiaga’s friends.”

She replied smartly, her nose wrinkled disdainfully at Akpokene’s suggestion, “Free is for beggars, not rich palace Maidens,” and Emeravwe recognized her for the seasoned salesgirl that she was.

The stand displayed a variety of accessories, including carved trinkets, embellished wire and beaded necklaces, bangles, and anklets. Looking over the array, an ornament caught Emeravwe’s eye. It was a miniature carving of the symbol of Xxene made of mahogany. The round sphere at the center was painstakingly engraved with tiny patterns of plumeria, the national flower, and flanked by thin slivers of wood shaped like crescent moons.

The handsome ornament reminded her of Aslan; the deep, burnished mahogany shone like his rich bronze skin, the plumeria engravings making her think warmly of the sweet smell he always emanated. She decided to purchase the trinket for him, then she and Akpokene selected bracelets with matching charms for themselves.

Presently, Mudiaga emerged from his home and, with a quick farewell to his sister, they began the trek back to the palace.

“Were your mother and grandfather vexed that you brought Onorogu home?” Akpokene asked as they made their way once again through Esiri Market.

Mudiaga gave an uneasy laugh, rubbing his neck. “Oh, yes, I got an earful. But I expected it, and enjoyed throwing them off balance. They’re way too stiff when it comes to Onorogu or anything having to do with the Sun’s Court.”

“You said before that they were against you joining the Palace Guard,” Emeravwe recalled. “Why is that?”

He paused, his expression sobering. “Because of my father, I guess. He worked as a botanist in the greenhouse of the Royal Pharmacy…”

“So that is why your home is overrun with plants!” Akpokene exclaimed. “But how strange. How did your father become a botanist in the Royal Pharmacy? I mean,” she looked abashed, “you are only Ehwoéki.”

Mudiaga shrugged. “Don’t look so embarrassed, Akpokene, it’s true we’re Ehwoéki. My father had a stroke of luck, is all.” He explained wistfully, “He always loved working with plants and didn’t give up his interest even after marrying my mother and learning carpentry from my grandfather. He grew different herbs at home and often went to the forests on the hills outside the city to dig up new plants to study. It was on one of his trips that he met an elder of the Omamerhi clan of the Imodu Tribe.”

Akpokene looked awed. “The Imodu Omamerhi clan?”

Mudiaga nodded. “He was impressed by my father’s knowledge of plants even though he had no formal education, and took it on himself to educate him. After meeting the elder, my father focused only on plants and the elder, seeing his skill, got him a position in the Royal Pharmacy’s greenhouse.”

“So you were able to become a palace guard because your father also works in the palace,” Akpokene remarked.

“Yes, and no. My father no longer works in the Royal Pharmacy, he…” Mudiaga stiffened, his face stony, “passed away.”

Emeravwe and Akpokene remained silent as Mudiaga stared grimly ahead. She still did not understand why his family was so against Onorogu, but Emeravwe saw she should leave the matter be. She had no idea what sorrows his family was shrouded in and did not want to upset him.

But her stomach sank, her throat constricting. Even if it was one full of sorrow, she wished she had a family. She wondered what her parents were like. Did she have any siblings?

'The woman sat on the ground, a body sprawled lifelessly in her arms, a pool of blood growing around her.'

A twinge shot through Emeravwe’s skull, and she shuddered as the image waltz past her mind’s eye. She desperately strove to forget the vision, letting it fade into the dark recesses of her consciousness. But every so often the images recurred, distressing her.

When they arrived at the palace, Emeravwe and Akpokene returned to the Bureau of Court Affairs while Mudiaga reported to the Palace Guard. Because it was October, and they had just finished a quarterly inspection, Emeravwe’s office was not overly engaged, and she was excused a couple hours earlier than usual. After her outing and visit to Mudiaga’s home, however, she found herself in a trodden mood. Mudiaga had seemed so happy to see his family, and though they were shocked by hers and Akpokene’s presence, she was sure they had been equally glad to see him. Her heart ached when she thought of it.

Then, she thought of Aslan. Though she had no family, she had him, so she decided to go and see him. He had once made a surprise appearance at the Bureau of Court Affairs, and Emeravwe’s mood began to lift at the thought of surprising him in kind and presenting him the gift she had bought. She had never been to Aslan’s office, but was sure he worked in the Royal Secretariat because of the yellow headcloth he wore, and so she made her way to the compound.

The Compound of the Royal Secretariat was the largest of all the offices in the Outer Palace, containing five departments: the Department of Records, of Court Records, of the Royal Archives, of Records of Xxene’s House of Nobles, and of the Royal Library. It documented and stored records on Xxene’s noble clans and Royal House, and of activities in all parts of the kingdom and in the Sun’s Court. Thus, the compound was patrolled by both Eunuchs and palace guards, and Emeravwe had the frustrating experience of being stopped several times as she made her way through the premises, the Eunuchs and guards wondering what business she was about, for no Maidens were employed with the Royal Secretariat.

Emeravwe went to each department in search of Aslan, but was informed repeatedly in their Office of Inquiries that no Eunuch by that name worked in the department. She was baffled because Aslan surely wore a yellow headcloth, the standard for the Royal Secretariat and Inner Palace. Both were esteemed places of employment, so it was fitting that Aslan, as the prime minister’s son, would be employed in one of these locations. But if he did not work in the Royal Secretariat, that could only mean he worked in the Inner Palace!

The revelation came as a blow to Emeravwe. She discussed her every intention with Aslan. He knew how she endeavored to gain access to the Inner Palace and the king, yet he had not been bothered to tell her he worked there! True, he made it clear he would not aid her in her pursuit, but she never imagined he could be so spiteful and felt bitterly betrayed.

She went to their garden early that evening, her chest choked with emotions and head burning with anger. And it only worsened as she reflected on how he fooled her all these years.

When she finally heard the rustling of Aslan’s entrance, she erupted from the bench and accosted him, “Why did you not tell me you worked in the Inner Palace?!”

Aslan started, not expecting such an impassioned welcome. He considered her guardedly a moment, then that sweet smile spread across his lips. “I have missed you, too, Eme.”