The Summons of Destiny (3)

Emeravwe raised her head suddenly, realizing. Aslan! She grabbed the scroll from the floor, unraveling it once more. Could it be possible that the order was Aslan’s doing? He had already demonstrated his influence as the prime minister’s son on several occasions. Could he have pulled some strings to have her summoned to the Inner Palace?

Emeravwe rose to her feet, her heart racing. Her thoughts raced as well: He said it had become inconvenient for us to meet in the garden and would do it no more! Her mood instantly soared, and she folded the scroll to her chest, squeezing it tight. It must be Aslan! This must be why I have not seen him lately; he was working to bring me to the Inner Palace!

With this assurance, she forgot her worries, rolled up the scroll, and began to pack, her movements spurred with excitement at the thought of seeing Aslan again.

In truth, there was not much for her to take to the Inner Palace. Her set of Agaenaye uniforms would be replaced with a new set of Aya garments once she assumed her new post, and she would also be given fresh bath accessories. Her effects consisted only of the headscarf she purchased in Joyovwi Market four years ago, when she was a Maiden of the Ministry of Rites; the bracelet she got with Akpokene at Mudiaga’s family shop; a vial of oil from the plumeria, which Aslan continued to supply her with even after she left the Bureau of Halls and Chambers; one set of casual garments issued by the Bureau of Court Affairs; and the pearl necklace Aslan gifted her the night she became an Agaenaye.

Emeravwe had removed the necklace from its velvet case and enfolded it in the silk cloth it came in. She had then wrapped it in a handkerchief and hid it in the furthest corner beneath the low dresser containing her wardrobe, where it would be safe from inspections.

She lay flat on the floor before the dresser now, reaching deep beneath to retrieve the handkerchief. She pulled it out, smudged with dust and the silk threads of a spider’s web, and lightly dusted it off. Since she hid the necklace, she had not taken it out, but when she loosened the folds of the cloths, she saw it was spotless, the pearl and moonstones glimmering. Stroking the pendant, she thought of how far she had come since she was just an Omote in the Bureau of Halls and Chambers, struggling to gain access to the king. And Aslan has always been with me, she thought.

Entering the Inner Palace was a risk, she knew. Those who worked in proximity with members of the Royal House were observed with more care, and it would probably be more difficult for her to meet secretly with Aslan, though they would be closer. But she trusted Aslan, and she loved him. Even if it was dangerous, she would risk everything to be with him now because he was all she had left.

Emeravwe clasped the necklace around her neck and hid it against her bosom beneath her inner blouse. She would keep it close from now on.

From one of the dresser’s drawers, she retrieved the small cotton bag she used each time she moved quarters. Deciding to give the pink and blue topaz headscarf to Akpokene as a parting gift, she packed her undergarments and the vial of oil. This done, she took a walk around the Maidens’ Compound and Outer Palace. Once she entered the Inner Palace, she would rarely have occasion to come to the Outer Palace, so she strolled the familiar paths and passageways she had walked since she was a child.

She traipsed the flagstone walkways of the Maidens’ Compound, taking in the grounds planted with ponytail palms and plumeria trees. The classrooms where she had studied as an Omote-in-training, and the beautiful gardens with blooming trees and vibrant flowers. Her heart was heavy as she strolled through the Compound of the Ministry of Rites, where she spent eight years as an Omote in the Bureau of Halls and Chambers. If not for Aslan, those would have been the darkest years of her life.

Crossing to the Compound of the Ministry of Justice, she walked to the Bureau of Court Affairs. It had been brief, but she had enjoyed her time at the bureau. She wished she were not leaving on such bad terms. She wanted to go and apologize to her team members for the trouble she brought them, but she could not build up the courage. Perhaps it was best to simply leave things be.

As she walked away, Emeravwe turned hesitantly again to the bureau. She wished she could see Mudiaga one last time. She had always looked forward to his jovial attitude and dimpled grin. And… She closed her eyes, remembering his firm chest against her back. His muscled arms around her. The heat that seared her body when he held her in the Department of Records of Xxene’s House of Nobles. Her heart jumped at the thought and her eyes flew open, her face flaring with heat. What are you doing? She berated herself, You are with Aslan now! And she did not regret her decision. Yet, turning away, she could not help but feel a twinge of disappointment, and wondered if she would ever see Mudiaga again.

That night, Emeravwe said her goodbyes to Akpokene. When she showed her the scroll of appointment, Akpokene had no doubts that Aslan had somehow gained her the position, but she was uncharacteristically judicious.

“You have decided to be with him, then?” she asked Emeravwe as she folded the violet and blue topaz headscarf in her lap.

Emeravwe answered sheepishly, “Mm.”

Akpokene looked long at her, then reached out to touch her hand, her eyes intent. “Whenever the topic of your relationship with Eunuch Aslan or Oga Mudiaga came up, I was always half joking because I never thought you would seriously consider it. You have always been so cautious. But I understand how you feel about Eunuch Aslan. He has always supported you. Even so, you must be careful, Emeravwe. You have already been involved in one scandal, and you know what will happen if you are caught in an illicit relationship with a Eunuch.”

Emeravwe placed her other hand over Akpokene’s. “I know.”

Akpokene leaned forward to embrace her. “I shall pray for your happiness.”

Emeravwe held tightly to her friend. “Thank you. I hope we shall see each other again.”

Akpokene chuckled. “Of course, we shall! The Inner and Outer Palaces are separated only by a wall.” She smacked her lips, smiling confidently, “Besides, I shall be a Rode Aye in no time and tread between the grounds as surely as fish tread water!”