Done Nothing Wrong This Time

Being called to the king's palace to discuss important issues was just part of the routine for the chiefs, but for Japthan, this particular meeting was genuinely delightful. While the other chiefs were unsure about the king's summons, Japthan, who had been serving the king since his youth, knew he had a special connection. The king had already told him about the purpose of the meeting before he even fixed a date to meet the chiefs. He was the king's special man and the most powerful yet most ridiculed chief. 

Just then, he remembered the grave deed he committed for the king – orchestrating Uta's death and helping the king marry his wife. This act often kept him up at night, despite how he looked outwardly. The guilt intensified when he witnessed the Queen's moody and sad expressions, a constant reminder of the role he played.

He let out a sigh while waiting for the other chiefs to show up before they could call the king and properly start the meeting. He watched as the other chiefs walked in, looking all well-fed and rich, while the people in Maribah seemed malnourished. Things weren't like this under the king's father. Ever since the impulsive king took the throne, Maribah had transformed for the worse – with the people treated like slaves while the royal household prospered in wealth and wickedness.He didn't support the king's mean attitude and disregard his people, but he couldn't speak up against the bad deeds done by both the royal house and the privileged chiefs.

"We should get the king and find out why he called us. I feel like there might be some big news from this meeting," Chief Nnutu said as soon as he settled in his seat, looking important and all puffed up, like he was some special guest.

If only he knew what the meeting held, he wouldn't feel this excited, Japthan mused to himself, paying no mind to the proud Chief Nnutu.

After a few minutes of everyone being seated, the king entered with his wife, taking his seat without a hint of a smile. The chiefs seemed anxious about his mean expression, but Japthan recognized it as the king's way of keeping everyone on edge and asserting dominance. He smiled to himself while the chiefs looked worried. However, when Japthan looked at the quiet Queen, guilt filled his heart. She must miss her former life, yet she was forced to be with the man who killed her husband and drove her only son away from the village of Maribah.

The king spoke, "My chiefs appear as well-fed as the royal house. That's what I like to see. It shows that the kingdom is flourishing under my leadership, doesn't it?"

"Yes" the chiefs enthusiastically echoed in unison, flashing smiles to boost the king's pride.

The king teased, "Even Japthan, whose wife isn't alive, looks like he's being taken care of by a secret maiden."

Chief Nnutu, Soma's father, blurted out without thinking, "Why wouldn't he, with three grown daughters all at his home? Not a single one with a husband. They have no choice but to feed him." Japthan stayed silent, uncomfortable being the center of attention. But he took pride in knowing that the king was going to surprise the likes of chief Nnutu by elevating him. All he had to do was to remain quiet and let the king handle Chief Nnutu's potential embarrassment. He squeezed his face to stop himself from smiling suddenly. 

The king continued, "Well, my dear chiefs, we all know the celebration day for the royal house and all we do for the people of Maribah is approaching."

Excitedly, the chief Nnutu chimed in, "Yes, we can't wait! My king, you deserve to be celebrated every moment. I'm sure this year's celebration will be exceptional."

"Every year holds a special place in my heart. But, as we know, the celebration ceremony is also the day my son, the prince, will choose his own wife," the king added.

"Yes, it's like a tradition for every prince to find his princess in such a manner. The lucky girl is usually the one closest to the prince, attending to his needs that day. She ends up becoming his wife, just as it has happened before. My daughter has managed to win that special—"

"Chief Nnutu," the king interjected, almost startling the chief.

"You'll let me speak before you put words into my mouth. Have you forgotten that my beautiful wife wasn't married in the same manner? The lady who attended to me didn't catch my eyes the same way my wife did," he said, turning to smile at the Queen, who responded with a faint smile on her face.

"So, this year, I've decided to change things."

The moment that would shock them all was about to unfold. Excitement buzzed in Japthan's head as he eagerly awaited the king's next words. Absolute silence enveloped them as they all waited for the king to reveal his plans.

"This year, the prince's wife and the future Queen of Maribah will be chosen by him from a very noble home. After careful consideration, I've decided the prince's wife will be from Japthan's home. In fact, his oldest daughter, Zeep, is going to be Prince Mayo's wife," the king declared.

Chief Nnutu's mouth hung open for a moment as the message sank in. He could hardly believe the king was taking away his daughter's chance to win the prince for herself. Filled with anger, he turned to see Japthan smiling proudly while the other chiefs offered their congratulations.

"My king, with all due respect, you can't mean to marry your son to one of his daughters. Haven't you heard that they lack morals and the proper training a mother gives her children? The other day, his youngest daughter was caught at the river with—"

"Enough, Chief Nnutu! I won't let you tarnish the reputation of my daughters just because the king favors them. They may not have a mother, but I take pride in disciplining and training them as respectable girls!" Japthan retorted passionately, while the king observed in delight.

"If you truly trained them, then they wouldn't be fighting in public places or flirting in secret with the opposite gender," Nnutu added, causing the other chiefs to murmur.

Japthan was unsure what they were talking about concerning Asha, but he wouldn't let them tarnish the king's perception or belittle his daughters' morals.

"I know my daughters, and everyone knows them. No one disciplines their children the way I do. But your daughter! Everyone knows how rude and spoiled she is."

"I won't let you two continue bantering like women in the marketplace, Chief Nnutu. I've made my decision. Prince Mayo will be marrying Zeep here. Japthan is my most loyal man, and I have my reasons for wanting to strengthen our relationship through this marriage. Nothing can change my mind unless Japthan has somehow betrayed him, which he hasn't and will never do!"

With those words, the king explained how he would announce Zeep as Prince Mayo's wife on the celebration day and then dismissed them. Chief Nnutu seethed with anger and stormed out, while the other chiefs congratulated Japthan and sought to be as close to him as possible since he was about to become the king's in-law.

As he walked home, Japthan couldn't wait to share the news with his daughters. Finally, the shame of having an unmarried older daughter would be lifted from his home.

Asha wasn't thrilled when she heard her father calling out to them, announcing he had news in the large room for visitors. She suspected Zeep was going to spill the beans about her and Prince Denna. Her heart raced as she followed her two sisters to the room.

To her surprise, their father wore a wide smile they hadn't seen in a long time, filling Asha with hope that she might not face punishment after all. However, Zeep turned to look at her with a knowing expression, making Asha uncertain about escaping punishment. It seemed Zeep was determined to tell on her, even though she hadn't done anything wrong.