Royalty Celebration Day: Decision Day

It's Royalty Ceremony Day!" Nena exclaimed, pulling back the beaded curtain to let in some sunlight. She was the only one thrilled among her sisters. While Zeep was really bothered about her encounter with Prince Mayo and what might unfold that day, Asha was anxious about meeting Prince Denna and apologizing to him. She kept replaying scenarios in her head, figuring out how to avoid their interaction turning into a mess like the previous ones.

Lost in her thoughts, Asha snapped back to reality when their father's voice echoed from outside their door, saying, "My dear daughters, remember your roles today, be on your best behavior, dress in your finest, and wear a beautiful smile, especially you, Zeep. Today, the whole of Maribah will celebrate with us!"

His footsteps faded as he finished his advice, and they knew it was time to start getting ready.

"Father is really excited about my upcoming marriage, but I'm unsure if it will actually happen. The prince might not see me as a suitable wife," Zeep expressed with a tiny worried tone.

"What? Zeep! Why are you doubting the king's promise?" Nena questioned, taking a seat beside the visibly anxious Zeep. Even Asha was concerned about Zeep as she hadn't seen her elder sister this down in a long time.

"Weren't you the one who said we couldn't trust the king's words? So, why would the king want me as Mayo's wife if Mayo himself isn't interested?" Zeep countered.

"Why wouldn't he want you as a wife? You're the most attractive among your peers. But something seems to be bothering you. Did you talk to him? Did something happen between the two of you?" Nena inquired

"I can't say! I don't think your young minds can comprehend what transpired. So just forget it," Zeep stated, walking towards the door to instruct Mezin to bring in their clothes so they could get dressed.

"Our young minds? Did you try to seduce him like you planned to?" Asha asked boldly, earning a gasp from Nena and a stern glare from Zeep.

"Asha! You're too young to understand anything about seducing a man. But what did I expect from you?" Zeep scoffed, heading into the bathing room to wash herself.

"I hate the way she talks to me as if I'm the most despicable person on earth!" Asha expressed angrily after her elder sister disappeared from the room.

"Don't confront Zeep for now. Just ignore her and focus on your upcoming meeting with Prince Denna."

"That's what you always say! You never take my side!" Asha protested.

""What do you want me to do? Challenge Zeep for you? I can't disrespect her; she's older than me. Asha, the most important thing is ensuring you leave the Palace unharmed. Should I accompany you?"

"Yes, please! I'm scared to go alone. Just imagine what could happen if I say the wrong thing to him in the palace. I might end up in the dungeon for that."

"I'll go with you! Now, let's get ready for the royalty celebration day," Nena exclaimed in delight.

Asha couldn't comprehend why Nena was so happy about a day that symbolized pain and slavery for many in Maribah, but she kept quiet about it.

Mezin entered then, carrying their well-designed robes and beads, placing them carefully on a stool. Just then, Zeep stepped out, blocking the maid's path.

"Tell me, Mezin... What can you teach me about seducing a man? I'm sure you must know a lot about it! Don't lie to me!"

The maid gulped, exchanging confused glances with Asha and Nena, who walked into the bathing room to avoid being part of the conversation.

——

The Royalty celebration day was upon them. Women adorned in elegant dresses paraded toward the Palace, proudly lifting their heads to signify they were not ordinary citizens but noble wives, daughters, and relatives of chiefs. While the ceremony was a day to celebrate the wealthy and privileged in Maribah, the masses danced and rejoiced because it was mandated. Yes, it used to be a day for celebration but not anymore. 

The king's forefathers had liberated them from those who stole and killed them, but the current king lacked the bravery and kindness of his father. Despite being in their own land, they remained slaves, with nothing truly belonging to them. Their possessions were for the king, and they lived to serve him. It was a sad reality, Asha thought, yet they all continued to dance and sing, filling the air with festivity.

Asha sat nervously in the well-appointed seats reserved for the royals and noble families, while the common people stood at a distance, singing and hailing the royal family. The king sat with a smile beside his consistently quiet wife, flanked by Prince Mayo and Prince Denna. Asha swallowed nervously as Prince Denna's eyes caught hers. Quickly she diverted her focus to the tiny calabash of food she carried to appease him later. 

As she tore her gaze from Denna's, Zeep was hoping to catch Prince Mayo's own but he never looked her way. It deepened her worry about not marrying him. He eventually turned their direction when Soma entered, strutting like an ostrich with her maids alongside, as if she were a queen. Asha noticed her sister's face tightening with anger and wished she could ease Zeep's pain, helping her understand that Soma and Prince Mayo weren't worth her frown.

The dancing and singing intensified until the king raised his hands, signaling for them to stop. The chiefs beside him beamed with pride, particularly Chief Japthan, aware that his daughter's marriage to the prince will be announced that day.

The king was on the verge of speaking when the sudden galloping of five horses disrupted the celebration, kicking up dust that enveloped the area. A hush fell over the crowd as they anxiously wondered about the identity of the unfamiliar riders, the king's men positioning themselves for a potential conflict. When the dust finally settled, a huge man approached the king, drawing attention as he marched forcefully toward the elevated platform.

"Odumudo, the great man who travels far and beyond with no fear of foe or anything," the king echoed heartily, bringing relief to the gathered crowd. The dancing and singing resumed as Odumudo bowed to the king, who, in turn, gently patted his back.

Asha was captivated by the interaction between the imposing man with a fearsome face and the king when a servant approached to whisper in her ear. She turned to see Prince Denna entering the Palace, taking a deep breath as she realized it was time to face him.

"Can you come with me now?" Asha asked Nena, who was engrossed in dancing.

"We'll be back soon," Nena assured Zeep, rising to leave her seat.

"What are you both doing? You can't leave the celebration simultaneously. The Dramidis daughters' seats can't be empty. Don't you understand how it will appear? People will talk and wonder what could be more important than celebrating the king for both of you," Zeep whispered.

"But it's the king who has asked Asha to do this!"

"Then let her go alone!"

"But..." Asha began to protest, but she couldn't, as a few eyes turned toward her, curious to know what was amiss between the sisters.

"She's right, Asha. We can't both leave at the same time. You'll be fine in the palace with servants around. Just make sure not to be alone with him!"

Asha felt shaken and confused about what to say. Regardless of her actions or words, she knew she would be facing the prince alone.