Chapter 11: Goddesses at the stream

As Káòṣù hears this, a jolt of realization hits him—he hasn't bathed in weeks. Yet, that's not what's bothering him right now. Instead, he notices he's no longer in his familiar, tattered clothes. He looks down and sees himself dressed in a pair of brown ṣòkòtò. This traditional Yoruba attire consists of loose-fitting trousers made from durable, handwoven fabric, often adorned with intricate embroidery along the seams. These trousers are new, starkly different from the rags he remembers.

His confusion grows when he realizes he is shirtless, a state that sends a wave of shyness washing over him. Feeling exposed, he quickly glances at Bídèmí, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Káòṣù: (embarrassed) "Who changed my clothes?"

Before he can speak, Bídèmí replies with a smile.

Bídèmí: "When you were knocked out, we had to change your clothes. They were ragged, and we had to clean your body since you couldn't do that yourself."

Káòṣù: ooh

Káòṣù realizes why they did it. Suddenly, it dawns on him—they must have seen him naked. He feels a rush of embarrassment.

Káòṣù: (shy) "Who... who changed my clothes?"

Bídèmí: (smiling) "We did, my lord."

Káòṣù notices that all the girls in the room are blushing, their cheeks like rose petals touched by the morning sun. This realization makes him feel even more self-conscious, a flood of emotions crashing over him. They've seen his nakedness, and he's torn between a sense of pride and a wave of shame that makes his heart race. His skin tingles with the weight of their gazes, each one like a spotlight exposing him.

As he stands there, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting feelings, Bídèmí suddenly speaks her voice cutting through the thick tension like a knife through butter. The room seems to hold its breath, the silence pregnant with anticipation.

Bídèmí: "Let's go, my lord."

As Káòṣù steps outside, the servants stop him abruptly. With practiced efficiency, they bring a cloak made from tiger skin, its fur a mesmerizing mix of fiery orange and black stripes. They drape it over his shoulders, and the cloak feels warm against his bare chest, like a comforting embrace after a long absence.

The sensation of the fur against his skin is both soothing and invigorating, a stark contrast to the rough, worn fabric he's used to. The warmth spreads through him, seeping into his bones. For a moment, he closes his eyes, savouring this new comfort.

The servants, with surprising reverence, escort him outside. As he steps into the open, the sunlight hits his eyes, making him squint. It's been so long since he's felt the sun's rays on his skin, a feeling almost forgotten. The light dances before his eyes, and it takes a while for them to adjust. The world comes into focus slowly, colours more vibrant than he remembers, as if the sun has breathed new life into everything it touches.

He takes a deep breath, the air fresh and tinged with the scent of blooming flowers and distant rain. It fills his lungs, invigorating him, reminding him of life's simple pleasures he has been deprived of. The weight of the tiger-skin cloak and the warmth of the sun together create a powerful sensation, grounding him in this moment of rediscovery.

As Káòṣù adjusts to the light, he starts to feel the gentle breeze of this beautiful place. Bídèmí stands beside him, a reassuring presence, while some guards and the other servants follow closely behind. They form a protective circle around him, guiding him through the palace. As they move, Káòṣù is amazed by the grandeur of the palace, filled with guards standing at attention everywhere. The guards' stares are intimidating, making him feel exposed and vulnerable, and their eyes like sharp arrows piercing through his composure.

Some maids pass by, their reactions varied—some stare openly, others smirk, and a few whisper among themselves, their voices carrying a hint of mischief. He can tell from their expressions and hushed tones that their thoughts are far from innocent. He can't blame them; the cloak only covers his back, leaving his muscular chest and abs exposed, like a warrior on display. The feeling of their eyes on him is both flattering and uncomfortable, like being in a spotlight, each glance a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

Káòṣù is a strikingly handsome, dark-skinned man with a chiselled physique. Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, he walks with the grace and confidence of a king. His body is a testament to strength and endurance, each muscle defined and toned. Scars mark his chest—small and straight, like short lines—adding an edge of rugged allure. He doesn't know how he got these scars; they've been there since birth. They give him an air of mystery that only enhances his appeal.

His chest, stomach, and back are adorned with intricate markings, symbols he doesn't fully understand. These markings give him a unique, almost otherworldly look. Sometimes, he catches women staring, their eyes lingering on his upper body. He can't help but feel a surge of pride. These markings, combined with his scars, make him look both powerful and exotic.

He knows his appearance has certain magnetism. The way women react to him—blushing, sneaking glances, whispering—tell him that they find him irresistible. His dark skin glistens under the sun, and every step he takes exudes confidence and raw, masculine energy. The warmth of the tiger-skin cloak against his bare chest, combined with the feel of the breeze, heightens his senses. He feels alive, aware of every gaze upon him, every whisper that follows his steps.

Káòṣù embraces this attention. He knows that his scars, his markings, his very presence stir something deep within those who see him. He is a blend of strength and mystery, a living enigma that draws people in, making them want to unravel the secrets etched into his skin. As he walks through the palace, he can't help but enjoy the feeling of eyes on him, the unspoken admiration and desire that trails in his wake.

As they walk, Káòṣù catches a familiar and intoxicating scent, reminiscent of the moment he first entered this mysterious place. "The very essence of nature had been distilled into the air, filling his lungs with the intoxicating perfume of a thousand blossoms." It's a scent that evokes memories of the princess , the most beautiful person he's ever met and the one who saved his life.

The scent, though not as potent as in the grand hall, carries echoes of that initial encounter. It's like a whisper of her presence, lingering in the air and stirring emotions deep within him. Each breath he takes feels like a connection to her, a reminder of their shared moment of rescue and gratitude.

As they continued walking, guided by the alluring scent, Káòṣù and his entourage reached a place within the palace that resembled a dense forest. Towering trees stretched towards the ceiling, their branches laden with vibrant leaves that shimmered in the soft light filtering through. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying with it the earthy fragrance of moss and wildflowers, mingling subtly with the lingering perfume that reminded Káòṣù of Princess Adéìsèlè.

The guards who had been following him stopped at the forest's edge, their expressions curious yet cautious. Káòṣù, however, found himself drawn deeper into the enchanting scenery, where maids and other palace attendants continued to move about, tending to unseen tasks. He couldn't help but wonder why such a lush forest existed within the confines of a castle. It seems both out of place and yet perfectly fitting in its magical allure.

As he walked further, the forest seemed to unfold before him like a hidden world, each step revealing new wonders. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, dappling the ground with patches of warmth. Birds chirped melodiously in the branches, adding to the serene ambiance. Káòṣù felt a sense of peace wash over him,

Káòṣù: (thinking) "How can there be a forest inside a castle?"

Káòṣù: "Bídèmí, where are we going?"

Bídèmí: "We are close to the stream, my lord."

Káòṣù: "A stream? How can there be a stream to bathe in here?"

Bídèmí: "Everything you need is at the tip of the stream. When you are done, come outside."

As they reached the stream, Káòṣù was struck by the tranquillity of the scene. The forest parted to reveal a crystal-clear stream, its waters glistening under the gentle sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. The air was filled with the soft murmur of flowing water and the distant calls of birds, creating a serene atmosphere that seemed worlds away from the bustling palace corridors.

The maids, with graceful gestures, indicated for Káòṣù to move further along the stream. Their movements were fluid, as if they were part of the natural rhythm of the forest itself. Káòṣù followed their lead, stepping carefully over moss-covered stones that lined the stream's edge. Each step brought him closer to the heart of this peaceful oasis within the palace walls. But he noticed the maids stopped following him

Káòṣù: "Won't you follow me?"

Bídèmí: (smiling) "I'm sorry, but we cannot do that, my lord."

Káòṣù: "What if I need you?"

Bídèmí: (smiling) you will not my lord; everything you need to take your bathe is at the stream we have prepared that for you; There is a weaved palm fronds and a black solid substance at the tip of the stream with a calabash, these are what you are going to use to take your bathe my lord. When you are done just call my name we will come for you.

They bowed their heads, turned their backs to him and leaves his presence.

As he walked, Káòṣù noticed small, colourful fish darting among the rocks beneath the water's surface. Dragonflies hovered lazily over the stream, their iridescent wings catching the sunlight. Wildflowers bloomed along the banks, their sweet fragrance mingling with the earthy scent of the forest floor.

The stream meandered gently through the forest, its path curving around ancient trees and verdant ferns. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy, creating patches of light and shadow that danced on the water's surface. It was a place of quiet beauty and natural harmony, a sanctuary hidden within the grandeur of the palace.

. He notices a piece of woven palm fronds, a solid black substance, and a calabash. This must be what Bídèmí was referring to.

As Káòṣù entered the stream, the warmth of the water enveloped him like a comforting embrace, soothing his weary heart. He waded deeper until the water reached his waist, feeling its gentle current caress his skin. The sound of the flowing stream mingled with the rustling leaves and distant bird songs, creating a symphony of nature that seemed to echo his own inner turmoil.

With the sponge in hand, Káòṣù began to bathe himself, gently washing away the grime and weariness of his journey. As he ran the sponge over his skin, his fingers traced the familiar lines of the scars on his chest. Each scar told a story—a story of pain, of survival, and of memories he desperately tried to suppress.

He closed his eyes, trying to block out the haunting images that threatened to resurface. The screams of people in distress, the chaos and confusion—it all flooded back to him, a torrent of emotions he struggled to contain. The stream's warmth offered a sanctuary, a momentary escape from the harsh realities that haunted his past.

As he continued to cleanse himself, Káòṣù focused on the rhythmic motions of washing, each stroke of the sponge a deliberate act of purification. The water around him seemed to carry away not only physical dirt but also the weight of his memories, cleansing his spirit as well as his body.

The scars on his chest, small and straight like short lines, stood as silent witnesses to his resilience. They reminded him of battles fought, both physical and emotional. Yet, despite the pain they represented, they also symbolized his strength and determination to survive.

As he finished bathing, Káòṣù emerged from the stream feeling lighter, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. The warmth of the water had eased the tension in his muscles, and the soothing embrace of nature had calmed his restless mind. He glanced at the soap and the woven fronds nearby, grateful for their role in this moment of renewal and introspection.

After finishing his bath, Káòṣù turned to retrieve his clothes, the scent that reminded him of the Princess growing stronger with each passing moment. As he reached for his garments, he sensed a presence behind him, a palpable increase in the fragrance that captivated his senses.

Raising his head slowly, Káòṣù's eyes widened in surprise as he beheld the Princess standing before him, her presence like a vision out of a myth—a beautiful, naked silhouette against the backdrop of the forest's tranquil beauty. Her skin glowed softly in the dappled sunlight, and her hair cascaded in dark waves around her shoulders, framing features that seemed to radiate an ethereal grace.

Beside the princess stood another woman, her demeanour poised yet assertive. Káòṣù recognized her as the one who had claimed the poison inside him belonged to her. The contrast between the two women, one serene and otherworldly, the other confident and enigmatic, left him momentarily speechless.

The presence felt like encountering a mermaid—a mythical creature of beauty and mystery from his childhood tales. Her eyes met his with a mixture of curiosity and something deeper, a connection that seemed to transcend mere words. Káòṣù's heart raced, unsure of how to respond to such unexpected and breath-taking beauty standing before him.

Standing at the presence of a beautiful princess is luck but standing at the presence of two naked goddesses is a miracle. The princess standing at his presence was like a dark toned mermaid who just got out from the water her whole body is spotless, she is like a reflection of the sun, her body is like the shape of an hourglass; her breasts; curvy, not too massive but above average, her areola deeper than her skin tone and her dark brown nipples looking straight to his eyes her breast was marvellous. He could not stop staring at her body; her hips are not as massive as her breasts but this is quite a view. The other lady is shaped like a pear her breasts similar to the princess beside her but her hips is massive he has never seen a body like this two goddess standing at is present. He is still thinking about what he has seen before the other lady with massive hips speaks 

Massive Hips Lady: "My, oh my, look at that. It is getting bigger."

Káòṣù realizes his body is reacting. He has never seen anyone naked before, and now he sees the princess and this lady. His body responds, His cheeks blushed and his manhood keeps growing bigger and thicker so he covers his modesty as he quickly covers himself with his hands, feeling ashamed and shy. The princess instantly picks his clothes, hands it over to him to him and jumps into the stream like a mermaid. The other lady stands there staring at his body with a grin it is like she is having some erotic thoughts about him and she knows he can read understands it by just looking at her face yet she looks unfazed, she is not concerned that she is naked. Unlike the princess who could not look at his face because she was very ashamed of this situation which made him not to look at her face and same has hers. The other lady said something in her language out loud.

Lady: (in Hausa) " Me ya yi?"

Bídèmí and the rest come to the stream, seeing the mess. Instantly, the maids kneel down in fear, begging the princess and the other lady to forgive them, explaining they didn't know they were there. He cannot understand them very well but from what he is looking this is what this scene is all about

Princess: (in Yoruba) "mú un jáde."

As the princess says this pointing at the forest without looking at his face he starts thinking what have I done. Suddenly Bídèmí comes to him saying

Bídèmí: "My lord, let us go."

As thy are leaving this glorious stream the other lady did not stop looking at him he is still confuse why is she looking at him with that grin. They escort him back to his room without any conversation. He tries to make a conversation with Bídèmí but he is scared to do anything because from their eyes they were a terrified. He cannot blame them though they messed up and to make it worse he cannot do anything about him. Káòṣù can't help but remember the events at the stream. Especially the princess's hourglass shape; as they reach his room, Bídèmí approaches him.

Bídèmí: "My lord, please, nobody must hear about what happened at the stream today."

Káòṣù is even more shocked, thinking to himself that he isn't a fool. He wouldn't share this outside, and he has no one to talk to apart from the maids. He smiles and reassures Bídèmí.

Káòṣù: "I won't tell anybody."

He notices Bídèmí and the servants are shivering in fear, realizing these goddesses are not to be trifled with. Which made him more curious about them at least he need to know something about them because they have a significant role in his life and this glorious place, even if he might not see them ever again because of his mess up he wants to know who they are.

Káòṣù: "Bídèmí who are they by the way?"

Bídèmí: "You might have seen them before during your trial. They are very strong and powerful. The one who called out is Uwarshigiri, a descendant of the god of war. We call her the Queen of Blades."

Káòṣù feels goose bumps hearing this.

Káòṣù: "And the other one?"

Bídèmí: "She is Princess Adéìsẹ́lé, twin sister to Princess Adéjinéré. They are the last descendants of royalty here and daughters of General Ọkwụlụọcha, the general who brought you here. She is a main essence in this realm, not to be joked with. But you should not be scared of him because he is a nice man. He always reason and if he finds out it is not really your fault but ours he might free you from the dungeon.

Káòṣù: so who should I be afraid of?

Bídèmí: the one you need to be scared of is Princess Adéjinéré. If she hears of this she will rip out your heart and show it you instantly without a blink of an eye or she removes your eyeballs so you will not see the sunset or sunrise ever again"

Káòṣù realizes these people are not to be trifled with. He has more questions but decides not to trouble them. He also do not want to face the other princess he remembered the last he had an encounter with the warrior princess the encounter was more like a massacre. Káòṣù remembers the event of those white British soldiers and this princess and she tore them apart like ripping a light sheet apart, she was slaughtering them like she was killing a weak animal, those foolish fools died like a weak sheep although they were stubborn like goats they deserved their deaths anyway. Thinking about this understands why Bídèmí doesn't want him to reveal what he saw, his clumsiness brought this upon them and they can die at any time soon if anybody hears this.

Káòṣù: "I apologize for my clumsiness."

He turns to the other maids.

Káòṣù: "What are your names?"

Amarachi: "Amarachi, my lord."

Kadada: "Kadada, my lord."

Káòṣù: "Kadada, Amarachi, Bídèmí, I am sorry for being a disturbance to you al."

Kadada: "No, my lord, you are not. We are grateful to serve you."

Amarachi: "Do not apologize when you did nothing wrong."

Káòṣù feels warmth inside. He has never felt such love from people before. These three strangers talk to him like family. He is genuinely happy as they dress him up. When they are done, they tell him.

Bídèmí: "We are done, my lord

.Amarachi: "We will be going out now."

Kadada:" Rest well, my lord."

As they leave, Káòṣù calls their names one by one.

Káòṣù: "Bídèmí, Amarachi, Kadada, Thank you very much."

They smile and leave the room. Káòṣù realizes that no matter how well they treat him, he is still a prisoner here and cannot leave as he pleases. He wants to go out but knows he can't because guards are outside the room, waiting for him. He sits down, waiting for his three loving maids to come back and serve him dinner. But he will never forget the encounter of the goddesses at the stream.