Chapter Two (Unexpected)

Prince Jade

He snuck up into the palace and was about to dash into his room, but he spotted the dimmed orange glow from the bulb in King Adejare's private chambers. 

He went in that direction and found his father in a pensive mood, his head between his hands. Jade wondered what his father was thinking about.

He tiptoed up towards him, careful not to disrupt his private moment. But also, curious as to what would have him in such a mood. The King rarely looked pensive, at least not before anyone. He wondered if he pressed him enough; perhaps his father might share some of his burdens, as the King finds it difficult to share his worries with his son, despite having convinced him that he was now a grown-up man and not a child to be spared adult worries. 

He took silent steps toward his father, who had his back on him.

"Father?" He called him gently so as not to startle him.

In an instant of fluid, swift movement, his father had him by the throat, his back to the King's chest. He became a subdued captive in the King's hand in a blink.

"Father, it is only me," Jade managed to choke out of his strained throat, chuckling nervously.

He then felt his father's arm relax on his neck, followed by a deep sigh before releasing him.

"What are you doing about at this time of the night?" The King questioned him grudgingly.

"Father, you seem to forget I'm not a child anymore. If I'm to rule this land one day, I must be accustomed to knowing the kingdom and its people like the back of my hand," Jade explained to him.

King Adejare smiled fondly at his son, a glint of mischief and humor in his eyes, "Does knowing your subjects include spending time with that foreign girl? What's her name again? Mirabel?"

Jade's head snapped so fast that he thought he would strain his neck from the sudden swiftness. How did his father know all these things? His surprised eyes met his father's amused ones. Jade chose to change the subject. "Father, I must confess that your reflex and swiftness have not waned at all," he commended his father admirably. Hoping his attempt at diverting the conversation to a more comfortable territory worked.

A smile curved the King's lips, perhaps detecting his attempt at changing the subject, but he took the bait. "Once a warrior, forever a warrior. And why didn't you even try to defend yourself as you have been trained to. Hope all those years in the western world have not robbed you of your prowess as a warrior. You should never forget your root, no matter what. If you must be a king someday, you must be a warrior first."

"No, Father. I still remember and have been training a lot with Jeromi and the rest of the guards. Jade saw the approval in his father's eyes. "Besides, I knew you wouldn't hurt me. I know how to handle the real enemy."

His father nodded at him with pride in his eyes. "I know when it is time for you to assume your position as King, you will not let your people down. And speaking of which, you didn't answer my question about the foreign girl. What's the deal with her?" 

Jade shuffled from one foot to the other, twisting his fingers to avert eye contact with the King. When he finally did, he observed his father's-tired eyes, which suddenly seemed so sunken despite his attempt at humor and amusement.

The King's lips maintained an upward turn as he asked, "Don't think I have not observed how you look at her, which is okay for fun. You are a virile young man with blood pulsing in your body. It's natural to sow wild oats, but remember, it cannot be more than what it is; amusement!"

Jade observed his father tread back to his seat. His proud shoulders didn't look so proud at the moment. He always admired his father. The King was as intelligent and as solid and handsome. Jade took pride in being his father's replica, only that he was a few inches taller than the King.

King Adejare sat down gently before continuing, "You know the gods of our land will not allow a marriage liaison between you as the future King of Afonja land and a foreigner. Your bride must be a daughter of the soil. And don't forget she is a maid. Remember that oil and water don't mix."

"But why, Father? But…. What if... I…."

 King Adejare raised his hand to silence him. "Please, son, you know better than to argue with the gods. And in any case, I have more important things to deal with than debate the women you have in your bed." The King dropped his head in his hand and rubbed at his eyes tiredly.

Jade didn't want to whine. He was no more the spoilt brat who once manipulated his parents to get what he wanted. He's a grown man now and must show he was responsible enough to care for his ancestral land. His father was obviously worried about something. His love life can wait. As for now, his father needed him; and he perceived himself as a responsible and dutiful son.

 He took a deep breath. The last time he argued with his father was when he was a teenager. He didn't want to go back to the antics of the past. He was a grown man now, he thought as he sat beside the King.

 "Are you alright, father?" Jade asked in a calm voice.

 King Adejare sighed, obviously content that his son wouldn't argue with him. He trusted his son to do the right thing when the time came. He raised his tired eyes.

Suddenly, Jade observed the beads of sweat on his father's face, making Jade even more worried. "Father," he prompted, "What's wrong? Are you alright, father?" his brows furrowed with concern.

"I'm fine, like I usually say, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." He forced a smile to ease his son's worry.

 "You don't look fine to me." Jade searched his face for any sign of discomfort. He saw the crinkles around his eyes, the lines of worry around his tight lips. "You know, father, you can now share problems with me. After all, you are preparing me to take the reins of the kingdom. How do I get the hang of things if you don't share anything with me? And you don't have to be always strong. It's okay to need help from someone else, even as a King."

The King's lips twitched a little "Have I told you recently that I'm proud of the man you have become?" 

A curve appeared on Jade's lips; his father has several tactics to sway him from helping when he needs someone. "Thank you, father, but efforts at dissuading me won't work this time. Tell me what the problem is. You usually tell me that two good heads are better than one; talk to me if you think I have a good head on my shoulders."

"You got me, son," he sighed and waited patiently for him to share his troubles.

 "We are in trouble, Jade."

"How so, father?"

"As you know, our economy has been fluctuating in past years. The only development we have had is the electricity and the construction of a few roads. I want more for my people. I want the people of Afonja to be able to enjoy all the facilities enjoyed in the city and neighboring towns."

Jade nodded approvingly, impressed at his father's ambition. "That's a good ambition, father."

The King continued, "I sometimes traveled to Lagos for meetings when you were still in school, and I was swept off my feet by the level of development I witnessed. The roads were tarred, not dusty like our own. There are rail tracks, and even now, they have a flying balloon; what do you call it now? Yes! Airplane."

"Jade smiled, of course they have all that, how did you think I travelled to the United Kingdom to study?" He couldn't fault his father for finding all those things overwhelming because King Adejare had never traveled to the big city before assuming the throne as King. Jade was also mesmerized when he traveled to the big city for the first time after receiving a scholarship to study abroad.

"Father all those things you saw in the big city of Lagos is nothing compared to the amenities you will find in the United Kingdom."

"Hmm…hmm," his father looked impressed. "I really want us to have all those things: schools, many cars on our tarred roads, hospitals, and rail tracks."

"All those things are big investments, and they cost a lot of money, father."

"I know, son, I'm well aware of that. I got thinking, then set up a panel to deliberate on how to get these things. Well, it was discussed that we need to discover our natural resources and capitalize on it to make us money. Instead of waiting for people's taxes and government to help us. We can also be of help to the government if we can get something useful that is grown or discovered in our land."

"Father, you are a good ruler who has your people in mind. I pray the gods will make a way."

"We might have discovered something." The King whispered in a hushed tone.

"What?" Jade asked, surprised and doubtful at his father's words. He needed clarity.

"We discovered crude oil on the land towards the far north of Afonja. And we have scattered diggers over the land to see if there are hidden treasures, we know nothing about yet."

Jade sat up straight because these words from his father's mouth had been his desire since he learned what foreign trade was. This is a significant breakthrough. It will attract foreigners, investors, and even the government's interests. 

"Have you tested the discovery yet?"

"Yes, I secretly consulted the help of a trusted company in Lagos. It has been tested and confirmed that our discovery was a mineral resource that can turn the nation's economy around."

Jade shot from his seat and threw his fist in the air, "Yes! Father, this is good news."

"Yes, it is good news and only the council of elders and few other people knew about it. The issue now is that where it was discovered was the land that has caused discord between Afonja and Bayero since the time of our fathers. I'm being careful so as not to trigger the interest of the Badejo of Bayero. You know how greedy he can be. Even though the score was settled by our father's, he might want to re-open pandora box, and we don't have that kind of resources at our disposal to face an enemy like Badejo of Bayero."

"So, what are we going to do?" 

Jade rubbed at his temples, now as worried as his father. His father was right. Badejo of the Bayero kingdom was not only greedy but a very fierce man. It took spiritual intervention for him to not take over their land entirely. The man was an enemy the Afonja kingdom couldn't afford to have. He was a strong and powerful man who considered himself the head of all the seven kingdoms in their region. Although the Bayero kingdom was more advanced and significant than all the other six, that shouldn't give him the leverage to interfere in their state affairs.

The King interrupted his thoughts, "The sad thing is that someone has tipped Badejo off because he became suddenly interested in how the land case was settled decades ago. Everyone knows the land belongs to Afonja, still Badejo wanted the proof, or he would take the land by force. We are no match for him, and I can't seem to find the written proof of ownership."

Jade clenched his fist, angry at Badejo of Bayero for his greed. He disliked Badejo's domineering spirit. And without saying, all the other kingdoms feared him. Most kings accommodate him without attempting to curb his excesses out of fear.

"So, what are we going to do, father?"

The King shook his head, looking into space, obviously worried and pensive.

 "We have three options; we fight for what is ours, allow him to take over the land. Or better still, find where the document is. The problem with the third option is that I'm not even sure there's a document in the first place; I just assumed that my father should have proof of ownership somewhere."

"Hmm, this is really a tough one, father" He dropped his head in his hands just like his father, lost in his thoughts. "Perhaps, we can search the whole archive all over again; maybe there is a document somewhere. The first two options are not it at all, father."

"We will search again, but I doubt it is anywhere around; if it was, we would have found it with the way we searched everywhere already. We have searched from top to bottom. But I doubt they signed anything. There should be proof somewhere, or is there not?" he muttered, deep in thought.

"You are right, father. There might be no document backing our ownership up. You know our fathers were not keen on the written agreement then. Honor is an honor. I'm sure Badejo knew you couldn't provide any document, so he requested it." 

"Jade, No one must know about this. I don't want people to panic at the idea that there might be war, at least not yet."

"Meaning, you are considering the possibility of a war?" 'Jade asked worriedly. He knew the effects of war on the land, let alone the loss of lives. Jade also knew that their kingdom was not a match for Bayero. They may assume a bold and courageous front to challenge Bayero into battle, but he can guess the battle's outcome from the beginning. He thought there should be a way out of these without shedding blood.

"I'm a king and a warrior. As a warrior, I would declare a war but as a King, I must think about the effect of war on my people. It is times like this that I wished I can consult with my father."

"Jade sat up straight in his seat like he got an idea. We should consult with the high priest and the deities of Afonja. They can foretell the future, can't they? They should be able to tell us what to do to avoid bloodshed and battle."

The King reasoned for a while before answering, "As I said only a few members of my trusted circle knew about this, but I think it is time I involved the high priest. He will consult and tell us what he thinks."

"Whatever happens, I think everything will turn out right in the end."

"I'm beginning to doubt that son."

"Faith, father--- let's keep our faith alive. Everything will turn out alright."

"You are ready to be king, my son," The King said with a smile. I see it in your eyes that the safety of your people matters to you a great deal."

"I don't know about that, father. Is anyone ever ready to be King?"

 He sighed and stood from his reclining position, helping his father up from his seat out of respect, not of his father's fragility.

 "I think it is time for you to retire for the night, father. A little rest will do your mind and body good. Tomorrow is another day of worries, but for now, you must rest."

"You have helped ease a little of my burden; thank you."

'Jade smiled and helped his father to his bed chamber, "Good night, father, make sure you rest without anxiety." Leaving his father at the door, he returned to his own bedroom as his mind conjured solutions to the kingdom's dilemma. How will he get Badejo of Bayero off their backs; so that their land can finally enjoy wealth and peace? He must come up with something.

Jade hadn't taken three steps when he heard a heavy thud on the planked floor and his father's deep pain-laced grunt. He turned towards the King's door and saw him lying on the floor, clutching his chest. "Father!" he shouted as he ran to his unmoving figure.

***

Mirabel

It's been over a week since Mirabel last saw the prince, and he hasn't summoned her for their private meeting since. Mirabel began worrying that the prince had gotten what he wanted from her. She dropped the broom she was using to sweep the shed and rested her back against the wall with her hands folded on her chest. 

How can Jade just forget about her just like that? He rarely went two days straight without sending for her. The most annoying thing was that she saw him everywhere, but he always looked grim and hardly spared her a glance. She was strung tight from pretending that nothing was going on between them anytime they were both in the company of people. He sure moved on fast for a man that professed his sun rose and set with her. 

She had seen him from afar or sometimes just a few steps away, addressing the guards or his father's council. He always looked grave and emotionally detached; whenever she saw him, she wondered what was going on with him. It was all she could not scream her love to him in the presence of anyone who cared to listen. 

Their lovemaking may have diminished his love for her, but it has increased her love for him. She was a stupid girl for allowing her emotions to get the best of her. She shouldn't have given her body to him just yet. In one of her books, she read that men tend to lose interest once they have sex with a woman, but she had thought that Jade was different from other men. She was a fool to believe she could sleep with him and keep his romantic interest.

"Has the lover girl been dumped finally?"

She didn't know nor hear someone join her in the room. She stood straight and quickly bent to pick up her broom.

 Shakira was a pest. She wondered if she was employed as Mirabel's life minder or the head of the maids because the woman would not allow her a breathing space without sending hatred her way.

"I don't even understand what you are talking about." Mirabel attacked the room she was cleaning with renewed vigor.

"Oh, come on, Mirabel, don't act dumb. You think I haven't noticed that you secretly attend to the prince's needs, and I don't mean his physical needs alone. Unfortunately, the prince has finally abandoned you after sleeping with you." 

Shakira walked closer to Mirabel, snatching the broom from her hands and throwing it across the room.

Mirabel had no choice but to face her, "Why did you do that, I mean why do you like to frustrate me so much?" She asked, her anger threatening to boil over.

Mirabel could see Shakira's satisfaction at finally getting her to confront her. She knew then that the girl goaded her intentionally to make her lose her cool. And Mirabel wasn't about to give her the satisfaction, taking a slow, steadying breath to calm herself. She wouldn't allow Shakira to get to her. Mirabel decided to be the bigger person of the two rather than trade words or punches with Shakira. Besides, she has a deal with the prince, not Shakira.

A wicked smile contorted Shakira's face, and she looked like a demon from hell. Mirabel could see the hate in Shakira's eyes and reasoned why she hated her so much. Shakira must be fooling herself if she thinks she still has a chance with the prince.

"Are you asking me why I enjoy irritating you so much?" Shakira asked with a laugh that made Mirabel's stomach churn with fear. Shakira half turned away from bewildered Mirabel and clapped her hands to emphasize her words. She turned back to face Mirabel, who backed away from the fierceness of the hatred she saw in Shakira's eyes.

"You know I have been serving in this palace since I was a child. I work very hard to get to where I am today as the head of the ladies' maid." She strolled a distance away from Mirabel, then back towards her. "Then, you came along with your blond hair and big blue eyes to win over everyone's heart, the prince and the queen inclusive, and you expect me to applaud you for that?"

She walked close to Mirabel putting her face inches from Mirabel's. "This is my territory, Mirabel, and I'm not about to allow you come from the back seat and take over what I have built in this place. I will fight you with all that I've got, and you can bet your white derriere that you will eventually leave this palace for me."

She spun on her heels and walked away with a loud hiss that would make the reptile kingdom proud.

Mirabel looked after her in shock, with tears in her eyes, praying that Shakira was wrong because she was starting to think the prince didn't want her anymore. She hoped she hadn't made the mistake of her life by entangling herself with the prince. But Jade would be the love of her life no matter what, even if he was a farmer and not a prince. It would be her utmost pleasure if they both ran away and started a life together in a place where they were not known. But she couldn't ask that of him because he was the heir to the Afonja Kingdom, and his people needed him. The King might still look strong, but he would need his son to take over from him one day. Besides, she couldn't subject the prince to living without his people because she knew firsthand the pain of living without your family.

***

Jade

"For how long do you think we can keep this up?"

"For as long as it takes." Prince Jade answered his mother sternly, watching his father's unmoving figure on the bed.

"Don't you think the people would be worried that their king has not addressed them in more than a week?"

"Mother, you just have to trust my decision. I had a long talk with father before this happened and I'm certain he would support my decision of keeping his ailment a secret."

Jade watched his mother wipe tears from her eyes. He walked to her and sat beside her on the couch by the King's bed. "Mother, I know this is difficult for you more than any of us, but you have to be strong for him and keep praying that he regained consciousness and back to his old self."

Queen Ewaade looked at her son, "I honestly don't believe that my strong and tough husband would look this pale and frail in a matter of two weeks."

"I know mother, but he will be fine. My father has always been a fighter, he will win this too."

"Sorry to interrupt you, my prince. The priest is here." Jeromi, the only guard the prince trusted enough to know about the King's sickness, announced from the doorway, followed by the priest. Jade made him swear that no one would hear about the King's illness from him.

Jade met the man by the door, ushering him into the King's chamber.

"Good evening, your royal highness, Ewaade," The priest greeted immediately after he entered the King's room.

"You are welcome, priest. Please check my husband to see if there is any improvement." The queen beseeched the priest, standing quickly from her reclining position.

Jade followed the man to the big bed where his father lay motionless. One would think he was lifeless, except for some occasional grunt and restlessness.

"Do you think we should consult western medicine?" Jade asked, also worried, but he had to stay positive for his mother. "We can arrange to take him to the city for proper treatment."

The priest looked slightly offended by the prince's question and suggestion but quickly masked his expression.

Jade didn't care if the priest took offense; he just wanted affirmation that he knew what he was doing. He was desperate to get his father off his unconscious state. The council of elders was informed that the King had an urgent pilgrimage to improve the economy of Afonja. The elders questioned why the King would choose to embark on this journey without at least hinting at it. They asked Jade many questions, but he wasn't ready to divulge any information besides what he had already told them. He was able to dismiss their worries but didn't know for how long he could hold the farce up.

He couldn't afford to divulge that the King was not well because he couldn't trust anyone. His father told him that he needed to learn how Badejo of Bayero always got information about the developments of the kingdom. He couldn't wave the nagging feeling that one of the elders or someone close to the King was telling Bayero kingdom of the happenings of Afonja. Hence, his carefulness.

After some minutes of examination, the priest finally roused Jade from his musings. "The king looks to be getting better."

"Oh, thank God!" The queen enthused from beside her husband's bed.

"Are you sure?" The prince asked, looking at her father's form on the bed.

"Yes, my prince. He is getting better. The concoctions are starting to take effect. His occasional grunt is a sign that his body is healing from the inside out. And our King is a powerful and fit man. He will recover soon enough."

"Thank you, priest; you don't know how happy I am to hear that." Jade moved to his mother's side, draping his arm over her shoulder. "Did you hear that mother? Father will be fine," he said to his mother with a smile.

The priest gave more concoctions to be used to hasten the healing that was already taking place in the King's system.

"I must commend you my queen, you have really helped by taking care of the King yourself and not assigning his care to a maid. I'm sure he was sensing your care and love in his unconscious state and that would make him want to get better. The King should regain consciousness by my next visit."

"Thank you very much, the high priest." The queen said with the first genuine smile Jade had seen on her since his father assumed his weak position.

"Come on, priest, I will see you to the door." He ushered the priest out of his father's chambers.

On his way back, he met with Jeromi, his trusted guard. He looked grim and pained. "Why are you looking so sad? You should be happy that the King will be better soon.?

"Of course, my prince. I'm ecstatic but I'm afraid I have depressing news."

Jade looked at his servant, wondering what this depressing news could be. "Okay, let's go to the court; we can have some privacy there."

"I'm listening, tell me what the problem is?"

Jeromi looked around him to confirm they were alone. "My prince, the guards protecting the Northern side of Afonja were attacked early this morning."

"What do you mean attacked?" His brows furrowed together in concern mixed with anger.

"I'm certain the attackers were Badejo of Bayero's men. We need to do something fast my prince or there would be war." Jeromi looked ill at ease.

 Jade could read deeper meanings in Jeromi's words. Afonja needed to be equipped to fight a kingdom like Bayero. He would not fool himself by thinking the war was the solution. He was confident that Bayero was spoiling for war so he could subdue Afonja the way he had wanted for a long time. And Jade was not about to subject his people to a blood bath.

"I think we should reach a peaceful agreement with Badejo." Jade considered talking to the priest like he suggested to his father before his sickness, but something held him back. Not now, when my father is sick.

"Long live my prince, but do you think Badejo is a man who could see reason? Especially when confronted by a smaller kingdom like ours? The man is as greedy as they come. I doubt he would be reasonable, my prince."

"I guess we have to find out. You will prepare for my journey to Bayero."

"My… my prince, do you think that's a good idea? I do not trust King Badejo at all."

"Do not worry. I will find a way to make him see reason. In fact, we will go in disguise. I will only make my identity known when face to face with Badejo of Bayero."

"Okay, my lord I will prepare your luggage, but I will also go with you, my Lord." Jeromi supplied.

Jade smiled at the man that stood taller and heavier than him, who had been a consistent and loyal servant to the kingdom of Afonja since he took his father's place when his father died. "No wonder you have earned my father's trust, Jeromi. You are a great warrior and a greater man. And… I appreciate your loyalty, but some journeys are better embarked on alone. And besides, I need someone I can trust to guard the King, and I know you will do that with your life if it comes to it."

"Thank you, my prince for your vote of confidence but I'm still ill at ease about you going to confront Badejo of Bayero alone. One can never tell what that man has up his sleeves."

"Don't worry, I will be fine. And I promise you that I won't be going to Bayero alone. I only hope father gets better as quickly as the priest predicted before I embark on my journey. You can go and start the preparation for my departure at once."

"Okay, my prince," 

Jeromi disappeared quickly and quietly for a man his size.

Jade rubbed at his forehead to reduce the mounting tension between his eyes. He bore more burden in the past two weeks than in all his twenty-four years. Jade desperately missed Mirabel. He wished he could tell her everything going on. But it was wise not to inform anybody else of the developments in the kingdom for now. Aside from the occasional glance in her direction, he had not seen her in almost two weeks. He had to see her before leaving for Bayero.

"My Prince, my prince, the king is awake!" Jeromi's voice jutted Jade from his thoughts.

"Don't play with me, Jeromi," He shot from his reclining position on his father's favorite chair.

"I dare not my prince." Jeromi enthused.

He hurried out of the court straight to his father's chamber without waiting. As expected, Jade saw the queen in attendance. She never left her husband's side except when forced to rest for a bit. One day, he will also enjoy the same connection with Mirabel that his parents share. His heart did a double take at the thought. But fear clutched at his heart when he remembered his father's words that subtly suggested he could not marry outside his clan. Jade pushed the idea away from his mind; he would sort that out later.

Jade had tears from watching his mother fuss over his father. He always admired their love; walking towards the King's bed, he carefully held his father's hands. "I'm glad you are alright, Father. You gave us all quite a scare."

"My ancestors are not ready for me to join them yet." He managed in a croaky voice with a hint of humor in his eyes.

Jade felt a sting in his eyes. He didn't know how he would have coped without his father. Jade was also not ready for his father to join his ancestors. He decided against telling him about his planned pilgrimage. Jade would tell his mother but not his father, at least not yet. He needed him to recover first.

"As much as I'm enjoying your fussing, I'm hungry; can I get a bowl of spicy goatmeat pepper soup, Ewaade?"

Jade laughed at his father's request, "Now, I'm convinced you are fully back from the land of the dead." He walked to him and placed a kiss on his father's forehead. "I miss you so much, father."

The King scoffed, "Not you too. I can only endure your mother's mushiness not yours."

The queen giggled tearfully, "I will quickly go get your pepper soup; prepared with my own two hands. I will be right back."

"So, what did I miss?" The King asked immediately. The door closed behind the queen.

"You didn't miss much. For now, I want you to rest and don't worry about the kingdom affairs. You have plenty of time to worry later."

The King sighed, looking tired and older, and gaunt from weeks of unconsciousness. He allowed his eyes a respite of peaceful sleep.

Jade watched his father's breath even slowly before leaving the room. He had to prepare to leave early tomorrow morning, but first, he would message Mirabel to meet him on the path leading to the forest. No one would see them there.