Chapter Five (Little Bun)

Three months later

Mirabel

Mirabel woke up with a queasy feeling in her guts at about 4:00 Am. She rushed outside to empty her stomach the second time that morning, careful not to wake her colleagues. Her legs were heavy, and her mouth felt like she had consumed raw cotton last night before bed.

She felt a little better after emptying her stomach and walking to the water pot in the corner of the room, she fetched some water to wash her face. 

The image of Prince Jade flashed in her mind. That's all she seemed to be doing, thinking about the prince. Mirabel tried hard not to think about him but couldn't. Her heart seemed to have developed a mind of its own. Everything she saw reminded her of him. She hit her head several times with the heel of her palm as if the action could dislodge him from her thoughts, promising herself not to cry again. A single will not drop from her eyes for a man who was brutal enough to trick her into sex when he could have anyone he wanted.

  She was the biggest fool to have thought she meant something to Prince Jade. She remembered the first time she received a message to see him. The prince had looked so handsome under the moonlight that night, but Mirabel had stilled her thudding heart, determined not to allow herself to fall for the prince's charm. She had acted aloof but respectful, never letting her attraction show, but he was persistent, telling her that he loved her and didn't want anything from her other than to love him back. Mirabel recalled feeling like Princess Cinderella to having a whole prince who could have anyone beg for her love. 

She eventually allowed her armor to slip and began to reciprocate his feelings, not knowing it was a good strategy on the prince's part to get under her skirt. Her eyes stung from unshed tears, but she forced them back.

Shakira had taken immense pleasure in divulging the information to her that the prince was on a political mission, and no one knew when he would return, and that she was surprised to be the one to inform Mirabel of her lover's whereabouts. She said the last part with a satisfied gloat when she saw the shocked expression on Mirabel's face.

Mirabel has not been herself since the time Shakira informed her of the development. She cried, wailed, and sobbed, especially after more than twelve weeks since she last saw him. Mirabel became a shadow of herself and didn't care. She's been in limbo since gotten a whiff of the prince's trip. How could he not arrange to see her before leaving? She had thought he would be back soon, but days had turned into weeks and no sign of the prince. She was so worried that she got sick. 

Shakira didn't help matters either. Despite knowing she was indisposed, she made her life a living hell; Shakira assigned all the demeaning chores to Mirabel, from taking out chamber pots to cleaning the lavatory, not caring if Mirabel retched her guts out. 

She dragged herself back to the maid quarters hoping to get a little more sleep before starting the day's chores.

Mirabel jumped from her bed as sprays of water hit her face. "What in rat hole is that?"

"That's what you get for oversleeping." Shakira's voice penetrated her foggy brain.

"Get up; the prince is returning. We need to make proper arrangements."

"Mirabel’s yes became as clear as day, gradually seeping through the small window in the maids' quarters at the mention of the prince. Her heart did a double take, but she recovered and decided not to get carried away.

"Did you say the prince is coming back soon?"

"You bet your Anglo backside that he is."

"Mirabel was assuaged by a series of emotions too rapid for her to decipher. But she recognized the first as tranquil to her anxious soul. Mirabel was worried about not seeing or hearing anything about the prince for a long time. Then she heard that he went to negotiate the peace of the land with Badejo of Bayero. 

The news worried her because she had heard many nasty things about the King of the Bayero kingdom. He was nothing like the King of Afonja, a good and honorable man. She feared what Badejo would do to him because it was no news that Badejo was finding a way to takeover Afonja kingdom as far back as the kingdom's origin according to the information and history of the land, and what better way than to seize the prince of the land.

It turned out that Mirabel was right about her speculations, which shook the kingdom even as the King regained his health. But she promised not to let the news of his return soften her heart towards him again. She explained to her heart that worrying about someone in danger, lover or not, was customary.

Now that the prince is returning, it is a pure relief to the entire kingdom. They heard he was coming several times but still needed to ascertain the day. As the head of the maids, Shakira was privy to some information that she used to torture Mirabel at will. If she said the prince was coming, he must be returning for real now.

"Are you going to get to work or stare into space all day? We have a lot to do today, we have to clean the visitor's quarters because he is coming with his fiancée."

Mirabel was assaulted by a wave of nausea, watching Shakira walk towards the slightly opened door after delivering her bombshell. Did she say that the prince was coming with his fiancée?

"Wait!" She billowed in a voice that demanded instant obedience.

 Shakira turned back to her with a dazed expression while she scrambled from her straw bed and walked towards Shakira. "Did you just say the prince is coming home with his fiancée?

Mirabel could see Shakira's surprised look suddenly become impish; a glint of mischief appeared in her eyes as her lips twisted in a wicked smile. 

"Hmm… so? I believe that's what I just said."

"Well, …. Hmm… I wondered if you were sure about that."

"If I'm sure about what?"

"Mirabel knew Shakira was well aware of what she asked, but she just wanted to torture her, but she repeated her question all the same.

"Are you sure the prince truly brings a woman to marry?" schooling her expression not to betray her pain. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, hoping Shakira was only playing one of her pranks on her.

"Oh! I get it." Shakira burst out in laughter of derision while Mirabel patiently waited for her response. "You know, sometimes you can be too naïve for your own good," she said after her laughter subsided. "You honestly do not think the prince would consider marrying you?"

"Mirabel blinked away the tears that were starting to hurt her eyes. Despite her determination not to cry over the prince, she didn't know why the slightest things made her cry these days. Mirabel should stand up to Shakira and let her know her worth. She should tell her she was more than worthy of marrying a prince. But Mirabel could not bring herself to say the words. Instead, she foolishly stood there, blinking away stupid tears while she watched Shakira talk her down as usual.

"My dear, I know you are beautiful and smooth enough to have warmed your way into the prince's bed, but you would be the biggest fool to think you have warmed your way into his heart." She snorted, "The prince is only a man pulled by his basic desire at the sight of a beautiful exotic girl. I'm sure he was curious as to how doing it with a white woman felt, and he must have found out which accounted for him abandoning you afterward. Wake up from your dream girl, you might be a beautiful lady, but you are a maid all the same, that's what you are. Nothing more than a maid."

Shakira was halfway through the door when she turned back to her.

"By the way, a new set of servants will join tomorrow; I want you to be ready to help them get the hang of how things work here. Is that alright? The King wants enough helping hands on the ground for the prince's coming in three weeks."

Mirabel nodded and watched her saunter off as tears wet her face. Every single one of Shakira's words pierced through her flesh to her soul. The prince had promised to marry her. Were all his words that night by the riverbank calculated aimed at just getting into her draws? She had thought of it several times, but hearing it from someone else' showed what a fool she had been. Bile rose to her mouth as she rushed out to throw the remains of nothing in her belly. She did not mind being ostracized by the rest of the maids because they all noticed Shakira's aversion towards her, and everyone wanted to be in Shakira's good graces. She tried being friends with some but stopped since she saw their cold disposition. Now, she was used to being and doing her duties alone.

A week after the arrival of the new staff members, she was going about her business solo, as usual, and was surprised when one of the new girls came to sit beside her during lunch. She smiled at her, and Mirabel responded, not saying a word but kept eating her meal.

"I don't know if they serve meals this good in the servant quarters." The girl commented, liking her fingers loudly and dramatically.

Mirabel smiled at her enthusiasm but was sure the girl was doing the dramatics for her benefit.

"So, you do smile. I have wondered about that a couple of times since I got here. I observed you have no friends, and you hardly talk to anyone. I'm glad I finally got you to smile." She asked with a contagious smile of her own.

"Why do you think I don't smile?"

"Because you always look so sad. And I have never seen you smile except for now." a crinkle appeared at the corner of the girl's eyes, but her tone was serious. "You know you are beautiful when you smile. I mean, you are beautiful either way, but you look much prettier when you smile. And never allow anything to take a smile from you."

"Mirabel was completely intrigued by the girl's bubbly attitude. "What is your name? Mirabel asked her.

"I'm Agatha, and your name is…." She responded.

"Mirabel." She answered, staring at the girl's filthy hands.

The new girl must have observed her skepticism because she quickly added, "I would have shaken your hands, but you know I couldn't resist liking my fingers after that delicious meal. And I doubt you will want residue staining your hands." Agatha threw in with a funny expression.

Mirabel laughed out loud, "You are hilarious."

"Whoa! You laugh too."

"Of course, I do," Mirabel interjected, looking at her crazily. "I mean everyone laughs, right."

"I know you do, sincerely; that was what I aimed for, and I'm glad you laughed. Now that I have made you laugh, I hope we can be friends."

"Sure, but I must warn you that it means you will make an enemy out of Shakira…."

"You mean the slave mistress? That tall lady in charge of the maids?"

"Yes, the very one." "Mirabel answered, rolling her eyes for emphasis.

"Who cares about what she thinks? Not me." Agatha answered, shrugging her shoulders.

"Finally, someone willing to stick it all out for me? I like you already." Mirabel smiled.

"Good! Friends, then?" she asked.

"Sure, friends," "Mirabel extended her hand.

Agatha took her hand for a shake.

And they both laughed when Mirabel feigned disgust after their handshake. "I better go wash that off," she said jokingly.

***

Prince Jade

Jade could not believe it had only been a little over three months since he left the borders of Afonja. It seemed like an eternity, and he thought as his entourage matched behind him into his father's land. Finally, Jade completed his mission but at a high price. But also, grateful his men were alive, and no harm came to anyone because of his foolishness.

Badejo of Bayero sent him home in style with his daughter, who insisted on marrying him. He thought of it as the best way to crystallize his mission. 

Madero seemed to like him genuinely, so what harm would it do anyone if he married her? Both kingdoms will be at peace, finally.

 They were sent forth with goods and treasures with the promise to make Madero a happy wife. 

He had wanted to ride on a horse and told the princess to ride in one of the cars, but she was adamant about riding on the horse beside him. She was something, Princess Madero of Bayero. Because of her and the cars behind them, they had passed the dusty road to Afonja. Jade didn't want her to have marks on her body if they passed the way of the forest. Besides, the woods might be too dangerous for her. Not once did she complain throughout the journey despite knowing they could have it easier if they rode in the car. Jade's pride will not allow him to ride in a vehicle provided by Badejo of Bayero.

He glanced at her, riding beside him with such poise and elegance, a true born and bred princess of one of the most powerful kingdoms in their province. Madero is also one of the most beautiful women that have crossed his path. Of course, she couldn't take the torch to his Mirabel.

 His heart thudded in his chest at the thought of Mirabel. Jade ignored the thoughts about Mirabel and smiled appreciatingly at the woman riding beside him. If not for her, he would still be in Badejo's custody, probably dead by now. But Jade couldn't believe his concession to this marriage, knowing Mirabel was waiting for him at home. But what could he have done? The only way to save his land was to agree to a marriage with Madero. He was desperate, and Madero threw him a lifeline while drowning. She seemed to like him since the first time he saw him, and she was also a beautiful woman, but she still wasn't Mirabel.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

 "I'm sorry for being rude. I should be enjoying the company of a beautiful woman like yourself, not roaming about in my imagination."

"You are smooth, and I forgive you." She smiled nicely at him.

 Another man would feel like the luckiest man alive with that smile but not Jade. His heart belongs to another.

"I" must say your land is beautiful, wild, rich, and untapped. I can see why anyone would do anything to keep this heritage." She commented as she rode nearer to Afonja.

"Beautiful, you said? All I see is an expanse of wildness, trees, and masses of land. This is nothing compared to the beauty of your land."

"There is hidden beauty in the wild. It takes a gifted eye to see the beauty of this land, my prince."

"I" agree. I only hope that all these vast empty lands would soon give way to civilization as I saw in Bayero."

"You are very ambitious, my prince. And I like that a lot about you." Madero said with a small laugh.

"I hope to think I am." He responded with a chuckle.

"How do you feel about being back home after an extended stay in Bayero?"

"Happy and fulfilled. But my happiness would be complete when I see the fruit of my sacrifice." Jade seemed to realize how his words must have sounded to Madero. He attempted to retract what he had just said, but Princess Madero was already reacting.

"Ouch! That sounds transactional."

"Jade realized how rude he must have sounded to the young princess who did everything to ensure his safety in Bayero. He smiled at her. "This has nothing to do with you, Princess Madero. If anything, you have made my mission productive and achievable. I will forever be in your debt for that."

His words seemed to find the right mark because he saw her shy smile, and they took the rest of the journey in companionable silence.

The whole town, including children, flanked the streets as they welcomed the prince back into town. Most of his people were mesmerized by the beauty and the sound of the motor cars that moved slowly behind them. Jade smiled lovingly at the children, even adults pointing to the motor machine.

"I'm glad to be back here with you." Princess Madero commented as they waved the people on their right and left on the way to the palace. "It's obvious your people love you."

"And I love them and can do anything for them too." His statement hung between them.

Prince Jade saw his father standing at the palace entrance, looking healthy and happy with a big smile. His heart warmed at seeing his father looking like his old self again. The whole town celebrates his arrival, laughing and waving at him. Jade felt so good and happy that his decision was worth it, even to the detriment of his happiness.

He jumped down from his horse while it was still trotting and left the reins for the servants to handle. He ran to his father and prostrated before him on the sandy floor holding his leg with tears in his eyes.

The King lifted him to his feet and hugged him. Jade did not know how long he stood there holding onto his father with tears in his eyes, but it felt like an eternity. 

"I'm glad you are okay, father. I was so worried about you." He said when he finally looked into his father's eyes, holding him at arm's length.

 "I'm okay, son. I'm glad you are back."

"I see you didn't miss your mother as much." Queen moved in on both of them with a satisfied smile on her lips.

"Mother, I miss you, so much; you can't even begin to understand how worried I was about both of you." He threw his hands around his mother, hugging her.

"And this must be Princess Madero," "his mother observed, walking away from his embrace to welcome the princess standing a few feet from them. I have heard a lot about you. And I must thank you for your role in my son's freedom."

Jade walked towards them. "Yes, Mother, she was indeed God-sent."

Princess Madero got on her knees to greet the queen, as was the custom of the land. "I only did what was right, your highness."

The queen lifted her to her feet and led her to the King. "Come and greet your future father-in-law."

"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to finally meet the great King of Afonja. May your reign be supreme, and your fame and deeds be known through generations, my King. It is my great joy to meet you in person, sir," Madero eulogized the King with praise.

And just like that, she won the queen and the King over.

"My dear princess Madero you are welcome to Afonja." The King was all smiles at the young princess' praise and eulogy. You look beautiful beyond my expectations. You will make a great queen of Afonja someday."

"Amen! Thank you, your highness; I'm honored."

"Come, my dear child, let's give you a grand welcome you both deserve."

Jade kept scanning the crowd for the face that had given him consolation throughout his time in captivity, but she was nowhere to be found. He felt dejected; he hoped she would be among the people who would be at the front to welcome him back home, but unfortunately, she was not. 

Jade tried to ignore the desperate feeling he had to see Mirabel. She has dominated his thoughts these past three days. He had to be careful, especially now that he was about to be officially betrothed to Princess Madero. It would be the best thing to do if he saw Mirabel before the engagement ceremony. But the girl was avoiding him like the plague since before he left town a couple of months ago. He didn't want anyone to know of their affair; once again, that small voice asked the motive behind keeping their love a secret, and again, he ignored it.

 He sometimes found a way to drop notes for her through random children in exchange for coins, and she usually got the messages. But it is time he involved Jeromi. The guard has proven himself trustworthy and discreet; he wondered why he didn't trust him with his love affair before now.

He went in search of Jerome. Thankfully, he was there supervising the servants for the preparation of their grand engagement ceremony in the courtyard.

Jade observed his environment, it had only been three days, and everything was beginning to take shape. They already invited foreigners from Asia and Europe to discuss the opportunity for extraction and trade. He was thrilled; if only his love life moved as smoothly as everything else in Afonja was thriving, he would be the happiest man on the planet.

"How's the preparation going?" Jade walked up to Jeromi, who was backing him.

"My prince, you startled me."

"I didn't believe a mighty man of valor like yourself could be easily startled," he teased, a smile curving the corners of his mouth.

"You flatter me, my prince," Jeromi answered with a smile of his own.

"So, how's everything coming along?"

"Pretty great, my prince."

"Badejo of Bayero is a complex man to please; we must ensure everything is topnotch. The security especially must be perfect. I'm sure the maids are handling the best of delicacies.

"We are all working on it, my prince." 

"Great," He moved closer to Jeromi, looking around him to be sure no one noticed or overheard them.

"Everything alright, my prince?" Jerome asked, following the prince's gaze.

"Hmm…hmm, it depends."

"What … do you mean, my prince?"

"You know you are one of my most trusted allies in this palace, if not the entire kingdom."

"I aim to please you, my prince."

"That's the reason I will discuss this with you. It is delicate, and I want you to handle this with utmost secrecy and prudence."

"Very well, my prince."

"Good, I want you to help me seek out Mirabel."

"Mirabel, the white lady from the convent?"

"Yes! I have not seen her since I got back. I want to be sure she is doing okay."

"Alright, my prince. Is that all, my prince."

"That's all for now."

"Jade looked at his trusted servant, who was gradually becoming a friend.

"Jeromi, are you not going to ask me why I need you to seek her out?"

"It is not my place to ask, my prince. But I will plead with you to be careful, sire. You know, with your engagement to Princess Madero coming in a week."

"Hm… hmm, I get you, my friend. I will be careful." Jade smiled, clapping Jeromi on his back. "I knew I could trust you." He nodded his thanks and walked from the yard.