THE CROWN - EPISODE 12

It felt like I was suffocating, the every air I needed also felt choking.

Different thoughts running through my mind,

wild thoughts.

The hands all over my body made realization hit me every counting second.

To me it was unnecessary but even mother thought it was for me to be dolled up.

Mmesoma rang it to me at every given opportunity that I wasn’t just getting married but getting married to a crowned prince.

It’s safe to say a little coronation will hold to crown me too.

It was quiet,

I wanted to hear only my thoughts but Mmesoma wasn’t helping

The palace maids were busy styling my hair, helping me get dressed and making me up.

It was more than being a bride, I was going to be a princess too.

I was going to be married into royalty and load of responsibilities.

I was also going to be getting married to a total stranger,

to a man who doesn’t love me or feel any affection towards me.

Not after being raised in love, I wasn’t having any of it.

I held the hand of one of the maids

“That’s enough, don’t put more beads on me”

I stopped her and she nodded.

My heart was already heavy and the heavy royal beads didn’t need to add to it

I touched the hem of the wrapper around my waist, the quality was beautiful.

“My princess, the jigida”

One of the maids said holding about five waist beads.

I stood up and they slipped them into my waist.

We all turned when we heard the arrival of the king and others.

After a while mother rushed in

“Is she ready? The Royal family is here with the elders”

She announced

“Nne she is.. isn’t she the most beautiful bride?”

Mmesoma grinned.

One will easily mistake her for the bride with the smile on her face.

Mother looked at me and smiled, a drop of tears dropped from her eyes

“You’re right my dear, she is indeed”

She smiled as more tears streamed down her cheeks.

I said nothing but tried not to cry, I wouldn’t want to ruin the work on my face.

“My baby girl is all grown up to be someone’s wife”

she took my hand and kissed it

I smiled

“You should be happy and not crying, your daughter is getting married today”

She chuckled

“Yes dear, your father must be so proud”

She touched my cheeks, kissed my forehead before leaving.

The drums beating and flute being played signified the starting of the occasion.

“I will go see what’s going on outside” Mmesoma said and left.

My mind crossed to Emenike, how devastated he must feel.

I don’t have feelings for him but it would’ve been better I wasn’t marrying his elder brother.

Now he’ll see me everyday in his house, oh goodness.

I also thought of Chioma, and honestly I didn’t know what to even accompany her situation with.

I wish things can turn to everyone’s favour.

“Adenike”

Mmesoma came back. I turned my head to her

“All the rites has been done, you’re being called for” she said

“Dear?”

Mother also walked in..

She helped me up and smiled

She brought out a light small material

“A veil?” I asked and she nodded

“yes dear, the Queen wants you to wear it”

she replied and wore it on me covering my face.

It was a light red veil and I could see through it.

She held me at one arm and Mmesoma the other.

We walked and the maids thrilled behind.

Immediately I stepped out, voices of women started singing me praises.

Some maidens crowded me and started dancing, is this tradition?

Mmesoma danced too and gestured me to do the same,

I looked at mother and she also gestured me to dance.

I gently moved my legs and soon danced calmly.

The women continued singing me praises. They stopped along with the drums.

The flute played in honour of the crowned prince.

I looked at him and then to Emenike who looked lost.

One thing led to another and soon I was given a cup of drink to go offer to my husband or soon to be, whatever.

I took the cup and immediately the drums and songs started to play again.

I walked, mother pulled me back and quickly whispered the right procedures.

Otherwise I would’ve walked straight to give him.

I made a bit of ceremony by dancing and slowing the process before walking to the crowned prince.

I knelt down and offered him the drink, he looked up at me and tried to see through the veil.

I drank from the drink, he took the cup from me, drank it all…

He placed a little bag which I guess were cowries inside the cup and stood up.

I got up and turned to walk towards my parents while he turned to face his.

He turned and walked with me to Baami,

it’s bride’s family first and no royalty will snatch away my parents rights.

I knelt down before them and he stood still.

I pulled his hand and he feel to his knees, everyone gasped but I cared less.

I would never let anyone disrespect my parents.

Baami blessed us with prayers, we got up and left to the King and Queen. He knelt down before them and I did too.

They had a smile, the King stood up to throw in praises before blessing us.

Everything went by so fast

We moved to the palace for the party

I was crowned and officially given my title not just as the Crowned Prince’s wife but all other that comes with being his wife.

I bid my parents bye after tons of crying section.

I was escorted to my chambers but not without a ceremony.

Mmesoma left too and it was quiet.

I ordered the maids to leave me alone and they did..

The Prince’s chamber was beautiful and warm.. the air smells royalty.

I sat on the bed with the veil still over my face, I wasn’t ready to take it off either did I know if the husband is supposed to be the one to take it off.

Husband? I still wanted to be far from the realization that I was married and married to the crowned prince.

I heard him walk in and stopped,

I looked down instead of looking at him.

The room is big but small for two people.

Nevertheless it was okay for a married couple but one with even tiny bit of love and affection.

He started walking towards my direction,

I stood up quickly to go from him.

I went to the other end of the room but he kept walking towards me.

I hit my back on the wall harder than I expected

“Ahh” I winced almost silently

I turned and he was still walking towards me

“Stop! Don’t come any closer to me”

I said.

He didn’t listen, he got closer to me

I closed my eyes tightly.. I opened them after a while and turned to him standing almost beside me.

He pulled out his beads and dropped them on the table there.

I sighed softly.

I stood there till he left and walked into a side door… There’s a bathroom inside his chamber? Wow!

I held my chest and slowly sat down on the bed.

I couldn’t think of anything but not him touching me please. I simply picked on my fingers.

I raised my head when I felt presence

He stood there staring at me

“Move, you’re in my space” I heard him say

I looked at the bed and oh no! Too small

I got up to leave, he held me back and stood in front of me.

He stared at me for a while and slowly took off the veil.

I swallowed nothing down my dry throat, I felt intensed

“To everyone you’re my wife but not to me. Today I’ve fulfilled all righteousness so stay out of my way and sight henceforth”

He threw the Veil back to my face and went to bed.

I stood still, we feel the same way so better don’t step on the boundaries.