THE CROWN - EPISODE 4

The arrival of the crowned prince was the talk of the Town.

Even the flying and crawling insects talked about the homecoming event of the prince.

I was fed up with the topic, even at home my parents talks about it and I was getting irritated by the whole thing

It seemed like I was the only maiden who didn’t attend the event.

“The King announced that the competition will be hosted in a few market days to give the maidens who wants to participate time to prepare”

Amaka stated. One of the girls in the stream.

If I had known that the stream will be this crowded I would’ve waited a while at home instead of hurrying down with Mmesoma.

“I feel like the time is too short to prepare”

another said

Some of them gathered to dance randomly and show off their skills,

others sat by to gossip,

some were washing their body while the rest of us either washed clothes or fetched water.

“I’m on a mission to get the second prince if I don’t get chosen by the crowned prince” another said

“Y’all should’ve been there, the younger prince is such a man, ohhh” Ebere drooled

“He’s so muscular, handsome and infact the king’s sons are men any woman would chop off her fingers for” Amaka completed

“I heard Igwe provided drummers for our rehearsals” Mmesoma added. The others concurred

“Adenike you haven’t said anything since”

“She won’t be chosen even if she participate”

I quickly remembered that I promised Emenike that I was going to meet up with him.

I hurried

“I have to go now, See you all around”

I said walking out of the water

“I will come home later before nightfall” Mmesoma yelled after me, I nodded.

I hurried back home to drop the water before going to see him.

I walked into the compound and he was there, I slowed down surprised.

I don’t remember asking him to wait for me here.

“You’re back” he said, helping me carry the water from my head,

he went to the back, kept it and walked back to me.

“I thought you said to meet you at the stream before the market square?”

“I was eager to see you, any problem with that?”

“My dear, you’re back”

Mother walked out of the hut

“Your friend here has been waiting for you, what took you so long?” She asked

“Nothing mother, just a chat with the other maidens at the stream” I told her, she smiled at me before going back inside

“Have a seat” I told him and sat too.

“Will you be participating in the competition to be the next Queen?”

He asked while sitting

“No”

I replied plainly, he looked surprised

“Why won’t you? You can’t dance?”

“Maybe and I won’t be chosen even if I am the best dancer…..”

He waited for more

“Because I’m not a true maiden of the land”

I completed.

“That doesn’t stop you from joining the Royal family, either as the next Queen or the princess”

“I don’t understand”

I said honestly and he laughed.

Emenike and I have grown closer to some extent,

we met almost everyday and he told me that he’s from the neighbouring village.

There’s something about him that I can’t lay my hands on but he’s an amazing person.

Very humble, funny and outspoken.

“Nkem I’m hungry, won’t you make me something to eat?”

He pouted

“I’ve told you to stop calling me that”

I fired back

“That’s your business, give me food first”

I simply shaked my head and got up to go and get him something to eat.

“Why do you always hold your hands together at the back and make your chest more visible?”

I asked as we walked, I was seeing him off.

He chuckled softly

“I don’t know, maybe I’m just used to it”

“It makes you look like royalty”

I smiled and he did too

“Tell me something Adenike… do you dance?”

He asked.

I stopped walking and turned to face him

“Eh.. I do but I’ve only danced for my parents and Mmesoma”

I replied honestly without emphasizing on how good a dancer I am.

“Can you dance for me too?” He smiled

“Really? As what na?” I scoffed playfully

“Your new friend, please give me the honour of watching you dance”

I thought about it and there won’t be any harm, he has been a friend indeed this past days.

I started tapping my feet on the ground and moving back a bit slowly.

I started singing, he looked speechless

I bent my waist and started dancing while stealing glances at him.

I finished and he couldn’t say a word

“Wa… Waoh! Adenike you danced and sang so effortlessly” he finally found his words

I smiled and bowed dramatically

“You’ve won, can we get married now?”

He said and I laughed

“You joke too much”

“are you sure you won’t be joining the competition?”

He questioned

” I won’t but I will be assisting Mmesoma improve on her dance skills.. I want her to be chosen” I smiled

“You don’t want to be Queen but you want your friend to be”

“Yes, I want to marry for love but if this is the course my friend wants then I should pray for her success too”

I told him honestly

“You weren’t at the prince’s homecoming event at the palace right?”

I nodded and he just stared at me.

“Your mother told me there’s a young man that visits you here often, is that true?”

Baami suddenly said while we were having dinner. I looked at mother, she smiled

“He’s just a friend”

was my reply, I realized the reply was too obvious

“I didn’t ask you that, I only want to know the people that visits my compound”

I heard mother chuckle under her breath

“is he from this village?”

“He’s from the neighbouring village, his name is Emenike”

“Is he a prince?” Mother asked

“No mother, he’s an Hunter”

“Okay omo mi, just becareful”

“Yes Baami” I replied and continued my food.