THE CROWN - EPISODE 6

The crowing of the early morning cock signified that it was time for the villagers to get up and start getting ready for the Dance

For me it meant I needed to get up to do my house chores and everything that was important first.

I needed to but my body felt too weak to lift,

my eyes felt too heavy to open but my lips were full of energy to shiver profusely

I moved my hand to the wrapper beside me and covered myself properly.

I felt tears stream down my eyes to my ears, yes I was cold and that was my body reacting to the cold.

“Adenike dear?” Mother called walking into my room, I opened my eyes

She looked at me and cursed the cold

She placed her hand on my forehead

“You’re burning hot” she said and sat beside me quickly, covering me properly

“This is what you get for playing in the rain, rehearsing under the rain for a dance you won’t be able to participate in today and won’t get chosen even if”

She said but I sensed how worried she was.

Mmesoma and I always play in the rain so why should this turn out differently?

“You always play in the rain ignoring my warnings but today it has turned out differently because even the gods are against your participation in the dance” mother read out my thoughts but not without her adding her own ideas.

“I will call your father quickly, you need herbs so you’ll feel better” she touched my cheeks before leaving.

What is this? Mmesoma will be so disappointed. Could mother be right?

My parents are always right. I closed my eyes and sleep took over.

“Adenike! Nike?!” I heard my name being screamed from my sleep, I opened my eyes slowly when I heard mother’s voice too.

“Are the gods angry with you or something?” It was Mmesoma, he walked in looking pitifully at me

I curved my lips in a smile. I felt a little better now. I ate and took herbs already.

“Is it sun set?”

I looked towards the window

“Yes, the maidens are already there at the place and infact the dance has started”
She replied touching my head

I sat up slowly

” And why are you here if the dance has started?” I looked at her

“I needed you but it’s okay, I will go now. Just rest properly, okay?”
She smiled sadly

I took off the wrapper from my bed and tried getting up slowly, she helped me.

“Why are you getting up? The bathroom?”

“I’m going to the dance with you, let’s hurry cause like you said we’re late”

“But nike you rest” she said

” I will sit by a corner and watch you dance, I don’t think I have the strength to dance myself so you’ll dance for both of us”

I smiled and she laughed.

We walked outside together after dressing up

“Mother” I called when we got outside.. she was still grinding herbs, gosh! I hate herbs.

She stood up immediately and rushed to me

“Dear? Why are up? You should rest and why are you dressed up? Don’t tell me you’re going to the dance” she sounded very worried

I smiled and touched her shoulder

“Mother be calm I’m fine, I took the herbs, ate and slept so I’m better”

“But you shouldn’t stress yourself out by dancing or even walking the distance”

She insisted

“I won’t be dancing, I just want to be there for Mmesoma”

She looked at Mmesoma

“Nne don’t worry I will take care of her”

“I will come with you two then”

“No mother, you also need to rest cause you’ve been doing all the house chores and taking care of me all morning”

I told her

“Yes Nne she’s right, don’t worry we’ll be fine”

Mmesoma added and she allowed me go ahead even though she wasn’t completely okay with it.

“Mmesoma why are you walking so slow? We have to hurry” I said

“No Adenike, your health first” Mmesoma pulled me back

She’s been holding my hand and slowing down my pace with hers. I don’t want her to miss her chances because of me

“Mmesoma we have to hurry”
I dragged my hand from hers and started running

“nike stop running, you’re not strong enough” she yelled running after me

I ran harder so she’ll run after me and we’ll get there quickly… I’ve never really been to the palace

I guess it was while we were younger, sneaking around to explore places as kids.

“Adenike”

Mmesoma called again

I stopped running breathing hard, I was weak and out of breath

She caught up with me,

“Are you okay?”

I raised my head and smiled at her

“We’re here” I chuckled

She smiled and nodded.

The place was crowded indeed and maidens were still on the queue to dance.. I looked and Mmesoma rounded the number ten maidens left on the queue.

The palace was crowded that I could barely see the main dance floor or the special chamber of the Royal family and kinsmen

I walked to find a better spot to atleast sit cause I was out of energy. It was a long walk but a clearer insight to the dance floor

I found a spot by a tree and sat down, I was now able to see everyone and everything but not the Royal family cause I only found a post far behind them

The King, Queen and both prince sat together with guards and maids behind them while I sat at a tree far behind them but enough to view all the activities.

The loud drums and instruments being played matched the steps of the maiden dancing, she’s a good dancer.

Two other maidens danced and next it was Chioma, she smiled to the villagers walking slowly to where the chief priest sat with his aides

She dropped the palm leaf of purified participation in the Calabash held my one of the aides.

She turned to the dance floor and gradually she started dancing to the beats played,

I smiled… She’s a beautiful dancer

The villagers agreed too as they cheered her…

I looked at the chamber of the kinsmen and her father’s face was a delight.

I couldn’t see the faces of the royalties but I bet they all agreed but I want Mmesoma to be chosen.

I pray to the gods to grant me this wish.

She finished dancing and the villagers applauded

Maidens after maidens danced and I was super proud of Mmesoma,

she didn’t dance aloneShe danced for us both.

She danced beautifully with a smile, I stood up so she can see me.

She finished dancing and the villagers applauded. She joined the other maidens

All eyes turned to the Chief priest

All the maidens are to dance at one for the prince to walk to his choice.

The drums started and they all walked to the floor and started dancing.

After a while, one of the prince stood up, I guess the crowned prince.

She hailed the villagers left-right and proceeded

He walked into the dance floor and walked around them

I stood up intensed

He bent his hand and held the hand of the maiden of his choice,

he raised her hand and the villagers chanted

Chioma?

The drummers stopped while everyone applauded,

some maidens walked away angrily,

few stood still disappointed or sad while others simply smiled and clapped

Mmesoma smiled clapping.. I smiled too