THE CROWN - FINAL EPISODE 49

I stepped down and walked into the middle of both sides. I looked at Mmesoma, she nodded her head.

I turned back to Ngozi, my eyes closed and opened after a taking a good breath.

My horsetail waggled in my arm and my feet patted the floor.

“Step out, bring out the the person who you have traded loyalty to” I spoke loudly to Ngozi.

I refuse to believe this, it can’t be my bestfriend..my sister will never do anything to hurt me. She won’t! No she won’t!

Ngozi walked out slowly, it was extremely quiet like the silent night. Everyone stared at the drama unfolding

She got closer to me and I braced myself.

She walked pass me.

I turned to see whoever she brings out but she headed for Mmesoma’s direction.

I can’t bear this…

I turned away and looked straight at where the royals and counsels sat.

Ikenna’s eyes fixed on me, my lips trembled and my hands Shaked nervously.

Maybe he was right, this will hurt and break me.

They’ll be executed, will I be able to bear it? He was right, I needed more time..we all did!

“Ehhhhhh, ÀRU!”

I heard everyone shout, yell, scream.. call it whatever you want.

My heart broke, tears gathered in my eyes and my legs could barely stick to the ground.

Why? The years! My childhood! Our lives and all the moments we spent together.

She’s my mother’s daughter just like I am her father’s daughter.

That’s how much our friendship has grown, that is what it has become. Now what have we become? How did we get to this?

Ikenna didn’t take his eyes off me just like I couldn’t move either.

I didn’t want to face them, to face her.

Why does it hurt so much?

Isn’t this what I want?

To come face to face with my child’s murderer, to look them in the eyes and watch them face justice. Why is it so difficult now

First I lost my unborn child, my husband and now a friend and sister.

Is this it? Is this what I was chosen for? I heard loud noises but I couldn’t process voices or even the words.

The tears threatened to fall

“My dear, Nwa m”

I jumped from mother’s sudden touch.

When did she get her? I looked around me. The crowd

I turned to the reality of betrayal and Ngozi was standing next to… Wait!

Mmesoma, Mmesoma was standing were she was and Chioma was the person Ngozi brought out.

“What? But..but..” I turned to Mother

“She pointed Mmesoma…she.. didn’t she?”

I was confused. I didn’t know how to feel

Mother held me

“we all thought so too, Chioma hid Mmesoma and the maid was referring to her”

She gave me a sad look and hugged me. It wasn’t her, it wasn’t her at all.

I pulled away and turned to look at Ikenna.

He sat there still staring at me. If indeed it is Chioma then he’ll lose another child.

“Come dear and let them serve justice according to the laws of our land”

mother held my hand and led me out of the middle of the all thing.

I looked down and held myself tightly. Will I be able to live with myself?

“No mother, wait!” I stopped and turned.

I gave her the horsetail and walked to them.

I stood in front of her and Ngozi. Ngozi had her head down but Chioma still had her shoulders up high.

“Why did you do this?” I questioned after a long stare. Ngozi fell on my feet

“Forgive me my princess, gbaghara m Amaghị m ihe mere m” she cried

“We were so close, I did everything to make you comfortable and happy with me. What did she tell you to lure you into doing this?”

My emotions were starting to get the best of me. I pushed her off my feets and looked at Chioma

“You know the penalty for your foolishness, don’t you?”

She had a smirk and an irritating attitude

She moved closer to me and hit my shoulder

“Stay away from the princess immediately!!” The guards brought out their swords and surrounded her.

I turned and Ikenna was up his seat

“I still have it, I am the crowned Princess and you’re nothing” I backfired at Chioma

“And I am the mother of his first and only child, something you can’t give him”

I raised my right hand and it landed on her cheek

“After poisoning me and killing my unborn child? After everything I did for? I pampered your slutty self and welcomed you into my home and this is how you repay me”

She rolled her eyes and lifted her nose in the air.

“You’ll face the penalty. I want Justice for my child now!!!” I screamed the last sentence

“Oh please! You can’t do nothing, I am carrying the prince’s child, the next king of Umuagwo”

She walked pass me

“You all know that I am with child and this child is the next King of this land. You can’t do anything to me, atleast until the child is delivered” she said to everyone.

The Queen mother stood up, climbed down and walked to her.

She stood in front of her for a while, Chioma had a smile and so did the Queen.

She exchanged her horsetail from her right hand to left and a slap followed on Chioma’s cheek, the same cheek I slapped her on. Everyone gasped including me,

“You little golddigger trying to pin that bastard child on my son.. the crowned prince of Umuagwo”

What? Pin? Bastard!

The first seed of the first seed from the king’s groin, so the chief priest said earlier.

“How dare you kill my unborn grandchild, threaten the life of my daughter and give my son a child that isn’t his. You tarnish my family’s reputation and make us look bad to our in-laws and our subjects… Who do you think you are?”

The Queen said in fury and said till we didn’t know how overwhelmed to feel.

“Mother, what are you saying?” Ikenna questioned

Mother took Chioma’s hand and held it

“This girl right here lied to us all about the paternity of her child all for wealth”

“What are you saying Queen mother…”

“I am not your mother, now tell everyone who is really the father of this child in your womb” the Queen yelled at her.

I stood there dumbfounded, all these was for nothing?

I could feel the fire in her voice

“The prince is responsible for my preg…”

Another slap landed on her face from the Queen. She started crying

“Speak woman, speak!” The Ezemmuo interfered

“it’s… it’s..” she cried.

Mother slapped her again “I need you to say something or I will do it myself”

“It’s Obinna your majesty..he is the fa..he is the father of the child I’m carrying”

Ikenna walked to them

“Which Obinna?” He asked

“Obi..Your..the…”

Ikenna grabbed her arm forcefully, she screamed in fright

“The guard, your guard my prince. My prince I’m sorry” she pleaded.

The guard fell on his knees. What is this? A drama play from the village entertainers?

“My prince I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. It was just once I swear”

He pleaded. I’m so disgusted right now

“Once after she got pregnant or what? I went to check up on my supposed grandchild and the mother when I heard their voices from outside.. such disgrace to your family and especially your father!”

Chioma kept crying… Ikenna walked to me in a hurry.

He stopped in front of me staring at me, gazing into my eyes like he was pleading to be justified.

His eyes were bloodshot and I could see all the emotions he had in them.

He grabbed a sword from one of the many guards behind me and turned to his personal guard, Obinna.

“Ahh” I screamed and closed my eyes when blood splashed.

Ikenna killed him right there. The gasps and mumbles around.

“I WILL EXECUTE THE DEFAULTERS MYSELF!!” He screamed

“Prepare for the execution!” The Ezemmuo announced. His aides stepped forward.

They cuffed them in chains and dragged them to the center.

My whole body trembling at the thought of it all. Blood? Am I that thirsty?

“Anya maka anya abụọ, Obi nke nāchọ ihe ọjọ gāhu ihe ọjọ.”

The Ezemmuo said and continued to chant incantations.

Someone touched me, I looked and it was Mmesoma.

She turned me away from the sight and hugged me.

No! No! She’s with an innocent child whose Father has already being snatched away.

I pulled away from Mmesoma and ran to them. I fell on my knees

“Please stop! Don’t kill them please”

“Your highness, what are you doing?” The Ezemmuo asked looking up

“Adenike?” Ikenna called, shocked

“I forgive them, yes! Please spare the innocent child and rekindle” I pleaded.

Everyone was shocked, my parents smiled.

I looked at Ikenna, he dropped the sword.

They hurt me but I will not let anyone lay a finger on this child that I’ve catered for all this while. I don’t care who the parents are, that doesn’t matter to me at all.

I sat on the bed and simply stared into space, thinking about the events from yesterday.

I couldn’t get it off my head… But I was pleased that nobody got too hurt.

That Mmesoma is my sister and that someday I will be completely happy again.

The Queen apologized, Chioma fed her with lies about me and that’s why she did all those things to me only to find out Chioma was actually telling her all about herself in my name.

She went to her maternal aunt and Ngozi? I have no idea what went on with her the minute I left the scene but I also hope she’s doing okay.

The King recruited new maids and guards.

I will miss all my personal maids and guards, the head cook, I love her meals.

Footsteps, I haven’t been able to forgive Ikenna.

I don’t know how to forgive him or maybe I’ve but I don’t really know how to look at him anymore.

He walked to me and sat beside me, It was quiet.

Maybe he cheated even after I forgave him, maybe he loved her, maybe he wanted to be a good father, maybe, just maybe. Maybe I will be able to look at him again.

“A lot has happened in our lives…” His voice echoed in my ears. I didn’t know if I wanted to hear him speak.

“We have hated, we have loved, I have cheated, you’ve forgiven, we’ve fought and I’ve hurt you countless times but…” He stopped and sighed.

Probably brushed his fingers into his head like he always does.

“I love you so much, so much that it hurts knowing you’re hurting and it’s all because of me. Knowing that you’ve cried so much that you can barely shed a single tear”

I was quiet but I listened and for some reasons it was satisfying just listening to him talk and admit all his wrongs.

“I’m sorry, I regret everything I did” he added. I stood up and walked out. I’m not ready.

I was at the courtyard with Mmesoma having some freshly made okpa.

“This your new cook is good o, next time I’m coming please tell her to prepare abacha”

Mmesoma complimented the new cook, I smiled

“That isn’t even the best, she can make dishes from the west like Ewedu and gbegiri, Ewa agoyin and the likes” I cracked

“you don’t mean it, it’s like this war between the Igbos and Yorubas is starting to end o” she teased and we laughed.

She cut open another wrap and sliced it

“And Ikenna?” She inquired

I stopped and sighed, she dropped whatever she was doing.

“You still haven’t forgiven him? Come on nike, it’s been how many market days?”

I know right, is been so long and he has been begging. What is wrong with me?

“I know, I’m a bad person” I bluffed

“You’re the nicest person I’ve seen, you begged on your knees for people who tried to kill you. That is who you are and you deserve every bit of happiness”

She took my hands

“Adenike you forgive so easily and with a pure heart, I know you’ll do the right” she smiled and continued her snack. She’s right, this isn’t me. I know it hurts and all that but he is still my husband and I love him.

“I need some water”

I called for a maid and they came

“Get me some water and more wraps” I instructed

“Okay” she replied

“You’ll address me properly or you’ll go back to where you came from, am I understood?”

“Yes your highness” she bowed her head.

Mmesoma laughed

“They really made you bad but girl I’m sure they’ve all learned their lessons”

She cracked again.

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Iyawo mi
Ololufe mi
Adenike mi, ayo mi
Jo Jo Jo
Ayaba okan mi

I heard drums outside.

It was evening and I just saw Mmesoma out. I went outside and met a group of dancers, from the west?

The men sang and the women danced holding the hem of their short iro.

I couldn’t resist it, I joined them and danced beautifully as they rained praises on me.

At some points I sang along and simply enjoyed the moment.

Ignoring all the questions I had like.. where did they come from? Who sent them? Ikenna?

The drums stopped and I heard claps, I looked and the entire Royal family and also my parents.

I smiled, what’s going on?

“Ifemi..” It was Ikenna behind me. I turned to look at him, he was standing close to me.

“Erh… Ma binu, jowo daraji..no dariji mi ati ati… What was that?” He looked so nervous

“Mo nikẹ ewo, sorry..Mo nifẹ iwo ati ”

I covered my mouth with my palm to stop myself from laughing out really loud because he looked so funny trying so hard. Where did he learn all this from?

I turned to quickly glance at my parents, I smiled and turned back to him with a straight face.

“ati pe emi ko le farada aaye laarin wa mọ” He completed and sighed heavily with his hand on his chest.

“emi na ni ife si iwo na” I smiled.

He moved closer to me

“I don’t know what that means but I trust that it’s good, I’ve longed to see this smile”

He said. I nodded.

He pulled me into his chest, I held him tightly and tears streamed down my eyes. I felt something wet on my shoulder too

I pulled away and looked at his teary eyes

“Who thought you all that? You sounded hilarious” I sniffled and more tears streamed down my cheeks, he cried too

“Give me some accolades, I almost cut my tongue trying”

he replied and we laughed out tears.

He placed a kiss on my head

“You did great” I said to him, he smiled.

“I’m sorry” he added

“I know” I didn’t want to get my eyes off him, not now not ever. I was ready now, to continue to fight all odds.

“Let’s have dinner” The Queen called.

We looked at them and back at gazing into each other’s eyes.

“You want that food or we can go ahead making babies…”

He whispered and reached for my forehead again

“and love”

I blushed hard. I turned back to them

“What’s for dinner?” I asked

“Your favorite dear” mother replied.

“There’s no way I’m missing that” I replied and everyone laughed.

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My heart beating at a rate I’ve never experienced, my muscles felt like they were tearing apart yet I anticipated so much

I also wanted it out of me as soon as possible because the pains were so extreme that I thought I wouldn’t make it out alive.

Sweat gushing out my body and pains in my lower back

“My princess you can do it, come on!”

They tried to persuade me, I wanted it done even more than they did.

My both hands were held by my mothers, each trying to blow me some air cause I swear I was loosing it.

“Ahhhhhhhhhh”

I gave it my all, all of it and there was no strength left.

I fell back on the mat and then the cry of a baby followed.

A smile escaped my lips and I heard the drums and celebrations that followed outside.

Mother smiled and massaged my head. They brought the baby to me

“It’s a boy”

the Queen told me.

Ikenna came in, he kissed me countlessly and I could see how happy he was.

He took the baby from the Queen and went out to present him.

Are these all my dreams coming true? now have a family of my own, one I’m going to raise with so much love.

“He’s so tiny” I giggled

“And he looks just like his Father” Ikenna said, I smiled.

We sat on the bed watching him sleep peacefully.

“What did you think? It’s not your guard’s but yours” I joked

“Don’t do that!” We both laughed.

“I love you so much my Queen”

He reached and kissed my lips

“Don’t kill your father just yet, Biko”

I told him.

“You wish!”

I smiled and kissed him back

“Waaah waaaa”

he woke up crying loudly like the parents left him and ran away.

I chuckled and pushed Ikenna away from me so I could carry him.

“I’m having them prepare his own chamber, he can’t continue to interrupt our moment” Ikenna is so all over me.

“He is our moment” I pecked his tiny Cheeks, Ikenna smiled and pecked mine.

This is what I was chosen for, true happiness and service to the people of Umuagwo.

Chosen to be his wife and mother to all his children.

Chosen because it is my destiny, this is the crown on my head. The challenges came, I fought! We fought. ọ dị mma ugbu a. o ti dara bayi.

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Ipari
Njedebe
The END