To Be A Queen✔️

Prologue II

There was silence and I used this opportunity to continue talking. "I have a son and you a daughter. We might not be from the same tribe but we both came from a strong lineage and we both know it. We are neither friends nor rivals, but we have a common enemy. Together we can defeat them now and in the future." I watched as he mulled over what I just said.

I know he has  lost his Queen. And that it's being 7 moons and yet he hasn't taken another. Stories said that he was so besotted to his wife that he has refused to take another even when he has no sons which was very rare for a King. I was cut of from my train of thought when he spoke "Your son has all the time in the world to take a bride. I understand that we parents always want the best for our children and of course being betrothed is no crime against the gods, but why not let him marry from your tribe?"

"I need someone strong enough to protect him until he is old enough to take the throne. One who would protect him from the shadows." He gave me a questioning look. "I won't be alive to watch him reach adolescent age. Hence why I need you to protect him and my kingdom until he is old enough to do so" I said

That was when his eyes lit with recognition. I would swear I saw remorse in his eyes before it hardened. "And you believe that I won't take over your land with this information you just gave me? I could even make it easier for myself. Kill you now, even leave for your town this instance and destroy everything you own including your son."

I didn't know if he meant what he was saying but I refused to give in to his antics. "I trust you" To say he was shocked was an understatement. I myself was shocked because it was after I voiced it out that I realized that I meant it. "But if you do not trust that I will keep my own side of this promise then I advise that you call a chief priest so that we take the blood oath." The King looked puzzled by my words. The only way to escape a blood oath was by death. Some even say there is no rest for souls who go against blood oaths in the land of the spirits.

"Does your cabinet know of this arrangement?" I paused. Of course, what was I thinking? That he will just agree without asking further questions?
"Not... all of them" "Well, if you won't be alive to see your son reach adolescent age I think it's necessary that one of your elders be present so as to uphold your promise when the time comes." I turned to my friend Mfon. "Mfon here is the first son of one of the Head families in my cabinet. His father has taken ill and isn't capable to head their family. Hence it has fallen on Mfon here to take over his father's position and I trust him to ensure that the marriage takes place when the time is right."

"You won't be needing a blood oath. I trust that you will keep your own end of the promise". Now it was my turn to feel shocked. "So be it then. Once your daughter the princess comes of age my son and my friend here will be at your doorstep"

I was about to be on my way but the next thing he said startled me. "I also have a request to make" King Anayo said. He looked at me waiting for me to give him my approval to go on. "Ask anything. I will give it to you as long as I have the power to do so." I replied

"I will give the hand of my daughter the princess to your son in marriage, but he is not to rule over my Kingdom." I couldn't help but frown

"Of course, that wasn't part of the requirements." "I know. But according to our tradition, when a King has no sons but has daughters, whoever marries the princess inherits the throne." Hmm what a tradition, I thought. "So what is your request?" "Let my future second grandson if there will be any take the throne after me. 13 harvests after he is born he shall come to our land to learn our ways and when he is old enough he shall ascend the throne." He said.

Hmmm, I didn't see that one coming. I looked at my friend Mfon. He just stared at me but he wasn't giving me any disapproving look. So I knew he was thinking what I was thinking. If he wants our second grandson to ascend his throne then that will give him more reason to protect my son's life viciously. Because any threat to Edikan will now be a threat to his throne. "So be it."

He gave me a subtle nod in agreement which signaled the end of this meeting. He said something to one of the guards who signaled that we follow him which we did. But before I could turn I heard myself say what I only say to my wife and my sister "Thank you". I didn't wait for him to respond, I just kept walking. It was after some time that I realized that we have taken a shorter route and in no time we were in front of our boat.

It was after we have settled in our boat and Mfon started paddling that I finally looked back. The guard had already disappeared like he wasn't with us a few seconds ago. But I didn't doubt that he was still watching to make sure we left. The Igbos are always alert and well trained and that is why I choose their tribe to help protect my son Edikan.

"I don't know why but I have a strong feeling that he will keep to his words" I heard Mfon said. "I know" I decided not to dwell on it because I know that I made the right decisions.

Now I could die peacefully.