To Be A Queen✔️

Chapter 8

Adaeze's POV

"I will not marry Adaeze" He had said calmly but loud for everyone to hear. The throne ground was as silent as a grave for a few moments. Everyone paused at that statement. Even the servant serving the palm wine to the Chiefs paused in the middle of pouring the wine into one of the Chief's cup. I am sure if a dancing group was performing they would have stopped also.

"To stop this union is not in your hands King Edikan. This union was set in motion long before you reached adulthood" father said calmly in a chilling voice.

"I didn't say I wouldn't go on with the union King Anayo. I simply said that I will not marry Adaeze. They are two different things" he said

Chills ran up and down my spine. No! No!! No!!! I should have known not to believe him this morning.

"Then what are you saying King Edikan?"

He looked at me and smiled smugly "Adaeze has brought to my knowledge that the promise made between you and my father stated that 'I am to marry the princess, your daughter' but not precisely Adaeze." He said looking behind me. I followed his gaze and saw my sister standing like a molded cast, recognition written all over her face.

It took only a few moments and laughter filled the throne ground. Trust my sister to find everything amusing. "You forget Edikan..." she made sure to raise her voice for everyone to hear that she didn't add his title. "... I am a married woman. I already belong to another. You cannot claim what has already being claimed by another" my sister voiced with so much disdain.

(Mind you that Eno- Obong does the interpretations here)

" She is right King Edikan. She belongs to another" My father said rising from his throne. "Yes that is true. But you see, I made a research on how a woman can be divorced" He paused for dramatic effects. I noticed Olanna pause again. "If the husband of the woman in question accepts a bride price from another man. The woman automatically becomes a wife to the man who paid the bride price" King Edikan said as he also stood up from his sit.

"You lie!!!! Liar!!!!!" Olanna shouted " Don't you dare call me that" King Edikan bellowed.

"Silence!!!" Father shouted. He was breathing had. So hard I thought he would get a heart attack. "Olanna, where is your husband?" He asked without breaking his gaze from King Edikan.

"He.... he took ill this morning" Olanna said frowning. "Get him here at once!" Father shouted. Two guards immediately left without being told. Father was furious, even a blind man could see it.

He turned and looked at me. His gaze pierced mine. I made sure that my facial expression portrayed nothing. Years of practice had given me the name of the cold princess. But deep inside I was bleeding.

I made sure not to dare look at Olanna's direction. I didn't even want to think of what she was feeling.

It was just last night that I mentioned about him marrying Ola. How and when did he meet Tochukwu? He must be bluffing.

"What did I do!!" We all turned to the entrance of the throne grounds and saw Tochukwu being dragged in by the guards. He looks very agile for a sick man.

"Unhand him." Father who has gone back to sitting on his throne ordered. " He is no criminal" They let him free. "I heard you are sick. How are feeling now son?" Father said looking him up and down

"I... I am better now" He turned to Olanna and smiled. "The medicine worked" Olanna smiled back and rushed to him.

"His lying isn't he? You didn't..." "Olanna compose yourself." Father said and turned back to Tochukwu.

" Are you still married to Olanna according to our customs and traditions?" Father asked. Tochukwu looked downwards. "I.... my King you see..."he stammered. "Yes or no" Father asked

"No" Tochukwu said this time a bit confidently.
"What!!?" Olanna shouted.

"Did King Edikan pay any form of bride price to you in respect of Olanna?"

"Yes" He said more boldly. "He forced you didn't he?" Olanna asked almost in tears. "Did he threaten you? Tochukwu tell me if he did, you are supposed to accept the bride price willingly. Tell me, father will remedy it. If he did we will..." "He didn't force my hand Olanna." Tochukwu said interrupting her. " He didn't threaten me either. I accepted willingly"

The fact that he said he consented willingly was actually surprising. But what surprised me more was his tone. This Tochukwu was not the same one that married my sister. Was this the real man beneath his charming smiles?

"Please tell me its one of those your not so funny jokes please" My sister was now on her knees. Tears streaming down her eyes and nose.

"What did I do wrong? Tell me and I will apologize please" Olanna said holding his wrapper. He dragged his wrapper from her grip and moved away from her.

I just sat down and watched the chaos I created unfold before the whole village. I couldn't even move from my seat. I was just rooted to it like I was sitting on a tree gum.

"Then so be it. Olanna will marry King Edikan, but not today." Father said looking at King Edikan who just nodded. He looked... pained or were my eyes deceiving me. He left with his guards behind him without a word.

Tochukwu bowed before father and left as well leaving my sister who was still crying on the floor.

I stood up and rushed to my sister. I was about touching her when she recoiled from me. She looked at me with so much ferocity that I recoiled also.

Nneka and Nnenna her friends rushed and hugged her. They both helped her to her feet and led her out of the throne grounds after Nneka gave me the stink eye.

What was I thinking, that she would hug me and congratulate me with egusi soup and fufu? I almost snorted.

And it seems I just lost a sister.