His Queen

Chapter 44 - Why Do You Keep Running?

Ajinke POV ;

I'm currently on my way to the palace cells. I snuck down here because I didn't want anyone to know that I was coming to see her.

She's the only thing my mind has been pointing at since my last encounter with Yemoja. I'm approaching her cell. However, I freeze when my gaze lands on her.

It's only been a few days, and she looks like something that managed to escape the evil forest. Her once white and flawless skin is now red, and she seems to have lost weight drastically.

She's leaning against the wall, with her head facing the ceiling. She hears my footsteps, and as she looks down at me, I gulp.

I stare closely at her and keep a fair distance away from the bars. However, when she smiles at me, my fear heightens, and it gets mixed with confusion.

“Our queen… “She says to me, and although I can't sense any form of mockery in her voice, I still can't help but feel like she's mocking me.

“You seem to be glowing with happiness. “She says again. Her voice, rough and weak.

I stare blankly at her and swallow. Not knowing how to explain why I came here. It's not like I even know why exactly I came. I only came here because something kept telling me to.

“Is this the hell I put you through? “She questions as she adjusts against the wall, and I shut my eyes as she groans. I can only imagine the scars on her back.

“That Ajala man is from the pit of hell. “She laughs and I stare up at her.

I know Ronke is a horrible person, but only a beast would look at her now and not feel pity for her.

“To what do I owe this unexpected visit? “She questions, and I fall silent.

I watch Ronke's head hang, and I feel pain for her. Some time ago, I was in that same cell, going through hell because of her. But still… The memories of the torture I was put through, make me cringe, so, why would I wish it upon another person?

“Ajinke, I'm sorry. I'm genuinely sorry for… All I've done wrong to you. I… All my life, I wanted to be a queen. Not just a queen, but a conformable person. I've always desired power and authority, and I knew the only way to get it was… By marrying the prince.

Then the goddess had to make him so handsome. I don't love the prince, Ajinke. I never loved him. I just loved the title and things that will come with being his wife, and… and I wanted them.

That's why… That's why I did so much evil to you, and I'm sorry. I… Know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I have to apologize. With the hopes that someday you'd find it on your heart to have mercy on me. “Ronke says, and my heart drops at the sincerity dripping from each word.

She means what she's saying.
I look up at her and watch her painfully get on her knees.

“My queen, please have mercy on me. I may not make it out of here, and honestly, I don't deserve to. I'm not just repenting from the evil I've done to you, but for what I've done to many other people. “She says, and I step closer to the bars.

“Please, Ronke. It's okay. And I'm not your queen…
I'm… I'm still just a commoner like you. “I begin, but she cuts me off.

“You're nothing like me, Ajinke.
Nothing at all.
You have no idea how innocent and pure you are. While people like me are purely evil.

You have no idea, Ajinke, how much evil flows through my veins. But despite all that, I'm earnestly sorry. “Ronke replies, and I stare up at her blankly.