TRAPPED

PLAN B.

My life had changed dramatically in the blink of an eye and I couldn't believe it, just the previous day I was happily married to a prince and now I was the rejected first wife. I had moved from Hakeem's Chambers and now had my own bedroom, so did Amina but everybody knew she rarely spent any time there. How could I continue like this ?it had been a week and there had been no change, Hakeem was lost in his world with his new wife and he barely even noticed that I was around, every time I saw him with her my chest would feel too small for my heart, I could not continue living like that.
One Thursday morning the Queen was having a meeting with some elite women of the kingdom and without her there to stop me, I decided to go and visit my mother. My father was dead so it was just her and a servant at home.
I walked out of the house and saw Hakeem sited under the shade, feeding Amina some grapes. Swallowing hard I peeled my eyes away from the painful image and walked towards the back where I found my designated driver.
"Princess "he stood up quickly from the stool and bowed, I wasn't a princess, I didn't feel like a princess, I was a rejected wife.
"Ready the car, am heading out "I told him and he nodded then quickly hurried to the garage, just as I turned I heard a familiar voice
"Going somewhere?" He asked, his voice calm, stern and commanding. With a sigh I turned to face him.
"I am going to visit my mother, is that against the rules as well? "I asked arrogantly, ever since my rejection I had no patience for politeness or courtesy.
"No, but going without the guard will not sit well with the crown" said Joshua, the chief of security.
"The crown??" I scoffed "I think the crown Prince is too busy to bother about such petty issues" I said and crossed my arms like a child, Joshua stared me down and let out a sigh.
"Come along , I cannot let you go without protection "he said and led me to the car which was now ready, Kiki was already loading some chitenges, beads and foodstuffs for my mother. Joshua opened the back door for me then got in front with the driver, Kiki got in after me at the back.
As the car was moving I was looking out the window at the trees, what did I do to deserve such an awful fate? Had I not been a good person? Who had I wronged?? As I was lost in thought I didn't even feel a tear fall down my cheek until Kiki touched my shoulder.
"Princess?? Are uou alright?"She asked with worry and I quickly wiped the tears away hoping Joshua and the driver hadn't seen them.
"Am alright Kiki, just too much wind in my eyes" I said and put on a plastic smile?
When we finally reached my mother's compound she came out and hugged me tight then took me inside, the rumors were already spreading and people knew I had been rejected.
"How are you my dear?" Mum asked as she cupped my cheek "I have been so worried about you"
I gave her a weary smile, she couldn't visit because one did not just come to the palace without being invited and I guess in my misery I had forgotten to invite her.
"Am fine mama, I'll be fine "I assured her, I didn't want her worrying about me, she had spent so many years training me on how to be a proper wife and now everything was crushing down.
"Talk to me Kira, I need to hear it "she said and I couldn't hold on anymore, I burst into sobs and explained what was going on as she held me tight in her warm soft comforting arms
"It's going to be alright, deep down he still loves you... He just needs some time "she said to me as she rubbed my back.
"No... I was a fool mother, he was ten years old, and how could I believe he wouldn't meet someone else?? He was right, it was just silly kids games"I said as I slowly calmed down, stopping my sobs "I don't want to be there anymore mother, my heart can't take seeing him with her ".
"I know Kira ...I know you're hurting and I wish there was something we could do but you're married.. You cannot just leave unless he banishes you ".she told me
"Fine, then he should banish me.. I don't mind leaving the kingdom "I said with determination.
"You don't mean that "said my mother but I really did mean it.
By the time we got back Hakeem and Amina had entered the palace and were in his chambers, I marched there and knocked, pounding on the door until he opened it. He was not wearing a shirt and just the sight of his toned chest made me feel shivers.
"What is it? "He asked with annoyance.
"I.. Ahh.. "My mind went blank for a second but the angry look on his face brought me back to reality "I need you to have me banished, I don't want to stay here and you clearly don't want me here ".I said to him
"Do you think people just get banished for no reason?" He snapped at me and I flinched back
"No.. "I whispered and momentarily looked down "but you can accuse me of adultery"
"Where's the proof?? Who's the man so that he can be executed for touching a royal's wife? "He questioned and I had no answer "why don't you stop bothering me and run away? "Asked Hakeem
"Don't you think I've thought of that?!" I retorted angrily "how am I supposed to run away when this damn place is guarded all the time?? I can't even visit my mother without being followed by guards "I shouted and a tear dropped "just forget it, one way or another I'll get out of here "I vowed and stormed away.
I was really furious and I knew that as long as I continued being the obedient little bride then I would be stuck there, I had to change everything and it started with my attitude towards everything and everyone. The next morning I woke up and took my time getting ready for breakfast, I had always been taught that my dressing could either show respect or disrespect for the throne and that morning I decided to wear a tight elastic dress hugging my curves perfectly and going up to my knees, it had a heart shaped neckline and my big breasts were being held up seductively. I walked into the dining area and found everyone sited, late, another show of disrespect for the King. The Queen stared at me and her eyes widened but she didn't say anything as I sat down facing Hakeem and his wife. We had also received guests, crown prince Liam and his sister from the neighboring kingdom, their kingdom was rich in minerals and precious stones while our kingdom had fierce warriors and made the most efficient weapons. The two kingdoms were trying to come up with an agreement where our warriors would aid them in case of war and would supply weapons while they would sale their minerals at a fair price. After the awkward breakfast where everyone was looking at me but pretending as if they were not ( I could see the king exchanging looks with the Queen, good, let them be disappointed and deem me unworthy) I grabbed a book and walked out to the gardens to read only to find prince Liam standing there taking in the beautiful scene and scents. I acknowledged him with a small bow then sat on the chair and let out a relaxing sigh as I opened my book.
"The infamous rejected bride... I was not expecting you to be so... "He looked at me from my eyes to my nose and down to my lips then his eyes settled on my chest.
"So what? "I asked with a smile and he shook his head then looked away
"So different.. "He said and I almost chuckled, he had practically undressed me with his eyes ,why couldn't Hakeem look at me the same way?.
"Well I was not expecting you to be here, why isn't your King here? ".I asked him, he seemed too young to be negotiating and making decisions.
"My father has been bedridden for months now and I am ruling, it's just a matter of time before he leaves us and my title changes "he explained with a sigh and put his hands in his pockets.
"Am sorry to hear that "I said just as Kiki approached "what's the matter Kiki? "I asked as she bowed before Liam then shifted her eyes to me.
"Princess Amina wants to change the maiden's uniforms "she reported
"And how exactly does that concern me? "
Before Kiki could respond Liam spoke up.
"You're the first wife, rejected or not all decisions go through you "he told me and grabbed my hand then kissed it" it was a pleasure meeting you Kira, until we meet again "he said and walked out of the garden.