In a world where royals still reign, the military general of Galelo's Nigerian Army was destined to complete his written path as a king. Giannis was the oldest of three sons and one daughter in the clan. He knew it was his right to be leader of his homeland.
For the last year, Giannis and his brothers explored the world, learning about new places and people, preparing for their roles within the hierarchy once they returned. Tonight would be a toast to them for coming home safely. All the land wanted to know how their travels were and the war stories that came with.
"I'm so happy you're home, I've missed you." Anou, the youngest of the Anetetokounmpo children gushed. She absolutely adored her oldest brother. "I am too. I've heard you've been top of the class. Proud of you."
Anou loved hearing praises from her brothers, since she rarely got the attention from their parents.
"Is this what you wanted?" She asks. "Why do you mean?"
"A celebration?" Giannis wasn't big on parties but he showed up as a formality. There were people from 7,000 miles in all directions here to schmooze with his family.
"Not really. I'm practically working. Enough about me, let's get the Princess a plate." He guided his sister through the crowd of people in the ballroom to get to the buffet of food. His family prided themselves on being relatable and placing themselves amongst their kingdom.
"I'm sorry." Giannis' hand accidentally touched the woman's hand next to him. "No, my apologies your highness. It was in fact my fault."
"Oh I must take responsibility as I reached over you. May I have your name?" Anou looked between her brother and the beautiful young lady in front of them, "Sakari Bakembe"
"Nice to meet you Miss Bakembe." He shakes her hand. "Nice to meet you as well Prince Giannis. But I must get back to my family now."
He noticed how she used his proper name, but didn't bow, which amused him. He loved encountering people that were respectful, but also held themselves to a high standard. He wanted to know more about Sakari. He didn't have many friends who weren't royals or even women that were friends. It was something he craved.
After partaking in the wonders of Galelo, Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas meet in their father's office of affairs. This would be their first time sitting down since their return home.
"Today has been a success. Your mother and I are very happy you all have returned. And now it is time to take your places in this palace." Charles began. "Kostas your academics come first, you will be furthering your education and becoming our political liaison. Thanasis, our medical team needs your skills, we look forward to the new methods you have for us to heal."
Giannis knew what was next, "My eldest, since you have finished both tours with our army. We must prepare for passing the thrown. I know you did not find a wife while crossing the seas and that's fine, it happens. Your mother and I have found someone we know would be a good fit for you."
"Did you use his list father?" Kostas joked earning a quick pluck to his upper lip. "Actually son, we did. I think your brother would be pleased with our researched findings. The young woman is beautiful and headstrong."
"May I know how you found her?" Giannis didn't know how or why but, his body felt lifted. A weight off his shoulders because the search was over. He trusted his parents. Although it wasn't a traditional way of arranging marriages, the Anetetokounmpos were no strangers to creating their own rules.
"Her father Francis agreed to lead our army since their village has been removed from the legionary. They will be moving here within the coming days."
••••
Sakari sighed as she packed the last of her personal bag. Servants of Galelo helped pack and move everything they needed to drive less than 20 miles to their new home.
Francis Bakembe, a renowned general led the Tukatu Nigerian Army through many of battle, but that journey has come to an end. Tukatu no longer required an army or royals, after famine covered the land, most move to other kingdoms to seek refuge.
"Sakari, it is time to go." The young woman didn't want to leave her home. She loved it there. She had been training to joint the Tukatu army since she was 14 and now that training went down the drain. Other kingdoms didn't believe in women being in their army.
There was a particular gleam in her eye as their car circled the lawn of the Antetokounmpo compound. She thought it was a beautiful palace.
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"You'll be the general correct?" Francis nodded as he helped his daughter out of the car. "And they absolutely have no space for women in their army?"
"No daughter, they do not. But there is another position ready for you to uphold."
The loyal servants of the palace guided their new occupants to the meeting quarters. Sakari's eyes landed on Anou first, they exchanged smiles as the Bakembe family stood before them.
Sakari's mother, Genova was deaf and they always communicated through their eyes when they were in a room of people. Very few that weren't educated knew sign language.
Genova smiled as Veronica approached her, with a kiss on both cheeks the women hugged.
"I am glad our new members of the palace have made it safely. Sakari, my daughter Anou, son's Thanasis, Kostas and lastly Giannis."
The brothers all held a little longer with each kiss upon her hand. She was flattered by the only one who caught her eye was Giannis.
"It is with great pleasure that you will be wed in the upcoming months, we're so excited." Veronica smiled.
Giannis' eyes lit up in realization of who he was going to be marrying, but Sakari's previous twinkle was replaced with confusion and then rage. She slipped her hand away from him "Excuse me." Making her way out of the door, her mother soon followed her.
"Is everything okay?" Giannis asks. "She didn't know, my apologies." Francis sighed before turning to find his family.
