IYOBA

CHAPTER FOUR

King Achebe had been contemplating the issue brought up by the chiefs in the morning and his wife noticed his worried countenance and she asked" My king what is the matter? you have had a worried look since after your meeting this morning". The king explained what the chiefs said and asked for her advice. she replied saying"The counsel of chiefs have a strong point,we need to form a strong alliance with them and marriage is the most solid option. Adaeze indeed has come of age and as a princess she has duties and responsibilities to her people. I know she's your loving daughter that's why you're worried but remember you also have a responsibility to your subjects as a king. I trust and believe in the values we have instilled in Adaeze, she will definitely shine wherever she goes, so don't worry too much about it. I will talk to her about it. The queen reassured her husband and he was finally at ease. The next day, king Achebe and his chiefs offered the proposal for marriage alliance to oba Omonuwa ogbesogie he was surprised but he understood their plight and he also has been under fire by his mother to get married. He took this golden opportunity and agreed to the marriage only on one condition " the only way we can go on with the wedding is if the princess agrees to it". King Achebe agreed. The queen went to Adaeze's room to inform her about the marriage and this made her very furious,"how can you people just make such an agreement without my consent, do you even care about me or my opinion?" Her mother replied" Adaeze please I know this is so sudden, it was not an easy decision to make by your father, he has been so restless. He only did this because of his responsibility as a king to his subjects, you remember how the Benin kingdom saved us from the bandits. with this alliance our kingdom will be even more secure and prosperous, if not for your father, think about the safety of our subjects you love and care for, remember  as a princess, you also have a responsibility towards them. Please my daughter reconsider"."But bbut, I don't even know him, how can I marry someone I don't even know and in such a short time". Her mother then told her that Oba said he wasn't going to carry on with the wedding without Adaeze's consent. This made her a little calm, at least he cared for her opinion unlike her parents. "Okay mom I agree to this marriage but on one condition, I must talk with him first so that I can get to know him". This made her mother very happy and  her mother went on to inform the king and the counsel of chiefs of her approval. This made everyone happy and preparations were made for the Royal wedding.