The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 11

A M A

"Ama, have you heard?" Yaa asked, her voice laced with concern, as she tenderly detangled my tightly coiled curls.

The scent of castor oil wafted through the air, filling the space with its pungent aroma. I winced, my face contorting in discomfort, regretting my decision to abandon my braids and embrace my natural hair.

"What's this about?" I asked, my voice strained, as I bit my tongue to endure the pain of Yaa's vigorous brushing. The sound of the brush gliding through my hair was like a gentle scratching, a soothing melody that seemed to calm my nerves.

"Those British men," Yaa began, her eyes locking onto mine through the mirror, "they're mining and trading in our village." She tugged at a particularly stubborn knot, and I yelped in protest. The coolness of the castor oil on my scalp provided a brief respite from the discomfort.

"So?" I asked, my tone nonchalant, attempting to downplay the situation. I fidgeted with the intricate patterns on my traditional dress, my fingers tracing the vibrant colors and textures.

Yaa's expression turned stern. "Haven't you heard they're armed with guns and fearsome machines? If they desired to overpower us, they could do so with ease." Her words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a surge of fear mixed with doubt.

I waved my hand dismissively. "William assured me they're here solely for alliance purposes." I recalled the warmth of his smile, the sincerity in his eyes, and my confidence in him was renewed.

Yaa's skeptical gaze met mine in the mirror. "And you believe him?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with doubt.

I nodded, my confidence unwavering. "Of course, he'd never deceive me." I thought of the way William's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the gentle way he spoke to me, and my heart swelled with trust.

Yaa's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with doubt. "What makes you so certain?" She paused, her brush hovering in mid-air, as if waiting for my response.

I hesitated, my response less assured. "I just...know it." I trailed off, my voice barely above a whisper.

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"Hello, love," William greeted me with a warm smile as he sat beside me under our cherished tree, our usual rendezvous spot

I returned his smile, but a nagging sense of unease lingered within me. "Your hair is breathtaking today," he said, his fingers twirling a tight curl before attempting to smooth it out, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

I smiled again, but my eyes betrayed my concern.

"William, what are you truly here for?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, hesitant to shatter the tranquility of our moment.

His demeanor shifted, a flicker of surprise dancing across his face. "Alliance purposes, my dear," he replied, his tone measured.

I frowned, my skepticism evident. "Do allies typically mine, trade, and share each other's lands?" I pressed on, my voice laced with doubt.

William's nod was slow, his conviction wavering. "Of course, a good ally shares," he said, his smile persuasive, yet I sensed a hint of evasion.

"You would never deceive me, would you?" I asked, my eyes searching his, my heart longing to trust him implicitly.

"Never," he whispered, his lips grazing my ear, sending a blush rising to my cheeks. I pushed him away gently, my inquiry far from concluded.

"Then why bring guns, if your intentions are purely for alliance?" I asked, my gaze locked onto his, the blue depths of his eyes mesmerizing, yet I refused to be swayed.

"Protection from wild animals," he replied, his smile faltering, but his eyes still radiant with sincerity. I found myself entranced, my doubts melting away, yet a lingering sense of unease remained, a whispered warning that I couldn't quite ignore.

As I gazed into William's eyes, the warmth of the sun on my skin seemed to fade, leaving only the gentle caress of his words. I felt the tension in my shoulders ease, my heart embracing the sincerity in his voice. Yet, like a whispered secret, a faint doubt lingered, refusing to be silenced.

"Wild animals, you say?" I repeated, my tone light, almost playful, but with an undercurrent of scrutiny.

William's smile returned, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and I couldn't help but be swept away by his charm.

"Yes, love," he said, his voice low, reassuring.

"We must ensure our safety, yours and mine, as we build this alliance." His fingers traced a gentle path down my arm, sending shivers in their wake.

I nodded, my mind whirling with the possibilities, the potential benefits of this partnership. And yet, that nagging sense of unease remained, a reminder that even in the brightest moments, shadows can hide secrets.

"I trust you."

I said with a smile and he returned it.

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William has a silver tongue hey, I won't lie, even I would've fallen for his charm

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