The Love We Share

11

Obaa Afia was dressed up to meet her groom but something was missing. The bridal glow, the spark of happiness in every bride's eyes was missing. Ma Faustina looked on helplessly. Not that she didn't care about her daughter's life. She really did. Her only fear was that Obaa Afia would keep herself and reject all the men for Kumi only for the prince to choose a princess.

"Let's go, they are here." Ma Faustina announced. Obaa Afia was dressed in a plain kente gown. Sadly, Obaa Afia stood up and followed her mother outside. The groom was a young farmer who depended solely on his crops along with his family. He was also well-to-do since he hardly used his money to buy food stuffs.

Obaa Afia humbly greeted the man and his parents. She shuddered when she saw his skinny body. With just his physical looks, Obaa Afia had lost interest. Ma Faustina seemed to have noticed that. She shook her head.

"Can you cook?" That was the first question she was asked. "No." Obaa Afia replied without hesitation and her mother glared at her. Her daughter was embarrassing her in the process. "Your mother -" the groom's mother didn't get the chance to speak further.

"If you want to insult me, do it directly, don't involve my mother. My mother taught me and I refused to learn. If that's the only reason why you are looking for a wife for a son, then let me tell you the painful truth. Your son will die lonely." Obaa Afia said and that was it. The groom and his parents stood up and walked out of the compound.

Obaa Afia was about to say something when her eyes fell on Kumi, staring at them from a distance.

"No." She whispered. Kumi stepped into the compound and for a moment, Obaa Afia was a bit lost. That was her man; tall, muscular, powerful and hot. The man was sexy.

"Ma, I have allowed you to punish us for a while now and I must say that we are tired. Tomorrow, I a grand durbar will be held at the royal ground. Every maiden and woman is supposed to be present." Kumi said after greeting them.

"You can't do that." Ma Faustina challenged. Kumi chuckled then grew serious. "Watch me choose your daughter in front of everyone as my wife and crown princess." With that, he looked at Obaa Afia then walked away. Ma Faustina sighed.

At least, finally, she could be rest assured that her daughter had finally found herself a husband.

By night, all the ladies had heard and prepared for the grand durbar. Those who were already taken or married didn't even bother about it. However there were some like Gifty, although taken, broke ties with her man and excitedly got ready for the durbar. Seriously, the prince was looking for a wife, who would still want to be with a man who had not even paid bride price? Gifty thought.

That night, Obaa Afia went to bed worried after selecting a gorgeous red kente. Kumi of all people had not even smiled at her. He looked disappointed instead.

It was at afternoon, close to evening when the women came along with some of the men. Obaa Afia came gorgeously dressed along with her mother. Gifty and Mary joined their friend. Mary wasn't a bit interested in this gathering but it was an order.

Gifty thought she was hallucinating when she saw the same man she had insulted months ago, arriving on a palanquin. His family followed. They got down and danced to their respective seats, leaving another seat beside Kumi.

"Natives of this noble kingdom, you are all welcome. Our princess, who went out on a long journey has finally arrived. After the prince has chosen his Queen, a great feast will be held to celebrate both events. This gathering is held for the next chosen Queen. From the Queen and myself, the woman will be accepted so no one has the right to oppose their relationship." The King spoke.

"Let's begin." The King said. The high priestess came and performed some chants and incantations before the real selection began.

"How is that poor farmer the prince?" Gifty whispered, starting to feel hopeless already.

Kumi gracefully stood up and got down and took the beaded anklet, bracelet and necklace from the high priestess. "Go and choose the one the gods have chosen for you. The woman you walk to is the chosen one." She said.

Kumi looked at the crowd and quickly spotted Obaa Afia and for a moment, he forgot that he was disappointed in her for trying to move on. She was looking so gorgeous especially with the blue beaded hair accessories.

However, Obaa Afia was not paying attention. She had seen one of the maidens gorgeously dressed and she was starting to feel like she looked plain and dull.

Kumi broke into a short traditional dance then stepped into the crowd while staring directly at his woman.

Obaa Afia was busy picking up dirt from her finger nails when she realized that someone was standing in front of her. She slowly looked up only to make eye contact with Kumi. When she tried to look away, he held her chin and captured her lips in a short yet passionate kiss.

She shyly lowered her gaze. Kumi got down on his knee and took her foot. She held his shoulder while he wore the anklet on her ankle. He stood up and put the bracelet around her wrist then then the necklace around around her neck.

Gifty and some few other ladies who had had high hopes were stunned at the shameless display of affection between the couple. What was the meaning of that kiss? Gifty couldn't help but roll her eyes in jealousy.

When Kumi swept Obaa Afia off her feet, the crowd went wild and crazy with jubilation.

"My brother has found his Queen!" Asabea squealed as Kumi sat Obaa Afia down on the stool beside him. The people began dancing and singing happily.

In the night, the people gathered to eat. Ma Faustina was the happiest woman. Her daughter was getting married. The marriage ceremony was to take place the same day in a week.

While they were making merry, the people failed to see the danger ahead of them.