when strength meets love

chapter 4: palace

Oduwa pov
   
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The palace courtyard was lively, filled with servants bustling around to prepare for the festival’s evening events. Oduwa sat under a large mango tree with Prince Osagie, sipping on palm wine and enjoying the cool evening breeze.

“You’ve been awfully quiet, my friend,” Osagie said, side-eyeing him as he leaned back on the bench. “Let me guess. You’ve already spotted her.”

Oduwa blinked, startled. “What are you talking about?”

Osagie chuckled, swirling his drink. “You think I didn’t notice the way your eyes lit up when you arrived back in Ikoka? You’re in love. Come on, who’s the lucky woman?”

Oduwa sighed, running a hand over his face. “It’s not like that.”

“Ah, so there is a woman,” Osagie teased, leaning forward. “Let me guess—Eki?”

At the mention of her name, Oduwa froze. His silence gave him away.

“Ha! I knew it!” Osagie laughed, slapping his knee. “Oduwa, you’ve got it bad. So, what happened? Did you confess and she turned you down? Or are you just afraid of her sharp tongue?”

“It’s not that simple,” Oduwa muttered, staring at the ground. Memories of Eki flooded his mind—her laughter when they were kids, the way her braids swung as she ran ahead of him, always faster, always fiercer. She had been his best friend, his first crush, and his greatest regret.

“So?” Osagie pressed, smirking. “What happened between you two?”

Oduwa sighed deeply. “We were close when we were kids. But I made a mistake… a big one.”

Osagie leaned in, intrigued. “What kind of mistake? Did you accidentally call her fat? Did you eat her yam? Steal her favorite bead?”

“No,” Oduwa groaned. “It was worse.”

“Worse? What could possibly be worse than stealing a woman’s yam?” Osagie asked, his eyes wide with mock horror.

“I promised her something,” Oduwa admitted. “I told her I’d never leave Ikoka without telling her. But when my father sent me to the city to study, I left without saying goodbye. She’s never forgiven me for it.”

Osagie whistled. “Oof. That’s cold, my friend. You abandoned her without a word? No wonder she’s mad at you. And knowing Eki, she’s probably holding onto that grudge like a weapon.”

“She is,” Oduwa said with a small, rueful smile. “She barely looked at me today. And when she did, it was like I was a stranger.”

“Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you,” Osagie said, grinning. “But you’re not giving up, are you?”

Oduwa shook his head. “No. I can’t. She’s… she’s everything. She’s strong, stubborn, and smarter than anyone I’ve ever met. I’ve loved her since we were kids, and I’ll keep loving her even if she hates me.”

Osagie groaned dramatically, clutching his chest. “Ah, young love. So pure, so tragic. My friend, you’re hopeless.”

Oduwa laughed despite himself. “You’re one to talk. I’ve seen the way you flirt with every woman in the village.”

“Flirting is one thing,” Osagie said with a smirk. “But falling in love? That’s dangerous territory, my friend. Especially with someone like Eki. She might actually kill you.”

“Maybe,” Oduwa admitted, chuckling. “But I think she’s worth the risk.”

Osagie raised his glass. “To love, then. And to surviving Eki’s wrath.”

Oduwa clinked his glass against the prince’s, his heart pounding as he thought of her. He had no idea how he would win her back, but one thing was certain—he wasn’t giving up.

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