when strength meets love

chapter 9: palace

Oduwa pov

     In the grand halls of the palace, Oduwa and Osagie lounged on intricately carved wooden chairs, the air scented with the faint aroma of burning incense. A servant placed goblets of palm wine before them before bowing and retreating.

Oduwa swirled the drink in his hand, his eyes fixed on Osagie, who sat reclined, the picture of royal ease.

"Osagie," Oduwa began, breaking the comfortable silence, "what about the marriage? You know without a wife, you can’t take over the throne. Your father’s been clear about that."

Osagie’s face twisted into an exaggerated grimace, his disdain evident. "Marriage? Me?" He laughed, shaking his head. "Do I look like someone who can commit to such a thing? The idea alone irritates me."

Oduwa chuckled at his friend’s dramatic reaction. "You make it sound like a death sentence. Marriage isn’t that bad. You just haven’t met the right woman."

Osagie leaned forward, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Ah, and speaking of love… what about you and Eki, hmm? How’s that going?"

The question caught Oduwa off guard, and for a moment, he faltered. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back in his chair. "Eki is still… Eki. Guarded, stubborn, and as fiery as ever. But I’m patient. I know the girl she used to be is still in there somewhere. I just have to help her find her way back."

Osagie raised a brow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Hmm, I hope so, Oduwa. You’ve always been hopeless when it comes to her."

The prince smirked, then leaned closer, his tone turning mischievous. "By the way… speaking of women, what about her friend? What’s her name again?" He snapped his fingers, pretending to think. "Ah, Ivie, isn’t it?"

Oduwa turned to him, his brow furrowing. "What about Ivie?"

Osagie’s wicked grin widened. "Introduce her to me. She seems… interesting."

Oduwa’s jaw tightened, his voice firm. "Absolutely not. Ivie is Eki’s best friend, and I know your ways, Osagie. Whatever you’re thinking, count me out of it."

Osagie leaned back, feigning innocence. "Come on, Oduwa, don’t be like that. I was only asking. Besides, who knows? Maybe she’s the one who’ll make me reconsider this whole marriage nonsense."

Oduwa gave him a pointed look. "Ivie deserves better than to be one of your little games. I won’t let you ruin the friendship between her and Eki. So, no."

Osagie laughed, raising his goblet in mock surrender. "Alright, alright! You’re no fun, my friend. But don’t think you’ve won. One day, you’ll see my charm is impossible to resist."

Oduwa rolled his eyes, but a small smile played on his lips. "We’ll see about that. But until then, leave Ivie out of your schemes."

The two friends shared a laugh, the tension easing as the conversation shifted to lighter topics. But as they talked, Oduwa’s thoughts lingered on Eki, her fiery spirit, and the hope that one day, she might let him into her heart.