Ivie was on her way back from the stream, balancing a clay pot of water on her head with practiced ease. The evening sun bathed the village in a golden glow, and the gentle hum of crickets filled the air. She had just turned a corner when she nearly bumped into someone.
"Ah! Watch where you’re—" Ivie began, her voice sharp, but she stopped mid-sentence as her eyes landed on the man before her.
It was Osagie. Dressed in a casual tunic that still managed to look regal, his confident smirk widened as he took her in.
"My apologies, beautiful maiden," Osagie said smoothly, his tone dripping with charm. "It seems the gods have blessed me with an unexpected meeting today."
Ivie frowned, narrowing her eyes. "Who are you, and what do you want?" she asked bluntly, adjusting the pot on her head.
Osagie was taken aback for a moment. He was used to women giggling and blushing at his words, not glaring at him like he was an annoying mosquito. He quickly recovered, bowing slightly with exaggerated grace. "Forgive me. I am Prince Osagie. And you are?"
"Ivie," she replied curtly, unimpressed. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do."
She attempted to walk past him, but Osagie stepped aside to block her path, his smirk turning playful. "Wait, Ivie. You can’t leave so quickly. It’s not every day I meet someone as bold as you. Most women would be thrilled to speak with a prince."
"Well, I’m not most women," Ivie shot back, her tone sharp but her lips twitching as if suppressing a smile.
Osagie chuckled, intrigued. "Clearly. And that’s what makes you interesting."
Ivie tilted her head, her eyes meeting his with a challenging stare. "Is that all you have to say, Your Highness? Or do you plan to waste more of my time with your empty flattery?"
Osagie laughed, genuinely this time, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, you win. But I hope this isn’t the last time we meet, Ivie. You’ve caught my attention."
"Good for you," Ivie replied, brushing past him without a second glance.
As she walked away, Osagie watched her, a bemused smile on his face. For the first time in a long while, someone had piqued his interest—not because she fawned over him, but because she didn’t.
YOU ARE READING
when strength meets love
RomanceEki is a strong, hardworking young woman who has sworn off men after being hurt too many times, including by her own father. Raised in the small, cursed village of Ikoka, she's vowed never to marry and believes that the world would be better without...
