when strength meets love

chapter 18: palace

Osagie sat in the grand hall of the palace, staring at his father, Enogie Ogie of Ikoka, who paced the room with a fierce expression. The tension was palpable, and Osagie could already feel the lecture brewing.

"Osagie," the Enogie began, his voice deep and authoritative. "You are my first son, the heir to this throne, but your behavior..." He paused, shaking his head in frustration. "It's unacceptable!"

Osagie leaned back lazily in his seat, feigning nonchalance. "Father, if this is about marriage again, please spare me."

The Enogie slammed his hand on the armrest of his throne, making Osagie jump slightly. "It is about marriage! You are twenty-eight years old, Osagie! A man your age should already have a wife and children. How do you expect to rule without a queen by your side?!"

Osagie frowned. "Father, I'm not ready for marriage. And frankly, I don't see the need to rush into something I don't want."

The Enogie's face turned red with anger. "Not ready?! Do you think ruling is a game? If you don't marry before the year ends, I will disown you! You will no longer be my son, and I'll strip you of your right to the throne!"

The words hit Osagie like a blow. "What?" he asked, his voice low with disbelief.

"You heard me," the Enogie said firmly. "This is not a choice, Osagie. You either find a wife or face the consequences."

Osagie stared at his father, his mind spinning. He had expected pressure, but not an ultimatum of this magnitude. Without another word, he stood up abruptly and stormed out of the palace, needing space to think.

As he walked through the village, his thoughts raced. "Marry or lose the throne?" he muttered to himself. "This is madness!"

Lost in his thoughts, he almost didn't notice Ivie walking toward him. She was carrying a basket, her usual graceful stride catching his attention. A sudden idea struck him-a bold, desperate idea.

"Ivie," he called out, quickening his pace to catch up with her.

Ivie stopped and turned to face him, her brow furrowing slightly. "Your Highness," she said politely, though her tone lacked warmth.

Osagie smiled, the kind of smile that usually charmed women instantly. "Ivie, I need to talk to you."

"What is it, Your Highness?" she asked, crossing her arms.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I have a proposal for you."

Ivie raised an eyebrow. "A proposal?"

"Yes," he said, his tone serious. "Marry me."

Her jaw dropped. For a moment, she stared at him, waiting for him to burst into laughter and say it was a joke. But his expression remained calm and unwavering.

"Excuse me?" she finally managed to say.

"Marry me," he repeated. "It won't be a real marriage. It's just... an arrangement. We'll pretend for everyone else's sake, but nothing will change between us. You'll have your freedom, and I'll have mine."

Ivie blinked, utterly baffled. "You're joking."

"I'm not," he said, his tone softening. "I need this, Ivie. You're the only person I can think of who won't expect anything from me-no affection, no attention. Just a simple arrangement to get my father off my back."

Her shock quickly turned to anger. "You're unbelievable, Osagie. You think I'd agree to something so ridiculous? To be your pretend wife so you can avoid your responsibilities?"

"It's not like that," he said, holding up his hands. "You'd benefit too. You'd have-"

"Enough!" she snapped, cutting him off. "I don't need whatever it is you think you're offering me. Unlike you, I take my life seriously. And for the record, I'd never degrade myself to be part of your schemes. Stay away from me, Osagie."

She turned on her heel and marched away, her basket swinging angrily by her side.

Osagie watched her go, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. "So fiery," he murmured to himself. "But I'm not giving up that easily, Ivie."

With a renewed determination, he turned and headed back to the palace, already planning his next move.