Osagie sat in the palace courtyard, his mind restless as he tried to figure out how to convince Ivie to accept his proposal. He tapped his fingers impatiently on the wooden armrest of his seat, frustration etched on his face. His thoughts were interrupted when his father, the Enogie Ogie of Ikoka, approached. Despite his strict demeanor, the Enogie cared deeply for his son and was quick to notice his unease.
“My son, what troubles you?” the Enogie asked, taking a seat beside Osagie.
Osagie hesitated, unsure if he should share his thoughts. But then, an idea struck him—if anyone could help him, it was his father. After all, the Enogie had the power to convince anyone, including Ivie’s parents.
“Father,” Osagie began, his voice hesitant. “I know you might not believe me, and I don’t even know how to say this because you might not accept it... but... I’m in love.”
The Enogie blinked, taken aback. “You? Love?” He laughed heartily, clearly unconvinced. “Osagie, my son, you and love in the same sentence? Wonders shall never end.”
Osagie clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me!” he exclaimed. “That’s why it’s so hard to talk to you. But it’s true—I’m in love, and it’s with Ivie.”
The Enogie’s laughter faded, replaced by curiosity and a hint of disbelief. “Ivie?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Which Ivie? There are many with that name in this village.”
“Ivie Osamu,” Osagie clarified, sitting up straighter. “Mr. Osamu the palm wine tapper’s last daughter.”
The Enogie paused, his brows furrowing in thought. “Osamu? The man with twenty daughters and no sons? The villagers call him ‘the man without an heir.’ Is that the one you’re referring to?”
“Yes, Father,” Osagie replied, nodding earnestly. “You know him. He’s popular for his palm wine. He made that delicious wine you enjoyed at the Igue Festival yesterday.”
The Enogie nodded slowly, piecing it all together. While he had been searching for a noble or chief’s daughter to become his son’s bride, hearing Osagie’s choice disappointed him slightly. Yet, seeing his usually carefree son so restless and serious gave him pause. This was the first time Osagie had ever spoken about love.
“And what’s the problem, then?” the Enogie asked, folding his arms.
“She’s refusing to marry me,” Osagie admitted, a hint of frustration in his tone. “I’m the prince—I could have anyone I want! But not her.”
The Enogie frowned deeply, his pride stung. “What? That girl with nothing dares to reject my son?” he muttered under his breath. “This cannot stand.”
Osagie smirked, his father’s reaction bolstering his confidence. “Exactly, Father. You have to help me. Convince her family. You know you can.”
The Enogie leaned back, still processing the request. “Don’t worry, my son. I’ll see what I can do. If this is what you truly want, then so be it.”
Osagie’s face lit up with a wicked grin. Finally, his plan was falling into place. “Thank you, Father,” he said, his voice oozing satisfaction. He couldn’t explain why he was so obsessed with Ivie. Maybe it was because she was different. Maybe it was because she had rejected him, bruising his ego. But whatever it was, he knew he wouldn’t rest until she was his.
As he left the courtyard, his thoughts lingered on Ivie. “Oh, Ivie,” he murmured to himself, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “I can’t wait for our game to begin.”
YOU ARE READING
when strength meets love
Roman d'amourEki 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...
