when strength meets love

chapter 22: palace

Osamu lay on his bamboo mat, staring at the ceiling of his small hut. The day's work had been grueling, and despite his efforts at tapping his palm wine trees, the yield had been disappointing. He sighed deeply, wiping the sweat off his brow.

“At least I’m trying,” he muttered to himself. “Not like some men in this cursed village who have given up completely. The curse is there, but I can’t kill myself.”

As he contemplated his struggles, he heard voices outside his hut. Peering through the window, he saw two of the Enogie’s royal servants approaching. His heart skipped a beat.

“The Enogie demands your presence,” one of the servants announced after a brief greeting.

Osamu’s mouth went dry. He hadn’t been summoned to the palace in all his years in the village. Fear crept into his heart. What have I done? he wondered. Have I unknowingly offended the Enogie?

With trembling hands, he followed the servants to the palace. Upon arrival, he bowed low and greeted the Enogie, his voice shaky with nerves.

“Long live my king,” Osamu said, keeping his head bowed.

The Enogie nodded in acknowledgment, studying Osamu for a moment. As the silence stretched, Osamu felt sweat trickle down his back. He braced himself for the worst, but the Enogie’s next words shocked him to his core.

“Osamu, I called you here because my son, Osagie, is in love with your daughter and wishes to marry her,” the Enogie said, his voice steady and regal.

Osamu’s eyes widened in disbelief. His daughter? The prince? He struggled to process the words, his mind racing. Who could it be? he wondered. His family was large, with twenty daughters, some married, some staying with relatives, and only four still living at home. Which of them could have captured the heart of the prince?

“Long live my king,” Osamu said, trying to keep his composure. “This is indeed good news—a blessing! But my king, I have many daughters. May I ask which of them has earned such honor?”

The Enogie’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained authoritative. “Ivie,” he replied. “She is the one who has captured my son’s heart.”

Osamu staggered slightly, gripping the edge of the chair provided for him. Ivie? He could hardly believe his ears. The daughter he had almost abandoned before birth because she was another girl, the one he had no hope for, was now bringing such a blessing to the family.

“Ivie,” he whispered to himself, his mind flashing back to the days when he had considered giving her away. Shame and joy mingled in his heart.

Regaining his composure, he looked up at the Enogie with a bright smile. “My king, this is indeed a blessing beyond words. My family will be so honored and happy to accept this. We will prepare at once for the traditional rites.”

The Enogie nodded approvingly. “Prepare well. We will come for the rites on the next market day.”

Bowing deeply, Osamu thanked the Enogie profusely and left the palace with a spring in his step. As he walked back to his hut, his mind raced with excitement.

“Ivie,” he muttered again, shaking his head in disbelief. “Who would have thought? The one I thought brought me nothing but struggles is now bringing me honor and blessing.”

The villagers turned to look at him as he passed, noticing his unusually cheerful demeanor. Osamu couldn’t wait to share the news with them. For the first time in years, he felt a surge of pride. The father of the future queen of Ikoka, he thought, his chest swelling.