Love Will Remember (Haitus)

Chapter 9: The Color of Africa

Two weeks passed before we arrived landed in Nigeria. Anyim explained that he would have time to court me since it would take about them three months to prepare for wedding. I could see the kingdom from the water. Anyim said the kingdom was built on the heart of Nigeria. Before we reached the entry way, Anyim stepped in front of me to stop me, the sweat above his brow seemed to increase. He looked frazzled and worried.

"Before we go in...the citizens know about this...so they have a grand way of welcoming someone."

"I will be sure to not run away." I smiled.

There were two men at the entrance, waiting for us to approach. When we did they blew into a ram horn echoing sounds of arrival. As the gates opened I could hear music and singing their native tongue in the distance. I looked up at him wide eyed. We began walking down the pathway that led to his palace; his people were dancing in sync with ribbons and sashes.

"Welcome to Africa!" One woman said as she handed me and arrangement of flowers.

I could hear Anyim sigh in disbelief. It was a little abrupt but it was so welcoming. I loved it.

"It is so nice to meet you!" a man said as he shook my hand while we walked.

"They are very enthusiastic..." Anyim said.

"No, its fine. This is sweet and welcoming. Do they do this all the time?"

"No...mostly when we have a new arrival...this is a celebration of adding a new life. A new member of the family."

As we walked they continued to adorn me with all sorts of flowers and handmade gifts such as jewelry, scarves, and shawls. The music slowly became quiet as we entered their castle. The doors closed as we entered a long white hall, adorned with very simple and elegant decoration in comparison to the overly decorated castle of Eilithya.

"I will have your bags taken to your room. Would you like to meet my parents?"

"Yes I would."

We walked down the long hallway and peeled to the left. I have never seen a palace that was so beautiful. The clean white floors bounced the reflection of the lights that hung above. I followed Anyim blindly as we entered what must have been the throne room. At the end of this white carpet was where the current king and queen of Nigeria sat.

They sat there with blank expressions. The both were in traditional African garb, with very loud and vibrant colors of red, orange and blue. The king wore glasses and you could tell he was aging. Wrinkles were starting to form on his cheeks and his eyes looked a little fatigued, and his skin has blemishes. His queen, next to him, looked ageless however, she had high cheek bones, with olive shaped eyes, and her skin was flawless. You can see that the king kept his queen well kept. Her ears were pierced with beautiful gold chandelier designed earrings.

"Welcome!" The king spoke and stood to his feet as we approached. "We are so glad you are here." His voice was deep and raspy, but he sounded very cheerful.

"Mother, Father...this is Hazel." Anyim spoke.

"I am Baako," he said while hugging me. And then he offered his hand to his wife and helped her to her feet. "And this is my wife, Asha."

"Welcome to our home." she said smiling. Her voice was smooth like silk and sultry. She spoke in an incredibly formal. She was the very essence of a queen. Her presence was quite unnerving but she seemed kind. But I'll admit her eyes seemed to be searching me, trying to deduce who I was as a person. I could see she was trying to read me. I hope she wasn't as observant as she looked.