Ośú (Outcast)

1

CHAPTER 1
Prince Ikechukwu sat by the riverbank, the cool evening breeze blowing over the stream, causing ripples to form on the water surface. He took in a deep breath, enjoying the sound of the rustling of leaves. His reverie was broken by the sound of feet stepping on broken branches. He snapped his head towards the source of the sound as a dazzling smile lit his face. He stood up and stepped towards the figure who bore a light smile on her face.
“Obim, (My love) ” he breathed as she came into his embrace. “You look beautiful.” He said as she wore a shy smile.
“My prince” she said as her arms came around him in an embrace. He pulled away, cradling her face into his arms.
“You look as beautiful as the early morning sky, as dazzling as the night stars, as refreshing as the evening breeze. The sound of your laughter is like the melody of angels.’
“You flatter me my prince.”
“I’ve told you to call me Ike, calling me my prince makes me uncomfortable.”
“As you wish.” She replied. They took their place by the river bank, she cradled in his arms as he told her stories of the war he just returned from. Adaku felt her heart swell with joy and pride for the man in whose hands she lay.
“I’m glad you made it back in one piece” she said turning to face him. “I was scared I’d never see you again.”
“I always keep my promise to the one I love.”
“Have you informed the king about us?” she asked as his face turned grim. She knew she'd spoilt the atmosphere,  but it was something that had to be done.
“No, that will be a difficult action.”
“You know there’s no way they’ll accept me.”
“They’ve abolished the OSU caste system.”
“Although that’s the case, we both know it makes no difference. The people refuse to accept it. ”
“Then our marriage will prove it’s true.”
“I don’t want you to experience difficulties because of me.”
”Love is about sacrifice. I’m ready to make sacrifices for you, even if it involves giving up the throne.”
“Don’t joke about that kind of thing.”
“What makes you think I’m joking?”
“You’re the prince of this kingdom, the future king. You shouldn’t because of me give up something of that importance. I’ll never be able to live with myself. Besides,  who will you give it to? Your uncle Chima? He will surely destroy the kingdom. ”
“That I’ll never be able to live without you is something you have to understand.”
“Ike…”
“Adaku, Obim. You should know this by now. You’ve become the reason I wake up in the morning , the reason I smile, the only reason I wait for an evening to come is so that I can meet you. If you’re not there, there’s no meaning for anything.”
“You shouldn’t say that. I love you Ike, but that doesn’t mean I want you to give up your life for me. You should know that love isn’t enough for everything.”
“My love is enough. Enough for the both of us. I’ll convince them, trust me.”
“What about Omachi? There are rumors of you two being engaged.”
“There’s nothing going on between us. It’s all my mother’s scheming.”
“But she’s still a threat.”
“Trust me to handle it all. I’ll take care of it.”
“I do.” She said with a defeated sigh. “I trust you Ike.”
*****
“Over my dead body. Ike! Have you lost your mind?”
“Mama my mind is still with me. And there is no need for you to shout about your dead body, you’re still alive and there’s no need for that as we’re expecting you to live till a ripe old age.” Ikenna said as he relaxed on the raffia bed.
“Then you better stop that nonsense joke.”
“What makes you think I’m joking?” he asked his mother who looked like he’d just told her he was going mad.
“Igwe, tell your son to stop this joke.” The queen said in exasperation.
“Mother, please tell me, was it not in this same palace that father announced that the OSU caste was now abolished?”
“And you want to be the confirmation of that announcement?”
“I don’t see any problem in that.”
“And what about princess Omachi?
“The heart wants what it wants. Besides, I never said I wanted to marry her.”
“Breaking your engagement to that girl will be dire for the kingdom.” “Mother, don’t act forgetful. We aren’t engaged. You’re the one giving her hopes that I may be interested in her.”
“Igwe, do you have nothing to say about this?”
“What can I say? Ikenna is a grown man, so I will allow him to make his choice, besides what will people say when they hear that we refused him marry an OSU, an then we claim to have abolished it.” He said taking a sip of his palm wine. Besides, you were the one who brought Omachi here.”
“Igwe.” Queen Ebere said appalled by her husband’s lack of support.
“Mother, Father has given his go ahead, which was all I needed. Goodnight.” He said as he left the room