OnuIdu(The Lion King):Period of the British

Chapter 26

Anger. This is the most displeasure feeling a heart can bear. When one is angry, you lose control of your sense, all the peace and love you once shared is quickly forgotten. But forgotten for too long can develop an hatred for a lifetime.

Almas

I stared at my ghostly pale reflection. My eyelids felt heavy, I was truly fading away. I couldn't sleep as my sleep is being cut short by the thought of my family. "That monster! I spat bitterly walking away from the mirror placed on the wall in Mabe's sleeping sizable chamber.  Walking over to the herbal room I saw Mabe conversing with some maids.

"Oh thank goodness you're here. Mabe said bowing lightly and proceed to her sleeping chamber. I frown seeing so many maids gathered at the door step so early in the morning. What could be wrong!?

"Your highness. The young maids knelt. " OnuIdu invite you over to the imperial hall. They said holding a square box. "He said this gift should be given to you, and he'd be pleased if you wear it. The maid concluded.

That bastard. He think he could woe me with gifts? I huffed and collected the sizable box from the maid holding it. They all maintained their positions not making attempt to leave. I arched my brows. "Anything else!?

"Yes my princess, he had requested you to come back to the upper harem. We are here to escort you to your new chambers.

"My chambers? Harem? I asked again and they all nodded. What game is he playing this time?! I groan silently. He's OnuIdu, any disobedience towards his command is also regarded as an act of treason so I told Mabe and she advised I follow the maids immediately and be careful.

•• • The Harem •• •

The harem compound was a oval shaped part of the palace. The whole harem building was a huge Ovid mansion. The huge mansion was built with red sand and palm oil, the early Igala civilization practiced the system of building houses and huts with red sand and palm oil as it makes the building solid and could stand firm for decades. Infact, the entire palace was built with it. But decorated more with rich brown bricks. The harem parts were confusing as they twist and turn round the circular building, likewise the passages inside.

The harem itself was divided into four categories, the North which is regarded as the (upper), East, West and South. And in the center is a huge meeting hall.

The north circle were mostly rooms reserved for Queens and family of the courtiers. The East circle had a big garden and large fountain with flowers beautifully and neatly planted. It had rabbits, cats and peacocks which were looked after by servants and played with by the ladies and children. Square sized rocks were placed for ladies to chat and sit around playing games. The gardens were called Ebule jonu which was dedicated to the first Attah of Igala who was a woman.

The West garden was known as Ufane Ochu (moonlight) because the moon light reflected on the open space luminously. The nursery, where children are taught common morals and manners was built around the courtyard suited close to the garden. Ladies of the harem hang out and gist in the courtyard mostly at night. Huge fire was lit to cast light to the whole courtyard and harem.

The south was obviously for concubines and it is divided into two sections, the other section is meant for sick and old women.

Mabe's quarter is located at the south because it is where sick and old women stayed.

I entered the main harem passing through the eunuch quaters which were built around a second courtyard and was reserved mainly for eunuch, and the harem guards spend their free time there, the eunuchs are the custodians of the harem.