by Kiru Taye
She clenched her hands at her sides. She had to stop this madness before it progressed any further. Ezinne couldn't take the place of the princess while she took an indulgent break from her role as wife to the future king.
Acting as the prince's concubine was wrong.
Yet as she saw Princess Nonye summon other servants to begin Ezinne's transformation, she knew she was fighting a losing battle.
Nonye’s life-force was like a tropical storm. It drenches everything in its path and sweeps them along until its fury is done. Her mistress would not abandon her scheme until she has completed it.
All Ezinne could do was to heed her wish and pray to the gods that Nonye came to her right mind soon.
Chapter Three
"The young men appreciate your efforts in safeguarding their interests and the future stability of Umunri, my prince." Mazi Amobi nodded his head as he spoke.
Though their relationship was driven by their roles in the kingdom—Emeka as prince and Amobi as special adviser, they had a relatively easygoing friendship and strong bond.
However, Emeka cringed each time Amobi referred to him as "my prince" whenever there were other people present. He’d conveyed his wish to be addressed by his given name. However, Amobi always insisted on protocol, especially when there was an audience.
It was one issue they didn't always see eye to eye on: his casual approach to the standard formalities of palace life. Despite some of their disagreements, he trusted Amobi with his life. The man had never given him reason to doubt his words. He was also a man of integrity; his advice always precise.
"It is the least I could do as the prince. The requirements of the peace deal are easy for me to meet," Emeka replied. He raised his hand dismissing his adviser’s praising words.
Today, he had received a delegation of young people from their community led by Amobi. The group had now departed, leaving just the two of them and Emeka's personal guards who stood at attention behind him. One of the guards waved the large multi-colored fan made of peacock feathers dissipating cool air around the prince and his guest.
They both sat in his obi, the receiving chamber as part of his quarters in the palace. It was a large, formal room. The stone floor was covered in a tiger fur rug in the middle. Rows of hand-carved chairs lined both sides of the room. The prince's chair backed the main wall under which a lion skin and head hung.
Emeka sat on the high-back chair hand-carved for him by the carpenter commissioned by the palace. It wasn't as elaborate or ornate as the throne in his father's obi, but it was unique enough to identify his status as the crown prince. However he had insisted that his chair not be raised on a dais like his father's. He'd never liked the idea of being on a higher level than other citizens of this land. He wasn't the king yet.
"This is not a matter to be dismissed with ease,” Amobi said. “Considering the upheaval of the past, our alliance with Umulari and the negotiated peace deal provides security for all our futures after the wars of the past. The gifts are to show their appreciation.”
Emeka lips curved in a smile at his friend’s tenacity.
"Amobi, all I’ve done is my duty to our community. The people need not bring me gifts. It is of importance that I support my father's efforts to carve out peace with our neighbors for generations to come."
Emeka understood the man's point but he didn't feel as if he'd done anything more than was required of him.
"With peace,” he continued. “Our communities can be stable and prosper. I have no wish to be the king that dragged Umunri back to war. It is much better this way."
"Regardless, my prince, the people still appreciate your efforts." Amobi lips curved in the corners in a rare smile. His confidant was a sober and intense man by nature.
"We know of other princes in other kingdoms who are not as benevolent to their citizens. Truly, there aren't many who will sacrifice their own personal choices for the service of a kingdom. Especially since we know that you had your eyes on another much closer to home."
Emeka’s deep laughter resounded in the chamber. "I accept my plans were changed. But I consider it as fate. The gods have chosen it this way. I’ve no complaints being wedded to a princess as beautiful as Nonye. Adaku is now married herself. So everyone involved is happy."
He wasn't a man who dwelt on things when they didn't go his way. He had strong faith in there being a purpose to everything one encountered in life.
Adaku had been his childhood sweetheart. Her father, Ichie Omemma, was the Onoowu, the king’s right-hand man and special adviser, and a revered member of the council of elders. Due to the intimate relationship between their families, Emeka and Adaku had been expected to wed.
As they had both grown up, he realized he didn't have the same strength of fondness as when they were children. When his father negotiated a peace deal with the king of Umulari that involved marrying Princess Nonye, he hadn't felt the need to disagree with it with any vigor.
Duty to Umunri was a higher calling. He valued it above any personal considerations.
His father had made it his mission to bring peace to Umunri after several years of war with its neighbors. Emeka understood this drive for peace. Unfortunately, his fondness for Adaku couldn't compete with his sense of responsibility to his citizens.
It hadn’t stopped his self-reproach for disappointing the girl he’d grown up with and made unspoken promises to. Her distress when he'd given her the news that he would wed Nonye had been heartrending. He'd come to view her as a close friend if not a sister.
When he'd heard that she'd wed another, he'd been glad. Relieved.
She’d moved on with her life and didn't spend too much time missing him. There would’ve been little point in her waiting for him. The best he could have done for her was to make her his second wife.
Still, he didn't feel such an arrangement suited docile Adaku. Also, he doubted the fiery Nonye would be eager to accommodate a second wife, though he was entitled to it.
As if he'd conjured her up by thinking about her, Nonye walked into his obi at that moment. A smile creased his lips as he watched her glide across the room.
Nonye was a consummate princess—born and bred as one. There was no doubt as to her status and sophistication when she was in attendance. All eyes gravitated toward her.
Except, today it wasn't entirely accurate. There was another girl following behind Nonye.
The moment, he glimpsed the new arrival entering his obi, his gaze focused on her. Senses alerted, his heart stumbled in his chest. Awareness spiked through is body hardening it.
Strikingly beautiful, the girl’s visage took his breath away. Compelled, he stared unable to look away. His physical response undeniable; the girl roused him as only one other person had been able to.
It couldn't possibly be her, could it?
There was something familiar about her—something just out of reach. He scrolled his memories seeking to place the unknown female visitor.
He'd seen her somewhere but wasn't sure where. Was she one of the Ichie's daughters? Perhaps a princess from another kingdom?
From the corners of his eyes, he notices Amobi staring at the girl with appreciation. A vice tightened Emeka's gut, jealousy speared through him.
The violent strength of his emotional reaction stunned him.
Nonye curtsied in front of him. He indicated for her to rise up.
His stomach churned, guilt washing over him like the splashing of cool water from the waterfall. Cold wisdom returned banishing the steam of lust from his mind.
Why was he ogling another woman? He was married and had no intentions of taking a second wife. Also, he had made a promise to work at keeping a good relationship with his wife.
Here he was, admiring another woman in her presence—with unconcealed delight. If he sought to sow seeds of respect and companionship with his bride, this wasn’t the avenue to explore it.
His disgust for his actions left a bitter taste of bile on his tongue.
Forcing himself to, he turned toward Nonye and smiled, taking her hand to guide her to her chair next to his. When her pretty lips lifted in a sweet smile, his guilt eased a little.
Yes, his marriage wasn't perfect, but he was committed to it. Nonye was a beautiful woman, though there were certain behaviors of hers he didn't like. He had already made a vow to himself that they would work through whatever issues they had together.
Though every pore of his body remained aware of the other woman still standing in front of him, he turned to his side, giving Nonye more of this attention. He needed the woman gone as soon as possible and wondered why Nonye would bring her to his chamber.
"Nonye, I was in a meeting with Amobi. Is there something you need from me?" his irritated nerves reflected in his voice and abrupt question.
"Please forgive me, my prince, but I need a private audience with you." Nonye batted her doe eyes at him, her face screwed up in a frown.
His guilt rose again. His grip tightened on the chair's armrest. He'd never raised his voice to Nonye, yet because of another woman's presence, he was so riled that he lost his temper. That wasn't good. He needed to take back control of his person. Loosening his grip, he extended his arm and took Nonye's hand in his.
Amobi said, "My prince, I think we have concluded our discussion. If it pleases you, I'll come back another time."
Emeka nodded in agreement. His friend was nothing if not diplomatic. Nonye knew better than to interrupt him when he was in a meeting with his special adviser except if the reason was of utmost important and urgency.
"Amobi, thank you for your time. I'll speak to you later." Emeka nodded his head, discharging Amobi and his personal guards from his presence.
When they left the room, Nonye nodded to the girl.
The moment he turned to look at the girl again, his gaze was riveted to her. She was indeed the most beautiful maiden he'd seen. Raven-colored hair—braided, twisted and decorated with beads—was arranged in a pile on her head. The heart outline of her face framed almond-shaped beguiling brown eyes, a small nose, and full sumptuous dark lips. Her skin glowed like raw umber clay and the decorative uli on her body enhanced her beauty.
From her attire, he deduced she was an unwed maiden.
Several rows of elephant tusk beads hung around her neck partly covering her full breasts. More beads hung around her waist, accentuating her slim midriff. A thick-woven skirt the color of fresh okra flared over her round hips and stopped just above her knees. There were more stringed beads on her lower legs and ankles. Each time she moved they jingled like gourd rattles.
She was dressed similar to a young bride on her wedding day.
Emeka wondered what she was doing here. Does she come to seek my blessing? Somehow the thought of her marrying some unknown man had his chest constricting again in jealous rage.
Who is she?
The girl approached his chair, one hesitant step after another. Within touching distance of his seat, she halted and lowered her body in a slow awkward curtsy.
She didn’t have Nonye’s grace and poise. Still, the curve of her bowed spine was sensuous. Seductive. The embers of desires sparked again in his loins.
When she rose and straightened her spine, instead of looking back up at him, her stare fixed to the ground, her eyes shielded by long black lashes.
Then it hit him.
That gesture. He'd seen someone else do it often. Nonye's handmaiden.
In his mind’s eye, he shook his head. It couldn’t possibly be her.
"My prince, I want to present Ezinne to you. She will be your companion while I'm away from you."
Astonishment warred with aspiration. For a moment he said nothing. All he heard was the whoosh of his blood in his ears as it raced from his head, across his body, filling him with aching need.
His body prepared for a mating that should never be. His mind knew it would never be.
With the knowledge he garnered the strength to control his body's reaction to the news, to the girl. Under his scrutiny Ezinne seemed uncomfortable. She shifted from one foot to the other, her initial confident air evaporating.
"What do you mean, my 'companion'?'" he asked, forcing his stare to move from the girl to Nonye, who hadn’t lost her ability to beguile him as she caressed his hand.
"She will be my stand-in; helping you with all the tasks I usually perform for you, my prince." Nonye’s lips curled in the seductive smile he’d become accustomed to, in the past two months, since her arrival.
"All the tasks?" he asked, raising one eyebrow and turning back to face the girl, whose cheeks now had two dark spots, the size of quail’s eggs. Her uneasiness seemed to increase, her fingers now pulled at the edge of her skirt fabric in an erratic motion.
Did Nonye realize what she was suggesting? Did the girl agree to this arrangement?
"Yes, my prince. All the tasks." He could see Nonye nod her head from the corner of his eyes. "She is my gift to you to make up for my long absence from Umunri."
"You needn't worry, Nonye. Four weeks will soon go quickly, and you will be back home. So I don't need a companion."
He didn't even want to contemplate the kind of temptation his wife was presenting him with. The kind of temptation he had fought for weeks, since Nonye arrived with Ezinne in Umunri.
"But sixteen days is a long time for my prince to be alone without a woman's comfort,” his wife said as she continued to caress his arm. “Ezinne is well trained, and you’ll be pleased to know that she is also untouched. Of course, if you have no wish for her in your bed, then let her still perform the other tasks for you, please. It will ease my conscience while I'm away."
Nonye squeezed his hand, her eyes pleading with him.
Emeka understood his wife. She was a woman accustomed to getting her own way. Knowing how to win people’s—especially men’s—attention was part of her upbringing. She’d been groomed as a political mate and diplomat—the wife of a future king.
In most cases, he indulged her. If she made a request, he granted it.
This—this was too much to ask him.
"And is this what she wants as well?" He turned back to the girl. "Ezinne, do you want to do this? To be my companion? To serve me in every way possible?"
He wanted to spell it out so she was absolutely sure of what she was consenting to.
"Of course she does,” his wife replied. “It is her duty to serve you as her prince and master."
"No, Nonye, I want to hear it from her lips. I'm only going to agree to this… arrangement" —he waved his hand in the air— "only if she confirms to me here and now that she wants to do this from her heart. So, Ezinne, what will it be? You don't have to do this. I will not be angry with you if you say no, and no harm will befall you. Tell me the truth."
He watched Ezinne closely, focusing on her eyes, curious to find out her response. He wanted to know from her body's reaction what she truly thought.
Brown eyes with flecks of gold dancing in their depths stared back at him. Right now they shone brightly as they focused on him without wavering. Her shoulders straightened as she seemed to stand taller. Her once fidgeting hands were now folded before her and stilled.
There was none of the cowering handmaiden who usually served their dinner in her. The way she stood, one could be forgiven for thinking she was a highborn princess and not a lowly servant.
"If my prince so wishes, I want to serve as his companion." Her voice was clear and confident, warm and enticing. It traveled through his body, dissipating vibrations down his spine.
He released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding in expectation. The musical tone of her words did things to his body he hadn't realized a woman's voice was capable of doing.
In that moment he forgot who she was. Despite knowing better, he allowed himself to be seduced by utterance. What would it feel like to trace her lush lips with his tongue? To taste and drink from her body?
Somehow he knew it wouldn’t be enough to taste her. He woul
d want to claim her as his. Since he’d first glimpsed Ezinne’s beauty, he’d barely been able to control his body's response to her. And he never looked at other women since Nonye.
Still…
"You are sure about this?" he asked again, wondering why she agreed to do this. No maiden would choose this for herself, surely.
He understood Nonye's reason for planning this. Sometimes wives arranged concubines and even second wives for their husbands. It was a tactical move that guaranteed control of her rival. It was also a way of growing the man's wealth as it produced more hands to work in the farms.
For the royal house, it meant more sons to secure the family line and ensure the crown passed along from one generation to the next.
Still he couldn't understand Ezinne's motives, and that annoyed him. As the next in line to the throne, he liked to understand the people around him and what moved them.
In the months Ezinne had been in his household, he knew little about her except as the girl who served Nonye. Now he was supposed to accept her as his stand-in companion, even as a bed mate, without knowing her true being?
"Yes, my prince." Ezinne nodded, this time lowering her body in a brief bow.
"So be it," he snapped, turning away from Ezinne.
With a short nod of his dead, he ended the matter. White hot rage flowed through him. He gripped the hard arms of his chair. The alternative was to stand up and shake the truth out of Ezinne.
In his bones, he sensed something wasn't right. He hated being in the dark—without control—over anything. He was angry with her for saying yes, for now putting him in a position where he would have to actually go through with the arrangement.
He'd given her the chance to back out, and she 'hadn't taken it. Why?
Ezinne didn’t appear to his as a social climber. At least he hadn’t equated her with one previously. One day she would be married to her own husband. So why would she want to offer herself to him if she was untouched as Nonye had claimed?
The whole situation was preposterous. Didn’t the girl have her own mind? Had she allowed his wife to manipulate her into doing her bidding? Had Nonye coerced her?
