Did you do it?

Meka's eyes widened in disbelief as she glanced at the maid. She hurried towards the king's room, her heart racing.

Could it really be true? The king of Azu, dead?

Just yesterday, they had shared a meal together.

At the door, Meka was greeted with a solemn gathering of faces.She walked inside and approach the bed. Her breath hitched in her throat.

The first and second queen wept openly, their grief enveloping the room. Jelani stood tensely against the wall, his fists clenched. Ife lay on the ground, crying and being consoled by maidens.

Then, between the guards, she saw him. The king, unmoving. The truth struck her with incredible force, and in that moment, Meka could no longer deny the harsh reality before her. The king of Azu had passed.

His open eyes were the first sight that greeted her, looking up. His hands spread out on the bed, and on his chest, she saw the spot where he was stabbed, stained with blood.