6 Chapter five Birthday ceremony

The birthday ceremony approached much sooner than Damilola anticipated or maybe it was because he got lost in the thoughts of the girl he saw at the village square.

The night was much more beautiful than the morning. Lights were scattered not only in the palace but also in the villages. As it was the crown Prince's 18th birthday, everyone was invited. After all, the palace was big enough to entertain all of them. The maidens made sure to be there hoping that this time, the Prince will notice them. Their mothers were there also with them in hopes that they could help the crown Prince notice their daughters.

There was food and drinks for everyone to suite themselves. Damilola had changed into something else to suite the night. He had no plans of joining the celebration but since it was his, he had no choice. Most of his step brothers didn't bother to come. Only a few who liked him to some extent came. Prince Damilola though knowing that it was because of his current position, he didn't like it. He wanted his step siblings to like and support him as he would them. Somewhere, he hated that his father kept showering love to him and his brother and sister in front of them. It made him wonder if he were the one in their situation, will he happy seeing his father not care or show him love? Thinking of Akun, if he were in his position, would he be glad to see his younger brother be the next in line when he was much more capable and deserving?

He went back to a time when Akun always tried to please his father who of course didn't care. Akun was came home after his very first hunt. He was fifteen. He had killed a Lion which was considered to be very brave. Killing Lions weren't easy and it took not only the strongest but bravest person to do it. Akun shocked everyone when he brought the dead Lion to the king. It was a big one. He was sure his father will show him love and see him as the likely one to take the throne but the king didn't believe him especially when it was just his first hunt alone.

"But father I really killed it. I promise. I wouldn't lie to you" Akun pleaded almost in tears that his father didn't believe him.

King Dele walked up to him. He touched his shoulder lightly "Akun, if it were any other animal, I would have believed you not a Lion. If you wanted to impress me, you should have started with other small animal not the king. Your desperation to impress me makes you look stupid and I doubt you will ever look less".

Akun bursted out in tears and left the King's sight immediately to be followed by his mother. Damilola who stood watching everything was left agape. He didn't know why his father will say that to his son. King Dele noticed him and said, " Come here Dami". Damilola went to hug him.

"Dad, why did you speak to brother that way? He is telling the truth" Damilola said confused.

King Dele smiled at his son's naivety "Dami son, don't worry yourself with that. He is not worth your worry and you don't even know if he is your brother. What did I tell you before, keep careful around them? If it were you who told me you killed a Lion, I would instantaneously believe you because you have nothing to prove to me. Now, go see your baby sister and make sure to always have her at the back of your mind instead of disturbing yourself with pests" Dami nodded even though he didn't quite understand.

Dami always wondered if most of his brothers were really the King's as his father always said. Being the one who impregnated them, his father should know. He knew his father spent less time with his wives. He was always with his mom. Even after his mother died, he still didn't go to them, he instead went ahead to fill the house with concubines who were made not to take in for him. Either way, they were human beings and they had feelings. Feelings? he thought. His father had always sounded to him to not have feelings for anyone not even his child, just his brother and sister. He didn't know how he would do such. It is hard not to.

Damilola was taking a drink as he sat at a table at a corner. He didn't want people to talk to him. Though some important guests came to greet and wish him well. He kept looking left and right waiting for his friend Shola and guard to call him that the girl is in his room.

"Dami, what are you doing here?" his father asked

He took a sip from his cup "I don't feel like joining the celebration. I just want to relax"

"Did you find a girl to relax with?". His father had not seen him since he came. He had been busy with his duties especially with the one of a Kingdom who is trying to instigate a war.

" Yes. I am waiting for her" Dami said bluntly. He didnt want to beat around the bush.

His father smiled " I see. Can't wait? How is she?"

A man who was serving the drinks came to their table when the King signalled to him by waving his hands. He took two cups from him as the man bowed and left them.

"She is okay. She is cute, plump, short and beautiful. She is very shy by her looks" Damilola smiled at that last statement remembering how scared she was to look at him even though he wanted her to. She would look up a bit and then, look down again when she noticed him staring.

"Hmmm.....the plump ones. That's ok. Do you plan to take her as a wife?" King Dele asked as he sipped the palm wine in his cup.

"I am not sure. I don't think I amready for marriage. Let me see how this goes"

"OK. Anything as long as you don't fall in love with her. I don't want you to be like me who ended everyday worrying for his wife all because of love. I never planned to fall in love but I did. Even though it was beautiful, it was hard to keep her because of the constant threat. I almost gave up the kingdom when she was kidnapped. It is hard so I don't want you being in that situation. The past kings have been taught not to get attached to their wives or children if they wanted to keep the throne. I didn't follow the rule and I suffered greatly. If you aren't the crown Prince, then it's fine but being the one, you have to try anything to block your heart. Now, I only have three of you to protect. Nobody will try to kill my wives or their children to get to me because they know I don't care. You have to feel that way. Having just the three of you to care is quite hard"

"I understand father" he simply said.

King Dele was a bit worried, knowing how his son was. Somehow, he was sure he would fall in love one day and have to live the life he lived with his beloved wife. He could only sigh.

"I will get going. I have something urgent to do"

Damilola smiled knowing what "urgent" meant "Ok father".

The smile fell when his father left. He looked left and right again in anger. Where is Shola? he thought.

The first Queen, Akun's mother couldn't help but fume in anger and distaste at the love that her husband showed Dami. She went to her son who was standing at a corridor waiting for the guard to tell him the girl has arrived " Akun, we have to do something fast about the throne "

"Not now mother"

The Queen glared at her son " What do you mean? Don't you want the throne?"

"Of course I do but I don't want to think about it now. Dad has punished me too much. I need a girl to relax with"

" Is that all you think of? Don't you know that when you become king, you will have any woman to be yours without being punished if you did bad?"

"I know mother but not tonight. I am still aware and I am waiting for the perfect chance to get rid of the boy"

"Well, you have to be fast about it. Time is no longer on our side. He will be crowned in two month's time"

"Yes mom. I am on it. I promise to not let you down" Akun assured his mom who held a faint smile to his words.

Akun kissed his mom on the cheek and left. Queen Sade could not help but be worried. Akun was her only child and she wanted him to be king. Even though only she knew he was not the King's legitimate child, she didn't care. It is not like she would take him to that peasant who gave her the child.

Queen Sade found it difficult to have a child so she sought the assistance of a village priest who told her the only way was to sleep with a peasant. Lacking any choice, she had to and lie that it was the King's child. She remembered the night, it was disgusting to her. She wished not for such to happen again. She had made sure to kill the peasant after Akun was born to cover up any mistake. The peasant was even starting to threaten to receive more gifts from her. Killing him was the best option and she didn't regret a thing.

"I have to make sure Akun gets the throne unless all my effort will be vain feel" She narrowed her eyes at no one in particular.

*******

Mayo and Denle were so disappointed with the Prince's action. Denle looked more displeased than Mayo even though she didn't care. It was night time and Denle decided to stay with Mayo hoping she will need some company. Ayo, Funmi and her father had gone for the birthday ceremony. She didn't go because she didn't feel the need and also her father had told her to stay to take care of the house.

The two girls sat at the entrance of Mayo's house talking about the turnout of the day

"Mayo, I can't still believe that the prince didn't pick anyone. He just wasted our time. I feel hurt for you" Denle lamented.

"Denle, it's ok. Maybe he wants to pick her secretly. Somehow, it is for the best. I don't know if I would have been able to handle it if he chose someone other than me which is very likely to be" Mayo said in between dystopia.

"No Mayo, I am very sure it would have been you. Remember, we sat on the tree, it was the best view. Anyone would have seen us. He was looking at you. I saw him but for some reason, he refused to say anything" Denle said verbosely.

Mayo sighed. Now that Denle said he was looking at her, she wished he could have picked her. Her entire life would have been changed. People will respect her most especially her sisters and father. But there was nothing she could do. She was happy to see him. He had grown proudly handsome. His shoulders were broad, his stance proud and intimidating. His nappy hair was full, with sharp jaw. His small nose rested on his face to suite his looks. He looked truly handsome. Mayo couldn't help but blush while thinking of him.

Denle noticing this allowed her friend to keep dreaming. She wished the Prince had picked her. It would have helped in boosting her self confidence. It was a good and bad day. Good that Mayo saw the Prince, bad that he didn't pick her.

Just as the two girls continued to sit, with Mayo still thinking about the Prince and Denle looking at the stars in the sky while leaving her friend to dream, a boy walked into the compound distracting them from their thoughts. He was tall, dark and broad. His chest bare for all to see.

It had taken sometime for Shola to get the girl's house. "I am Shola, the Crown Prince's personal guard" he addressed himself. "I would like for you to come with me. The Prince awaits your presence"

Mayo and Denle looked at each other flabbergasted. They abruptly stood up in confusion. Mayo was numb just hearing of the Prince. She was already sweating. Denle who was more relaxed took the liberty to ask "Who?"

"She" Shola said pointing to Mayo. Mayo"s heart jumped, racing in her rib cage. She didn't know what to do. It took her by surprise.

"She? What happened? Did she do anything wrong?" Denle asked.

"I don't know. The Prince sent for her. Please come with me willingly or I will be forced to use different measures to get you to him" Shola said. He was getting a little but frustrated with the questions.

Mayo tried to say something but she couldn't. Why will the Prince send for her in the night? Did he maybe want to make her his wife? Just thinking about it gave her goosebumps. Her stomach was unsettled, her head turning dizzy. She felt like fainting.

Denle looked at Mayo "Mayo, do you want to go?"

Mayo sighed and nodded looking at the guard's face. Of course she wanted to go. She knew she had done nothing wrong for it to be a case of treason or anything treacherous. She definitely couldn't refuse the prince even if she wanted to. She was happy that the prince had noticed her to the extent that he sent for her. When Shola first told them the reason why he came, she thought he was referring to Denle and she was about to die but being a good friend, she would have allowed it even if it will hurt her.

"Please come with me" Shola repeated again seeing that she refused to move. Mayo hugged her friend "I will be alright. I promise. Now go back home. It's getting dark"

Denle nodded "Take care. I am happy that he at least noticed you"

Mayo hugged her again. It felt like she was going away and will spend less time with her. She made sure to hug her so much. Shola stood there watching the two girls. He was frustrated as he wanted to go back and eat something. He had missed the celebration looking for the girl's house but he kept calm. He was glad to know that she didn't refuse just like the Prince said. Of course, he is the Prince isn't he?

Mayo left with Shola as both of them headed to the palace. Denle saw them leave. She was happy and worried. She hoped nothing will bad will befall her friend. After some seconds, she decided to head home.

Back at the palace, the Prince had been waiting for Shola to tell him he had brought the girl. He sat at the corner, thinking about her. Some girls tried to come close but he stationed guards around him telling them not to let anyone near him. They could only look at him for afar, admiring his attractive features hoping he would spare them a glance.

He sighed in anger and stood up. The celebration was ending and the people were going back making the place less rowdy. He was about to head to his room he saw Shola walking towards him. He couldn't explain how relieved he was to see him.

"My Prince" Shola bowed "The girl is in your room"

"What took you so long?" Damilola asked scratching his temple.

"I am sorry my Prince but her house was a bit difficult to find"

"Ok. Thank you. I suppose you haven't eaten anything. Go eat" Shola bowed as Damilola walked past him heading to his room with guards following him.

Dami stopped when his brother called " Dami, where you rushing to? You look like you are about to go fight?"

"Dayo, I have something to do. Enjoy yourself" Dami left heading to his room. He couldn't wait to take a proper look at her.

Dayo was a bit surprised at his brother words, he didn't make sense to him. He too was about to head to his room when his eyes caught a girl who was average in height, slender and dark in complexion. Her hair was braided nicely and her curves were perfect. He wanted to go talk to her but he had matters to attend to. He could get her to his bed but he preferred not to. He promised to find her tomorrow. Just as he was about to go again, his eye caught another girl who looked just like her but a little shorter and not as calm as the other one appeared to be. They should be twins. He concluded and left.

Damilola got to his room quickly "Make sure no one disturbs me" he commanded and the guards bowed in return. He entered the room to see the girl he had been waiting for. She greeted him "Good evening my Prince". She kept her head down. She couldn't look at him especially when he was this close. Dami didnt say anything. He went behind a curtain and changed into something comfy for the night. His chest were open and he wore a trouser like attire. It was baggy and long. It was something the Royal house people wore on some occasions. It was not yet implemented among the people so the men continued with the wrappers. But it was to be implemented soon.

Mayo still kept her head down while she was shaking and sweating. Any minute, she felt her legs were going to give in. She tried containing herself but the feeling was feral. She was still considering the feeling that she was in the room with the very boy she had dotted on for eight years. It felt like a dream but she prayed not to wake up.

Damilola went to sit on the bed that was neatly arranged. The air in the room was filled with flowers that made Mayo a bit dizzy with all the emotions rushing through her veins. Damilola took his sweet time to look at the girl in front of him. She was much more beautiful than when he saw her on the tree. Her skin was glowing. It made him wonder if she came out in the sun. He kept admiring her until he fumed in anger. Why was she not looking up? He understood that she was shy but won't she at least look at him. Since he entered the room, not once had she look at him. Did he look bad?

"Look at me" Dami commanded making Mayo flinch. Now, she was sure her legs will give in.