5 Chapter four The parade - part 3

The villagers waited in the village square for the crown prince to arrive. The village square was decorated quite nice as that would be the exact spot where the Prince would be stationed to look at the beautiful maidens and pick any of his choice.

Maidens of OSU had already taken their spot at the square awaiting the Crown prince's arrival, each making sure they stood in the most alluring place where the prince wouldn't miss them. It wasnt just for them but also their family. It is a game changer for their entire destiny. No one was ready to miss such opportunity.

Mayo and Denle arrived just in time before the prince came. Mayo was so nervous. She felt her stomach growling even though she was not hungry.

The prince wasn't even there for God's sake!

But still, she couldn't control the feeling. She loved the Prince so much ever since she saw him eight years ago. She had dreamt about a lot of things concerning her life with him which made her skin chisel at the thought. Somewhere in her, she wanted him not to see her. She was worried what he would think if he saw her. Would he find her beautiful? Or would he just overlook her as she was not up to STANDARD? But either way, she wanted him to at least notice her even if he wouldn't pick her. Just knowing that he would see her is enough. She couldn't ask for more. She didn't want to exaggerate and be greedy.

Denle tried to get through the crowd so she could open up a space for her friend where she would be noticed. She wanted the Prince to at least look at her even if he wouldn't pick her.

"Denle, I am not sure we will be able to get through. The crowd is taunting and the girls won't give space for us. Let's just wait over here until the prince arrives" Mayo said feeling jittery. Somehow, she was scared to stay at the front. She wasnt used to it.

"No Mayo, we have to get through unless how will he see you? You don't think he has some sort of power where he would be able to see through every one not also forgetting that you are small and short" Denle said in disapproval. She knew how Mayo was. She was timid and easily intimidated even though she wanted that thing badly.

Mayo felt taunted even though she knew Denle was right.

"Don't you want him to see you?" Denle asked even though she knew the answer.

"Yes I do" Mayo nodded coyly as she replied

"Good. Then we need to get through the crowd or find a place that is less situated"

Denle who was the tall and bold one tried to squeeze out a way for her friend. She even went as far as trying to push the girls who were obstructing the way with their mothers. Mothers were not supposed to be in the front but some mothers decided to take the space so they could prevent other girls from stepping in the front view while giving their daughters a push.

Denle was angered by this. She didn't just have to deal with girls but also their mothers who had no business with the parade today. They were supposed to stay at the back but they were at the front giving courage to their daughters. One particular woman angered Denle. She was fair in complexion, tall and fat. Her skin was beautiful but her character wasnt. She stood close to her daughter who looked like her but slimmer. Of course, she would have prevented her daughter from getting fat while maintaining a good shape. The woman kept moving from one side to another preventing Denle and Mayo from taking a spot. It was a good spot and Denle didn't want to miss it. If she moved right, the woman would move right, if she moved left, the woman would move left as well. Even though there was enough space for all, she made it seem impossible.

Denle fumed in anger and blurted "Mama, can you stop moving?". The woman ignored her and continued. Denle then forgot her manners and respect and pushed her lightly as she tried to move again.

" Are you okay? It seems you don't have respect for your elders?" the woman shouted alerting people close by. Denle ignored her and took the spot. She knew she was wrong but she was too frustrated to know who was elder. In Osu, the elders were always right no matter what and shouldn't be questioned.

The woman was not done. She refused to be disrespected by a small girl. She took Denle's hand and dragged out of there "If you lack manners, go back home and fix it!". Denle wanted to retaliate but Mayo stopped her " Let's just go. You know no one will side us. Let's find another place ". Denle nodded in agreement knowing she was right. But which good spot could she find for her friend. she didn't want Mayo to go unnoticed.

" Where do we go now?" Denle stomped her feet on the ground while looking around. Everywhere had been taken and that spot was the best but they lost it. Mayo didn't know what to do "Let's just go to the back. Soon the dancers would arrive and we can't keep standing here" she said concentrating on the eyes who were watching them. They were standing at the center which was inappropriate.

Denle then took notice of a tree at the back of the crowd. It was a good spot and no one was there. They would just need to climb the tree a little and the Prince would be able to see them. "Let's go there" she urged. Mayo was a little taken aback. She knew if she wanted the Prince to see her, she would have to climb and she didn't want to seem desperate. She wasn't after his fame, respect or money, she just wanted his love but Denle urged her on. Left with no option, she followed Denle and they both climbed the tree, sitting on it while they waited for the Prince to arrive. Mayo could feel her stomach tinge and shake at the thought of seeing him. It would be the second time she sees him. He hardly came out so she couldn't wait to see how much he had grown in these years.

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Prince Damilola, his sister and brother rode in the carriage with guards accompanying them in and out of the ride. There were two guards in the ride while the rest followed them from behind and at the side while walking. His step brothers followed as well from the back. His father wasn't there as there was no need to be.

Damilola's brother Dayo was looking forward to take home many girls. He knew they will be at their best look today. It made him excited. It was the reason he followed his brother unless he wouldn't have bothered. Aba, Damilola's sister and only princess of Osu was just fascinated with the fact that she gets to go outside and see the villagers. She looked forward to the dance that would be presented when they reached the village square and also she wanted so badly to see who the lucky girl her brother was going to pick. She had never been at a parade so the excitement was justified. She looked keenly at the villagers, they looked good and well taken care of. The village was very organized and clean. She had to give kudos to her dad for doing a good work.

"So brother, which type of girl are you looking forward to picking?" Dayo asked even though he knew that his brother wasn't interested in picking a wife.

"You know I am not picking anyone. I am just here as it is my duty" Damilola replied maintaining a straight face and avoiding his brother's face.

"I know but won't you pick anyone for tasting?" Dayo smiled mischeviously. Dami turned just in time to look at his smile which further widened. "They will look extremely alluring"

Dami sighed knowing his brother "I will do want I want to do".

" Do what you must but I am sure you won't be able to help it when you see them. This charade you are putting on will be torn. Anyways, I am making sure I get enough. I am looking to pick three for this night" Dayo sighed still smiling. There were already some girls walking in the street which he couldn't help but admire. Some of them bowed to greet them as they passed while some ran away out of shyness. Dayo waved at them which made them flustered "Osu girls are one of a kind"

"Don't you think three is too many?" Damilola asked rejuvenating the matter.

"Someone said the more you have, you more younger you will look. To conclude, sex makes you young"

"And who told you that?"

"Father" Dayo grinned cunningly

Damilola sighed knowing he was right. His father was so shameless and was proud of it.

The ride continued with Dami having to put up with a smile while waving the passersby as they rode to the village square.

On getting to the village square, they were met with dancers who wore unique attires and beads, moving their waist and legs in enticing ways. The dance was neatly performed. Everyone was pleased. The dancers paid their respect to the Prince before they left. The carriage then rode to stay at the center while everyone waited for who the Prince was to pick

******

The maidens blushed and tried to make themselves more visible for the Prince. They had been preparing for weeks. Some tried waving for the Prince to see them out of desperation which Dami found to be stupid. He knew he wasn't going to pick any wife but that wouldn't mean he won't admire them and try looking for someone to suite him after his birthday.

Akun, his older brother and the King's first son was vexed with his attitude. He wasn't on the same carriage but he felt like telling to pick someone. Though he wasnt forced to come, he wasn't happy. He came for the girls and had seen them so why was this the boy who stole his position wasting time? Akun knew Dami wasn't picking anyone so why can't he just move?

"Come here" Akun called the guard in his ride. "You see those four girls over there, bring them to me this night during the birthday party. I won't be attending" he commanded

"I'm sorry my prince but the king said you are only allowed to take one"

"OK, just bring that girl sitting on the tree for me". Akun knew what he had done so he didn't bother to ask why. He knew why the king has limited him to one girl. He had been reported to be brutal with the girls he slept with which the king hated. Even though he was the king and had the freedom to take in any woman he wanted, married or not married , he didn't like women being forced to do things violently. He loved seducing them. Akun had not only beaten girls that were negatively persistent in pleasing him but also girls who gave themselves willingly. He had been prevented from touching girls for three months now. He had just been allowed so he knew better than to disobey unless this time, he would be put in jail and be tortured which the king would love. He wasn't his FAVORITE after all.

"Is it the plump one?" the guard asked noticing that were two girls were there.

"No, the slim one. The plump ones always drive me mad. I don't want to run mad and tear them into pieces. If she doesn't agree, force her. I have waited for too long. Do what you must to bring her to me"

"Yes my Prince" he nodded and went back to his position.

Dami kept staring at the girls around. He knew he wasnt picking a wife but he was hoping to taste one this night.

"Oh Dami, will you just pick one already" Dayo wailed. "Please, let's go if you have made up your mind not to test any one. The sun is hot. I have made my choice already"

Dami ignored and kept searching around. Even though they looked good, they weren't just catching his fancy. They seemed too forward and were looking him straight in the eye.

Mayo on the other hand couldn't contain herself. She felt like she was going to fall down out of dizziness. He looked so handsome. He had grown up to be very good looking. She couldn't help but blush. She didn't stare at him for long. She looked at him for two seconds at intervals so that he wouldn't catch her staring. Denle was vexed on how the prince stood there not wanting to move or say anything. So she decided to wave as well

"What are you doing?" Mayo asked. She was sweating in her palms because of the nervousness. Her body was already burning at the sight of the Prince. She didn't want him to have the wrong impression of her. She noticed how displeased he was with the girls who waved earlier which made them stop and now Denle was doing the same shamelessly.

"I want him to see you. He is taking our time. I don't think he is going to pick any one if he keeps standing there like that" She continued. Mayo tried toput her hand down.

Prince Damilola then decided to leave seeing no one caught his taste. The maidens were sad. Though it was not the first time a prince would leave without picking someone but they hoped it will be different this time. Seeing the carriage pause, they sighed in relief hoping he would finally make a pick.

Damilola turned to look somewhere " Shola, Come here" an 18 year old guard walked close to me. He was Dami's most trusted guard and friend. They had been together since they were young and he took him more as a friend than his personal guard.

"You see that girl over there? Bring her to me after my birthday party"

"Is it this one?" he pointed subtly making sure that people won't see him

"No, the other one. Get her to me this night. Don't force her if she refuses but looking at her, I am sure she wouldn't. She can't even look me in the eye" he grinned mischievously.

"Yes my Prince"

Dami signalled for the carriage while still looking at the girl. The maidens were displeased. They felt like they had lost it all. Murmuring took over and mothers patted their daughters. They were disappointed that the Prince didn't pick anyone. All their hardwork was thrown ten feet down the ground.

Mayo was also displeased. She thought the Prince was looking at her that was why she refused to meet his eye. For a moment, she thought he would call her but she was wrong. She dreamt too much, she said to herself

"I can't believe the Prince wasted all our time" Denle fumed in anger.