Meeting (2)

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The Aya* pulled apart the sheer violet curtains woven with shimmering gold fibers, and the amethyst beads that dangled and chimed behind.

The young king sauntered into the room. The large robe draping his body trailed ceremoniously on the floor behind him like the line of attendants that followed.

It was a spacious room of gleaming blue-gray marble. A multitude of candles in high sconces on the walls filled it with brilliant light.

At the center of the room, a large bathing pool was cut into the floor. It was filled with water, blanketed with petals of yellow plumeria.

The room, too, was imbued with the heady scent of the flower. From an adjacent room separated by a rich satin curtain, the gentle chords of stringed instruments mingled with the scent.

The young king closed his eyes. As he listened to the tranquil music and breathed in the sweet fragrance, he felt his mind soothed, his tensions calming.

He made his way to the head of the marble pool, watching as the Aya in the room poured in vials of oils and scents.

"Iroro," he called his Chief Eunuch, standing with arms opened to his sides, so he could be undressed.

"Yes, Ovyeme," Eunuch Iroro answered, removing the young king's robes. He handed them to the Aye to hang neatly on the racks in the room.

"We cannot help but feel ashamed when we think that there are people in our kingdom who cannot afford oil for the foods they eat. Yet we take such lavish nightly baths filled with the richest, nourishing oils."

The issue of the disparaging gaps between the castes of the kingdom was something his late mentor often lectured him on. Stressing to him his role as mediator. But on this night, especially, the young king felt heavy-hearted as he watched the Aya exit the room with their vials of oil. Only the group of older Aye, who raised him, remained.

Eunuch Iroro smiled, unwinding the embroidered headcloth around the king's head. He carefully let down his copper locks as he said, "It is Ovye's duty to preserve the dignity befitting the Orodje. Just as it is Ovye's duty to care for his people."

Bowing, he respectfully offered a hand. The young king placed his own on top, allowing the Eunuch to lead him down the wide marble steps into the cool bath.

The attending Maidens followed behind, carrying various soaps and accessories.

"But one must wonder, what is the worth of dignity if the people are starving…" …and I am left alone? The king questioned sorrowfully.

The Maidens began to meticulously wash, oil, and comb his hair while Eunuch Iroro carefully cleansed his body.

Eunuch Iroro bowed his head. "May Ovye forgive my impudence. But if, in his sympathy, Ovye chooses to starve to death because the people are starving, who, then, can the people look to for deliverance? Ovye must remain firm and live on to lead his people."

"And he must be clean, so the people will not be repulsed by his odor!" remarked Grand Maiden Inene. The gentle Aye with adoring brown eyes who had nursed him.

The Maidens in the room tittered, and the young king laughed, his spirits reviving. "Yes. You are right, Nene. And we must do so especially for your sake, Iroro. As you must remain at our side at all times."

"And as long as I am at Ovye's side, I shall ensure that others perceive only this sweet smell from him," Eunuch Iroro said, sweeping up petals of plumeria from the bath.

The young king gazed appreciatively at his loyal servant.

Eunuch Iroro had been by his side for as long as he could remember, and even before that. Caring for him, guiding him, much like an older brother.

He remembered another he had looked up to as a brother, but pushed back the dark memory.

Yes, I shall remain firm, he thought.

The king nodded, coming to a decision. "We cannot yet rely on the ministers' support at court. But it would not be too soon for us to start building our own foundation of reliable retainers. What better support is there than one you build and fortify yourself?"

He smiled at Eunuch Iroro. "Dear cousin, our relationship is the very proof of this."

Eunuch Iroro returned the smile. "What does Ovye have in mind?"

The king leaned his head back. He closed his eyes to relish the comfort as the Grand Maiden carefully massaged his scalp with scented medicinal herbs. The other Aye combed his hair with precise strokes.

"An invitation to the ministers' sons. Emuvoke Iwaka Onomine, son of the Minister of Justice. Efemuaye Iwaka Efemini, son of the Minister of Finance. And Ejaita Beliko Onajite, son of the Minister of Domestic Affairs. We shall have them join us in our lectures with the royal tutors."

Eunuch Iroro looked bemused. "Ovye will build his foundation with the sons of the Queen Dowager's strongest supporters?"

The young king opened his eyes. His innocent, boyish grin belied his acumen. "We shall also include Prince Etegah along with the sons of other ministers. It is true we have grown awfully bored with the lectures; a change of pace is in order. And the late Onóturode always advised us to welcome multiple perspectives to broaden our view. What do you think?"

Eunuch Iroro regarded him with admiration. "Brilliant. It is only a shame that Onóturode Onovughe's son is still just a babe. Ovye might have invited him, as well," he said as he continued to cleanse the king's body.

"Which reminds us." The king instructed, "Send notice to the Onóturode's home tomorrow requesting Lady Oyoyovwi to enter the palace. We promised Princess Ada the visitation."

Eunuch Iroro bowed his head. "As Ovye commands."

After a pause, he continued, "Ovye has been rather silent on the subject of his betrothal to Onóturode Onovughe's daughter. I thought he would surely protest when the Queen Dowager brought it up before the court."

The young king's expression waxed austere. "You yourself spoke of the dignity befitting an Orodje. Why protest something whose conclusion is already clear to us?

The four years of mourning Sovereign Father's death prohibits the occurrence of any major celebrations that are non-religious. Including royal engagements and marriages. Once these four years are over, we shall be of age to decide our own marriage matters."

He closed his eyes to enjoy his bath. "When the time comes, we shall give the court our answer."