It wasn't new to sir Poker how king Hala handles him.
Sir poker's wife was out of patience because her husband has never disappointed her with time. It is 8 pm already, where is my husband, there was nobody to ask.
Her children were perplexed by their father's whereabouts. "Mother, the senior boy called, I think we should see to the king about the unforeseen disappearance of our father?" My son, you are very correct, let's try to sleep till tomorrow. I will visit the Palace.
It was already 8 pm and it was Lila's turn to have the king in her chamber since they are two now. Hala was on the bed with Lila discussing the future of the kingdom. When I have the other kingdoms in my possession, I will make their people leak their wounds. That's the lion, Lila said, Hala thought she was for him. My lord she called, yes, Hala answered. The dogged zeal of sir Poker towards our kingdom's advancement is beyond measure, the man is bathed from head to toe with selflessness she said on a low key.
"He is an Intelligent nonsense, I think his benevolence is now archaic, he is kissed with stupidity and malevolence if not, he wouldn't have insulted the Queen" (Via). "The Queen?" Lila stressed her question, oh....yes the Queen, Hala replied.
I give preference to certain things for a long period now, especially paying deaf ears to what people are saying, I wouldn't mind if it will cause anyone pain or sorrow, the kingdom is peaceful to them when I am now displaying my weakness to them but it hurt me badly because I am seeing myself as a weakling.
I know you want Poker to be free from prison, oh yes, he will be free but not against my order. The three days must be completed, there is nothing no one can do about it, anyone who wants to be chief of sympathy will gladly join him irrespective of such person status including you and I wouldn't think twice.
The last line of Hala's words was like a stabbing pain to Lila, she regretted being a mediator in this case, though what he was up to was right but her husband's wickedness wouldn't make him see her wife right.
Lila began to jerk in her speech, "I...am… I… am very sorry my lord, it sounds stupid of me to want to go against your wish, bid me mercy and forgive, never will I go against your decree again". Lila sorted for peace and harmony immediately after she discovered her husband was highly enraged.
I have forgiven you, but you just instigated my furry, let's go to bed, the time is far spent, Hala spoke to Lila in a calm voice. Within Lila, it is not new to me that I am married to a devil chameleon.
Very early in the morning before breakfast, Sir Poker's wife propelled herself in a pool of tears looking unkept into the Palace, the Palace tried to stop her but her voice was like a thunderstorm. Her presence became a wave in the Palace. Who is that lifeless human being shaking the roof of my Palace this morning, Hala asked?
"May you live long oh fearless tiger of our land, she rained a gigantic praise on Hala, Hala couldn't hold back his enthusiasm but gave a smile, yes wife of the notable one, how can I be of help to you?" He asked.
"There is nobody capable of helping me apart from you, please my husband has gone missing since yesterday, all efforts to find him were wasteful". Please help me, she chorused in lamentations.
Hala was moved by the poor woman's words and went into his conscience.
You see, you are a very good woman and I have resolved to come to your aid, but it doesn't change the fact that over-familiarity brings contempt. Your husband is a very good and diplomatic man, but the chances given to him are now over his head, therefore, I have decided to schooled him how to be a nice man. It is too early to let you understand the music your husband is playing.
I will have mercy on you, but I will be so busy today to send my guards on such a search hunt for your husband but tomorrow unfailingly you shall see your husband in good health. Thank you so much, your highness, may the almighty be with Poker's wife said in a relief tune. You may go now, Hala said.
All what Hala discussed with Poker's wife was heard by Poker, but his life was so dear to him to notify his wife of his whereabouts.
After about half an hour, Hala ordered his guards to bring him out and served him his morning breakfast (flog), to make sure there was a print of the strokes on his back.
The poor man was scourged mercilessly twelve times, next time when you see my shadow you will comport yourself Hala said to Poker and ordered his guards to return him to the prison.
Mr Mik who was a regular visitor to sir Poker went to ask Poker's wife his whereabouts.
How was your trip to the Palace, hope it was cold he asked. Yes, it was successful, but he said tomorrow he will send his guards on a search hunt for him. She replied to him. Hmmm….. That man is a suspect of where your husband is, why did you say so sir? Have you ever thought of it, since you have been in this kingdom, have you ever heard of a missing king abducting them?
Let us wait for what tomorrow has for us before we could point fingers but this is just a tip of the iceberg Mr Mik said.
Please take good care of yourself. I will come tomorrow to see you and your kids Mik said and returned home.
Mik's words left Poker's wife in disdain but he must keep to the king's promise not to stir his wrought.