I woke up very early the next morning and realized he had left. I dressed up and went outside to supervise the maids as they go about their daily activities. As a lady of the manor, it was my duty to make sure everything was in order. I felt a slight pain in my abdomen but I neglected it and went about my duty. Even though I tried as much as I could to hide my disappointment, i felt relieved he wasn't around because I knew I couldn't face him.
"Yhuri, have you seen His Highness this morning?" I asked Yhuri as we walked to the bathhouse.
"Yes, My Lady. He left very early with Jabari" Yhuri replied.
"Ok, thank you"
"You're welcome My Lady," Yhuri said.
I had a warm bath and decided to out of the manor to visit Lady Shui at the King's harem.
"My Lady, please you cannot go out now" the guard in front of the manor said.
"Why?" I asked in disbelief.
"His Highness has ordered us not to allow you to leave the manor until he returns"
"Ok," I replied and turned to back to my hut with Yhuri following closely behind me.
*****
Mbaku left very early in the morning to meet Buka at the arc shed plantation. He greeted Buka humbly and they discussed the war plan he had sent to him earlier. After discussing the plan, Buka asked Mbaku;
"How do you intend to save Diemo this time?"
"It won't be easy but I am still trying to figure out a way" Mbaku replied.
"Hmmm" Buka sighed. "It looks like Diemo was too busy planning your demise and forgot to look back"
Mbaku recalled the conversation he had with Buka a day before the marriage rites were performed.
*****
(Mbaku recalling their conversation)
"I think the Queen and Diemo will try to sabotage the marriage," Mbaku said.
"Yes, they will. We can't let our guards down" Buka said.
"I will let Jabari guard her hut till she moves into my manor"
"That would be very good. They use only two methods, either kill the bride or let her escape"
"I am afraid that won't be the case now. They won't try to hurt the powerful Mwaga family, but won't hesitate to hurt the Leali family because it's powerless"
"You're right! Don't let your guards down"
*****
"I am afraid I won't be able to save him soon, but maybe later," Mbaku said.
"Don't act recklessly. There may be fire looming from an unknown spot" Buka warned. "Extend my greetings to Zui"
"Ok, General" Mbaku replied and they dispersed.
*****
I sat quietly in my hut wondering why he gave that order. A few minutes later I heard Mbaku's voice but I felt too shy to walk out of my hut.
"Where is Lady Zui?" Mbaku asked.
"She's in her hut, Your Highness" Yhuri replied.
Suddenly there was a knock on my door, I just couldn't stand the thought of seeing Mbaku. I mustered enough courage and went to open my door. I was a little disappointed to see Jabari when I opened the door.
"His Highness wants to see you," Jabari said looking in Mbaku's direction.
Mbaku stood there as he normally does, smile-less and stern. His eyes had no trace of emotion. He stared in my direction and turned his eyes to the entrance of the manor as a messenger arrived. I walked to Mbaku and didn't talk until the messenger left.
"Your Highness, Lady Shui invites you and Lady Zui to dinner at her manor this evening", the messenger said.
"Tell Lady Shui, we can't make it today. Maybe next time", Mbaku said.
"Okay, Your Highness. Lady Shui would definitely hear. I will like to take my leave now", the messenger said and left in a hurry.
Immediately the messenger left, Mbaku turned to look at me. I looked shyly away.
"I heard you wanted to go out", Mbaku said with no trace of emotion. He acted as if nothing had happened.
"Yes, I wanted to visit Lady Shui today", I replied.
"You are married now. You are in my manor, and she is in the king's harem. It is risky to be going to her often. Everyone knows you are my lady. Those who want to hurt me in this palace would try to use you. I have assured your safety to your father. I am afraid…", he paused when he turned to see the maids around then called out, "Laya!".
A woman came to him and bowed to him.
"At your service Your Highness", she said curtly.
"From now onwards, Laya will be guarding you"
"Guard? I am the daughter of the General what do I need a guard for?"
"You seriously need a guard. You are in the palace and I can't be with you all the time. Here, in this palace, is not a place to play a heroine" Mbaku said with a smile.
All the maids around us were astonished. The last thing they've ever seen him do, was to smile but there he was, smiling at his wife!
"I can protect myself" I protested.
"No, you can't" Mbaku replied seriously this time.
"What makes you think, I can't?"
"You have no sense of security"
"Really? I have only stayed here for two nights and I am suffocating already" I said.
"Everything I am doing is for your own safety," he said as he touched my shoulders. "Laya, keep an eye on Lady Zui" he ordered and walked to hut.
I didn't hesitate to walk to mine. This was unfair! Why can't I have everything my way? Why was I always helpless? I thought. I stayed in my hut and refused to eat breakfast nor lunch. I thought if I didn't go, he would change his mind but he didn't. Later in the day when it was time for supper, I finally walked out of my hut. I heard two maids' gossip about me.
"It was stained with blood. I think it happened last night. I wanted to see if she would go the hut at the backyard but she didn't" one said.
"If she didn't go to the hut at the backyard then it means she's not having her period," the other said. "That means His Highness is potent!"
Suddenly I heard a voice from behind and got startled.
"What do you want me to do to them?" the voice asked.
I turned and saw Mbaku standing right behind me.
"Do you want me to cut their tongues or rip their throat out?" Mbaku asked sternly.
"No! Don't do anything to them. Allow them" I replied.
"I'm glad you said that. Let's go before the foods cool down" said Mbaku.
We sat down and ate in silence. Before Mbaku could finish his food, Jabari came rushing to him and said as he panted for air,
"There's riot at the King's manor, Your Highness"