Gracefully, he mounted his sturdy horse and embarked on the journey to the palace through the parted trees. The air was foggy among the trees and the gentle breeze whispered secrets through the rustling leaves, causing them to dance around him.
Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor as he rode closer to the majestic palace.
As he neared, he thought of Safiya's words to protect her sister. After the wedding, he rarely visited the palace, and if ever he did, it was only for matters concerning the safety of the kingdom.
He hadn't seen Meka since the wedding. But today, he must make sure to see how she was faring, perhaps to prove to Safiya that Azu was a safe place and she need not worry about her safety.
As he reached the palace, he was greeted by an enormous gate made of strong woods and red mud. The palace guards upon seeing him, bowed and opened to welcome him inside.
The first thing that caught his attention was the vast compound. The palace had large buildings arranged in a circular shape, each one designated for a different member of the family.
He strode forward, making his way towards the main palace. This was where the king and his men usually gathered, and where the family would have breakfast if necessary. It was a majestic place, overflowing with grandeur.
Malik came down from his horse and made his way down the corridor. It didn't take long before he spotted Jelani, accompanied by his guards.
"Ahh, Malik, it's good to see you," Jelani greeted him, a warm smile on his face. Malik returned the smile, faintly. Although they were cousins, he usually kept his distance.
As they exchanged pleasantries, Malik's eyes wandered, hoping to catch a glimpse of Meka. His search came up empty, but he couldn't help but tease Jelani.
"How does it feel, living as a married man?" Malik playfully quizzed him, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Jelani smiled, his hand now resting at his back. He was dressed in a long silk cloth that reached just a tiny bit past his knee. "It's the best, Malik, especially with the throne coming forth. It's as if I can feel the power becoming mine," he laughed. Malik frowned.
"Why have you come here?" Jelani asked curiously. Malik wondered if Jelani wanted to know what had been happening, how things had been unfolding. But Malik knew it wasn't his place to reveal anything until Jelani officially became king.
"The king called," Malik replied, keeping his answer brief and to the point.
"Oh, that's fine, but why don't you join us for breakfast? The king will be there, and afterwards, you can meet him," Jelani persuaded, his friendly demeanor encouraging Malik to accept the invitation.
Malik wanted to decline. He didn't particularly enjoy being among the royal family. However, he knew it would be an opportunity to see Meka and check on how she was doing. Reluctantly, he responded, "Sure, I would love that."
They continued their walk through the corridor, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors. The air was thick with the scent of cedar and sandalwood, and a cool breeze from the open windows swept through the corridor.
There was a faint sound of laughter coming from somewhere in the palace, and the light from the tall windows danced across the walls.
As they walked, Jelani took the chance to inquire about Nia. "So, how is Nia doing? Shouldn't you two get married?"
Malik sighed, feeling slightly irritated by the topic that he had recently dealt with. "I need to focus on my duty first and foremost," he replied, hoping to steer the conversation away from his personal life.
Jelani nodded understandingly, sensing that Malik didn't want to delve into the topic further. They continued their conversation on other subjects, and despite Jelani's occasionally sneaky nature, Malik found himself enjoying his company.
As they walked, they approached the dining room with a silk curtain acting as a passage, tied on both ends but with the middle part visible.
They stepped inside, Large windows adorned the room, allowing the morning sunlight to filter in, casting a warm yellow glow that harmonized with the brown walls and floor.
The room was vast, illuminated by the soft glow of sunlight seeping in. In the center, a magnificent round table stood proudly, its polished wood reflecting the warm light.
Surrounding it were chairs that seemed to have been crafted meticulously, their beauty matching the regal atmosphere. Seated at the head of the table was the king, with his two wives by his side.
He smiled serenely, his crown gleaming in the sunlight. A silk cloth was wrapped around his waist, contrasting with his bare chest and muscular arms. Two guards stood behind him, their bodies tense and alert, their eyes fixed on the room.
The king's two wives wore brightly colored robes, with intricate patterns and jewels adorning their collars.
The king has two children from his first queen: Jelani and his sister, Ife. The first queen, seated at the king's right, had a stern expression that showed little interest. Malik knew she had been like this ever since the king took a second wife.
The second queen had a ten-year-old son who was seated close to her. He was a bit chubby, with well-grown hair cut short. His eyebrows were full, and his lips formed a small pout.
He wore a silk clothing draped around his waist and a gold necklace adorning his neck. The young queen's face was bright, and she appeared to be almost the same age as Jelani. She always seemed happy and carefree.
As Malik and Jelani joined the table, he noticed that only the king, his two wives, and the second prince were seated. He wondered where Meka was. "Oh, look at who we have here, Malik, the strongest of all warriors!" the king cheered upon spotting him.
Malik bowed and greeted, "Long live the king." He also noticed the second queen bowing to him, her smile gracing her face. However, Jelani's mother, the first queen, turned her face away, pretending to adjust her dress.
Seeing Malik, the young prince raced towards him with joy. "Uncle Malik!" he exclaimed happily. Malik scooped him up and replied, "Hello, little one." Carrying him, they both settled at the table.
Jelani sat close to his mother, and they began to chat. Soon, Jelani's sister walked in, followed by a group of maidens. She was dressed in a gold silk skirt adorned with many pieces of jewelry that sparkled in the light.
The top of her dress revealed too much cleavage, and her hair was covered with an excessive amount of beads. She had a slim figure, with a pointed nose, round eyes, and a love shaped mouth.
As she entered the room, she smiled faintly and greeted the king. She then turned to the queens, greeted them as well, and sat next to her brother before her eyes fell upon Malik.
"It's not very common to see you here with us, Malik. How is your mother?" she asked.
Malik glanced at her briefly before focusing his attention back on the young prince. "She is doing well," he replied simply. Malik was not one for long conversations with the princess, and she knew better than to push the issue.
The palace servants bustled around the dining area, their arms laden with a delightful line up of tempting dishes.
Malik's senses were immediately awakened by the mouth-watering aromas wafting through the air - the rich scent of simmering plantain porridge mixed with fragrant ugwu leaf, the warm aroma of baked beans (akara), and the sweet fragrance of ripe fruits.
As the food was being served, Malik caught sight of Meka, who was being trailed by a group of maidens.
She wore a dark blue skirt paired with a top, and strands of beads around her waist that glimmered in the light.
However, he noticed that she looked pale, with dark circles under her eyes. Her demeanor seemed nervous, as if she was carrying a heavy burden.