The Kingdom is starting to be in state of panic and unrest. Akinidad and is mother are catching up some time together yet he is left in the shadow without being told of what is about befalling the Kingdom, even though he is under training to ascend the throne when the time is due for him.
Princess Nala is also getting too worried since the symptoms and changes of her, of which her father made mention to her are beginning to be more visible under the sun. Hakeemi has not seen her since their last meeting on the farm and he is also getting worried and being on his feet for any possible thing that is yet to happen. His life might take its worse turn is truly the only princess of the land should be carrying his child out of wedlock. He has tried several times to get to her but to no avail and is gathering the courage to go after her at the palace, yet he knows the consequences that awaits him if he is being interrogated of the reason for his visit and it happens to be the princess.
Amari and Zibo, who first drew the attention of the King to the changes in his daughter's body, are at a loggerhead with each other and do not see eye to eye since their encounter with the King. It was almost impossible for them to have thought they would be spared and given another chance to life. Despite living in the same town in the Ptolemaic Kingdom, they both share the same quarters since they are slaves at the palace and serve the same mistress, which is the princess. Sleeping under the same roof have become challenging since both felt betrayed by the other. After a long wait of hoping either one of them will approach the other in resolving the careless dispute, Amari decided to take the first step in seeing if the issue between them can be resolved amicably like elders that they are. Zibo on the other hand, does not feel the edge of reconciliation, since it is Amari who nearly got the life of her body stolen from her by the decisions of tradition. As its said by the elder, NO SLAVE MUST BETRAY ANOTHER SLAVE, no matter the consequences, but seemed Amari took the heel of selfishness and thought about just her at that critical moment of their lives, right before the King.
Amari has tried several times to get Zibo listen to her but to no avail. One morning while Zibo was about showering to attend to her duties, Amari seemed to see it as a perfect moment to get to her and get her talking, in other to resolve and rectify her mistake done against her best friend.
Amari: Zibo, can we talk. I have been following up for almost two market days now and you seem to pay no attention to my requests.
Zibo: (Quiet for a moment) I don't think there is anything to talk about.
Amari: Of course there is. We've been like this since our meting with the King, it is said by our ancestors, that, A UNITED COMMUNITY IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN, AND…
Zibo: (Interrupts sharply) AND A DIVIDED SOCIETY IS LIKE A VALLEY. So, you knew about all these saying by our ancestors, yet you did not think twice when you tried endangering my life, the only life I had in the presence of the King. Or you did not?
Amari: Zibo, I am sorry okay. I didn't know what came over me. I had to say something, at least.
Zibo: And shifting all blames on me was the one best solution to have come to mind, right? (Asks in fury)
Amari: Zibo, we are both slaves in this palace. What do we stand to gain if the life in our bodies is to be taken. I mean taking both our lives.
Zibo: Amari, I have always heard that you are a selfish one and do not care of others when in chaos. I forced not to believe that, yet you proved to me all was true along.
Amari: (Asks in a sort of confused) What are you saying Zibo? You have known me ever since we were teenagers. Why on earth will I deliberately put you at risk just to save myself?
Zibo: Oh… Do not talk as if you haven't done that. Amari right Infront of me you thought just about yourself. I thought we used to do everything together.
Amari: Of course, Zibo. We…
Zibo: We got to this palace together, happily. We gossiped and did almost everything together. There are things you said to me about people which I never mentioned to anyone. You think I would lie to you just to imperil our lives?
Amari: Of course not. I know you would never think of such a thing.
Zibo: (Angrily) Then why on earth did you decide to put mine in jeopardy?
Amari: I didn't mean to. I was confused and thought the King was really going to hand us over t the executioner. You know I have a daughter that I live for, and I couldn't risk the chance of leaving her all by herself. I am a single mother of which you are much aware of.
Zibo: I have a family too Amari. I have two sons that I live for. You think it was just for me to have been executed?
Amari: At least you do have a husband. I don't Zibo.
Zibo: So, was that your justification of putting my life in a state of a danger?
Amari: Zibo I m sorry. I shouldn't have betrayed your trust or mentioned your name to the King abruptly.
Zibo: (A bit teary and with a squeaky voice) Amari, I do not think I'm in the best state of mind to have this talk with you. Allow me to get ready before the mistress is out.
Zibo said that and left the presence of the Amari. Amari on the other hand, sits with teary face and begin to regret her action, but yet still not enough reason to have done what she did.
Things are beginning to intensify in the Kingdom and the princess is yet to call unto her maids for her daily activities.
Zibo finishes with her preparations and walks to the Princess's chamber. As she got to the door of her chamber, she then overheard the princess talking a tone of anguish and panic, wondering all that her father said about her change in character and colour is true. She is beginning to believe her observations as well whether or not she is pregnant, and it is said in the African culture, TRUTH IS LIKE PREGNANCY, it cannot be hidden under the light of the sun forever.
The princess begins to sob then knocks on the door.
Princess Nala: Who is that? Who intends to disturb my peace this early?
Zibo: (Answers with a trembling voice) It is me, Princess. (Zibo then enters the chamber as she was ordered to)
Princess Nala: What is the problem this early morning? I don't remember requesting for your service yet. Have I?
Zibo: No, my princess. I wanted to make sure you are awake and ready for the day's duties.
Princess Nala: I have been meaning to have a word with you. did you, together with Amari, report me to my father, that I was pregnant?
Zibo: No, my princess. Why would I do commit such abomination against you.
Princess Nala: I already anticipated you'd lie to me. I knew you'd deny but I know you did, together with Amari. If not, why would the King call me out of the blues and mention pregnancy to me. But I bet you, if its true you did, I will surely deal with both of you.
Zibo: I am sorry, my princess. Please do forgive us.
Princess Nala: Just exit my chamber this minute. And do not come to me until I call out for you.
Zibo immediately left the princess's chamber and head to the kitchen, to start her preparation for the King's breakfast.
As Zibo starts with the preparation of the day's breakfast, Amari rushed in an still insisting on apologizing and amending their broken friendship so the could be like the way they used to be. Zibo then told Amari not to disrupt her for she is preparing breakfast for the King. As their conversation continues, Akinidad then entered the Kitchen, asking if they had woken the princess because the sun is almost at its peak and not time to be in bed. They both answered in obedience, that they have woken their princess but insisted on staying a bit longer in bed before her day starts. Akinidad then left the kitchen and walks towards the princess's chamber, to see if she is alright but wanting to stay a bit longer tucked in her bed. He then knocks on her doors and heard her crying. She is really getting on the edge and scared of dragging the sanctity of the throne in the muds. Akinidad then tries to console her as they have a long conversation.