Chapter 23 - The Princess's Nemesis

The King have just woken up from his sleep and is preparing for his daily activities in the services of his people. The issue of the coupe has also been one worrisome thing that has been disturbing the peace of the king, because of the constant fears of something happening to his Kingdom out of the blues. The tables have been set before the arrival of the King and his sister. Upon the arrival of the King to the table, he noticed the absence of the princess and sent for the slaves to fetch her. As Zibo, one of the elderly women serving the palace, has gone to fetch the princess as ordered by his Highness, she realized the princess was not in her chamber, and start to wander about the palace in locating the princess. Mind you, she must not return to the table without the princess. She kept wandering about in the palace, she overheard a conversation going on. It was the princess and Hakeemi. Hakeemi took a risk of coming to the palace to see the princess, so they talk through in regard to the calamity that awaits them. Zibo decided to hide herself in other eavesdrop their conversation.

Princess Nala: (Hakeemi knocks on her window and she startled on seeing him) Hakeemi, what are you doing here? I never sent for you so what exactly are you doing here?

Hakeemi: (Talking undertone) Princess, of course I am here to see you. what else could be the reason for my visit this early morning even when the sun hasn't properly set its shine on us.

Princess Nala: (Talks with a little bit of anger) What did I tell you about the other time at the farm. I clearly remember telling you not to come to the palace will not see you until you get your senses right before we talk. Didn't I?

Hakeemi: Princess, you think this is the right time for all these? I know I did not sound so helpful the other time, but I am here to…

Princess Nala: (Interrupts sharply) To do what exactly? Have you forgotten where you are and the upshot that awaits you if you are found standing here with me, in the palace? Have you lost it?

Hakeemi: Yes, princess. I've lost it since you made it a point not to see or hear me.

Princess Nala: We are yet to find a solution to the issue at hand and you are determined on making it worse? Don't you know this will get us into trouble (Getting furious).

Hakeemi: Princess, I have no intentions of making anything worse, neither for you or for myself. But I am just here to help.

Princess Nala: And this is the best way to render your help?

As the conversation the princess and Hakeemi intensifies, Amari, who is also a colleague to Zibo, appeared from behind her and that scared Zibo. As Amari arrived at the scene, she shushed her so that the princess would not recognize their presence.

Amari: Didn't the king send you to fetch the princess for breakfast? You are here while the King is placed await. 

Zibo(Responds to Amari) Can you just lower your voice and talk a bit calmer? 

Amari: What is the problem with you? 

Zibo: Shhh... can you be quite for a minute

Hakeemi and the princess are yet to notice the presence of the two maids but decided to continue with their conversation. 

Hakeemi: Princess, you know you are my love, and whatever is your problem is automatically mine as well, and I will not leave you to face all these by yourself.

Princess Nala: So now my problems are yours. Is that what you are trying to say? When all you did at the farm was show how self-cantered you were, and your interest in the throne.

Hakeemi: Princess, you misunderstood me. I might have sounded selfish, as you claim I did, but it was all for our own good. It was for the interest of me and you, and for our unborn child, that's if its really true you are pregnant.

Princess Nala: I never mentioned I was sure of being pregnant, but I was trying to explain something to you and all I need from you was to listen Hakeemi.

Princess Nala: I am sorry. I should have just listened instead of being selfish. So, what have you done about it?

Princess Nala: You know Zibo and Amari, the two personal maids assigned to me by my father?

Hakeemi: Yes, I know them. Are they not the maids you move around with all over the Kingdom?

Princess Nala: Yes, exactly.

Hakeemi: What about them.

Princess Nala: They summoned the audience of the King and said somethings to his, which I am sure is all about me.

Hakeemi: How sure are you to conclude that what they said to the King is about you.

Princess Nala: You seem not to understand Hakeemi. Remember they are the longest serving maids in the Kingdom, and moreover, they are women and mothers.

Hakeemi: Okay. What about that princess.

Princess Nala: I am sure they summoned the King to tell him I am pregnant.

Hakeemi: How do you know that?

Princess Nala: My father will never summon me, in the presence of any of the servants, and ask me about my personal life. But this the King did.

Hakeemi: Are serious about this, princess.

Princess: It does not sound like a joke to me. My father called on me the last time and asked if I was okay. He said he has been noticing some changers in my personality and behaviour, and that is really unlike him.

Hakeemi: What did you say to him?

Princess Nala: Of course, I had to say no because I didn't even know what he was talking about, and it got me all confused.

Hakeemi: What are the things he said he has noticed about you.

Princess Nala: He said he has noticed changes in my behaviour that I get angry at the least of provocation, and the colour of my complexion has been changing as well. I had to tell him it was my time of the month.

Hakeemi: and did he believe you.

Princess Nala: Of course, he has to believe me. I am a woman, and that time comes with its own belabours and changes. But on much serious note (Looks around to make sure no one was watching or passing) I haven't seen my flow for about a market day ago and that has been my major worry at the moment.

Hakeemi: Doesn't it change sometimes?

Princess Nala: It does. But it has been bothering my peace since my talk with my father. I will just have to wait till the next market day then see how it goes.

Hakeemi: That is okay, princess. But please do not ignore or neglect me. You are my love, and I would do anything just to be with you.

Princess Nala: Why don't you add your interest in the throne.

Hakeemi: That is not going to be a part of my reason of wanting to be with you princess. It's all…

As Hakeemi was about finishing his sentence, they heard a noise from the back of the hut, and the princess warned him the flee the palace right that minute. the princess then shouts to ask who was there. As she approached the hut, Zibo and Amari took on their heels and run to the chamber of the princess. They then waiting at her chamber till she appeared and pretended as if nothing had happened. They then told the princess the reason for their errand and all rush together to the table for their breakfast.

As the princess and the maids arrived at the table, Akinidad, her cousin, together with his mother who is her aunt are already seated waiting for her arrival before they all start. As soon as she came, she then apologized for her lateness, took her seat on the left side of Akinidad and began to eat.

As she, the princess, seats to eats, her mind is on Hakeemi, wondering if he was able to sneak out of the palace without anyone noticing his presence. If his presence is noticed, it will breed a problem between the King and the princess, which will also lead to him facing a grave punishment for sneaking into the King's palace without following any proper proceedings. Also, the King has warned his daughter not to see him anymore since he is also intending for the princess to win the heart of Akinidad, as that she can be crowned Queen when he finally ascends the throne at his due diligent time. 

The whole family starts to have their breakfast as the maids stand at the far corner end of the room, waiting for their requests and clean the table when they are all done. They peacefully enjoy their breakfast when one member of the designated delegates, rushes in to request the presence of the King at his chamber.