The maidens, dressed in their finest traditional attires, arrived with hopeful smiles, each vying for the prince's attention. Their faces glowed with excitement, and their steps were careful and measured as they entered the courtyard. They carried gifts: handwoven cloths, baskets of fruits, and pots of palm wine, all intended to demonstrate their worthiness.
Obinna sat on the royal dais next to his parents, King Eze Udo and Queen Ngozi. His expression was neutral, but his mind was made up. He listened politely as the maidens were introduced one by one, their attributes highlighted with pride.
Queen Ngozi who was known to be a no nonsense woman, was interested in making sure that her son gets married to the best maiden in the kingdom.
"This is Adaora, the daughter of the chief of Umueze. She is skilled in pottery and has won many accolades for her craft."
"This is Ifunanya, renowned for her beauty and her ability to sing like the nightingale."
Obinna acknowledged each maiden with a nod but showed no interest. His mother, Queen Ngozi, leaned closer to him. "Obinna, look carefully," she whispered. "One of these maidens will be your queen. Choose wisely."
"I already know who my queen is," Obinna replied, his voice steady.
The queen frowned. "We have brought the best maidens in the land. What more could you want?"
Obinna stood, signaling for silence. The crowd fell quiet, and all eyes turned to the prince. He cleared his throat, his voice carrying across the courtyard.
"I thank you all for coming," he began. "The maidens before me are truly remarkable. But my heart has chosen someone else. I wish to marry the extremely tall Oluchi."
Gasps and whispers erupted from the crowd. "Oluchi? The tall one?"
Queen Ngozi's face darkened, and King Eze Udo's expression turned stern. "What nonsense is this, Obinna?" the king demanded. "You cannot be serious."
"I am," Obinna replied firmly. "Oluchi is the one i want."
The king stood, his voice booming. "This is an insult to tradition! You are to marry a woman who will bring pride to this kingdom, not shame!"
Obinna met his father's gaze with quiet determination. "Oluchi is not a shame. She is strong, kind, and unique. That is what this kingdom needs."