Princess Emajiri walked gracefully to her father's throne room, her good mood was made obvious by the faint smile that hung on her lips. The maids beside her though curious at what just transpired between the princess and the guard, but they kept quiet, not letting their thoughts run wild, they really couldn't afford the princess's anger.
The princess arrived at her destination, she bowed down, greeting her father, while her maids laid on the floor as a show of utmost respect to the king. 'Asanido Mérigwé.' She greeted.
'Vredo, it is well with you my child.' The king accepted her greetings with a smile. 'Sit, to what do I owe this unexpected visit, i hope everything is fine?' He asked, his voice tinged with worry.
Princess Emajiri felt a twinge of guilt when she thought about what she was about to do , but she reasoned within herself, it was not like she was doing anything bad, she was just playing matchmaker and fulfilling two people who were going to eventually end up together. 'Everything is fine, can't I just come and visit my father without motives attached.' She said as she smiled playfully at him.
The king gave her look that spoke volumes, his disbelief palpable. 'Anyway, it's good that you are here, the preparations for the festival ready. ' he said, watching her closely for any sign of discomfort, and sure enough her smile faded from her face. He acted dumb. 'Have you decided on the game you want to add.' He asked.
'I'm still thinking about it,' she answered after some hesitation. 'Let's not talk about that for now.' Changing the topic, she motioned to her maid, her maid immediately brought out the package. 'Father have you eaten.' She asked the king.
'I haven't my dear daughter, what is it that you are hiding there.' The king asked curiously, he stretched his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the hidden contents of the package wrapped with plantain leaves.
'Your favorite Abacha, I went to Oma's place and saw that she was making abacha, when I told her how much you liked abacha, she immediately set aside a plate aside for you.' The princess smiled as she unwrapped the plantain leaves to reveal a calabash filled with abacha.
The king was immediately captivated by the alluring smell of the abacha, he salivated without care for his image. You could tell from his countenance his love for abacha. 'That's very nice of her, I knew from the beginning she was a good girl. Come, bring it here.' The king said almost ready to leap forward at the plate of abacha.
'Ah Ahh, my king, I can't believe you are like this just for a plate of abacha, if you want to eat abacha, you could always tell the cook to make it.' The Princess jokingly said, smiling widely.
'Yes I know, enough talk, bring the abacha to me.' The king said impatiently. The Princess stopped teasing him and brought him the abacha.
'Father, are you going to eat on the throne.' She reminded him, it was not like it was a taboo for the king to eat on his throne, it was just unbecoming and spoke of bad manners.
'Thank you for reminding me, let's go.' The king said, not even waiting for answer, he started walking to the dining room, anxious to devour his long awaited abacha.
The Princess shook her head smiling as she followed after him. The servants behind looked at each perplexed, not knowing how to feel about the wonderful show that just played out before them. Was this still their esteemed king and Princess or have they been exchanged with lookalikes, because there was no other reason that could explain the spectacle they just witnessed.
The king arrived at the dining, wasting no time as he started devouring his meal of abacha. The Princess followed closely behind. Surprised at the speed with which her father ate the abacha. ' slow down please, don't choke.' She cautioned her father. It was common knowledge that her father liked abacha, but she didn't know he liked it to such an extent. She signaled her maid to bring water, and waited patiently for her father to finish his meal.
Her father soon finished his meal, her maid brought him water and his maid took out a piece of cloth or handkerchief, with which he could use to clean up his mouth and hands. 'This is the nicest abacha I've eaten in a while, Your friend is a really good cook. Bring her to the palace tomorrow, I need to reward her handsomely for this service.' The king spoke. His craving finally satiated, it's been long he had his favorite abacha. He could have actually had it at any time but he had been so busy this month that he had unknowingly skipped eating his favorite abacha for a month now.
The nodded, lowering her head to hide the smile of success that tugged at her lips, after suppressing her emotions forcefully, she replied to the king. 'What about me, won't you reward me, I'm the one that brought you your favorite abacha.' The Princess whined, inwardly cringing at this disgusting display.
'Of course I must reward my beloved daughter. Now tell me what do you want.' He asked smiling indulgently at the Princess.
'Father, I was actually going to ask you for a small favor, but this can't count as my reward.' The Princess quickly added, ignoring the king's knowing look. 'I need an additional two tall maids that will be tall and strong enough to take up my umbrella without issues, also I would like to personally choose a guard that I can trust to run some errands for me.' She requested.
The king gazed at her with raised eyebrows, causing her to shift uncomfortably on her seat. 'Ajiri my daughter,' he began 'i don't understand why you're coming to me for this, you could have just asked Tega to do something as simple as this, you don't need to bother me with such insignificant issues.' He spoke seriously, hoping to never be bothered with such minuscule issues again.
'I am sorry father, I just wanted to bring it to your attention, since you were the one chose these maids for me.' She spoke courteously.
'It's ok, I've heard you, Incase of next time, you don't have to inform me when it comes to issues of similar nature, you can make the decision on your own.' He told her firmly in a gentle tone.
'Yes father, thank you.' She spoke softly.
'You're welcome. By the way, have you been able to find out the identity of the man you are interested in?' The king asked.
'Not yet father, but I'm close.' She lied through her teeth.
Her father just looked at her calmly. 'You should know, I will not make an exception for him, whether he shows up or not, the outcome will remain; winner takes all, remember.' The king told the princess.
'I know father, you don't have to worry.' The Princess replied. She decided to move on to the next phase of our plan. 'Your majesty, I will like to ask you a bold question.'
The king looked at her puzzled. 'Go on.' He said .
'Father, Oma my friend is a week from reaching the marital age. If possible can you say a word on her behalf, it will help a lot in increasing her chances, she may even attract a wealthy suitor.' The princess said innocently. The main point of this conversation is to inform her father that Oma was ripe for marriage. And sure enough, the king became lost in thought. SUCCESS, the princess smiled secretly. 'Father, father.' She called the king four times before he answered.
'Oh, Ajiri, don't worry I know what to do.' The king said, a little distracted.
Princess Emajiri reading the room, decided to take her leave, after all she had achieved her goal. 'Father, May I take my leave.' She requested.
The king just waved his hand, it was obvious he was distracted.
Princess Emajiri took her leave, with her father's permission, once outside she broke out in laughter. By now her maids were already numb, they no longer had the energy to be shocked. They collectively decided rumors were not to be trusted.