Chapter 10: New Paths and Old Fears

Next year, Auwalu first son born, after hundred days, dem make am crown prince.

The palace erupted in celebration—gunshots, singing, even masquerades danced through the compound. The city buzzed with news of the new prince.

When I hear the news, I shock for long.

I sat still for hours, the world spinning around me. It felt both real and unreal at the same time.

That time, only Halima Jinadu dey his harem.

The palace women whispered, "Queen Halima no dey allow any other woman near king again."

For my last life, after I enter palace, Auwalu almost no look any other woman. The other wives dey complain to queen say I dey block their shine.

They grumbled behind my back, but Auwalu only had eyes for me. It made me proud and lonely at the same time.

Auwalu no send them, he still dey come my side, play with me, pamper me.

He’d sneak out at night, bringing small gifts—kolanut, roasted maize—whispering stories till I slept.

Papa say council elders dey beg am to add more women to harem.

“King must bear many children,” they insisted. Papa only frowned, never pushing me to join.

But one month pass.

I waited, counting days. No message, no invitation.

Auwalu travel go Lokoja to oversee water project.

News spread—he was building wells, bringing clean water to the people. His face was on everyone’s lips.

Few months later…

I heard he’d stopped an outbreak of sickness in Dandume, saving the whole town. The praise singers composed new songs in his honour.

Auwalu predict epidemic go hit Dandume, prepare the town early, save everybody.

His wisdom became legend, his name a blessing in every mouth. But still, I waited, heart aching.

People dey praise am, say he be like wise king, blessing to the people.

Market women called his name as they sold wares—"May our king live long!"

That year, he busy with work, still no do consort selection.

Rumours swirled—some said he was too devoted to Halima, others that he had no time for love.