Chapter 12: Sibling Choices

Of all the people for palace selection, only my sister stay inside palace.

The house grew quiet, her laughter replaced by silence. I paced the halls, wondering if she was safe, if she was happy.

I no know if na Auwalu plan am.

Sometimes I wondered—had he chosen her to punish me, or to protect me?

Papa just sigh. “As long as your sister dey okay, na the main thing. Only two wives for palace, wahala go reduce.”

He sat on the veranda, staring into the distance, his voice resigned.

“Your sister get sense. No need worry.”

He tried to reassure me, but worry gnawed at my heart.

He pause, then continue, “The man you dey engaged to go attend the next party. You fit look am well. If you no like am, we go cancel am.”

His concern showed in his eyes, softening his words. He wanted my happiness, whatever that meant.

I break one twig, ask quietly, “Wetin be him name?”

I fiddled with the twig, my voice barely a whisper. Hope and fear danced in my chest.

“Tobi Adekunle.”

He pronounced it carefully, as if testing the sound on his tongue.