Chapter 11: Small Joys, Big Secrets

As we come out, palace people don already arrange food.

Courtyard glittered with lanterns, trays high. Drums played soft. Servants lined up, ready.

See all my favourite food, I laughed.

Clapped hands, smells making head spin. Jollof rice, suya, fried plantain—everything I loved.

Tola Shun rolled eye, "So na food dey sweet you."

He tried to look annoyed, but I saw the smile.

He dey jealous.

I grinned wider, stuffing mouth.

As I wan start third bowl, one person rush in. See me, he pause.

A palace messenger, breathless, glanced at me.

Tola Shun glare am, "Talk."

Man kneel with gbam. Omo, na something wey I no suppose hear again.

His head hit floor, voice trembling. I covered ears, not wanting palace gist.

Annoying.

I shot Tola Shun a look, rolling eyes. He grinned, enjoying my discomfort.

I told Tola Shun, "I don belleful, I dey go."

I wiped mouth, ready to escape.

Tola Shun called, "Ifeanyi Tangola."

Voice softer.

I waved, "I don chop reach."

I blew him kiss, skipping out before he could call me back.