Chapter 5: Royal Sweets, Royal Shocks

Snacks for queen palace sweet, but e no reach coconut puff-puff from Mama Nkechi’s bukka.

Cakes and chin-chin stacked high, served with zobo in glass, but nothing taste like home. I nibbled meat pie, thinking of that hot, crunchy puff-puff.

As I dey chop, Oba waka in, carry one fine boy.

The boy wore blue agbada with gold, hair laid like river wave. As they entered, guards hit staffs, crowd parted. I stared, mouth full, nearly choke.

Na only third time I see Oba. Mama stand up, but he wave, "No bother."

Mama’s knees already bent, but she froze, then straightened, relief on her face. Some old women still knelt, but Oba’s laugh filled the hall, "Abeg, una relax."

He sit, call me and Guanguan, we greet well.

I pressed palms, bowed my head, Guanguan too. The king’s eyes twinkled, his presence warm but strong.

After, he pat my head, "This your greeting make sense."

Gentle pat, but his hand big—like papa’s, scented with oil. My chest swelled with pride, trying not to show teeth.

I turned to show mama, but her eyes red.

Her smile gone, hands shaking. She bit her lip, that way she do when pain dey deep.

I wan run go ask, but mama don warn me—behave for Oba and queen. Now Oba dey talk, I no fit waka.

I squeezed skirt, whispered, "Behave!" like mama say.

I answer serious, "Yes, because I practice well for house."

My voice small, but clear. Oba’s laughter rolled, rich like ogbono soup.

He laugh, face pink, queen lips twitching. Some chiefs chuckled, whispering.

He pat Guanguan, "You dey proper and serious, just like your papa."

Guanguan reply, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She tried to sound grown. The fine boy smiled, she blushed, looked down.

I look Guanguan, eyes shining. She too try.

I wanted to hug her but held back, palace rules.

Me, I feel say papa dark and no fine. If person talk say I resemble papa, I for no happy.

I giggled inside, remembering papa’s big nose. But Guanguan liked to be called serious—she wan act big madam.

Oba dey talk, suddenly cough catch am, then he collapse for queen body.

The cough sharp, sudden, like thunder. Queen grabbed him, wrapper flying, eyes wide. Hall froze, only Oba’s gasps.

Queen shout, "Call chief doctor!"

Her voice cracked, fear in the air. People scattered, guards ran, old chief dropped staff. I held Guanguan, both of us shaking.

Everything rushed. Mama scooped me up, still confused.

Her grip iron-tight, heart beating in my ear. She prayed soft, calling God and ancestors. I tried to peep, but she pressed my head down, "No look, my child, no look."