Chapter 13: Lake Makurdi Flex

Chief Chinedu bow. "This Gidan matter big. Better make I host party for Lake Makurdi tomorrow, invite some people, reason am well with Your Majesty. How you see am?"

The bow deep, voice respectful. He add small smile—politician style—promise peace, no matter the undercurrent. The room lighten small; the promise of party dey sweep away wahala.

Musa Adigun no send. Tomorrow then. Happy, e go chop coconut buns, go see fine women for harem.

He lick lips, rub hand, already dey imagine food and dance. The burden of leadership melt, for now, enjoyment dey front.

Musa Adigun frown again, touch him boot. The thing wey confuse am for this Oba wey e possess: why e dey hide dagger for boot?

He bend, check boot, fingers graze old blade. E reason am: "Wetin Oba dey fear? Wetin dey make king carry blade when e suppose dey relax?" The mystery dey bite for mind, but he no let am spoil the sweet buns for mouth.

The corridor dey full with the smell of fried dodo, red oil, and old incense. Guards dey polish their slippers with spit. The palace dey alive, but tension still dey for corner.