Chapter 18: No Rest for the King

After Chief Chinedu waka, Musa Adigun vex, no fit stay palace, wan go waka.

He grab staff, tie wrapper firm, step into cool evening air. Palace guards look away, some whisper, "Oba don dey vex."

Na so e jam Halima Sani.

She appear for corridor, voice low, worry for face. The two jam for shadow of tall mango tree, moonlight thin but sharp.

Halima Sani rush come, concern full face. "Your Majesty, wetin dey worry you?"

She touch his arm, voice soft. Her eyes search his, try see if real pain dey or na palace acting. Night air dey thick with scent of hibiscus.

Musa Adigun look sky. "General Bala—na loyal man, abi? Why loyal person go die for this world?"

His voice crack small. He eye the moon, lips tremble. For Umuola, loyalty na heavy word—one wey fit break man or make king.

Halima Sani understand, raise brow, whisper, "Your Majesty, true talk, I no want make Bala Yusuf die. But see Gidan demand, if we no do am, we go fight."

She step close, voice low. Her words gentle, but truth dey bite. For her own heart, pain dey show—loyalty no dey pay, but cowardice dey kill spirit.

Musa Adigun vex more, no even know why, fling sleeve. "Then make we fight!"

The movement wild, sleeve flap, wind catch the anger. His voice loud, echo for palace yard. Even distant dog bark in agreement.