Chapter 6: Letting Go

His eyes were honest, steady.

I hesitated, thinking what to say, when I heard keke horn from far. Sulaiman rushed over, breathless. "Princess."

He was flushed, worry on his face. Maybe he realized what he was losing.

He stopped, catching his breath. When he saw Ifedike, the worry faded, replaced by coldness. "Good say princess return safe."

The wall between us was back. I nodded, heart steeling itself.

I thought: I dey restaurant since, na now he come find me for palace.

He seemed to realize too, guilt flickering in his eyes. But it was too late.

I just answered, "Mm," no warmth.

He looked startled, but quickly covered with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

He noticed, looked at Ifedike, confusion flashing, but he hid it quick and greeted Ifedike. "Thank you, General Ifedike, for bringing princess."

His words were polite, but underneath, rivalry brewed.

I looked at Sulaiman.

He avoided my gaze, fidgeting. My heart clenched, but I stayed calm.

Ifedike just smiled small, like mockery.

Sulaiman’s eyes sharpened, voice low: "You dey try prove something?"

Ifedike’s smile didn’t fade. "Young Master Sulaiman, you too polite. I no need your thanks to escort princess."

His words hung in the air, sharp as new yam knife. Sulaiman bristled, but said nothing.

Sulaiman said, "When you reach, tell maid to light the incense I give you. E go help you sleep, calm your mind."

His concern felt hollow. I nodded, already planning to return all he ever gave me.

For air, all those comments dey roll.

"Why e be like say something dey wrong? When Sulaiman see say na Ifedike bring princess, why him face change?"

"Sulaiman dey jealous? Abi na wetin?"

The idea seemed silly, but a tiny part of me hoped it was true.

"Abeg, no go scatter things. Wan get everything dey vex me."

The voices grew louder, but I tuned them out, focusing on my own resolve.

"No be say he wan get everything. After all, princess and Sulaiman na childhood padi. E normal say he go care."

Ifedike’s face darkened as Sulaiman spoke. He wanted to say something, but I stopped him, facing Sulaiman. "You fit stay for palace tonight?"

My voice was quiet but strong. If I was to end things, I wanted witnesses.

Sulaiman looked surprised, pressed his lips, then smiled small. "Okay."

He glanced at Ifedike, a silent challenge passing between them.

He nodded at Ifedike. "General Ifedike, abeg go rest. Safe journey."

Ifedike’s jaw tightened, chest rising and falling with emotion.

I told him, "General Ifedike, abeg go first. We go see later."

My voice was gentle, a promise of another chance.

The light faded in Ifedike’s eyes. He nodded, voice rough. "Okay."

He turned, shoulders squared, but his steps heavy as he walked away.

My brother no fit wait, entered palace. Sulaiman followed me, trying to gist about recent things, laughter forced.

Me, I just walked, barely listening, mind on how all Sulaiman’s gifts filled my palace, and how hard it would be to let go.

If I no decide, na slow death, dey pain myself.

Tonight, I would return everything Sulaiman gave me.

Sulaiman stayed in my brother’s side hall. I begged my brother to stay, bringing Sulaiman along to Oke Hall.

With my brother beside me, I strong like iroko—nobody fit shake me.

With my brother as witness, e go save wahala.

I told them to sit, then ordered the palace maid: "Bring out everything Young Master Sulaiman don send, count am."