Chapter 8: Flower Party and Palace Plots

Dem cancel the marriage grant, but I know Queen Mother style—she no go just leave us. True true, few days later, palace people come invite me for flower party.

Dem come early morning, two guards stand for door. I dey wash clothes, wrapper tie anyhow. “Madam, palace dey call you for flower party.”

Musa na just small official, and as him wife, I no get right to attend. Plus, I no wan near palace again. So I form say I sick, no gree go. To make am real, I rub bitterleaf for face, act pass Nollywood aunty. Make red spots show. Na so I fool palace doctor. Same time, I spread rumour say I ugly. So, my reason for staying house become say I no fit meet people.

Even palace nurse pity me, say, "Ah, Temi, your skin bad o!" Musa dey laugh for back, say, "See, my wife sabi act pass Nollywood star!"

When Musa hear, he hold my face, talk, “People no sabi anything. My Temi na the most beautiful woman for this world!”

I wan tease am say he too sabi talk, but he just kiss my forehead softly.

The way e hold my head, e soft, e gentle. Na only true love dey fit give peace for wahala world.

“Temi, make we marry proper this time. I don save enough for big wedding, all the rites go dey!”

Him voice sweet pass flute. I see the joy for him eye, and for that moment, I forget all my trouble.

Musa eyes dey shine. The smile sweet me, I just say, “Okay.”

My yes just fly commot mouth, but for heart, e dance like masquerade for festival.