Once Upon A Lie - Episode 12

 

MBATA KINGDOM

“Thank You, My King” the chief lowered himself to the ground. “I am eternally grateful to you”

“Yes, you shall be eternally grateful” the King said “in life and in death”

“My King…” the chief said but was interrupted.

In a swift motion, the King wielded his sword and cut off the head of the chief.

Blood splashed, the head rolled while the remains of the body fell on the floor.

“Burn his body” the king said and servants carried the body immediately.

“Go to his house uninformed and cut off the head of every male in his house, both young and old.” The King commanded “Burn their bodies and bring their heads”

“Yes, My King” three servants answered at once and left.

Great fear gripped everyone in the royal court, so thick that it could be seen and touched.

Fuole held out the necklace he found at the forest, turning it over and over in his hands. 

“This is beautiful” he said “What do I now do with you?”
He took out a gourd and threw the necklace in it. Light from outside hit the necklace and it glittered.

Fuole squinted his eyes and was about to take it out again but heard footsteps.

Read " Let It Go " by the same author ( Gracious )

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/once-upon-a-lie

. He hurriedly put the gourd into one of the baskets and covered it up with accessories.

“Fuole Essien” Cleopatra said, walking into the room. She is dressed in her royal regalia.

“Cleo,” Fuole said, standing up and walking towards his bed.

“To what do I owe this royal visit?”
 
“Hmm” Cleo responded and sat on his woven bed.

“You are the main reason I change my bed every now and then” Fuole said and Cleo rolls her eyes.

“Your father can afford it” Cleo said and lies on the bed. Fuole does the same.

“How are you?” Cleo asked and lies on her left side, using her hand to support her head.

“I am fine” Fuole answered, assuming the same posture as Cleo. “And you?”

“Oh, I’ve had so much fun” Cleo replied.

“How much did you dance?” Fuole asked with a smile.

“A lot” Cleo answered, grinning.

“I envy you” Fuole said and lay on his back.

“Your mama has something to say to me” Cleo said “I wonder what’s up”

“What’s up is that she won’t give me peace”

Cleo lay on her back 

“What’s up with you?”
 
***
Marita dropped her pen and folded it. She put it inside her clothing and adjusted herself.

She stood up and went outside. She found new set of guards and smiled to them.

“I sure appreciate this protection but I need to find my way out of here” she thought.

She greeted the guards and they answered her.

“Uhmm” she pursed her lips and the guards turned to her.

One which seemed like their head spoke up.

“Do you need anything, my lady?”

“Uhh, actually, I need a favour” she answered.

“If I can, I shall be pleased to offer my help, my lady”

“I’m sure you can” Marita said.
“The thing is that I am so bored staying in here alone. You people also want me indoors most times. I wish I could just get some fresh air.”

“I understand you, my lady” the head guard said “but for your protection, the prince does not want you to walk around the village”

“Oh” Marita said “that’s true”

She looked like she was thinking and then snapped her fingers.

“We may not go into the village,” shje said “we may just walk around the forest a little”

“This may be risky, my lady” the head guard said.

“You know the way, right?” Marita asked

“Yes, I do but…”

“Please, we won’t stay long. I’ll stick to you guys like gum. Pleaseeee” she looked to each of the guards, batting her lashes.

“A minute, my lady” the head guard said and turned to the other two. They turn their backs to Marita and spoke in hushed voices.

“Should we oblige her?” the head guard asked.

“To be truthful, it’s not easy to be always indoors.” The first guard said “I pity her”
 
“The prince said to guard her anyway,” the second said “we just won’t let her out of our sight”

They dissemble and the head guard faced Marita.

“Fine, we shall go” the head guard said “but we choose the way to go, and later on, we tell the prince.”

“No problem at all” Marita said, smiling.

Marita does not move and keeps smiling

“Huhh” she said

“You ready?” the head guard asked.

“Yes” Marita answered cheerfully.

“Baku, she’ll ride with you on your horse” the head guard said as they walked towards the horses.

“Okay” Baku, the first guard said.

“I’m so excited” Marita said, the smile never leaving her face.

Baku helped her onto the horse and climbed the horse himself.

“You ready for a ride, my lady?”

“Can’t be more ready” Marita said and Baku pulled the reins of the horse.

They sped towards the forest.