His Queen

Chapter 63 - Free?

Ajinke's POV;

It's a day to the wedding, and I'm in my bedroom, with my maids attending to me. Ayo is attending to my toenails, Iyabo is on my fingernails, and Bisi is on my hair.

King Adedamola suddenly barges into the room, and I stare up at him in alarm. What is he doing here?

Since the day he kissed me, I've been avoiding him. Even when at the dining table with him and Muyiwa, I hardly look in his direction.

"Privacy. "He orders and I stare at him in fear as my maids exit the room.

Once Bisire steps out and shuts the door, I stand up in alarm as the realization of the fact that I'm alone with this man in a room dawns on me.

What does he want now? What do these men want with me? Is there a banner on my head that says
'Molest Ajinke.' to every man I meet?

"What do you want? "I question in fear, as I take steps back, to create a bigger space between us, but his answer causes me to freeze in confusion.

"Peace! I want peace. "He replies, and I stare at him in confusion.

"I can't let you marry Muyiwa. "He adds, and excitement bursts in my heart, but it only lasts for a second as a realization hits me.

I remember that he kissed me two days ago. What if he wants to... Keep me for himself?

"I'm not doing this for myself. "He speaks like he read my mind, and I gulp.

"I've been thinking about what you said, and you're right. I don't want another woman to end up like my mother. It would be selfish of me to sacrifice you for my self-centered dreams... "He speaks, and tears of joy and relief fill my eyes.

"I'm so sorry for kissing you the other day. It... I don't know how it happened, or what caused it. I must have still been tipsy from the wine I drank the night before. "He adds, but I know he's lying. He wasn't in any way drunk when he was speaking to me.

He spoke well and like a man who had his senses complete. But I'd let it go as he's trying to make his wrong right.

"Tomorrow, before the wedding begins, I'd take you down to the prince's cell, and assign some guards to you that would help you escape. They will convey you to your kingdom safely, and I'd deal with Muyiwa over here.  "He says, and I inhale deeply with tears escaping my eyes. However, I can't swallow the bitter feeling that's settled on my tongue.

"You're... You're going to kill him? "I can't help but question and the expression that appears on the king's face shows that we were thinking in two different directions.

"Of course not. I won't do that. He has a mother and younger sister. I can't do that to them. I meant I'd keep him away from you till you and your prince are back on your feet. "He says, and I inhale deeply in relief.

"So, get ready. Tomorrow... "He says, and I nod with tears of gratitude escaping me with no end in sight.

He makes to leave but I call out to him, causing him to stop. I don't realize it when I rush up to him and wrap my arms around him.

"Thank you... "I reply, and he simply pats my hair.

"It's alright. You opened my eyes. "He replies, and I smile as I let go of him.

"Be ready. "He says again before turning around, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, as he walks out of the room.

I'd be back him with my prince after so long... This feels a bit too good to be true...

*******

Third Persons Narrative;

Ayobami and the guard, Kayode, are in one of the palace's gardens, eating fruits from the same plate. However, she's lost in thought.