Heir Apparent: A Nigerian Story.

XIII

Sulieman and Hafiz were seated in Awwal's living room, waiting for his arrival.

Hafiz huffs resting his arms on his thighs. "I have been waiting for hours already, when is he coming back?"
"He just told me he'd be back any second".

"I have things to do"
"Like train the Vassals?"

He says nothing back. No one knows about his father leaving the republic or why he left so he had to be very careful what he says and what he agrees to.

"Baba also told me to check on their pedagogical methods, they need to be on their toes"
He nods "Yeah and The Empress asked me to check on the girls too"
Suleiman smiles, "They're cute. Have you made your pick yet?"

Hafiz shakes his head "Is that what matters now?"
He bursts out laughing "It seems you have" he jokes.
"Don't waste your time"
"Okay, the smart one or the dumb one"

He stares at him "Huda isn't dumb, she's far from that. She's actually really smart".
He smirks "So it's Huda? I would have thought it's the other one"
.
Hafiz scoffs "She's too desperate and didn't you just break up with Halima two weeks back?"
"Yes, so?"
"She's the Emperor's niece"
"It's not like I'll be forced to marry her and my father can help me out if things go awry".

Hafiz chuckles "Uncle Awwal can't do much for you" he stands "I'll come by early tomorrow morning before I head to the palace, it's getting late"

"Okay but I'll like to join you for the female training"
"As long as you don't distract us".
He nods excitedly.

::

Sadiya and Raudah were in the garden which is just a walking distance to the field she's supposed to train with Huda in a few minutes.

She wasn't worried about anything because she already felt Huda didn't have a chance against her, she felt everyone liked her more and she knew she would never let her emotions get the best of her.

"So? What does your aunt think about me?" She asks Sadiya who was only present to see Hafiz who trains both women.

"Well she thinks you're strong headed and doesn't get swayed easily".
Raudah smiles. She has never been the type to kiss ass to get what she wants but her mother has pushed her to a stage were she has to, she also knew she'd be lying if her mother is the only reason she's willing to, she also wants to be the Empress badly.

"Yes and I'm proud".
Sadiya turns around and looks at her "She hates strong headed people, they put her off" she turns back to the plain field and jumps in excitement "He's here let's go".

As they walked towards Hafiz they notice he has company, he was walking with Huda and Suleiman and although he was by the side saying nothing he was attentively listening to their conversation.

"Hafiz!" Sadiya says when they walk over "I had no idea you'd be here today".
He nods "I'm surprised your mother didn't tell you" he says sarcastically.
She giggles "She's my aunt".

He says nothing and turns to Raudah "I'll keep this brief, I need to go check on your men's progress, and I don't want to hold you up".

She nods.
She was nervous, he frightened her.
The fact that he knows she was after that book and still hasn't said anything scared her. She knew if he had indeed said something then she wouldn't be standing there.

But she was worried about the real reason he didn't say a word, maybe he was after something different.
She smiles "Then what shall we start with?"

He takes a few steps back as his friend does the same.
"Huda, stand next to her".
Huda reluctantly moves over to Raudah's side.

"I'm not sure what to say to you both, but I'll share a piece of advice with you. Take it for what it's worth, and may it be of use to you in the future" he says his attention on Raudah.
"Advice kuma?" Suleiman asks "About?"

"Be honest with yourselves. Even if others don't see you, including Uncle Awwal and myself, remember that you're always accountable to your own integrity. Everyone tells lies sometimes, but some people have a remarkable talent for twisting the truth to their advantage" he says still looking at Raudah "Some people can spin a lie with ease, while others get tongue-tied trying to tell a small fib. The thing is, everyone has their own idea of what's true and what's not. What one person considers honest, another might see as dishonesty" he finally takes his eyes off her "I'm not saying anyone here is dishonest, but once you understand that being honest with yourself is the greatest truth, you'll be able to act with a clear conscience and integrity. Self-awareness is the key to living a life free from guilt and regret" he smiles "I shall take my leave now. I hope my remarks have provided some insight, and I wish you all the best in your endeavors" he walks away.

"He seems boring" Sadiya whispers.

Raudah and Huda both nod "For sure" they chorused.

::

Salis sits across his son Aadil and two royal court members.

"Thank you both for being here. I've called upon you because I have an important announcement to share, one that hasn't yet reached the public's ears, nor has it come to your attention. It's a matter of great significance, and I'll reveal it to you now." He announces waiting for their reaction.

Alhaji Hammad raises his head, a frown so visible on his face "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about, nor do I care to know. It's of no interest to me, and I'll not pretend otherwise".

Salis starts laughing nervously"Everyone knows you are the eldest and most respectable royal court member and I believe with such title you must be treated like royalty".

Alhaji Aliyu who was already interested in what Salis had to say whether it benefited him or not didn't say a thing as he was already willing to but he was getting impatient "Don't beat around the bush, what is it you want to say? I'm not really strong on obsequious".

Salis laughs "Such fowl language" he jokes.
"Well I happened to be present when the Emperor announced that he'll be stepping down soon and one of the male Vassals will be his heir"

Alhaji Aliyu gasps as the other stays quiet.
"I'm not telling you this to relay to him or to get a reaction out of you but I'd rather not see this nation in the hands of any of those two. Their families are already at war with each other as we speak and even the children who have lived 14years of their life with each other have thrown that out of the window. I don't think we need the mark to tells us who should be Emperor".

Hammad smirks "Then who should be Emperor?"

Aadil smiles as he watched his father try to convince the man.
"Your son, Amjad"

Hammad was already loving what he was hearing but still didn't want to give in yet.
"What about the women?"

"He planned on making one of them Empress, we can simply just oust them"
He shakes his head "I don't want anyone who isn't of royal birth to ascend to the throne; let's keep the monarchy in the family, and leave things as they are."

Salis smiles.
His problem was that he needed two strong people to back him up but his goal is for his son to be Emperor.

::