AGBÉ̩KẸ́
Two months within the palace had transformed me to adapt to its customs and ethics. Yet, beneath the veneer of adaptation lay a persistent concern for my people, a tether to the life I once knew and cherished.
Rashidi's departure a week ago has made things more challenging. He wasn't precisely a friend; he was just my only ally in this palace maze.
When his words, "No, I won't allow it," pierced the air, a surge of indignation engulfed me, igniting a wildfire of fury that blazed through every fiber of my being. My chest throbbed in synchrony with the rapid cadence of my heart, a familiar sensation borne of years spent wrestling with a tempestuous temper. By the time my retort escaped my lips, I was left heaving with the weight of it all.
He fixed his gaze on me for what felt like an eternity, expertly concealing his emotions and making it challenging to discern his thoughts. He rose from his seat, each movement deliberate and unhurried, closing the distance between us with calculated precision. As he advanced, I found myself involuntarily retreating until the cold, unyielding embrace of the wall halted my retreat.
We stood locked in a silent standoff, the air thick with unspoken tension, We stood so close that I dared not breathe or make a move.
"I must have been too lenient with you," he began, his voice a low, menacing growl that sent shivers down my spine. "For you to forget your place so easily. You are but a servant here, and yet you dare to raise your voice to me?" His words struck like a physical blow, each syllable laced with disdain and contempt. The anger that had once burned within me now gave way to a chilling fear, creeping insidiously through my veins. "Your family, your people—they are nothing but cowards, giving you away as if you're nothing. They are the ones to blame for your fate."
His words cut through the air like a swarm of angry hornets, each syllable piercing my resolve and leaving behind a trail of stinging wounds. My heart clenched painfully within my chest, each breath a struggle against the weight of his disdain. Though tears threatened to spill from my eyes, I refused to grant him the satisfaction of witnessing my weakness. With a final, dismissive glance, he broke the tenuous connection between us, putting physical distance where emotional closeness had once flickered.
"Watch yourself," his warning hung in the air like a dark omen, "or you might end up with a fate far worse than your current situation. Leave now."
In an instant, the fragile bridge of understanding I had sought to construct with him collapsed into ruin. How dare he? What right did he possess to denigrate my family and my people? My fate was sealed the day my stepmother agreed to assist with the treaty, yet accepting it was no easy feat. I won't allow his words to affect me; I know who I am and the sacrifices I made to safeguard my people. If anyone is the coward here, it's him. Reluctantly, I acknowledged the truth in his words—there were fates far more grievous than serving as the King's servant.
Lost in the tumult of my thoughts, I found myself wandering aimlessly into the palace garden, where Safiya awaited. Her voice, tinged with concern, broke through the haze of my reverie.
"Hey, are you alright?"
Startled from my introspection, I realized I had been lost in my thoughts, oblivious to her presence and her attempts to engage me. Summoning a mask of composure, I forced a strained smile.
"I'm fine." I've never been one to share my burdens or emotions; strength has always been my shield, and I intend to maintain it. People can exploit your vulnerabilities, and I have yet to develop complete trust in anyone here.
"Are you sure?" Safiya pressed, her concern evident in her gentle gaze.
Once more, I nodded, summoning a smile to mask the storm raging within. Amidst the chaos of my thoughts, I almost missed the serene beauty of the garden, bathed in the golden glow of sunlight, where vibrant blooms swayed in the gentle breeze and fish danced beneath the surface of the tranquil pond at the centre of the garden.
The tranquility of the garden provided solace to my troubled mind, igniting a daring spark within me. Despite its risks, I was open to a challenge.
"Take me with you when you leave the palace," I implored, my voice barely above a whisper, betraying the urgency of my plea. "I promise, I won't cause any trouble. I'll slip back before anyone notices I'm gone."
Safiya's eyes widened in disbelief at the audacity of my request. "Absolutely not! It's far too dangerous. Assisting you could cost me my job, or worse, my life," she retorted firmly, her expression a mixture of concern and apprehension.
"Safiya, please, trust me. I wouldn't endanger your safety or jeopardize your position. I need your help for this to succeed," I urged, desperation seeping into my voice.
"I'm sorry, but I can't risk it," she insisted, her resolve unyielding.
"If, by some chance, I am caught, I promise not to implicate you. I'll bear the consequences alone," I reassured her, my voice tinged with sincerity.
"You're fully aware of the risks, yet you're still determined to proceed with your plan. The King will show no mercy if he discovers your intentions," Safiya cautioned, attempting to reason with me. But in that moment, the allure of freedom overshadowed any thoughts of consequence.
Observing my unwavering resolve, Safiya bit her bottom lip, wrestling with a decision.
"Fine, but you must return to the palace before anyone realizes you're gone," she conceded.
"Thank you!" I said earnestly, gratitude tinged with determination.
"Where were you? We agreed to meet here about ten minutes ago. I was hoping you had a change of heart, but it seems you didn't," Safiya chided gently, handing me a black cloak and a wooden piece adorned with a snake drawing and unreadable words.
"I struggled with the dress you lent me," I admitted sheepishly, opting for the comfort of the black cloak. "What's this?" I asked, examining the wooden talisman she had given me.
"That's your pass. You must always carry it; you can't enter or leave the palace without it. It belongs to my brother. He is currently on leave from his duties as a soldier, so you can use it," Safiya explained, biting her bottom lip- a telltale sign of her nervousness.
"Everything will be fine, I promise. I'll return before anyone notices I'm gone," I reassured her, reaching out to grasp her hands for reassurance.
In the queue, surrounded by fellow palace maids, I stood nervously behind Safiya, clutching the wooden talisman tightly in my hand. As we approached the palace gate, guarded by stern-faced soilders, doubts began to gnaw at my resolve. Yet, the memory of my confrontation with the King and the burning desire for freedom propelled me forward.
With bated breath, I watched as Safiya conversed effortlessly with a guard, her demeanor calm and composed. As we reached the gate, I handed over my wooden talisman, avoiding the guard's scrutinizing gaze as I silently prayed for anonymity. With a cursory glance, the guard returned my pass, granting me passage through the imposing gates of the palace.
STAI LEGGENDO
Entangled
Narrativa Storica"Do you have to only think about yourself? Do you even know how I feel being cramped up in this place? On second thought, you don't know, cause you have no heart. You took me away from my family, my loved ones, you ruined my life. Stripped me of my...
KHALID & AGBÉ̩KẸ́
Comincia dall'inizio
