Birthright: A Phoenix is Born

Lu Ten

Thursday

Elizabeth

The day began like any other. Tired beams of artificial haze drooped downwards, illuminating the cell. And the ratchet-clank hymn of machinery echoed somewhere on the outside. Yet in one aspect it differed. Knowledge that the final day of Mercer's ultimatum approached hung like leaked gasoline. Whatever the result, the fuse was set to detonate tomorrow.

I stirred from bed kicking off my wafer covers. The Queen's snores revved on similar to a Ferrari. I smirked, the time for training had ended. Patience and rest were all that remained. Moments like these filled me with restlessness as my hands vibrated in sync with the mysterious hum. I trudged to each corner of my cell in search for a distraction, thankful for fuzzy slippers Dylan had managed to sneak in.

"Will you stop pacing?" Moaned a weary voice.

"If I don't I'll go crazy ma?" I replied.

She smacked her tongue against the top of her mouth. "You're nervous *abi."

"Koju was always the idle one."

Her laugh bounced off every surface in the cell. Lightening up the crinkles at the side of her eyes. The pinching tension slowly disappeared at the sight of her smile. That, and subtle fragrance of freshly picked snowdrops. Another gift from Dylan to her.

"Has he told you the time he skipped class at Academy *nitori ọmọbinrin?"

"Koju did what?" I exasperated. The smile on her face now infectious, she patted down the space to sit and I hurried to take a seat.

"Picture this." She began. "A scrawny thirteen year old Koju burst into one of my Nano Fibre lectures and declared his love for my star student Seun. He breaks into song and dance."

Her arms danced through the air as she stood up puffing out her chest proudly and singing.

"Seun. Seun. Wa di iyawo mi. Ma make sweet *love pelu e. Wa di iyawo mi."

I died, folding over myself and rolled on the floor. Gaze deteriorated behind a cloud of tears. Short high pitched snorts phased in and out.

"The yelps that boy made after his father's hiding were definitely not healthy." She cackled.

"I never knew Koju was this rebellious."

"Well, it wasn't all his fault." She sighed. "In fact, he wasn't the one that thought up the plan."

"Then whose was it?" I queried.

"My husband, Ayo."

Her abrupt answer unsheathed a plethora of questions. Yet they were cut short by the screech of a metal door. I gritted my teeth and rolled my eyes at the sight of the world's lamest guy.

"How are my favourite people?" Chirped Dylan.

"Fine after the way you've been spoiling us." Parroted the Queen.

In fitting lilac polo, denim jeans and converse he pulled out a large protruding bag from behind. Wafts of his uber sweet cologne poisoning my air.

"Alright, you caught me." He reddened. "These are to say thank you for all your support and advice. Because of your help, I'm on good relations with my dad, have stronger communication skills and on my way to an interview for a six-figure role at Amazon."

"You shouldn't have." Sobbed Queen Ogunyade, rubbing his shoulder as he passed the package through the bars.

Is she mad?

If he really wanted to thank us how about letting us go or telling the police?

The repulsive scene knotted my stomach. I dove into my bed before the acidic reflux kicked in, wrapping the duvets around my frame to mask my vigorous hate.

"I also wanted to say sorry, you know, about tomorrow." He bemoaned. "I wish there was more I could do-."

"Hush my dear. You've done plenty." She whispered. "But could I ask one final favour?"

"Anything?"

"Stay home tomorrow."

My cheeks flushed at the sudden rush of tepid blood. Prepping a call back of this morning's breakfast. Immediately I flipped over and tunnel-visioned into the back of her head, hoping my concern reacher her.

"I would just feel terrible if you got caught up in what will happen tomorrow." She added.

Dylan stumbled back, tripping over a loose shoelace which sent him soaring towards the wall opposite. Massaging the place of impact he mumbled a woeful "Yeah sure."

Shifting my position on the bed I watched as a tight-lipped twinkle appeared somewhat hidden on her countenance.

"Then I wish you a long prosperous life Dylan."

"You too." Tears welling in his eyes.

Watching him limp out the door was the saddest thing, period. My leer carried towards the Queen, who had begun to unpack the food.

"Spare me your comments Elizabeth." Not even looking up. "Playing the game doesn't necessarily mean condoning it."

A tangy sting oozed out my tongue as I bit down hard. These words weren't meant for now. A warm object prodded my side. I spun around, to see a long roll of crease stained red and green paper, which read *chicken fillet roll with taco sauce.

"Eat." She ordered. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

One bite of bland processed chicken and "sauce" almost kick-started another attempt to spew. But I scoffed the plastic down. Whatever her plan, whatever her motive, she was right on one thing.

Tomorrow will indeed be a long day.

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Yoruba to English Translations/ Author's Note/ Urban Irish Dictionary

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*nitori ọmọbinrin = Because of girl.

*chicken fillet roll with taco sauce = Staple delicacy in Ireland.