If she knew what was good for her, she would apologise that instant.
But Azul was not someone who could stand even a thorn in her flesh.
"No."
The word dropped like a pebble in a still pool.
The Dowager's eyebrows rose."No?"
Azul did not explain herself further."For defending my life and virtue, I will accept any punishment you see fit to bestow upon me, Mama Igwe."
The Dowager's expression remained unchanged, but something flickered in her unfeeling eyes.
"You dare defy me?"
"I dare many things."Even when it costs me.
Somadina's face darkened."Grandmother, this insolence—"
The Dowager raised one hand, and he fell silent.
She studied the scriptures on her lap, and with a flick of her wrist, the papers scattered around the room, some catching alight on torches and burning to the ground.Hours of work rendered meaningless in the blink of an eye."Good, very good.Chukwuemeka has raised such a precious daughter!Too precious to observe the difference between elder and child!Akwaugo, since you will not apologise, you will kneel."
"Grandmother—" Somadina began.
"You will kneel," the Dowager continued, her voice shaking, "in the courtyard before my residence.For six hours.Where all who pass may see a woman who values her pride more than her senses.By the end, you will understand the price of defiance."
Azul bowed her head."Thank you for your mercy."
"Your maid will kneel with you, as is proper for a servant who shares her mistress's disgrace."
Azul's lips pursed, but she did not retort.
"Now go.Your six hours begin when you take your place."
The courtyard stones were already warm from the morning sun.
Azul knelt, her knees pressing into the hard ground.Beside her, Nkiru lowered herself down, her small body rigid with fear.
Azul did not say anything to the girl, but she seemed to understand what her mistress was thinking.
"I chose to stay, Akwaugo," Nkiru said softly."Do not worry for me."
The false princess's fists clenched at her sides as she remained upright.
Servants passed, speaking in hushed tones when they saw her.Eventually the meeting ended, so the wives and concubines poured out, their eyes sliding over Azul with either glee or indifference.They pretended to whisper but spoke loud enough for her to hear.
"The village girl who thought herself above her station."
"Maybe after her skin has burned terribly, she will understand her title means nothing."
Azul kept her spine straight and her eyes forward.Let their words wash over her like rain.
Whoever spoke, she wrote their names in her heart.
Whoever sneered, their expressions were seared into her memory.
Where's Borji?
