Around her, scattered like wax-coated petals, were the other wives of the Igwe.They knelt on cushioned woven mats, their faces painted with varying degrees of concern and curiosity.But it was the woman in black—the Iyom, second wife and mother of Somadina—who commanded attention.She knelt closest to the Ugoeze, her body bent forward in supplication, her hands clasped together as tears streamed down her painted face.
"Ugoeze," the Iyom wailed, her voice trembling as though in agony."My son lies in the healer's chambers, his head split open, royal blood spilt by this whore whom you have brought into our home.I beg you, as a mother, to grant me justice.Let this girl answer for what she has done."
Azul’s lips pressed into a thin line.So it was you who suggested that your husband should buy me?
The Ugoeze's expression did not change, though her fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on the armrest of her seat.
Azul, albeit miffed that she had to answer to these people, found it morbidly fascinating, the hierarchy of women.
To be seen as anything less than fair and magnanimous would undermine the Ugoeze's position amongst the other wives.A first wife must never be moved to jealousy by the other women whom her husband chose to impregnate.In exchange, she received the greatest gift of all: her name would be written in the genealogy regardless of her fertility status.
What pointless endowments, made to keep the first wife silent regardless of any injustice she might face.How meaningless that her name would be remembered as the woman her husband selected out of tens, hundreds, and sometimes thousands.
"Iyom," the Ugoeze said, her voice as calm as mist."Your grief is understood.A mother's love for her son is sacred.But we must hear all sides before justice can be administered.Let the girl speak."
All eyes turned to Azul.
She stood in the centre of the room, the golden band at her throat catching the light.She did not lower her gaze; they expected her to be intimidated by them, a village girl amidst royalty.The servants had dressed her well—layers of crimson and gold that made her look every bit the princess the King had proclaimed her to be.Or they wished for her to aggravate the Ugoeze who wore the same colours.But Azul did not have the strength to overthink their actions.Beneath the finery, her body ached, and the memory of Somadina's hands around her throat burned hotter than any flame.
"Akwaugo," the Ugoeze continued."What happened in the Okpalaeze's chambers last night?"
Azul's jaw tightened.She could feel the weight of their stares, the hungry curiosity behind their faces.They wanted a scandal they could leak to their families outside the palace.If her name were smeared, what could she do from this cage?
"The Okpalaeze summoned me," Azul said, her voice quiet but each word spoken clearly."He attempted to force himself upon me.I simply defended myself."
A gasp rippled through the room.The Iyom let out a strangled cry, her hand flying to her chest as though Azul's words had struck her physically.
"Ugoeze!See how this Ogbanje lies!"the Iyom shrieked."My son is the heir to this tribe!I have raised him as the pearl in his father's hands!He would never—he has no need to force anyone!Look at you, girl.Do you think we are fools?I have heard what the people say about you.You are beautiful, yes, but you are also ambitious.You wanted his favour, and when he rejected you, you struck him out of spite!"
Murmurs of agreement rose from some of the wives.Azul's fingers curled into her palms.The Ugoeze frowned.Azul noted it.Though she wasn't sure if it was due to the mockery of her lack of sons or because the subject being discussed was too taboo.
"I have no interest in the Okpalaeze's favour," Azul curtly replied."I want nothing from him."
"Then why were you in his chambers?"another wife called out, her voice sharp with accusation.
Azul tried not to lash out; in a world like this, a woman’s reputation was precious, dictating her future, her past, and her death.A ruined reputation could lead a mob to your doorstep and could have you dragged into the streets and stoned for upsetting the gods.In contrast, a good reputation meant you lived respected by those who saw you as less than.But to some, that respect would feel worse than death.
"Because he summoned me," Azul repeated with a hardened tone."Or do you suggest I should have defied a direct order from a prince?"
"Bold girl!You don't even have any shame!If you were truly wronged, why are you standing akimbo?"
Azul found herself speechless.Did not falling to pieces count as proof of malicious seduction?
The Ugoeze raised a hand, and the room fell silent.
"The Akwaugo claims she was defending her virtue," the Ugoeze laid out."The Iyom claims her son was wronged.Without a witness, this becomes a matter of one word against another."
The Iyom's red lips curled into a smile, catching Azul's eye."Then let us settle this matter with certainty, Ugoeze.If the girl claims she defended her virtue, let us confirm that her virtue even remains intact.For all we know, she might be reenacting a play of the malimbe raising the cuckoo.Summon the midwives.Let them examine her!"
A wave of whispers broke out in the room, and Azul felt her anger rise.
The cuckoo was the famous bird that made others raise its young.From an accusation of attempted murder to insinuating she might already be pregnant.Trying anything and everything, either way, the moment the Ugoeze believes her words enough, it gives the rumours possibility.
In other words, it was a trap.Even if the examination confirmed her claims, the act itself would strip her of dignity as a trustworthy woman.And the wives knew it.
Azul was not one to care for her reputation, but a good, happy life in such a world relied on how others saw her.It didn't help that Azul was not someone satisfied with mere comfort; if she were to live here, she planned to live grandiosely.
The girl's mind raced.She could refuse, but that would be seen as an admission of guilt.She could submit, but the damage would be done regardless.She opened her mouth, unsure of what she would say when someone spoke up for her.
