The little snake slithered out from under her pillow, coming up to the neglected corpse in the room.It turned to look at her with pleading eyes.
"Can you eat that?"Azul asked, surprise passing through her features.
Yes… This person smells delicious.
She looked at the large man, then at the little snake."Feel free."Questioning how it would swallow the man brought her no respite.
Chapter 12
Themorningsunglistenedoff the water, turning the lake’s surface into a diaphanous sheet of sapphire.The royal barge—a massive vessel with a figurehead shaped like a rearing serpent—rocked gently against the dock where the wives had gathered.
Laughter drifted across the water, mingling with the splash of oars and the distant calls of servant girls as they hurried to serve the women of the harem.The Ugoeze held court at the centre, shaded by a canopy of large, circular leaves.Her ladies were arranged around the boat like colourful petals, serving wine and making sure plates were constantly full.The Iyom sat at her right hand, as protocol demanded.
"We must be blessed by Anyanwu; it is such a lovely day today," the Fifth Wife sighed, fanning herself with her dyed raffia fan."The lake is so calm."
"The lake is always calm when the Igwe isn't sailing," the Sixth Wife replied."He attracts storms, that one."
Laughter rippled through the group.The barge had been prepared for the women's private celebration—a day of food, music, and dance to welcome the newest member of their ranks.The Okpalaeze's new wife would join them shortly, formally entering the harem.
"Has anyone seen the Third Wife?"the Ugoeze asked.
"Still preparing her gift for the bride," the Fifth Wife offered."She's been quite secretive about it."
The Iyom's lips curved slightly."How thoughtful of her."
The conversation drifted—gossip from outside the walls, complaints about servants, speculation about the harvest festival.Time passed pleasantly, with wine flowing freely.
Eventually, a servant approached the Ugoeze with her head bowed low.
"Ugoeze, the Akwaugo has arrived and awaits permission to board."
The Ugoeze's eyebrows rose.The girls fanning her seemed to smirk.She exchanged a glance with the Iyom.
"The Akwaugo?"the Ugoeze repeated."Her punctuality leaves much to be desired."
The Iyom hid her smile behind her cup."Shall we send for her, Ugoeze?"
"Hmm."The Ugoeze considered."Let her wait.We're in the middle of a conversation."
The servant bowed and retreated.
On the dock, Azul stood in the morning sun, dressed in deep indigo.Behind her, Nkiru shifted nervously, clutching a small wrapped gift.
"Akwaugo," Nkiru whispered, "they saw us."
"I know."Azul remained calm."We will be waiting a bit."They were late.Azul pursed her lips at the thought.She had rushed out after treating the Great Khan in her room, and still she was late.In truth, she would've never been punctual, for she was given the wrong time.
The sun climbed higher, and she controlled her breathing, sweat dripping down her neck, making her uncomfortable.
Twenty minutes passed, then thirty, then sixty.
Azul had no shade, and the breeze had been blocked by the large boat.Her dress was beginning to cling to her skin, and yet she couldn’t move from her position.
Finally, a servant approached, looking down from above the boat, unwilling to come down to inform her."The Ugoeze will see you now, Akwaugo."
Azul smiled, struggling to see past the blinding sun."Thank you, Ma."
She climbed aboard, Nkiru following.The moment her feet touched the deck, conversation stopped.Twenty pairs of eyes turned to her.
