Azul met each gaze in turn, expression pleasant.
"Akwaugo."The Ugoeze's voice was warm."How lovely of you to join us.I hope you didn't wait long—we were so engrossed in conversation, I'm afraid we lost track of time."
"No longer than expected, Ugoeze."Azul bowed appropriately."Thank you for including me." The back of her throat felt dry, and her vision swam slightly.
"Of course.Please, take your seat.We're about to begin."
Azul's designated place was at the far end of the barge—wedged between low-level concubines who barely acknowledged her.
She sat without comment, arranging her robes, and nodded for Nkiru to return to shore.
The barge pushed off, gliding onto the lake.
Musicians struck up a melody, and dancers flooded into the centre of their little group to perform.
Azul watched, gulping to quench her thirst.The dancers were graceful, wrappers tied around their busts and hips, bells around their ankles, their hair shaved down as beads encircled their heads.They danced energetically, skin glistening with sweat.Azul’s eyes wandered to the wine cup before her, then to the one of the concubines next to her.
A message had arrived early that morning; a servant of the Third Wife had left her a warning.
Do not drink from your cup.
Taking one glance around, Azul swiftly swapped her cup with the other woman’s after it had been refilled.Even then, she dared not drink.
Then the guest of honour soon arrived.
A smaller boat pulled alongside, and Chidinma was helped aboard.Deep green brocade, gold jewellery, face painted in the full style of a married woman.She seemed to glow, gleeful with a coquettish look on her face.A bride on her first day in the harem.
The wives rose to greet her.Chidinma accepted their embraces with humility, her eyes finding Azul.
Their gazes locked.
Azul smiled the best she could; her lack of sleep, her thirst, and her exhaustion felt like dead weight pressing down on her.Chidinma's smile didn't waver, but triumph flickered in her eyes.
"Please, sit."The Ugoeze guided Chidinma to a place of honour."Today we welcome our newest sister.Let us celebrate properly."
Azul nursed her cup without drinking; her energy for chatter was non-existent.
"Akwaugo!"a junior wife called across the barge."You're not drinking!Come, join us!"
"I'm fine, thank you."She waved it off.She only wished to stay an appropriate amount of time before excusing herself.
"Nonsense!"the woman beside her goaded."It's a celebration!Drink with us!"
Azul couldn’t be sure she would survive another six hours of kneeling, so she raised her cup."If you insist.To the happy couple!"
The concubine raised her drink.
Azul did too, enjoying the sickly sweet smell of grapes.And she drank.The wine was to her taste; it was sweet.They refilled her cup.And again.And again.
She paced herself carefully.Let them think she was drinking more than she was.There was no need to fight on a day like today.
The afternoon wore on and eventually the dancers finished.The sun began its descent.
Chidinma rose, cup in hand, and made her way to where Azul sat.
"Sister."Her voice was chirpy."I'm so glad you came today.It means so much to have family here."
Smiling, Azul replied."Of course I came; how could I miss such a momentous occasion?Though I must say, I almost didn't recognise you beneath all that makeup.I was concerned you were concealing a sickly appearance, but I'm happy to see you're well."
