"Careful," Nnenna said automatically, though there was fondness in her tone."You'll knock something over again."
Chinedu skidded to a stop at Azul's side, reaching for an orange slice.Before he could grab it and run off again, Azul caught him gently by the waist and lifted him with a huff onto her lap.He was heavier than she thought.
"Ah!"He squirmed for half a second, then settled, looking up at her with those bright, curious eyes."Can I have it?"
"May I have one?"Azul corrected, selecting a slice and holding it out to him."And yes, you may."
He took it with both hands, immediately biting into it with enthusiasm; juice dribbled down his chin, making him look no cleaner than running in the dust already did.
Across the table, Nnenna's expression softened further."He's fond of you."
"He's a good child," Azul replied, adjusting Chinedu so he sat more comfortably in her lap.The boy leaned back against her naturally, contentedly munching his orange as though he'd sat there a hundred times before.
Azul mused; she'd simply become another fixture of his world, the strange lady at the shrine who gave him medicine for his breathing and sometimes let him play with snakes.
The boy was already reaching for another orange slice.
Nkiru approached then, slightly out of breath."Young master, you must not sit on the Akwaugo!"
"It's fine."Azul waved a hand, bangles clinking."You can go and wait in the kitchen for lunch to be done.I'll be fine here."
Nkiru held her tongue, nodded and scampered off.The walk to the kitchen was rather long and she was the only one Azul trusted to retrieve her food, so she would have to go and return alone a few times.
"So, have you decided on what you will do about the marriage?"Nnenna asked, lowering her cup.
Azul stared at the liquid in hers, untouched.
"Why do you ask?"
"I simply worry for you.Marrying a warlord can only mean death—you won't even be buried in Tarsyn, and your children will never know their motherland nor their language.They will be strangers in their father's house, and no one will be there to support them.You will be alone, Akwaugo."
Azul only smiled.To lose a daughter was said to be like losing a limb—how much more so in such a depressing way?
"What choice do I have?The Igwe has decided, has he not?"
Nnenna shook her head.She leaned forward a little, and her brows furrowed as if she were unsure of whether to continue speaking."The Igwe might be an option for you.Isn't it better to wed him?"
Azul's eyes flickered up, dimming."Oh?"she asked.
Nnenna nodded, emboldened by the lack of negative response."I think it is best for you.If you marry Somadina, it would be too humiliating considering your younger sister is already his wife.At least this way, you can climb and gain more power than Iyom."
Azul's lips stretched, but disappointment brewed in her heart.
"But I understand your hesitation," the Third Wife continued with a sigh."I too did not wish to wed the Igwe, but my family had benefited greatly.You should consider your brothers.If you are sold to a warlord, it would bring them no success and might hinder their rise in court."
This was the first time Azul was hearing her brothers were interested in joining the political sphere.How did two commoners from the village end up in such a good position?Was it truly just because of Somadina?
No, surely he is not that generous?
"You speak wisdom, Third Wife.Thank you for your advice."Azul bowed her head a little, and Nnenna seemed satisfied with herself, as though she had spoken sense into a troublesome youth.
"Take care of yourself, Akwaugo.I will see you at a more convenient time."As she stood, Chinedu seemed to get the hint that his mother was about to leave, so he took five more slices and quickly slid off Azul's lap to follow.
Azul stood to see them off.She watched them descend the shrine steps, her smile fading with their voices.
You disappoint me,she thought, her eyes narrowing.
As she was about to return to her quarters, a far-off figure caught her eyes, returning her smile with more sincerity.
