Setting the shears down, the Ugoeze reached out and touched one of the standing buds with her fingertip.It was already losing its firmness at the edge.She pressed lightly.It came free, drifting to the floor.
Already wilting.
She said nothing for a long moment.Then she lifted her eyes to the maid standing by the screen.
"Prepare my cloak."
The Dowager ate late, as she always had.It was one of the few habits her son had never managed to persuade her out of, and she held onto the privilege to do what she wanted because she had survived all the other wives and was the only one left of her cohort in the palace.
Obiageli sat across from her; the girl ate slowly.She had lived with her grandmother from a young age; no one could be sure why she didn’t just leave with her recorded mother, the Ugoeze.The Dowager’s cat had arranged itself across the corner of the low table as though it had been specifically invited, its white paws tucked neatly beneath its chest.
The Dowager was mid-sentence when the door opened.
She didn't look up immediately.The Ugoeze would wait.
The First Wife entered, bowed with appropriate depth, and straightened.Her cloak was the dark one—which meant she had come discreetly.
"Mama Igwe."She inclined her head.Then her gaze moved to Obiageli, and she suppressed her disdain quickly."Princess Obiageli," she greeted.
Obiageli looked back at her, a smile gracing her beautiful face.
"Sit," the Dowager said.
Obi opened one eye, assessed her, and closed it again.
"The Valthorne delegation has arrived," the Ugoeze said, her voice finding its usual smoothness."The council met this evening.The formal banquet is set for two days from now.The Akwaugo will be presented to the Great Khan."
The Dowager set down her bowl, a frown on her features."She’s not dead yet?"
The Ugoeze felt a chill crawl down her spine, her lips struggling to speak."No, Mama."She avoided Obiageli’s gaze, the girl instead picking up the lazy cat to coo at.
"Useless!"Plates shattered in that instant, the Dowager’s old maid quickly coming to her side, her hand tapping her back to calm her down.
The Ugoeze shrank back, not daring to look up.
"I apologise, Mama, I do not know what happened to the man we sent.It seems she might have secret backing we are unaware of… Recently, the Okpalaeze stood up on her behalf; he might have kept men to look out for her."
The Dowager’s face contorted."What kind of excuse is that!?Three times now you have failed to kill that girl!How do you have the guts to show your face!"She pointed as she scolded, her body trembling.
"Grandmother, do not worry.Since it has become like this, we must not be hasty.There will be more chances in the future."
The Dowager sighed, and her maid began to knead her temples."I should have cut the bud years ago; had I known, I would’ve just killed her instead of letting them drop her in the Igbele."She looked at her granddaughter, taking her hand."Are you sure you can wait?When the gate opens, I worry you will struggle."
Obiageli smiled, charming everyone in the room."It’s no worry, as the gods decide.I have the goddess of the Udamili on my side; what god does she have standing behind her?"
The Dowager seemed pleased at her words.“Good!I will return it all to you, and you can comfortably inherit what was rightfully yours."
Chapter 15
Chidinmahadusefulhands.Somadina noticed this early—she was efficient with buttons and didn't pull or fuss.She dressed him the way she did everything else in their short marriage: in silence, with competence, her eyes always down, which he considered a sign of respect.
He appreciated that.
A wife who didn't chatter meaninglessly in the morning was worth more than one who was merely beautiful.
She was both, which was convenient.
The knock came as she was fastening the last clasp at his shoulder.
