Prince Sudas had been watching her closely from a distance ever since they arrived in Igbo town. Finally, after three days, he found some time to explore the town.
She was dressed in a black cloth, wrapped around her thighs and adorned with a big-sleeved dress. She had braided her hair, just like Alkaki and Murjani did, and she wore up to five pieces of coral on her hands.
Her every step exuded regal grace, causing her wide waist to sway elegantly. Prince Sudas’ car moved slowly, as if reluctant to approach her. He rolled down the car window, gazing at her intently, as if parched and in dire need of water. He touched his lips and then closed the window.
The car eventually pulled up beside her, but she didn’t even raise her head. Only when the car stopped did she halt as well. The driver’s side door opened, revealing a young man who swiftly walked towards her. She stopped and stared at him, giving him her full attention. He continued to approach, and she turned her face slightly, placing her hand over her chest, revealing her lack of apprehension.
The young man paused, then spoke, “Hello, where am I going?”
She remained silent, unsure if she could trust a stranger from a different tribe. In her culture, taking care of someone from another tribe was considered a grave mistake, so she kept her distance.
The young man lowered his head and remarked, “Troublesome, I see Izza here.”
She quickly looked at him, seemingly understanding his intention. He smiled and asked, “What’s your name?”
“OMEHI… that’s my name,” she replied.
The car came to a stop, and the young man hurriedly exited it. He bowed to the messenger and said, “I apologize, Prince, what’s wrong with me.”
Without even glancing at where YARIMA was, he began walking and then stopped not too far away. For a minute, YARIMA gazed at her before averting his eyes. Silence lingered for about ten minutes, until he approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“I’m YARIMA SUDAS, and I’m Hausa Fulani. I want to say I love you, and I want to marry you, no matter what,” he declared.
Having said that, he turned away and walked back to his car, which was opened for him to enter. OMEHI’s body trembled with fear, wondering who this person was who had potentially put her life in danger. He clearly had no knowledge of her true identity, and she regretted her earlier words. Hot tears streamed down her face as she sympathized with herself. He was determined to marry her, no matter the cost.
Upon returning home, a messenger was sent by ADAMI (her father). OMEHI’s body danced with excitement, except for her trembling frame. There was nothing to fear, except for her own body’s uncontrollable shivering.
She followed the messenger to the designated spot, where she lay down with her arms outstretched and her younger sister crouched nearby.
A shiver ran down her spine as she felt a hand touch her head and then slowly glide down her neck. Murmurs and prayers filled the air for five minutes before her father finally spoke.
“AZUYA (where are you)?”
Fear gripped her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She had been seen standing among the HAUSA tribe, and she remained lying there, unable to utter a word.
The silence was broken by KING GIMBA’s command, “Go and tie her up.”