Novels by gbotemiolowe011

"Speaking of him," Elle said before Queme could answer, "I saw him earlier, heading to the King's quarters with his right-hand man.""Maybe he had an audience with the King.""Probably," Elle said. Then, studying her friend, Queme asked, "Why do you hate your blood brother so much, anyway?""I don't know. I just do," Elle said."Despite his good manners, his respect for his elders, the way he never breaks a single rule?" Queme asked, searching Elle's face."Yes. Of course.""Elle, queen of observation." Queme shook her head, smiling.Elle rolled her eyes. "Stop teasing me. Come on — let's go explore the palace grounds."They rose, hand in hand, and left the room together.At Adele's HouseAdele was sweeping the front step when Anna came out, dressed but heavy-faced, her eyes still swollen from the tears she'd cried the night before over Blair."Good morning, Mummy," she said quietly."Morning, my angel." Adele managed a smile."I'm going to the big mango tree by the market square. May

Later That NightAdele couldn't sleep.Her heart was filled with fear, questions, and doubt."Is Blair really Kieka's daughter?"She stared into the darkness."But Kieka wasn't pregnant before she left the palace."Adele shook her head."No. I must be overthinking this."Then she remembered the pink butterfly tattoo.Adele's eyes widened."But that tattoo..."She covered her face with her hands."No. She can't be Kieka's daughter."Adele continued asking herself questions, but she couldn't find any answers.Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and she fell asleep.At the PalaceEchoing footsteps approached Queen Camille's chamber.It was Lady Kay, Queen Camille's right-hand woman.Lady Kay stopped in front of the two maids guarding the entrance."Announce that I'm here," she ordered.One of the maids bowed."Your Majesty, Lady Kay is asking for an audience.""Let her in," Queen Camille replied from inside.The door opened, and Lady Kay stepped into the chamber with her head bowed and

In the evening, Adele entered her room and found Anna sitting there, tears streaming down her face.The moment Anna saw her mother, relief washed over her. The tears kept rolling, but at least Adele was safe."What's wrong with you?" Adele asked, crossing to her at once."Mummy, I thought something bad had happened to you.""Why would you think that?" Adele frowned."I came back from the market and found the whole house scattered.""The whole house?" Adele's voice caught."Yes, Mummy."Something shifted in Adele's expression."As if someone came here searching for something," she said, more to herself than to Anna, fear creeping into her voice.Anna nodded.Without another word, Adele rushed into her bedroom to see whether anything was missing. Anna followed and watched her mother tear through the room, wrenching open drawers, flinging things aside as though searching for something she couldn't bear to lose."Mummy! What are you looking for?"Adele didn't answer.A few moments later,

The Following Morning"Anna!"Her mother's voice woke her. Anna sat up at once."Mom?""I'm going to the market." Adele stood in the doorway, a small basket in hand. "I need your help with something."Anna got out of bed. "What is it?""Vegetables and bread.""Okay." She took the basket, and as she passed her mother, something caught her eye — Adele looked pale."Mom, are you sure you're okay?""I'm fine," Adele said, and walked away before Anna could ask anything more.Anna grabbed her shoes and stepped outside. The morning air was cool, the village already stirring — people heading for the market, children weaving through the narrow streets, merchants pushing carts loaded with food. For a moment she forgot everything else and smiled.Then a voice called out behind her. "Anna!"She turned. A young man stood a few feet away, waving."Where are you going?""The market."He grinned. "Then I'll walk with you.""Why?" she laughed."Because it's a long way from here."They set off together

One afternoon, while Adele was preparing their meal, Anna entered the room with excitement written all over her face."Mom."Adele glanced at her. "Yes, Anna?""Do you remember the palace?"The spoon in Adele's hand stopped moving. For a moment she said nothing. Then she turned slowly toward her daughter."Why are you asking me about the palace?"Anna didn't notice the fear hidden behind her mother's voice."I heard they're looking for new maids."Adele's face hardened instantly. "No.""No?""I said no.""But you haven't even heard what I wanted to say.""I don't need to." Adele turned away and went back to the food.Anna moved closer. "Mom, please. Just listen to me." When Adele stayed silent, she pressed on. "I've been looking for a job for a long time. If I get a position at the palace, I'll earn enough to take care of you. We won't have to struggle anymore."Adele set the spoon down hard. "Anna." Her voice had gone stern. "Never mention that place again.""But why?""Because I sai