BAMALI I had failed at the task given to me by the deity. I became nervous, unaware of the consequences of my failure. When I went on the quest for power, I never imagined that I would go through so much hardship. My life before the quest was simple and easier; now, everything had changed. I was no longer, the chief Boka of Rayuwa. I was only regarded as a noble because of my lineage and blood ties to the current Saraunia, Hajara. I was nothing but the priest of a deity that would soon be forgotten. I strongly believed that Aljannan'Daji wasn't handling the situation well. Her arrogance and overconfidence would be her downfall. Lafiya had forgotten a deity once; they could do it again. I needed to try and talk some sense into her. She needed to set aside her bloodthirst for once and please the people. Lafiya's condition was now too dire for her to expect total dedication from them. Already I have heard news that people from Rukum and the neighbouring settlement had turned away from h

ADAM. The honeymoon so far had been great. Watching how amazed Binta was by everything she saw made me realise how privileged I had been to be royalty and not a commoner. The things that amazed her were things I took for granted like fast food, intercontinental meals, phones, computers, cinemas, amusement parks, cars, the jet, I could go on and on. Binta was also wise enough not to show her amusement when in the presence of others. She knew she was truly free, and she behaved as such. Everything was finally right with the world. I had no troubles anymore. Our future together depended on how we both chose to live it. My prayers were answered. The only thing that bothered me was becoming the Sarki of Rayuwa. That place was a prison, and I would have given anything if it were possible to give away my birthright, but I couldn't. Therefore, I intend to enjoy myself until it was time for us to return permanently to Rayuwa. After a long day of touring the city of Venice on a boat, we retu

Laila. Everyone avoided me that day. I was ordered to remain in my room until I was called; I felt like a prisoner. The queen specifically sent orders not to allow me wander about the palace. Food was brought to me. The maidens that attended to my needs were rude, but I couldn't complain. I knew what I was getting myself into. All I had to do was wait it out. My father wanted to be related to the Sarki by all means; he had finally got his wish at my expense and at the expense of all those who would be affected negatively by this. One of the maidens was nice to me, and she informed me that the Sarki had sent for my father. I had mixed emotions about my father. As much as I loved him, he had sold me cheap. He had never cared for me, and this was evident. Later in the evening, I was summoned to the throne room. My father was seated on one of the floor cushions. Our station had descended so low, and my father still had no shame. "May you live long, your majesty." I squatted to greet t

Binta. I didn't know what was expected of me at the moment. I wondered how I could go from one extreme to the other. I was extremely happy, then angry and then sad. I thought we promised never to keep secrets from each other. Why did he hide this from me? Why didn't he tell me? "Binta, please let.." Adam said, trying to reach out to me, but I shrugged him off. I looked at the King and queen with all the respect I could display. "Your majesty, I will like to return home with my mother." I requested. "My daughter," the Sarki began, "that is between you and your husband, and besides, it is wrong for a wife to leave her husband in a time of need. Running away the instant there is trouble is not a good sign of things to come. It will make people question your character. The best way we could deal with this is together." He completed, and we heard someone walk in. I looked up and saw my mother. The Sarki looked uncomfortable, almost scared when she entered. I could understand their fea

LAILA. There was no welcoming party when we arrived at the house... Binta had instructed a maid to wait for me at the entrance. She was young, and I figured she was new there because she wasn't working at the house when Adam and I were dating. Coming to the house brought bittersweet memories. "Are you okay?" Zuwaira asked. I was about to ask her why she would ask such a question when I realised that I was crying. I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Welcome, your highness." The young maid greeted me, and I replied with a nod. "This way, please." She said, ushering Zuwaira and me to where I believed would be my bedroom. "What about the prince?" Zuwaira asked. I wished she didn't because it was obvious he didn't care, and I didn't blame him. "His highness asked not to be disturbed." She explained, averting her eyes. It was apparent that she didn't want to be questioned, so I held Zuwaira's hand to stop her from asking. "Here is your room." She finally said, stopping at a door. I was