The Forbidden Princess: The One Secret That Could Destroy The Entire Kingdom
Stay away from the prince you wretched weird creature. He is not yours and can never be yours. I seek no throne. I ask nothing of him, my princess. This is your last warning. Cross my hand and the next time I speak, it will be through consequences, not words. The gods, the ancestors, they know my heart.
He is not yours AND CAN NEVER BE YOURS. I AM A POOR WIDOW’S DAUGHTER. PEACE is my only claim. Let the gods of Azera be my witnesses. The gods favor order and order knows its place. This is the last kindness you will receive from me. Ah, Amaka, my daughter, why are you crying like this? Princess Princess Zara will not leave me alone.
Princess Zara again? My child, that princess is not one to wrestle with. Her heart is sharp and her power has no patience. I did nothing, mama. I swear by the ancestors I did nothing. I believe you, but believe does not stop royalty. Listen to me carefully. Stay away from the prince.
If you see him, tell him to leave you alone. But mama No, my daughter. Peace is sometimes louder than innocence. That princess, she is ruthless. She does not forgive what she fears. know what to do. That princess, she does not forgive what she fears. Amaka, the most precious flower of this village. Good morning, my prince.
My prince, please stop coming here. Why? Have I offended you? No, my prince, but I have offended the princess, your queen to be. What did you do? I can beg her for you. I will speak on your behalf. No, the one I need to beg is you. Please, the princess is not happy with our friendship. She feels angered. Angered? Nobody tells me who to associate with.
I am the prince of the village. If you truly value our friendship, you must stop coming here. Amaka, why are you saying this? Your voice hurts me. When the weight of kingdoms rest on my shoulders, it is you who gives me peace. Your words, your songs, your dance. Are you saying you will no longer dance for me? No longer sing for me? Prince, with all due respect, please leave my daughter alone.
If anything happens to her, I will not forgive you. That princess, your wife to be, is ruthless. Mama, out of respect for you, I will leave. But this is not fair. This is not over. Drop the gifts. Mama, this is so unfair. It’s okay, my child. It is for the best. [snorts] Ifiok ma Yes, my princess.
Fan me. I’m hot. I will not let that stupid weird church rat Amaka spoil my mood. Princess Zara, we need to talk. Oh, my prince, the crown of my head. Have you come so we may fix a date for our wedding? What did you say to Amaka? Amaka, who is that? Oh, that weird-looking creature of a thing? Do not speak of her like that.
She has one of the purest souls. Purest soul, my foot. Listen, Prince Okoye. I am your wife to be, the future queen of Azera kingdom, and I will not let anybody mess with what belongs to me. I decide who becomes my queen, not you. I’m sorry, my prince, but it does not work that way. The gods of this land, my father and your father, the supreme kings, have decreed that we shall marry.
We will rule side by side. That is how it will be. You are living in a dream, Zara, and you need to wake up. I am warning you for the last time. Stay away from Amaka. You can’t stop me. Do not harm her. Do not go near her. LET HER BE. YOU LIE, PRINCE. [screaming] YOU LIE. YOU BELONG TO ME. I will deal WITH THAT STUPID GIRL.
GUARDS! MAIDENS! Go and fetch that stupid creature called Amaka. Bring her to the riverside. I will be waiting for her there. How do I ask the sun to stop shining? How do I command my heart to forget its own peace? Amaka you are the quiet place my soul runs to. When the weight of crowns presses my head, you are the hand that lifts it.
They want me to rule lands, yet deny me the one thing that makes ruling bearable. My prince, you are watching like a child seeing magic for the first time. Because it is magic. When the village mocks me, when they stare as though I am cursed, you never look at me that way. Because you are not small.
You are not cursed. You are light. You are the dream that keeps me awake at night. My prince, what dream keeps you awake? If I speak it, it may flee. Then keep it safe. I cannot lose you, Amaka. I cannot. I cannot lose you, Amaka. I cannot. What cry escaped your chest just now? It is nothing, mother. Nothing does not shake a prince like this.
That was a clever move. Ehe, thank you, ma. Your turn. [laughter] You are getting better at this, Amaka. Amaka! Princess Zara, the incoming queen of Azera, summons What have I done? Come with us. Mama! Amaka! Mama! Please don’t harm my child. You think you can stand between me and my crown? BETWEEN ME AND MY WEDDING? [screaming] MY PRINCESS, I SWEAR.
I BEGGED YOUR husband to be to stay away from me. Today you will learn what it means to desire what does not belong Princess, PLEASE, I BEG YOU. GOD! OH GOD, PLEASE PROTECT MY CHILD. MY PRINCE, PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME. WOMAN, leave this place at once. NO, PLEASE LET ME GO. STOP! [screaming] WHAT IS THE MATTER? IS AMAKA WELL? NO, my prince.
PART 2 ↘️↘️
Your guards took They said it was the ORDER OF PRINCESS ZARA. Where is the princess? She’s at the river. She ordered Amaka to be brought there. This is not good. Is she trying to kill her? This temper. May the gods stop her from committing an abomination. [screaming] YOU MUST DISAPPEAR FROM MY LIFE, YOU WEIRD CREATURE.
YOU MUST DIE TODAY. [screaming] ZARA! STOP THIS MADNESS NOW! GUARDS! [crying] HAVE YOU GONE MAD, ZARA? Is this how a daughter of kings behaves? My child, my child, you are safe now. You have no right to question me. I will fight for what belongs to me. By killing her? My child, you are all right.
You are with me. Do not summon the ancestors into your cruelty. I told you to let that girl be. She has blinded you. If you do not fix our wedding, she will continue to suffer. By the next Eke market day, I cannot promise mercy. You are walking a path the gods do not bless, Zara. Repair your heart. Maidens! Amaka, I am sorry.
What happened to you should never have happened. Please, just let me be. Please Please, my prince, stay away from my my child. Your presence only brings her pain. Mother, I will return to my father’s kingdom. And you shall take back every gift given to Azera. But why, my daughter? Eight market days is not yet over.
Mother, he delays our wedding on purpose. My child, give it time. You two must learn to walk together before the wedding drum is beaten. How? When there is another? And who could that be that I know not of? That widow’s daughter, that strange girl, Amaka. Worry no more, my daughter. You alone shall be the queen of Azera kingdom.
Thank you, queen mother. How can I hunt when my heart is not at peace? Your highness, the queen mother summons you. It is Why are you delaying the wedding? I cannot give Zara my heart. My heart belongs elsewhere. This is not about love. This marriage fits this kingdom. Do not destroy Azera kingdom because of feelings.
Mother, I love Amaka and I want her by my side forever. I feel nothing for Zara. If you must love the girl, make her your concubine, but Zara will be queen. Your highness. Amaka, daughter of a poor widow. What honors my poor home done to deserve your royal presence? So, it is you who has hardened the prince’s heart.
Please, my queen, forgive me if I have offended the throne. I swear before the gods, I seek nothing from the prince. I want no trouble, only peace. Stand, my child. Fear does not suit innocence. You are Amaka, the widow’s daughter, yes? Yes, your highness. Tell me truthfully, what place does my son hold in your heart? My queen, he is kind to me, nothing more.
How would you like to be the prince’s first concubine? My prince, you come to me at this hour? I have spoken with the elders and my mother. The date has been fixed. We marry on the next full moon. Finally, the gods have remembered me. I knew you would choose me.
I am your queen, your crown, your destiny. Yes, it is my duty. Nothing will stand between us now. PEOPLE OF AZERA KINGDOM, HEAR THE VOICE OF THE [screaming] PALACE. BY THE COMMAND OF THE QUEEN MOTHER AND THE PRINCE, THE ROYAL WEDDING SHALL HOLD ON THE NEXT FULL MOON. ALL MAIDENS OF AGE GATHER AT THE VILLAGE SQUARE.
DANCE REHEARSALS BEGIN AT SUNSET. COME AND HONOR THE THRONE WITH YOUR BEAUTY AND YOUR STEPS. THE ROYAL WEDDING SHALL HOLD ON THE NEXT FULL MOON. All maidens gather at the square. Dance rehearsals begin Dance rehearsals begin tomorrow. The wedding, finally. Maybe now everything will be peaceful.
I’d love to dance for the prince and his bride. Maybe that will make Princess Zara happy. I I see who joined us. You too want to dance for the royal wedding with that skin? I only want to dance. I won’t disturb anyone. Ah, my might hurts. Sorry, my child, sorry. Let me clean it small.
They pushed me like I was nothing. You are not nothing. You are stronger than all of them put together. wanted to dance, mama. I know, my child. May the gods repay them in their own coin. Why do they hate me so much? Mama, what did I do? Some hearts fear what shines different. Mother, it is done.
I have given Zara a date. The wedding will hold on the next full moon. She is happy now. You have done well, my son. You have chosen the kingdom before yourself. Your father will be proud. I know, mother. But my heart is not in it, mother. Each time I see her, I feel nothing. My spirit belongs elsewhere elsewhere. After the coronation, we will bring Amaka in quietly.
As my concubine? Yes, our tradition allows it, but Zara must not know, not yet. I will wait, but my heart already belongs to her. Then be king first, love later. My daughter, what the queen mother said, have you thought about it? Mama, my heart has not rested since she left. How can someone like me enter the palace as a concubine? I don’t belong there.
Princess Zara already hates me. What if she kills me, mama? Mm, that woman’s heart is fire. She does not forgive, she is ruthless, but this is the queen mother’s command. In this land, you do not reject the palace. If we say no, we may bring trouble to this house. So, what do we do? If this is the path the gods have written, we cannot run from it.
Please don’t run from me, Amaka. My prince, congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. Do not greet me like that, Amaka. It sounds like you’re sending me away. It is the will of the throne. Who am I to question it? You think this is what I want? I do this for the kingdom, for my people.
My heart, it still knows where it belongs. My prince, please do not speak like this. The queen mother told me she has spoken to you about the offer. Yes, she has. I hope you will accept it. At least you will be safe in the palace, close to me. I have not given it thought, my prince. Some things are better left in God’s hands.
PEOPLE OF AZERA AND UMUDO KINGDOMS, WELCOME TO THE ROYAL WEDDING OF PRINCE OKOYA AND PRINCESS ZARA. THEY DANCE SO BEAUTIFULLY. I wish I could join them someday. Oh, Amaka, the woman after my heart. Who are you looking at? That weird creature again. And where is he going? Where is the king? Amaka, are you well? My prince, please. Today is your
wedding. Don’t let her see you here. She will be angry. My heart does not obey the crown. Please, let me stay far from trouble. Please, Amaka. Tell me you will accept the queen mother’s offer. Please, my prince, this is not right. Where is the king? I saw him going toward the backyard, your highness.
AH, MY PRINCESS, I DID NOTHING. HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FACE ON MY WEDDING DAY? HE LOVES ZARA. I AM NOT DONE WITH YOU, YOU WEIRD CREATURE. AMAKA, I’m so sorry. Please, I’m very, very sorry. I can never be his concubine. Oh, gods of our land, save me from Princess Zara’s wrath. From this day, behold your rulers, King Okoya AND QUEEN ZARA.
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF AZERA KINGDOM. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN. Did you greet your queen properly? I greeted you, your majesty. Now, kneel before your queen. Please, we will not disrespect. And kneel. Kneel before me. Yes, my queen. This is your punishment.
I am your queen. And I shall spare no disrespect. Ah, your highness, what brings you to our humble home? I I came to ask about Amaka. Where is she? She went to the stream to fetch water, as usual. Good morning, Princess Zara. Princess, are you not the same girl that was flirting with my husband, the king of this kingdom, at my own wedding? Did you not hear I was coronated? I’m so sorry, Queen Zara.
Good morning, Queen Zara. Will you stop that? Please, Queen Zara, I do not want any trouble. From the day you stole the attention of my husband, you already gave yourself trouble. Stay away from my husband. Stay away from the king. You have no royal blood in you. Not even in your wildest dreams.
The only place for you in my palace is as a slave, but you don’t put a goat and a yam in the same place. NOW, GET LOST, YOU WEIRD THING. If you do not mind, may I wait? I brought some gifts and ah I have a small apology to offer. I hope everything is well, my prince. I I just wanted to apologize for what happened the other day, babe.
What happened, my son? Sit. Sit. Sit. Let the fire warm you. Ah. what happened my child? Princess Zara she stopped me on the road. My pot fell, my pot broke. Zara again? What are you doing here? I came to apologize. I brought gifts. Amaka, I am truly sorry for what happened at the royal wedding. My prince, I hold no grudges against the throne.
I thought your wedding would bring peace. But everything only became worse. I will speak to Zara. I will make her stop. When you become my royal concubine, things will change. I promise. the queen mother’s offer may be my end. I prepared your meal myself. Please, eat before it gets cold. I am not hungry.
You always say that. Since our wedding you have not eaten my food once. You don’t talk to me. You don’t even sleep beside me like a husband should. What did I do to deserve this? You did nothing. But you already know the truth. I married you for the throne. Not for love. So I am just a crown to you. Queen mother, clean this mess now.
What is this I am hearing my son? Mother. You refuse Zara’s food again. I do. You avoid her bed. You shame your queen in her own palace. Must I force my heart, mother? Because she wears a crown I must pretend love? You are king first and heir is not. How will this kingdom stand without a child? How will your father’s throne continue? I have done my part.
I married Zara for the kingdom. What more do you want from me? You promised me something too. You said Amaka will BE SUFFERING OUTSIDE. EVERY DAY ZARA HUMILIATES HER. Do you doubt my word? No village girl rejects a royal request. She will come. Before the next new moon. Amaka will enter this palace. Amaka will enter this palace.
She will be by your side as your royal concubine. Before the next new moon, Amaka will become the royal concubine. So do right by Queen Zara till then. My queen, my queen. Why are you running like a goat being chased? What is it? The queen mother and the king, they are planning something.
They took all our gold, Amaka. They want to bring her into the palace. As the king’s concubine. Concubine? Over my dead body. My princess, welcome to my humble home. Don’t greet me like you know me. You still call me princess. I’m your queen. Forgive me my queen. Where is that weird daughter of yours? At the river my queen to wash.
If the queen has a message I can go fetch her. I am not here for her. I heard your daughter wants to enter my palace. That will never happen. Not while I breathe. My queen, we cannot fight the royal wish. It is our tradition. I don’t care about your tradition. Guards, take her. My queen, please.
[screaming] In the river’s gentle flow I find my peace. Washing my cares away free as the breeze. My queen, please have mercy. Please, I have done nothing. LEAVE ME MY DAUGHTER LEAVE THIS. Gods of our land, what have the people of Azera done to deserve such evil queen? Let me go, please. Silence, old woman.
This is wrong. Mama, I’m scared. Say nothing. River flow, carry my troubles away. Sunsets bringing peaceful day. My queen, please. Have mercy. [gasps] Mercy? Only the gods show mercy. It’s up to them to decide if you deserve one. My queen, PLEASE.
I HAVE DONE NOTHING. NOTHING YOU SAY? You are the womb that birthed she who hinders my husband’s love for me. [singing] If that weird daughter of yours wants to ever see her mother again. Then she must reject that god forbidden offer of the queen mother. I shall send you to the darkest dungeons in my kingdom.
Amaka’s choice will determine if you will ever step foot in Azera kingdom again or die in the lands of my ancestors. Mama, I’m back. Mama, where are you? Mama? Mama, where are you? Mama? Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama, where did you go? Mama, where are you? Amaka, daughter of a poor widow, the one who has captured the heart of the throne.
Good evening, your majesty. Get up my child. Why are you crying on the road like a lost child? Nothing, your majesty. I was only on my way to my mother’s farm. It is her who brings me out of my comfort. It is time to fix a date for your royal ushering ceremony. Have you accepted your place as royal concubine to the king? Yes, your majesty.
If it is the will of the palace I accept. Tell your mother that by the next full moon. The palace shall welcome you. Yes, your majesty. Oh gods of our land, why must my path lead to the palace? How do I breathe where Queen Zara exist? Mama, where are you? Your arms are the only place I feel safe.
Mazi Okeke. Good evening. Uh-huh, Amaka, how are you? Mazi Okeke, I’m fine. Please, have you seen my mother? No, she didn’t even pass here today. Send word to Umudu. My kingdom must know I have taken a prisoner. You two, right now. Bring my best royal guards from Umudu. They will carry her to my dungeon.
She breathes only when I permit it. Yes, your majesty. Then queen, please. I have done nothing. You gave birth to my problem. That is already a crime. Uh Amaka, is everything all right? This is the only place mama should be if she’s not at home. Maybe wait small till evening. Okay. If you still don’t see her, go report to the village security chief.
Mama, where are you? Tie her tighter. No food, no water. If she escapes your heads REPLACE HERS. YES, MY QUEEN. [laughter] GODS OF OUR LAND, PLEASE BRING MY MOTHER HOME. My heart is not at peace. My daughter, Amaka, forgive me. I cannot fulfill my promise to protect you.
May the spirit of your mother forgive me. [crying] [crying] Chineke, what happened here? [crying] Please protect her. They call her cursed, but she is a blessing. Please promise me you’ll protect her. I promise to protect and raise her as my own. May the gods reward you for your kindness to a stranger.
You don’t look like one of us. Where are you from? Don’t let them throw her away. [crying] You are not cursed. You shall be called Amaka. For you are a special beauty. My child, please forgive me. Mama, please come back home. My daughter, Amaka, forgive me. I cannot protect you. Sisters, keep my child safe.
If you wish the Queen Mother to leave this world quietly, place this in her drink. It will look like the work of nature, but the spirits will know who called them home. Good. So, Queen Mother thinks she’s clever bringing that weird thing into this palace. As from today, she’s finished. I am the one and only Queen of Azera Kingdom.
I will not share my crown with anybody. Not even the woman that bore the king can hinder me. Soon, you shall meet your ancestors and I alone shall be THE QUEEN OF AZERA KINGDOM. PREPARE YOURSELF, Queen Mother. Your reign comes to an end. Leave. Time to go meet your ancestors, Queen Mother.
DEAR BELOVED QUEEN MOTHER, YOUR DAUGHTER COME BEARING GIFTS. MY DAUGHTER, WHAT wind brings you today? I came to thank you, Mother. Because of you, your son honors me. I brought fresh palm wine from my father’s village, sweet and pure. Ah, so thoughtful and kind of you. Mother. I hope I’m not interrupting.
No, my prince. I was only serving her majesty. Leave it. I shall drink it later. As you wish, Queen Mother. That stupid son of hers. But not for too long. She must surely join her ancestors soon. You did not come merely to greet me. I came to ask. Has Amaka given her answer about the royal concubine matter? The girl had no choice.
She understands the weight of the throne. She knows that when the throne calls, obedience is not optional. She has accepted. PLEASE, I HAVE DONE NOTHING. AMAKA, MERCY. PLEASE, HAVE MERCY ON A poor widow. By order of Queen Zara, you shall remain here. Please, I beg you. TAKE ME BACK TO AZERA. MY CHILD NEEDS ME.
AMAKA, my child. May the gods protect you from the fire of Queen Zara. Chief Ekenna, I haven’t seen my mother since she came back from the stream yesterday. Calm down, my child, and speak. When last did you see her? The last I saw, she was preparing dinner before leaving the house and Don’t worry, Amaka.
I will ask my guards to look into it. We’ll find her. Thank you, Chief Ekenna. I just I just want to know she’s safe. Elders of Azera Kingdom, the throne welcomes you this day. What matters brings the esteemed elders of our land before the throne today? My king, the farm produce from Umudu Kingdom has arrived this season.
May the gods bless Umudu for their unrelenting kindness to our people. Thanks to the long-standing marriage union between the princess of Umudu and our prince, Azera has never lacked resources. Igwe, Aruba banks needs reinforcements before the heavy rains return. The floods will destroy our farmlands if you do not act swiftly.
Mobilize every healthy male youth of Azera Kingdom. Let the works begin before the moon turns full. My king, there is another matter. A widow has been missing from her home since yesterday. She is the mother of the two-colored skin girl, Amaka. I seek your permission, my king, to send royal guards and organize a proper search party. Amaka.
That child has already endured whispers from this village. Must she now endure this? Oh, Mama, where are you? Please, come back home. Chief Ekenna, do not send only a few men. Take all available guards in this village. Search the forest. Search the river path. Search every compound. We must find her. Yes, my king.
This meeting is concluded. Hear ye, PEOPLE OF THE VILLAGE. A MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE IS AT HAND. OH, PEOPLE OF AZERA KINGDOM, A WIDOW IS MISSING. THE MOTHER OF AMAKA, THE TWO-COLORED GIRL. SHE IS NOT TALL. HER HAIR IS GRAY. SHE WAS LAST SEEN BEFORE SUNSET TWO DAYS AGO. IF ANY MAN OR WOMAN SEES HER OR KNOWS OF HER WHEREABOUTS, SEND WORD IMMEDIATELY TO THE VILLAGE WHAT ABOUT THAT? LET NO ONE HIDE THIS MATTER.
A LIFE IS AT STAKE. THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM THE THRONE. OLANMA, WHAT IF they find out? What if His Majesty hears what was done to that old widow? We were there. We saw everything. Mind your tongue, Ngosi. In this kingdom, words can kill faster than poison. Queen Zara has every reason to do what she did to that desperate woman.
Put yourself in her shoes. How would you feel if a common village girl is brought into your husband’s chambers? Even if the throne demands a concubine, why must it be that girl? The princess was protecting what is hers. But that woman, she was begging. And if the king hears, what will become of us? If you value your life, keep your mouth shut.
Loyalty is what keeps us inside these palace walls. And betrayal is what buries people beneath them. You better not offend Queen Zara. Come, let us not keep Queen Zara waiting. It is almost time for night’s bath. Amaka. Good evening, your highness. No, please, relax, my dear. I came as soon as I heard it.
I can’t find her. Mama would never leave me. Listen to me. I’ve given orders. My best guards are searching every path, every stream. They will bring her home safely. I am afraid. You are not alone. As long as I breathe, nothing will happen to you. Hold me. I am here, Amaka. What is the meaning of this? So, this is what you are doing here? You shame me in my OWN KINGDOM? YOU EMBARRASS THE THRONE FOR this village girl? Should I send word to my father and tell him how his SON DISGRACES HIS DAUGHTER?
IS THIS HOW YOU REPAY Umudu after everything? Is this how you repay after everything Umudu HAS DONE FOR YOUR KINGDOM? YOU FEED WELL BECAUSE MY KINGDOM provides for you, yet you still betrayed your daughter. This marriage you tried to ruin is the reason Azera Kingdom thrives economically. One word to my father and you and every citizen of this kingdom shall suffer great calamity. My queen, please.
It is not what it looks like. He only came because my mother is missing. Zara. Enough. We will return to the palace. Her mother is missing. Show some compassion. SHOW SOME COMPASSION. [laughter] YOU DARE PROTECT HER OVER ME? ZARA, that is enough. She has done nothing to deserve this. [laughter] [gasps] No more violence. You have done enough.
Control yourself. HOW DARE [screaming] YOU? In our next life, she will keep away from another woman’s husband. Stupid thing. Let’s return to the palace. You have done enough for tonight. Oh, of course, my king. I would never disrespect you. I only need a few words with my subject. No more violence. You have done enough.
Control yourself. Violence? My king, you wound me. I promise I will not touch her again. We are only going to have a peaceful conversation. You may return to the palace, my loving husband. I will join you shortly. I expect you soon. Bye, my love. I hear the Queen Mother plans to bring you into the palace as royal concubine.
My queen, it is beyond me. In our tradition, one cannot reject the offer of the throne. What if accepting means you will never see your mother again? Take drink water. You have not eaten since yesterday. I do not want it. I just want to see my daughter. You better eat. If you will ever see that girl again, you must be alive.
Do not let them defeat you with hunger. I know Princess Zara. She is not a child with a soft heart. But what did you do? Eat. You know where my mother is? Do you think I would sit and watch you enter my palace? If you ever want to see your mother alive, go to the Queen Mother and reject the offer.
I do not care how you do it. But if you love your mother, you will refuse. Your mother will pay for what she did. Princess, I beg you in the gods’ name, don’t harm my mother. You have 3 days. If you fail, your mother will join her ancestors. She will pay with her life for giving you life. No, no, mama.
Oh, mama. [laughter] [crying] My queen, I beg you, have mercy on me. I am not fit for the palace. I do not love the king the way a woman should love husband. I only see him as a friend, nothing more. I wish for a simple life, a quiet life, not the throne. Child, love is not always what crowns a king. Duty does.
You are the only reason my son has found balance enough to rule. He married Zara for alliance, but his spirit rests when you are near. The kingdom needs him steady, and he needs you. You wicked old woman. So, you still plan to bring her in. I have heard about your mother. The kingdom is searching.
You have my sympathy. But understand this. Whether your mother returns today or next week, the royal concubine ceremony will not be delayed. Oh, I hope I am not interrupting. Ah, is this a new maid? Oh, mother, you are so thoughtful. Now that I am queen, are you increasing my helpers? She is being considered.
She looks strong. She will serve well. Mother, you have not tasted the palm wine I brought. It is from the finest tap in Umudu. I was hoping for your honest opinion. You, pour it. Go on. Your ancestors awaits you, wicked woman. I pray to the gods that Queen Zara does not notice.
If she finds out, I am finished. Mazi Okonkwo, please, I need your help. What troubles found you, child? I mistakenly broke the Queen Mother’s calabash, and the palm wine spilled. I need fresh palm wine, stronger one. Stronger? It must taste the same. Nobody must suspect. If the princess hears of this mistake, I am finished.
Thanks to the gods. The woman my daughter brought into the dungeon, what crime did she commit? My king, I was not told her offense. No prisoner is brought into Umudu without reason, and certainly not by the princess. You know my daughter. Yes, my king. Zara’s temper is fire, and fire, if left unchecked, can burn kingdoms.
There has been peace between Umudu and that kingdom for generations. I will not allow reckless actions to threaten that peace. Did the prisoner speak? She asked only to see her daughter. Her daughter? Did she mention a name? No, my king. Find out. I want to know who she is, where she came from, and why my daughter thought it wise to imprison her.
If this is personal vengeance, I will not shield even my own blood. It shall be done, my king. And do this without alerting the princess. I want truth, not fear. This is not just me asking. The king himself wants to know. He knows the fire he gave birth to, and he will not allow that fire to burn two kingdoms.
What is your name? What crime did you commit? I committed no crime. My only sin it is that the prince found favor in my daughter. They asked her to become royal concubine, and Princess Zara would never allow it. I do not even know what she is doing to my child now. I am not there to protect her. This is just like her mother. Karma does not sleep.
[gasps and crying] And history has a wicked way of repeating itself. 21 years ago, there ruled a powerful king, and beside him sat his only true queen. For many seasons, it was only the two of them. But the throne was restless. For five long years, the true queen did not conceive. Was mocked.
They called her cursed. The unknown brought his daughter to strengthen the throne. My king, the throne must not remain without fruit. I offer you my blood to strengthen your crown. She will serve you and give this kingdom an heir. For the sake of the kingdom, I will consider this. By the spirits of our ancestors, I bind you.
May this union be blessed and fruitful. With these rights, the bond is sealed. May this union bring fruit to the throne. By these beads, you are united before the ancestors. A new life, blessing for the kingdom. She conceived immediately. My king, the gods have remembered us. You carry my child? My king, I too carry a child.
And then the first queen conceived. You our child? Yes, my king. Months later, the new queen went into labor first. And her daughter was born. SHE SHALL BE CALLED ZARA. PUSH, your highness. The gods are with you. And then the first queen conceived. The child came out unlike any child ever born in Umudu.
Taboo. Oh, great one, it worked. The child was born. She came out marked, split in color. Half light, half dark. The palace is already whispering. This is better than termination. That was the night I knew the child was not born cursed. The gods did not mark her. You asked for herbs to end the pregnancy.
The spirits decided otherwise. No, this is even greater. It was man’s wickedness dressed in the name of spirits. [panting] A child like that will frighten the throne. The king trusts your mouth more than any warrior’s sword. If you declare the child a taboo, he will believe you. Say the land will dry.
Say calamity will follow. Say the royal fire will die unless the child is removed, and he will send them away himself. To twist the fear of the king is to twist destiny. Destiny is for the bold. Do this and Umudu will never forget your loyalty. If the king asks, I will tell him the gods have spoken. Be careful what you plant in the soil of the throne.
Some seeds wait many seasons before they rise. If she remains in this land, famine, war, and calamity shall follow. My king, she is your child. She carries the same blood as you. Look at her, she is innocent. My king, we must protect the kingdom. The priest would not lie before the gods. For the safety of this kingdom, you and the cursed child must leave Umudu before sunset.
My king, please, I beg you. DO NOT SEND US AWAY. She is not cursed. She is your child. They were banished. No one knows if they survived. So the child I saw is the king’s daughter. What happened here? [crying] Please protect her. They call her cursed, but she is a blessing. Please promise me you’ll protect her.
I promise to protect and raise her as my own. Amaka, you suffer by the seed of the wickedness that consumed your poor mother. And Princess Zara, she does not know. If that wicked girl ever discovers the truth that Amaka is her father’s blood, she will not spare her. Amaka is not just a village girl, but a princess of Umudu kingdom.
This truth must not get out. I promised her dying mother I would protect that child. I cannot die here. Ancestors of my father’s land, keep me alive long enough to return to Azera. I must stop that royal celebration. [sighs and gasps] My daughter must not enter that palace. If the truth ever comes out, it will bring nothing but death.
Perhaps we must leave Azera forever. Mother, I hope I did not wake you. You did not. I was only resting my eyes. It should have weakened her by now. Why is she still strong? I only came to be sure you are well. I have lived through many storms, Zara. I am not easily shaken.
That brings me peace. Rest, mother, the kingdom still needs you. If poison did not weaken you, if you show no sign of going to join your ancestors soon, then the dibia must be prepared to defend this lie. It has been four market days since she drank the palm wine. She sleeps peacefully. Nothing has happened. Is your medicine weak? Have you fooled YOUR QUEEN? SPEAK UP! [screaming] THE WINE DID NOT TOUCH HER LIPS.
IT was broken to changed. The wine she drank was not the wine prepared. What do you mean? A hand moved in her chamber. A maiden, the cup was swapped. My queen. Send word to the western quarter. Bring me the chief palm wine tapper of this village. Your highness, at this hour? Now. Yes, my queen.
If the wine was changed, then the root must speak. And if he lies, he will wish death had come faster. My queen, mercy. The palm wine delivered to the queen mother four market days ago, did it leave your hand? Yes, my queen. Who from this palace patronized you? Speak truth or lose your tongue, old man. A maiden came. She brought back a calabash.
She said the first one fell. Her name. Ngozi, my queen. She said it was an accident. She begged for a fresh one. Take him away. Curse that FOOLISH GIRL. HOW DARE SHE RUIN WHAT I HAVE METICULOUSLY PLANNED? SHE BROKE THE PALM WINE, AND NOW THAT evil queen’s fate saved by a careless maiden. HER CLUMSINESS RUINED MY REVENGE.
THE GODS OF MY FATHERS FORBID I FORGIVE THIS. SHE SHALL SUFFER. MAIDENS! MY QUEEN. You sent FOR SHUT UP! WHERE IS YOUR SECOND? CALL NGOZI, NOW. I want her to feel the weight of her mistakes. Yes, my queen. Right away. Let her come. Let us see what betrayal costs. Ngozi, Ngozi, what have you done? What have you done? I don’t know.
I didn’t do anything wrong. Queen Zara, she’s furious. She wants to see you immediately. Now, come with me. My queen, you summoned me? [panting and crying] [sighs] What did you do to the queen mother’s palm wine? Answer me. Princess, I swear it was an accident. I AM YOUR QUEEN, YOU FOOL. What did you do? My queen, I I am sorry.
It was It was a mistake. You know not what you have done, but you shall regret deeply. Please, please, princess. It was a mistake. I didn’t mean it. I beg you. Go get me a rope. Yes, my queen. [panting] Please, princess, have mercy. I beg you. Please don’t do this. I didn’t mean it. I swear it was an accident. Please, my queen.
[crying] Silence, fool. Your cries mean nothing. Her wrath spares no one. This kingdom is doomed as long as she is queen. Please, princess, have mercy. I beg you. I am nothing. Spare me. My queen, please, I BEG YOU. HAVE MERCY. Tie her. Send her to her ancestors. In your next life, you will be more careful.
[screaming] Please, somebody help me. Lady, help me. HELP ME. SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP ME. [laughter and gasps] My king, I have spoken with the prisoner as you commanded. Her only crime was that the king of Azera took a liking to her child. And Princess Zara made her suffer for it. She is queen in a land whose customs she already knew.
My king, Princess Zara has defied custom in Azera. This is not the daughter I raised to become a queen. The kingdom of Azera allows a king to take a concubine. Just as our own kingdom allows a king to take a second wife when the need arises. A queen must respect the laws of the land she rules beside, not twist them with jealousy and cruelty.
Princess Zara has defied the Azerans. Send word to Azera. Tell them the king of Umudu wishes to see his princess. Yes, my king. I must speak with my daughter before the next storm she creates. [crying] Please, someone help me. [panting] Help. Please. You must leave this village quickly.
[sighs and panting] The princess believes you are dead. Thanks the gods I cheated death because of you. When the princess saw my maid yesterday, and asked who bought the palm wine, ancestors of my blood, hear your daughter. Protect my mother. You keep her safe from the wrath of Princess Zara.
I do not want this path, this throne, this royal concubine fate. Take it away from me if it is not mine to bear. SPARE ME. SPARE MY MOTHER. I BEG YOU. MOTHER, I pray you’re safe. I pray your life come back to me. Amaka, the king commands your presence. You are to be taken to the village shrine. I saw the fire in her eyes when she heard your name.
That kind of anger does not end well for anyone. But it hurt so much, Mazi. I I know. Let it go. So I followed when they dragged you to this forest. [crying] Come, before someone returns. Royal concubine initiation must begin. You have been chosen to honor the throne. No, please. Tell the king I I cannot. I do not want this. I beg you.
Amaka, this is the king’s order. You must come. The shrine awaits. The ancestors themselves call you to this duty. Your king needs you. There is no other way. Okay, I will go, but may the ancestors protect my mother. Where is my husband? Tell me at once. He has gone to the village shrine, my queen.
Village shrine? What business does he have there? It is a personal matter. The king forbids I say, your highness. I command you as your queen. My queen, I am bound by an ancient oath to obey the supreme monarch. And I am part of that monarch, for I am married to your king. Now speak. I beg your pardon, my queen, for I cannot break my oath.
Take his body away. Send for my maiden at once. I SAID GO GET ME MY MAIDEN. NOW! YES, my queen. What has happened here? Your majesty, he has fallen by the hand of Queen Zara. By the gods, Zara, what have you done now? Prepare my entourage, Alama. We leave for the shrine now.
Yes, my queen. Right away. Please, send word to his family. Prepare gifts to honor the fallen hero. And inform the palace chief that a proper burial rites must be arranged. Yes, your highness. Amaka, my love. Come. The gods blesses us today. It’s time you shall become mine. I will protect you.
Amaka, trust me. I have waited days of anguish for this blessed day. Kneel, children of the gods. Ancestors witness your union. Your spirits bound as one. Spirits of the ancestors, bind this circle. Let no force break this sacred bond. By the ancestors, I bind you. Spirits seal this fates.
Love and fear and Spirits of Azera, bind this soul. By these leaves and powders, seal the bond. My queen, this place is sacred. The king see us here. So she truly accepted it. Her mother must mean nothing to her. The spirits have witnessed. The earth has sealed it. Rise, for you now walk as one. If she thinks this palace will welcome her, I will make this palace in a living hell for her.
Let us see how long she survives it. Write to the kingdom of Umudu at once. Yes, my princess. The woman I took prisoner, her life ends as soon my order reaches Umudu. You have failed me for the last time, guard. Your incompetence shames this kingdom. When she is dead, bring her corpse back to Azera.
If the people wish to bury her, let them. And if they do not, let the earth claim what remains. As you command, my queen. GET OUT OF MY SIGHT. No woman is ever happy to share her husband. Perhaps now Amaka will learn that truth. Alama, you dare to be so slow. Forgive me, princess.
Your incompetence is an insult to this kingdom. Mazi Okonkwo, I saw everything. The queen, she tied the old widow in the forest. You mean the mother to that colored girl, Amaka? Yes, and then sent her away to Umudu prison. If she could do this to me, only the gods know what she must have done to that poor woman. I will take this straight to the village security chief immediately.
They must know. Please, Mazi Okonkwo, be careful. Queen Zara must not find out. Go safely. I will ensure your words reach those who can act. Queen mother, please forgive me. I didn’t mean it to happen. [crying] Zara, this is not our way. Our servants and guards are as important as every other citizen of Azera.
You know me. I would never hurt anyone intentionally. He insulted my crown. He insulted my authority before the gods. [laughter] I only wanted to discipline him, to remind him of his place. I do not even know what happened. He stepped back and somehow he fell and the spear struck him. It was an accident.
It is done now, but you must learn to control your temper. Blood should not be spilled inside the palace. It does not look good for the crown. I will see that the guard receives a proper burial befitting a royal soldier. His family will receive the compensation he deserves for his service to the palace.
Thank you, queen mother. Come, child. It is enough. You are still my daughter. Do not worry, you shall not escape the next one. You will join your ancestors soon, wicked old woman. Amaka, your grace honors this kingdom. I am humbled, my king. This elevation is a muddy. Zara. As tradition permits, she is now a royal concubine of this palace.
Of course, I understand the traditions of this kingdom. If this is the king’s wish, then I will accept my fate. Welcome to the palace. From today, we shall both care for our husband. Good. [screaming] Chief Ikenga, I greet you. You are welcome, Mazi Okonkwo. What matter brings the best tapper of Azera kingdom here in such haste? Chief, there is something you must know concerning the missing old widow.
What is it? ZARA, WHAT MADNESS HAS TAKEN HOLD OF YOUR HEART? YOU TIED AN INNOCENT MAIDEN TO A TREE LIKE AN ANIMAL. OH, my poor mother. It’s okay, Amaka. Please stop crying, my dear. My king, I have no idea what you are TALKING ABOUT. WHAT LIES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE YOU? YOU HAVE BETRAYED [screaming] ME.
BY WHOM, MY KING? I HAVE HARMED no one. I am your queen. Was it you that lied to our husband? Have I not accepted you into MY HOME? WHY LIE AGAINST ME? ENOUGH. SHE IS NO LONGER A MERE MAIDEN. YOU SHALL TREAT HER WITH ROYAL DIGNITY GOING FORWARD. I CANNOT BREATHE. YOU HAVE DONE MORE THAN ENOUGH. TELL ME, ZARA, [screaming] WHAT DID THAT POOR OLD WOMAN DO TO YOU? [crying] WHAT POISON LIVES IN YOUR HEART? I GAVE YOU THE CROWN.
I GAVE YOU THE THRONE. YOU ARE THE QUEEN OF AZERA. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT THAT YOU COULD NOT HAVE? AND YET YOU SPEND YOUR DAYS TORMENTING THE INNOCENT. LET ME GO. [screaming] YOU WILL OBEY ME. NEVER BELIEVE IT. THIS IS MY WILL. YOU DARE DEFY ME? MY KING, PLEASE. Do not stain your hands with anger because of me.
You are confined to your chambers till the NEXT EKE MARKET DAY. PLEASE, my king. [panting and gasps] Stand up, Amaka. What happened to your mother? What happened to your mother? That blame rests on me. I brought you into this palace. I will bring her back safely. I swear before the ancestors. If any harm must touch that woman, you shall answer for it.
I will write to Umudu myself. It is only a day’s journey. Wait for me. My king, please be safe. Go if you wish. Good luck bringing back a corpse. You think you can come into my palace and turn my husband against me? Because of you, the king laid his hands on me.
Please, my queen, I never asked for any of this. I do not wish for trouble. Well, you are here now. And you will receive more than you ever imagined. I want you, stupid creature. Where is the prisoner? God, where is Princess Zara’s prisoner? Where is the woman? God, where is princess’s prisoner? Where is the woman? She has been taken away.
Taken for execution on the order of Princess Zara. No, no, this cannot be. The king The king must speak with her first. I must tell the king. Greetings, noble king of Azera. You have my audience. I have come concerning the old widow taken prisoner by my queen. She was sent here to Umudu on Queen Zara’s orders.
Yes, word of this matter has already reached me. I have sent for my daughter to explain herself. She’s young and sometimes forgets that a queen must still respect the customs of the land. That woman is not just a prisoner. She is the mother of someone precious to me. If anything happens to her, I will never forgive myself.
My kings, forgive the interruption. The prisoner, the old widow, [crying] she has been taken away for execution on the order of Princess Zara. NO! THAT MUST NOT HAPPEN. I CANNOT ALLOW THIS. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THAT WOMAN, AMAKA WILL NEVER FORGIVE ME. TAKE ME TO THE EXECUTION GROUND NOW. GUARDS, RIDE AHEAD AND STOP THE execution at once. I will go with them.
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