He extended his hand but she wave it off,
He smiled.
“My name is Ikenna Abum,
I am the son of Onyema Abum, one of the best potter in Isiala village.
That is my friend standing over that “, he said pointing at a young man standing across.
Ojiugo suppressed a laugh. She rolled her eyes and hissed.
“And? she asked.
“I like you, I want us to be friends”.
“Friends? Son of a potter? come on, I don’t make such friends.
Ndidi nudged her friend but she ignored her.
Ikenna was embarrassed but he maintained his composure.
“I am the only daughter of Anafudikenanya, the richest man in this village”, Ojiugo said, proudly.
“Wow! Nice to meet you, Ikenna said extending his hand again but she ignored him.
His friend wanted to rebuke her but he gave him a sign.
“Alright. Maybe you’re not in a good mood today. Can you take my friend and I to the palace. We have a message for the King but the route is not familiar anymore”, Ikenna pleaded, smiling.
Ojiugo burst into laughter.
“I have somewhere important to go, Potter”.
Her friend quickly drag her aside.
“Ojiugo, what have come over you? Can’t you see that they are visitors from another village and they need our help. You and I know that you’re not going anywhere. Be kind for once”, Ndidi rebuked.
“Can’t you see that he is asking for my name? I don’t want to associate with the poor. He came to our village to solicit support for his pottery work”, Ojiugo fired.
“I will take them then”, Ndudi said. Ojiugo walk away angrily.
“I will take you to the palace, please don’t mind my friend”,Ndidi said to the young men.
Ikenna smiled as she led the way.
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“Good evening Father”, Ojiugo greeted as she made towards the kitchen side.
“Good evening my beautiful daughter”, my friend Ichie Nwadike left here few minutes ago.
“Father, what does your old friend have to do with me”, Ojiugo snapped.
“Shut up and listen young lady before you start casting aspersions!
Ojiugo fronwed.
“He said he saw you discussing with Prince Ezenwa of Isiala Kingdom. It is an honour my daughter. Isiala Kingdom is the greatest among the ten kingdoms that make up Umuonwa. What were you discussing with him? he asked with curiosity.
Ojiugo paused.
“You mean Ikenna the potter? It can’t be him”, Ojiugo said.
“Oh no! , that is a mistaken identity. Ikenna Abum is one of the best potter in Isiala Kingdom”, he said.
“Did he lie to us? No! No!! Ojiugo shouted and ran out of the compound.
Ichie Anaefudikenanya was shocked as he watched his daughter.
“Ogbenyeanu! Ogbenyeanu!!, he called.
“Yes Nnanyi!, She answered from the Usekwu (kitchen).
“I hope your daughter is not running mad”, that was exactly how Ezichi’s madness started.
“Nnanyi, she is our daughter, not mine alone”, she
snapped.
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Ojiugo was startled as she watched “Ikenna Abum” and her friend Ndidi walk out of her compound discussing and laughing. His purported friend “Onyema” was walking behind them. It was clear now. He is a prince! He had lied. She rushed to them.
“My Prince, I am sorry for treating you that way. I was provoked before you met us she said eyeing her friend, contentiously.
“You don’t have to apologize, You have done me no wrong”, he said smiling.
Ndidi ignored her. She tugged at his arm and they continue their journey but Ojiugo ran after them.
“Don’t be jealous Ndidi. He stopped me first. It is clear he like me and not you. Why are you pushing yourself to him, flirt!
“You clearly said you have nothing to do with a potter, you gold ring in a pig’s snout. He is mine now, so you can cry a river”, Ndidi fired back.
The prince was embarrassed, he quietly disentangled himself and walked away with his friend.
