Poor Village Girl Risked Her Life To Save The Prince, Then This Happened.

Zakora, are you still sleeping?  Get up and sweep this compound before the sun comes out.  Mama, what about Chinello?  What about her?  She can sweep while I fetch water.  Leave your sister alone. She was tired yesterday.  I was also tired yesterday.  You are the older one. Must I explain everything to you every morning? The firewood has finished.

You are older.  Mama,  what?  Where is mine?  There is yam inside.    This  what is wrong with it?  You gave her the good one.  Must everything become a fight with you.  I am not fighting.  Then eat what you were given. But  Zakora Zakora, give the girl some more yam.  There is no more.

 I saw the basket before I left yesterday.  I said there is no more.  Eat.  Thank you, papa. Papa, does mama hate me?  Why would you say that?  She loves Chanel more.  Your mother loves both of you. Do not look at me like that.  But it is true.  Listen to me, Zakura. Sometimes people will treat you unfairly.

 Do you understand? That does not mean there is something wrong with you.  Then why does she always choose Chinello?  Do not allow unfair treatment to make you bitter. Keep your heart good. One day you will understand that another person’s behavior cannot decide your value.  You always say difficult things.  One day you will understand those too.

 At least when mama makes me feel unwanted, you make it hurt less. Maybe mama simply likes Chinello more. I have learned to live with it.  Your highness, come down from there.  No. Your mother asked me to watch you.  Then watch  from the ground.  Yes,  Prince Amadi. Please your highness. Your highness. Wait.

 Do not climb that. Do not run there. YOUR HIGHNESS. BE CAREFUL. Everybody is always telling me what not to do. Sometimes I just want to be an ordinary boy for one afternoon. Nobody followed me. Now this is playing. Okay. K. This is better. Finally, no one is following me. Help! Help! Help!

Somebody help me!    Now that you have  finished eating all my yam, go to the farm. Do not come back with small branches.  We need enough firewood for tonight and tomorrow.  Help me.  Where are you?  Here. Where is here? Go and call somebody. Who are you? Does it matter? Go and bring help.

 You are very rude for somebody inside a hole. Did you hear me? My ankle is hurt. If I go back to the village now, the rain may start before I return. Then hurry. No. What? I will get you out. You?  Yes, me. You are smaller than me and yet I am outside the pit. Where are you going, little girl? What are you doing? Trying to save you.

Unless you prefer to sit there and argue until the rain comes. Nobody talks to me like this.  Hold it. Use the wall with your good foot.   Let go. No, you will fall. I said climb.    It hurts. What? My ankle. I think you pulled me too hard. You nearly pulled me into that pit.

 I know, but And now you are complaining. My ankle is injured. If you knew how to stay where they kept you, I would not have wasted my afternoon pulling you from a hole. Nobody has ever spoken to me like this.  My afternoon? Yes. My mother sent me to collect firewood. And now look at me. You really do not know who I am. Should I?   YOUR HIGHNESS.

 PRINCE AMADI, your highness.  Your highness,  you are the prince. Young girl, how dare you stand before Prince Amadi like?  Leave her. She saved me  and she has already punished me enough.  What is your name?  Zakura. Zikora. Zikora.  His highness should return to the palace immediately.  You should go home too.

 Your mother may be looking for you. My firewood. This is your fault.  Go before I cause you more trouble. your heart,  your highness.  What?  We should go.  She pulled me from a pit and then blamed me for ruining her afternoon.   My son,  where did you go?  I went into the bush.  I know that.

 Why? I wanted to play without guards. If guards are following me, then I am not really playing.  You could have died.  I know. What happened? I fell into an old hunting pit.  How did you get out?  A girl helped me. A girl helped me. A girl? Her name is Zakora. She heard me shouting in the forest. Rain was coming.

 She said if she went back for help, it might start before she returned. So she refused to leave me there. She went into the bush and came back with long vines. She tied them together, wrapped one end around a tree and pulled me out. She did all that alone. Yes. She also shouted at me.  She did what?  She said if I knew how to stay where people kept me, she would not have wasted her afternoon pulling me from a hole.

 It was not funny when she said it.  Someone finally told you the truth.  Father,  you do escape too much. This girl saved our son’s life. Her family must be rewarded.  Yes.  The king and queen truly want this family to know what their daughter did mattered. The prince came home alive because of her. He is their only child.

It is expected.  Royal messengers.  What brings the people from the palace here?  King Ezani and Queen Eye send these gifts in gratitude for what your daughter Zakora did for Prince Amadi.  Our daughter. My Zakura has always been a very brave child. She has such a good heart. I raised her that way.  This is also from Queen.

 Mama.  Yes. You said I am troublesome this morning.  What has that got to do with anything?  You just told them I have always been wonderful. Oh, Biora,  I said nothing.  Take this before it gets cold.  For me?  Yes. For you. Must you question everything?  Zikora, fetch water. Do not start.

 You are older. Back to normal.  You did not kneel. Where are your guards? I escaped again.  Yes.  You learned nothing from that pit. I learned something. What? That you worry too much? Did you just throw water on the prince? I thought you came here as a madi. At the palace, everybody remembers I am the prince before they remember I am a boy.

They bow. They watch every word. Even boys my age act afraid to laugh too loudly around me. You don’t do any of that. I came as a madi. Good. Then sit down and stop disturbing me. So now I am helping. You wanted to be ordinary. If they ask, I was walking in the courtyard. Come where? You wanted to be an ordinary boy. Ordinary boys explore.

 This is better than the palace. Come up. You climb trees for fun. Yes. After this, I will teach you our stone game. I will beat you. You do not even know the rules. You brought all this just for us. Yes. You princes waste food. We do not waste it. Why don’t you bring the fruit down? Are your hands broken? No. Then climb.

 I am a prince. You were also a prince when you entered that pit. You will never forget that. Never.  When I am with you, nobody follows me. Nobody keeps calling me your highness.  That is because I don’t have time to follow you around.   Here I can just be a maddi.  Then be a madi.  Zika.

 Who is Zika?  You. If you call me that again, I will stop answering you. Nobody else calls you Zika. No good. Why is that good? Because it means it is mine. My name belongs to me. Zakura belongs to everybody. Zika belongs to me. You are very troublesome.  Zika. Zika. Zika. What?  You aren’t stud.  Fine, but only you can call me Zika.

 Good.  The  we cannot see the river.    Papa, this sickness is not passing. You are getting weaker.  Do not look at me like that. I am still here. Sit with me.  Papa, you should rest.  I have rested enough. I have never seen this before.  This belongs to you. Keep it safe.

 Papa, where would I even wear something like this?  Listen to me. Never sell it. Never throw it away.  One day you may understand why.  Understand what?  Just promise me.  I promise.  You have always been precious to me. Isora,  why are you talking like this?  Because I want you to remember it.

 Papa, you will get better.  If I do not remember that I loved you,  please stop.  I am proud of the woman you are becoming.  Then stay and watch me become her. Papa.  Papa. Papa. Papa. Please. I am here.  I am fine.  You do not have to be.  Fetch water first. When you return, bring firewood.  Both today.

 Who else will do them?  I will do it,  Papa. I kept my promise, but I still do not understand what you wanted me to find. Prince Amadi is coming. He looked at me.  He was looking at the road. He smiled at somebody behind you. You can argue. I already know I will become queen. Why? Prince Amadi accepted water from me during the last wrestling festival.

 He was thirsty. That does not matter.  My prince, I brought this for you.  Thank you.  Take more.  This is enough. My prince water.  Thank you. The attention can be amusing, but it never means much to me. They see Prince Amadi. Zika never cares about any of this.  Prince Amadi, stop looking back so much.

 How can one man be so handsome? I just want him to kidnap me.    What?  Nothing.  You are laughing at something.  Your future wives nearly entered somebody’s goat pen.  Which wives?  All of them.  Are you counting them now?  I have lost count.  My prince, you must be thirsty.  Thank you.

  She has already named your children. What?  You did not see her face.  She gave me a drink.  She gave her future husband a drink.  You sound jealous.  Jealous of what? Every woman in the kingdom wants you. I should pity you.  You don’t want me.  Look, the road is muddy.  That was not my question.

 Then ask another one.  So I was right. I remember when her front teeth were missing. When did Zika  become this beautiful?  What are you looking at? Nothing.  Your mother again.  How do you always know?  Because you get quiet when palace duties are frustrating you.  Everybody else waits for the prince to speak.

 You already know what Amadi is feeling.  I have known you too long.  So this is why those girls stare at him. The annoying boy from the pit became very handsome.  Why are you quiet?  I am not  quiet.  Maybe those beads are too bright. That is why every woman keeps following you.  You were quiet because of my beads.  Yes.

 Liar. Go and complain to your future wives.   Mama Wakigo, I brought this for the house.  Kleti, you did not have to bring all this.  I wanted to.  Palm wine again.  Yes, mama.  You have your own farmland, livestock, and people already know you as a good hunter. You work hard for a young man.

 A man should prepare for the family he hopes to have.  You are welcome here, Kichi. My prince.  What?  Nothing.  You have been smiling since we left.  You have 50 women following you, but one man comes to see me and suddenly your face looks like thunder.  I don’t like him.  You don’t even know him.

 I know enough.  What do you know?  He wants to marry you.  That is not a crime.  I still don’t like him.  Prince Amadi is jealous. Yes.  What?  I am jealous.   I am tired of pretending I don’t care.  Amadi,  no. Let me talk. When something happens to me, you are the first person I want to find.

 When women follow me, I laugh because none of them know me. They know the prince. They know the man they see at festivals. You know me. When I think about marriage, I don’t see any of those women. I see you Zika.  You cannot say things like that.  Why?  You know why?  No. Tell me.  You are Prince Amadi  and  you will be king one day  and  I am just Zikora.

 That is exactly who I want.  Your parents will never agree.  I did not ask about my parents.  Amadi,   do you love me? Zika,  I have loved you for years,  but loving you and marrying you are not the same thing.  We will deal with that.   You make everything sound easy.  You knew me before you even knew I was a prince.

 You were an annoying boy covered in mud.  You pulled me from that pit.  You nearly pulled me inside, too.  And you still saved me.  You are still annoying.  And you still love me.  Leave me.  No. You are too old for this.  You started running.    Catch me first.  I  caught you.

 Let me go.  No. your voice.  You really are troublesome.  You kissed me back.  I am going home.  Zika, we grew up  as friends. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love. And now she knows.  He said he wants to marry me. I love him, but maybe we should slow down. Tomorrow I will tell him  Amadi.

 Good afternoon,  my prince.  Mama, I came to speak with you.  About what?  About your daughter? What about her?  I want to marry her.  No.  Mama,  I said no. My prince forgive me. But this marriage cannot happen.  If you are worried that I am not serious about your daughter, I understand.  That is not it.

 I am not here to play with her. I have known Zakora most of my life. I want her as my wife.  There are many women suitable for you.  I did not ask about many women.  My prince.  I asked for Zakora  and I am saying no. Mama, why?  Stay out of this. It is my marriage. You don’t understand.  Then explain it to me.

 There is nothing to explain.  The future king comes here and says he wants to marry me and you say no without even thinking.  This is not something we should discuss in front of people.  Then tell me when they leave.  Please wait outside. My prince, I will be fine. I am not leaving until I understand why you are refusing.

 You are a prince.  I know  you will become king.  I also know that  a king cannot simply marry anybody. Anybody. You need a woman from a known family, a respected family.  Oiora was respected.  This is not about Oiora.  Then what is it about? Her origins are unknown.

 What does that mean? Mama, what do you mean my origins are unknown? Leave it.  No, you have said too much to stop now.  My prince, I am trying to protect everybody.  From what?  Mama, because she is not even my daughter. What did you say?  Mama, what did you say?  You are not my biological daughter.  You are angry with me.

 Is that why you said that?  No.  You have said terrible things to me before, but this one is too much.  I am not trying to hurt you.  Then say it was a lie.  I have hidden this for years.  No. Then whose daughter am I? I don’t know. What do you mean you don’t know? I don’t know. That does not make sense.  Many years ago, before Chinello was born, your father came home carrying a baby. Zikora.

 No, papa would have told me.  He wanted to stop.  He wanted to, but he could never bring himself to do it. We had no child then. We had been married for years and nothing had happened. One evening, Obera returned from a journey carrying you.  He said he found you near the edge of another territory. There had been an attack.  What attack?  He did not know.

 There were signs of fighting. A woman was dead nearby. He believed the woman had been carrying you. Maybe she was your mother. Maybe she was not. He never knew.  He brought me home. Yes. And you agreed to keep me. Of course, you did not want me. I was afraid of a baby.  We knew nothing about you. Nothing about where you came from.

 But papa wanted me.  Yes. Objora said no child should be left to die because adults were afraid. He insisted we raise you. He loved you. He loved you more than I thought was possible. When people asked, he said you were ours. He told me never to make you feel different. But you did.  I know.  All my life.

 I know.  When there was one piece of meat left, you gave it to Chinello. When there was work to do, you called me.  Sikura, when you bought rappers, hers was always better. I spent  years asking myself what I was doing wrong. I kept thinking, maybe if I worked harder, mama would love me the way she loves Chinelo.

 But Chinello was really your daughter. Both of you were raised in my house.  That is not the same thing. Why didn’t papa tell me?  He tried.  When?  Many times.  Then why didn’t he?  He was afraid you would think he was not your father anymore.  He was my father.  I know.  He did not have to hide it.

 He did not understand that.  He could have left me.  Yes.  But he carried me home and he chose to raise me.  Yes. The bracelet. This  Where did you get that?  Papa gave it to me before he died.  He believed it was important. He said it might belong to your family.  What do you mean? That was with you.  When? When Obara found you.

 Never sell it. Never throw it away. One day you may understand why.  He knew. He knew it might help you one day. Help me find who.  I don’t know.  You came here asking to marry Zakura, daughter of Oiora.  Zika?  Now I don’t even know who Zakura is.  I do. You are Zika.  That is not an answer.  It is my answer.

 Whatever name your real parents gave you, whatever kingdom you came from, it changes nothing for me.  What if I came from nowhere?  Then I will marry the woman from nowhere. You saved my life before you knew my name. I loved you before I knew there was any question about yours. I still want to marry you.

 My prince, your family will not accept this.  That is for me to deal with.  No  mother.  No. Let him finish.  I have heard enough. You were already asking us to accept a village girl as the future queen. Now you are telling me nobody knows who her parents are.  We know who raised her.  That is not the same thing.

 To me it is.  It cannot be the same thing to the throne.  Why?  Because you are not an ordinary man who can marry whoever makes him happy and forget everybody else.  Zakora is not just somebody who makes me happy.  Amadi, does Zakora know anything about where she came from? No. Nothing. Only this.  I don’t recognize the symbol.

 Neither do I.  This makes things worse.  How?  No family, no clan, no known kingdom, no history.  She has a history here. Everybody knows Zakora.  The throne requires more. She is kind to the elders.  Yes.  She helps children.  Yes.  She works hard.  Yes. She saved your life.  Yes.

 So, what exactly is missing?  Royal blood.  That is all you care about.  It is not all I care about. But it matters  to you.  To the kingdom.   She has never offended anybody in this kingdom. People trust her. She is brave.  She is hardworking. She has a good heart.  I agree. Those things make Zakora a good woman.

 They do not automatically make her suitable to become queen. What would  training a royal background knowledge of the responsibility she would carry?  She can learn.  You are speaking as a man in love.  Yes,  I am speaking as the mother of the future king.  And that means I have no choice.  It means your choices affect more than you.

 We will call the council. Why? Because this affects the throne. I am asking to marry the woman I love, not declare war. For you, they may feel like different things. For a kingdom, marriage can become politics very quickly. Elders of the council,  the time has come.  We cannot approve it. You all know her.

That is not the issue. It should be. My prince, what happens when you become king and another kingdom asks who the queen’s people are? I will tell them her father was Oiora, her foster father. He was her father in her heart. Yes. But royal matters are not decided only by the heart. There is another matter. The neighboring kingdom has made another proposal.

 What proposal?  A marriage alliance.  No.  You have not heard everything.  I don’t need to.  Their king wants you to marry Princess Urena.  No.  Sit down.  I am not marrying anybody called Urena.  You have not even met her.  I don’t need to meet her.  Their kingdom controls trade routes our farmers depend on.

 So  relations between both kingdoms have become unstable.  Then solve the problem without using my marriage.  Amadi. Amadi.  I love Zakura. You all know that. And it is not going to change.  Zikora. The queen is waiting for you.  Sit. You have grown into a beautiful young woman.  Thank you, my queen.

 I remember the first time Amadi told me about you.  The pit.  He was angry that you shouted at him.  He deserved it.  That is exactly why he liked you. I allowed your friendship all these years because I trusted you. You never tried to use Amadi.  No.  You never came asking for gifts. You treated him like an ordinary boy.

 He liked that.  I know. And I know you love him. I also believe he loves you. But I cannot approve this marriage. Because nobody knows who my parents are.  That is part of it.  Would it have been different if Oba were my real father?  No. Zakura. This is bigger than you.  That is what everybody keeps saying.

 The neighboring kingdom controls important trade routes. Our relationship with them is becoming difficult.  So, Amadi must marry their princess.  It could protect both kingdoms.  You knew he and I were close.  Yes. You watched us grow up together.  Yes. Why didn’t you stop it? Because friendship is different from marriage.

 So, it was fine when I was the village girl keeping your son company.  That is not what I meant. But when he wants to make me his wife, suddenly I’m not enough.  You are a good woman, Zikura. You are kind. People respect you. You have never brought shame to your family, but goodness alone does not make a queen.

 Thank you for being clear with me,  Zakura. Zakura, may I leave?      Mother, this marriage is all I need. You must do all you can to get the prince to love you.  I know. Prince Amadi, handsome, strong, future king. I have heard about him all my life. The marriage always sounded perfect.

I heard you are the best wrestler in your kingdom.  People exaggerate.  I would like to see for myself.  Perhaps there will be a festival before you leave,  Zika. What?  Where are you going?  To the stream.  I will come.  You are eating.  I am finished.  I see. This is not a new attraction.

 It is history. Years of it. He can barely talk to me, but one word from her changes his whole face. Treat her like a friend. Do not show her she is the enemy. Zakura, Princess, please call me Urena. I don’t think your mother would appreciate that. You are funny now. I understand why Amadi likes you.

 I hope we can be friends. Why? Because I will be here for some time if you wish.  My lady. Yes. You were looking at my bracelet. No, I thought it is nothing.   Why did she freeze when she saw this? And why did she leave so quickly? Zika.  Mother,  where did that girl get that bracelet?  Which girl?  Zakura.  I don’t know. Find out.

 Why? Because I said so.  Mother, what is wrong? That bracelet belongs to our family. Our family? The royal family.  That is impossible. I know what I saw. How would a village girl have it? Mother, what are you not telling me? Years ago, your uncle had everything. The throne, the respect, the wealth. Everyone bowed to him.

 And what did I have? The title of princess. Nothing more.  Mother. Then his wife gave birth to a daughter. That child became another wall between my family and the throne. What did you do? I paid men to remove her.  What? I wanted the child taken far away. You kidnapped the king’s daughter. Lower your voice.  What happened to her? The nurse escaped with the baby.

 And the men searched later. They told me both were dead. I believed them until today.  That bracelet was made for the king’s child.  No.  It may mean nothing,  but you don’t believe that.  Zakora does not even know who her parents are. I heard. And she was found as a baby.  Yes. If she is that child, then she is not some village girl.

 No, she’s the king’s daughter.  The rightful princess. And what happens to me? My position, my inheritance, the future I was promised. And Amadi, if she is the missing princess, Amadi will have no reason not to marry her. That is why nobody can know. If that bracelet is telling the truth, she is standing between me and everything I was raised to believe belonged to me.

If Zakora is truly the missing princess, everything could change. My place, my future, and Amadi, I will not wait for proof. I will deal with Zakora first. A royal crossaches.   Come. Yes, princess. My princess, this belongs to  I know what it is. What should I do with it? Put it inside. My princess, do you want me to repeat myself?  No. Then do it.

 My necklace is missing. What necklace? The gold one my uncle gave me.  Do not worry. I will instruct the maids to search everyone’s belongings. I believe it will be found.  Thank you, my queen. That necklace was given to me by the king. It is very valuable. I had it this morning.  My queen, what is that doing there,  Zikura? I did not put that there.

It was inside your basket. I can see that.  Then explain how it got there.  I cannot explain what I did not do. So, the necklace walked into your basket. What is happening?  Urena’s necklace was found among Zakora’s belongings.  Then somebody put it there.  You did not even ask her.  I don’t need to.

 Amadi, it was found in her basket.  Did you take it?  No.  Then she did not take it.  You cannot decide that simply because you love her.  I have known Zakora since we were children. The last thing she will ever be is a thief.  People change.  Zakura has never cared about gold. She has walked through this palace for years.

 She has seen more valuable things than that. Why would she suddenly steal your necklace?  You. What is your name?  Eber. My prince.  You look frightened.  I am not.  Look at me. Did you see anything?  No.  E.  Why are you frightening my servant?  Ebra. If Zakora is punished for something you know she did not do, you will carry that guilt.

 Eber, my princess, forgive me.  What are you saying?  I put the necklace there.  What?  I was told to put it inside her basket.  By whom? Answer me.  Princess Urena. She is lying. You gave it to me yourself. I did not. You told me to hide it.  Enough. This matter will be investigated.  Say nothing.

  Zika,  I am fine.  You are not.  I am tired. Dami,  I should never have allowed you to come here alone.  You cannot follow me everywhere.  Maybe I should.  This is not funny.  I am not joking.  She wants me gone.   Then stay away from her.  I intend to.  And if anything feels wrong, you tell me.

 The plan failed. He is even more protective of her now. Humiliation will not separate them. I need something permanent.  What brings you here?  Can we speak privately? What is this? Only the beginning. Beginning of what? A powerful person wants your help. What kind of help? Zikora must leave this kingdom. No. No. Listen.

 Do not answer quickly. I said no. What if you receive land, livestock, a larger compound? Think about Chinello. What about my daughter? You could secure her future. She could marry well. You could live comfortably for the rest of your life. What do they want me to do? Send Zakora through the eastern forest path tomorrow evening.

Why? You do not need to know. That road is lonely. Yes. What will happen to her? She will be taken away.  Taken where?  That is not your concern.  No. Then continue living like this, watching Zakura cause trouble with the prince while Chinello remains unnoticed. Zakora did not ask the prince to love her.

 But everything has always been about Zikora, hasn’t it? Oberiora always chose her. And now the  prince chooses her, too. Tomorrow evening,  they only want Zakora taken away. Nothing more.  Zikora.  Yes, mama. I need you to take medicine to my cousin.  Which cousin?  Goi.  I have not seen her in years.

 She is sick. She sent someone this morning.  It will soon be late.  If you leave now, you will return before dark.  Which road should I take?  The Eastern Forest Path.  That road is faster.  Yes, I will return before night. Mama, yes. Do you need anything else?  No.  Why does this money feel so heavy now?  Who is there?  What do you want?  Come quietly.

 Where?  You asked too many questions.  Stay away from me.  Hold out. will return.   Let me go.  You stupid girl.   You should have come quietly.  Who sent you? Was it Princess Urena? So it was Princess Urena. You will not get away with this.  Even if you know who sent us, you will not be here to tell anyone.

   Take this as proof.  Prince Amadi will find you.  You want to kill me? No. Please. Please don’t do this.  FINISH IT. I CAN’T SEE HER. That is enough. No one can survive that fall. I am sure she is dead already.    Mama, what is wrong? Nothing. Where is the corora? She should be back.

 Zika, where is she?  She went to deliver medicine.  Where?  To my cousin.  At this hour.  She should have returned.  Which road?  The eastern path.  You sent her through that forest alone.  She has used forest paths before.  Not that one.  Zika.  Zika, my prince. That is hers. No. My prince. No.

   My prince, we should return and bring more men. You return, my prince, I am staying. We have searched all night. Then search again.    I questioned hunters, travelers, farmers, anybody who might have seen her. And nobody. I am going back to the river. Be careful.  Amadi, you need to come home.

 I am going home.  You know what I mean.  They never found her body.  It has been months. Nobody.  Amadi,  no.  You cannot keep doing this. If it were me, would you stop looking?  He did not even look at us. He does not look at anybody anymore.  The wrestling festival is tomorrow. Everyone expects you to come.

 I am not going. You never miss the festival.  This time I will. We have been trying all afternoon just to make you laugh. We miss our friend. You used to laugh more than all of us.  What happened to that amadi?  Even here. Everywhere I go, something reminds me of you, Zika.   still come out if you bury truth for  grounds come out.

 The traders are complaining.  The farmers are worried.  And the neighboring kingdom,  they are threatening to restrict the important trade routes. Women still look at you. You don’t even notice anymore. You refuse festivals. Your friends try to make you laugh. And you barely smile.

 You cannot continue refusing Urena.  I can.  Your father is no longer as strong as he needs to be. And Zakora is dead.  Do not say that.  It has been months.  Nobody was found.  Amadi, listen to yourself.  I know what I am saying.  You are waiting for someone who may never return. The kingdom still needs you.  And that means marrying Urena.

 It means thinking beyond yourself. Father, you look worse than I do. I know what they are asking of you. Then tell them to stop. I cannot. I don’t love Uren Rena. I know I may never love her. I know. Then why should I marry her? Because if the agreement fails, the trade routes may close. Then we find other routes. That takes time.

We have time. Some people do not. Farmers could lose their land near the border. Traders will lose income. Food prices will rise. And if tempers rise, young men may die. I am not asking you to forget Zikora. It feels like you are. She is a part of me. I feel like I cannot exist without her. I understand my son.

 I am asking you to remember that one day these people will call you king. What kind of king will I be if I cannot even choose my own wife? A king who sometimes carries burdens he did not choose. I wish I could make this easy for you. You cannot know. And you truly believe this marriage will protect the kingdom?  Yes. Then I will do it.

 Amadi, I said I will do it.  You have agreed.  Yes.  I knew you would eventually understand.  Understand something now. This marriage gives you my name. Do not expect it to give you my heart.  We have time.  Time will not change what I said. Zakura is gone.  Do not mention Zika.  She is dead.  I said do not mention her.

   We are husband and wife now.  I know  you cannot sit there all night.  Amadi,  not tonight.  We just got married.  I know. How long will you keep sleeping far from me?  I said I need time.  Time for what?  To accept that this is my life now.  Every time I come close, you find a reason to leave.

 You keep pushing me away.  I told you before we married.  You said I would not have your heart. I did not know you meant I would have nothing.  Your marriage cannot remain like this forever. Father, I married her because the kingdom asked me to. I know. I cannot force myself to love her. I am not asking you to pretend that you love her.

 Then what are you asking? I am asking you to remember that a future king needs an heir. The royal line cannot end with you. Urena,  what?  I will try.  Why now?  Because one day I will be king and the kingdom will need an heir. But it changes nothing between us. I will never love you. If you want me to stop, tell me. What is wrong?  No.

 What is wrong?  No.  What?  I cannot.  I am not forcing you. Orena.  She came running from the prince’s room in tears last night. Keep your voice down. We both saw her.    If you want me to stop, say it.  No, this is impossible.  Then we stop.  You don’t understand.  I said we can stop.

 No woman can take the size of your manhood. I cannot do this.  Why are you moving your things here? I am not going back to his room.  What happened? We tried again. I cannot be intimate with him. You must tell nobody what I am about to tell you. I will not. Urena has stopped sleeping in Prince Amad’s room.

 Why? She says she cannot be intimate with him. Something about his manhood. This stays here. I should not be telling you this. Then what happened? Princess Ora has moved out of Prince Amadi’s room. Why? She says she cannot be intimate with him. They say his wife ran from him twice. What kind of problem could make a woman leave Prince Amadi? They say the gods gave him too much.

We have come to the end of part one. Please stay tuned for part two. Before you go, tell me where you’re watching from and tell me, do you think I’m really dead? And why do you think Prince Amadi is struggling with intimacy? Drop your thoughts in the comments Poor Village Girl Risked Her Life To Save The Prince, Then This Happened. – YouTube

Transcripts:

Zakora, are you still sleeping?  Get up and sweep this compound before the sun comes out.  Mama, what about Chinello?  What about her?  She can sweep while I fetch water.  Leave your sister alone. She was tired yesterday.  I was also tired yesterday.  You are the older one. Must I explain everything to you every morning? The firewood has finished.

You are older.  Mama,  what?  Where is mine?  There is yam inside.    This  what is wrong with it?  You gave her the good one.  Must everything become a fight with you.  I am not fighting.  Then eat what you were given. But  Zakora Zakora, give the girl some more yam.  There is no more.

 I saw the basket before I left yesterday.  I said there is no more.  Eat.  Thank you, papa. Papa, does mama hate me?  Why would you say that?  She loves Chanel more.  Your mother loves both of you. Do not look at me like that.  But it is true.  Listen to me, Zakura. Sometimes people will treat you unfairly.

 Do you understand? That does not mean there is something wrong with you.  Then why does she always choose Chinello?  Do not allow unfair treatment to make you bitter. Keep your heart good. One day you will understand that another person’s behavior cannot decide your value.  You always say difficult things.  One day you will understand those too.

 At least when mama makes me feel unwanted, you make it hurt less. Maybe mama simply likes Chinello more. I have learned to live with it.  Your highness, come down from there.  No. Your mother asked me to watch you.  Then watch  from the ground.  Yes,  Prince Amadi. Please your highness. Your highness. Wait.

 Do not climb that. Do not run there. YOUR HIGHNESS. BE CAREFUL. Everybody is always telling me what not to do. Sometimes I just want to be an ordinary boy for one afternoon. Nobody followed me. Now this is playing. Okay. K. This is better. Finally, no one is following me. Help! Help! Help!

Somebody help me!    Now that you have  finished eating all my yam, go to the farm. Do not come back with small branches.  We need enough firewood for tonight and tomorrow.  Help me.  Where are you?  Here. Where is here? Go and call somebody. Who are you? Does it matter? Go and bring help.

 You are very rude for somebody inside a hole. Did you hear me? My ankle is hurt. If I go back to the village now, the rain may start before I return. Then hurry. No. What? I will get you out. You?  Yes, me. You are smaller than me and yet I am outside the pit. Where are you going, little girl? What are you doing? Trying to save you.

Unless you prefer to sit there and argue until the rain comes. Nobody talks to me like this.  Hold it. Use the wall with your good foot.   Let go. No, you will fall. I said climb.    It hurts. What? My ankle. I think you pulled me too hard. You nearly pulled me into that pit.

 I know, but And now you are complaining. My ankle is injured. If you knew how to stay where they kept you, I would not have wasted my afternoon pulling you from a hole. Nobody has ever spoken to me like this.  My afternoon? Yes. My mother sent me to collect firewood. And now look at me. You really do not know who I am. Should I?   YOUR HIGHNESS.

 PRINCE AMADI, your highness.  Your highness,  you are the prince. Young girl, how dare you stand before Prince Amadi like?  Leave her. She saved me  and she has already punished me enough.  What is your name?  Zakura. Zikora. Zikora.  His highness should return to the palace immediately.  You should go home too.

 Your mother may be looking for you. My firewood. This is your fault.  Go before I cause you more trouble. your heart,  your highness.  What?  We should go.  She pulled me from a pit and then blamed me for ruining her afternoon.   My son,  where did you go?  I went into the bush.  I know that.

 Why? I wanted to play without guards. If guards are following me, then I am not really playing.  You could have died.  I know. What happened? I fell into an old hunting pit.  How did you get out?  A girl helped me. A girl helped me. A girl? Her name is Zakora. She heard me shouting in the forest. Rain was coming.

 She said if she went back for help, it might start before she returned. So she refused to leave me there. She went into the bush and came back with long vines. She tied them together, wrapped one end around a tree and pulled me out. She did all that alone. Yes. She also shouted at me.  She did what?  She said if I knew how to stay where people kept me, she would not have wasted her afternoon pulling me from a hole.

 It was not funny when she said it.  Someone finally told you the truth.  Father,  you do escape too much. This girl saved our son’s life. Her family must be rewarded.  Yes.  The king and queen truly want this family to know what their daughter did mattered. The prince came home alive because of her. He is their only child.

It is expected.  Royal messengers.  What brings the people from the palace here?  King Ezani and Queen Eye send these gifts in gratitude for what your daughter Zakora did for Prince Amadi.  Our daughter. My Zakura has always been a very brave child. She has such a good heart. I raised her that way.  This is also from Queen.

 Mama.  Yes. You said I am troublesome this morning.  What has that got to do with anything?  You just told them I have always been wonderful. Oh, Biora,  I said nothing.  Take this before it gets cold.  For me?  Yes. For you. Must you question everything?  Zikora, fetch water. Do not start.

 You are older. Back to normal.  You did not kneel. Where are your guards? I escaped again.  Yes.  You learned nothing from that pit. I learned something. What? That you worry too much? Did you just throw water on the prince? I thought you came here as a madi. At the palace, everybody remembers I am the prince before they remember I am a boy.

They bow. They watch every word. Even boys my age act afraid to laugh too loudly around me. You don’t do any of that. I came as a madi. Good. Then sit down and stop disturbing me. So now I am helping. You wanted to be ordinary. If they ask, I was walking in the courtyard. Come where? You wanted to be an ordinary boy. Ordinary boys explore.

 This is better than the palace. Come up. You climb trees for fun. Yes. After this, I will teach you our stone game. I will beat you. You do not even know the rules. You brought all this just for us. Yes. You princes waste food. We do not waste it. Why don’t you bring the fruit down? Are your hands broken? No. Then climb.

 I am a prince. You were also a prince when you entered that pit. You will never forget that. Never.  When I am with you, nobody follows me. Nobody keeps calling me your highness.  That is because I don’t have time to follow you around.   Here I can just be a maddi.  Then be a madi.  Zika.

 Who is Zika?  You. If you call me that again, I will stop answering you. Nobody else calls you Zika. No good. Why is that good? Because it means it is mine. My name belongs to me. Zakura belongs to everybody. Zika belongs to me. You are very troublesome.  Zika. Zika. Zika. What?  You aren’t stud.  Fine, but only you can call me Zika.

 Good.  The  we cannot see the river.    Papa, this sickness is not passing. You are getting weaker.  Do not look at me like that. I am still here. Sit with me.  Papa, you should rest.  I have rested enough. I have never seen this before.  This belongs to you. Keep it safe.

 Papa, where would I even wear something like this?  Listen to me. Never sell it. Never throw it away.  One day you may understand why.  Understand what?  Just promise me.  I promise.  You have always been precious to me. Isora,  why are you talking like this?  Because I want you to remember it.

 Papa, you will get better.  If I do not remember that I loved you,  please stop.  I am proud of the woman you are becoming.  Then stay and watch me become her. Papa.  Papa. Papa. Papa. Please. I am here.  I am fine.  You do not have to be.  Fetch water first. When you return, bring firewood.  Both today.

 Who else will do them?  I will do it,  Papa. I kept my promise, but I still do not understand what you wanted me to find. Prince Amadi is coming. He looked at me.  He was looking at the road. He smiled at somebody behind you. You can argue. I already know I will become queen. Why? Prince Amadi accepted water from me during the last wrestling festival.

 He was thirsty. That does not matter.  My prince, I brought this for you.  Thank you.  Take more.  This is enough. My prince water.  Thank you. The attention can be amusing, but it never means much to me. They see Prince Amadi. Zika never cares about any of this.  Prince Amadi, stop looking back so much.

 How can one man be so handsome? I just want him to kidnap me.    What?  Nothing.  You are laughing at something.  Your future wives nearly entered somebody’s goat pen.  Which wives?  All of them.  Are you counting them now?  I have lost count.  My prince, you must be thirsty.  Thank you.

  She has already named your children. What?  You did not see her face.  She gave me a drink.  She gave her future husband a drink.  You sound jealous.  Jealous of what? Every woman in the kingdom wants you. I should pity you.  You don’t want me.  Look, the road is muddy.  That was not my question.

 Then ask another one.  So I was right. I remember when her front teeth were missing. When did Zika  become this beautiful?  What are you looking at? Nothing.  Your mother again.  How do you always know?  Because you get quiet when palace duties are frustrating you.  Everybody else waits for the prince to speak.

 You already know what Amadi is feeling.  I have known you too long.  So this is why those girls stare at him. The annoying boy from the pit became very handsome.  Why are you quiet?  I am not  quiet.  Maybe those beads are too bright. That is why every woman keeps following you.  You were quiet because of my beads.  Yes.

 Liar. Go and complain to your future wives.   Mama Wakigo, I brought this for the house.  Kleti, you did not have to bring all this.  I wanted to.  Palm wine again.  Yes, mama.  You have your own farmland, livestock, and people already know you as a good hunter. You work hard for a young man.

 A man should prepare for the family he hopes to have.  You are welcome here, Kichi. My prince.  What?  Nothing.  You have been smiling since we left.  You have 50 women following you, but one man comes to see me and suddenly your face looks like thunder.  I don’t like him.  You don’t even know him.

 I know enough.  What do you know?  He wants to marry you.  That is not a crime.  I still don’t like him.  Prince Amadi is jealous. Yes.  What?  I am jealous.   I am tired of pretending I don’t care.  Amadi,  no. Let me talk. When something happens to me, you are the first person I want to find.

 When women follow me, I laugh because none of them know me. They know the prince. They know the man they see at festivals. You know me. When I think about marriage, I don’t see any of those women. I see you Zika.  You cannot say things like that.  Why?  You know why?  No. Tell me.  You are Prince Amadi  and  you will be king one day  and  I am just Zikora.

 That is exactly who I want.  Your parents will never agree.  I did not ask about my parents.  Amadi,   do you love me? Zika,  I have loved you for years,  but loving you and marrying you are not the same thing.  We will deal with that.   You make everything sound easy.  You knew me before you even knew I was a prince.

 You were an annoying boy covered in mud.  You pulled me from that pit.  You nearly pulled me inside, too.  And you still saved me.  You are still annoying.  And you still love me.  Leave me.  No. You are too old for this.  You started running.    Catch me first.  I  caught you.

 Let me go.  No. your voice.  You really are troublesome.  You kissed me back.  I am going home.  Zika, we grew up  as friends. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love. And now she knows.  He said he wants to marry me. I love him, but maybe we should slow down. Tomorrow I will tell him  Amadi.

 Good afternoon,  my prince.  Mama, I came to speak with you.  About what?  About your daughter? What about her?  I want to marry her.  No.  Mama,  I said no. My prince forgive me. But this marriage cannot happen.  If you are worried that I am not serious about your daughter, I understand.  That is not it.

 I am not here to play with her. I have known Zakora most of my life. I want her as my wife.  There are many women suitable for you.  I did not ask about many women.  My prince.  I asked for Zakora  and I am saying no. Mama, why?  Stay out of this. It is my marriage. You don’t understand.  Then explain it to me.

 There is nothing to explain.  The future king comes here and says he wants to marry me and you say no without even thinking.  This is not something we should discuss in front of people.  Then tell me when they leave.  Please wait outside. My prince, I will be fine. I am not leaving until I understand why you are refusing.

 You are a prince.  I know  you will become king.  I also know that  a king cannot simply marry anybody. Anybody. You need a woman from a known family, a respected family.  Oiora was respected.  This is not about Oiora.  Then what is it about? Her origins are unknown.

 What does that mean? Mama, what do you mean my origins are unknown? Leave it.  No, you have said too much to stop now.  My prince, I am trying to protect everybody.  From what?  Mama, because she is not even my daughter. What did you say?  Mama, what did you say?  You are not my biological daughter.  You are angry with me.

 Is that why you said that?  No.  You have said terrible things to me before, but this one is too much.  I am not trying to hurt you.  Then say it was a lie.  I have hidden this for years.  No. Then whose daughter am I? I don’t know. What do you mean you don’t know? I don’t know. That does not make sense.  Many years ago, before Chinello was born, your father came home carrying a baby. Zikora.

 No, papa would have told me.  He wanted to stop.  He wanted to, but he could never bring himself to do it. We had no child then. We had been married for years and nothing had happened. One evening, Obera returned from a journey carrying you.  He said he found you near the edge of another territory. There had been an attack.  What attack?  He did not know.

 There were signs of fighting. A woman was dead nearby. He believed the woman had been carrying you. Maybe she was your mother. Maybe she was not. He never knew.  He brought me home. Yes. And you agreed to keep me. Of course, you did not want me. I was afraid of a baby.  We knew nothing about you. Nothing about where you came from.

 But papa wanted me.  Yes. Objora said no child should be left to die because adults were afraid. He insisted we raise you. He loved you. He loved you more than I thought was possible. When people asked, he said you were ours. He told me never to make you feel different. But you did.  I know.  All my life.

 I know.  When there was one piece of meat left, you gave it to Chinello. When there was work to do, you called me.  Sikura, when you bought rappers, hers was always better. I spent  years asking myself what I was doing wrong. I kept thinking, maybe if I worked harder, mama would love me the way she loves Chinelo.

 But Chinello was really your daughter. Both of you were raised in my house.  That is not the same thing. Why didn’t papa tell me?  He tried.  When?  Many times.  Then why didn’t he?  He was afraid you would think he was not your father anymore.  He was my father.  I know.  He did not have to hide it.

 He did not understand that.  He could have left me.  Yes.  But he carried me home and he chose to raise me.  Yes. The bracelet. This  Where did you get that?  Papa gave it to me before he died.  He believed it was important. He said it might belong to your family.  What do you mean? That was with you.  When? When Obara found you.

 Never sell it. Never throw it away. One day you may understand why.  He knew. He knew it might help you one day. Help me find who.  I don’t know.  You came here asking to marry Zakura, daughter of Oiora.  Zika?  Now I don’t even know who Zakura is.  I do. You are Zika.  That is not an answer.  It is my answer.

 Whatever name your real parents gave you, whatever kingdom you came from, it changes nothing for me.  What if I came from nowhere?  Then I will marry the woman from nowhere. You saved my life before you knew my name. I loved you before I knew there was any question about yours. I still want to marry you.

 My prince, your family will not accept this.  That is for me to deal with.  No  mother.  No. Let him finish.  I have heard enough. You were already asking us to accept a village girl as the future queen. Now you are telling me nobody knows who her parents are.  We know who raised her.  That is not the same thing.

 To me it is.  It cannot be the same thing to the throne.  Why?  Because you are not an ordinary man who can marry whoever makes him happy and forget everybody else.  Zakora is not just somebody who makes me happy.  Amadi, does Zakora know anything about where she came from? No. Nothing. Only this.  I don’t recognize the symbol.

 Neither do I.  This makes things worse.  How?  No family, no clan, no known kingdom, no history.  She has a history here. Everybody knows Zakora.  The throne requires more. She is kind to the elders.  Yes.  She helps children.  Yes.  She works hard.  Yes. She saved your life.  Yes.

 So, what exactly is missing?  Royal blood.  That is all you care about.  It is not all I care about. But it matters  to you.  To the kingdom.   She has never offended anybody in this kingdom. People trust her. She is brave.  She is hardworking. She has a good heart.  I agree. Those things make Zakora a good woman.

 They do not automatically make her suitable to become queen. What would  training a royal background knowledge of the responsibility she would carry?  She can learn.  You are speaking as a man in love.  Yes,  I am speaking as the mother of the future king.  And that means I have no choice.  It means your choices affect more than you.

 We will call the council. Why? Because this affects the throne. I am asking to marry the woman I love, not declare war. For you, they may feel like different things. For a kingdom, marriage can become politics very quickly. Elders of the council,  the time has come.  We cannot approve it. You all know her.

That is not the issue. It should be. My prince, what happens when you become king and another kingdom asks who the queen’s people are? I will tell them her father was Oiora, her foster father. He was her father in her heart. Yes. But royal matters are not decided only by the heart. There is another matter. The neighboring kingdom has made another proposal.

 What proposal?  A marriage alliance.  No.  You have not heard everything.  I don’t need to.  Their king wants you to marry Princess Urena.  No.  Sit down.  I am not marrying anybody called Urena.  You have not even met her.  I don’t need to meet her.  Their kingdom controls trade routes our farmers depend on.

 So  relations between both kingdoms have become unstable.  Then solve the problem without using my marriage.  Amadi. Amadi.  I love Zakura. You all know that. And it is not going to change.  Zikora. The queen is waiting for you.  Sit. You have grown into a beautiful young woman.  Thank you, my queen.

 I remember the first time Amadi told me about you.  The pit.  He was angry that you shouted at him.  He deserved it.  That is exactly why he liked you. I allowed your friendship all these years because I trusted you. You never tried to use Amadi.  No.  You never came asking for gifts. You treated him like an ordinary boy.

 He liked that.  I know. And I know you love him. I also believe he loves you. But I cannot approve this marriage. Because nobody knows who my parents are.  That is part of it.  Would it have been different if Oba were my real father?  No. Zakura. This is bigger than you.  That is what everybody keeps saying.

 The neighboring kingdom controls important trade routes. Our relationship with them is becoming difficult.  So, Amadi must marry their princess.  It could protect both kingdoms.  You knew he and I were close.  Yes. You watched us grow up together.  Yes. Why didn’t you stop it? Because friendship is different from marriage.

 So, it was fine when I was the village girl keeping your son company.  That is not what I meant. But when he wants to make me his wife, suddenly I’m not enough.  You are a good woman, Zikura. You are kind. People respect you. You have never brought shame to your family, but goodness alone does not make a queen.

 Thank you for being clear with me,  Zakura. Zakura, may I leave?      Mother, this marriage is all I need. You must do all you can to get the prince to love you.  I know. Prince Amadi, handsome, strong, future king. I have heard about him all my life. The marriage always sounded perfect.

I heard you are the best wrestler in your kingdom.  People exaggerate.  I would like to see for myself.  Perhaps there will be a festival before you leave,  Zika. What?  Where are you going?  To the stream.  I will come.  You are eating.  I am finished.  I see. This is not a new attraction.

 It is history. Years of it. He can barely talk to me, but one word from her changes his whole face. Treat her like a friend. Do not show her she is the enemy. Zakura, Princess, please call me Urena. I don’t think your mother would appreciate that. You are funny now. I understand why Amadi likes you.

 I hope we can be friends. Why? Because I will be here for some time if you wish.  My lady. Yes. You were looking at my bracelet. No, I thought it is nothing.   Why did she freeze when she saw this? And why did she leave so quickly? Zika.  Mother,  where did that girl get that bracelet?  Which girl?  Zakura.  I don’t know. Find out.

 Why? Because I said so.  Mother, what is wrong? That bracelet belongs to our family. Our family? The royal family.  That is impossible. I know what I saw. How would a village girl have it? Mother, what are you not telling me? Years ago, your uncle had everything. The throne, the respect, the wealth. Everyone bowed to him.

 And what did I have? The title of princess. Nothing more.  Mother. Then his wife gave birth to a daughter. That child became another wall between my family and the throne. What did you do? I paid men to remove her.  What? I wanted the child taken far away. You kidnapped the king’s daughter. Lower your voice.  What happened to her? The nurse escaped with the baby.

 And the men searched later. They told me both were dead. I believed them until today.  That bracelet was made for the king’s child.  No.  It may mean nothing,  but you don’t believe that.  Zakora does not even know who her parents are. I heard. And she was found as a baby.  Yes. If she is that child, then she is not some village girl.

 No, she’s the king’s daughter.  The rightful princess. And what happens to me? My position, my inheritance, the future I was promised. And Amadi, if she is the missing princess, Amadi will have no reason not to marry her. That is why nobody can know. If that bracelet is telling the truth, she is standing between me and everything I was raised to believe belonged to me.

If Zakora is truly the missing princess, everything could change. My place, my future, and Amadi, I will not wait for proof. I will deal with Zakora first. A royal crossaches.   Come. Yes, princess. My princess, this belongs to  I know what it is. What should I do with it? Put it inside. My princess, do you want me to repeat myself?  No. Then do it.

 My necklace is missing. What necklace? The gold one my uncle gave me.  Do not worry. I will instruct the maids to search everyone’s belongings. I believe it will be found.  Thank you, my queen. That necklace was given to me by the king. It is very valuable. I had it this morning.  My queen, what is that doing there,  Zikura? I did not put that there.

It was inside your basket. I can see that.  Then explain how it got there.  I cannot explain what I did not do. So, the necklace walked into your basket. What is happening?  Urena’s necklace was found among Zakora’s belongings.  Then somebody put it there.  You did not even ask her.  I don’t need to.

 Amadi, it was found in her basket.  Did you take it?  No.  Then she did not take it.  You cannot decide that simply because you love her.  I have known Zakora since we were children. The last thing she will ever be is a thief.  People change.  Zakura has never cared about gold. She has walked through this palace for years.

 She has seen more valuable things than that. Why would she suddenly steal your necklace?  You. What is your name?  Eber. My prince.  You look frightened.  I am not.  Look at me. Did you see anything?  No.  E.  Why are you frightening my servant?  Ebra. If Zakora is punished for something you know she did not do, you will carry that guilt.

 Eber, my princess, forgive me.  What are you saying?  I put the necklace there.  What?  I was told to put it inside her basket.  By whom? Answer me.  Princess Urena. She is lying. You gave it to me yourself. I did not. You told me to hide it.  Enough. This matter will be investigated.  Say nothing.

  Zika,  I am fine.  You are not.  I am tired. Dami,  I should never have allowed you to come here alone.  You cannot follow me everywhere.  Maybe I should.  This is not funny.  I am not joking.  She wants me gone.   Then stay away from her.  I intend to.  And if anything feels wrong, you tell me.

 The plan failed. He is even more protective of her now. Humiliation will not separate them. I need something permanent.  What brings you here?  Can we speak privately? What is this? Only the beginning. Beginning of what? A powerful person wants your help. What kind of help? Zikora must leave this kingdom. No. No. Listen.

 Do not answer quickly. I said no. What if you receive land, livestock, a larger compound? Think about Chinello. What about my daughter? You could secure her future. She could marry well. You could live comfortably for the rest of your life. What do they want me to do? Send Zakora through the eastern forest path tomorrow evening.

Why? You do not need to know. That road is lonely. Yes. What will happen to her? She will be taken away.  Taken where?  That is not your concern.  No. Then continue living like this, watching Zakura cause trouble with the prince while Chinello remains unnoticed. Zakora did not ask the prince to love her.

 But everything has always been about Zikora, hasn’t it? Oberiora always chose her. And now the  prince chooses her, too. Tomorrow evening,  they only want Zakora taken away. Nothing more.  Zikora.  Yes, mama. I need you to take medicine to my cousin.  Which cousin?  Goi.  I have not seen her in years.

 She is sick. She sent someone this morning.  It will soon be late.  If you leave now, you will return before dark.  Which road should I take?  The Eastern Forest Path.  That road is faster.  Yes, I will return before night. Mama, yes. Do you need anything else?  No.  Why does this money feel so heavy now?  Who is there?  What do you want?  Come quietly.

 Where?  You asked too many questions.  Stay away from me.  Hold out. will return.   Let me go.  You stupid girl.   You should have come quietly.  Who sent you? Was it Princess Urena? So it was Princess Urena. You will not get away with this.  Even if you know who sent us, you will not be here to tell anyone.

   Take this as proof.  Prince Amadi will find you.  You want to kill me? No. Please. Please don’t do this.  FINISH IT. I CAN’T SEE HER. That is enough. No one can survive that fall. I am sure she is dead already.    Mama, what is wrong? Nothing. Where is the corora? She should be back.

 Zika, where is she?  She went to deliver medicine.  Where?  To my cousin.  At this hour.  She should have returned.  Which road?  The eastern path.  You sent her through that forest alone.  She has used forest paths before.  Not that one.  Zika.  Zika, my prince. That is hers. No. My prince. No.

   My prince, we should return and bring more men. You return, my prince, I am staying. We have searched all night. Then search again.    I questioned hunters, travelers, farmers, anybody who might have seen her. And nobody. I am going back to the river. Be careful.  Amadi, you need to come home.

 I am going home.  You know what I mean.  They never found her body.  It has been months. Nobody.  Amadi,  no.  You cannot keep doing this. If it were me, would you stop looking?  He did not even look at us. He does not look at anybody anymore.  The wrestling festival is tomorrow. Everyone expects you to come.

 I am not going. You never miss the festival.  This time I will. We have been trying all afternoon just to make you laugh. We miss our friend. You used to laugh more than all of us.  What happened to that amadi?  Even here. Everywhere I go, something reminds me of you, Zika.   still come out if you bury truth for  grounds come out.

 The traders are complaining.  The farmers are worried.  And the neighboring kingdom,  they are threatening to restrict the important trade routes. Women still look at you. You don’t even notice anymore. You refuse festivals. Your friends try to make you laugh. And you barely smile.

 You cannot continue refusing Urena.  I can.  Your father is no longer as strong as he needs to be. And Zakora is dead.  Do not say that.  It has been months.  Nobody was found.  Amadi, listen to yourself.  I know what I am saying.  You are waiting for someone who may never return. The kingdom still needs you.  And that means marrying Urena.

 It means thinking beyond yourself. Father, you look worse than I do. I know what they are asking of you. Then tell them to stop. I cannot. I don’t love Uren Rena. I know I may never love her. I know. Then why should I marry her? Because if the agreement fails, the trade routes may close. Then we find other routes. That takes time.

We have time. Some people do not. Farmers could lose their land near the border. Traders will lose income. Food prices will rise. And if tempers rise, young men may die. I am not asking you to forget Zikora. It feels like you are. She is a part of me. I feel like I cannot exist without her. I understand my son.

 I am asking you to remember that one day these people will call you king. What kind of king will I be if I cannot even choose my own wife? A king who sometimes carries burdens he did not choose. I wish I could make this easy for you. You cannot know. And you truly believe this marriage will protect the kingdom?  Yes. Then I will do it.

 Amadi, I said I will do it.  You have agreed.  Yes.  I knew you would eventually understand.  Understand something now. This marriage gives you my name. Do not expect it to give you my heart.  We have time.  Time will not change what I said. Zakura is gone.  Do not mention Zika.  She is dead.  I said do not mention her.

   We are husband and wife now.  I know  you cannot sit there all night.  Amadi,  not tonight.  We just got married.  I know. How long will you keep sleeping far from me?  I said I need time.  Time for what?  To accept that this is my life now.  Every time I come close, you find a reason to leave.

 You keep pushing me away.  I told you before we married.  You said I would not have your heart. I did not know you meant I would have nothing.  Your marriage cannot remain like this forever. Father, I married her because the kingdom asked me to. I know. I cannot force myself to love her. I am not asking you to pretend that you love her.

 Then what are you asking? I am asking you to remember that a future king needs an heir. The royal line cannot end with you. Urena,  what?  I will try.  Why now?  Because one day I will be king and the kingdom will need an heir. But it changes nothing between us. I will never love you. If you want me to stop, tell me. What is wrong?  No.

 What is wrong?  No.  What?  I cannot.  I am not forcing you. Orena.  She came running from the prince’s room in tears last night. Keep your voice down. We both saw her.    If you want me to stop, say it.  No, this is impossible.  Then we stop.  You don’t understand.  I said we can stop.

 No woman can take the size of your manhood. I cannot do this.  Why are you moving your things here? I am not going back to his room.  What happened? We tried again. I cannot be intimate with him. You must tell nobody what I am about to tell you. I will not. Urena has stopped sleeping in Prince Amad’s room.

 Why? She says she cannot be intimate with him. Something about his manhood. This stays here. I should not be telling you this. Then what happened? Princess Ora has moved out of Prince Amadi’s room. Why? She says she cannot be intimate with him. They say his wife ran from him twice. What kind of problem could make a woman leave Prince Amadi? They say the gods gave him too much.

We have come to the end of part one. Please stay tuned for part two. Before you go, tell me where you’re watching from and tell me, do you think I’m really dead? And why do you think Prince Amadi is struggling with intimacy? Drop your thoughts in the comments  and subscribe for part two.

and subscribe for part two.