In a shuttered chamber deep within the Awe province, two men sat across from one another, their smiles as sharp as blades sheathed behind velvet.
Balogun, the most trusted chief of Irele Kingdom, regarded Otun of Ikoro with the kind of smile one might give a viper before striking it. His eyes, though half -lidded, brimmed with malice. The two men smiled at each other. Each smile carrying hidden meanings. Balogun looked at Otun and wished the man before him could disappear into thin air and never appear again.
"It is… surprising," Balogun said, his voice silky yet edged, " to run into the great Otun of Ikoro here, in such an unassuming place."
Otun chuckled, though his eyes flashed cold. He understood the insult perfectly well. He knew the man was sneaking an attack on him with words. It was only right he attacked him back.
"It has been a while, Chief Balogun. And I must say— I wonder what a busy man of your prestige and responsibilities is doing lurking here during such turbulent times. Should you not be in Irele's court, guiding matters of state?" He leaned forward, lowering his voice just enough to twist the knife. "Or perhaps watching over your precious prince... Shouldn't you?"
The smile on Balogun's lips deepened, though it did not reach his eyes. "Your concern for Irele is noted, but unnecessary. We are… in order. The first prince has already left the palace. Shouldn't you be more worried, Otun? Worried for your king, perhaps?"
He paused deliberately, letting the words hang like a noose.
"Kini itumo yen, What do you mean?" Otun snapped, his voice betraying a quiver of alarm. His hand twitched on the table, betraying the unease in his heart.
Balogun noticed.
' If he was this shaken, why was he here instead of by his king's side? ' he thought
Before Balogun could deliver his cutting reply, the heavy doors swung open. Both men immediately rose to their feet and bowed their heads.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," they said in unison.
The king of Awe entered, his robe trailing like a dark river, his presence filling the chamber with the weight of command. He gave a small wave of his hand. "You may Sit."
They obeyed.
"It has been too long since we gathered like this. " the king said, his voice even but laced with calculation. " Tell me, how have you been? "
"Thanks for your concern, Your Majesty," both men replied smoothly, though their smiles remained fixed masks.
Balogun was the first to strike. "I must congratulate Your Majesty in advance. Things are going according to plan. It is certain now— the third prince will rise to the emperor's throne." he said with a smile.
Otun nodded quickly, adding his own honeyed words. "Yes, congratulations indeed your Majesty. With the first and second princes already away from the palace, it is the perfect time for the third prince to carry out his main task. Your son is brave, strong, and destined. He will fulfill his task, succeed in clearing the way, and ascend to rule the empire."
The king's lips curved into a smile, but it was not a gentle one. "Hahaha.. you speak with such certainty. But tell me— do you not think it is too early for celebrations?" His gaze sharpened like a blade drawn slowly from its sheath. "Yes, my son is capable and competent. It is easy for him to undermine the second prince.. but what about the first prince…" The king's eyes locked on Balogun. "…he concerns me. What if your prince causes harm to mine?"
Balogun shivered in fear for a few seconds. A bead of sweat broke at his temple, but he forced a laugh. "No way, no way, Your Majesty. Be at ease. Even though the first prince has departed the palace, I have placed loyal men to shadow his every move. He cannot harm the third prince. On the contrary, the third prince will prevail— he will remove both brothers and claim the throne. And when he does…" He swallowed, forcing his confidence. "…it will be a great celebration."
The king leaned back, studying him with an unreadable expression. He noticed Balogun's fear. Then, suddenly, he laughed. "Hahaha! Good. Yes, it will be a celebration indeed. And I will have both of you to thank. Without the cunning of Balogun of Irele and the loyalty of Otun of Ikoro, none of this could take shape."
The two men bowed their heads humbly. "You overestimate us, Your Majesty."
The king snapped his fingers. " Wolé- come in."
The doors opened again, and two guards marched in carrying heavy chests. They set them down on the table with a dull thud before retreating.
Neither Balogun nor Otun could hide the greed that flashed in their eyes. Their smiles stretched wider, their gazes glued to the boxes like moths to flame.
The king noticed this and chuckled. "These are but little things I have prepared for you. Take them Bas you return back home. And when next we meet, it shall be to celebrate my son's coronation. On that day, you both shall get more rewards than this." He rose, turning toward the door.
Already intoxicated by the glitter of wealth, the two chiefs forgot themselves, fumbling at the lids of their boxes. They barely remembered to murmur their thanks before the king departed. The king glanced back at them once, his expression darkening. He shook his head. "Greed," he muttered under his breath. "Men's hearts are nothing but hungry beasts."
Inside his chest, Otun's eyes gleamed like a predator's as he gazed upon the pile of gold within. He tried containing his happiness but his heart raced. Turning to Otunba, he hissed softly, "Look at you, grinning like a starved glutton. By now, you should be worried for the first prince. Mark my words—when next you see him, òkú rẹ̀ ni wà máa wò.-It will be his corpse you will behold."
Balogun who was in a good mood because of the gift before Otun statement, shot him a death glare- smile faltered. Rage burned in his eyes, though he quickly masked it.
" Bold words, otun. You are the most trusted pillar of Ikoro, are you not? Perhaps you should be the one worrying. If your king ever learns of your treachery…" He leaned close, sneering. "…will your head not be the first to roll?" He laughed, cruel and mocking. Not willing to spend another second with the man, he then lifted his box of gold and stormed out of the chamber.
Otun's eyes followed him with disdain and disgust. His smile returned—thin, venomous, and patient.
" Oponu- Fool. " he whispered to the empty room.
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To be continued