The queen and the mystical being

Chapter two

If I have a wish that can be granted right now, it will be to have magical powers that can literally prevent the c***s in Bini from crowing especially the ones from the palace. It seems they've rehearsed so well as they keep doing the same thing each day and that will be to crow in turns to make sure they wake every one from their peaceful sleep.

I forced myself out from bed still rubbing off the sleep from my eyes. I couldn't even sleep some more because my father will be the first to come in there and drag me off my bed.

My name is Princess Ivie and I am the only daughter of Oba (king) Erun. Actually I'm his only child and I must say, being an only child comes with so much responsibilities. My father, the king never made it easy on me. He practically plans my day for me,. If I'm not in the kitchen learning how to cook or helping Efe, the Head Palace Cook in preparing meals, I will be with the Palace healer learning about the various healing herbs. But most of my time is spent with my father training me on how to fight and defend myself.

The part I enjoy the most is with the healer, knowing each herb and it's healing properties gives me so much satisfaction. Maybe it's because my mother was a healer before she died and it helps connect with her.

I quickly had my bath and moisturized my flawless dark skin with palm kernel oil which was made by me and the herbs I used in mixing the oil makes my dark skin glow. I'm always admired by all and like I said, I love working with herbs. It does not just help with health benefits but it's also good for skincare and haircare.

I quickly dressed up, wearing a comfortable dress. There was no need to put on makeup and beautify my hair with beads by my personal servant Rose because today is for training with my father and besides, there's no time for all that.

I made my way to my mother's herbs room which my father has turned into his studies but I know he's not actually studying, I mean he doesn't even know anything about herbs! My mother's herbs room is just his way of connecting with her, his Queen and he may not say it but I know he misses her a lot. My father is a tough man. At least that's what he shows everyone but I know he's lonely and once, I asked him to get himself another wife but he told me he wasn't interested and so I let him be.

I got to the entrance of the herbs room and the guards at the door quickly took a bow in respect to say their greetings to me. The head guard announced my presence to the king of which he granted me permission to come in.

I saw him quickly adjusting himself and checking out some plants to make me believe that he's actually studying the herbs plant that were before him. Poor plants, they look weak! Father most likely doesn't even know their names not to talk of caring for the plants. I just smiled at his pretensive attitude.

"Father Lamogun (greetings)" I greeted him in the Bini language.

"I hope you slept well, my Princess?" he asked me, still observing my facial expression.

"I did, father. Although the night was short." I said to him as I sat on one of the wooden seats close to the table.

Sitting close to my father helps me get a good look at him. There are dark circles beneath his eyes and his face is getting so dark not to mention his body as well that is getting so weak. This man sitting here doesn't even come close to the man I once knew. Something is not right. I can feel it.

"Father, is all well? I asked him.

He tried smiling but failed terribly.

"All is well, Ivie. Do not worry about this old man." He said.

"Are you sure?" I asked in response but he just nodded his head to assure me.

"Very well then. I'm ready for today's training" I said to him.

"There won't be any training today" he announced as he stood up from his chair.

"So what will you have me do today?" I asked him.

"Actually, nothing my daughter, Ivie." He responded.

I just sat there confused, not sure how I was to feel about this. He placed his both hands on my shoulder and made me look at him.

"Ivie, I don't need you to do anything today. Just dress up properly as a Princess that you are and go into the village like you've always wanted. Have as much fun as you can today." He said with a full and bright smile.

"Father, are you sure?"

"Yes, I want you to have fun today but ensure you go with some guards" He said as he walked passed me heading to the entrance of the room.

Ivie something is not right I told myself. I can feel it and I saw it in the eyes of my father. I can see that he's bothered. Whatever it is that's going on, I will get to the bottom of it next time but today may never come again. I jumped off my sit, excited to visit so many places in the village. Today is going to be my best day.