ADEBIMPE (Episode 16)

Prince Adewale (POV)

I left her quarters troubled.

This was not how things were meant to be. A servant falls sick; the palace moves on. That was the rule. That was the way.

Yet I could not shake the image of her lying there—small, exhausted, fragile in a way she never allowed herself to be while standing.

That night, I barely slept.

King Adeyemi (POV)

News travels fast in a palace.

Too fast.

By morning, whispers had reached my ears: the prince visited a sick maid. Gave orders. Showed concern.

I summoned him immediately.

“Adewale,” I said as he stood before me, “sit.”

He obeyed, calm as ever.

“Tell me,” I continued, “why my guards reported you visiting a servant’s quarters late last evening.”

He did not flinch. “She collapsed from exhaustion.”

“And that concerns you personally?”

I studied my son carefully.

“She serves me daily,” he said. “Her well-being affects my household.”

A rehearsed answer.

I leaned forward. “Do not insult my intelligence. This girl Adebimpe has been mentioned too many times in relation to you.”

He met my gaze steadily. “She is loyal. Capable.”

“And still a slave,” I reminded him.

“Yes, Father.”

“Then remember your position,” I warned. “Affection, even perceived, breeds unrest.”

Queen Morenike (POV)

I watched my son from the doorway as his father questioned him.

He was composed, but I knew that look in his eyes. Adewale had always been that way quietly intense when something touched him deeply.

After the king dismissed him, I followed Adewale into the corridor.

“You are walking a dangerous path,” I said softly.

“Am I?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied. “Because the palace does not forgive princes who forget their place.”

He stopped and faced me. “And what of humanity, Mother?”

I sighed. “Humanity is expensive in places like this.”

“Then perhaps,” he said quietly, “we have made the palace too cruel.”

I said nothing.

Because part of me agreed.

Adebimpe (POV)

I woke later that day feeling lighter, though weak.

Iya Morounkeji sat beside me, grinding herbs.

“You have caused small trouble,” she said without looking up.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

She snorted softly. “For resting? Nonsense.”

Then she added, more quietly, “The prince came to see you. Not many servants can say that.”

I turned my face away. “That is what frightens me.”

She paused. “Good. Fear keeps you wise.”

I closed my eyes, my thoughts heavy.

I did not want to matter in ways that could destroy me.

Yet I could not undo what had already begun.

Prince Adewale (POV)

That evening, as I stood alone on the palace balcony, I realized the truth I could no longer ignore:

Her absence had unsettled me more than her presence ever had.

And now the king and queen were watching.

The palace was watching.

Adebimpe was recovering.

But the calm?

That was gone.

Continue reading Episode 17