BORN TO RULE

CHAPTER TWO

Chapter Two: The Making of a Prince

At the age of sixteen, Prince Damilare had become one of the most admired young people in Aderin.

He was tall, confident, intelligent, and hardworking. But his father constantly reminded him that being a prince did not make him better than anyone else.

One morning, Damilare complained about his training.

"I have studied for hours, Father. Must I continue?"

King Adewale laughed.

"Do you think ruling a kingdom is easier than studying?"

"No."

"Then continue."

Damilare sighed.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder.

"One day, you may inherit this kingdom. When that day comes, people will bring you problems from morning until night. You cannot tell your people that you are tired."

Damilare nodded.

"I understand."

"Good. Then prove it."

That afternoon, Damilare was sent to a farming village.

A disagreement had broken out between two families over a piece of land.

The prince listened to both sides.

The first family claimed the land belonged to them because their grandfather had cultivated it.

The second family produced an old document showing that the land had been given to them by the previous king.

Damilare examined the evidence carefully.

Finally, he discovered that the land had been divided years earlier, but a boundary marker had been destroyed.

Instead of choosing one family over the other, he proposed that the land be measured and divided according to the original agreement.

Both families accepted the decision.

When he returned to the palace, his father was pleased.

"You did well."

"Thank you."

"Do you know why?"

"Because I solved the problem?"

"No," said the king. "Because you listened before judging."

Damilare remembered that lesson.

Meanwhile, Lord Kadir was becoming increasingly worried.

The people loved the prince.

If Damilare continued to gain their trust, it would become almost impossible for Kadir to challenge him openly.

So Kadir began building his own network.

He secretly approached several wealthy nobles.

"King Adewale is growing old," he told them.

"His son is inexperienced."

One noble frowned.

"But Damilare is popular."

"Popularity is not leadership."

"What are you suggesting?"

Kadir leaned forward.

"The kingdom needs a stronger hand."

The nobles understood.

Kadir wanted the throne.

But they were afraid to oppose the prince openly.

Kadir knew he needed a plan.

His opportunity came unexpectedly.

Aderin had long depended on trade with a neighbouring kingdom called Zamora.

For many years, the relationship between the two kingdoms had been peaceful.

But Zamora had recently gained a new ruler, King Baraka, who was aggressive and ambitious.

One day, a Zamoran messenger arrived at Aderin's palace.

He carried a message demanding that Aderin pay a huge annual tribute.

King Adewale refused.

"This kingdom has never been a servant to another," he declared.

King Baraka responded by closing the border.

Trade stopped.

Food prices increased.

The people became worried.

The king summoned his advisers.

Kadir spoke first.

"We should prepare for war."

Another adviser disagreed.

"War will destroy our farms and markets."

Damilare remained silent.

His father looked at him.

"What do you think?"

The prince stood.

"I think we should understand why King Baraka is making this demand."

Kadir laughed.

"Because he wants power."

"Perhaps," Damilare replied. "But if we understand what he wants, we may find a peaceful solution."

Kadir shook his head.

"Your Majesty, this is why young people should not make decisions about war."

Damilare remained calm.

"Being young does not mean being foolish."

The king raised his hand.

"Enough."

He looked at Damilare.

"Continue."

Damilare explained that Aderin could send diplomats to negotiate while quietly strengthening its defences.

The king agreed.

Kadir was furious.

The prince had once again demonstrated wisdom.

But Kadir now had another idea.

If he could not defeat Damilare through politics, he would destroy the prince's reputation.