The only child

CHAPTER 5

"Okay, I will," replied the Prince. Immediately, the Queen walked in. She stood at a corner staring at her children before voicing out.

" Lushi, please always remember the son of who you are. Wherever you go, don't forget home. Our people make a proverb that, 'a hunter goes to a farm, but no matter how long he stays there, he must definitely come back', my son, always remember home," the Queen concluded.

"Alright mom, I promise to abide by your advice ," the Prince said, hugging his mother.

They bade each other goodbye. The prince leaves the village in his car with his guards.

Homa and another maid are in the kitchen cooking, then they start discussing.

"Hmmmm…..I just wonder what the King likes about this Kune, Kune this, Kune that,"Homa said with a hiss.

"Please, what is your problem with that? If you want to be commended, then, work hard like her. Not that you will be sleeping the whole day," the other maid said annoyingly.

" Hmmmmm…..I don't blame you. It's because I stooped so low to be here talking to you," Homa said and walked away.

"Please, just go away. You will not live your life because of envy," the maid soliloquized.

The maids are given two days off in the Palace. Homa goes to see her friend, Koge. They are both seated under a mango tree.

Homa begins," Hmmmm……..I'm tired of this so-called Kune. Everyone in the Palace is so fond of her. It aches my heart whenever I see her knowing fully well that you are the one who is supposed to be in her place".

"Well, it's true. I'm not happy seeing her there. Can you believe that she brought a big bag of provisions for her sick mother. Now they will be happy that they now have enough food to eat. Sha went to work in the Palace because of hunger . There is no other reason. Anyways, I have no problem because I have enough food to eat. I'm not like them who are hungry-looking," replied Koge.

"See we need to get rid of that girl by all means, I have a fantastic idea, come closer,"said Homa, then she whispered something into Hoge's ears.

"Haaaaa…….no, we can't do that. I can't kill my fellow human," shouted Hoge.

"Shut up, shut up. Why are you shouting? Behave yourself,"Homa whispered.

They finally rub minds together and let out a wicked smile.

Homa goes out to see one of the thugs in the village.

" Good afternoon, how are you? I came to see you concerning a very important matter," said Homa. Then, she whispered into his ears.

"Hmmmm….. that is a very serious issue but I will do it. It is my job. But, you will have to pay well," said the thug.

"Don't worry. Money is not the problem," replied Homa. She dipped her hand into her bag and brought out a sum of money. Then, she left.

She went to meet Koge in her house.

" How far is it from where you went to?" Koge asked.

" Mission successful. Just sit back and watch how the drama unfolds," she let out a wicked smile,"but, be prepared, you will work in the Palace very soon," she concluded.

"Really? Oh, my friend, thank you," Koge said while hugging her.

"Okay, let me leave now, my mother must be waiting for me," Homa said as she left for home. Koge stood staring at her friend.

The next day, Homa hurried out of the house to see the thug. When she got there, she saw him, collected a bottle from him. He gave her a stern warning.

"Always remember, wash your hands immediately after use," He warned. Homa nodded in affirmation while looking around in order for her not to be caught. They both leave for their various homes.

Early the next day, a car horn woke the Royal household. The guards immediately opened the gate. The car drove in. It happened to be the Prince' car. The Prince came looking very sick and coughing seriously.

Everyone came out to see him. He ought not come by that time. They were so shocked to see him.

"Call the Doctor, quick!!!," the Queen screamed.

The Prince was laid down on a bed awaiting the Doctor's arrival.

The Doctor comes in after some minutes.

He goes on to ascertain the cause of the Prince' illness. After a few minutes, he comes out.

The Doctor said, " The Prince is diagnosed with a chronic air-borne disease. He needs to start treatment right away".

Homa stood there surprised. She had collected the bottle of poison to use on the prince and now, he came home with an air-borne disease. She concludes in her mind to use it on him no matter what happens.

The whole village hears of the Prince' illness. At every small spot, the Prince' illness is discussed. Koge and her friends also were not left out in this.

" I heard that the Prince is very sick. I hope we all don't become sick too. I hope he recovers on time. May the good God grant him recovery," said one of Koge's friends.

"Amen," they all chorused.

Kune also went home to see her mother. She sat down outside with her mother.

" My daughter, be rest assured, the Prince will recover. My God does not fail. Please, calm down. Everything is going to be okay. You don't need to worry at all," Kune's mother consoled her.

" I will, mother. Thank you very much," Kune said going inside.

Kune resumed work in the Palace the next week. As usual, she continued with her duties very well. The prince was very sick and looked very pale. She was appointed by the Queen to give the Prince all he needed. The Prince called Kune and asked her to bring water for him.

So, Homa saw this as a perfect opportunity to achieve her w

icked aim. She peeped as Kune gave the Prince water to drink.