Page 49 of Craving a King

“Kofi, you know I will help you.” Tears start to prick her eyes. “I’m saddened you did not come to me earlier. You’re like my son. I don’t want you hurting or worrying about anything.”

I exhale the breath that I’ve been holding for the past couple of days. “Akua, if you knew about the contract, why didn’t you tell me the details of it sooner? I hated finding out from the Owusus. It was embarrassing, and I was so unprepared for the revelation about my father. I…I…was out of control.”

She chuckles and passes me a cup of tea. “Yes, I heard about Thomas’ nose. I have a feeling you’ve wanted to do that for the better part of your childhood, so maybe it wasn’t all bad, huh?” She gives me a sly smile.

I return the smile. “It felt great. But Akua, how can you keep something like that from me?”

Akua sits back and sighs. “You know I advised your father to never enter such a contract. Your mother knew nothing about it. If she knew he was gambling and making silly investments, she never showed it.”

I interrupt her. “I think she knew. She used to allude to Father’s faults, always mumbling it wasn’t just his mistress that caused him to fall from God’s grace.”

Akua nods. “Your mother fiercely loved your father from the first moment she laid eyes on him. Much like you and Ella. Like you, she gave her entire heart over to him. In the end, he broke it. I’ve always known that you were like your mother, and I think I just didn’t want you hurt. That’s why I opposed Ella so much. She’s a lovely woman. But she’s not from here. I didn’t know if she would be able to love you properly as king. She is clearly a fiercely independent woman, and serving as queen is a huge sacrifice to ask someone of her stature.”

I smooth my hands over my thighs. “Yes, I know. She’s in Atlanta now, and I feel like I’m about to die daily. I also know that if I were truly all in with her, if I promised her my love and devotion no matter what, she would be here. You see, Akua, the only way Ella can give me her all is if I give her mine.”

She nods. “Yes, I know that now. I apologize for meddling. I never thought you were even looking for love. I always assumed you would marry Abena out of convenience and duty once you figured you really did need an heir. I think she expected the same thing. That’s why she lives her life the way she does. She treats you like an insurance policy. Once I saw that, I was sad that I ever placed myself between you and the woman who truly loves you. Ella was a shock to us all. We never saw her coming.”

She leans forward and grabs my hand to squeeze. “But Kofi, I’m so glad she did. You are happy. You deserve that.”

I shake my head. “I was happy. Until this. Now the woman I love is halfway across the world. I have no idea how to fix this mess so I can bring her back. Akua, she’s not coming back for less than a promise to love and protect her and her interests forever. I can’t say I blame her. Honestly, at first, this fight was more about my right to choose my queen, flexing my autonomy as king, then about making the decision to make Ella my queen. I think she knew that even if I did not. That is why she had to leave. She needed me to determine what I was really fighting for on my own terms. Now, the answer is overwhelmingly clear to me.”

Akua nods in agreement. “Smart girl. Well, lucky for you, Akua still has some tricks up her sleeve.”

Senya jumps in his seat and shouts, “Yes!” before settling back down. “I told you she could fix this. You should listen to me more, Kofi. You would worry less.”

I roll my eyes and Senya and I focus back on Akua. “Akua, what will I have to do?”

Akua yawns. “Nothing at all. Just be at the council meeting I’ve called for tomorrow at noon. It will be here at the palace.”

I raise my eyebrows and give Akua a wary look. “And how, pray tell, did you manage to call a council meeting? You’re not an official member of the council.”

“Oh! I didn’t. You did.” She winks at me and rises from her chair. “Now, if you two will please excuse me, I need to get started on my first sleep of the night. Kofi, just be in the throne conference room at noon, and I will take care of the rest. Trust me.”

I stand and look at her. “I will.”

She claps her hands together. “Wonderful, now please leave.”

Senya joins me in a laugh as we head to the door to exit. I leave her room feeling like an entire weight has been lifted from my chest. If Akua says she’ll handle it, then it’s done.

Chapter Thirty

Council

Kofi

As I enter the throne room along with Akua, all six chiefs are waiting for me.

No one looks directly at me, but the shifting of large bodies in small chairs makes it clear my presence is felt. I deduce Chief Kwabena Owusu ensured everyone knew about my conduct in his compound during my visit a little over two weeks ago. I take my seat at the head of the conference room table, forcing everyone to turn and acknowledge me. Akua and I decided it would be best for me to address the council and my intentions before I give her the floor. When I have everyone’s attention, I begin.

“Hello, council,” I start, “it’s good to see each chief here today. This meeting is called to address an unjust contract plaguing my family. A contract drawn up from one of our very own members.” I shoot a look that could kill to Chief Owusu. He is obviously less confident in his pretense without his boisterous son. I continue, knowing no one will dare stop the Asantehene from speaking. “I’m sure the rumors have spread that I’ve become involved with an American. Those are true; however, I’ve fallen in love with her.”

The room starts to erupt in low grumbles and sparks of conversation between neighbors. “I assure you, I do not make the choice of whom I love and want to spend the rest of my life with lightly, especially not as lightly as my father and Chief Owusu did 30 years ago. Ella is good, kind, and she loves our people. She wants to lead our public education efforts at my side. That’s where she belongs. You all know I have had much pain in my life. For the first time, your king knows joy. I’m asking you to nullify the contract that binds me to Abena Owusu. I have agreed to pay the debt, and anything beyond that is extortion.” I shoot another deadly look at Chief Owusu. Unsurprisingly, he averts his gaze.Coward.“Wise elders, I also ask you to accept Ella as one of us.” It is quiet for a full minute before Chief Apeagyei of Aboso breaks the silence.

“So, are you telling us you mean to make her queen?”

I pause and think before I answer. “Yes, Chief, if she will have me.”

The room gasps. Chief Aboso continues, “I’m not sure if we can even allow that. She is not Ashanti. Isn’t she an American businesswoman here to build our schools?”

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