Page 10 of Possessing the Prince

He knows that I am never prepared to face my father. Especially when I have to discuss my plans to marry Senya. My father already knows our intentions because the knocking is scheduled. I imagine he is eagerly waiting to hear the news from my mouth so he can scream his objection.

“Senya, don’t worry. I‘ve been dealing with my father for thirty-six years. I can handle big bears and tame the heart of lions.” I place my hand on his chest for effect. “He’ll feel how he feels, but honestly he will not want to offend Kofi. What else is there for him to say besides yes?”

Senya kisses my forehead. He smells like the sweetest musk with a hint of lemon. My favorite cologne. “Yes, Precious, that is true. But I am concerned that you have to face it alone.”

“I’m a big girl, Senya. I can handle myself. I will ensure he recognizes and respects our love….him and my brother. I want them to think we are madly in love and know that you are wildly rich. My father is like he is, but I believe deep down he must want me to be happy in spite of himself.”

As I say it, I know I don't believe it. But it’s what I have always told myself to survive my father’s house once my mother died.He wants me to be happy.I repeated that same line whenever my father made a decision about or for me. I needed to believe he was doing it for my own good, because fathers want their daughters to be happy. But honestly, that’s never been true of Kwabena Owusu. Ever since I was born, everything has been about what Thomas and I can contribute to Tarkwa and the seat of the chief. Thomas lent his knack for buying, designing, and selling gold. I offer a marriage arrangement that will boost my father’s prospects.

Senya takes my face in his hands and lands a kiss on each of my cheeks. “OK. I will let you go, then. Christian, my driver, will take you home.”

I smirk. “Oh, you’re a bigshot now, huh? A driver and everything?”

Senya shakes his head. “I know, it is ridiculous, but Kofi insists. He won’t even let me drive him around anymore.”

I giggle. “Well off course not, Senya. You’re a prince now, not the king’s chauffeur!”

Senya shrugs and takes my bags. He leads me to the waiting Maybach. “I liked my job, but I suppose I can adapt. OK, Abena, in you go.” His hand grazes my ass as he guides me into the car. I know it’s not an accident, but a man copping a feel never felt so good. Once I am in, Senya closes the door and gestures for me to roll the window down.

“Call me if you need me.”

I sigh. “Senya, I’m going home. I should not need you.”

“OK, but call me if you do.”

I blow him a kiss and roll my window up, praying that I’m right. I really don't want to need him.

* * *

When I arriveat my family’s compound, my father is waiting. I am surprised, because it is 10:30 p.m. and he is in full dress. My father never stays awake past 9 p.m. I barely step foot inside the house before our chief servant, Jojo, instructs me to join my father in his office.

I am filled with worry as I step foot into my father’s domain. After I scan the room, my eyes land on him just as he stuffs his face with a piece of cake. Why does he want to see me so late? Of course he knows that Senya and his brothers are coming to knock for me tomorrow morning, but I’m sure my father does not care about my feelings one way or the other. He only cares about the amount of money and influence being offered in exchange for my hand in marriage.

Why is he not saying anything? What if he knows I already married Senya? He always knows what I’m up to. We were careful and discreet, but my father’s resources and contacts are vast. I really do think I was being followed the past week in London. Today I will speak first. I will not be patient; my father’s favorite power move is to make you wait. But I’m tired of such games.

“Father, it is good to see you. You look well.”

He glances up from his slice of cake and puts it down. He offers me a smile before wiping his mouth. “Thank you, Daughter. You look beautiful as usual. But a bit skinny. Please eat some sweets with me.”

I shake my head. “Thank you, Father, but I’ve had a long flight and I’m a bit sleepy.”

“Ahh, yes. Tell me how you arrived, again? Did you fly British Airways as usual?”

My father never asks questions he does not already know the answer to. He must know Senya flew me here on his jet. He probably also knows he met me on the tarmac. My father has spies everywhere.

“No, sir. Prince Senya T’ogbe is very generous and offered me his private jet.”

“That is very generous of him. He must think very highly of you.”

I shift in my seat and cross my legs. “Well, I'm sure you are aware of that, Father. After all, he is coming with the king and Tafo’s chief tomorrow for the knocking. We are to be married.”

My father strokes his goatee. “It sounds like it is all decided. Why, then, is he coming to knock?”

“Because that is our way, Father.”

“Hmph. What does an Ewe know of our ways?”

And there it goes. He is not going to approve of this marriage easily. I need to shift my strategy. “I love him.” The words roll off my lips quickly, and I try to push away the question my brain asks my heart…DoI love him?

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