Hail, Prince Ikenna! The villagers shouted in excitement. “The Prince has just arrived from overseas,” said the King with a smile on his face. “Let the occasion begin, for our Prince is back!”
The drummers beat their instruments, showing that the occasion had started. “Make merry, for there is plenty of food to eat and drink. Make yourselves comfortable, for our next king, the great Prince of Omuma is back!” said Chief Obinna, a respected chief in the community of Omuma, whom people often came to for advice.
The village women danced around the Prince with great joy on their faces. Everyone was happy to see him. “He has grown so big. Who knows who he is going to marry? Definitely, he will marry my daughter Chioma, who is the most beautiful maiden in this village,” murmured Mama Chioma, the wife of Chief Obinna.
The village maidens danced their cultural dance during ceremonies and contests and these dance was taught by Chioma. She was well known in Omuma for her dancing skills, and every young man in the village had his eyes on her.
Amaka on the other hand was graceful and naturally endowed. She was beautiful and had great features that announced her presence before her name was even mentioned. She came from a poor background. Her mother died while giving birth to her, and her father, unable to bear the loss, fell into depression and later passed away. Amaka was left in the care of her grandmother, who provided for her and ensured she was never in lack.
The D-Day finally came for the Prince to select his bride, which was traditionally done through a dancing contest. The maidens of Omuma, already prepared for the dance, stepped into the village dancing square in front of the royal household to showcase their talent except Amaka.
Amaka had been sternly warned by the other maidens and their parents not to step foot on the dancing ground because she had no parents and was an orphan. She was deeply hurt but decided to respect herself and stay away. The contest began, the men beat the drums, and the maidens danced to the rhythm.
Hearing the sound of the drum, Amaka was tempted to go and watch. “I won’t dance after all. I will just watch,” she said to herself. She went there and stood at the edge, watching the maidens dance. But she hadn’t watched for long when she felt her body betraying her. Her legs began to move with the rhythm of the drums, and her waist swayed in unison.
As the men beat the drums, she danced as though possessed by the spirit of dance. She couldn’t stop herself. The Prince stood in awe. All eyes were on her. When the dance ended, a loud noise of applause followed, and her name echoed in the crowd.
“Who is she?” the Prince asked. “An orphan,” Chief Obinna replied.
The Prince requested that she come forward to see him. When she came, he introduced her to the King as his chosen bride. The royal family accepted her despite her being an orphan.
The other maidens were angry and jealous, but they could do nothing because the Prince had made his choice. Amaka became the Prince’s wife and the future Queen.
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