The queen gasped.
—You will humiliate the crown because of a servant’s child?
Chinedu looked at Ifeoma, then at Nneka, still kneeling like a woman waiting for judgment.
—No, Mother. I am stopping because no child cries like this for a lie.
Minister Dike stepped forward.
—Your Highness, the whole country is waiting. The cameras are ready. The chiefs have arrived. If you fail to appear, it will be a scandal.
Chinedu’s eyes narrowed.
—Then let the scandal save my life.
Ifeoma suddenly pointed behind him, straight at Dike.
—That is him. That is the man whose eyes hide something.
For the first time, Minister Dike’s smile disappeared.
Part 2
Queen Amara ordered Nneka and Ifeoma to be taken away, but Chinedu carried the little girl into a private sitting room himself, shocking every servant who watched him cross the marble hallway with a maid’s child clinging to his neck. Nneka followed with her stomach twisted in fear, unsure whether her daughter had saved a prince or destroyed both their lives. Inside, Chinedu placed Ifeoma on a velvet chair and gave her water. —Are you angry with me? Ifeoma whispered. —No, Chinedu said. —But the queen is angry. —My mother is often angry when truth enters through a door she did not open. Nneka lowered her head. —Your Highness, we are sorry. We will leave quietly. —No, you will stay until I know what is happening. Tell me everything you heard. Nneka’s fingers tightened around the edge of her apron. For years she had
“Daddy, Don’t Go!” The Maid’s Daughter Stops the Prince and Reveals a Terrible Plot
