ABOUT THIS BOOK
Description
The Royal Family of Sarki Abdallah
Sarki Abdallah, a just and honorable king, had three wives and two sons. His first wife, Hauwa'u, also known as Ummah, was the most influential in the palace—strong-willed, royal-born, and deeply possessive. His second wife, Saratu (Mamah), was patient and childless. The third and youngest, Fatima (Fatu), had one son, Lamido, five years younger than Ummah's son, Anwar.
Ummah had great influence in the palace. Even the servants, guards, and her co-wives feared her. Anwar, her only child, was pampered and overindulged, which led to his moral decline while studying abroad.
Anwar's Wild Lifestyle
During his time overseas, Anwar indulged in clubs, alcohol, and women. His favorite among them was a foreign woman named Rihanna, who was bold and possessive. She controlled Anwar emotionally, despite his frequent disloyalty. Her only strength was her unmatched romantic tactics and jealousy-fueled rage against other women.
After returning to Nigeria, Anwar's immoral behavior continued. Sarki Abdallah became deeply concerned and warned him that if he didn't change, he would be married off from among the royal family.
The Rising Star, Lamido
In contrast, Lamido, Fatima’s son, was well-mannered and disciplined. He studied in Nigeria and avoided the temptation of foreign influence. When it was time to pursue university, his mother refused to send him abroad, fearing he would change like Anwar. Sarki accepted her reasons, and Lamido continued to grow into a respectable young man.
Mamah, though childless, loved both boys equally but had a soft spot for Lamido due to his good conduct.
Anwar's Request to Travel
After five months back in Nigeria, Anwar became restless. Fearful that Rihanna might follow him and expose their past, he sought permission from the king to return to Europe.
He approached his mother, Ummah, knowing she would support him. She welcomed him with open arms and agreed to help persuade the king.
On his way to her chambers, Anwar encountered a beautiful palace maid named Zeenatu. Her striking beauty and humility caught his attention instantly. When asked her name, she nervously replied, "Kuyanga" (maid), but he pressed for her real name—Zeenatu. Fascinated, Anwar decided he wanted her to accompany him abroad.
Persuading the Queen Mother
During the conversation with Ummah, Anwar expressed his desire to travel and also hinted at taking a maid with him. Ummah, ever supportive, promised to speak with the king. She recognized the maid he described and noted her decency and grace. Assured, Anwar was grateful for her backing.
Meanwhile, the king was hesitant about Anwar’s return to Europe. He preferred Anwar to stay, marry, and take up responsibilities. He admired Lamido’s maturity and began to consider him a more suitable heir. Ummah disagreed, insisting that Anwar, as the firstborn, must be king regardless of his flaws.
Royal Disagreement
Sarki Abdallah voiced his worry: “Lamido shows the qualities of a true king—obedience, humility, and wisdom. If Anwar continues this way, how can he lead the people?”
Ummah, defensive and teary-eyed, countered: “No matter what happens, Anwar is your first son and deserves the throne.”
Despite their disagreement, the king relented and allowed Anwar to travel. However, he made it clear that the people were already noticing the difference between his two sons.
The Secret Rakiya (Travel Companion)
Ummah hid the detail that Anwar intended to take Zeenatu with him, knowing the king would not approve. Instead, she privately summoned Zeenatu and informed her:
> “You are to travel with the prince. From now on, you serve him exclusively. Do not let him lift a finger. Do all his tasks until the day he chooses to return.”
Zeenatu, confused and humble, bowed in submission.
Final Notes
As the journey approached, Zeenatu’s fate changed overnight. From a simple palace maid, she was now the prince's sole companion. Meanwhile, the palace buzzed with quiet speculations about what Anwar’s return would mean for the royal succession—and whether Lamido’s calm rise would eventually outshine the fiery prince.
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