ROYAL SWITCH

Nathaniel Tracy
@tracynathaniel290806
9 days ago

ROYAL SWITCH
(EPISODE 16-18)

EPISODE 16
A story written by Tracy Nathaniel

After Prince Balogun's departure, Bisi rushed to Queen Kemi's side, embracing her compassionately. Concern filled Bisi's eyes as she gazed at the Queen.

"Fetch me an ointment," Queen Kemi whispered.

Bisi hastened to retrieve it, leaving Queen Kemi lost in thought. "What can I do? I won't let Father use me to harm the King."

Two days passed without Prince Balogun receiving updates from Queen Kemi. On the third day, he stormed into her chamber.

Queen Kemi, having seen him approaching, feigned illness. Bisi covered for her, "The Queen has been ill for days."

Prince Balogun approached Queen Kemi, who pretended to shiver. "Has the physician attended to her?" he asked.

"Yes, she received herbs to aid her recovery," Bisi replied, deceiving him.

Prince Balogun addressed Queen Kemi, "Kemi, recover swiftly. Your task awaits, and time is short."

Turning to Bisi, he instructed, "Ensure she takes her herbs. I need her well soon."

Bisi nodded, bowing as Prince Balogun departed.

Queen Kemi rose from bed, exhaling, "All he cares about is his wicked task." Her sigh reflected her anguish.

Queen Kemi gazed out the window, lost in thought, when Bisi burst in. "My Queen, I have wonderful news!"

"Speak up!" Queen Kemi urged.

"The King is awake!" Bisi announced, beaming.

Queen Kemi's eyes widened. "The King is awake?!"

Bisi nodded, smiling. "Yes, my Queen!"

Queen Kemi rushed towards the door but halted, turning to Bisi. "Is Queen Mother still with the King?"

"Yes, but I'll keep watch and inform you when she leaves," Bisi offered.

Queen Kemi nodded. "That's good."

Bisi spied on the King's chamber, awaiting Queen Mother's departure. The moment she left, Bisi rushed to inform Queen Kemi.

Queen Kemi hastened to the King's chamber. King Kunle's face lit up with a warm smile upon seeing her.

"My King, I'm overjoyed you're alive and well," Queen Kemi said, tears streaming down her face.

King Kunle gently stroked Queen Kemi's face. "I'm happy to see you again."

Just then, Queen Mother Ajoke stormed in. "What are you doing here? Leave now!"

Queen Kemi stammered, "Mo-mother, I—"

Queen Mother's voice rose. "Leave immediately!"

Queen Kemi hastily departed.

King Kunle protested, "Mother, stop! What's wrong? Why chase her away?"

Queen Mother's suspicion was palpable. "She and Balogun are accomplices. I won't have her near you."

Queen Kemi walked back to her chamber, lost in thought, when Prince Balogun intercepted her, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Greetings, daughter," Prince Balogun said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Queen Kemi forced a polite smile, her heart racing. "Father."

Prince Balogun escorted Queen Kemi to his chamber, his curiosity getting the better of him. "I heard you visited the King's chamber. Did you add the substance to his medicine?"

Queen Kemi hesitated, weighing her options. If she told the truth, Prince Balogun would lash out.

"Yes, Father," she lied, her voice trembling.

Prince Balogun beamed with pride, embracing Queen Kemi. "Oh, my daughter, I'm so proud of you! The throne is mine!" He laughed triumphantly.

Queen Kemi feigned a smile, her mind racing with escape plans.

"Fetch the finest wine, let's celebrate!" Prince Balogun exclaimed.

"Yes, Father," Queen Kemi replied, turning to leave.

"And summon Tunji to join us," Prince Balogun added.

Queen Kemi hesitated, sensing danger. "No need, Father. Let's share a moment together. You and Tunji can celebrate later."

Prince Balogun chuckled. "Very well, my daughter. Fetch the wine."

As Queen Kemi fetched the wine, her thoughts churned with determination. "Father's cruelty and thirst for power are escalating. I won't let him destroy the King's life and ruin my happiness. It's time to take an action."

Queen Kemi returned to her chamber, her hands moving swiftly. She carefully poured the deadly substance, given by Prince Balogun, into the wine. With a steady hand, she mixed it well, ensuring no visible signs.

With the tainted wine, Queen Kemi entered Prince Balogun's chamber, her heart pounding.


EPISODE 17

"Father, your wine awaits," Queen Kemi announced, presenting the cup.

Prince Balogun's eyes sparkled, oblivious to the danger. "Excellent, my daughter. Let us toast to our triumph."

They clinked cups, and Prince Balogun downed his wine in one gulp, laughing loudly. Queen Kemi faked a smile, pretending to sip hers.

"Refill my cup!" Prince Balogun exclaimed.

Queen Kemi nodded, pouring more wine into his cup.

As Prince Balogun raised his cup for a second toast, his hand trembled, and the cup slipped, shattering on the floor.

"What's happening?" he stammered, stunned, his gaze locking onto Queen Kemi.

"What have you done?" Prince Balogun roared, his face contorted in rage and realization.

Queen Kemi stood firm, her eyes locked on her father's crumbling form. Her voice firm. "I'm sorry, Father, but I won't harm the King or aid your manipulation. Your thirst for power and the throne corrupts you daily."

Prince Balogun's eyes widened in shock. "You added the substance to my drink?"

"Yes, Father. You left me no choice but to give you your own medicine. Your greed destroys everything good".

Prince Balogun's voice faded. "After all I've done for you, you betray me for the King?"

Tears streamed down Queen Kemi's face. "King Segun is just and kind. I won't watch you harm him or force me into evil."

“You have destroyed my plan, which I have harbored for so many years," Prince Balogun whispered, his voice trembling with rage and despair.

With his last ounce of strength, he weakly pushed the wine bottle, shattering it on the floor. The loud clash echoed through the chamber, drawing the attention of passing guards.

They rushed in to find Prince Balogun paralyzed, tears in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, what befell Prince Balogun?" the guard inquired, alarm etched on his face.

Queen Kemi remained silent, her gaze fixed on Prince Balogun. Tears streamed down her face, a mixture of sorrow and relief.

The guard's eyes shifted between the Queen and the paralyzed Prince, sensing the weight of the unspoken truth.

One of the guards swiftly departed to inform Akin and Queen Mother Ajoke of the sudden turn of events.

Akin and Queen Mother Ajoke rushed to Prince Balogun's chamber, faces stern.

Queen Mother's gaze fell upon Prince Balogun, helpless on the floor. "Seize Queen Kemi!" she commanded.

"Should we summon a physician for Prince Balogun?" a guard asked.

"No," Queen Mother replied, her voice cold. "Let him suffer for his sins. No physician will aid him."

Queen Mother approached Prince Balogun, as she gazed down at his helpless form, a triumphant laugh escaping her lips. "The mighty elephant, now a weak leaf. What a tragic fall."

The Queen mother, turned to Akin and ordered, "Summon the elders for a meeting tomorrow morning," Queen Mother Ajoke commanded, her voice stern and authoritative. "We must interrogate Queen Kemi to uncover the truth behind Prince Balogun's... condition."

"Until then, ensure Queen Kemi remains in custody. Do not release her under any circumstances."

Queen Mother departed, leaving Prince Balogun's fate sealed.

Queen Mother Ajoke burst into King Kunle's chamber, beaming with joy.

"Mother, you radiate happiness," King Kunle observed, sipping his concoction. "Share the good news."

"God has vindicated us, my son," Queen Mother exclaimed. "Prince Balogun has fallen."

King Kunle's curiosity piqued. "What befell him?"

"Paralysis. Found in his chamber with Queen Kemi, but she remains silent," Queen Mother replied.

King Kunle's concern grew. "Where is Queen Kemi?"

"Locked away. Now's the perfect chance to rid the palace of them both," Queen Mother declared.

King Kunle's face darkened. "Mother, why imprison Queen Kemi without hearing her side?"

Queen Mother stood firm. "Obviously, she harmed Prince Balogun."

King Kunle swiftly rose, donning his attire. "I'll judge for myself."

"Stop! You're not fully recovered!" Queen Mother warned.

Ignoring his mother's pleas, King Kunle stormed toward the prison.

King Kunle entered the prison, finding Queen Kemi sobbing. He sat beside her, his presence calming.

"What brings you here, My King?" Queen Kemi asked, wiping tears.

"I've come to hear your side," King Kunle replied gently. "Tell me, what happened between you and Prince Balogun?"

Queen Kemi's voice trembled. "I paralyzed my father... the man who raised me."

King Kunle's expression remained compassionate. "There must be a reason. Share your story."

Queen Kemi recounted Prince Balogun's schemes against the throne, his plan for her to marry King Kunle, and her desperation to protect him.

"I couldn't harm you," Queen Kemi confessed. "So I harmed my father instead."

King Kunle's understanding deepened. "Prince Balogun sent the maid to poison me. His cruelty has caught up with him."

Gently, King Kunle lifted Queen Kemi's chin. "Wipe away your tears. You did no wrong. Your father's actions sealed his fate."

Queen Kemi's sobs subsided, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

King Kunle escorted Queen Kemi out of the prison, but Queen Mother Ajoke blocked their path.

"Step aside, Mother," King Kunle commanded.

"You're not taking her anywhere," Queen Mother insisted. "She must remain imprisoned until tomorrow's elder council interrogation."

"Mother, she's innocent," King Kunle protested. "You can't condemn her without hearing her side."

"I'll hear her story tomorrow," Queen Mother replied firmly. "For now, she stays locked up."

King Kunle's tone turned authoritative. "Mother, as the King, I order you to move aside."

Queen Mother's face reddened with anger, but she reluctantly yielded to her son's decree.

King Kunle grasped Queen Kemi's hand, leading her out of the prison.


EPISODE 18

Queen Mother Ajoke seethed with anger, she muttered, "Queen Kemi won't escape unpunished, nor will her father, Balogun," she declared. "The King must snap out of his infatuation and recognize his enemy. He cannot continue to harbor affection for those who seek to harm him."

Meanwhile, the King escorted Queen Kemi back to her chambers, having cleared her of the false accusations. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for believing me and setting me free," she said gratefully, bowing her head.

As Queen Kemi retreated to her chambers, the King returned to his chamber also.

The next day, the elders gathered at the palace hall, accompanied by King Kunle and the Queen Mother, Ajoke. Queen Kemi was summoned before them. The elders questioned her about her actions against Prince Balogun, and she revealed the Prince Balogun’s treacherous deeds, including his role in the late King's death and the attempt on King Kunle's life.

The elders were stunned by the revelation. "Prince Balogun's actions are unforgivable!" Elder Ajadi declared. "I see no wrongdoing in Queen Kemi's actions. She did what was necessary to protect the King and the kingdom from Prince Balogun's evil schemes."

However, Queen Mother Ajoke protested, "She's not innocent! How can we be certain she didn't participate in the late King's murder?"

Queen Kemi tearfully defended herself, "I swear, I knew nothing of my father and Tunji's plot to kill the King. They didn't involve me."

King Kunle intervened, "Mother, if Queen Kemi were as cruel as Prince Balogun, she wouldn't have risked everything to save my life. She has a good heart, unlike Prince Balogun."

"I remain unconvinced of her character," the Queen Mother declared, her voice firm and resolute. "I cannot bring myself to trust or accept her." With that, she rose from her throne and departed the palace hall, leaving an air of tension in her wake.

Upon learning of Prince Balogun's fate, Tunji attempted to flee the kingdom to avoid facing judgment alongside his accomplice. However, palace guards caught him while he was preparing to escape and brought him before the elders and the royal family.

King Kunle sentenced Tunji to death for conspiring with Prince Balogun to murder the late king and attempt to take King Kunle's life.

Meanwhile, Prince Balogun, already suffering the consequences of his actions through paralysis, was further punished with exile from the kingdom, where no one was to associate with him, while he suffers alone wishing for death to come knocking.

"His every waking moment shall be filled with anguish, as the throne remains eternally out of his grasp," King Kunle decreed, his voice dripping with scorn.

King Kunle declared, "May Prince Balogun's existence be a constant reminder of the consequences of treachery, and may his suffering serve as a warning to those who would dare challenge the throne."

With the judgment carried out, Tunji was executed, and Prince Balogun was cast out of the kingdom, left to face his miserable fate alone.

King Kunle entered Queen Kemi's chamber, his eyes filled with gratitude as he took her hands in his. "Thank you for saving my life," he said, his voice sincere. "If not for you, I would be the one paralyzed, or worse, dead. I'm still surprised you intervened on my behalf, especially considering your father's stance and our complicated past."

Queen Kemi's expression softened. "You're a good man. You're nothing like Prince Segun."

The mention of Prince Segun's name sent a jolt through King Kunle. He stuttered, "Y-You know I'm not Segun?"

Queen Kemi chuckled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Yes, I've known."

King Kunle's curiosity got the better of him. "For how long?" he asked anxiously. "How did you discover the truth?"

Queen Kemi replied, "It was the day I brought wine to your chamber and persuaded you to drink with me." She recounted the mission Prince Balogun had entrusted to her, to verify the king's scar by getting him drunk.

King Kunle's expression turned emotional. "You knew all this and didn't breathe a word to anyone?"

Queen Kemi nodded solemnly. "Not even my father."

King Kunle's voice filled with gratitude. "That was Prince Balogun's chance to overthrow me. If the elders discovered I'm Prince Segun's twin, they would execute me. Twins are an abomination in our culture. My mother's title would be stripped, and she would face punishment for deceiving everyone."

Overcome with emotion, King Kunle hugged Queen Kemi tightly. "You've saved me and my family more than I can ever repay."

Unbeknownst to them, Queen Mother Ajoke had arrived for a visit and overheard the entire conversation from outside. Touched by Queen Kemi's loyalty, she thought, "Queen Kemi is truly different from her father."

Queen Mother Ajoke entered the room, embracing Queen Kemi warmly. "Thank you for your kind heart and for keeping our secret safe all these years, a secret the late King and I have guarded for so long. And also thank you for saving the King’s life, I misunderstood you, I thought you were as malicious as your father, and I feared for my son’s safety when he married you.

The King's face lit up with joy as he witnessed a heartwarming scene unfold before him, his mother, the Queen Mother, warmly embracing Kemi. It was a moment of profound acceptance, as the Queen Mother finally recognized the kindness and goodness in Kemi, and was now embracing her with open arms.

THE END.

#HelloNircle
#NircleStories
#Africanstories

---

@michaelchidieberedavid863694