25/01/2025
THE GATEWAY TO THE PRINCE'S HEART
Bankole Ikusika
Episode 2
As the festival rolled on, each girl set out to impress Femi in their own way. Bola scoured the market for unique gifts, eventually choosing a stunning hand-carved wooden mask, symbolic of courage and strength. Her plan? Present the mask and tell a whimsical story about its origin.
On the another hand, Fola opted to practice her dance moves, believing that a traditional dance alluring enough would mesmerize the prince. With her friends’ encouragement, she entered a dance competition, serenely gliding across the stage with poise.
Kemi, on her part, worked enchantingly on a poem she titled “The Heart of Ogbodu.” As the moonlight lit up the night arena, she recited her heartfelt words under the elegant shade of a baobab tree. “With laughter, love, and light, may our hearts ignite!” she announced, receiving a few chuckles but not the rapturous applause she hoped for.
As the evening drew near, each girl anxiously awaited the prince's response to their efforts. Just then, Tunde appeared with his own “brilliant” idea. “Let’s have a contest! Whoever wins the prince’s heart by the end of the festival earns his respect!”
Each girl agreed, albeit reluctantly. It was a silly idea, but Tunde’s infectious energy was hard to resist.
The next morning brought with it the announcement of the contest: “The Heart of Ogbodu Talent Show!” The entire kingdom buzzed with excitement, as competitors registered their acts. Amidst flutters of excitement, Bola decided to channel her charming humor, while Fola’s elegance shined through a dance-flash mob. Kemi was caught between her quirky spontaneity and her desire to impress the prince.
Determined, Bola donned a comic’s wig, turning up her ability to improvise, she enlisted Tunde as her sidekick. “We’ll add a bit of scripted humour!” Bola suggested, intent on keeping the audience—and the prince—entertained.
Fola, with elegance, recruited a few friends. As she practiced, she quietly vowed to show the prince her inner royal.
Kemi settled on a blend of narrative poetry and awkward humour. “Perhaps if I make them laugh with some rhymes, they’ll really see my depth!”
Finally, the talent show began. The entire kingdom gathered under the luminous stars, ready for a night of laughter and entertainment. The girls performed in order, each stealing the stage with varying flair.
As Bola brought belly-aching laughter, she caught Femi’s eye, only for him to turn and watch Fola twirl gracefully in her cobalt blue attire. Just when Kemi thought her turn would fall flat, her quirky charm shone bright as she shared her poem with surprising confidence that drew applause.
The contest unfolded, but Femi found himself in confusion. The more talented, beautiful women he watched, the deeper his internal conflict became.
As the contest concluded, it was time for Femi to announce his decision. Tunde announced, “Our princely prince shall now choose his favorite act!” The entire kingdom held its breath, and the three girls eyed each other, anxious glances exchanged.
Femi rose, a sincere smile on his face, “All your acts were extraordinary!”
“This feels like a royal cop-out!” Bola exclaimed, her hands on her hips.
Femi’s expression grew serious, “However, it’s essential to not just laugh or dance. To me, it’s about connection. The one that truly opened my heart tonight was Kemi.”
Kemi’s heart soared, catching off guard a bittersweet mix of elation and disbelief. Fola clenched her teeth, revealing her unsportsmanlike nature, while Bola tried to maintain her bravado.
In the days that followed, the three girls found themselves changing. Kemi blossomed into someone braver, drawing in Femi, while Fola's tight hold on her elegance dissipated, revealing her warmth beneath. As for Bola, she craved genuine laughter, hoping that her fieriness might reignite once more...