Chapter 17: First Prince Somto

    Meanwhile, Nnenna waddled back to her room, each step deliberate as she stretched her muscles.

    She wasn''t entirely sure what physical therapy entailed, but she figured that moving her arms and legs was a good start.

    By the time she reached her room, a small sense of accomplishment filled her chest. Checking the clock, she realized it was almost time for the housekeeper''s visit.

    A flicker of excitement crossed her face as she settled down, looking forward to the familiar company.

    At the grand Achebe Castle, the royal garage welcomed a sleek, black car as it slowly pulled in. The driver''s door opened, and Prince Somto stepped out with effortless grace.

    He adjusted his casual attire, which, though understated, screamed wealth and sophistication.

    Somto made his way toward the house, his footsteps steady and purposeful. As always, he hadn''t bothered to inform anyone about his return.

    It wasn''t because he wanted to surprise his family, he simply had no interest in the pomp and fanfare that usually accompanied his homecomings. Besides, this visit wasn''t about them, and he didn''t plan to stay long.

    Entering through the backdoor, Somto navigated the expansive halls of the castle with practiced ease.@@@@

    His path was deliberate, turning left here, right there, until he arrived at the throne room. The guards stationed by the door didn''t dare stop him, they knew better.

    "Welcome home, First Prince," they greeted in unison, their voices filled with respect.

    Somto nodded slightly in response, a gesture he never skipped. He respected the effort it took to greet someone, especially when it came from people who were compelled by his authority or relationship with them.

    Of course, the Queen''s embrace earned her a frown from Somto. He remained stiff in her arms, his discomfort palpable. "Mother," he said, his voice a little strained, "You know I don''t feel comfortable with physical contact."

    But he didn''t push her away. He simply stood there, the tension in his body the only sign of his unease.

    The King shook his head with a soft chuckle. "Dear, let him go. He''s back now, so you don''t have to worry about him anymore."

    Queen Chioma reluctantly pulled away after a few moments, though her concern remained. "You''ve become so thin. Don''t you eat at all while you''re out there? I keep telling you to stay home, let me take care of you, but you never listen. Now look at you, so slim."

    Somto stared at his mother, a strange unease settling in his chest. Her words were filled with affection, but they only reminded him of the contradiction he couldn''t quite resolve in his mind.

    How could someone who spoke so kindly, who cared so deeply, also be the one who had mistreats a fifteen year old so terribly?

    Even though Nnenna wasn''t her real daughter, the compassion Queen Chioma was showing him now should have extended to the girl after all these years. Shouldn''t it?

    Four months in a coma and not once did any of them visit her. Somto had long given up on trying to reason with them. Every time he did, it only made things worse for Nnenna, especially when he wasn''t around to intervene.

    He would''ve taken her with him, but his side was even more dangerous. The risks were too high. He could only hope she would endure the hardships.

    To help, he had secretly stationed some of his most trusted people, disguised as servants, to look out for her. There were times when they couldn''t get involved, but there were others when they managed to help.

    Somto knew she was living a life worse than a servant''s, but he felt helpless. From where he was, there was little he could do to change her circumstances.

    "I''m fine, Mom. I eat well too. It probably seems like I''ve gotten thinner because I''ve grown taller," Somto replied, his tone carrying a faint chill that sent a message without being disrespectful.

    Reluctantly, Queen Chioma released him as the servants around scrambled to prepare his seat. Once he sat down, Somto wasted no time cutting through the pleasantries. "Dad, I heard my sister is in the hospital?"