Separate hearts

rts sep

of Ate

already in a bad mood? - I would say ... impatient. "So let's go," said Adama with a corner smile. They crossed the long corridors of the palace. At each step, Adama felt the weight of his position. The eyes who were grouped in his passage, muttered murmur, gestures of respect ... All this did not please him. He did not want to be venerated. He wanted to be understood. The throne room was huge, built in red stone and decorated with sculptures representing the former kings. In the center, on a platform, sat down his father, right like a spear, wearing a black and gold fabric. At his side, Queen Kadidiatou, Mother of Adama, kept his usual calm. Beautiful and sweet, she was often the only one to calm the cools of the king. Adama walked and bowed slightly. - Father. Mother. "Sit down," said the king, without even lifting his eyes. Adama obeys. - I thought, continued the king. It's time for you to take wife. The silence that followed was heavy. Adama slowly raised his eyes. He expected everything except that. - A wife? Why now? - Because it's the moment. You are the heir. The people must see in you a responsible man, ready to govern. And for that, you must have a woman at your side. - And ... it's me who will choose? The king looked at him finally. His gaze was hard, without appeal. - No. You will be marrying Aïssata, the daughter of the chief of Dambala. It's a strategic alliance. Their land will be useful to us. Adama felt his heart squeezing. He knew Aïssata. She was beautiful, educated, respectful. But he did not like it. And even worse: he almost did not know her. - Father ... I do not want a strategy marri