Chapter one
The sound of the pounding drums caused my heart to knock furiously against my ribcage as I could feel the crowd's eyes burn holes through me, carefully watching. Each step I took caused my insides to knot with nervousness, I could feel the tension between our two tribes and the only thing holding them back was this marriage. 'This was the only way to protect my people', my mind continuously chanted as I continued walking towards him. Never had I ever imagined that I would marry the man who killed my father, never.

His muscular body towered at the end of the pathway as a smirk settled comfortably onto his plump lips, he knew that I'd do anything for my people, even to offer myself as a bride. He knew he had won, everyone did and this marriage was just another political battle he had won without even breaking a sweat.

His mud brown eyes examined every inch of my body, from the golden crown that was surrounded by my large afro hair down to the brass and copper bangles that jingled around my ankles. His smirk was immediately replaced with a wide smile that spread from his right ear to his left, he was actually happy that I was his bride. 'He was not only a beast but he was also sick and vile. How could he smile at me after he murdered my father?' The thoughts were fueling the flaming rage that burned within me, I hated him more with each passing second.

The traditional leader began the ceremony causing a deafening silence to engulf the crowd. "Today we unite the rival tribes, as King Mututwa's dying wish, may his soul rest in peace." He began. Makhosi stood there proudly, no form of guilt or remorse flashed his eyes, there was nothing but the flitting emotion of happiness. I had to bite back the words that threatened to tumble from my mouth because my people were now my priority not my fallen father.

"Ancestors, we bind together the two tribes for peace and unity." He proclaimed as he tied our wrists with the leather cloth to signify our unity. "As husband and wife you must be as one" He reminded us, as he handed us a cup to drink from. Makhosi took a large gulp of the brewed beer before gently lifting it up to my lips. My eyes narrowed at him as I slowly sipped the burning liquid causing his smile to widen, he knew that my hatred for him was just a drop of water in the Sahara desert when compared to the love of my people. He may have won other battles but he would not win this one, I would not break.

The drums began to pound loudly to signify the end of the ceremony which caused the crowd to break into cheers. The rythmic clapping and ululation caused a dull ache to spread through my head as I joined all the maidens from each tribe leading them in the dance. My feet gracefully carried me through the passageway made by the cheering crowd. The glass beads and jingling bangles clattered against each other with each twist and turn that my body made.

The drums beat began to quicken which caused the maidens to circle me, their hands clapping with the beat, it was time for the 'dance of the bride'. I had never spent much time learning it due to constant fights with my council, however it was nothing too difficult to do.

My waist began to twist causing the short colourful skirt to whirl round me as I thrusted my hips from the left to the right. Ululation and jeers drowned my ears once more as the maidens mimicked my movements before the pounding drums came to an end.

Makhosi's fingers intertwined with mine his cool fingers soothing my warm ones as we proceeded to share our first meal together. The unity of our tribes had caused a feast, the aroma of mouthwater foods ranging from delicacies to basic dishes flooded my nostrils. The savoury oxtail sent a pang through my heart, thats was fathers favourite dish and this man that sat beside me was the reason he was dead. I plastered a fake smile as I scanned the crowd, this marriage was not a reconciliation it was merely an attempt of peace.

As we sat on our thrones facing our newly formed tribe, I realised that I could never feel anything but hatred towards the man the flipped my life upside down. He was the author of my nightmare and it was now my life

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Hey muffins just edited this chapter, 🤗Thanks to all the constructive criticism I tried my best to make it better so I hope you enjoy.

Love

Maniac_lunatic