A Queen Among Kings Read online

  A QUEEN AMONG KINGS

  OWEN OAKLEY

  Copyright © 2019 Owen Oakley

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN:

  ISBN: 9781792112799

  DEDICATION

  To my beautiful family who always knew I’d become a writer and never stopped believing in me, I love you!

  To the women and girls who face and have faced adversity and still rise to become great.

  CONTENTS

  Message to Readers vi

  Acknowledgments

  vii

  Prologue

  Pg. 8

  Chapter 1

  Pg. 22

  Chapter 2

  Pg. 34

  Chapter 3

  Pg. 50

  Chapter 4

  Pg. 69

  Chapter 5

  Pg. 82

  Chapter 6

  Pg. 96

  Chapter 7

  Pg. 107

  Chapter 8

  Pg. 112

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Epilogue

  Pronunciation

  Meet the Author

  Pg. 119

  Pg. 125

  Pg. 134

  Pg. 146

  Pg. 152

  Pg. 164

  Pg. 172

  Pg. 182

  Pg. 190

  Pg. 199

  Pg. 206

  Pg. 219

  Pg. 229

  Pg. 240

  Pg. 246

  Pg. 258

  Pg. 267

  Pg. 271

  Pg. 277

  Pg. 286

  Pg. 294

  Pg. 308

  Pg. 310

  Dear Reader,

  I’m so happy and excited that you chose to read my debut novel. You’re in for a treat! I’d like to take the time to tell you that the dialogue in this book can be somewhat challenging at times. The setting is in Africa, and the conversation is meant to convey an African accent when reading aloud or silently. Some readers may wish to familiarize themselves with the pronunciation at the back of the novel and others will take it in stride. Whichever you choose I sincerely hope you enjoy my first novel. Happy Reading.

  Sincerely,

  Owen Oakley

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I wrote this novel during a challenging stage in my life. Many things were transpiring around me, and I felt like giving up. The journey as I wrote each word, built the set and kingdoms, and breathe life into my characters were a blessing.

  The strength that Adanya owned gave me the power to get through the things in my life. I thank God for blessing me with this vision and enabling me to complete it.

  My parents, especially my mother is not only my mom, but my best friend and her encouraging words were things I needed to keep the momentum going.

  My son, my precious big boy, you always make me want to be an example for you to follow; never give up and go for your dreams and what God destined you to be!

  To my designer Liana Moisescu who did an outstanding job. I look forward to working with you on my next novel.

  I love you all, and I can’t thank you enough. To all of my family, friends, and prayer warriors in my corner, thank you!

  To all the women and girls who face adversity daily and still have the strength to survive and not just survive but to rise and shine, you’re all magical.

  Prologue

  One Year Earlier

  People adored or hated royalty, there really was nothing in between the two. Power, wealth, tremendous resources; that is why the Five Kingdoms were the oldest known to Africa who stood the test of time.

  King Haji of Chanta, King Omari of Plipool, King Sahem of Iyego, King Abayomi of Yico, and King Muto of Lark. These kingdoms weren’t foes to each other, but they didn’t consider themselves friends either.

  The Kingdom of Lark differed from the rest. Had it not been for the cap on citizens, more and more people would live there. It was a kingdom that their citizens and other domains respected; expect the Plipool.

  King Omari made it his mission to subvert and conspire against Lark every second of his reign; at least until Princess Adanya of Lark became of age. She made sure King Omari wouldn’t bully Lark, the things her father generally overlooked.

  King Muto peered from behind the tall pillar that held the ancient arena. His eyes twinkled at the sight of his daughter training the recruits.

  Women warriors were rare majestic wonders. He had long stopped fighting Adanya on her position in the militia and accepted her established purpose in the kingdom. She was relentless as a child; always demanded to protect their empire, it was a losing battle for a mighty king.

  She wasn’t an ordinary princess, not the kind that wore beautiful long garments and attended galas. She was a warrior, nothing less.

  His delight set in to see her arduous drive and commitment to Lark’s security and its people was the job she did with ease and confidence. Out of all of his children, he never worried about her. Yes, she was imperfect but had a good heart no one could deny. She made their kingdom proud.

  Muto strode out of the shady area and into the sunlight.

  “Adanya!”

  His presence intimidated all, but he was respected and admired by all those around him.

  Everyone bowed before him at the essence of his baritone voice.

  “We will pwoceed in the mo’ning.” Adanya dismissed her recruits. It seemed recruits were joining at a younger age, all eager to follow under the command of their princess.

  She had approved the decision to lower the age for entry into Lark’s militia. Most boys in their kingdom had proven their manhood early in life.

  “Fatha.” Adanya gave him a terse nod. He fixed her with a hard stare that caused her to smile.

  She’d forgotten that there was no need for formality with her predecessor. He wrapped her up in his massive arms and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. She loved her father’s scent, that of a light spicy musk aftershave.

  “Walk with me,” he said. Adanya sheathed her sword and step alongside her father.

  They walked in brief silence down the grand foyer of the palace. Dozens of photos hung on the wall; a long line of royalty filled with strong history.

  King Muto stopped in front of a woman’s photo, the only woman on the wall’s assortment. The beautiful woman stood alone, next to the throne. Her skin was dark as night and braided hair down to her waist; a version of how Adanya would most likely look when she got older.

  King Muto admired the picture in silence. He peered at Adanya with a modest smile. Adanya hated sappy moments with her father. Being a warrior demanded she rejects the things that caused her to feel vulnerable. Her hard exterior proved challenging for others to become close to her, even those who loved her most.

  “You wemind me of ha.”

  Adanya followed her father’s gaze to the photo of the woman.

  “Dayok yoa gweat, gweat, gweat gwandmotha. Wawwio and the only Queen to wule Lawk.”

  She tiptoed closer to examine the image. Hope and enthusiasm filled her eyes. Adanya had seen the foyer’s photos many times but never this woman before.

  “Why ave you bwought me a’?”

  King Muto leaned back and let out a long sigh. “Le
t it se’ve as an example. You’we place in isto’y.” Adanya stood in amazed silence. She bit her bottom lip and smiled.

  “You mean ⸺.”

  “Ascension. Yoa ascension.” He affirmed with a nod.

  Overwhelmed with emotions, tears pricked at her eyes.

  “You awe my eldest, it is only wight, but I do ave wesa’vations,” he said.

  “Such as?” She averted her father’s gaze, both curious and afraid of his response.

  He nodded for her to have a seat on the smooth-stained mahogany bench. Even, though, she was her father’s eldest and only daughter. He had to be gentle with her regardless of the strength he perceived she had as a woman.

  He settled his arm around her shoulders and brought her closer into him.

  “I undesstand you love Lawk you awe dedicated and an awd wo’ka, but I question myself whetha you ave what it takes to be a wula.”

  Adanya pulled away from him; eyes widened, with a furrowed brow. Who else would be suitable for the throne and act as the best ruler in the interest of Lark?

  Not his unmotivated, self-entitled second born, Prince Kwame. Or Prince Kofi, the youngest, the unsophisticated man who had yet to discover himself or purpose in life.

  “Do you not want me to ascend becaoze I am a woman?” She searched his eyes for the truth, but he gave her nothing in return.

  “Yoa genda’ as no beawing on the matta’,” King Muto assured her.

  He sighed.

  “Kings deal with many things and as a queen who will decide fo thoozands of lives by yoozself, you ave to be weady. Jozt becaoze you awe a queen doesn’t mean otha kingdoms will go easy on you. They will not see you as thee’ equal and will do ev’ything in thee’ powa’ to westo’ balance. A woman doesn’t belong in anywha except by the side of a king. A queen without a king is dang’oozly powa’ful, and they recognize it. Even queens suffa’ die someday, soona’ than expected unless God gwants them the powa’ and will to su’vive.”

  She sensed her father’s uncertainty and reluctance, and it made her uneasy, doubt clouded her mind.

  “Why do you tell me this?”

  King Muto quietly stared into the distance.

  “The moment you accept ascension you will become a tawget, a tawget to ewadicate and people; even family will go thwough gweat mesa's in pozsuit to watch you fail. Ev’y waw as its casualties, yoa duty is to deta’mine which awe wo’th the sagwifice.”

  Moments of silence passed between them, King Muto patted her knee and left her with her many thoughts. It was difficult for it to excite her when the person who offered her childhood dream expressed concern.

  Adanya glanced back at her grandmother’s portrait. She reigned for over sixty years, surpassing many other male royals. It only made her more determined than ever to be the best ruler for Lark and prove her father wrong.

  She gazed at her grandmother’s photo one last time; it was the reason she didn’t hear her younger brother Kwame’s footsteps behind her.

  “What wa’ you and fatha talking about?”

  Startled and annoyed when she discovered the person, Adanya rolled her eyes, she wasn’t a fan of Kwame. She tolerated him and his existence as her sibling but make no mistake she had no love for him.

  Their relationship was strange, but she preferred it that way. There had always been hostility between the two. It was why many kings had one heir and prayed their firstborn was a male.

  “Ugh, wa’ you spying on us?”

  Kwame shrugged and followed behind his sister.

  “Not spying, I jozt appened to see you and im.”

  Kwame’s eyes darted around and waited to learn more about Muto and Adanya’s conversation. Adanya ignored him long enough to get outside to a spacious environment, so she could keep a closer watch of him.

  “Why do you ca’ee? It as nothing to do with you.”

  Kwame always believed Adanya was their father’s favorite, even after Muto explained that he loved him, her, and their youngest brother Kofi all the same.

  He was resentful that she was the eldest, but more so because Muto didn’t treat her like a princess. The king involved Adanya in all royal affairs and sought her advice on many important matters for the kingdom.

  “Becoaze you and im ave a lot of secwets, and if it affects you, it affects this family,” he told her.

  Adanya stopped short of the arena. She hoped her father would have this talk with everyone, but she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to gloat.

  “I will ascend.” She smiled in excitement.

  Her brother fumed with anger at her claim. His expression made the news even more satisfying to her.

  Kwame was a self-entitled prick, and when given a chance Adanya always pissed him off.

  “This as to be a joke and if it isn’t e’s making a uge mistake,” Kwame said.

  “A mistake? Kwame you ave yet to pwove yoozself to oa’ fatha. The only thing you do is pa’ty and neva’ take anything s’ioozly.”

  Kwame hesitated and stroked his bread. His face twisted with scrutiny. If it were any other time, Adanya’s words wouldn’t fluster him, but the throne, the life of the kingdom was at state.

  She had enough of Kwame’s attempt to intimidate her. While he was deep in thought, she eased around him. As if he expected her movement, he blocked her path, she tried to go around him, but he intercepted her again.

  “What the ell is yoa pwoblem?”

  The siblings drew stares of workers nearby, who were used to their behavior towards one another. Adanya hated unwanted attention, she always considered her reputation, as opposed to Kwame, he made a scene wherever he went with no regards of his actions or its reflection on his family.

  “I won’t let a woman wule this kingdom.”

  “Too late,” Adanya said as she walked away.

  “I’ll get im to see!”

  She walked back to see his face, she smiled to get one ultimate satisfaction.

  “Good luck.”

  Kwame punched the brick wall and swore under his breath. His mind’s gears grind, it was just the beginning.

  ⸞⸟⸞

  Adanya found Salim wondering the kingdom and decided to take him to the enchanted garden where colorful flowers and butterflies lived. It was a beautiful setting; the butterflies fluttered freely but never strayed too far from the garden. It was Adanya’s favorite place in the palace.

  “Ascension? That’s gweat!” Salim hugged her. “Congwatulations. I’m so pwoud of you.”

  Adanya blushed.

  “Thank you.”

  Salim nudged her shoulder, hoping it would start their usual “you’re it” game. Passerby smiled as they watched the two-laugh and ran around the garden like children; they welcomed Prince Salim’s visits because he was the source of her happiness and relaxed demeanor they rarely saw.

  Salim was Adanya’s childhood companion. It was only a bittersweet bonus he was a tall, handsome prince with a body of an African God; it just made being his friend harder.

  Salim would ascend to the throne regardless because he was his parents’ only child. He didn’t have to worry about jealous siblings to fight with or proving that he’d be the right choice as ruler.

  Adanya always told him he would make an excellent king. He had a huge heart, and everyone loved him including herself.

  “Awe you weady to become queen?” He inquired.

  She dreamt of being Lark’s Queen since she was a little girl, but dreams and readiness weren’t the same. Hard work and dedication lie ahead. She only hoped she didn’t disappoint her kingdom.

  “I’m na’vous, it’s an uge wesponsibility,” she replied.

  He pulled her into him, with a kiss to her temple for good measure. Adanya loved when he kissed her; she closed her eyes and basked in his warmth and pleasant scent of vanilla bean and lavender. She pulled away just before she lost herself in him further.

  “It is a gweat responsibility, but if anyone can andle it, it’s you.” Salim mastered offering her
the right words at the time she needed them most.

  She stared at him, and she often wondered what would happen after he ascended. His parents and the council would push him to take a wife. She worried if she could handle that reality; her guess was no.

  ⸞⸟⸞

  “Why couldn’t it ave been me?” Kwame whined to his father in the king’s chamber.

  Muto massaged his temples. He wished Adanya hadn’t told Kwame about his decision. Her added dramatics only made things much worse. He was well aware of the two’s feud since childhood and had grown tired of it.

  “Do you ave any idea ow many decisions I ave to make as King each day?”

  “Yes ⸺.”

  “I don’t ave time fo things that awen’t impo’tant.”

  Irritation arose from Kwame that his father disregarded his concerns. It further proved that his father cared more for Adanya than his sons.

  He leaned across his father’s desk with hopes that he could sway his decision.

  “Tha was a time they only allowed pwincesses to mawwy kings, not to become a wula’. Adanya is a wawwio, she’d neva’ want to give that up.”

  Muto for the first time considered Kwame’s words. If Adanya married a king, Lark would have ties, resources, and an alley with that kingdom.

  “I’ll consida it.” Muto continued to work without a glance towards his son.

  Kwame ceased his protest because it was more than he expected from his father. Time would tell if he took those words to heart.

  ⸞⸟⸞

  The Muto’s family dinners often included Salim since Adanya, and he was close. They always welcomed him to join.

  Everyone laughed and talked around the table, a chance to bond and interact with each other like an ordinary family.

  Adanya sat next to Salim and carried on a private conversation. Kofi, their quiet, younger brother wasn’t close to anyone, instead stayed to himself and observed those around him.