According to tradition, the Crown Prince was to make his entrance last, as the star of the night. Custom dictated that he walk in beside the Crown Princess, his chosen partner and future queen, as a symbol of unity and strength for the kingdom.
It was always a moment the court anticipated, one that marked the beginning of a new era. But this time, there was no Crown Princess.
There had been no official announcement, no public engagement. And so, when the time came, he was expected to enter alone.
By all means, he wanted to walk in with Nnenna, but she seemed to have guessed his thoughts and had entered earlier, long before the rest of the family. She was avoiding him.
Left with no other suitable choice, Somto straightened his shoulders, fixed his ceremonial cloak, and decided to walk in alone.
