Prince Stevenson Jnr arrived at Zilayefa's house, eager to spend the day with his beloved. However, when he knocked on the door, there was no response. He tried again, thinking maybe she was busy or hadn't heard him. Still, there was only silence.
He began to feel a sense of unease, wondering if something was amiss. He decided to check with the neighbors, hoping they might have some information about Zilayefa's whereabouts.
After inquiring with the neighbors, Prince Stevenson Jnr discovered that Zilayefa and her brothers had left early that morning, but no one knew where they had gone. A sense of worry crept over him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
He decided to visit the village head, hoping that Zilayefa might have confided in him about her plans. As he arrived at the village head's house, he found his parents deep in conversation.
"Mother, Father, have you seen Zilayefa today?" Prince Stevenson Jnr asked, trying to hide his concern.
His parents exchanged a knowing glance, and his mother spoke up, "No, we haven't seen her. But we did receive some news that might explain her disappearance."
Prince Stevenson Jnr's curiosity was piqued. "What news?" he asked, his heart racing with anticipation.
His father leaned forward, a serious expression on his face. "We received word that Zilayefa's mother is being held captive by the Duke. It's possible that Zilayefa and her brothers have gone to rescue her."
Prince Stevenson Jnr's eyes widened in alarm. He knew that the Duke was not a man to be trifled with. He had to find Zilayefa and make sure she was safe.
Prince Stevenson Jnr quickly made up his mind to find Zilayefa and ensure her safety. He knew that rescuing her mother from the Duke's castle wouldn't be an easy task, and he couldn't bear the thought of Zilayefa facing such danger alone.
He asked his parents for their horses, and they reluctantly agreed, warning him of the potential dangers. Prince Stevenson Jnr set off towards the Duke's castle, his heart racing with anticipation and worry.
As he rode, he couldn't help but think of Zilayefa and how much she meant to him. He was determined to protect her, no matter the cost.
After two days of riding non stop, Prince Stevenson Jnr arrived at the Duke's castle. He dismounted his horse and approached the entrance, where he was met by two burly guards.
"Halt! Who are you?" one of the guards growled.
Prince Stevenson Jnr stood tall, his voice firm. "I am Prince Stevenson Jnr, and I demand to see the Duke."
The guards exchanged skeptical glances, but eventually, one of them stepped aside. "Follow me."
Prince Stevenson Jnr followed the guard through the castle's winding corridors, his senses on high alert. He could feel that something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
As they approached the throne room, Prince Stevenson Jnr heard a faint noise coming from inside. It sounded like a struggle.
The Duke looked at Prince Stevenson Jnr with a mixture of confusion and annoyance. "Who are you, and what brings you to my castle?" he demanded.
Prince Stevenson Jnr stood tall, his voice firm. "I am Prince Stevenson Jnr, and I've come to inquire about a woman being held captive in your castle. I believe she is the mother of someone I care deeply for"
The Duke's expression turned from curious to enraged. "What insolence!" he bellowed, slamming his fist on the armrest. "You come into my castle, uninvited, and demand to know about my affairs? You are bold, I'll give you that."
The Duke snapped his fingers, and his guards moved forward, surrounding Prince Stevenson Jnr. "Take this impudent prince out of my sight!" the Duke shouted. "And make sure he never returns!"
The guards grabbed Prince Stevenson Jnr, dragging him out of the throne room. He struggled against them, but they were too strong. As they tossed him out of the castle gates, the Duke's voice echoed behind him.
"Never return, or you will face my wrath!"
Prince Stevenson Jnr picked himself up, dusting himself off. He knew he had to find another way to help Zilayefa and her mother.