8 chapter 8 THE PRINCE IN CHINA 2

The Mo's do not have a private airstrip so the Prince'sprivate jet will land at the City B's commercial airport.Everything was set and ready. The domestic staff knew someone important was coming. Security was tight and they have been warned that there should be no mistake of any kind.

The jet will land at the VIP section and they will disembarked and follow the VIP clearing section.

The security and guards were already standing and well arranged,covering all areas in their black suits andcommunicating on their walkies. Youwill get the impression that it was the president of a country being expected; but this royalty was equal to one even so.

The jet finally touched down safely and came to a stop. Thehatch slowly rolled open. Two guys in suit came out first,looked around, then spoke into their walkie.Then a very tall, beautiful black guy in white suit stepped out and behind him was his personal assistant.

Elenna's family walked forward.She ran to him. He just took two steps and lifted her into a very tight hug, then bent his head and gave her a kiss flat on the lips while still holding her hands. They walked back to Mr and Mrs Jeff Mo and he greeted and paid his respect as he shook Mr Mo hands.

"How are you, sir?"Prince Martin asked. 'I'mvery fine as you can see,'Mr Jeff answered. "And you, mother-in-law?"'Come here boy. That you are so tall doesn't mean. I still want a hug.'Everyone laughed as the Prince bent down and hugged Mrs Mo. Thenknelt down and picked up Ayanna, hugging her close, he askedher, 'How are you, princess? She answered so cutely, 'I'm fine. You are my daddy, right?'"You got that right daughter. He knew and she looked like Elenna would have at the same age. I got a gift from your great grand mother for you and you must promise me to wear it at all times." Prince Martin said.'OK, I will daddy,'little Ayanna replied. Then the Prince stretched out his hands to his assistant whohanded him a little beautiful carved box out of which he took out a bracelet so beautiful. He put it on her wrist and it fitted perfectly.

'I love it Dad! Mummy,see,' she screamed,showing it to her mum. "It's lovely Princess,' Elenna replied. Please let's head home she said, They walked to the parked cars, boarded and drove to theMo's Mansion. In the car,he complimented Elenna."Sweety,"he said. "You are the most beautiful woman ever and the only woman for me. You know, right?" Prince Martin said. 'I know Tin- tin,and you're the only man for me. I strongly hope father allows our marriage.' Elenna said. "I hope so too."

The vehicles stopped at a Spalding white mansion. The wide gates swung open by it self and the cars drove in and stopped. They stepped out and was led inside the beautiful house by Mr Mo. The maids admired the young African Prince.'Oh! he is so handsome.No wonder the Mistress is so taken in. Even I can run away with him if he as much as glances my way.'

They walked into the sitting room and sat

down.Refreshments had already been served andthey discussed this and that. Then Ayanna came and asked, 'Daddy,what's grandma's name?Please, I would like to tell my friends.' Everyone laughed. Prince Martin picked her up and said, "Your great grand mother's name is Queen Idia. You have her aura Princess."

'Dinner is served. Everyone let's eat so Prince Martin can go and have some rest from his long flight. Tomorrow, we shall then discuss. He must be jet lagged.'

So they sat down to eat the feast that was prepared by Elenna,amidst bubbling laughter.Dinner went well. Then the Prince promised to come and discuss some very important matters that brought him with Mr Jeff Mo.He and his assistant and Elenna thenstepped out.After kissing Elenna lightly, he stepped into the back seat that was opened for him and sat down. Hisassistant entered the front seat.The car drove out of the mansion and headed to the hotel that hadbeen arranged ahead before they came. He really wished Elenna was with him but they will soon be together.

He didn't want to act like *the tortoise in his home country's saying that after staying in a pit for seven days,some people came to rescue him on the seventh day buthe started screaming on top of his voice that they should bring him out quickly he was dying from the smell. The people who were there to help were surprised and told the tortoise that it had been there all the while and wasn't killed by the stench. Was it then when it was being rescued that the stench will kill it?

"Tomorrow,I am sure Mr Jeff will allow me be with his daughter and my daughter," he taught.

*The tortoise was just a proverb popularly used by the eastern Nigerians, to explain someone being impatient.