Whispers - snippet from His Treasure

Hi readers, this week I’ve got a double challenge.

The first 12 sentences of this snippet are for the Weekend Dirty Dozen blog hop. It is a blog fest for romance and erotic writers to share 12 sentences every weekend for promotional purposes on their websites and blogs of their new releases and WIPs. Please use the link when you’re done to visit the Facebook page or blog to see who else is participating in the hop.

For Romantic Friday Writers, each Friday members post 300-400 words of romantic prose or poem on own blog based on a theme for the week. This week’s theme is Whispers. Use the link to see other submissions for the week.

I’m sharing a snippet from His Treasure, my debut historical romance novella set in pre-colonial West Africa. It is published by Breathless Press and out in December 2011. Click here to read the blurb.

For this scene, Adaku is with her friend Ifeoma at the New Yam festival when she hears worrying rumors about her husband Obinna that could change their marriage.

Word count: 399

***

As she glanced over at Ifeoma, who was blooming, the swell of her pregnancy just beginning to show, a sliver of desperation travelled down her spine. Soon people would start looking at her with pity in their eyes—as a woman who couldn’t conceive or bear a child.

“Adaku, are you all right?” Ifeoma words drew her out of her reverie. She shook her head before replying.

“Why do you ask?”

“It’s just that you had a frown on your face. You aren’t concerned about the rumors, are you?”

Dread traveled down her spine. She knew it wouldn’t be a good thing. “What rumors?”

Ifeoma went pale. “Sorry. Don’t mind me and my big mouth. It’s nothing. Just hearsay.”

She watched the way her friend’s stare darted away briefly to where another group of women sat together. Something was up.

“Ifeoma, you have to tell me what you’ve heard. Right now,” she urged, keeping her voice low.

“If you’re sure.” Ifeoma fidgeted with her clothes, her eyes fixed on her restless hands.

“Go on. Tell me.”

“I heard that Nneka, Ofonna’s widow has been released by her in-laws after completing her mourning period. So she’s free to remarry,” Ifeoma whispered.

Adaku couldn’t figure out how this affected her. Some widows, if they were still young enough and without children, were released by their in-laws to remarry another man of their choice. In most cases, they ended up as second or third wives to one of the dead man’s brothers.

“And?” Adaku persisted. There had to be more to the story.

“And it’s well known that she had a soft spot for Obinna before she was betrothed to Ofonna. It’s rumored he may take her as a second wife.”

It was Adaku’s turn to feel faint as blood drained from her head. She gripped her seat to stop herself from toppling over. Taking a few deep breaths, she glanced over at Nneka, who looked happy chatting with her friends, oblivious to the thoughts churning in Adaku’s head.

Was this true? Had Obinna been lovers with Nneka before he married me? Did he still have a fondness for the widow?

She glanced over to where Obinna sat chatting with his friend, Ikem. They both were looking at the group where Nneka sat.

Her heart dropped into her stomach. Jealous rage washed over her, clouding her vision in red.

It's true!

***

I hope you enjoyed this snippet. Does it fit the theme? Share your thoughts as usual.

Have a great weekend.