Carl and Somto had also left.
Before Carl did, he had pulled Nnenna aside, his usual playful expression intact.
"I'll call you," he had said. "And you better pick up."
Nnenna had laughed out loud. "I don't ignore important calls."
"Good," he had nodded, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "I'll visit when I can."
She had promised to keep in touch, and just like that, he was gone.
With the heavy weight of the royal ball behind them, attention shifted to new matters, preparing for school. It wouldn't start for another four months, but planning had already begun. Slowly, belongings were packed, schedules were made, and responsibilities were shifted.
For Nnenna, life had taken on a new rhythm.
Her reputation had stabilized, even strengthened. The way people looked at her had changed. No longer just "the adopted daughter," she had proven herself, and though some still refused to admit it, they could not deny her worth.
