Fic: The Servant (27/?)
The next morning, Kris was woken up by Madu gently shaking him, “Showtime. We have to go to a formal breakfast with the Queen.”
Kris was still feeling uneasy about everything but followed Madu to breakfast. The Queen smiled at Kris, “Kim will be happy to hear how well you are doing. I had hoped we would get a chance to talk while you are here.”
“I would like that your highness but I think we have to head up North soon.”
The Queen nodded, “Nasty business with these invaders. Roland is coming to breakfast to discuss some what we should do.”
Madu looked at the Queen, “I am not sure what there is to discuss. My men and I will head North to stop the invaders from coming into our lands.”
Kris saw the King come in with Hanta. Leila shook her head, “Roland, how good of you to escort Hanta to breakfast. I am surprised after Madu has been away so long, Hanta, you let him out of your sight.”
Hanta snorted, “Madu seemed to pre-occupied playing with children so I decided to seek out company that would appreciate me. Luckily, Roland happened to be out and about.”
Madu shook his head, “Hanta, shut up and sit down before you embarrass yourself more.”
The King looked at Madu, “You should treat your wife with more respect. She is a beautiful woman and far too good for you.”
Hanta looked at Madu, “Husband, your Uncle is right you should treat me better or else I make seek better company more often.”
“I treat you as you deserve. For example, when this meal is over I am going to beat you.”
Hanta looked at the King. King Roland looked at Madu, “Lamberts do not beat their women. You will not lay a hand on her.”
“She is my wife, Uncle, I will treat her anyway I like. You know it may be customary to share wives between Niscas but that does not apply to Uncles. Just because you are King that doesn’t mean you can bed everyone.”
“Your wife didn’t object.”
“That is because she is a slut; still doesn’t make it ok.”
Hanta took offense. “How dare you.” Hanta smacked Madu across the face. Madu responded with a right hook that sent her sprawling to the ground. Kris along with the rest of the table was shocked. Kind Roland stood between Madu and Hanta, “You are an animal, Madu. I should have thought you would have at least learned not to strike a lady.”
“She is not a lady if she sleeps with you.”
King Roland shook his head, “Fine, she is under my protection now.” King Roland went by Hanta to help her up.
Madu shook his head, “Uncle-“
Roland glared, “You can address me as your highness.”
“As I was saying, your highness, wives are shared between Niscas not you. Why don’t you practice what you preach and take care of your own wife?”
“Madu! Roland is still your King and this brutal display is distasteful. Perhaps, Adam can look after Hanta until cooler heads prevail.” Leila shook her head at Madu’s insolence.
“Adam can’t even look after his own wife. My Queen, I am not all hot and bothered. I am just tired of people abusing their power for their own pleasure especially, since their real duties seem to go ignored.”
King Roland turned to Madu, “You are lucky to be alive, Madu, because you are one step shy of treason. I should hang you and solve most of my headaches. As to my own wife, I already sacrificed enough for Agbeko having to marry and bed someone so inferior. Not to mention allowing her offspring to be officers in my army when really they should just be slaves.”
Kris noticed Madu and Adam both looking appalled at their Uncle’s hateful comments and obvious distaste for dark skinned people.
The Queen nodded, “Roland, we know you did not want to marry Mari and who can blame you. Unfortunately, as inferior a people as they are, they did have enough gold at the time to make Agbeko strong. I, too, would find it distasteful to be married to someone so…dark so I indulge you in your affairs. Still, it was not very appropriate you taking Madu’s wife as a lover but what is done is done. Madu, instead of beating your wife allow her to go with your Uncle. You can just use Adam’s since he doesn’t seem to keen on bedding women.”
“Mother! I told you to stay out of my marriage.”
Leila shrugged, “Well it is barely a marriage if you can’t even consummate it.”
Kris noticed Allison was just cowering near Adam and seemed to get more nervous with everyone looking at her.
King Roland laughed, “Adam, your wife has no confidence because you are not using her properly. Although Madu seems to be a bit heavy handed with women, some women respond to that kind of aggression. Perhaps yours would do well with a little…force.”
Allison grabbed her steak knife and went for the King. Hanta reacted and blocked the blade from cutting Roland. “She tried to kill the King!”
Everyone was stunned. King Roland was a little frazzled from the attack but then became furious, “Now, that really was treason.”
Adam pulled Allison close to him. The Queen shook her head, “She has been a real disappointment and is unworthy to be married to a future King. I don’t know why she is so damaged in the head but I agree she has gone too far. She will be hung this afternoon.”
“NO! Mother, she is just a child. The King remains unharmed and I will see to her punishment.”
Madu spoke up, “You? You can’t even discipline your army properly. Uncle Roland, your highness, I suggest in the interest of peace and as a consolation for you taking my wife as a lover, you pardon Allison’s actions and allow me to correct her behavior. I will see to Allison’s punishment in private. I like a bit of spirit in my women and unlike Adam I know how to break them in.”
King Roland seemed to hesitate. Hanta spoke up, “She is dangerous. You should just let her hang.”
Queen Leila stood up, “I think that is an excellent solution. Adam, you will allow Madu free reign to correct Allison’s behavior. If he is not successful or she does not comply, she will be hung. I cannot allow an attempt on the life of the King to go unpunished. Now, since this meal has been ruined, let’s just focus on discussing the situation at hand. Madu, what is your plan to deal with the invaders?”
“I will take my army to the Northern Coast and enlist some of the Northern tribes to prevent the invaders from coming ashore. My armies will engage any invaders that make it ashore. That will be when they are the most vulnerable. We will then torch their ships. Uncle, you must keep your men in Agbeko to protect the Queen. I do not anticipate any getting through but you never know.”
Adam spoke up, “Actually Madu, I am going to delay my men from going to the South so we can reinforce you.”
Madu stared at Adam, “No, you must go to the South.”
“And let you have all the victories while I look like a coward hiding in the South? I am not an idiot Madu, I know you are still trying for the throne.”
Kris noticed Leila and Madu exchange glances, “Adam, you need to be in the south in case they rebel. If we are busy fighting in the North and the King is forced to remain in Agbeko, we are ripe for being attacked from the south.”
“The southerners are not in any condition to fight. You are trying to keep me from any glory.”
Madu smiled, “It is not glory I am worried about it is defeat. You have a buffoon as a Captain and your army is undisciplined. I don’t trust you to have my back in battle. At least King Roland’s men are seasoned and their Captain competent.” Madu turned to his Uncle, “If you let Adam’s army anywhere near mine, I will not even bother to engage the enemy.”
Adam’s demeanor went from annoyed to furious, “You bastard! If I am not a part of this battle, the people will never respect me as a King.”
Madu smiled wickedly, “Maybe you can just bat your pretty blue eyes at them and they will just love you for your prettiness.”
Queen Leila raised her hands, “Enough, Adam you will continue your mission in the South but stay close enough that you can make it to Agbeko within two days. Roland your army will guard Agbeko and serve as a reserve force to Madu’s army. Madu, you will head North and destroy the invaders. Should their numbers be too overwhelming you must send a scout back here immediately. That is my final ruling.”
“Mother, you do not control the armies.”
“Son, I control all of Agbeko. Without me, your armies would not exist. Now do as I bid or I will relieve you of your command.”
“How?”
Madu smiled cruelly at Adam, “The Queen has my loyalty and my army is at her disposal.”
Adam looked at Madu and then just looked defeated. King Roland noticed the exchange and also looked a bit subdued, “Leila, that is a sound plan. As King, I agree with the strategy. Adam, head South as commanded.”
Adam relented, “Fine, but Kris is coming with me to the South.”
Leila shook her head, “Don’t be ridiculous. If ever a bard was needed it is now during our moment of glory.”
Kris could tell Adam was freaking out. Neyou placed a hand on Adam’s shoulder, “Your highness, the bard will be kept off the frontlines so he can capture our victory in song. No harm shall come to him. I give you my word as Captain of the Guard.”
The King looked at Neyou confused, “Who cares where the hell the bard is? Rather than grand songs, just bring us the enemy’s heads on a stake.” The King looked Kris up and down, “Why are we even dining with a bard? Anyway, Madu, have you seen these invaders? What color is their skin?”
Madu seemed surprised, “Most of the people that have come from across the sea are darker than Agbekians. What is your point?”
“I think perhaps for this battle it might be better to have Agbekians leading the charge.”
Neyou spoke up, “Your highness, I have served Agbeko since I was eight years old now you question my loyalty?”
“Actually, I have never questioned it because I don’t think your people know anything about it. I never thought you were worthy of being an officer in my army much less Madu’s second. However, I have kept my silence because of your success on the battle field. At least Terrance has some of my blood but you…you have no decent blood in you. ”
Neyou’s nostrils flared in anger. Madu placed a hand on Neyou’s arm and laughed,
“Really, Neyou, did you forget how black your skin is and inferior a race you come from? Clearly, we Agbekians know far more about everything because we are of course…white. Maybe the sun has destroyed your people’s brains or maybe you all became dark from playing in mud instead of snow. Perhaps, my Uncle can enlighten us how such a lower form of life could ever traverse the seas to our shore.”
Kris bit his tongue to not laugh at the sarcasm dripping from Madu’s voice. Queen Leila shook her head, “Madu, stop being ridiculous. King Roland does have a point. We do not know exactly who these invaders are and what they want. These are dangerous time perhaps we should proceed with caution.”
Madu became serious, “Neyou is my Captain of the Guard and if you won’t respect him as the son of the King’s wife, then you better at least treat him as a senior officer of your strongest army. Neyou has shown nothing but loyalty and the men follow his lead. I will not go into battle without him and it will be over my dead body that he is relieved of his position. As for Terrance, I agree he should be relieved but not because of his skin color but his stupidity and preoccupation with Raja.”
Adam just shook his head, “Uncle Roland, I really don’t think switching up our armies is a good idea right before a battle.”
“Fine, I just hope should the need arise, Madu, you remember where your loyalties lie.”
“Have no fear Uncle, my loyalties have never wavered.”
Roland just snorted, “Have Neyou and Terrance meet with my Captain to discuss the coordinating instructions and signals. May the goddess be with us all.”
Madu looked at his Uncle coldly, “And may she smite Agbeko’s true enemies no matter who they are.”
The King stood up and allowed Hanta to take his arm. Hanta glared at Madu and turned to Allison, “Good luck with Madu because he is a hundred times crueler than Roland and seeks pleasure through other people’s pain.”
They walked out. Allison was paralyzed with fear. Madu came over, “Well, it appears the monster has gotten you after all.”
Adam pushed Allison behind him, “Madu, do not hurt-“
“Adam, she is to be punished for trying to kill the King. I can do whatever I like to her. Besides anything shy of death, she is still ahead. Now, don’t make a scene. I think you have your own affairs to get in order.”
The Queen stood up, “Adam! You will stand aside and give Allison to Madu or I will have her hung.”
Madu grabbed Allison roughly, “Come along, my little traitoress, we are going to have some fun.”
Allison looked at Adam in sheer terror which made Kris’ heart heavy. He hoped Madu would display the same kind of gentleness he had with the children. However, based on his earlier actions of punching his wife, Kris doubted he would be merciful. Adam grabbed Madu’s arm, ”I swear to you if you go too far, I will never forgive you.”
Madu shrugged, “Based on recent events, perhaps it is good to have a bit of a wall between us.”
Madu walked out pulling a dazed Allison. Adam turned to his mother, “How could you allow this to happen? He is going to hurt her?”
“Adam, just be thankful we relented on her death sentence. We can’t allow attempts on the lives of royalty. Your Uncle may abuse his position but that doesn’t justify your wife acting like a hellcat and trying to kill him. You are not around her much, I really think she is disturbed. I have tried to help her but she doesn’t seem to be rising up to the challenge of being a King’s wife. I have been tolerant because the current King’s wife is worse.”
“If you all hate the people from across the ocean so much, why did Uncle Roland marry one?”
Queen Leila shook her head, “My Uncle, the King before Roland, insisted he marry her to keep them out of our lands. It seemed to work until now. I remember when their ship first arrived. They were very scary and seemed so…primitive. Roland was devastated when he was told he would have to marry one of their women. Supposedly, she was a princess that had lost her husband. They offered my Uncle a couple chests full of gold and promised they would not come back. They also warned if any harm came to the Princess or her son, they would unleash unspeakable evils into our world. They had an old man with them that seemed to have mystical powers. Whatever they said or did, my foolish Uncle believed them. My brother had no choice, he married her and gave her a child. In the beginning she was a handful but she calmed down after Terrance was born.”
Adam seemed thoughtful, “Mari was always nice to Madu and me when we lived there. She used to tell us fantastic stories and she always snuck us food when we were being punished.”
“Well, don’t trust her because she blames you for Madu and Neyou going away all those years. I am just glad she keeps to herself and doesn’t make a fuss about Roland’s affairs.”
Kris spoke without thinking, “Doesn’t anyone ever marry for love or like their spouse here?”
Leila laughed, “Not in the Lambert clan. Your mother is lucky she left especially if she found a man she loves. Adam, forget about Allison for now and focus on your duties. I know we have had our difference but you are my son and the future King. May the goddess keep you safe.”
The Queen left. Adam turned to Kris, “We need to talk.”
Kris followed Adam to his chambers. Adam was rubbing his temples, “Kris, I am sorry you were upset when you saw me touching Madu. I don’t know what I was thinking. We had been talking and then he fell asleep. I was pretty drunk and didn’t even realize what I was doing.”
Kris didn’t really believe what Adam was saying but he promised Madu he would play along. Kris hoped he could contain his anger enough to pretend to forgive Adam. “So you don’t still have feeling for him?”
Adam looked away which was a clear sign he still did. Adam took a deep breath, “Sometimes I think about what would have happened if all those years ago if we weren’t caught. Even when he was purposely hurting me, I always hoped we would be close again. Not as lovers but more like good friends.”
What a bunch of crap! Kris nodded, “In Agbeko, do friends often touch one another like lovers?”
“Well, we are not as repressed as you are in the South. I was not touching him as a lover and we were both dressed. Kris, nothing happened. I love you and I miss you when we are not together. I wish I could walk away from all this and be with you. Don’t take this the wrong way but in a lot of ways you are like Madu was all those years ago. You are open, loving and so trusting…”
Kris could feel himself getting worked up over the comparison. Adam apparently saw him as a pale version of Madu. Kris just needed to play his role and get away from Agbeko as soon as possible. Kris took a deep breath before saying what he promised he would, “Adam, I love you and I want to be with you. I hope one day you can get over Madu and give me your heart.”
Adam kissed Kris, “You have my heart, it is just the rest of me I am not free to give. I still have a wife, the throne, and tremendous responsibilities. I still can only offer you stolen moments.”
Kris felt himself faltering and actually wanting to believe Adam’s words. With Adam so close and touching him, he couldn’t even remember why he was so angry. Kris stared into Adam’s blue eyes and became lost. He loved Adam more than he loved himself. He was obviously willing to accept Adam’s situation and even the fact that he still loved Madu.
“Adam, I am not sure what the future holds. I am a little nervous about the battles in the North and maybe stolen moments are all anyone ever has. Let’s not waste this one.”
Adam’s eyes lit up and he kissed Kris softly on the lips. Kris returned the kiss with more passion. If there was a chance that this was to be last time together, Kris was not going to hold back. Kris continued to kiss Adam while removing his own garments. Adam seemed on board with the plan and also removed his own. A few moments later, both had given in to their passion. It was a night Kris would never forget and hoped Adam felt the same. Kris laid beside Adam, exhausted both emotionally and physically. Kris could tell Adam was worried, “Are you worried about Allison?”
“Of course, I just can’t figure out why she reacted so violently to my Uncle. I just hope Madu doesn’t take his anger at me or my uncle out on her. I don’t think he would rape her but he obviously has no problem hitting a woman. Plus, Allison tends to say things she shouldn’t.”
“Why don’t you just go check on them?”
“I can’t. If I react badly, Madu will too. If he killed me, it might look justified. I am beginning to wonder if that is not the plan. Perhaps, my mother and him really have conspired against me. Kris, I am beginning to question my own judgment and I don’t know who to trust.”
“I know the feeling. Why don’t I go check on them? Madu doesn’t care enough about me to get too irate and I am not a threat.”
“No, there is nothing to be done but to wait.” Kris held Adam wondering whether Adam was upset because Allison was being hurt or because the man he was still in love with might be sleeping with his wife. Adam seemed to relax a bit in Kris’ arms and smiled up at him, “Kamea, you make my world bearable.”
Kris smiled weakly thinking Adam was having the opposite effect on him.
Kris was still feeling uneasy about everything but followed Madu to breakfast. The Queen smiled at Kris, “Kim will be happy to hear how well you are doing. I had hoped we would get a chance to talk while you are here.”
“I would like that your highness but I think we have to head up North soon.”
The Queen nodded, “Nasty business with these invaders. Roland is coming to breakfast to discuss some what we should do.”
Madu looked at the Queen, “I am not sure what there is to discuss. My men and I will head North to stop the invaders from coming into our lands.”
Kris saw the King come in with Hanta. Leila shook her head, “Roland, how good of you to escort Hanta to breakfast. I am surprised after Madu has been away so long, Hanta, you let him out of your sight.”
Hanta snorted, “Madu seemed to pre-occupied playing with children so I decided to seek out company that would appreciate me. Luckily, Roland happened to be out and about.”
Madu shook his head, “Hanta, shut up and sit down before you embarrass yourself more.”
The King looked at Madu, “You should treat your wife with more respect. She is a beautiful woman and far too good for you.”
Hanta looked at Madu, “Husband, your Uncle is right you should treat me better or else I make seek better company more often.”
“I treat you as you deserve. For example, when this meal is over I am going to beat you.”
Hanta looked at the King. King Roland looked at Madu, “Lamberts do not beat their women. You will not lay a hand on her.”
“She is my wife, Uncle, I will treat her anyway I like. You know it may be customary to share wives between Niscas but that does not apply to Uncles. Just because you are King that doesn’t mean you can bed everyone.”
“Your wife didn’t object.”
“That is because she is a slut; still doesn’t make it ok.”
Hanta took offense. “How dare you.” Hanta smacked Madu across the face. Madu responded with a right hook that sent her sprawling to the ground. Kris along with the rest of the table was shocked. Kind Roland stood between Madu and Hanta, “You are an animal, Madu. I should have thought you would have at least learned not to strike a lady.”
“She is not a lady if she sleeps with you.”
King Roland shook his head, “Fine, she is under my protection now.” King Roland went by Hanta to help her up.
Madu shook his head, “Uncle-“
Roland glared, “You can address me as your highness.”
“As I was saying, your highness, wives are shared between Niscas not you. Why don’t you practice what you preach and take care of your own wife?”
“Madu! Roland is still your King and this brutal display is distasteful. Perhaps, Adam can look after Hanta until cooler heads prevail.” Leila shook her head at Madu’s insolence.
“Adam can’t even look after his own wife. My Queen, I am not all hot and bothered. I am just tired of people abusing their power for their own pleasure especially, since their real duties seem to go ignored.”
King Roland turned to Madu, “You are lucky to be alive, Madu, because you are one step shy of treason. I should hang you and solve most of my headaches. As to my own wife, I already sacrificed enough for Agbeko having to marry and bed someone so inferior. Not to mention allowing her offspring to be officers in my army when really they should just be slaves.”
Kris noticed Madu and Adam both looking appalled at their Uncle’s hateful comments and obvious distaste for dark skinned people.
The Queen nodded, “Roland, we know you did not want to marry Mari and who can blame you. Unfortunately, as inferior a people as they are, they did have enough gold at the time to make Agbeko strong. I, too, would find it distasteful to be married to someone so…dark so I indulge you in your affairs. Still, it was not very appropriate you taking Madu’s wife as a lover but what is done is done. Madu, instead of beating your wife allow her to go with your Uncle. You can just use Adam’s since he doesn’t seem to keen on bedding women.”
“Mother! I told you to stay out of my marriage.”
Leila shrugged, “Well it is barely a marriage if you can’t even consummate it.”
Kris noticed Allison was just cowering near Adam and seemed to get more nervous with everyone looking at her.
King Roland laughed, “Adam, your wife has no confidence because you are not using her properly. Although Madu seems to be a bit heavy handed with women, some women respond to that kind of aggression. Perhaps yours would do well with a little…force.”
Allison grabbed her steak knife and went for the King. Hanta reacted and blocked the blade from cutting Roland. “She tried to kill the King!”
Everyone was stunned. King Roland was a little frazzled from the attack but then became furious, “Now, that really was treason.”
Adam pulled Allison close to him. The Queen shook her head, “She has been a real disappointment and is unworthy to be married to a future King. I don’t know why she is so damaged in the head but I agree she has gone too far. She will be hung this afternoon.”
“NO! Mother, she is just a child. The King remains unharmed and I will see to her punishment.”
Madu spoke up, “You? You can’t even discipline your army properly. Uncle Roland, your highness, I suggest in the interest of peace and as a consolation for you taking my wife as a lover, you pardon Allison’s actions and allow me to correct her behavior. I will see to Allison’s punishment in private. I like a bit of spirit in my women and unlike Adam I know how to break them in.”
King Roland seemed to hesitate. Hanta spoke up, “She is dangerous. You should just let her hang.”
Queen Leila stood up, “I think that is an excellent solution. Adam, you will allow Madu free reign to correct Allison’s behavior. If he is not successful or she does not comply, she will be hung. I cannot allow an attempt on the life of the King to go unpunished. Now, since this meal has been ruined, let’s just focus on discussing the situation at hand. Madu, what is your plan to deal with the invaders?”
“I will take my army to the Northern Coast and enlist some of the Northern tribes to prevent the invaders from coming ashore. My armies will engage any invaders that make it ashore. That will be when they are the most vulnerable. We will then torch their ships. Uncle, you must keep your men in Agbeko to protect the Queen. I do not anticipate any getting through but you never know.”
Adam spoke up, “Actually Madu, I am going to delay my men from going to the South so we can reinforce you.”
Madu stared at Adam, “No, you must go to the South.”
“And let you have all the victories while I look like a coward hiding in the South? I am not an idiot Madu, I know you are still trying for the throne.”
Kris noticed Leila and Madu exchange glances, “Adam, you need to be in the south in case they rebel. If we are busy fighting in the North and the King is forced to remain in Agbeko, we are ripe for being attacked from the south.”
“The southerners are not in any condition to fight. You are trying to keep me from any glory.”
Madu smiled, “It is not glory I am worried about it is defeat. You have a buffoon as a Captain and your army is undisciplined. I don’t trust you to have my back in battle. At least King Roland’s men are seasoned and their Captain competent.” Madu turned to his Uncle, “If you let Adam’s army anywhere near mine, I will not even bother to engage the enemy.”
Adam’s demeanor went from annoyed to furious, “You bastard! If I am not a part of this battle, the people will never respect me as a King.”
Madu smiled wickedly, “Maybe you can just bat your pretty blue eyes at them and they will just love you for your prettiness.”
Queen Leila raised her hands, “Enough, Adam you will continue your mission in the South but stay close enough that you can make it to Agbeko within two days. Roland your army will guard Agbeko and serve as a reserve force to Madu’s army. Madu, you will head North and destroy the invaders. Should their numbers be too overwhelming you must send a scout back here immediately. That is my final ruling.”
“Mother, you do not control the armies.”
“Son, I control all of Agbeko. Without me, your armies would not exist. Now do as I bid or I will relieve you of your command.”
“How?”
Madu smiled cruelly at Adam, “The Queen has my loyalty and my army is at her disposal.”
Adam looked at Madu and then just looked defeated. King Roland noticed the exchange and also looked a bit subdued, “Leila, that is a sound plan. As King, I agree with the strategy. Adam, head South as commanded.”
Adam relented, “Fine, but Kris is coming with me to the South.”
Leila shook her head, “Don’t be ridiculous. If ever a bard was needed it is now during our moment of glory.”
Kris could tell Adam was freaking out. Neyou placed a hand on Adam’s shoulder, “Your highness, the bard will be kept off the frontlines so he can capture our victory in song. No harm shall come to him. I give you my word as Captain of the Guard.”
The King looked at Neyou confused, “Who cares where the hell the bard is? Rather than grand songs, just bring us the enemy’s heads on a stake.” The King looked Kris up and down, “Why are we even dining with a bard? Anyway, Madu, have you seen these invaders? What color is their skin?”
Madu seemed surprised, “Most of the people that have come from across the sea are darker than Agbekians. What is your point?”
“I think perhaps for this battle it might be better to have Agbekians leading the charge.”
Neyou spoke up, “Your highness, I have served Agbeko since I was eight years old now you question my loyalty?”
“Actually, I have never questioned it because I don’t think your people know anything about it. I never thought you were worthy of being an officer in my army much less Madu’s second. However, I have kept my silence because of your success on the battle field. At least Terrance has some of my blood but you…you have no decent blood in you. ”
Neyou’s nostrils flared in anger. Madu placed a hand on Neyou’s arm and laughed,
“Really, Neyou, did you forget how black your skin is and inferior a race you come from? Clearly, we Agbekians know far more about everything because we are of course…white. Maybe the sun has destroyed your people’s brains or maybe you all became dark from playing in mud instead of snow. Perhaps, my Uncle can enlighten us how such a lower form of life could ever traverse the seas to our shore.”
Kris bit his tongue to not laugh at the sarcasm dripping from Madu’s voice. Queen Leila shook her head, “Madu, stop being ridiculous. King Roland does have a point. We do not know exactly who these invaders are and what they want. These are dangerous time perhaps we should proceed with caution.”
Madu became serious, “Neyou is my Captain of the Guard and if you won’t respect him as the son of the King’s wife, then you better at least treat him as a senior officer of your strongest army. Neyou has shown nothing but loyalty and the men follow his lead. I will not go into battle without him and it will be over my dead body that he is relieved of his position. As for Terrance, I agree he should be relieved but not because of his skin color but his stupidity and preoccupation with Raja.”
Adam just shook his head, “Uncle Roland, I really don’t think switching up our armies is a good idea right before a battle.”
“Fine, I just hope should the need arise, Madu, you remember where your loyalties lie.”
“Have no fear Uncle, my loyalties have never wavered.”
Roland just snorted, “Have Neyou and Terrance meet with my Captain to discuss the coordinating instructions and signals. May the goddess be with us all.”
Madu looked at his Uncle coldly, “And may she smite Agbeko’s true enemies no matter who they are.”
The King stood up and allowed Hanta to take his arm. Hanta glared at Madu and turned to Allison, “Good luck with Madu because he is a hundred times crueler than Roland and seeks pleasure through other people’s pain.”
They walked out. Allison was paralyzed with fear. Madu came over, “Well, it appears the monster has gotten you after all.”
Adam pushed Allison behind him, “Madu, do not hurt-“
“Adam, she is to be punished for trying to kill the King. I can do whatever I like to her. Besides anything shy of death, she is still ahead. Now, don’t make a scene. I think you have your own affairs to get in order.”
The Queen stood up, “Adam! You will stand aside and give Allison to Madu or I will have her hung.”
Madu grabbed Allison roughly, “Come along, my little traitoress, we are going to have some fun.”
Allison looked at Adam in sheer terror which made Kris’ heart heavy. He hoped Madu would display the same kind of gentleness he had with the children. However, based on his earlier actions of punching his wife, Kris doubted he would be merciful. Adam grabbed Madu’s arm, ”I swear to you if you go too far, I will never forgive you.”
Madu shrugged, “Based on recent events, perhaps it is good to have a bit of a wall between us.”
Madu walked out pulling a dazed Allison. Adam turned to his mother, “How could you allow this to happen? He is going to hurt her?”
“Adam, just be thankful we relented on her death sentence. We can’t allow attempts on the lives of royalty. Your Uncle may abuse his position but that doesn’t justify your wife acting like a hellcat and trying to kill him. You are not around her much, I really think she is disturbed. I have tried to help her but she doesn’t seem to be rising up to the challenge of being a King’s wife. I have been tolerant because the current King’s wife is worse.”
“If you all hate the people from across the ocean so much, why did Uncle Roland marry one?”
Queen Leila shook her head, “My Uncle, the King before Roland, insisted he marry her to keep them out of our lands. It seemed to work until now. I remember when their ship first arrived. They were very scary and seemed so…primitive. Roland was devastated when he was told he would have to marry one of their women. Supposedly, she was a princess that had lost her husband. They offered my Uncle a couple chests full of gold and promised they would not come back. They also warned if any harm came to the Princess or her son, they would unleash unspeakable evils into our world. They had an old man with them that seemed to have mystical powers. Whatever they said or did, my foolish Uncle believed them. My brother had no choice, he married her and gave her a child. In the beginning she was a handful but she calmed down after Terrance was born.”
Adam seemed thoughtful, “Mari was always nice to Madu and me when we lived there. She used to tell us fantastic stories and she always snuck us food when we were being punished.”
“Well, don’t trust her because she blames you for Madu and Neyou going away all those years. I am just glad she keeps to herself and doesn’t make a fuss about Roland’s affairs.”
Kris spoke without thinking, “Doesn’t anyone ever marry for love or like their spouse here?”
Leila laughed, “Not in the Lambert clan. Your mother is lucky she left especially if she found a man she loves. Adam, forget about Allison for now and focus on your duties. I know we have had our difference but you are my son and the future King. May the goddess keep you safe.”
The Queen left. Adam turned to Kris, “We need to talk.”
Kris followed Adam to his chambers. Adam was rubbing his temples, “Kris, I am sorry you were upset when you saw me touching Madu. I don’t know what I was thinking. We had been talking and then he fell asleep. I was pretty drunk and didn’t even realize what I was doing.”
Kris didn’t really believe what Adam was saying but he promised Madu he would play along. Kris hoped he could contain his anger enough to pretend to forgive Adam. “So you don’t still have feeling for him?”
Adam looked away which was a clear sign he still did. Adam took a deep breath, “Sometimes I think about what would have happened if all those years ago if we weren’t caught. Even when he was purposely hurting me, I always hoped we would be close again. Not as lovers but more like good friends.”
What a bunch of crap! Kris nodded, “In Agbeko, do friends often touch one another like lovers?”
“Well, we are not as repressed as you are in the South. I was not touching him as a lover and we were both dressed. Kris, nothing happened. I love you and I miss you when we are not together. I wish I could walk away from all this and be with you. Don’t take this the wrong way but in a lot of ways you are like Madu was all those years ago. You are open, loving and so trusting…”
Kris could feel himself getting worked up over the comparison. Adam apparently saw him as a pale version of Madu. Kris just needed to play his role and get away from Agbeko as soon as possible. Kris took a deep breath before saying what he promised he would, “Adam, I love you and I want to be with you. I hope one day you can get over Madu and give me your heart.”
Adam kissed Kris, “You have my heart, it is just the rest of me I am not free to give. I still have a wife, the throne, and tremendous responsibilities. I still can only offer you stolen moments.”
Kris felt himself faltering and actually wanting to believe Adam’s words. With Adam so close and touching him, he couldn’t even remember why he was so angry. Kris stared into Adam’s blue eyes and became lost. He loved Adam more than he loved himself. He was obviously willing to accept Adam’s situation and even the fact that he still loved Madu.
“Adam, I am not sure what the future holds. I am a little nervous about the battles in the North and maybe stolen moments are all anyone ever has. Let’s not waste this one.”
Adam’s eyes lit up and he kissed Kris softly on the lips. Kris returned the kiss with more passion. If there was a chance that this was to be last time together, Kris was not going to hold back. Kris continued to kiss Adam while removing his own garments. Adam seemed on board with the plan and also removed his own. A few moments later, both had given in to their passion. It was a night Kris would never forget and hoped Adam felt the same. Kris laid beside Adam, exhausted both emotionally and physically. Kris could tell Adam was worried, “Are you worried about Allison?”
“Of course, I just can’t figure out why she reacted so violently to my Uncle. I just hope Madu doesn’t take his anger at me or my uncle out on her. I don’t think he would rape her but he obviously has no problem hitting a woman. Plus, Allison tends to say things she shouldn’t.”
“Why don’t you just go check on them?”
“I can’t. If I react badly, Madu will too. If he killed me, it might look justified. I am beginning to wonder if that is not the plan. Perhaps, my mother and him really have conspired against me. Kris, I am beginning to question my own judgment and I don’t know who to trust.”
“I know the feeling. Why don’t I go check on them? Madu doesn’t care enough about me to get too irate and I am not a threat.”
“No, there is nothing to be done but to wait.” Kris held Adam wondering whether Adam was upset because Allison was being hurt or because the man he was still in love with might be sleeping with his wife. Adam seemed to relax a bit in Kris’ arms and smiled up at him, “Kamea, you make my world bearable.”
Kris smiled weakly thinking Adam was having the opposite effect on him.