Page 78 of Wrath of the Oracle

“What about your mother?” Ojore hardly mentioned his mother in their talks.

”She’s dead to me.” His expression grew cold, and his jaw clenched.

“She passed away?” Sholei asked. Something switched in his tone and she turned to face him.

“She’s very much alive and thrives in my father’s harem.” His voice didn’t change. The silence which followed was too loud. Sholei discovered she didn’t know much about Ojore apart from what Mueni told her.

“You are lucky enough to have a mother in your life.” Sholei was taken aback by the indignation in his voice.

“Sometimes not having parents is a blessing.” Ojore laughed, but it sounded hollow.

“I’m sure you don’t mean that,” she admonished him.

“Imagine this.” Ojore’s gaze roamed the river. “A father who pits his sons against each other and a mother who pushes you away. Do you think that’s a normal family?”

“At least you had your grandfather. He must have treated you right.” Sholei redirected the discussion to a safer topic.

Ojore’s eyes found hers. “He’s no longer alive. My mother couldn’t attend her father’s burial. I had to perform the funeral rites myself to guide his soul to the three doors of the afterlife.” His face darkened as if reliving the memories of that day.

Sholei’s heart squeezed at the thought of the young Ojore going through all the challenges alone.

“It must have been hard for you.” She smoothed his fists and squeezed his hand.

”I learned fast enough how to depend on myself to survive.” Ojore intertwined their fingers. That must have been how he became assertive and smart. For him to endure the challenges of the army and become a conqueror at his age wasn’t a small feat, Sholei thought.

“You have Musembi. I have a feeling she would do anything for you.” Ojore reminded her. Sholei smiled. Musembi was ready to run away with her. She was lucky, and she would protect the old woman.

“During the time you were in my camp, she camped outside the court and pleaded with King Gusiwaju to save you,” Ojore added.

“How did you know that?” Sholei raised her eyebrows.

“The same way I learned of your imprisonment once you made it back to the Mukuru capital.” Ojore measured his words and gauged her reaction. “My golden crest was found in the cells.”

“All my life, I have been an outcast in this community, and now, they are coming after my life.” Sholei chuckled at the irony of her situation. The people she craved acceptance from hated her the most.

“If there is something I have learned from fighting wars, people will always choose someone or something else to put their blame on.”

“What if they are right? What if my destiny is tragic?” she searched his gaze. She waited for him to confirm he experienced dreams like her.

“Every man has a choice of controlling his fate. You can decide your destiny,” Ojore encouraged.

“You are right.” She glanced at their joined hands. “I do have control.” Sholei closed her eyes. “I want you to make me a promise.” A single tear dropped from her eye.

“Anything for you.” Ojore wiped a stray tear with his knuckle.

“Once I join the Imperial Physicians in Faye Islands, I will cut off communication with you.” Ojore tightened his grip on her. It would give her time to understand the Oracle’s words.

“Anything but losing you,” Ojore’s voice strained and his jaw ticked. The flames behind his eyes smoldered. High Lord Keita.

“You have to promise no harm will come to Musembi, no matter her choice. If anything happens to her, I might not be able to bear it.” Sholei forced herself to look into his eyes, and the pain and anger behind his gaze cut to her heart, but she held her ground. Her heart sank, but she came to terms with the fact her future with Ojore was as delicate as morning dew, beautiful but elusive. It was time to convince him to let her go. Her feelings for him weren’t enough to make her stay. The Oracle’s vision cemented her decision.

Ojore conquered Mukuru and was responsible for the deaths of many people. Sholei couldn’t get past the idea of being happy together with so much torment around them, no matter how fulfilled she felt by his side.

“Why?” His voice was tight.

“You said it yourself; I can control my fate. Will you let me, or will you try to influence my choice?” Ojore dropped her hands and stood back.

“You are using my words against me.” He turned his back to her and faced the river.

---