Page 68 of Wrath of the Oracle

“No need. I will go to him later,” Sholei said. She didn’t have the strength to stand before the Imperial Physician after she escaped the military camp. What would she say? Would he understand her motivations? The number of people disappointed in her kept growing by the day.

“Go on then,” Akima urged her, his voice impatient.

Before the door stood two fearsome-looking guards who narrowed their eyes when she approached. Akima turned and left to attend to other duties, after making it clear she would be receiving Musembi’s dead body if she didn’t cure Ojore’s sickness—a threat Sholei didn’t question.

Sholei walked forward and stopped at the wooden door, her hands clammy and slippery, unprepared to meet Ojore just yet. The deep rumble of his voice reached her ears, and her heart skipped a beat. She missed hearing his voice. She couldn’t bear to meet him in her current disheveled state. Sholei turned to Mueni and said, “Help me prepare to meet the prince.”

“Gladly, My Lady.” Mueni nodded.

Mueni and Sholeislipped back into their familiar routine. A set of rooms was prepared for her, together with the gifts and clothes she accumulated during her time at the Dembe camp. It felt as though she never left.

Mueni recounted everything that happened after Sholei ran away. The morning after thatfateful night, Ojore and his soldiers took off for the Keseve Market, with orders that the remaining soldiers should break down the camp and follow them. The injured soldiers, in need of healing, were sent back to Dembe for further medical attention.

“I was ordered to follow the prince in case you returned and had no one to serve you,” Mueni said as she fastened Sholei’s long embroidered skirt. Sholei, resplendent in gold-colored attire, couldn’t help but marvel at the elegance of her clothing. Even after her betrayal, Ojore never stopped providing for her. She felt like a caged bird, only this time, her decisions imprisoned her. The number of times she asked herself what-ifs in the previous days was uncountable.

What if she had listened to Musembi and stayed back in the medicine yard instead of meeting Ojore during the celebrations? What if she hadn’t saved Ojore’s life the first time they met and left him for dead in the forest? Would their fate still be entangled like this? What if she didn’t take the hit meant for Prince Gane? What if…

“He was furious when you were gone. I fear that the men bore his wrath on the battlefield,” Mueni’s voice brought Sholei to the present.

Sholei didn’t want to think about that. If what happened on Lake Alokove was something to go by, the battle must have been brutal.

“It broke my heart when I woke up and found you left nothing except for your clothes and gifts,” Mueni continued, her voice somber.

“The gifts are yours. I wanted to thank you for keeping me company those days I was held captive.” Sholei replied, meeting Mueni’s eyes in the mirror.

“I wouldn’t think of doing that. They are from the prince. They represent his affection for you.” Mueni shook her head.Affection? More like a hangman’s noose.

After a while, Mueni was done. Sholei left her chambers and walked toward Ojore’s rooms. It was late evening, and darkness settled. Crickets were loud in the air, and the scent of blooming flowers was strong.

Sholei didn’t hesitate at the door. She walked past the threshold with slight acknowledgment from the towering guards. There wasn’t any need to hesitate. Whatever happened would happen, no matter how much she hoped for a different ending.

The room was dimly lit, with fading embers that cast a soft glow at its center. No torches burned and created a shadowy atmosphere. Sholei recognized a familiar scent—the fragrance of Ojore’s favorite scented wood, a scent that clung to him, his clothes, and his skin.

“Who’s there?”

Sholei almost stopped breathing at the timbre of his voice. She followed the voice and walked deeper inside the room. A wide wooden table surrounded by small stools stood beside the fire pit.

Ojore sat on one of the stools, his face inclined in her direction. Sholei took a long look at him and noted his locks roped in neat plaits on his head. His captivating eyes were on her, their intensity undimmed. Had she not been informed earlier that he lost his eyesight, she wouldn’t tell.Like the golden embers of fire, a warm glow reflected deep in his gaze.Lord Keita, Musembi said.

“Light footsteps,” Ojore observed and tilted his head in her direction. Is that you, witch? You have always been hesitant whenever you approach me.” A faint smirk danced across his lips and deepened the allure of his dark presence.

“My lord.” Sholei choked on her tongue. Hearing him call her witch was heartwarming. He hadn’t lost his sense of humor.

“Come closer.” His dark voice was a magnetic pull that drew her toward him. He raised his right hand in her direction. Like a moth to light, she approached him. She could end up burned, but Sholei didn’t care at that moment.

She moved closer until she came to stand before him. He sat on the low stool with his legs spread. His glorious chest was bare, and he was dressed in long blue attire with golden patterns around his waist. He sported a small, freshly bandaged cut on his chest. She raised her fingers to touch it.

When her fingers contacted his skin, he hissed and grabbed her wrist. Ojore pulled her to him and flattened her palm on his chest. Sholei felt the muscles beneath her hand flex and she swallowed. The movement excited her. He pulled her into his lap, and Sholei felt a jolt of awareness in her lower stomach when the hard muscles of his thigh moved underneath her.

“Do you know what happens when an eagle sees a snake on the plains?” His voice dropped to a low, dark, and dangerous tone. Sholei couldn’t get enough of it.

“They get devoured.” Her breath scattered, her heartbeat thumped up and down and nearly escaped her chest.

“That’s right. This time, Sholei, you’re the snake between my talons.” He grabbed her by the chin and tilted her head upward. Sholei knew he couldn’t see her, but his gaze pierced her as though he looked straight into her heart.

Was she gazing at High Lord Keita?The thought died in her mind as his lips found hers.

He kissed her, and Sholei went tight and loose at the same time. She melted in his embrace. His lips were soft, a stark contrast to the tough exterior he portrayed. The kiss was gentle and allowed her to acclimate to his touch. She reciprocated and kissed him back. Ojore groaned and pulled her closer, his kisses growing bolder, intoxicating her further.

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