Dark Eros

5

Fumnaya was in a foul mood. The look of utter frustration on his face said it all. He could no longer force a smile to appease his parents. Again...she had evaded him again. Just as he had had her, she had disappeared into the growing crowd. He had been so close to having her in his arms. So close to kissing those soft lips. Tasting her sweetness.

He leaned forward on his throne, a dark expression on his face. His frustration might as well have been sitting on the wooden table before him.

"Why must you be so down on such a joyous event?" His mother, Adae, asked softly. "I have heard. The servants gossip, they say you are angry because a woman has outsmarted you."

He turned to look at her, finding her eyes just as blue as his own. "They are correct."

She frowned, "You need not chase. Why should you? When there are so man-," he cut her off with an exasperated sigh.

"I want no other." He said truthfully, his eyes shinning with a determination that surprised his mother. She had never seen him quite so determined or passionate before.

"This woman, she has slipped through my fingers more than once. No one else will do, I want no one but her. Mother, I have never wanted anything or anyone, as much as I crave her." He reached for his mother's hand, realizing that he must have shocked her. "Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you. But I am merely frustrated. I am at wits end."

Adae truly looked at her son, she knew, she had always known about the boredom in his eyes, the unease that seemed to waft off of him. She was his mother after all, she bore him, raised him...his unhappiness had only grown over the years, there was an emptiness in him that she was not sure how to fill. No amount of jewels, or companionship or respect could seem to fill it. But this...this woman that he craved, this faceless woman had somehow managed to bring light to his eyes. Animation to their depths. Passion in his voice. Resolve and determination to his needs.

Adae wrapped her hand around her sons and squeezed gently. "Do not fret." She smiled softly, "There are seers in one of the tribes. Great seers, they have been known to predict many things and even help those in need of love."

He frowned, "Seers?"

"I have summoned them for a reading and medicinal herbs. You should have a reading as well. Ask them if you will ever see this woman again, if she will ever be yours."

He shook his head no. He would much rather search for her himself. She was here somewhere and he would find her. That he was sure.

"I will make you no promises mother for I intend to search for her now that I know that she is here."

His mother sighed before shooting him a look, "You will come and at least acknowledge the gift our people possess." Her words were a command and not a request.

"Must I come?" Ife asked with panic. Her blue eyes was the prince. And she had denied him twice. Going to see the queen would only leave her prey to him.

Her grandmother turned in her direction, a soft look of concern on her face. "You are one of the most gifted of our lineage. Of course you must. You read eyes better than I did."

Her grandmothers words halted her further complaints. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint her. The fear and anxiety the gripped her chest only seemed to grow. She forced a smile and reached for her grandmother's hand.

"You are right. I'm sorry. I was just being...foolish."

Her grandmother smiled before calling her sister over. They walked at a comfortable pace, Ife helping their grandmother as they journeyed to the largest mud clay hut. They were welcomed inside and to Ife's relief were only greeted by the queen and several servants.