Fic: The Servant (17/?)
Kris and the Prince spent another day at the pools. By the end Kris could flail/swim almost the whole length. Luckily Adam had thought that was a good enough improve to warrant his “reward”. Kris was not just attracted to Adam physically but found him to be a fun person when he was away from duty. Kris genuinely liked the Prince and in another life could imagine them being friends. As they started to pack up, Kris felt some tension starting to build.
“What is your mother like, your highness?”
Adam shrugged, “She is a strong Queen and takes her position seriously. She can be nice when she wants to be.”
“Are you close to her?”
Adam shrugged, “I am her son.”
“That doesn’t always mean you are close. I am closer to my mother than my brother Daniel.”
“Well, I guess Neil, my younger brother, is closer to my mother than me because he lived with her more. As the heir, I moved in with my Uncle the King when I was nine years old. Hopefully, you won’t have much contact with my mother. After all, you are just a servant so stop worrying.”
Just a servant. Kris was going to struggle with not having Adam’s undivided attention. Kris wondered what exactly he would be doing and where he would be staying in the…castle? He didn’t even know where Agbekian royalty lived.
“Does your mother have a castle?”
Adam laughed, “No, a castle would be ridiculous in this environment. She has a big house and there are servants living around her house. My Uncle, the King, resides in the same village but in a separate house. He is probably away. He does not enjoy living with his wife. He prefers his mistress which is in another village and he usually finds an excuse to be there. It is a bit of a scandal but tolerated since for the most part he is a good King.”
“Maybe I could be your mistress?”
Adam laughed, “Well, I am not sure how that would go over and my Aunt is a lot more understanding than Allison would be.”
Kris had forgotten about Allison and suddenly felt really guilty. Kris felt worse about hurting an innocent child than his looming eternal damnation. Even so, it was not enough guilt to give Adam up. They finished packing and headed out. Kris sat in front of Adam as they rode.
Adam kissed his neck, “I am going to try and insist you stay in the room with Allison and I. We won’t share a bed but atleast I will know where you are and you are safe. Hopefully, my mother will not insist you stay in the servant’s quarters.”
“I’d rather not hear you with Allison.”
“I am not going to bed her during this visit.”
Kris just let it drop since he had no idea what the servants quarters were like and which was the lesser of two evils. They arrived at a larger village than the one they had stayed in. As they rode in, people fondly greeted the Prince. They got to an impressive compound which was more than a house but less than a castle. Kris stiffened with anxiety. Adam noticed and wrapped his arms tighter around Kris. They arrived at the stables and climbed down. Servants immediately assisted them. Adam handed Kris his personal bag and they walked toward the main structure. Kris was really nervous and then saw a blur of red hair. A second later Adam grunted as Allison practically knocked him over.
“Addie, you are finally here. The Queen is waiting for you. Something is going on but no one will tell me exactly what but I think you are in trouble.”
“Don’t be silly, Allie, why would I be in trouble.”
Allison shrugged, “Maybe because I am not pregnant and Madu’s wife is going to give birth soon. I met her. She is very beautiful but seems really scary, even scarier than Madu. Your mother said she was a ‘conniving bitch’. Everyone thinks she is too beautiful and going to cause trouble. Your mother tried to make her stay here in the village during the pregnancy but she refused. She is staying with Madu’s sister instead. Your mother is furious and even Madu’s mother is upset. Apparently, they all assumed he had married her younger sister so they were shocked when a full grown woman arrived.”
Adam frowned, “Why did she even come here? Besides, Madu’s sister is supposed to be out finding a husband.”
Allison shrugged, “I guess she is taking a break. Besides, she can have whoever she wants since she is also beautiful and going to be the Queen. I think Hanta came here because it was on the way. Oh, plus she demanded some servants and some gold. She claimed Madu had been too busy fighting the Queen’s wars to see to her daily needs.”
Adam nodded, “She sounds like a handful. At least it sounds like you have been being entertained.”
Allison hugged Adam tighter, “No, I hate all this stuff. Your mother is trying to make me go to Madu’s sister’s house to keep an eye on Hanta. I don’t want to go. I don’t think she likes me. Please, tell her no.”
“Allie, I am only going to be here for a little bit and then I have to go fight. Won’t it be nice to get away from my mother and stay with some younger people?”
“They are not that young and they think I am a baby. Why can’t I go with you? I can ride and I can wield a sword.”
Adam shook his head, “You would distract my men. Now, stop being so dramatic. Do you remember, Kris.”
Allison smiled, “Hi Kris, he is not calling you Kamea anymore, you must be getting better.”
Kris smiled tightly, “I think he said my real name for your benefit. It is good to see you your highness.” Kris was having a hard time figuring out who becomes what in Agbekian society and once again forgot his filter. Kris looked at Allison, “Aren’t you going to be the Queen, your highness?”
Allison looked at him like he was stupid, “Of course not, I am a princess and going to be the King’s consort. Only the Lamberts can be Kings and Queens. So usually the King and Queen are brother and sister. In Adam’s case he does not have a sister so Madu’s sister will be Queen. She is the daughter of Queen Leila’s sister. Just as well, because it is no fun being the Queen.” Allison turned to her husband, “Adam, you should teach your servant about our culture and you have to improve his manners. Why am I explaining who I am to a servant?”
Adam frowned, “I don’t know why you answered him. Kamea, as usual, you forget yourself. Are you planning on interrogating the Queen too?”
Allison laughed and Kris frowned knowing Adam was right, “I am sorry, your highnesses. I don’t think it is a blessing I know your language.”
Adam nodded, “I agree. Try not to speak. Don’t pretend not to know our language though because if the Queen finds out you lied she will kill you for being a spy.”
Allison’s interest perked up, “Ooh…are you a spy, Kris?”
“No, of course not your highness.”
Allison became bored with his answer and focused on her husband. She was chatting him up on everything under the sun. Kris wondered if incessant chatter was perhaps an Agbekian trait. They went into the main building and into a big hall. Kris was nervous. When they got inside Kris was shocked to see his own mother. She looked different because and he realized she was wearing Agbekian attire. She ran over immediately and hugged Kris.
“Thank God, you are alive. I have been worried sick ever since you left. A few days after you departed, we received word that over half the men had died in the first battle. I prayed you weren’t one of them.”
Prince Adam went by them and pulled Kris back, “Men die in battle all the time. He is my servant now, you all agreed.”
A very regal looking woman came over and smacked Adam across the face, “Adam, how could you? She was your Ama and you thank her by taking her son and making him your… servant?”
Adam shrugged, “She ran away so it is only fitting her son serve me. Besides, she is lucky I didn’t kill him.”
“Ran away? Adam, what are you talking about?”
Kris could see the pain in Adam’s eyes, “She left me without even saying goodbye. She was supposed to be with me until I came of age to go to the King. Instead, she left without a thought about me.”
Kim looked at Adam, “I had to leave you. Leila, didn’t you tell him?”
Leila shook her head, “I had to keep the illusion you ran away and honestly what did it matter? He was too attached to you anyway and he needed to grow up. Besides, he didn’t seem to care all that much anyway.”
Kim looked at Leila, “You promised you would tell him.”
Leila shrugged, “Excuse me but I got distracted ruling a nation. Anyway, I helped Kim leave because your Uncle had been obsessed with her and you weren’t a baby anymore. If she had stayed, he would have raped her and that was not acceptable. As you know so well, the men in our family have a real inability to control themselves.” Leila turned to Kris, “Kris, did my son touch you?”
Kris could not believe how mean Adam’s mother was and really felt bad. He also found her very intimidating and cold. Kris looked at Adam and hoped he could lie effectively, “No, your highness, of course not. He did not beat me at all.”
Kris felt the Queen scrutinizing him, “My son has certain tastes and he doesn’t always behave appropriately. Like his Uncle, he often thinks only of his needs. Did he make you be with him…sexually?”
Kris looked at Adam again, “No, your highness, your son understands my culture does not allow men to lie together and he respected that.”
Kim hugged him, “Thank God. See Leila, I told you Adam is a gentle soul and still kind.” Kim turned to Adam, “Thank you for keeping him safe. I am sorry you thought I left you. I hated leaving you and not a day went that I didn’t miss you.”
Adam seemed uncomfortable, “Why didn’t you come back or send a note?”
“It wasn’t safe and then I had my own family. I couldn’t risk it. Your Uncle can be very petty and mean. I only risked it now because I feared for my son’s safety. Adam, in your case, I knew you would be safe and you had Leila.”
Adam looked sad, “I hated you because I missed you so much. I thought maybe I had done something to make you leave.”
Kim went by the Prince, “Adam, you were perfect and I hope you haven’t changed. I did worry your Uncle would have a bad affect on you.”
Prince Adam stiffened, “He made me a warrior and taught me not to let emotions affect my judgment. I took your son because we needed men for battle,”
The Queen snorted, “Well, he taught you well since like him you think with your manhood instead of your heart and mind. Kim, Adam is definitely not the innocent boy you remember. He is a grown man with most of the faults we find in all of them only more perverse.” Leila turned back to Adam, “I hope for your sake, Adam, Kris is telling the truth and you did not hurt him. I will not allow another man that forces himself on people to be King. Our people deserve better.”
Adam became angry, “He is my servant. I can do what I like to him. Even if we had sex it is not rape because he is mine.”
Kris noticed his mother paled at Adam’s words. He had briefly forgotten just how revolting pre-marital sex was in his culture and how taboo homosexuality was for a Southerner. Kris was pulled from his thoughts by a loud crack. Leila had slapped Prince Adam again, “First of all, you should not have made him your servant. Secondly, just because someone is not in a position to say no, you should not take advantage. Thirdly, this is not the first time you have been accused of inappropriate behavior and I am beginning to think it is a pattern. So help me, I will give the throne to Madu if I find out you are just like your Uncle.”
Kris felt horrible, “Your highness, the Prince did nothing wrong. In fact, he went out of his way to keep me safe.”
Allison spoke up to defend her husband, “You highness, when I was there Kris even slept in our rooms so he wouldn’t be hurt by other soldiers or servants. Adam would never hurt anyone and Madu would not make a better King.”
The Queen smiled, “You are a good wife, Allison, but I think you are wrong on both counts. Madu would make a fine King. He is at least man enough to impregnate his wife. His only problem is he married trouble but at least he is ambitious.” Leila turned to Adam, “While you are busy being foolish, Madu is positioning himself for the throne. Not only has he managed to have the first born, his bitch wife is solidifying her relationship with the next Queen. What is your wife doing? Hiding in my house and acting like a child. Since Madu is so fertile, maybe you should just have him bed Allison. After all he is your Nisca and blood is blood. I am beginning to think you don’t want the throne.”
Princess Allison snapped, “NO! I would never let Madu touch me. I am married to Adam and he is the one I want.”
The Queen glared, “Watch your tone, young lady. Besides, you are being silly. It is perfectly acceptable for wives to be shared between Niscas and frankly Madu at least knows a little something about women.”
Kris noticed Allison was shaking and moved closer to Adam. Adam became annoyed, “Mother, stop instigating trouble and stay out of my marriage. You may have a lot of say but you do not get to tell me or my wife what to do in the bedroom. For your information, if Madu wanted the throne, he could have had it this last battle. He saved my life.”
Leila shook her head in disappointment, “So stupid, Adam. Figures the one thing you would inherit from your father is an inability to understand intrigue. Well, since you are here, tonight we will have a celebration for your return and then tomorrow Kris and Kim will be escorted back to their village.”
Prince Adam reacted, “Kris is not leaving me, he is my servant!”
Kris also panicked, “Your highness, I agreed to serve him in return for sparing our village. I cannot go back on a promise.”
Kim hugged him, “Nonsense, Kris, you have done your duty and now you can come home.”
Kris did not want to leave Adam. This was going bad very quickly. He couldn’t imagine never being with him again. Kris turned to his mother, “Mama, what about the other men? I cannot leave them behind.”
Leila smiled indulgently, “Kim, your son is very honorable. Don’t worry, Kris, they shall be freed too.”
Adam spoke up, “No, mother, you overstep your boundaries. You do not get to interfere with my army either. These men have become warriors and are needed for battle. You cannot order them to leave.”
Leila became annoyed, “Adam, you are on thin ice. Do you really want to cross me on this matter? Kris is going back with his mother. He should never have been made a servant. For the record, Kim was your Ama because you needed special attention. She was never a servant to us. Your grandmother took her in and raised her as my sister. That is why you had such a loving Ama. So, as far as I am concerned although Kris is not your Nisca, he is like your cousin and should be accorded the same respect. So, you see he cannot be your servant. That would be ridiculous and insulting. Now, go get cleaned up for the celebration and make sure you show Kris to the preferred guest rooms he and Kim are occupying.”
Adam seemed completely caught off guard by the revelation that Kris was not just a lowly Southerner. In fact, it would seem mother had grown up not as a servant but as a princess. “Yes, your highness.” Adam bowed formerly before turning to go. In contrast, Kris hugged his mother before bowing to the Queen. He followed Adam and Allison out. Once outside the main chamber Adam asked Allison to go ahead to his room and have a bath drawn for him. Allison hugged Adam tightly before leaving them alone.
Kris was not even sure what to say and what Adam must be feeling. Surprisingly Adam smiled, “Wow, so this is awkward. It seems I may have gotten a few things wrong. Anyway, thank you for not telling the truth.”
That was not the reaction Kris was expecting after such an emotional confrontation. Just watching the Queen attack Adam had made him weak. Kris just shook his head, “Wow, your mother…is tough.”
Adam laughed, “She is a bitch. That is part of the reason I missed yours so much. You were lucky to have Kim your whole life. I never knew really thought to ask who she was and my Uncle certainly never brought her up to me. As you can tell, communication and expressing feelings is not very big in Agbekian culture. ”
“Adam, I don’t want to leave. I can’t imagine not being with you. I don’t like being a servant but I did enjoy you.”
Adam laughed, “You really are a loyal bastard, aren’t you?”
“I want to stay.”
“I want you to stay too but how can you? My mother is right, you cannot be my servant. You deserve more. I cannot give you a place of power in my army because you can’t even fight.” Prince Adam seemed to be thinking hard and then his eyes lit up, “Maybe I can give you an honorary position. You can be a bard. You can write songs about the battles. Then you can continue to be with your men and…me.”
Kris liked that idea but then heistated, “Will you get another servant?”
Adam smiled, “Well…not one that will share my skins.”
Kris smiled, “Good. I just hope our parents agree.”
Adam frowned, “I think you need to work on your mother tonight.”
“I will try. Adam, I really do love you.”
Adam frowned, “Kris, even if this works, I am still married and still heir to the throne. Our relationship will always take a back seat to my duties. Are you sure you are willing to give up being a village chief for that?”
Kris knew Adam was making an excellent point but the thought of returning to such a reserved existence left him cold. He wasn’t ready. Kris would rather spend a year here and then go back to his village when he got Adam out of his system. “I won’t be giving anything up. I will honor my promise to serve in your army for a year and then go home. I will become your bard and then after a year we will part.”
“Perfect plan. Kamea, I really underestimated your intellect. You are brilliant.”
They had just reached an ornate door. Prince Adam opened the door a revealed an opulent room, “This, my brother, is your room.”
“Don’t call me that. It is creepy. So now I guess I really can call you Adam.”
“Well, in a formal environment you should still address me formerly like I do the Queen. However, yes in informal environments in front of others you may refer to me by my name.”
“Will you stop calling me Kamea?”
“In public but I reserve the right in private. I think it suits you. I told you Kamea is not really an insult. It is a preferred pet that is known for its loyalty. Tell me how that doesn’t suit you?”
“I am not a pet, I am a person.”
“Instead of splitting hairs, how about you kiss me while we have a few minutes of privacy?”
“Is that an order?”
“A request, well, more of a hopeful plea, actually.”
“In that case…” Kris kissed Adam and melted in his arms. There was no way Kris was leaving him in the morning. In fact, Kris wondered if he could leave him in a year. Hopefully, in a year’s time, Adam would make him mad enough to go.
“What is your mother like, your highness?”
Adam shrugged, “She is a strong Queen and takes her position seriously. She can be nice when she wants to be.”
“Are you close to her?”
Adam shrugged, “I am her son.”
“That doesn’t always mean you are close. I am closer to my mother than my brother Daniel.”
“Well, I guess Neil, my younger brother, is closer to my mother than me because he lived with her more. As the heir, I moved in with my Uncle the King when I was nine years old. Hopefully, you won’t have much contact with my mother. After all, you are just a servant so stop worrying.”
Just a servant. Kris was going to struggle with not having Adam’s undivided attention. Kris wondered what exactly he would be doing and where he would be staying in the…castle? He didn’t even know where Agbekian royalty lived.
“Does your mother have a castle?”
Adam laughed, “No, a castle would be ridiculous in this environment. She has a big house and there are servants living around her house. My Uncle, the King, resides in the same village but in a separate house. He is probably away. He does not enjoy living with his wife. He prefers his mistress which is in another village and he usually finds an excuse to be there. It is a bit of a scandal but tolerated since for the most part he is a good King.”
“Maybe I could be your mistress?”
Adam laughed, “Well, I am not sure how that would go over and my Aunt is a lot more understanding than Allison would be.”
Kris had forgotten about Allison and suddenly felt really guilty. Kris felt worse about hurting an innocent child than his looming eternal damnation. Even so, it was not enough guilt to give Adam up. They finished packing and headed out. Kris sat in front of Adam as they rode.
Adam kissed his neck, “I am going to try and insist you stay in the room with Allison and I. We won’t share a bed but atleast I will know where you are and you are safe. Hopefully, my mother will not insist you stay in the servant’s quarters.”
“I’d rather not hear you with Allison.”
“I am not going to bed her during this visit.”
Kris just let it drop since he had no idea what the servants quarters were like and which was the lesser of two evils. They arrived at a larger village than the one they had stayed in. As they rode in, people fondly greeted the Prince. They got to an impressive compound which was more than a house but less than a castle. Kris stiffened with anxiety. Adam noticed and wrapped his arms tighter around Kris. They arrived at the stables and climbed down. Servants immediately assisted them. Adam handed Kris his personal bag and they walked toward the main structure. Kris was really nervous and then saw a blur of red hair. A second later Adam grunted as Allison practically knocked him over.
“Addie, you are finally here. The Queen is waiting for you. Something is going on but no one will tell me exactly what but I think you are in trouble.”
“Don’t be silly, Allie, why would I be in trouble.”
Allison shrugged, “Maybe because I am not pregnant and Madu’s wife is going to give birth soon. I met her. She is very beautiful but seems really scary, even scarier than Madu. Your mother said she was a ‘conniving bitch’. Everyone thinks she is too beautiful and going to cause trouble. Your mother tried to make her stay here in the village during the pregnancy but she refused. She is staying with Madu’s sister instead. Your mother is furious and even Madu’s mother is upset. Apparently, they all assumed he had married her younger sister so they were shocked when a full grown woman arrived.”
Adam frowned, “Why did she even come here? Besides, Madu’s sister is supposed to be out finding a husband.”
Allison shrugged, “I guess she is taking a break. Besides, she can have whoever she wants since she is also beautiful and going to be the Queen. I think Hanta came here because it was on the way. Oh, plus she demanded some servants and some gold. She claimed Madu had been too busy fighting the Queen’s wars to see to her daily needs.”
Adam nodded, “She sounds like a handful. At least it sounds like you have been being entertained.”
Allison hugged Adam tighter, “No, I hate all this stuff. Your mother is trying to make me go to Madu’s sister’s house to keep an eye on Hanta. I don’t want to go. I don’t think she likes me. Please, tell her no.”
“Allie, I am only going to be here for a little bit and then I have to go fight. Won’t it be nice to get away from my mother and stay with some younger people?”
“They are not that young and they think I am a baby. Why can’t I go with you? I can ride and I can wield a sword.”
Adam shook his head, “You would distract my men. Now, stop being so dramatic. Do you remember, Kris.”
Allison smiled, “Hi Kris, he is not calling you Kamea anymore, you must be getting better.”
Kris smiled tightly, “I think he said my real name for your benefit. It is good to see you your highness.” Kris was having a hard time figuring out who becomes what in Agbekian society and once again forgot his filter. Kris looked at Allison, “Aren’t you going to be the Queen, your highness?”
Allison looked at him like he was stupid, “Of course not, I am a princess and going to be the King’s consort. Only the Lamberts can be Kings and Queens. So usually the King and Queen are brother and sister. In Adam’s case he does not have a sister so Madu’s sister will be Queen. She is the daughter of Queen Leila’s sister. Just as well, because it is no fun being the Queen.” Allison turned to her husband, “Adam, you should teach your servant about our culture and you have to improve his manners. Why am I explaining who I am to a servant?”
Adam frowned, “I don’t know why you answered him. Kamea, as usual, you forget yourself. Are you planning on interrogating the Queen too?”
Allison laughed and Kris frowned knowing Adam was right, “I am sorry, your highnesses. I don’t think it is a blessing I know your language.”
Adam nodded, “I agree. Try not to speak. Don’t pretend not to know our language though because if the Queen finds out you lied she will kill you for being a spy.”
Allison’s interest perked up, “Ooh…are you a spy, Kris?”
“No, of course not your highness.”
Allison became bored with his answer and focused on her husband. She was chatting him up on everything under the sun. Kris wondered if incessant chatter was perhaps an Agbekian trait. They went into the main building and into a big hall. Kris was nervous. When they got inside Kris was shocked to see his own mother. She looked different because and he realized she was wearing Agbekian attire. She ran over immediately and hugged Kris.
“Thank God, you are alive. I have been worried sick ever since you left. A few days after you departed, we received word that over half the men had died in the first battle. I prayed you weren’t one of them.”
Prince Adam went by them and pulled Kris back, “Men die in battle all the time. He is my servant now, you all agreed.”
A very regal looking woman came over and smacked Adam across the face, “Adam, how could you? She was your Ama and you thank her by taking her son and making him your… servant?”
Adam shrugged, “She ran away so it is only fitting her son serve me. Besides, she is lucky I didn’t kill him.”
“Ran away? Adam, what are you talking about?”
Kris could see the pain in Adam’s eyes, “She left me without even saying goodbye. She was supposed to be with me until I came of age to go to the King. Instead, she left without a thought about me.”
Kim looked at Adam, “I had to leave you. Leila, didn’t you tell him?”
Leila shook her head, “I had to keep the illusion you ran away and honestly what did it matter? He was too attached to you anyway and he needed to grow up. Besides, he didn’t seem to care all that much anyway.”
Kim looked at Leila, “You promised you would tell him.”
Leila shrugged, “Excuse me but I got distracted ruling a nation. Anyway, I helped Kim leave because your Uncle had been obsessed with her and you weren’t a baby anymore. If she had stayed, he would have raped her and that was not acceptable. As you know so well, the men in our family have a real inability to control themselves.” Leila turned to Kris, “Kris, did my son touch you?”
Kris could not believe how mean Adam’s mother was and really felt bad. He also found her very intimidating and cold. Kris looked at Adam and hoped he could lie effectively, “No, your highness, of course not. He did not beat me at all.”
Kris felt the Queen scrutinizing him, “My son has certain tastes and he doesn’t always behave appropriately. Like his Uncle, he often thinks only of his needs. Did he make you be with him…sexually?”
Kris looked at Adam again, “No, your highness, your son understands my culture does not allow men to lie together and he respected that.”
Kim hugged him, “Thank God. See Leila, I told you Adam is a gentle soul and still kind.” Kim turned to Adam, “Thank you for keeping him safe. I am sorry you thought I left you. I hated leaving you and not a day went that I didn’t miss you.”
Adam seemed uncomfortable, “Why didn’t you come back or send a note?”
“It wasn’t safe and then I had my own family. I couldn’t risk it. Your Uncle can be very petty and mean. I only risked it now because I feared for my son’s safety. Adam, in your case, I knew you would be safe and you had Leila.”
Adam looked sad, “I hated you because I missed you so much. I thought maybe I had done something to make you leave.”
Kim went by the Prince, “Adam, you were perfect and I hope you haven’t changed. I did worry your Uncle would have a bad affect on you.”
Prince Adam stiffened, “He made me a warrior and taught me not to let emotions affect my judgment. I took your son because we needed men for battle,”
The Queen snorted, “Well, he taught you well since like him you think with your manhood instead of your heart and mind. Kim, Adam is definitely not the innocent boy you remember. He is a grown man with most of the faults we find in all of them only more perverse.” Leila turned back to Adam, “I hope for your sake, Adam, Kris is telling the truth and you did not hurt him. I will not allow another man that forces himself on people to be King. Our people deserve better.”
Adam became angry, “He is my servant. I can do what I like to him. Even if we had sex it is not rape because he is mine.”
Kris noticed his mother paled at Adam’s words. He had briefly forgotten just how revolting pre-marital sex was in his culture and how taboo homosexuality was for a Southerner. Kris was pulled from his thoughts by a loud crack. Leila had slapped Prince Adam again, “First of all, you should not have made him your servant. Secondly, just because someone is not in a position to say no, you should not take advantage. Thirdly, this is not the first time you have been accused of inappropriate behavior and I am beginning to think it is a pattern. So help me, I will give the throne to Madu if I find out you are just like your Uncle.”
Kris felt horrible, “Your highness, the Prince did nothing wrong. In fact, he went out of his way to keep me safe.”
Allison spoke up to defend her husband, “You highness, when I was there Kris even slept in our rooms so he wouldn’t be hurt by other soldiers or servants. Adam would never hurt anyone and Madu would not make a better King.”
The Queen smiled, “You are a good wife, Allison, but I think you are wrong on both counts. Madu would make a fine King. He is at least man enough to impregnate his wife. His only problem is he married trouble but at least he is ambitious.” Leila turned to Adam, “While you are busy being foolish, Madu is positioning himself for the throne. Not only has he managed to have the first born, his bitch wife is solidifying her relationship with the next Queen. What is your wife doing? Hiding in my house and acting like a child. Since Madu is so fertile, maybe you should just have him bed Allison. After all he is your Nisca and blood is blood. I am beginning to think you don’t want the throne.”
Princess Allison snapped, “NO! I would never let Madu touch me. I am married to Adam and he is the one I want.”
The Queen glared, “Watch your tone, young lady. Besides, you are being silly. It is perfectly acceptable for wives to be shared between Niscas and frankly Madu at least knows a little something about women.”
Kris noticed Allison was shaking and moved closer to Adam. Adam became annoyed, “Mother, stop instigating trouble and stay out of my marriage. You may have a lot of say but you do not get to tell me or my wife what to do in the bedroom. For your information, if Madu wanted the throne, he could have had it this last battle. He saved my life.”
Leila shook her head in disappointment, “So stupid, Adam. Figures the one thing you would inherit from your father is an inability to understand intrigue. Well, since you are here, tonight we will have a celebration for your return and then tomorrow Kris and Kim will be escorted back to their village.”
Prince Adam reacted, “Kris is not leaving me, he is my servant!”
Kris also panicked, “Your highness, I agreed to serve him in return for sparing our village. I cannot go back on a promise.”
Kim hugged him, “Nonsense, Kris, you have done your duty and now you can come home.”
Kris did not want to leave Adam. This was going bad very quickly. He couldn’t imagine never being with him again. Kris turned to his mother, “Mama, what about the other men? I cannot leave them behind.”
Leila smiled indulgently, “Kim, your son is very honorable. Don’t worry, Kris, they shall be freed too.”
Adam spoke up, “No, mother, you overstep your boundaries. You do not get to interfere with my army either. These men have become warriors and are needed for battle. You cannot order them to leave.”
Leila became annoyed, “Adam, you are on thin ice. Do you really want to cross me on this matter? Kris is going back with his mother. He should never have been made a servant. For the record, Kim was your Ama because you needed special attention. She was never a servant to us. Your grandmother took her in and raised her as my sister. That is why you had such a loving Ama. So, as far as I am concerned although Kris is not your Nisca, he is like your cousin and should be accorded the same respect. So, you see he cannot be your servant. That would be ridiculous and insulting. Now, go get cleaned up for the celebration and make sure you show Kris to the preferred guest rooms he and Kim are occupying.”
Adam seemed completely caught off guard by the revelation that Kris was not just a lowly Southerner. In fact, it would seem mother had grown up not as a servant but as a princess. “Yes, your highness.” Adam bowed formerly before turning to go. In contrast, Kris hugged his mother before bowing to the Queen. He followed Adam and Allison out. Once outside the main chamber Adam asked Allison to go ahead to his room and have a bath drawn for him. Allison hugged Adam tightly before leaving them alone.
Kris was not even sure what to say and what Adam must be feeling. Surprisingly Adam smiled, “Wow, so this is awkward. It seems I may have gotten a few things wrong. Anyway, thank you for not telling the truth.”
That was not the reaction Kris was expecting after such an emotional confrontation. Just watching the Queen attack Adam had made him weak. Kris just shook his head, “Wow, your mother…is tough.”
Adam laughed, “She is a bitch. That is part of the reason I missed yours so much. You were lucky to have Kim your whole life. I never knew really thought to ask who she was and my Uncle certainly never brought her up to me. As you can tell, communication and expressing feelings is not very big in Agbekian culture. ”
“Adam, I don’t want to leave. I can’t imagine not being with you. I don’t like being a servant but I did enjoy you.”
Adam laughed, “You really are a loyal bastard, aren’t you?”
“I want to stay.”
“I want you to stay too but how can you? My mother is right, you cannot be my servant. You deserve more. I cannot give you a place of power in my army because you can’t even fight.” Prince Adam seemed to be thinking hard and then his eyes lit up, “Maybe I can give you an honorary position. You can be a bard. You can write songs about the battles. Then you can continue to be with your men and…me.”
Kris liked that idea but then heistated, “Will you get another servant?”
Adam smiled, “Well…not one that will share my skins.”
Kris smiled, “Good. I just hope our parents agree.”
Adam frowned, “I think you need to work on your mother tonight.”
“I will try. Adam, I really do love you.”
Adam frowned, “Kris, even if this works, I am still married and still heir to the throne. Our relationship will always take a back seat to my duties. Are you sure you are willing to give up being a village chief for that?”
Kris knew Adam was making an excellent point but the thought of returning to such a reserved existence left him cold. He wasn’t ready. Kris would rather spend a year here and then go back to his village when he got Adam out of his system. “I won’t be giving anything up. I will honor my promise to serve in your army for a year and then go home. I will become your bard and then after a year we will part.”
“Perfect plan. Kamea, I really underestimated your intellect. You are brilliant.”
They had just reached an ornate door. Prince Adam opened the door a revealed an opulent room, “This, my brother, is your room.”
“Don’t call me that. It is creepy. So now I guess I really can call you Adam.”
“Well, in a formal environment you should still address me formerly like I do the Queen. However, yes in informal environments in front of others you may refer to me by my name.”
“Will you stop calling me Kamea?”
“In public but I reserve the right in private. I think it suits you. I told you Kamea is not really an insult. It is a preferred pet that is known for its loyalty. Tell me how that doesn’t suit you?”
“I am not a pet, I am a person.”
“Instead of splitting hairs, how about you kiss me while we have a few minutes of privacy?”
“Is that an order?”
“A request, well, more of a hopeful plea, actually.”
“In that case…” Kris kissed Adam and melted in his arms. There was no way Kris was leaving him in the morning. In fact, Kris wondered if he could leave him in a year. Hopefully, in a year’s time, Adam would make him mad enough to go.