Chapter 8

Three full moons later...

Tonight is the first night of the new moon and I specifically chose it to do my task. It's completely dark except for the stars and the distant flickering torches. My dark clothes helped camouflage me as I silently hid behind a tree. It was the perfect spot. I could view the new rajah's abode and not risk being seen.

I grabbed a bow from my quiver and tied an important message I have to deliver. I have to aim for the perfect moment. A soldier was patrolling the grounds and he seemed nonchalant as his replacement came. The former hurriedly left to relieve himself behind the building.

Getting impatient, I stretched the string with the arrow against it. I exhaled and relaxed my shoulder as I aimed for the post above the guard's head. Just then, the perfect opportunity arose. It was General Dula himself who came! He talked to the soldier for a bit and the latter bowed his head in respect. I released the arrow. It tore through the usurper's hair tie, causing his hair to fall to his shoulders. He caught sight of the weapon that almost took his life and jerked his head towards the direction it came from. Good thing it was dark.

In a second the rest of the warriors gathered around the rajah. Their swords and spears raised in combat. I heard the leader yell instructions to find the shooter. Meanwhile, Dula saw the piece of paper tied to the arrow and read it. He crumpled it and threw it to the ground.

After making sure he got my message loud and clear, I started moving. I was careful to avoid the dried branches and leaves as I fled but missed a single twig partially covered in soil. I stepped on it and a crack loud enough to be heard broke through the night.

"There!", someone shouted.

My location was revealed. I had no choice but to run as fast as I can.

I passed by several houses and I was the only person around. It was close to midnight after all. And people retire early as most of the men here fish for a living. They have to wake up and be at sea long before sunrise. Good thing I brought a different set of clothes. I chose them exactly for this ocassion. I hastily wore my blouse and skirt and covered my head with a shawl.

I could hear the men's voices getting louder signalling their approach. But I couldn't risk getting caught in hiding. That would be more suspicious.

Leaving my dark hiding place, I headed towards the main avenue. I heard footsteps behind me and quickened my pace. I was about to run when my hand was suddenly grabbed and I came crashing against someone's chest. I still couldn't see his face as I was significantly shorter and he was wearing a straw hat preventing any light from illuminating his features. He pulled me against a mud wall and shielded me.

The soldiers were just around the corner and I could feel my heart beating in my throat.

Just as I heard a guard demand who we were, I felt lips crash against mine. The world suddenly stopped and all I could think of was how wonderful it felt to be held by this man. His familiar scent filled my nose and I felt my knees give out beneath me.

"What are you doing here?" , the warrior demanded. Upon realizing what just transpired, he chuckled teasingly.

"Sorry. I just couldn't stop myself. My wife is too beautiful not to be kissed". Senapati's voice.

What? My mind was in a state of chaos. How in the world did this man find me? Did he even know it was me? Why did he kiss me? Did he just say I'm his wife? Maybe I'm hearing things. After his kiss shattered my being, I couldn't even begin to formulate a single coherent thought.

"You don't seem sorry though", the soldier smirked. "You better go home and stake your claim on your wife before somebody else does".

I felt the lakan place his hand around my waist possessively. He said one final word of greeting and we walked home.

A few steps forward and I heard the warrior address me.

"Wait!", he called out.

I turned to face him. My heart beating faster this time. Not from the kiss but from the prospect of getting caught.

"Did you see a man in dark garb?", he inquired.

"Sorry but I didn't", I said.

"We were a little preoccupied, as you saw", Senapati this time. A playful tone in his voice. His hand was still aginst my back. It didn't help that it felt too warm against my skin despite the layers of clothing I had.

Spirits! I was about to be discovered and this man had the audacity to joke about our moment of intimacy? I really don't understand how his mind works! Oh, how I would love to smack his head right now!

The warrior nodded in contentment with the answer given him and directed us to head home.

Several paces onward and I walked faster to be as far from him as possible. He jogged closer beside me and grabbed my shoulder. He leaned into my ear and chuckled.

"Be careful darling wife", he whispered. "We still have an audience".

Helpless, I let him hold me. The entire time feeling as if my heart would explode. Not because of the possibility of death, but because of this man's body brushing against mine.