CHAPTER 2.

"How dare a lowlife as you step into my family's convenience by this time of the night?" Mrs. Ortom hollered, the moment her both aged eyes caught Lucas sneaking into the family's compound on his toes.

Loss for words to save himself, He knelt in utmost sincerity to plead her understanding before the rest members were drawn out of their huts due to his fault. He did that in order not to displease the nap of his father.

She scanned him with so much disgust evident on her face before landing a heavy slap on his light cheek. Used to her regular actions, he pleaded continually until Markus, the first son of the house came in with drunken steps and a maiden under his arms supporting his way home.

The presence of her first son got her a little bit distracted though she tried a mountain to ignore him and go on with what she was doing to the outcast of a boy her husband calls a son.

"I loathe you, Lucas. I wish my lord never picked you up from the onset. I wish you died years ago. Your presence in our lives has drawn so much away from us. I want you very far away from my lord, my sons, and everything this household possesses. Begone! You are not needed here" She released in fury, treading her feet angrily on the soil as she headed towards her quarters leaving the lad all by himself on his knees.

Being used to her bantering, he stood then headed for his quarters with his face down to the earth but was halted in his steps the moment his sister's voice whispered his name.

Gem, the only daughter of her father has been an icon to the other maidens in the village. She held a sacred authority when it came to beauty. Her body was just made perfectly by her creator, her voice as sugar that sweetens bitterness, and her smile held an unexplainable antidote to many pains.

She's been Lucas's closest sibling right from their childhood days. He had been a great source of happiness to her. He had always showered her with much attention and made sure sadness never rested on her face until the very day she asked for an abomination.

Lucas' heart skipped a bit the instant she whispered his name. He stood till she came in view. 'Oh! How time flies' he thought as she stood before him wearing that smile that could make any man go out of his way to satisfy her.

"You've been avoiding me" She whispered.

"I've been busy on the farm and I'm so exhausted right now. Gem, I need some rest maybe some other time" He replied, leaving her behind as he headed for his hut.

Being swift, she ran after him and even overtook him. She rested on his bed as soon as she entered.

"Gem, you should be in your hut now" He coaxed, the instant he entered but got no reply from her.

Lucas stood before his bed, staring at his sister who did nothing but smile. Memories of the past came flooding his mind. The main reason he doesn't want the same to repeat itself.

"Brother, I just need you to attend to me and I will be gone" She released seductively, rising to meet his stance with her heart racing rapidly.

"I can't do this, Gem. You are my sister" He spilled, taking a few steps back.

"You keep refusing my offer, brother. After all, we shared in the past, I thought you loved me beyond my siblings. But, you never cared for me too. I love you brother and I will go to any length just to please you. Please Lucas attend my plea." She cried, clutching onto his waist in desperation.

Unhappy by her actions again, he removed her arms from his waist and briskly stepped out of his hut, leaving her in tears.

Sitting under the biggest tree at the center of the compound, his mind went back to the fateful day Gem became wild.

***FLASHBACK***

Coming back from the farm that day at sixteen he welcomed his little sister who turned fourteen that day. As usual, she would always be waiting for his arrival every day from the farm. Whenever she welcomed him, he would lead her into her hut or his so that they could spend a little time together. That day, she wanted to spend time with him right inside his hut. He obliged as he had made it a point of duty to always obey her choice first.

A few moments into their conversation, Gem became wild and started caressing his body which did a lot to his mind. He wondered what she was up to until she asked him to behave the way his father does to their mother. Instantly, he rose in dire disappointment and ordered her back to her room. She wept that night but he tried as much as not to be affected by her tears and since then, she has been on his neck.

***FLASHBACK ENDS***

He watched as she dragged her steps back to her hut in pain and disappointment. He released a sigh and then made his way back to his hut. That night, he could only wish for a better and more pleasant life.

The sunlight shone brightly in Ortom's compound as everyone got ready to go out to their various place of activity. Markus headed out to tap some wine in company with his brother Kim while Lucas and Ramsey headed for the farm in their various ways leaving the rest member of the family at home.

Diadem yawns widely as she steps out of her hut. She immediately proceeded to greet her mother before going over to the stream to fetch water after going in search of Ama, her childhood friend who went in company with her.

The duo chatted their way to the stream in the utmost joy that morning as each one told the tale of how their yesterday went.

"You must be ready to face a lot of rivals, my maiden friend" Diadem spewed, the instant Ama revealed her displeasure for the prince of Zamunda.

"I know you also have the same view as me," She said.

"Well, I was taught never to dislike anyone" Diadem revealed as Ama let out a chuckle.

"The prince also has eyes for you as you are now of age. I met him on the way to your house that same day I visited Mother. I know he went there for something important" Ama smirked cunningly, gaining a surprised look from her friend who later hit her lightly on the shoulder.

"The prince of Zamunda came to deliver the message his father, the King asked of him so you see my maiden friend, your thinking went too far" Diadem revealed.

"What about Lucas?" She asked with crunched brows.

Diadem smiled lightly at the sound of his name before stoning her friend a disapproving look.

"He hasn't said anything yet?" Ama asked, shocked at her friend's reaction.

"He believes we are just friends, Ama. Every new day, I desire to hear those words fall from his mouth. I look forward to hearing him desire me as his bride and not just a friend but I don't see that forthcoming" She narrated sadly.

"I think his mind is occupied for now, dear friend" Ama defended with a smile.

Diadem nodded in response to her reply before brightening up her countenance.

The duo continued in their pace towards the stream as they made other small talks.