All night long, Elim didn't take a break. He just paused for a quick sip of water, staying alert for any trouble from his attackers. He kept going into the night, making sure to put a good distance between him and the unfriendly village he'd left behind.
This wasn't the first time he'd gone on such a journey without breaks or food. Since the king banished him from Maribah, he'd traveled to many places, faced hunger, and slept in really cold spots. He was ready for whatever came his way, thanks to the tough times he'd faced early in life.
As morning approached, he glanced around at the vast vegetation with tall trees and grasses. His arm hurt from riding all night, and he hoped to find a village to rest for a bit before heading to Maribah.
After hours of traveling through vast lands and forests, he finally arrived at a lively village along the road. Within him, a hope lingered that it wouldn't be as hostile as the one he left behind. Observing the vibrant town, he noted women of different shapes laughing and chatting, men engaged in silent conversations, and children playing throughout the streets. A cheerful ambiance enveloped the place as he searched for a spot to tie his horse.
Before he could fully appreciate the town, his praise was cut short. He saw someone being thrown out of a drinking parlor, the very place he had intended to visit first. Waiting and watching, he saw a hefty man dash out and unleash blows on the poor man on the ground. Laughter and cheers echoed from the men behind him, while the man on the floor struggled to defend himself from brutal blows.
The entire scene left Elim feeling upset, prompting him to clench his fist with a desire to avenge the man on the floor. However, he knew he had to mind his own business, aiming to rest and continue his journey to Maribah the next day. Ignoring the screams and the hefty man dominating the scene, he entered the parlor in search of food and a place to rest.
Yet, the echoing laughter of the men and the heavy thud of their footsteps trailed him. "Odomudo," the men hailed the hefty man, who brushed past Elim, hitting his shoulder without an apology. Suppressing his frustration, Elim bit his lips, resisting the temptation to engage in another confrontation.
"Get me another cup of wine fast!" the man barked at a petite woman serving him. Elim overheard the words as he walked to the front of the bar to speak with the owner.
"Please, give me a moment. I need to ensure she serves him well to avoid incurring his wrath on us!" the man pleaded with Elim, his voice slightly shaky as he spoke of the man named Odomudo. From the corner of his eyes, Elim observed the hefty man tearing into a piece of meat like a wild animal, he knew instantly that he was the type who wouldn't hesitate to cause harm. He was a troublemaker and he didn't try to hide that.
The man's uncivilized eating habits, the small eyes on his masculine square-shaped face with large lips, and his mistreatment of others stirred frustration and anger in Elim. Despite this, he wasn't ready to get into another fight and made up his mind to mind his own business.
———
"When mother wakes, tell her I have gone out on an important errand" Soma told her maid hurriedly while she covered her face with a hooded robe.
Her maid nodded hurriedly, so Soma wouldn't think she was judging her for waking so early to go in search of the prince.
Her heart raced in anticipation of seeing Prince Mayo again and sharing a kiss with him again, yet she was still upset that he had made everyone feel he was in love with Zeep the last time they were at the wrestling ground. She just couldn't let Zeep take away the man she wanted—a man capable of bringing pride to her family and making her the queen, the second most important person in Maribah.
These thoughts filled her with concern as her little feet hurried down the river pathway to catch the prince while he was alone. But she was greatly disappointed when she got there and saw no sign of the prince. Her heart twisted like there was a dagger thrust in it as she envisioned him with Zeep, sharing a passionate kiss like they had done. She held back tears and ran back home to think of what to do this. But before she got home, something told her to summon some courage and enter the palace to find the prince at his private balcony. It was a bold action to take but she was filled with the desire to feel his tender lips on hers that she didn't care. She covered her hood over her face and hurried towards the back entrance of the palace, disgusting herself as a servant.
Inside the palace she saw Prince Mayo lying on a long feathered bench, being fed fruits by a young maiden. The sight puzzled her – was it too early for berries? Still, her heart sang at the sight of her prince with only a servant.
"I shouldn't be here but I couldn't help myself after the last time we spent together" Soma confessed, startling the prince who immediately stood at alert.
But when he saw it was the beautiful and seductive Soma, he smiled and waved the servant girl away.
"You must be the bravest maiden in Maribah to enter the palace just to find me" Prince Mayo stated, standing up to lift her hood off her face.
"You look stunning, yet upset with me. What could possibly have spoilt our beautiful growing relationship?"
"I'm not upset; it's just that I can't shake the feeling you can never be mine! It haunts my nights, picturing not having you all to myself, my prince," Soma confessed.
"Hmm, intriguing. Your boldness is quite uncommon in Maribah. But is this why you came, or is there something I've made you feel that you've returned for?" Prince Mayo inquired, drawing her closer. Their bodies pressed together, their breaths heavy, before he kissed her deeply. Soma felt her senses slipping away before she spoke up.
"Wait, Prince Mayo. The other day, you were with Zeep, and you acted like you didn't know me."
"Have you come to scold me or enjoy some time with me?" he asked, showering kisses on her saddened face. As he attempted to remove her dress, she stopped him.
"You may have misunderstood me because of the last time we met. But, my prince, I'm not the kind of girl you think I am. I don't want to be your side piece; I want you to marry me instead. I know you can see that I'll be a better wife than Zeep will ever be! She's cold, but I am fiery and passionate. I will make your days easy and happy, and your nights filled with hot passion," Soma declared.
The prince, after listening to Soma, paused and gradually sat on his seat. His silence made her fear rejection, prompting her to fall on her knees in front of him, offering all of herself to him.
I'm willing to do anything to make you see I'm the right one," she declared, about to slip off her robe when they heard approaching footsteps.
"You must go now! No one can see us together, especially my family. Please, go!" He dismissed her before instructing whoever it was to halt at the door.
Soma hurriedly left the backyard, tears streaming down her face, as she heard the prince's younger brother inquire about her identity and why she was avoiding being seen by him. While Prince Mayo said she was nobody. Her heart boiled in anger and made her even more determined to get the prince to fall for her by all means.