Darkest Love by Melody Tweedy

the corner of Annie’s hut. It pulled the eye in, made you marvel at the density of those golden freckles.
    Rain pulled the door open, preparing to charge out, bracing himself for the cool air that always blew in from the river at this hour of the night. He cleared his throat, ready to release a holler of the only type the Kaamo kids would understand: Loud.
    But it did not happen. Standing at Annie’s door, on the shore of the river lapping peacefully and frothily under a gibbous moon, was a girl.
    The most beautiful girl Rain had ever seen.
    * * * *
    Annie ran to the door and almost laughed when she saw Sola’s face over Rain’s shoulder. She had described Rain to Sola as my strongest bringer of fire —the Kaamo expression for hot really. No wonder Sola’s amber eyes sparkled with awe and curiosity.
    â€œPrincess Sola.” Annie had meant to tell Rain about this but the small matter of the sex—that psychosexual excavation had undergone—had gotten in the way. “Princess Sola. This is the man. My fire-bringer.” She placed a hand on Rain’s shoulder. “Rain Mistern.”
    Rain swept around. “This is her?”
    Annie nodded. Taking Sola’s hand in her right hand, and Rain’s in her left, she weaved the fingers together. The clasp hung loosely. It was the Kaamo gesture for friends meeting in goodwill.
    â€œPrincess Sola, newly liberated from her hiding pace. She walks free, for she has decreed that our meeting is important.”
    Annie stared at the connected hands. Sola’s hands astonished her. Everything about them, from the mocha skin tone to the slender fingers to the crescent moons on the fingernails, was as perfect as the rest of her.
    â€œWelcome, bringer of fire,” Sola said to Rain. “You bring warmth to the night. My eyes and Miss Annie’s are sparkling like the stars.” Sola’s teeth flashed as she grinned, and her eyes were indeed lit up. “For our meeting the universe has been gathered up…” She swept her hand through the air. “…and concentrated in our eyes, and in our hands.” She nuzzled Rain’s fingers with her nose.
    Rain’s mouth dropped open. He did not look away from Sola, but directed his next comment to Annie. “She speaks English?”
    Annie nodded. She couldn’t help laughing at Rain’s face. He looked like he was about to faint.
    * * * *
    â€œIt was Paulo who taught Sola to speak English,” Annie explained. “Remember the guide who was here?”
    â€œAnd how exactly was this negotiated? If she is barely allowed to leave her caves?”
    â€œThrough her tribesmen, of course. Paulo has been coming to Sivu since it was discovered.”
    Rain scoffed. “I know the Kaamo. They are deeply protective of their women. No way would they let a white man cut a deal with their princess.”
    â€œAh, that’s where you are wrong.” Annie shuffled, wishing Sola and Rain would drop their hand clasp. They were staring at each other like a bride and groom. Annie was positioned like the priest, ready to recite some vows to them. “If Sola decrees something, it happens. We are talking about Princess Sola, Mr. Mistern.”
    â€œThey are very pro-tec-tive,” Sola said, finding that word difficult. “They are pro-tec-tive indeed. Yes. Very much.” Her smile was cheeky and warm, and her eyes danced like imps. “But I explained. I told my men that on the night Annie came, I had a dream. I dreamed she and the man she loves will find peace on Sivu, and bring me much happiness.”
    Annie saw Rain’s Adam’s apple jump, and her own cheeks burn. The man she loves.
    â€œWait until you hear what’s next.”
    â€œIn my dream there was a storm.” Sola paused, smiling. “Rain. Rain falling from the sky. And when it evaporated…” She threw her hands up, finally dropping Rain’s hand. “…it