the corner of Annieâs 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 Annieâs 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 Solaâs face over Rainâs shoulder. She had described Rain to Sola as my strongest bringer of fire âthe Kaamo expression for hot really. No wonder Solaâs amber eyes sparkled with awe and curiosity.
âPrincess Sola.â Annie had meant to tell Rain about this but the small matter of the sexâthat psychosexual excavation had undergoneâhad gotten in the way. âPrincess Sola. This is the man. My fire-bringer.â She placed a hand on Rainâs shoulder. âRain Mistern.â
Rain swept around. âThis is her?â
Annie nodded. Taking Solaâs hand in her right hand, and Rainâs in her left, she weaved the fingers together. The clasp hung loosely. It was the Kaamo gesture for friends meeting in goodwill.
âPrincess Sola, newly liberated from her hiding pace. She walks free, for she has decreed that our meeting is important.â
Annie stared at the connected hands. Solaâs 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.
âWelcome, bringer of fire,â Sola said to Rain. âYou bring warmth to the night. My eyes and Miss Annieâs are sparkling like the stars.â Solaâs teeth flashed as she grinned, and her eyes were indeed lit up. âFor our meeting the universe has been gathered upâ¦â She swept her hand through the air. ââ¦and concentrated in our eyes, and in our hands.â She nuzzled Rainâs fingers with her nose.
Rainâs mouth dropped open. He did not look away from Sola, but directed his next comment to Annie. âShe speaks English?â
Annie nodded. She couldnât help laughing at Rainâs face. He looked like he was about to faint.
* * * *
âIt was Paulo who taught Sola to speak English,â Annie explained. âRemember the guide who was here?â
âAnd how exactly was this negotiated? If she is barely allowed to leave her caves?â
âThrough her tribesmen, of course. Paulo has been coming to Sivu since it was discovered.â
Rain scoffed. âI 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
âAh, thatâs where you are wrong.â 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. âIf Sola decrees something, it happens. We are talking about Princess Sola, Mr. Mistern.â
âThey are very pro-tec-tive,â Sola said, finding that word difficult. âThey are pro-tec-tive indeed. Yes. Very much.â Her smile was cheeky and warm, and her eyes danced like imps. âBut 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.â
Annie saw Rainâs Adamâs apple jump, and her own cheeks burn. The man she loves.
âWait until you hear whatâs next.â
âIn my dream there was a storm.â Sola paused, smiling. âRain. Rain falling from the sky. And when it evaporatedâ¦â She threw her hands up, finally dropping Rainâs hand. ââ¦it
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