Page 22 - Microsoft Word - FANG EMPIRE - NOVEL.docx

“As if she needed more teeth,” Kanja sighed.

Omar chuckled and GoGo dropped the faux formality. She burst into laughter and hugged

him tightly. The women of the court kept their distance but looked on with envy.

The colorfully costumed musicians pounded their drums and livened up the night heralding

a long line of royal servants parading out with silver trays of goat, lamb, chicken, beef, and all

manner of African delicacies. The savory aromas filled the great hall. The crowd cheered and

applauded as Zuba, Cane, and Raki entered.

“Just in time for dinner!” said Zuba.

“If I had to eat another desert hare . . . ,” Cane said.

Raki’s eye was on the other African delicacies, a group of lovely young girls. They looked

back at Raki with inviting smiles.

“I think I’ll have dessert first,” he said and made a beeline for the females.

“He’s found his feast. Let’s go get ours!” Zuba said.

“I’m right behind you!” said Cane.

Zuba and Cane joined the throng of guests as it made its way into the adjoining hall for

dinner. GoGo gazed lovingly at Omar. Her eyes for him were the stars that twinkled with the light

of heaven.

“Welcome home, my love!” she gushed and held his face in her hands, admiring his

beauty as she would a work of art.

Ramoth stepped into Kanja’s earshot. “Thy queen belongs to another man, thine own son.

If he were not the fruit of her womb, she would be his queen . . . not yours,” Ramoth whispered

and walked away, leaving the king to ponder his forbidden words. The serpent’s tongue, like a

venomous arrow, hit its intended target—Kanja’s heart.