When he walked in, conversation faltered.
The female maids swallowed hard..- the sweat traced delicate paths down his body, catching the light until he gleamed as though carved from bronze. Heat gathered in the hollow of his throat, the curve of his shoulders. Each drop fell like a confession—unguarded, impossible to ignore.
The men didn't look away from him .- they measured, assessed, and finally nodded with the wordless agreement that this was a man you didn't challenge lightly.
Behind him, servants staggered under the weight of animals from his hunt. The sheer abundance left the people stunned, whispering if there were even beasts left in the forest.
They all bowed low as he made his way to his chamber.
"Prepare the bath." he said, his smooth, deep voice brushing against their ears like velvet, impossible to ignore.
" Tell the beauties-" He paused. The corner of his mouth curving in a grin that was equal parts charm and warning.
" - daddyis home! " he finished his statement.
Laughter and gasps rippled through the hall, though no one was sure whether to smile too widely. His teeth flashed with mischief, but his eyes—dark, sharp— held the promise that even play could turn deadly.
" E gbe otin jade...bring out the wine! " He commanded,still smiling, his presence filling the hall like fire and shadow both.
>
>
The room was heavy with the sweet scent of jasmine, clinging to the skin like a second touch. His long, neat locks slipped through gentle fingers as tender hands moved back and forth across his chest. Broad and solid, his chest rose with each breath, tapering into the tight ridges of disciplined muscle. A low, rough sigh escaped him — the kind born of desire. His breath grazed the men's ear, sending shivers down their spine. Soft giggles, hungry kisses, and moans that brimmed with longing filled the chamber. To the prince, nothing eased the weight of the hunt quite like this.
" Prince.." one of the men whisperer, his soft Voice. He had a slender figure. He locked his eyes with the prince - his eyes brimming with desires.
The prince smiled.. he reached his hand out to him.- placing it on the man's nape, he drew him closer for a kiss. The young man moaned - his heart racing, the prince knew how to make his heart run wild.
Others saw this and pouted - showing their envy and jealousy. One shoved him aside and climbed over the prince, claiming his place on top.
The prince only laugh softly.- he wanted them all, just as much as they wanted him.
The chamber doors swung open. Heads turned sharply and hearts sank. The air shifted at once.
Standing there was the king — the prince's father. His tall frame filled the doorway, broad shoulders carrying the weight of power. His presence was heavier than the scent of jasmine, colder than steel. Dark eyes swept across the room, sharp and unyielding, and the playful noise of kisses and giggles died to silence. His face was carved with authority, every line of it a reminder of who he was — a man obeyed, a man feared.
They scrambled off the bed, tugging at their clothes to appear decent, bowing low to the man who entered. In silence, they hurried out, legs trembling under his gaze.
Displeasure was written all over the prince face as he watched his toys flee the room.
He stood up quickly and bowed. "Father."
The king's eyes bore into him, his scowl plain on his face.
The prince fought the urge to roll his eyes. He already knew what was coming.
"Ìwọ… you…!!" His father's voice thundered as he pointed a trembling hand at him, anger burning through every word.
The prince calmly reached for a band and tied his hair back, waiting for the storm to break.
"When will you grow up? When will you stop this nonsense? I warned you never to do this in my sight! Ómó ọba ni ẹ — you are a prince! And one day, you will rule. Is this how you plan to govern a kingdom?"
The prince sighed. "Father, this is just for fun."
"For fun, you say? If you must have fun, at least do it with women! There are beautiful maidens in this kingdom, yet you lie in bed with men."
The prince sighed again, heavier this time. "Baba… Father, I like men. You know this already. Stop trying to match me with women. They do not suit my taste."
"You are a disgrace!" the king roared. " You waste your days in the bosom of men. How do you expect to have an heir? What will become of this kingdom because of you?"
The prince let out a third sigh. Another episode, the same argument. His father refused to accept what he already knew — that his son would never change. His desires were fixed, and no amount of shouting would bend them.
At last, the king drew in a breath and straightened. His voice lowered but did not soften. " Enough. I did not come here to quarrel. I came with a message."
The prince tilted his head. "A message? "
"Yes. From the Emperor."
The prince's ears pricked at the word. "The Emperor?"
His father nodded. "That is why I came myself. The Emperor has given you — and the other princes — a task." He unrolled a scroll and handed it over.
The prince read it in silence, eyes moving carefully over the words. When he finished, a pang of sadness struck his chest.
'How will I leave my beauties behind?' he thought bitterly.