The sharp point punched through skin and muscle.
Pain nearly blinded her.Her eyes watered and flooded as light flashed in her field of view.She didn't cry out.As much as her body's reaction was not her fault, it was still her oversight.Ultimately, she must also discipline herself.She pulled the pin out, slick with red, and stabbed again.
For the cowardice.
Again.
For the arrogance.
Again.
For letting him win.
Again.
Each puncture brought forth a silent, furious scream.Each was a desperate attempt to etch the lesson into her very flesh.Blood welled and dripped, spattering the white of her dress, joining the stain of the soup, a chaotic map of her failure.
The physical pain began to calm her tumultuous mind.Her breathing slowed, and the tremors in her hand subsided, replaced by a throbbing, bloody ache.
She stood there, leaning over the table, pin poised for another strike, but the frantic energy had bled out with her blood.
The lesson was learned.
She pulled the pin free one last time and dropped it on the table.
The rules were clearer now.
It was her mistake.
She would not be caught unaware twice.
Her memories were complicated and sticky, as though they had been pulled out and stuffed back into her head more than once.
Her relationship with Somadina.Why she had gone to his room that night.Why she had been so willing to enter the palace.The story of a village girl who stole the heart of a prince she met once.A prince she had fallen in love with.The charming, dashing, perfect Okpalaeze and the foolish girl who thought his glances showed concern and that his flattery came from his heart.That his hands on her skin and his lips on hers were a blessing from the gods.
Taking in a deep, shuddering breath, she closed her eyes, exorcising herself of such feelings, unwilling to give in.
Azul of the Borjigin did not lose.
Not to men.
Not to the gods.
Not to anyone.
Borji would sit on that throne, whether they liked it or not.
His underestimating her, till the very end, would be his greatest mistake.
Her ears perked up.
Hesitant footsteps outside her door.Nkiru’s voice, thin with worry, called through the wood."Akwaugo?Are you… is everything alright?"
Azul closed her eyes, forcing a breath down her raw throat.The voice that emerged was stripped of all emotion."I am fine, Nkiru."
"The… the Great Khan is here to see you."
Azul said nothing.Silence was permission enough.
