He continued, trusting she would understand the meaning behind his words."And when I return, I intend to tell you my wish.You told me I could ask anything of you, didn’t you?"
Yet he was promising to survive.
She nodded slowly."Anything at all."It was the least she could do."What is it you want?Is it the Grass Sea?The entirety of Oblivia?Anything, I will give you."
His eyes smiled."Even if what I want is not something you’re willing to hand over?"
Azul felt her heart slow to nothingness.
Her hands clenched in her lap.The heat in the room was suddenly unbearable, pressing against her skin, making it difficult to think.She looked away—just for a moment, just long enough to gather herself—and when she looked back, his eyes were still there.Waiting, patient, hopeful in a way that made her chest ache.
"As long as you are patient with me," she said, "I—" She stopped.The words felt like they were being pulled from somewhere deep, somewhere she'd never considered unsealing in this lifetime."I will not make you wait long."
He closed his eyes, inhaling as though accepting her answer.Once a beat had passed, he opened them again."Very well.But Khatun, how should I survive in the meantime?While I wait.At the very least, I shall consider it a blessing.It will keep me alive."
She could hear her pulse in her ears, and her palms were damp.
"At least, seal our contract."
Reaching out, Azul looked up through her lashes."Hand me your blade."
He did as instructed.
Unsheathing it, she took it to her hair, cutting off a lock.
She extended her hand once more."I bless you with many more victories, Great Khan; you will not lose."She repeated the words said to him that day.And she supposed it set his soul on fire, for he took her bandaged hand and brought her wrist to his lips.
"Come back to me," she whispered.
He looked up at her, as if savouring the sight.
"As long as my wife wishes, I’m afraid, I must oblige."
Two processions formed in the main courtyard—one led by Borji, the other by Ragnar.Borji's party was smaller, though Ragnar had not come with many men at all.But those who rode behind him were considered the best of mortals, the best of beasts.
Ragnar sat on his black steed, dark eyes scanning the crowd.
The wives had gathered to see them off, a sea of white robes and veiled faces.The object of his affections was nowhere to be found.
"Great Khan!"Thane called, slowing his horse."We should leave now."The faster they set off to meet Varok, the faster they’d be back.
They just hoped they wouldn’t be too late.
Ragnar looked around once more, hands tightening around his reins.
Thane called again.Ragnar's jaw tightened.
He turned his horse forward.
Something caught the corner of his eye.
A single petal drifted past.It was pale, almost white, spinning lazily in the morning air.Then another.Then a third.He looked up, following their descent, and found the sky softly full of them, thousands of pale petals falling like the gentlest snow he had ever seen, catching the early light as they tumbled over the courtyard, over the horses, over the heads of men who had gone still and silent without quite knowing why.
He looked everywhere at once — the rooftops, the gates, the gathered women below.
Then he found the window.
She wasn’t waving, nor did she call to him.The petals fell around her and her hair whipped with the high winds.
