She held his eyes—anger, fear, and desperation, but no loathing.
She knew what it was to be seen at your worst by someone who had no reason to be kind.
"Fine," she said."I won't."After all, it cost her nothing.
"Who are you?"he asked in a shaky voice.The adrenaline seemed to be wearing off.
"I told you already, didn't I?"she said, watching his eyelids flutter.He was struggling to fight.
So the sedative worked?He just has extraordinary survival instincts.She smiled.Not bad; her husband should be able to do this much, shouldn't he?
"My name is Azul of the Borjigin, the woman who owns your life."
"I don't trust you," he bit out.
"How sensible."She rolled her eyes."I wouldn't trust me either.But unfortunately for you, I'm the only option you have.Your traitor is dead.You're in enemy territory.And judging by that wound, you have perhaps an hour before blood loss makes the decision for you.Considering your circumstances, shouldn't you accept me as your ally?"
She shifted her weight slightly as she spoke, adjusting her position atop him.The movement made her robes slip further, exposing more of her shoulder and collarbone.
Ragnar's breath caught—barely perceptible, but she noticed.Azul's eyes flickered downward for the briefest moment, then back to his face.Should she laugh?She wasn’t sure.
He looked away sharply, jaw clenching.
A small, genuine smile tugged at her lips.
"What do you want?"he finally asked, rougher than before.
"I already told you.You owe me your life.A debt you must repay."Her golden eyes gleamed."So, I will save you, no matter how many times you stupidly hurt yourself."
She started to lift the hairpin from his throat.
Ragnar's hand shot up, grabbing her wrist again.His other hand moved from under her knee to her throat in a mirror of their earlier position.
His hands are larger than I thought.
"If you try to poison me—"
Azul's expression shifted, something cold settling over her features.Her free hand reached up towards the small bowl on her bed—the one containing needles soaking in the sedative solution.
Her fingers brushed the edge and she knocked it over.The contents clattered to the floor beside them.
Ragnar's eyes followed the movement, confusion flickering across his face.
In that moment of distraction, Azul snatched up one of the fallen needles and drove it into the side of his neck.
His grip on her throat spasmed, then loosened.
"You'll live; don't worry, it's not poison this time.But try this nonsense again, and Iwillpoison you."
Ragnar tried to speak but his tongue wouldn't cooperate.The sedative was stronger this time since it was a double dose.
His consciousness slipped away.
Azul remained straddling him for a moment longer, watching the rise and fall of his chest, ensuring the sedative had taken full effect.
Then she sighed, looking down at the fresh blood staining her floor, her robes, and her hands.
"It looks like I'm going to be late for that dreadful meeting."
