"Ugoeze, that's not necessary—"
"I insist."The smile was immovable."We can't have you catching ill.The Igwe would never forgive me."
The cloak arrived before Azul could protest.It was beautiful, soft, and lined with what looked like rather expensive rabbit fur.The Ugoeze herself rose and beckoned to Azul, who had no choice but to stand.She draped it over Azul's shoulders.
"Thank you, Ugoeze."The words came automatically.Azul wanted to rip off the cloak before everyone, but she couldn't.This time she couldn’t be sure punishment would just be kneeling.
The barge continued its drift.The wind picked up further, but Azul no longer felt it.The wrap was warm.Heat began to creep up her neck, flushing her cheeks.
She set down her cup.She wasn’t drunk, was she?She'd been careful; she was sure of it.But her head felt strange now.Light.Unsteady.
Across the barge, Somadina's gaze found her.Azul immediately looked away.Focused on staying upright.
The world seemed to tilt slightly.Or maybe that was the boat.
"Akwaugo?"The Fifth Wife's voice seemed distant."You look pale."
"I'm..."Azul's tongue felt thick."I'm not feeling well.Ugoeze, I must beg your pardon.It must be the motion.I believe it is time for me to leave."
The Ugoeze's eyes seemed full of undeserved affection."Of course, my dear.Shall I send a servant with you?"
"No.Thank you."
The barge approached the shore.Azul focused on that—on the wooden dock drawing nearer, on solid ground, on escape.
The moment the boat touched land, she rose.Too quickly.The world spun.She caught herself on the railing and forced her legs to steady.
"Forgive me, Ugoeze.Thank you for your kindness."The words spilled out as she bowed according to etiquette, even as her mind seemed clouded by an impenetrable fog.
She stepped onto the dock and forced herself to walk away from the water as gracefully as she could.
The path to the shrine had never felt so long.Each step required her full concentration.The fur wrap clung to her, too hot, too heavy, but she couldn't remove it.To discard the Ugoeze’s gift publicly would be an insult.
By the time she reached the shrine's courtyard, she was breathing hard, sweat beading on her forehead despite the chill.She reached her doors and stopped as if remembering something.
Nkiru came running.
"Akwaugo!You're back!Would you like—"
"Stay away from my quarters for the night."Azul's voice came out harsher than intended."Don't come in unless I call for you."
The girl’s face scrunched up in confusion."But—"
"Do you understand?"
Nkiru stopped, fear flickering across her face.She nodded.
Azul pushed open the door to her room.
As expected.
There was a blade to her neck already.
He had waited.
Chapter 13
Azulstoodstillinthe doorway, one hand on the frame, the other hanging loose at her side.The fur cloak slipped from her shoulder and caught on her elbow.
