"You haven't even watched anything yet, Akwaugo."
"I've watched enough."She popped a grape into her mouth."Men preparing to compete is always the same.They strut, they posture, and then they pretend they're not terrified of looking foolish."
Nkiru snickered."Should I fetch more grapes?"
"Yes.And the honey cakes."
Nkiru hesitated."Akwaugo, the cakes—"
"Everyone is eating them; we’ll be fine."Azul waved a dismissive hand.
Nkiru scurried off, leaving Azul to her observations.
The crowd had grown.
She spotted the Fifth Wife in deep purple, fanning herself and pretending not to watch the young warriors warming up.The Sixth Wife, beside her, was more openly appreciative.Iyom had positioned herself near the royal pavilion, close to where Somadina would sit.The Ugoeze was conspicuously absent; she supposed it brought her no joy to see the Igwe eyeing the young girls following their mothers around.
Ragnar rode onto the field; his horse was a large, black stallion, its coat gleaming like polished obsidian.He wore the attire of his people—leather and fur, simple and sleek.An ivory mask covered his face, leaving only those storm-dark eyes visible.
Eyes that found her immediately, despite the crowd.
Azul raised a grape in a mock salute.His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't look away.
"He's quite dashing," Nkiru whispered, returning with the promised cakes.
"Is he?"Azul mused.Was he dashing or was he just easily toyed with?Well, as long as he was only easily undone by her, she would be satisfied.
Ragnar rode to the Valthorne section of the field, dismounted fluidly, and began conferring with his men.But every few moments, his gaze drifted back to her.
Azul ate another grape and tried very hard not to find his attention pleasing.
The competition began with the usual formalities.Elders gave speeches, and young men roared and cheered, blood pumping.The Great Khan was introduced, and the crowd's reaction was respectful, many in awe at the legend before them.
Somadina mounted his horse, strutting across to the Valthorne delegates.
He looked magnificent; Azul would give him that.Somadina was a handsome bastard, through and through.Crimson robes, gold ornaments, his bow polished to a gleam.He addressed the Igwe with appropriate deference, then turned to the gathered nobles with a smile that suggested he was about to do something memorable.
"Great Khan."His voice carried."I have heard much of the archery of the Steppes.Would you honour us with a demonstration?Perhaps we might make it interesting—a small competition between future brothers."
The crowd murmured appreciatively.A challenge between princes was always entertaining.
Ragnar inclined his head."What stakes does the Okpalaeze propose?"
Somadina's smile widened."The winner may claim an object of his choice from the most beautiful woman in attendance."
Every eye in the pavilion turned to Azul.
She paused, a grape halfway to her lips.She tried not to frown at the attention.Was he trying to get her killed?Her reputation was awful because of him, and this wasn’t helping.
Ragnar's eyes met hers across the field.He seemed amused at her expression; it made her want to pout, but that was beneath her.
"Acceptable," Ragnar said.
The crowd erupted in excitement.
Azul leaned back on her cushions and reached for another cake.
"Akwaugo, if the Okpalaeze wins, won’t we be in trouble?"Nkiru asked, suddenly catching on.
