He rose, turning to the crowd, raising his bow in acknowledgement.The laughter swelled—good-natured and amused by the romance of it all.A Khan winning a kiss from a beautiful woman.It was the kind of story bards would tell.
Only Somadina wasn't laughing.
Azul caught his gaze; his jaw was tight, and his hands clenched his reins.
Behind him, Chukwuemeka rode up to him, leaning close to murmur something.Azul couldn't hear the words, but she saw Somadina's posture shift slightly.His tension eased just a fraction.
This was what they wanted, wasn’t it?Why did he seem so angry?She wished to scoff in his face but was afraid if her father came anywhere near her, she’d try to kill him.
So instead, Azul selected another grape.
The hunt was announced later that afternoon.Women who could ride well would join; those who couldn't would remain behind.
Iyom found Azul before the princess could stuff another pastry in her mouth.
"Surely the Akwaugo will ride with us?A woman of her… reputation must have many skills."
Azul looked up from her food.Iyom sat mounted on a beautiful grey mare, her expression one of false solicitude.
"I don't ride," Azul said flatly.
Iyom's eyebrows rose."You don't?But surely—"
"I don't."Azul smiled pleasantly."I'll cheer for you from here."
Iyom's smile tightened."How disappointing.I had hoped to see more of the famous Akwaugo's talents."
"Perhaps another time."Azul waved her fingers in dismissal.
Iyom wheeled her horse and trotted away, her displeasure visible in every line of her spine.
Nkiru leaned close."Was that wise, Akwaugo?"
"Giving her what she wants would have been unwise.She wanted me on a horse; I fear it is too easy for me to die from falling off one.I’d rather not."
Ragnar approached from the edge of her vision on foot, his black stallion trailing behind him.
"Khatun."He stopped before her."You don't ride?"
"I don't."
He paused, and she could tell what he was thinking.How could she survive in the Steppes without learning?
"Would you like to?"
Azul looked at the horse.It was large, scary and very far from the ground.
"No."
He’d have to figure out her transport without her sitting on one of those.
Ragnar's eyes crinkled slightly.
I’m glad you’re amused.She didn’t think her fears were that entertaining.
"It's easier than it looks."
"For someone who grew up on the Steppes, perhaps.For someone who grew up walking, less so."
