"Come, Akwaugo."Somadina began walking, half-carrying her toward the library's exit."Let's get you somewhere comfortable."
Around them, scholars and nobles watched with varying expressions—curiosity, disapproval, hunger for gossip.No one intervened.No one would.She was a purchased girl, a temporary princess, soon to leave with a foreign warlord.What was she to them but a whore?
Host, should I—
Stop!she screamed.Do not move.You must not reveal your lethality.
The creature hissed, unhappy.But host—
If you are found, he might kill you, and I won't have you anymore.Please.She gulped.Please, be patient.
The little snake said nothing more, its head resting on her shoulder, watching Somadina closely.
The courtyard outside blazed with afternoon sun.Azul blinked against the brightness, trying to focus, trying to think.Her legs dragged, guided by Somadina's relentless grip.They passed through gates, down paths, deeper into the palace, away from her shrine.
"Akwaugo," Somadina slurred, his breath warm against her ear, "I've been thinking about you."His fingers traced her waist."It's a shame you'll be married to that barbarian."
Don't react.She pleaded with herself.Don't you dare.
"I wondered if we misjudged each other.If given time, you might come to see me differently.I did not mean to be so eager for your first night."He sighed, almost regretful."But then you attached yourself to that barbarian, and I realised—you're not capable of seeing clearly.You need guidance."
The path narrowed, trees closing in on either side.His compound was near—she could see the carved doors ahead, flanked by guards who straightened at their approach.
"Okpalaeze!"
Relief flooded through her.
Somadina stopped.His grip on Azul's waist tightened, then relaxed as he turned, a smile sliding into place.
The entourage approaching were unmistakably Valthorne; their boots gave them away.Hard men in leather and fur, weapons visible.At their centre, with a servant holding up a large shade, stood Ragnar.
The Great Khan's eyes found Azul immediately.His mask hid any expression he might’ve had.
"Okpalaeze."His words remained utterly devoid of threat."I was just coming to find my betrothed.The library said she'd left some time ago."
Azul let her eyes close, exhaling.There was no way this was mere coincidence; it seemed someone had run to call her betrothed.
"Great Khan."Somadina bowed slightly, not releasing Azul."I found her in a state.I'm taking her to my chambers to rest until a physician can see her."
"How fortunate you were there."Ragnar walked toward them, boots silent on the packed earth."I'll take her now."
"No need to trouble yourself, Khan.My compound is just there—"
"I said I'll take her."
Somadina's smile tightened."Surely you don't think I'd harm my own sister?"
Ragnar stopped before them.His dark eyes moved from Azul's face to Somadina's arm around her waist.
"My patience is not extensive," he said quietly."My Khatun is pale as death and shaking like a leaf in your grip.The more you resist giving her to me, the more I suspect you have harmed her."
In that moment, Azul felt a chill.
In the blazing sun, the air had turned as cold as the mountains of the north.
“Okpalaeze.”Ragnar’s voice was low, so low that Azul could feel a slight tremble in Somadina’s arm.Too small to see, but significant enough for her to feel.
A pressure settled on them, and Somadina’s body tensed, struggling to remain on his feet.
