Chapter 16

The atmosphere in the Kuraltai clan was electric with anticipation as the preparations for the march were underway. Soldiers were getting ready, sharpening their swords, and inspecting their equipment. Horses were being fed and prepared for the long journey ahead. Amidst all this, Sisi was busy gathering her own gear, her mind focused on the upcoming battle.

She looked at the iron armour made especially for her and her heart beat wildly. Finally, this was her chance to make her own path.

"What are you doing?"

Her father's voice caused her to turn around, he stood at the doorway to her room with his wife behind him.

"Father, I'm preparing for the march."

"Sisi, you know that is improper, you are still unwed, you should stay back."

Sisi's heart dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Father, you cannot be serious! I have spent countless nights prepared for this; I need to be there!"

She has planned out everything to the last details, she stayed up late going through reports from their allies and made sure the horses were in perfect health. Why would he suddenly say that.

The Great khan shook his head firmly. "It is not safe. Your place is here, ensuring the stability of our people in case things go awry."

Her face flushed with anger and frustration. "I am not a child! I can fight and strategize as well as any man in your camp!"

Her father's expression softened slightly, but his resolve did not waver. "You are needed here, Sisi. This is not a matter of capability, but of necessity."

If he or Vel were to die in battle, he would feel better if his daughter were here. The Valthorn Khan would be able to marry her and succeed the throne on his behalf.

Without another word, Sisi stormed past them out of her room, her heart pounding with rage. She hated this feeling of helplessness that threatened to drown her, she hated that her eyes actually stung as tears threatened to drop.

She walked aimlessly through the palace only stopping to sit on the balusters looking out to a small garden that was quite isolated. Only when she was alone did she allow herself to cry.

A guard passing by heard the soft sobs of a woman and came to check on her.

"Princess?"

She looked up gasping. Wiping her eyes quickly.

"What's burdens your heart?" He asked, concerned.

Sisi stopped, not recognizing him immediately. "My father refuses to let me march with the troops. He thinks I am better off staying behind," she spat, her voice dripping with bitterness.

He studied her for a moment before speaking. "Sometimes, throwing away pride is the hardest thing to do."

Sisi's eyes narrowed. "Who are you to give me advice?" she snapped, though her anger was starting to cool. "Why should I give up on something I was born to achieve?"

"You misunderstand me princess, I am not saying to give up. I am saying to beg."

"What?" His words had shocked her, beg? In her entire life she has never had to beg anyone for anything, she wasn't planning to start now.

"Unless you beg the Khan would never allow you to join the troops, is your pride worth it?"

His words struck a chord with her. The very idea of begging left a foul taste in her mouth.

"Your only other option, is to disregard his orders and face his wrath on the battle field. Which would you chose?"

She looked at the man, short black hair, black eyes, tanned skin and a lean build. Despite being attractive his aura was so mild he would blend into any crowd easily.

"If I beg my father I would remain in bus good graces. But if I don't, he might not forgive me easily."

"How important is your father's affection, princess?"

Those were the words he left her with. Sisi didn't think she was one to crave her father's affection, but her decision proved otherwise.

That night, Sisi approached her father's room. She stood outside, taking a deep breath before entering. The Great khan looked up, surprised to see her.

"Father, I need to speak with you," she began, her voice steady but humble. "I understand your concerns, and I respect your judgment. But please, allow me to march with the troops. I can contribute to our victory in ways that others cannot. Let me prove myself."

"Sisi I-"

"I understand you want me here to take care of your people in case you fall. But father, I would rather fall with you."

"Sisi-"

"I would not be able to live with myself if we lose to the man who tried to kill you!"

"Let me speak!" He growled and she coward under his voice. He sighed seeing her finally remain silent. "You can come with us, but you cannot set foot on the battle field under any circumstances, at the first sign of failure you will be taken straight back."

A surge of relief and gratitude washed over her. "Thank you, thank you Father! "

The Great Khan sighed looking at her, Sisi was the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, if she were to end up in the enemies hands her life will never be the same.

"You will need a guard to be with you at all times, for your protection." The Khan said finally.

"Actually, I know someone."

"No, I will pick someone I feel comfortable with." The Great Khan said.

"But Father -"

"That is final."

Sisi frowned, she thought of the guard who helped her, she didn't even know his name, how would she thank him?

Arthur had no interest in being thanked or found, if he was forced to be the princess's guard he would never be able to climb the ranks like he wanted. So he was fine never seeing her again, after all he had a dream to fulfill.

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It was still quite early in the morning, as the sky was still dark. Ragnar, having just returned from his late night meeting, was looking forward to finding Azul and sleeping in with her. She frequently slept till noon so at least he would be in her arms. However , as he approached their tent, he was surprised to find Azul still awake, her eyes focused and determined as she meticulously prepared small hairpins on a wooden table.

"Were you up all night?" Ragnar asked, shocked. There was no way she'd willingly wake up before dawn to do anything.

She looked up, startled. "Welcome back, I just had to finish these preparations. The women need to be ready before they set off to Khatan." She gestured to the array of hairpins, each one intricately designed and coated with a lethal poison.

Ragnar moved closer, examining the hairpins. "You didn't have to do this alone. You should have asked for help."

Azul smiled softly. "I wanted to make sure everything was perfect. These women and girls are important. They need to be able to defend themselves if necessary."

Ragnar looked at her. He felt he had undervalued her a lot; her bride price was not nearly enough. He made a mental note to send some more gifts to her father's tribe. "You're amazing, you know that?"

She laughed lightly. "And you are good at flattery."

As the morning progressed, Azul gathered the older women and sensible girls of the tribe. She distributed the hairpins, explaining their use and the importance of carrying them discreetly.

"These are not toys," she emphasised. "Use them only if you are in danger. They are your last line of defence. If someone is stabbed, they will die. I made sure to clean the tip so a normal scratch wouldn't do much, so just stab with all your might, preferably in the eyes or below the ribs."

The women listened intently, nodding their understanding. As they took the hairpins, each one of them bowed deeply to Azul. "Thank you, Khatun," they said in unison.

Azul was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise. "Why are you thanking me?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

One of the older women, with a kind yet firm expression, stepped forward. "You have given us the means to protect ourselves and our children. For that, we are grateful."

Azul felt a lump in her throat, their emotions were stifling. "It is my duty to protect you all," she managed to say, her voice trembling slightly.

That morning they left for Khatan as the men prepared to leave the next day.

She watched wives say goodbye to their husbands and children hug their fathers, she saw mothers kiss their sons goodbye and lovers leave their men. She wondered how many of these people would have their men returned to them in one piece.

"Khatun, we are heading off now." Yisui came to pay her respects. "Thank you for your care," she said, bowing deeply, the utmost sign of respect.

"Yisui, we will meet again," Azul said hopefully. They would have never crossed paths, and now she was unsure if their paths would cross again.

Maral came running, giving Azul a hug.

Ayunn was the last to arrive. She looked like she had been crying. Azul wondered who she had said goodbye to.

"I will miss you all," Azul said, her voice shaking. "When the war is over, we should all go swimming in Kuraltai's pools; they are so much better than Khatan's pool," she added, trying to lighten up the conversation.

The three exchanged glances, determined to see each other again.

The three left to return to their tribes. Azul stood watching them fade into the horizon. The camp was eerily silent, without the sounds of children laughing and running around.

"Khatun?" Ragnar's voice came from behind her. She didn't move, stuck in her position like she couldn't believe she would never see them again. Once her mission was complete, she would be gone.

Ragnar noticed her heart was heavy, but he was not a man of words. He didn't know what to say.

Azul, who had stared at the horizon absentmindedly, felt warmth overcome her as a felt blanket was placed around her shoulders. She turned to see Ragnar smiling at her.

"Come inside; you must be tired."

She smiled and nodded, following him inside to finally get some sleep.