More than anything, Nina wanted answers. An explanation. Shayim seemed more than willing to guide her, but Nina only wondered how she could use it to her benefit, and what it would cost her. What was she expected to do with this gods-given power?
It felt like shackles around her wrists dragging her toward an unknown future, like any hope she had in returning to her once-normal, boring life was dissipating into the wind. No longer was she a forgotten nobody. No longer could she claim ignorance.
This power and the choices that came with it were hers to command.
As she and Kasik walked through the camp, she felt the pressure of curious eyes on her, and she returned their attention tenfold. In each of their chests were threads of light calling to her and begging to be used. Nina swallowed and glanced at Kasik, who was also watching and assessing everyone they passed, a furrow between his brow and his hands balled into fists at his sides as if an enemy might spring upon them at any moment.
What a pair they made, each seeing something entirely different. Where Nina saw life, Kasik saw threats. He was wary, and it made her wary. How much longer could they remain without consequence?
Hatun stalked ahead of them, his contempt clear with every step hetook. Nina had no doubt he would kill them if it was his choice. But it wasn’t. It seemed that Shayim was the leader of this group, and it was Shayim she needed more answers from.
The woman had known about her attay. More than that, she knew how it worked and had some of her own. There were more people like her. She wasn’t alone, and she had one day to learn the answers to all her questions.
Hatun led them toward the large fire at the center of the camp. There were other people milling about, but most were seated on stools or on the ground, steaming bowls of food in their hands. They all wore varying shades of green, and the tents were green to match the trunks of the trees. The space was open but somehow closed off at the same time. A thick canopy of leaves provided shade from above.
It was beautiful here. Peaceful. It made her feel at home.
Kasik’s shoulder brushed hers and she was tempted to lean into his touch, to take from him the strength and confidence he seemed to exude despite the precarious situation they were in. Once again, she wondered what it felt like to navigate life with such faith. How he kept on his feet when it felt as though everything was set on tearing them down.
Hatun came to an abrupt stop and gestured vaguely to the right. Nina saw Shayim seated alone on a large tree trunk, a bundle of strings in her lap and her lips moving silently as her fingers ran over a thread.
“He doesn’t seem to like you very much,” Nina murmured once Hatun was out of range.
“The feeling is mutual.” Kasik shifted closer, his body blocking Nina’s line of sight to Shayim. “We don’t know what they want, so be careful what you say. It’s best we keep who you are to ourselves.”
Nina looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity in them. Always committed to keeping her safe.His duty, she reminded herself. But she agreed that it served no purpose to disclose her role in their strange relationshipof emperor’s betrothed and protector. “I won’t tell,” she agreed, and the furrow between his brow softened the smallest bit.
They walked to where Shayim sat. She watched them approach with a serene smile. “Sit,” she said, pointing to the bench across from her. “You look much better than the last time I saw you.”
“She helped me heal you,” Nina clarified for Kasik. He nodded but said nothing. The tension in the air felt like sludge, making everything seem slower and louder than it was. Nina opened her mouth to fill the awkward silence when a girl appeared with two bowls of porridge.
“Thank you, Mika,” Shayim said.
The girl looked about Nina’s age, with copper skin and short brown hair. Her green tunic was darker than the others, and around her waist was a thin piece of fabric embroidered with familiar pink flowers and red-and-green birds. A gold band hung from her wrist, and she smiled when she saw Nina inspecting it. “I can make you one, if you’d like.”
“I’d love that,” Nina said, surprised and delighted by the offer. She reminded Nina of Sacha, with her bright eyes and infectious smile and the way she always made others feel seen and included. Nina felt as though she could never get a proper read on people. She was always unsure of motives and emotions, constantly withdrawing to decipher her own thoughts and feelings, but the girl’s intent was plain as day.
“I’ll find you later,” she said before walking off. Nina watched her go and was nearly blinded by the force of the girl’s will. How easy it would be to wield.
Next to her, Kasik shifted, and his thigh brushed hers. The touch grounded her.
“It’s always interesting,” Shayim said unexpectedly, “to See certain choices made. I’m endlessly surprised by how the threads shift.”
Nina froze and leveled a look at the woman, trying to convey a message without words. She felt Kasik glance at her, then back to Shayim. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Shayim’s mouth tipped into a secretive smile. “Only that life is like a tapestry, and weaving is an intricate and tedious affair. One stitch, one small misstep, can make all the difference.”
“Then you understand why we need to leave as soon as possible,” Kasik said. “One day can set us far from our intended path.”
“Tell me, Kamayuq.” Shayim shifted forward, elbows on knees, and stared intently into Kasik’s eyes. “Should I allow you to leave now that you have seen this place?”
“I’m not entirely sure what ‘this place’ is, or where exactly we are. Cover our eyes and lead us out. We’ll be sure to never return.”
“And if I don’t?” Nina felt Kasik tense with Shayim’s words. She wondered, if he had a weapon, would it have been in his hands then? “Cover your eyes, that is,” Shayim added. “Will you scurry back to your emperor and tell him what you have seen? What is the weight of your word?”
“Myword,” Kasik started, his tone sharp, “is all that I am. And my loyalty lies with Emperor Maicu. As it always has and always will.” He peered at Nina, a quick, sidelong glance that softened the tension in his jaw. “But I admit to knowing little and remembering even less in these last few days. Especially if you allow us to take an achipuma with us when we go.”
Shayim smiled and leaned back. “Clever boy,” she said. Her eyes flicked to Nina and away. “And are you loyal to her?”
