Eve nodded.
Her mother’s persistently happy eyes turned down. “I am so sorry it did not work out for you. Love is a wonderful thing.”
Eve let the tears fall freely from her eyes. “What will Father do when he finds out I am pregnant?”
“You know what he will do. He will attack the world.”
“He expects me to marry someone in Timicin’s tribe,” Eve said softly. “How can I do so?” She heaved a great sob at the thought.
“He will not force you to marry. He hasn’t done so before. He won’t do so now.”
“Then we must go to war.”
“Oh,war,” her mother humphed. “I’m so tired of hearing that word. These men go to war fifteen times a day. It is all for show.”
“But Ganbold and Bataar…”
“Both deserved what they got.” Her mother nodded to punctuate the claim. “They all know it’s true. Timicin needs to bring some consolation back to his tribe so he doesn’t look like a fool. Your father can figure that out without having to send you,” she snipped. “He can just as easily send the goats.”
The goats, Eve thought. If only she’d had more time. But it was far too late. “Mother,” Eve said, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk of father like this. Or speak your mind so fluently.”
“It is true, I am not like you, my Enebish. I don’t always use words.” She smiled. “But I do know how to control my husband.” She set down the brush and squeezed Eve’s shoulders. “Now, your hair is smooth. Bathe. Get dressed. Start to act like a woman of pride once more. Your father has brooded in his room as long as you have. I would like some sunshine in my life again. My daughter is safe with a new life inside her.” She kissed the top of Eve’s head. “There are many things to celebrate.”
“When should I tell him that I am with child?”
“Wait longer. We must be sure that your man has had time to escape. You don’t want your father to get his hands on him now.” She smoothed her hands down Eve’s shoulders. “I know it was hard, but sending him away was the right thing to do.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I believe so.” She put her hands on her lower belly and, for the first time, she felt more than just sadness. Her mother’s words had affected her. She had lost the man she would always love, but she had gained something wonderful. And hearing her mother’s consolation—that her father in time would come around—she was able to see new beginnings.
It didn’t take away from the terrible loss she felt over Michel, though.
ChapterForty
Once her mother left her room, Eve pushed herself to wash and dress for the first time since she had gone into bed a week ago. She sat in warm water and let the maids use fancy soaps and oils on her. She undid her hair and washed it, then arranged it back and up in the traditional braids. She wore one of her silk deel gowns—a royal blue with a high golden sash—and beaded shoes. It all felt very strange to be putting her old life back on when nothing about her was the same anymore. Her mother was right. She had to begin living again. If not for herself, for the new life inside her.
She ventured out of her room. The attendants showed their affection through smiles and offers of sweets. She made her way to the front sitting room, where she sat near the high window that overlooked the steppes and the fields of wheat, barley, and oats meticulously plotted. Her mother sent her a special tea to help soothe her stomach. She sipped it, but still did not feel up to more adventurous snacks.
She looked out the window, across the open market and the buildings of the city surrounding the large stupa monastery, with high white walls that formed bulbs on the top. The view was something she’d always known and never thought to leave. Now, she wondered what it would be like to look on the green forests and blue-green seas her grandmother had always spoken about. But that was not to be. And so, she acknowledged the beauty in her home, and she appreciated the fact that she could witness it once more.
She turned from the window and picked up a small book on philosophy that she had enjoyed just a few months before. She sat to read, tucking her legs under her on the couch. Just when she started to sink into it, the wives of her two middle brothers came into the room. They wore full traditional dressings and dripped with curiosity. Eve loved her sisters-in-law, but she had never much wanted to engage in the social games they played with each other. Each proud women in their own right and good to her brothers. Eve had long ago accepted them, each taking one of her brothers and pushing Eve further down the line of importance in her own family. Still, it didn’t mean she always preferred their company.
They came in on the sweet smell of incense and gardens and sat across from her, all elegant, colorful deels and intricate hair. “Oh, sweet flower,” said the elder of the two, “you have journeyed through such hardships.”
“Yes,” the other insisted, “tell us everything.”
Eve closed her book, knowing her short moment of peace had come to an end. “Perhaps another time,” she said with a defeated smile. “I am still adjusting to being home.”
“You do not want to upset elder sister,” the younger of the two retorted. Her tone was light, but Eve recognized this trick to force her into compliance. “You should do as she asks,” the woman pressed.
“You are right. I don’t mean to disobey,” Eve said, her mischievous nature coming back. “It is just a difficult story to tell.”
“You may tell us,” elder sister said with an eager nod.
“You know I was snatched right from the fields,” Eve began. “I was simply tending the goats for my morning chores when I was swept onto the back of the horse.” Eve shook her head and looked down. “It was terrible to know I was being stolen by a young tribe that does not afford its women the same rights.”
“Oh, how truly awful,” said younger sister as she brought her hands to her face.
“And, yes,” Eve said, opening her eyes wide with drama. “I was forced to marry. But I escaped!”
