Red River Fan Fiction ❯ A SHINTO PRIESTESS IN THE ANCIEN HITTITE EMPIRE ❯ V4 C4 Do you care for her? ( Chapter 17 )

A SHINTO PRIESTESS IN THE ANCIEN HITTITE EMPIRE

OR

WHERE THE RED FIRE AND RED RIVER MEET

 

 

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Miyuki Kanzaki.

 

 

Vol 4 Chap4: Do you care forher?

 

 

Miyuki Kanzaki was petrified. Someone had ripped off her heart from her chest. She had difficulty to breath. She was looking beleaguered to Prince Kail. `He…He did not say that! He did not say that I have to remain alone in Hattusa…!'

 

She shook her head. “What?! I don't understand! I can surely come with you!” The Japanese walked to the young man. “I've already fought in Arinna and Kizzuwadna! I can handle Malatia!”

 

Kail turned and looked softly in her widened emerald eyes. Around the couple, everyone was watching, mesmerized. “This war will be different from those battles, Miyuki. We can't return to Hattusa until the Mitanni have been destroyed.” He sighed grimly. “It will be a long war. We could be gone for years.”

 

The teenager palmed her long black hair as she considered that. `Years? Stupid! Stupid! You are not in an era where one can launch an attack in another country in a matter of days.'

 

Kail nodded as he saw the comprehension in her gaze. “Miyuki… You'll have an opportunity to return to your country in a year.” The very thought chilled him. “Less than a year, ten months from now, the season of Water will come to Hattusa and the Morning Star, Ishtar will rise in the heavens.” It was a good thing that his father had induced her in the clergy of Ishtar. “As you already know, there are high priests other than the Queen and I in Hattusa. You will be able to go home even if I'm not here.”

 

True, the Miko had been introduced into the world of the clergy of the thousand of Hittites gods. It shouldn't have been too much of a surprise to discover that other high priests existed apart of the Queen and Kail. But it wasn't what dismayed the young girl. “To leave without you here to watch the departure?” `If we part now, we may never see each other again!'

 

“Don't worry, the Queen can't get at you very easily. I shall assign trusted guards to protect you.”

 

Miyuki shook violently her head. “I'm not worried about being attacked by the Queen!” She grasped the Prince by the shoulders. Damn it, she loved him already too much to be separated like that. “I want to be with you! I want to fight by your side! Please don't leave me behind!” Her grasp became desperate. “I know I have to go home.” `I don't belong here. My family is waiting for me in Japan. The Circle is waiting for me. I have my duties! I know that! But…' “But I can only stand to live here because of you!” That was the crux of the matter: he was her only anchor in this era. “I don't want to stay in Hattusa without you!”

 

Kail said nothing as he gazed sadly to her. The young girl held her breath. Kail gently removed her hands from his robe. “If you came with me, you might miss your chance to go home.” Miyuki gasped: He was rejecting her! “You should stay here and return to this “Japan” of yours.”

 

Tears burst from the emerald eyes as the young girl saw the third Prince turning away from her. “Prince Kail!” She broke down in deep sobs. “PRINCE KAIL! NO!” The blond young man seemed to ignore her. “TAKE ME WITH YOU! PLEASE!”

 

Hadi and her twins sisters attempted to soothe the stricken weeping girl. “Princess Miyuki…”

 

Another blond young man was looking at the scene. Zannanza, fourth Prince and half-brother of Kail didn't seem very happy about the emotional state of the Japanese.

 

Depressed, Miyuki tried to find refuge in the interior garden. For someone who promoted self-control, she didn't feel particularly in control of her emotions. The soft voice of Hadi intruded on her misery. “Princess Miyuki…”

 

The young girl tried to smile to the three Hatti sisters. “Oh, girls… Sorry I worried you earlier.”

 

“Not at all.”

 

The Japanese let her long hair hide her eyes. “I'm all right. I'll do what the Prince wants.” She shrugged. “After all, he was right. It would be best for me to stay here and wait for Ishtar to rise ten months from now.”

 

The three handmaids looked to each others. What could they do for their Princess?

 

“Hadi…” The soft voice of Miyuki was remarkably neutral under the curtain of her hair. “I… Maybe Prince Kail doesn't like me.” The young man held her heart, but it seemed that it wasn't reciprocal.

 

The eldest daughter of Talos shook her head. “That's absurd! His highness cares for you! That's why he wants you to stay here!”

 

It was too much for the young girl. Tears fell anew and silent sobs shook her shoulders. The doubts about the sentiments of the Third Prince for her were raking at her heart. She grabbed the long honey-haired girl and wept in her embrace. “Oh, Hadi…”

 

Zannanza was observing the scene from the other side of the garden. “Hum…” He really didn't like the emotional state of the Japanese priestess. “I only gave up on Miyuki because she belonged to my brother.” He pondered on that as he watched the Hatti sisters trying to soothe the depressed and hurting teenager. “But now that he's left her, I can take her with me.”

 

Kikkuri, who was attending him, blinked. “Prince Zannanza?!”

 

The fourth Prince nodded to himself. “Kikkuri, perhaps you should warn my brother.”

 

“WHAT?!”

 

A while later, Kikkuri ran to his lord, alarmed. “Prince Kail! Prince Kail!”

 

“What is it, Kikkuri?”

 

“Prince Zannanza said he was going to take Princess Miyuki with him!” The servant shook his head in dismay. “He said he truly intends to take her with him!”

 

Kail blinked. “What?”

 

At that moment the worried voices of the Hatti sisters reached Kail. “Princess Miyuki!”

 

The worried young man turned to them. “Where is Miyuki?!”

 

The three girls rushed to the bewildered Prince. “Prince Kail!”

 

Hadi was near-panicked. “Prince Zannanza came just now and carried Princess Miyuki away!”

 

The twins were attempting to reassure themselves. “We…We tried to stop him, but…”

 

Kail whirled to his servant. “Where did he take her?!”

 

“Well… He said he was going back to Kanesh to organize his forces for the war.”

 

The third Prince exploded into action. “A Horse! Bring me a Horse!”

 

The soldiers of the main gate of the city were surprised to see their blond Prince rushing out on the back of a horse. “Open the gate!”

 

Outside Hattusa, a sheepherder knew the fear of his life when a horse jumped over him and his herd. “WHOA!”

 

“SORRY!” The amber-eyed young man pushed again his horse. `Stupid!' He raged silently against his half-brother. `Why do you think I'm leaving Miyuki behind, Zannanza?' He tightened his jaw. `I'm only doing it so that she can go home. Not because I don't want her!' It was like the events before Kizzuwadna. `You'd better not have touched her, Zannanza!' In worse. `If you have, I won't forgive you this time!'

 

The smiling features of the long black-haired and green-eyed young girl danced in the mind of Kail. He swore to himself. `I won't give Miyuki up to anyone!'

 

It was then that he remarked the particular coloration of Miyuki's horse. Aslan was a rarity among the horses used by the Hittites: There weren't that many pure black horses. Another mount was tied to the same tree holding the powerful stallion. “Their horses!”

 

As he stopped he heard the shrieking voice of the young girl which meant so much to him. “AAAH! ZANNANZA, STOP!”

 

The scream squeezed his heart. He almost fell as he dismounted and ran in the direction of the sound. “MIYUKI!”

 

Zannanza was shaking a fruit tree. “It's the fastest way to get the fruit off the tree.”

 

Miyuki wasn't against that, but the method had one drawback. “But bugs are falling on me!” She was trying to prevent insects to nest into her thick jet-black mane of hair.

 

Kail had stopped when he saw the scene. He could only blink and gape at the antics of his brother and his pseudo-concubine. The Japanese was squirming under the rain of fruits, leaves and bugs. “AAAH! DON'T, PRINCE ZANNANZA! PLEASE!”

 

Zannanza remarked the presence of the third Prince and smirked. “Oh, hello, brother. You came sooner than I expected.”

 

Miyuki ceased to shake her hair and blinked to the bewildered young man. “Prince Kail? Why are you here?”

 

Kail tried to recompose himself. “Why am I here? Aren't you… What are you two doing?”

 

The teenager was perplexed. “We're having a picnic. Prince Zannanza was trying to cheer me up.” She waved to some food spread on a blanket on the ground. “Hadi and her sisters made lunch for us.” She blinked at the expression on the visage of Kail. She was clearly missing something here. “Shouldn't we have come?”

 

Kail reddened. His snickering brother was the lynchpin to the entire situation. He and the young girl had been tricked by everyone. “Those…CONSPIRATORS!”

 

At Kail's palace in Hattusa, Hadi was innocently whistling and examining the very interesting ceiling, Shalla was grinning and Ryui showed a little of her tongue. Only Kikkuri felt depressed by his actions. “I betrayed Prince Kail…”

 

Still smirking, Zannanza advanced to Kail. “Brother, I am your favourite brother, right? And your right-hand man.”

 

Kail sweated and stepped back a little. “What's your point?”

 

“Yet you came riding up looking like you wanted to kill me. If you care about her that much…” He leaned to the ear of his flustered half-brother. “How can you leave her?” He clapped lightly the shoulder of a blushing Kail. “I know that you are a man of strong will, but…” He shook his head in mock-consideration. “It's not healthful to deny yourself so.”

 

The fourth Prince mounted his horse. “Now I leave this to you, my brother.” He smiled at his still shell-shocked sibling. “You're welcome.”

 

Kail couldn't muster the will for a repartee. “What did you… Zannanza!”

 

Zannanza galloped to a nearby party of his men with chariots that were ready to escort him back to Kanesh. “A younger brother always ends up with the short end of the stick.”

 

The cool Ilvani held the reins of the prince's horse. “Quite.”

 

Zannanza smirked. “So I shall outshine my brother in this war and the beautiful Mitanni women will flock to me.” He adjusted his sword. “Now I'm going back to Kanesh. I'll see you in Malatia.”

 

Ilvani bowed to the Fourth Prince. “Have a safe journey, your highness.” For one moment, Zannanza turned in the direction where he left the reluctant couple. Ilvani could read many things in the amber eyes. “Do you need anything?”

 

Zannanza smiled softly. “No. Farewell, Ilvani.” The chariot wheeled away.

 

Back near the fruit tree, Kail and Miyuki were shuffling awkwardly. Both were blushing and both were feeling…

 

Then the young girl began to snicker. Kail blinked as he saw the Japanese erupted in full laughter. She calmed and gazed affectionally to the confused Prince. She shook her head. “Ah, my Prince! What a nice pair of idiots we make.” Kail had a crooked smile at that. “It's all right. I'll stay in Hattusa as you wish.”

 

“Ten months.”

 

Miyuki blinked. “What?”

 

“I'm going to finish the Mitanni in ten months.”

 

The emerald's eyes widened. She could sense that Kail was serious. “What do you mean? Even I know that this war could take years to finish!”

 

“I will end this war in ten months and return to Hattusa in triumph.” Kail turned to the young girl. “Miyuki…” He took his decision. His brother was right. “Come with me.”

 

Miyuki gulped under the intense amber gaze. “What?”

 

Kail cupped her head gently. “I promise we'll be back in ten months so that you can go home.” He leaned to kiss her. “So, come with me.”

 

“Prince Kail!” The hot lips caught her mouth and stole her breath. Once again, Miyuki felt her will almost drained by the young man. Her hands came around his neck under their own will. “Prince… I can't breathe.”

 

Kail released an instant the reddened girl. “As you already guessed, I didn't want to prevent you from going home.” He caressed her bruised lips. “But as long as you are here, as long as you accept it, I want you with me. I don't want to let you go.”

 

Miyuki let happy tears fell as she opened her mouth again, hot breaths mixing. `You mean it?' She let herself picked up by his strong arms. `Prince Kail…' She let herself go, forgetting everything but the hammering of her heart. `Can I really come with you?' She felt her blood rushing through her temples. `Oh, Prince Kail!'

 

The couple stood in the wind with Hattusa in the background. The Prince was holding his treasure. “For you, I will destroy the Mitanni in ten months.”

 

The Miko didn't let go of the deep kiss and embrace. “Thank you, Prince Kail!”

 

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On a hill, at the Hittite-Mitanni frontier, the proud fortress city of Malatia stood behind his walls.

 

Three Mitanni officers looked perplexed to their superior. “Do you think the Hittite forces will come, Prince of Darkness?”

 

The long black-haired young man smiled with assurance. “They cannot ignore our provocations. They will certainly move against us.” His black eyes twinkled. “Suppiluliumas is known for his strength. I don't think he'll run from a fight.” He lightly caressed his facial scar. “Anyway…”

 

“Yes, my Prince?”

 

“I don't care so much about that old man, but I hope to meet his son in battle again…” His smile turned into a smirk. “The one called Kail Mursili.” He was impatient to face him personally in battle. “His blood will be a good foretaste of our conquest of the region.”

 

Somewhere between Hattusa and Malatia, a powerful, golden-eyed and black-manned horse galloped. On his back, his partner was making one with the powerful mount as they shared the pleasure of their run. Behind the pair, three horses were trying to follow the rhythm. Hadi shook her head. “Princess Miyuki! Please wait. It is dangerous to ride around alone.”

 

An emerald-eyed girl with a high ponytail grinned back to the Hatti sisters. “Just to the top of the hill!” The black stallion pulled up at the top of a cliff and reared back, his neighing echoing around.

 

Miyuki beamed as she beheld the sight before her. “WOW!” She gestured to the long and colourful column of war-chariots, infantry and everything that composed the Hittite army led by Kail. “It's spectacular! What a magnificent army!”

 

Hadi smiled, the black-eyed girl had the same style of high ponytail as her Princess. “Yes. This is the largest expeditionary force since King Mursili the first conquered the capital of Babylonia. Prince Kail was named for him.”

 

The young girl smiled. “Now Prince Kail Mursili leads the armies. How appropriate.” She palmed the longbow and the quiver fixed to her equine partner. `And he is accompanied by the avatar of Ishtar.' She felt still uncomfortable about this non-official status. She could only truthfully present herself as a priestess of Ishtar, now.

 

Kail had heard the neighing of Aslan and turned to Kikkuri. “We'll camp here tonight. Bring Miyuki back.” He shook his head. The eager young girl was almost running circles around his army. “She's liable to ride all the way to Malatia.”

 

His trusted servant smiled. “Yes, your highness.”

 

As she dismounted and trusted Aslan in the expert hands of Kikkuri, Miyuki smiled as she advised the Imperial clerk. “Are you coming too, Ilvani?”

 

“I am.” The man had learned to appreciate the time-displaced Japanese. He smiled back to her. “Campaigns like this aren't won by soldiers alone. You need cooks and craftsmen, too. And I shall chronicle it all for posterity.”

 

“Miyuki, come.” Having just recuperated her Sacred blue Staff, designing her as a priestess of Ishtar, the teenager turned to the third Prince. “I want to introduce you to my officers.” Kail presented three men kneeling in front of him.

 

A redheaded young man with a headband smiled to her. “I am Kash, commander of the chariots. I am honoured.”

 

Next to him was a strong bald man with a little moustache. “I am Mittanamwa, commander of the infantry. How do you do?”

 

Finally a young man with shoulder-length black hair looked to her. “I am Rusafa, I command the archers. I am delighted to meet you.” He then kissed the hem of her mantle. “Please, allow me to receive Ishtar's blessing.”

 

His two peers gasped at the audacity. “You sneaky bastard.” Kash proceeded to box his ears. “I should be the first. You dog!”

 

Ryui pointed something to the blushing Miko who wasn't yet at ease when someone asked her to bless them in the name of the Goddess of Love and War. “Princess Miyuki, look.”

 

Holding a sacred staff, clad in long robes, a magnificent young man with knee-length blond hair and deep blue eyes was blessing a kneeling Hittite soldier.

 

Miyuki was a little taken aback by the `bishonen'. “Wow… What a beautiful man! Who is he?”

 

The twins were hiding their blushes behind the Princess and their older sister. “Blond hair and blue eyes. He must be from the north.”

 

Hadi beamed with just a hint of red on her cheeks. “He is a priest. His majesty sent him. He's very handsome, isn't he?”

 

The blond man smiled to the Japanese. “You must be my new peer in the clergy, the Princess Miyuki. I am Sharma. The blessing of the thousand Hittite Gods be upon you ladies.”

 

Miyuki smiled as she accepted genuinely the blessing. She held her hand in return. “Thank you, Sharma. The blessing of Ishtar be upon you as well.”

 

The three Hatti sisters were blissfully under the bishonen-induced sugar-high of the blond man. Miyuki shook her head. She had only seen that when her school-friends were drooling upon the latest boy-stars. She smiled as she gazed on the people orbiting around the army. `So…' Komera and Hiroshi had showed her the importance of logistics. `The Army is certainly made up of many kinds of people.'

 

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The night fell on the Hittite camp. Kail and his circle of trusted servants and officers ate as they held council for the campaign.

 

Ilvani sipped his soup. “In three days, we'll surround Malatia. What are your plans?” He knew his Prince, but recently Kail had managed to surprise him. In fact since Miyuki was here, he was more and more surprised by the Third Prince. “Will you attack them straight away?”

 

Kail received a cup of wine from Hadi. “I think not. The Mitanni are excellent charioteers…” He looked into the rich liquid. “That's a great advantage on the plain surrounding the city. We'd be easy prey to the Prince of Darkness.”

 

Kikkuri put down some wood for the fire. “But once we get iron weapons, their chariots won't stop us.”

 

Miyuki shook her head. “We're not armed with iron yet.”

 

Hadi smiled, pleased that the Princess took her role as the heir of the Hatti legacy so seriously. “The Princess is right. To cast iron, we must wait for the season of Wind.”

 

The black-haired girl nodded. “Strong winds are needed to make fires hot enough to melt iron.” `Especially since they use wood as fuel and not coal.' “The season of Fire will be over soon and the season of Wind will arrive.”

 

Rusafa was not feeling optimist about the war. “Then we must lay siege to the city. That means a prolonged conflict.”

 

Kash frowned. “Yes. It could take three months for our iron weapons to arrive.”

 

Miyuki blinked. `Damn! I forgot about the delay of production.' Her eyes narrowed. `Three months to capture Malatia? And not counting the casualties. Prince Kail said he would finish the Mitanni in ten months so that I could go home! But if it takes three months and so much blood just to capture one city…' She bit her lower lip. `We'll never finish this war in ten months with conventional tactics!'

 

“We're not going to lay siege to Malatia. And we won't need iron either.” She blinked and whirled to Kail.

 

She wasn't the only one surprised by the third Prince. Kash looked incredulous to his superior. “Your highness?”

 

Kail smiled as he sampled his wine. “I shall take Malatia in five days.”

 

Miyuki was flabbergasted. “Prince Kail?!” She could take the city in five days with the modern firepower of her century, but… Hell! The Circle could bring down any armies of this era with their combined might. But Kail didn't have this kind of resources or powers. `Five days? How is that possible?'

 

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As they prepared to sleep in their personal tent, Miyuki decided to share her doubts with Kail. She knelt on the bed and gazed into the amber eyes. “Prince Kail, I know you said we'd be back in Hattusa in ten months and you know that I will stay by your side, but don't kill yourself.” Kail smiled to the Japanese. She was always thinking about the others first before her own interest. “Just capturing Malatia is going to be difficult. And the Queen won't give up on the Dragon's eye without a fight.” She hesitated a little and blood flushed her cheeks. “I'm just happy as long as I can be with you.” She plunged her emerald gaze in the warm amber depth. “So don't overwork yourself.”

 

Kail gently grabbed her arm and lowered her on the bed. He deeply kissed her and began to lightly nibble her pale throat. “I don't intend to. In ten months time, perhaps a bit less…” He inhaled her sweet smell. “We shall return to Hattusa. I promise.”

 

Kail stopped his administrations as he heard a sound coming from her. He sweated as he advised that she was gently…snoring. He blinked. “She said she wanted to be with me… I hope she doesn't think that's all there is to being a concubine.” He smirked a little and caressed her lips. “It's not safe to sleep so soundly, girl. I might take advantage of you.”

 

He looked a moment to the sleeping and vulnerable girl and sighed. Who was he kidding? As if he could force himself on her. She was too precious to him. He paused as he remembered the training she submitted herself lately: She could also seriously maim him. He gathered her in his arms and let her warm breath and the sound of her heart lulled him into slumber.

 

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In Malatia, a Mitanni scout rushed to Mattiwaza. “Prince of Darkness! A Hittite army is only a day from here to the north!”

 

Mattiwaza smiled. “They've finally come. Are you sure it's the Hittites?”

 

The soldier bowed. “Yes, your highness! The same banner flew over those we fought in Kizzuwadna.” He remembered the humiliating defeat. Many times he had thought that the mysterious deadly dark arrows would have hit him instead of his superiors. “It must be the same army.”

 

Now, that was interesting. “What?” `The same army? The army of Kail Mursili?' Blood rushed in his veins as anticipation built. “Very well. I'll go then.” He turned to a black-haired moustached man. “Dana! I'll leave a third of the soldiers here.”

 

“Yes, your highness.”

 

“I'm entrusting the defence of Malatia to you.”

 

“Yes, your highness. I wish you good fortune in war.”

 

The Mitanni contingent exited the fortress city. A Hittite scout noted the movement and the composition of the army and rushed back to his horse to report at his camp.

 

Kikkuri rushed to the tent of his lord when he received the news. “Prince Kail! Our scout reports that the Mitanni are on the march.”

 

Ilvani blinked. “What? They know where we are?”

 

Kikkuri shook his head. “I think not. They're heading south-west.”

 

Kail exited his tent, smirking. “Ha! I told Zannanza to lure the Prince of Darkness out of Malatia and lead them around for five days.”

 

Ilvani turned to the third Prince. “You used Prince Zannanza as a decoy? I'm surprised the Prince of Darkness fell for it.”

 

The blond young man chuckled. “Zannanza's army from Kanesh are the ones who defeated the Prince of Darkness before. He will want revenge.”

 

Ilvani nodded. “You've thought this out most carefully.”

 

“Yes. Now, it's our turn to make some moves.” He gathered Ilvani, Kikkuri and Miyuki in the tent. “First, tell the Hakim of Malatia that Kail Mursili of Hattusa wishes to call on him. Tell him I'll be accompanied only by my aides.”

 

Ilvani blinked. “What?”

 

Kail smiled. “I don't think they're aware that we know Malatia is now a Mitanni base. Since the Prince of Darkness is not in Malatia, the Hakim may receive me to avoid a confrontation.”

 

“You can't be serious, your highness!” Ilvani was flabbergasted. “Malatia is an independent city-state that belongs to no empire, but if the Prince of Darkness has his troops there, Malatia is in fact a Mitanni stronghold!”

 

Miyuki felt anxious. `Prince Kail, what are you planning? It sounds dangerous.' She blinked. `Wait a second… A small group…? The enemy letting them enter freely the city…?' Her emerald eyes widened. `I understand!'

 

Ilvani was very worried about his Prince. “It's far too perilous!”

 

Kikkuri shared the anxiety. “He's right, Prince Kail, please don't go.”

 

The third Prince smirked. “To take Malatia in five days, I must use potent bait.”

 

“Your highness!”

 

Kail waved away the arguments of his advisors. “Enough! Obey my orders!”

 

“Prince Kail, Please take me with you!” Miyuki grabbed his mantle. “I understand your plan, but if you don't take me along, I won't let you go!”

 

Kail beamed to the young girl. “I expected no less from you. And of course, I am taking you with me. After all, you're the heroine of this play.”

 

Miyuki raised an eyebrow. “What?” Did she guess wrong about his plan?

 

“Just do your best.” He messed the shiny and thick black hair of the now confused Japanese. “And Kikkuri, let no scouts for the Prince of Darkness enter Malatia.” Unknown to them, a spy hidden near the tent had heard everything and silently retreated. “I wouldn't want him coming back while we're still in the city.”

 

In Malatia, Dana entered the office of the Hakim after hearing a strange rumour. “Hakim, is it true that you've given permission for a Hittite Prince to enter Malatia?”

 

The bearded man sighed. “What else could I do, General Dana? He said he's on his way to battle at the head of a great army. His request was very polite. He asked me to let just him and a few aides visit. I could not turn him away. We haven't enough men to resist him.”

 

As they walked to the room where the Hittite Prince waited, Dana discussed with the Hakim. “What manner of man is Kail Mursili? Prince Mattiwaza says he's a brilliant general.”

 

The Hakim shrugged. “I don't know.” He thought about the Hittite culture. “Normally, Hittite Princes other than the Crown Prince, serve as mayors for their important outlying cities. I heard a rumour that Kail, though he is not the Crown Prince, has a palace in the capital and is a bit of a ladies man.”

 

Dana's eyes narrowed. “Perhaps King Suppiluliumas gave him an important position that keeps him in the capital.”

 

The Hakim sighed. “I also heard that he enjoys sporting with many princesses.”

 

“Hum… We'll learn the truth when we meet him.” What was the risk? After all, he had plenty of disguised men around.

 

Ilvani and Kikkuri waited near a curtain. Kikkuri knelt to the two men. “Greetings, honourable Hakim.”

 

Ilvani bowed. “Thank you for your hospitality. We are very grateful.”

 

The Hakim hid behind his smile. “You must be Prince Kail's aides. I would like to greet his highness.”

 

The voice of Kail sounded from behind the curtain. “I need no formality here. Have him come, Ilvani.”

 

The Imperial clerk nodded. “Your highness…” He pulled the curtain apart to let the two men entered. “Please, the Third Prince of the Hittite Empire, Kail Mursili.”

 

The Hakim and the disguised Mitanni General walked in with false smiles. “Your highness, it is my great honour to meet you.” The scene greeting them was rather…interesting.

 

Hadi, Ryui and Shalla were clad in superb dresses and jewelleries, highlighting their feminine figures. They were at the feet of a sitting Kail and holding soft foods and sweet drinks.

 

Kail was smiling and holding a cup of wine. But the main attraction was draped on the lap of the Third Prince.

 

Miyuki was clad in an almost translucent white dress which hinted at her breasts, highlighted her ivory skin and showed quite a bit of her legs. She was bare-feet and held many bracelets on her ankles and wrists. Her jet-black mane of hair cascaded from a high ponytail. A silver hair-band and gold earrings completed her look. The rubies and sapphires contrasted nicely with her emerald eyes.

 

The Hakim and Dana were speechless. None of them had expected such a group.

 

Kail beamed to the two men. “I'll be making me at home here for a while, Hakim.”

 

On his lap, Miyuki was trying to stop blushing like mad. `What could Prince Kail be planning to have me dressed like this? I thought I understood his plan.'

 

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