Chapter Eleven:

I enjoyed every moment with Soraya as Sudaba smothered Merdas with attention. I feared Soraya would be jealous – I needn't have worried – no one could be long mad at the bundle of giggles that was Merdas. Merdas was very much in danger of spoiling. Soraya was at an age to adore babies – and Sudaba doted on him for securing her own position.

I watched as Sudaba became harder on Soraya. Yes, Soraya was growing, and would soon be of marriageable age, and Sudaba was concerned that Soraya would not score an eligible match. I did not worry – my position was strong enough that many bachelors would knock on our door looking for her hand. Soraya needed to be strong – as Sudaba proved, it took a strong woman to run a household. I had no doubt Soraya would one day fill that role.

One day, I overheard another one of Sudaba's lectures on proper deghass behavior. I pulled Soraya into a hug as she stalked to her room. She squeaked in protest.

"It's mighty hard on you to be proper – when you've got a naked toddler for a brother." Merdas' antics were the talk of the army.

Soraya pouted. "Mother forgets that I am nearly a woman now."

I snorted. Fifteen next month could hardly be called a woman. Though it was a sobering thought that one more year and I would be entertaining suitors.

Soraya wasn't done with her self-pity. "Mother has so much control over the household, and she doesn't share with me. My cousin, Peri, gets to plan informal teas when her mother has guests – I could do that!"

"Hold your horses, leopard cub. You'll run your own household soon enough – enjoy your freedom while you have it."

"It's not freedom –"

"Hush. You can come with me to Mazad next week. Sudaba is staying to oversee the harvest." I loved seeing her face light up.

She sobered quickly. "But what if my husband won't give me any freedom? Someone who's as disapproving as Mother?"

I pulled her closer. "I wouldn't trust my leopard cub to just anyone. They'll have to pass the Papa leopard's tests – and meet the cub's approval." Relief painted her face. "I'll make sure that you get a choice, Soraya. You deserve it."

My heart twinged a little. At least I could protect one of my children.

The Hrum were getting closer, and Farsala had too long been safe. I remembered Kadeshi raids from my youth, and even Suud trouble when I was older. But the last ten years had seen peace – and I worried. Mostly about our ability to work together. Especially as I attracted more political enemies.

I don't know how I had collected so many. I had to believe a great deal of it was caused by position, some portion caused by my past – and a large part to my temperament. I found I had less and less patience with fools and their quarrels.

It had been too long since Farsala had needed a united army. Most of our defense had been each lord for himself, with his own staff of cavalry and support troops. Now, I was proposing the unthinkable – we would combine our strength into one, united front. It would mean they would give up their individual control – and their ability to impress the gahn with their individual commitment. This had lost me many of my allies.

Others, of course, had their own ideas. They bandied about the stories of Rostam and Sorahb to resounding cheers, maintaining that Farsala could not be defeated. While I appreciated the rallying of our collective patriotism, I felt they were over-zealous and over confident in their military prowess.

This divide was the cause of the largest rift in the gahn's council. Despite being the one who discovered the threat of the Hrum – the rumors started that I was too weak to defeat the Hrum. I had grown too soft.

It was not the insults that bothered me – it was when they took their cause to the Church. They asked the priests to preside over our quarrels. I attempted to stay out of their games.

Until they hit on my weakness – my desire to protect my family.

A/N: So, sorry, not a lot going on in this chapter - hope you enjoyed the little sweetness with Soraya to tide you over. Thanks for hanging on!