Chapter 17: Customary

I wiped the sweat dripping down my face. I wonder if I will ever truly get accustomed to the dry heat that always swept over Anatolia. Nobody else seemed to feel the heat as much as I do, not even Yuri. Nenatti even seemed content as she rested inside my tunic. Perhaps I am just sensitive to heat.

We had set out for Ugarit days ago. Nearly a week, and if my estimations are correct, we should be seeing the city soon. I looked at our impressive congregation. Wagons, soldiers, the whole army following under Yuri's and my command. It was daunting to say the least. Ilbani had insisted on accompanying me instead of His Majesty.

I know I should be happy, but it made me nervous. There were a lot of people to protect…not just Yuri anymore. Now I had to watch the three generals…and Ilbani. What if I couldn't protect them all? This whole ride, I felt apprehension consume me. All these people…they depended on me. They awaited my order. Any of their deaths are on my head. Could I do it? All these people…

"There it is!" Yuri's words interrupted my thoughts. There it was indeed. I saw it on the horizon, a walled city.

Ugarit. The center trade city of Egypt. A crucial place that would be the beginning of cutting off Egypt's trade routes and supply.

I couldn't help…but feel as if this was too easy. A few days riding in the hot sun? Bah. That was nothing. I hate to be the negative nelly, but I had a feeling there was something else up. That the Queen had to have more planned. Perhaps I was paranoid. I saw the Queen's plans around every corner, I was just paranoid.

I tried to tell myself that, but as we walked through the city, I began to doubt it. There was nobody here. This city was deserted. Why would such a key city be empty?

A man came into the city, kneeling in front of us. The man was shaking with fear and there was a stutter in his voice.

"Th-the k-king wishes f-for y-you to c-come to his p-palace w-where th-they a-await you." He said.

"Rusafa. Send some scouts." I say. Rusafa nodded and I heard horse hooves departing. I myself knelt down to the man. He cowered and ducked his head.

"You are no soldier. What are you doing here?" I ask gently.

"And where are all the people?" Yuri asked, coming up beside me.

"P-please forgive me! I had to follow the King's order, or he would kill my family!" The man suddenly shouted.

"What?" I demand in surprise. Did we have a corrupt royal on our hands? I don't want the blood of innocents caught in this war. Conquering and leaving a trail of blood and hate behind you is no victory. But if this king was holding people hostage, then we could have trouble.

"A horse!" Rusafa shouted. I looked to see that indeed it was one of the scout's horses. But where was the rider.

I felt a sense of dread as I watched the horse teeter and fall. There was something wrong. Where are my scouts?

"Yuri stay here." I commanded and ran toward the downed horse.

"There are no wounds…but he is so agitated." Yuri's voice chimed from beside me. I growled. Hadn't I told her to stay back? Something was obviously wrong and I did not want her in danger! Poison, perhaps? I gasped as a hand shakily came up over the ledge near by.

"Snakes… Be careful." It was our scout! I hissed and checked him over. There was a telltale snakebite on his ankle. Snake bites…what did I know of snakebites? I knew nothing. I grabbed my dagger and slit a cut on the scout's ankle. Bleed the poison out…that was my reasoning. As long as this man still breathed, I would do anything to save him.

I heard a hiss near me, I turned to see a black snake with yellow markings rearing it's head and hissing at me. Nenatti at that moment jumped off my shoulder and attacked the serpent, ripping the creature in two. She stood proudly flaunting the trophy of a snake's head and swishing her tail back and forth. I looked again to see that the entire area…it was covered with snakes. Angry, hissing snakes.

"Princess! Please don't ride off on your own!" Hadi and Rusafa came up to us. Rusafa gasped.

"Vipers! Their poison is fatal!" He put an arm around Yuri and pulled her back.

"It's a trap. All these snakes in one place…there is no way this is a natural occurrence. Look. All of the trees are burned, it keeps the snakes on the ground." I say, focusing on trying to get rid of the poison in the scout. Had I been fast enough? I heard him groan. Did I bleed out too much? If I let him bleed anymore, he could die of blood loss. I tore my dress and wrapped his leg tightly. He still had a pulse.

"Rusafa, take this man back for medical care." I say. Did the have anti-venom's yet? I don't know how to specifically make anti-venom, but I do know you need the actual venom, right?

"We have to question the messenger." I say, turning back to the city. "Nenatti put that thing down!" I scolded as I saw her try to jump on my shoulder with the snake still in her mouth.

"I did not come from the castle, I was told to wait in the city." The messenger said.

"We will get nothing from him. He wont talk." I concluded after a long interrogation. I shook my head and headed out toward the snake pit. I had some snake hunting to do.

Ilbani's POV

The villagers were upstream. Princess Yuri had sent men out to round up all of the villagers and send them back to the village. Where had Yuki run off to? I walked along the outer rim of the village and saw her crouched down…back to where the snakes were. That fool of a girl!

I swore as I saw her standing there using the snakes as target practice. The little fox of hers killing off some as well.

"That's dangerous!" I shout. She turned and picked up her dagger with a pout. Nenatti climbed back on her shoulder and she jogged back to me.

"Princess Yuri has found the villagers. You should wait in the village for their return." I say, not really offering room for argument. I looked back at where she was standing. "How many did you kill?" I asked.

"Lots, I guess. And Nenatti got some too." She looked speculatively.

"I only see a few bodies…" I looked again.

"Yeah, well there are a lot of local birds here. Most of the dead ones got eaten by them." She shrugged and headed back to the village.

When we reached the village, we saw the villagers huddled in a clump, all of them clinging to each other. They were certainly frightened…but why so much?

"Please don't hurt the children!" A woman cried out. Others were hiding their daughters and wives behind them. Princess Yuri was trying to placate them with no avail. They were so scared that they could not answer anything. They just kept begging for mercy.

"Put down your weapons." Yuki's voice rang out through the chaos. Everyone began to quiet down.

"But Princess…" Rusafa started.

"Put them down. They are innocent villagers. Do we really need to hold a sword to them?" She asked with the utmost calm. No one else dared to contradict her. A clatter was head throughout the area as weapons clattered to the ground.

"Now. What is it that has you so frightened?" Yuri leaned down to come to level with the bowing mayor.

"We were told…that the Hittites were here to kill us!" The man cried.

We listened to the lies that the king had been feeding the villagers. I saw Yuki begin to scowl unhappily. At the end of their tale, she sighed heavily.

"We mean you no harm." She began, but a carrier pigeon interrupted her.

"A message from the castle." Rusafa began to read the missive.

To the Generals of the Hittite Army,

Be at my palace by sunset, or Prince Piyasili dies. Use the villagers to get rid of the snakes. Then use their dead bodies as a bridge to cross to my palace. The snakes should not hinder you then. A bloody people like you should have no qualms with this.

"I knew it! They are plotting our deaths! They will force us to remove the snakes!" The villagers were in frenzy.

"We will not be using the plan the King sends." Princess Yuri says. Of course not. Our princesses were not barbarians. They would not do such a thing.

"Then we will! Princess Yuri, command us to take out the snakes!"

"No, command my unit, Princess Yuki!"

Voices cried out, soldiers begging to be the one to set to the task of ridding us of those snakes.

"Nobody is risking their lives over some cursed snakes." Yuki said, standing in front of the men. Of course she wouldn't allow them to do such a thing. She may be a goddess of death, but she was not one who would let other's die if she could help it. That's just the kin of person she was.

"I am not letting the Prince die either. If I have to go in myself and clear out the snakes then I will. But I will not allow any of you near those snakes." She continued.

"You aren't going near them either." I say, grabbing the back of her tunic. "Don't get carried away."

She scowled at me a bit.

"There has to be a way to get rid of the snakes without putting lives in danger…" Princess Yuri said, deep in thought. "Yuki…weren't you killing a bunch out there before?"

"Yeah. Nenatti and I were getting a lot of them…but not nearly enough." Yuki replied.

"Wait…what happened to all the bodies of the snakes? I thought there were more?" Yuri looked at the clearing curiously.

"Oh…well most were eaten by the wildlife in the area. Other foxes and birds and such." Yuki repeats. The light then seemed to dawn on both of them.

"Oh!" Came the simultaneous cry. It seemed our Princesses have a plan now.

Princess Yuri pulled on the glove that Shimushay used as his perch. Yuki stalked next to her with Nenatti on her shoulder.

"Go!" They both suddenly cried, Yuki urging Nenatti into the bushes while Princess Yuri sent Shimushay to rustle up the trees. Within moments, birds, other foxes, stray cats, and much more rushed out of the surrounding forest areas. They all came and began eating the vipers. Yuki laughed giddily, at this rate, the vipers will be gone in no time and we will make it to the palace before sundown.

"Laugh like that and no wonder they'll think you're insane." I tease. She turned and stuck her tongue out at me. Very mature. I couldn't help but laugh back at her. She was contagious.

Yuki's POV

The king was irate. It was pointless to try and reason with a man so lost in grief and sorrow.

"What a foolish King. To wallow in grief while his city suffers." Shala comments, looking at the man that shouted obscenities at Yuri.

"A grieving father. One who loved his daughter above all else. It is our Queen who is the most shameful. Taking advantage of that love." I say sadly shaking my head.

"Clear the palace. The Egyptians are on their way here." Yuri swept through after she had listened to the messenger. I moved to clear out the palace while the sisters started toward the village to round the villagers to safety.

"You ladies, it will no longer be safe here. You should leave." I address the women I see crowded about. Some were clinging to a flushed Rusafa. I laughed as the man tried in vain to try and nudge the girls off. I might have laughed had the situation not been so dire.

I sighed; I forget that our King is an abnormality. He only has one woman in his sights.

"Civilians must be evacuated. All of them." I state clearly to the women. Yuri stood beside me and nodded. This land was going to be a battleground soon.

"Female commanders? Listen here, darlings, let me give you the lay of the land." A woman came up and draped each arm over Yuri and I.

"We really have no alliances. This is our livelihood; we go to where men need us. Men will always need women, no matter their country. Generals often allow their men to stop at brothels for the night." She winked at us. Yuri blushed all the way down to her chest.

"Hmm…I hadn't taken that into account…I guess it is a very good way to keep moral up in the midst of war…" I mumbled. I had not thought of keeping the moral up this way…

"…We don't have to you know…" Ilbani said unsure.

"No. Moral is an important part of how the men will fight. Keeping them happy is important." I say brusquely.

"Then…I guess we could stay…" Yuri said hesitantly. I turned and walked out to the balcony to announce our plans to the men.

"We will be staying here for a while. If I hear ANY report mistreatment of these, women…well let's just say there will be consequences." I say with a sweet smile.

"I agree, deal with enemy soldiers as you must, but you are not to harm any women or children. No matter their country. We are not here to brutalize the innocent." Yuri stands beside me and says in a clear, strong voice. Had she always had the commanding tone?

As I watched the men pair up…I couldn't help but wonder, how many of these men had wives waiting back home? Was it normal to have multiple lovers here? It wasn't just a royal thing. Many high-ranking officials often kept mistresses. So…I guess it is normal? I wonder if Ilbani would spend nights with women like this before me…or if he will in the future.

I felt my heart grip with the bitter bite of jealousy but smothered it the best I could. I should be counting my lucky stars! I had the heart of a high-ranking official! Such a man would love a temperamental, childish girl like me. I was so lucky. A girl like me found someone to love me. I was so lucky.

"Ah well. Yuri, I believe we have some tactics to discuss? I don't believe we have anything else to do." I playfully nudge her side.

"Haha. You are right. Let's to some inventory while we're at it!" She grinned.

We sat in the palace lounge, discussing our strategy. We had to slow down the Egyptians.

"We need three days." I sigh. Battling with them to merely buy time would waste too many lives.

"You merely need three days? I think we can do that." The woman from before stepped in.

"No, no. Too dangerous." Yuri waved the idea off quickly.

"Oh Please, sweetie. We know how to do our jobs. It would just be another day in the life." She said dismissively.

"Then I will go with the ladies to slow down the Egyptians in Beduit." Yuri suddenly announced.

"Haha. No." I deadpanned. She glared back at me.

"I will not allow them to be put in danger without me. Their lives are in our hands if they decide to help us." She stared back unwaveringly.

I snarl. She's right. Their lives are in our hands now as well. And if Egypt found out our little plan, these women were defenseless. We can't let them go alone.

"You are right. So that means I go as well." I say with a sigh.

"No. Absolutely no!" Ilbani hissed at me. "I have been lenient with your whims when it came to your impulsive decisions, but this is a no!"

"Ilbani, there are not a lot of women in our army. They need as much protection as possible." I sigh. Things were decided. Even after hours of arguing, Yuri and I stood true to our plan. We will leave for Beduit soon.

Ilbani's POV

I stared at my wine. The tactics meeting was over; I don't know why they bother inviting us. Princess Yuri and Yuki make the decisions on their own, whether we agree or not. I dumped the wine down my throat, it was much too sweet.

Yuki…disguising as a prostitute…I trust her, of course, but she was not a big person. A man could easily overpower her at a close proximity. Just because our men were kind enough to respect the women does not mean others respected the same morals. I sigh again.

"That's a lot of sighs for one night." Mittanamwa said from across the table. All the generals were here to have a few drinks and have a moment of relaxation. Some relaxation. I was still upset with Yuki's little plan.

"Oh, you men look so lonely! Perhaps you want someone to warm your beds for the night?" Some women came prancing in, draping themselves over us. I had learned to ignore moments such as this. Mittanamwa seemed to be having a good time while Rusafa and Kash had a sad look on their face; both remembering their love for another. Both loves impossible.

I realized right then, how very lucky I was. My love was here. She was alive. I was free to love her to the fullest. How many other men are denied that? How many would trade their lives to have their loves back in their lives, or for their loves to notice them? How lucky I am, that a goddess, a perfect girl like Yuki would even glance my way. Look at a monotonous attendant. I was so lucky.

I barely noticed the curvy blonde that had draped herself over my shoulder, her breasts pressing into my back. None of them were right. They were all so dull in comparison to my Yuki.

"Ahem…Ilbani." Kash coughed, kicking me under the table.

"What?" I grumble looking up. Kash inclined his head to someone behind me. I turned and froze to see Yuki. I stared a moment. I had not pushed the other woman off because I was so lost in thought. But what Yuki saw…she saw me drinking wine with a curvy, barely dressed blonde draped over my shoulder.

"Yuki…I-" I started to explain.

"It's fine! I don't mind!" She smiled cheerfully. Her smile was off. It was forced. There was sadness behind it…but there was no anger. I would have preferred her angry. Her anger I could put up with. There was something else though…was that…acceptance in her eyes? I had never asked her about her culture's traditions on lovers. Was it normal to have more then one? Is that why she had this kind of reaction? All of the sudden, her plan for Beduit sounded even worse.

"Imma go to sleep though. Be sure to be up early to help me take inventory, Yah?" She grinned and pranced up the stairs toward the inn's bedrooms. I was stunned as I watched her go. Kash finally struck my back and I coughed, and regained my senses. What just happened?

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know that you were her…" The woman began. I ignored her and rushed off to find my goddess.

Yuki's POV

I sat at the little table in the inn room. The clay tablets were stacked up high. Inventory to do. How much do we need for Beduit. Have to send a missive back to His Majesty….

I stopped as I saw something drip onto the clay tablet I was writing. Was the roof leaking? But there was no rain. I rested my face in my hands and wrinkled my brow in confusion. My cheeks were wet. Was I…crying? But why? I had decided that I was ok with Ilbani with other women…that I had to adapt to the traditions here. I don't want to tie him down if that isn't what is done here. It isn't fair for me to push my traditions on him if I was the one living here. I had to adapt. I know that. I told myself that. So why am I still upset? Why are there tears leaking out of my eyes?

I heard the door open and quickly wiped my eyes. I can't show weakness here. I am the Gal Meshedi.

"Need some help with these?" A hand reached over my shoulder and snagged the clay tablet. I looked up quickly at the familiar voice. Ilbani. Why wasn't he with that other woman?

"Have you been crying?" He asked, touching my cheek.

"No." I lied. My voice came out a bit too high-pitched. Too strained.

"Don't lie. Why did you act so happy downstairs? Why lie to me?" He brushed his fingers through his hair. I loved when he did that.

"Well…um a lot of men around here seem to have side lovers…I thought that was the customary thing here. Especially among high officials." I wrung my hands together. Refusing to look at him. He tilted my chin up.

"You were willing to share me over what you believed was customary?" He looked a little hurt.

"Not share…I wanted to adapt. If this is how things are here, then I will not make you adapt to my traditions. Besides…I know that I am not experienced at…well you know…sex…not as experienced as those ladies…I thought you would prefer…I only have one request though!" I look up at him, I could feel my eyes beginning to well up again. " I…I want to be the only one that you love. I mean…um." I trailed off.

"Stop." Ilbani finally said, stroking my cheek.

"You were going to go through all of that heartache? Were you ever going to tell me? No, I know you wouldn't." He sighed. " Yuki. You are the only woman I will ever need in my life. I will love only you. I don't want to share you. I will never make you share either."

I sighed happily and laughed a breathless laugh. Relief flooded my heart as I leaned into his embrace.

"I will love only you. For all of my life, I will only love you." I laugh into his robe. He suddenly drew back. I looked at him in confusion. Did I say something wrong? He had a very serious look on his face. I knew that look. He was contemplating something big.

He suddenly took a deep breath and stepped back. I suddenly felt cold outside of his embrace. What was he planning? He suddenly pulled me to my feet and held my hand in both of his.

"Yuki. I love you. You are the only woman I have or will ever love. I love when you wrinkle your nose when you are unhappy. I love how temperamental and clever you are. I love how strong and stubborn you are. I love hearing you hum as you work. I love so many things about you. I love you, Yuki. And I want to see you every morning when I wake up and every night when I sleep. I want to be with you forever. Please, will you do the great honor of marrying me?" He said, looking directly into my eyes.

I stared, immobile. I was in shock. Laughter bubbled up and spilled over. I felt tears dripping down my cheeks again. I seemed to be crying quite a bit today.

He was still waiting for an answer! I realized.

"Yes! Yes, yes, a million times yes!" I shriek giddily, linking my arms around his neck. He laughed and hugged my waist, lifting me off the ground and twirling me in circles.

"Then, first thing we do in Hattusa is have a wedding." He announced, and then frowned.

"What's wrong?" I ask tentatively. Was he having second thoughts?

"You said…you wanted to adapt to our customs. Well, Why don't we use one of your customs as well? What do people in your country do when they wed?" He asked. I beamed up at him.

"I don't need our customs. I live here now. I will use the customs here. It is who I am now. I don't need Japan's customs I have you, and that's all I need." I was still trying to staunch the tears trickling down my face.

"Your old country is also a part of you. It is a part of who you are now, don't ever forget parts of your life. They make up your very being. There must be something. Princess Yuki and His Majesty have that symbol that they exchange…" Ilbani still had his arms around my waist.

"A heart. It is a symbol of love for our country…well…we exchange rings. One for the husband and one for the wife. A ring is a sign of marriage in my country." I say looking up at him. "We don't need them though. I don't need it to know that you love me."

He looked around a moment and went off to the side, where we kept our saddles for the horses. He turned again and took my hand in his. When he let go, I saw that he had taken two iron rings that connected the saddles under the horses and put one of the rings on my finger. He held up his hand and I saw he had the other ring on his own finger.

"I know they aren't much. We can get gold ones when we get back to Hattusa." He smiled, kissing my hand.

"No, they are perfect. It's perfect." I laugh. Married. I am getting married! I held my hand up and stare at the ring. Everything was so perfect.

It almost made me forget the upcoming war.

Almost.

Yay, they are finally getting married!

That is if they make it back to Hattusa for the wedding...

Kind of a fluffy chapter, but more action is promised next chapter!

Thanks so much for reading!

~EternallySnowy