Chapter Song Suggestion - "Kaze no chikai by Kunihiko Ryo"
After making the decision to travel with everyone, Inka took up Shuhei's offer for the womenfolk and children to stay in Donggu while she was away. She forbade Lupa to come with them, appointing him as little Chieftain.
"Don't worry, igido!" he boldly announced. "As the son of the great Ashitaka, I will protect our tribe until you return. May you travel in peace."
She messed his hair fondly. "When did you grow up so fast, little one?"
An air of defeat eclipsed his liveliness. "When those slavers captured us, I tried my best to fight back but, I was too weak to even defend myself. My inability made me angry, and I swore that I will train harder and become stronger."
Inka knelt to his eye level, gripping his shoulders. "I am proud of you for wanting to protect our people Lupa, but I don't expect you to be like our father. At least, not right now. When you're taller, bigger, and older, I will definitely whip your bottom if you fail then."
He straightened with determination. "You can count on me, igido."
"Good," she declared, pleased to see his confidence restored. She found Kyou smiling at them, obviously eavesdropping. "Does His Majesty have nothing to say?"
"Come here, cub."
Inka shook her head at the nickname. In an effortless lift, Kyou sat the boy upon his broad shoulders. Lupa's excited laughter surrounded them.
"What do you see from up there, cub?" he asked, as they stood overlooking the horizon.
"I can see the other side of Donggu!"
"That's right. Nanyang lies on the other side. What do you feel when you're on top looking down on the world?"
"I feel like a King!" Lupa shouted breathlessly, his face cracking into a wide smile. His small fists pumped into the air. "I feel invincible!"
Kyou noticed Inka holding back a smile. His own lips twitched in amusement. "This is the feeling you should always remember in your heart when you face obstacles in life. Whenever my heart wavers, I am reminded that there are thousands of lives who depend on me for a safe and peaceful country to live in. After that, I will calm down and be able to think clearly."
"If I do that, will I be just like you?"
This time, Inka's laughter slipped.
Kyou smiled, feeling once again humbled by his admiration. "Only time will tell."
"Then I can't wait to grow up!" Lupa innocently declared, still untouched by the world's cruelty.
Kyou understood that Inka wished to shelter her brother from the realities of life but, he knew firsthand that one could only grow strong after overcoming hardships. A baby bird would never learn to fly if it weren't pushed out of its nest. But he supposed that can wait for a little while longer. Lupa's innocence was a balm on a jaded soul. "I think your sister would prefer that you stayed just as you are for now," he remarked fondly.
"That's right." Inka agreed, slipping her hand into Kyou's. "Staying just like this is fine with me too."
He squeezed her hand in response. There was an indescribable fullness in his heart.
"Hey, lovebirds!" Shuhei rudely interrupted. "We're crossing the border soon, so you better say your goodbyes."
"You're leaving already?" Lupa sulked.
Setting the boy on his feet, Kyou playfully chucked his chin. "Don't be sad, cub. We'll be back before you know it and when we return, I'll take you to visit the imperial palace."
Lupa lit up at the mention of Xi Palace. "You promise?"
"I never break my word," Kyou responded solemnly.
Throwing his arms around the Emperor, Lupa surprised him. "You're the greatest!"
Hesitantly, Kyou patted the little boy's back in awkward affection, feeling a tingle of warmth blooming in his chest. He was slightly disappointed when Inka peeled her brother off him. "Off you go to Nana," she cajoled, bending for a kiss. Turning to Kyou, she softly teased. "You have a soft spot for my brother."
Kyou shrugged, feigning indifference. "The cub is smitten. I can't possibly let him down."
Her chuckle was filled with feminine amusement. "Come on, let's regroup before your head gets too big."
Near the carriage, Rei tended to the horses while Ryuu and Kuriko packed food for the journey. Shuhei merely observed from afar, noticing an old woman hobbling towards Inka.
"Be careful when you get to Nanyang," Nana warned, her eyes filled with distrust.
"What's wrong, Nana?" Inka asked, taking the old woman's hands in hers.
"On our way here, we heard the slavers gossiping about King Akio's recent madness. They claim he's been acting peculiar after his mother's death. The palace servants would notice him talking to himself."
The other women nodded in agreement. "Yes, but that's not all there is to it. We heard that he is plotting the Crimson King's death." All eyes darted to Kyou. "Your life might be in danger, Your Majesty."
"If my brother wants to kill me, then he will have to try his best." Kyou asserted fearlessly, his expression undaunted. "Akio and I have a strained relationship since my father's death. I am not surprised that he desires the throne." He had already lost count of the assassination attempts on his life over the years.
"You are a courageous man, Your Majesty," Nana reflected with undisguised approval. "It reassures me that you will be able to protect our dear Inka from all future danger."
"There is no doubt about that, Madam."
Inka squeezed in between them, annoyed by how they were talking as if she weren't present. "I am a trained warrior. I can handle my own enemies and take care of myself." She folded her arms testily. "There is no need for you to come rescue me."
"But not all enemies are physical manifestations," he related from experience. "As the Emperor, my enemies are often close yet untouchable. Whether it is politics or war, it's all about who has the better strategy to win."
"He's right." Nana agreed. "I have witnessed much betrayal during both father and son's reign. However, Inka, knowing that a formidable warrior stands beside you helps an old woman die peacefully when the time comes."
"It will be a long time before Waya guides you home because we still need you, Nana." Inka gave her nursemaid a firm hug and a kiss on her cheek.
"May Waya guide and watch over your journey. Heyatahesdi." Nana blessed them.
"Wado. Donadagohv i."
Inka made her way to the carriage where Shuhei extended a helping hand. "You know, I truly wished that I could understand your dialect."
"I was thanking Nana for wishing us well, and that I will see her again soon," Inka explained, climbing inside.
"It's interesting. Personally, I can speak eight languages but, the Ashina tongue is reverently new."
"My ancestors were descendants of the Cherokee, and we retained the use of their native tongue. It's a necessary evil if you are born in the Ashina clan." She humoured him.
"Perhaps you won't mind teaching me a few words."
"Not at all."
Appeased with his request, Shuhei rapped on the roof to signal the driver to move. During the ride, Kuriko regaled them with stories about her life in Nanyang and hoped to take them to her favourite dining halls.
Upon arrival at the Nan Palace, the gatekeepers announced their presence with the pounding of massive skin drums. The carriage halted at the foot of a majestic limestone staircase leading up to an imposing red and gold palace. Shuhei was the first to alight, followed by the women.
Kyou handed his reins to a stable master who conveniently appeared even before he dismounted. Suspicion shadowed his thoughts at this deliberate welcome. Akio had been expecting them.
At the top of the grand steps, a large man draped in voluminous red silk and a black conical hat appeared with an army of retainers. He regarded them with cool detachment before flashing a welcoming smile. If Inka hadn't been staring so intently, she would have missed the King's swift transformation — like donning a mask.
An unexpected chill gripped her.