My Wife Is a Battle Maiden Of The Horde

Inside the central yurt, Lady Naran and Batu sat together on a soft purple rug. Between them was a low wooden table, known as a gur, neatly arranged with horn-shaped cups and a container of steaming water.

Batu wore a faint smile, a mix of amusement and curiosity as he watched his fourth wife prepare tea with elegant precision. Her movements were graceful, each one a testament to her noble upbringing.

As he observed her, Batu felt no primal desire for Lady Naran, unlike what he often felt for Lady Aynur. His gaze was calm, devoid of flirtation. For this alone, he stood apart from most men of the Sumerû Plains. After all, who could resist such a silver-haired beauty, serving tea with an air of quiet dignity?

Batu admired beautiful women, but he valued talent even more. Lady Naran was a rare treasure, possessing both beauty and exceptional intellect. He believed she deserved the respect befitting her stature, though within limits—after all, she was his wife, his possession. This open-mindedness was a rarity not only in the Sumerû Plains but also in the Western Continent, from where Lady Naran hailed.

As Lady Naran poured the tea, her thoughts churned. She inwardly cursed, remembering Ronan's earlier assumptions. That fool truly believed I was enslaved, she thought bitterly. I merely submitted to circumstances and chose the best path forward.

She glanced at Batu, who was waiting patiently. A fleeting smile crossed her lips as she reflected on her decision. It turns out this was the right choice after all, she admitted reluctantly. Yet the memory of the passionate scene she had witnessed earlier unsettled her, reminding her of the compromises she had made.

Lady Naran had accepted the cultural differences of the Sumerû Plains, but a small part of her past self lingered within—the princess who once dreamed of a romantic life with one devoted partner. She knew such fantasies were impossible, not only in the plains but even in her homeland, where polygamy was common among nobility.

Clearing her mind, she pushed aside such musings. This was not the time for indulgent thoughts; she had a purpose to fulfill.

"Naran, shall we play chess? It's been a while. After all, you were the one who taught me this game," Batu said, breaking the silence.

Lady Naran smiled sweetly, placing the freshly poured tea before him. "As you wish, husband."

Retrieving the chessboard, she set up the pieces with practiced efficiency before gesturing for Batu to make the first move.

Batu's smile faded as he focused on the game. He moved the queen's pawn forward one square without hesitation.

Lady Naran studied the board briefly before making her move. A serene stillness filled the yurt as they played in silence, the only sounds the occasional clinking of the cups and the soft rustle of the chess pieces. Batu relished each sip of tea, savoring the flavors with evident satisfaction.

"Naran," Batu said suddenly, breaking the quiet, "your tea is extraordinary. How did you learn to make it?"

Lady Naran bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "I learned the art of tea-making in my homeland. In the West, noblewomen are expected to master the tea ceremony."

Batu sighed, leaning back slightly. "Alas, you still haven't told me about your past. As your husband, do I not deserve to know? It's been fifteen years."

Lady Naran froze, her hand hovering over the chessboard. A troubled look crossed her face as her eyes darted nervously. Biting her lip, she replied, "Husband... I am guilty of keeping secrets. As your wife, I belong to you and have no right to hide anything. If you truly wish to know, I will tell you... but I beg you not to despise me once you learn the truth."

Her voice trembled as she spoke, and her expression was one of deep imploration, as though she had been wronged.

Batu studied her silently before letting out a hearty laugh. Waving his hand, he said, "What kind of man would I be to force you? That was our agreement, and I'll honor it. But I hope that one day, you'll share your story with me willingly. And rest assured, no matter what it is, I won't look down on you."

Relief washed over Lady Naran's features. Lowering her gaze, she said, "I deserve punishment for hiding things from you, but... I have my reasons. I only hope you can forgive me."

Batu leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Oh? You wish to be punished?"

Lady Naran blushed, avoiding his gaze. Shameless man! she thought, though she couldn't suppress a faint smile.

Batu nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased with her reaction. He returned his focus to the chessboard, but the moment of levity had lightened the atmosphere.

As the game drew to a close, Lady Naran made her final move and smiled. "Husband, you've lost."

Contrary to expectations, Batu showed no anger after losing to his own wife. Instead, he laughed heartily. "This is why I admire you, Naran. You're the only one who dares to say such things to me. Winning or losing doesn't matter when the person who defeats me is my wife. It only proves my ability to conquer such a woman, doesn't it?"

Lady Naran maintained her elegant smile, nodding shyly in acknowledgment. Although, only she knew what her true feelings were.

When the tea cups were emptied and only the lingering steam remained, Batu cleared his throat. "Now, tell me. What brings you here? It better be something important. Naran, no matter how much I adore you but still, I don't appreciate interruptions when I'm with someone"

Lady Naran straightened, her expression turning serious. Bowing deeply in apology, she said, "Husband, I have several requests, and.. I'd like to ask for the final boon that you have me."

"Speak," Batu said, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"I beg you to teach our son, Noyan, the ancestral martial techniques of the Ulaan Tribe. This is my first request," she said earnestly.

Batu leaned back thoughtfully. After a moment, he chuckled. "Your son is no ordinary boy. I've always known that. But even in front of me, he remains tight-lipped."

He paused, recalling moments with Noyan. "Don't worry. As you know, I am not narrow-minded. If he proves himself worthy, I will impart the techniques to him, as I do with all my deserving children."

Lady Naran's relief was evident. Batu's agreement eased her concerns about the Tribe Elders' opinions.

However, Batu's gaze turned sharp. "Tell me, though—why have you been holding him back? Letting him stay quiet will only make him a target for bullies."

"The tallest trees catch the most wind," Lady Naran replied with a resigned sigh. "I worry that drawing too much attention will have the opposite effect."

Batu's eyes narrowed. "So, you want him to be my heir?"

Lady Naran's expression faltered, her resolve momentarily shaken as Batu pointed out the crux of the matter directly. "My lord, I ask for your guidance."

Batu stroked his beard, an amused glint in his eyes. "I'm not doubting his ability, but your approach isn't right. In the Great Desolate Plains, strength and prestige matter more than bloodlines. Noyan will have to prove himself as a true Sumer."

Lady Naran's eyes gleamed with understanding. "That brings me to my second request," she said.

"Speak," Batu prompted.

"If my sources are correct, the Liang Dynasty in the South is in turmoil due to natural disasters. The puppet emperor is under great pressure, the Jin and Yûlong dynasties are circling like vultures, waiting to strike."

Batu wasn't surprised by the sudden shift in topic, though he was impressed by her detailed knowledge. He listened intently.

"This is a golden opportunity to attack the Song," Lady Naran continued. "I believe the Covenant won't miss this chance. When the time comes, I beg you to give Noyan a chance to prove himself on the battlefield."

Batu considered her words carefully. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. I'll give him the opportunity, but I won't show favoritism. It will be up to him to seize it."

Lady Naran smiled gratefully but hesitated before speaking again. Taking a deep breath, she said with unprecedented seriousness, "Lastly, I want Noyan to join the pilgrimage next year."

Batu's eyes widened in shock. "Are you mad?" He exclaimed.

Lady Naran's expression remained resolute. Realizing she was completely serious, Batu took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. He fixed his gaze on her, waiting for an explanation.

"My Lord," Lady Naran began, her voice unwavering, "long ago, when I saved your life, you granted me three boons. Three wishes you promised to fulfill at any time. You have already honored two of those wishes, and now... I invoke the last one for this matter."

Batu frowned, clearly troubled. "Naran, it's not that I doubt your son's potential, but sending him on the pilgrimage would be a death sentence. Even for me, it was nearly fatal. Think carefully—this is no trivial matter, and there's no turning back." His voice was stern, his words heavy with caution.

Lady Naran hesitated momentarily, her resolve faltering for only a fraction of a second. Then, bowing deeply—nearly to the point of kneeling—she said with conviction, "My Lord, he is prepared. I would never gamble with my son's life if I lacked confidence in him. Husband, this time, please trust me."

Batu's inner turmoil was evident. He wasn't convinced by her reasoning and found it difficult to believe Noyan could survive such a grueling ordeal. Yet, he couldn't dismiss Lady Naran's plea. He had given her his word long ago, and going back on it would tarnish his honor. What perplexed him further was Lady Naran's confidence. She was not a reckless or impulsive woman.

After a long silence, Batu finally raised his hands in resignation. "Fine!" he declared, his voice tinged with frustration. "But I will not take responsibility if he does not return."

Lady Naran exhaled deeply, relief washing over her. A faint smile graced her lips as she bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, my Lord. Thank you!" she said sincerely, though her husband's concern remained etched on his face.

"Well," Batu said, his tone now impatient, "is there anything else?"

Lady Naran hesitated, weighing whether to push her luck further. Opportunities to discuss such matters were rare, and she decided to take the chance.

"Yes... there is one more thing. But..." She hesitated, her voice timid. "My Lord mustn't be angry."

Batu's eyebrows twitched, a mixture of irritation and curiosity flashing across his face. "Just say it!" he commanded.

Taking a deep breath, Lady Naran spoke cautiously. "My Lord, please hear me out. Over the past fifteen years, I have seen your influence grow considerably. However, for some, this growing prestige may be a cause for concern. I believe we must tread carefully."

Batu fell silent, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Are you referring to my father-in-law?" he asked, his voice sharp. "I agree that he is a suspicious man, but Aynur is his daughter. Why would he harm me?"

Lady Naran found herself in a delicate predicament. She couldn't reveal all the secrets she knew, nor could she convince Batu outright without evidence. Instead, she chose her words carefully.

"My Lord, I ask only that you remain vigilant. You've trusted my intuition in the past, and it has proven helpful. Please, just be cautious. That is all I ask."

Batu scrutinized her closely, his confusion evident. While he didn't fully grasp her reasoning, he nodded, albeit without much conviction. "Fine," he said gruffly. "I'll keep it in mind. You may leave now."

Lady Naran inwardly sighed with relief. Though she hadn't achieved everything she hoped for, most of her goals had been met. She offered a faint smile, bowed once more, and turned to leave.

"Wait," Batu called out suddenly, halting her steps.

Lady Naran turned back, her expression puzzled. "Yes, my Lord?"

"Tonight," Batu said with a flirtatious grin, "accompany me."

Lady Naran's cheeks reddened faintly as she bowed again. "As my husband wishes," she replied.

Blushing, she left the tent gracefully, but as soon as she stepped outside, her smile vanished. Her face returned to its usual composed and indifferent expression, her mind already turning to the challenges ahead.