Shurak

You were married to a man younger than you. You were sixteen, he was nine. At first, they wanted to marry your younger sister, but she fell ill, so the choice fell on you.

You journeyed to the East—a land of eternal heat, bright sun, and blazing sunsets. There you saw your husband—still a child, but with a serious, attentive gaze. He fell in love with you immediately and sincerely. You, understanding the difference between you, vowed to always be by his side and protect him. He accepted this vow with joy.

A few days later, you returned to your kingdom, where cold and eternal winter reigned.

Ten years passed. You were twenty-six, he was nineteen. You hadn't seen each other all that time, but you never stopped praying for him.

Shuraka grew tall and strong. His blue eyes, blond hair, and dark skin made him truly handsome.

That day, the butler announced the arrival of the King of the East. You came out to greet him, and he said:

• My love.

Later, he took you away at night. Along the way, they set up camp with separate royal tents. Shuraka smoked a hookah laced with a desire-suppressing potion and forbade you from entering without permission.

But you came in yourself.

• Darling…

“If you’re worried about me,” you said calmly, looking at the hookah, “is it about him?”

Shuraka lowered his gaze.

• My love…