The trade had been interrupted with the Kurkans’ new King.

“But the Kurkans will be interested in good merchandise,” said Bachmann, who was sure his was extraordinary. But there was no sign of fear; perhaps he had nothing to do with the slave trade. It made Leah curious.

“What will you trade for?”

“Kurkan purple silk. It’s worth more than gold on the mainland, more vivid than any dye they can produce. And the quality is exquisite.”

Leah thought about all the purple silk dresses in her closet. Ishakan had given her no end of gifts that matched her violet eyes. She probably had more priceless purple silk in her closet than the rest of the continent combined.

“That’s our hope. It’s really because of the Queen of Estia…”

Leah was surprised, but was careful not to show it in her face.

“…she liked to wear clothing made of Kurkan silk, so it’s become a trend through the rest of the continent. It’s been very hard to obtain.”

“…Ah.”

“It’s been popular with people who want to look like the Queen, the purple eyes, you know,” Bachman went on. Leah knew that the silk was popular, but hadn’t expected it to be the foundation of a desert trade enterprise. She had to fight to keep herself from blushing.

“I wonder what else you brought to trade,” she prompted.

“Things the King of Kurkan will want,” said Bachmann, proud of his inventory. There was another gust that whipped the sand upward, and everyone hurriedly covered their faces against the dust.

Leah’s vision blurred, but she could see a man in the distance, quietly approaching. He wore a cloth wrapped around his face, but his physique was unmistakable.

“Isha!” She called, greeting him. His name was known throughout the continent, so she had called him Isha during their journey. It always made him excited.

Swiftly, he approached her and kissed her on the mouth, and Leah’s eyes widened. All the men in the caravan were looking at them, but Isha didn’t care.

“You were missing your husband, eh?” He asked. Anyone would think he had been gone for a week, but it had only been a few hours. But she had missed him, all the same, and Leah nodded.

“Dad!” Lesha clutched his father’s robe, glaring at Bachmann and Hutan, all but accusing them of harassing his mother. They had done nothing wrong, but so many people had flirted with her over the journey, Lesha was becoming defensive. The little boy was glaring at them ferociously.

Stroking his son’s head, Ishakan’s eyes went to the two men.

Hutan was quite tall, but he was still small compared to Ishakan, and it was clear he wasn’t used to having to look up at someone; he looked uncomfortable.

“Kurkan…?” Bachmann muttered.

“Do I look like a Kurkan?” Ishakan asked, wrapping his arms casually around Leah.

“No, no. You have an…impressive physique,” Bachmann apologized. He was afraid Ishakan would be offended to be called a Kurkan. “It’s amazing. My son is not a small man.

“Ah.” Ishakan eyed him casually, smiling. “Yes, pretty big, for a human.”

Bachmann’s gaze wavered at the ambiguous remark, and Ishakan chuckled.

“What business do you have with my wife?”