Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The next morning, when Michel woke up on his bedroll in the yurt, he still had a smile on his face.
He had dedicated his entire life to his position, his duty, his kingdom.
He’d plan to marry only when it befitted his station.
Now, though, he couldn’t imagine being with anyone other than Eve.
He didn’t care that she wasn’t titled or bringing any other connections.
She was smart and beautiful, commanding and confident, everything he could want.
He couldn’t wait to get her home.
A short while later, he was with her at the fire. They were teasing each other as they prepared breakfast. She tossed a persimmon at him. He snatched it from the air and grinned at her, just as he saw Renault coming into camp.
“It’s Renault,” he said, standing up, composing himself. Eve did as well, turning to watch the man approach.
Renault looked odd. Rushed. Michel folded his arms, already preparing for whatever could have gone wrong.
“What’s the news?” Michel said as Renault approached.
“Michel,” he greeted. “Mademoiselle.” He nodded. “I received post late last night.” He smoothed his hands over his legs. “I’m very sorry, Michel. Malik has declined to do business with you.”
“But he was amenable just yesterday,” Michel argued, his fists clenching in frustration. “What happened? Are you sure he knows who I am? Who my father is?”
“He does not wish to get involved with the French for the moment. He is particular with whom he trades.” He paused, looking between Michel and Eve. “He does not want any violence.”
“I don’t bring violence.” Michel sputtered. “This problem with the attacks is temporary. Once I get home, I will return with reinforcements and be able to clean up the routes once more.”
“He doesn’t care.” Renault hedged, his mustache bristling around the words. “He is nervous and in no hurry to make any new deals.”
“He just needs to meet me,” Michel insisted. “To see that it is safe to work with me.”
“Michel, you misunderstand—”
“We’ll stay here, give him a few days to think about it.” He was pacing now, heavy strides, nervous energy compelling him to move.
Renault shook his head, his voice faltering, his face growing red. “It’s not a matter of a few days. He doesn’t want to anger the tribes.” He held his hands out. “Perhaps try again the next time you are here.” He gave a quick glance at Eve. “When you have fewer considerations.”
Michel took a step forward into Renault’s space, pushing him back. “What did you say?” he snapped.
Renault stood up straighter, trying to come closer to Michel’s height, even as the older man took another step back.
“This could have been our legacy.” He pointed a finger.
“You’ve turned the tribes against us.” His voice turning sour, his face bitter.
“Everyone knows she’s the reason those men were killed. ”
“You dirty—” Michel pushed his sleeves up, lunging toward the man. He was going to knock his teeth out.
“Michel. Michel!” Eve said, and she was beside him, hand in front of him. “Don’t do more damage.”
Michel took a quick breath through his nose, his jaw clenched. “You'd better get out of my sight, Renault.”
“There’s one other thing,” Renault said, backing up, quieter but still cold, his eyes darting. “Before I go. They, uh, want you out by nightfall, the town officials.”
“What?” Michel thundered. “After everything I’ve done to bring business to Kashgar? I will pull out every market this town has.”
“They’ve already halted all commerce,” he said. “They don’t want to work with you. They will only continue if your father comes to reestablish himself.” He held out his hands in apology. “I’m sorry, Michel. It’s done.”
Michel froze, hearing Renault’s words. He couldn’t lose Kashgar. That would decimate the entire connection. “I’m going to meet with Malik myself,” he announced without another thought. “We’re going right now.” He started grabbing at supplies. “I’ll convince him.”
“You can’t—” Renault began.
“Give me a day. You owe me that.”
Renault held out his hands to the camp. “Who’s going, Michel?”
Michel looked up to see the glances between the men, and he understood the voices of their thoughts.
They would not accompany Michel, not many of them at least. This had become dangerous and complicated work, and many of them were just tradesmen.
There was no benefit in helping Michel to protect Eve and secure a line of cashmere.
“Renault, get me ten guards,” Michel demanded, turning to his hasty preparation. “And whoever else is brave enough to join us. We’ll be up to see Malik and back by nightfall.”
“I think you’re on a fool’s errand,” Renault sighed. “But alright. I’ll get you the guards.”
“We’ll be ready to leave in an hour.” He nodded to Eve. “Let’s go.”