They departed early the following day. The sun had just started to peek over the horizon, and the air was still cool and fresh. The horses moved at a steady pace with their hooves thudding softly against the packed dirt road.
Xiao Zhi sat quietly beside Ruhan with her hands resting in her lap. The new carriage was sturdy and smooth although not as fancy as the one she had before the bandit took it away. She watched the scenery shift as they traveled. The sand slowly gave way to patches of green, and the air grew less dry with every mile.
After a while, she spoke softly. "It's strange. I thought Tughril would be nothing but desert."
Ruhan glanced at her. "That's what most outsiders think. But there is more here than sand."
They fell into a comfortable silence. The road grew busier the closer they got to the capital. She could see some farmers pushed carts, soldiers patrolled in pairs, and merchants carried bundles of bright fabrics and spices.
When the first tall walls of the capital appeared, Xiao Zhi leaned forward, her eyes widening in mesmeration. She had already been surprised by the border city, with its lively markets and strong-built homes. But the capital was something else entirely.
The streets were wider and full of people. The houses were not made of plain mudbrick but decorated with painted patterns and carved wood. Flags of red, gold, and blue hung between rooftops, and the air buzzed with voices, music, and laughter from deeper inside the city.
"This isn't what I pictured," Xiao Zhi said as the carriage rolled along the main avenue.
Ruhan smiled faintly. "Tughril has always been more than people think. We don't just fight wars. We build. We trade. We live."
At the city's center stood the Khan's palace. It rose high above the rest of the city, its ochre-colored walls carved with flowing patterns and lined with dark wood beams. Banners of crimson and gold fluttered above the gates, each marked with a black falcon.
When the carriage stopped at the front steps, rows of guards stood waiting, their armor shining in the morning sun.
The captain stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Eunuch Ruhan. Welcome home."
Xiao Zhi blinked, a little surprised by the title. In Hua, he had been Envoy Ruhan, a man of status and honor. At the border, he was Lord Ruhan, respected and admired. But here, in this grand palace, he was simply Eunuch Ruhan.
Ruhan nodded. "Thank you. I am here with the Hua Princess, as commanded."
The captain turned to Xiao Zhi and bowed again, his tone respectful. "Welcome, Princess. The Khan awaits you."
They followed him inside.
The main hall was vast and quiet. The air carried the faint scent of incense and warm stone. Torches burned along the walls, flames flickering across tall pillars.
At the far end sat the Great Khan.
He wore a deep red and black silk robe embroidered with gold and trimmed with dark fur. But what caught Xiao Zhi's eyes was the mask. It was made of dark metal, covering his entire face except for his eyes. The surface was engraved with strange markings she did not recognize. It was both beautiful and intimidating.
When he spoke, his voice was deep and slightly distorted behind the mask.
"Welcome, Princess Lian Zhi. You have crossed the sands and arrived safely. Princess of Hua, you honor our land."
Xiao Zhi bowed quickly, unsure what to say. The sound of his voice sent a faint chill down her spine.
Beside the throne stood a woman, tall, graceful, and composed. Her dark hair was streaked with silver, and her fur-lined robe flowed behind her as she stepped forward.
"I am the Khatun Dowager," she said smoothly. "Welcome, Princess. I trust your journey was not too harsh."
"It was long," Xiao Zhi replied carefully, "but I was well cared for."
The Dowager gave a small smile and gestured to the man standing below the throne. "Allow me to introduce my son, Prince Kabil."
The man who stepped forward was not what Xiao Zhi expected. She had imagined a warlord, scarred, grim, and proud. Instead, Kabil stood tall and broad-shouldered, with strong features and calm, steady eyes. His skin was sun-darkened, his dark hair tied loosely at the back.
"Welcome to Tughril," he said, his voice low and even. "I hope our city does not frighten you."
"It does not," Xiao Zhi said quickly. "It is beautiful. I have never seen anything like it."
He smiled slightly. "Then you will have much to explore."
Ruhan bowed deeply. "Your Majesty. Your Highness. The Princess has endured much on this journey. I request permission for her to rest."
The Dowager nodded. "Of course. There will be a banquet tonight to welcome her properly. Until then, she may rest."
Her gaze lingered on Xiao Zhi. "You have a gentle face, Princess. I hope there is strength behind it."
Caught off guard, Xiao Zhi bowed again. "I will try not to disappoint you, Your Grace."
The Dowager's lips curved faintly. "We will see," she said quietly.
Ruhan led Xiao Zhi out of the hall. They walked through long corridors lined with patterned tiles and carved doors. Xiao Zhi's eyes wandered over every detail of the foreign palace, and she smiled, pleased with each beautiful view.
When they finally reached her chambers, four maids had stood waiting. They bowed deeply and greeted the princess.
"Princess, we have prepared your room," one of them said.
Xiao Zhi looked around. The room was warm and spacious, decorated with woven carpets, brass lamps, and colorful drapes. It was not like Hua's palaces of jade and silk, but it had its own charm.
"It is lovely," she said quietly, brushing her fingers over a carved wooden chest. "Different, but lovely."
Ruhan stood by the door. "Rest, Princess. The banquet will be at sundown."
She nodded, hesitating. "Ruhan…"
He met her gaze, his expression calm.
She wanted to ask about the Khan's mask, the tension in the hall, or the way the Dowager had studied her so carefully. But instead, she said softly, "You will be there tonight, right?"
Ruhan's mouth curved slightly. "Always."
She watched him leave, his footsteps fading down the corridor. The room felt too quiet once he was gone. The maids began to unpack her things, but Xiao Zhi barely noticed.
She stood by the window, looking out over the palace. From up here, the palace looked peaceful and beautiful. Yet beneath that beauty, she felt something else.
Something she could not quite name.