Tish did not answer.
Partly because she was still out of breath, partly because her mount had gone dry.
Suddenly she was afraid. Not for herself. She had given on her own life a long time ago. But if Percival died before her, she wouldn't be able to find peace even in her own death.
She started pulling Percival back, her stupid, brave, kind Percy who looked like he wouldn't mind jumping in the mouth of a dragon- quite literally - for her.
But before she could throw herself infront of Percy, another Benevian soldier stepped before them. He was wearing armour and on top of it there he wore a surcoat - the colour of which was rich red with golden embroidery- suggesting he was someone of a High Rank. He had bleached hair and green eyes and face or a man who could negotiate even with a raging volcano.
"Greetings Your Highness," He bowed, a fist placed on his heart,- a gesture which possibly meant nothing to Rudra, "We are the Delegates of Benevia. Our King Rān Vran had sent prior notice that-"
"Then go to my fucking father," Rudra cut in flatly, he looked almost bored, "That one. Hand her over."
For a second, Tish was afraid they would really do that- just hand over Tish to the Prince and would go to meet the Dragon King.
Benevia had given her away once. They could definitely do it again. Why shouldn't they? Tish was a Nobody. Just a poor girl with a little trick of healing people. Even then she had failed to save Saya.
"We cannot do that, Your Highness," said the soldier, "Rān had urgently ordered to bring her back to Benevia. Our Goddess Rāva has cursed the lands upon her departure. There had been flood, heavy rain and land slides in mountain areas. Rān himself has fallen sick- a sickness our healers are unable to identify and cure. Only Rāva's blessing can cure our King. Only she can."
Tish didn't know how much of what the soldier said was true, she just waiting holding her breath.
Rudra laughed. Head thrown back, his entire body shook- like he had heard the funniest thing in the world.
"Her?" He howled, "She cannot even save herself and you think she can save your King? Your country is flooded and instead of thinking of hiring good architecs and do proper planning, you thought taking back this bitch will fix everything ? What is she going to do? Build you dams?"
Tish shrunk back further, behind Percival. Percival was shaking too but with very different emotion.
Rudra wiped his wipes, lips stretching into a wide delightful smile, "Wait, that little country of yours got flooded? Does that mean you people won't be able to transport your furs and pelts!" He looked annoyed suddenly, "Then what good is this arrangement. Your poor country is flooded and your so-called Saintess is a scrawny child who vomits and jumps from open places!"
He sounded frustrated. He actually sounded frustrated.
"Just fucking go," he flicked his wrist dismissively, "And don't even think about ever coming back."
He was already walking away like he had not killed Saya, traumatised Tish for weeks and chased her down until she has chosen to jump off a doorway two hundred feet high in the air.
The Parthan Guards hesitated, "Your Highness, but the King-"
"I will speak with my father!" Cut in Rudra. He looked at Tish with so much disdain and irritation, Tish flinched hiding back behind Percival, "That dirty bitch won't be even a good fuck. Why the hell should I keep her around." He barked at the guards, "Guards! Kick them out!"
It felt like a slap.
To Rudra Azhdar Tish was never the miraculous Benevian Saintess. Tish had come in terms with that particular fact a long time ago.
But to think he didn't even see her as a woman....
Rudra didn't look beautiful anymore. He looked like a walking nightmare - someone at whom even looking hurt Tish's eyes.
Percival didn't wait for the guards to actually escort them out of Partha. He was already leading Tish away from Rudra, a hand resting on the small of her back. He helped her to get on his own horse. He didn't trust her enough to let her sit in the back. He made her sit infront of her. He sat behind her, his chest warm against her back, his arms reached the reigns by going around her waist.
Tish was grateful. So so grateful.
"Did he treat you like that all this time?" Percival asked softly but there was a dangerous edge in his voice.
Tish just turned her face and presses it against his neck, "Just take me home," she pleaded, "I don't want revenge. I want to go home."
Percy exhaled a shaky breath, "Get some sleep. I won't let you fall."
It was impossible to sleep on a horse running with full speed. But Tish was so exhausted- physically, mentally. Her very soul ached.
The tears came before the sleep. They weren't the quiet tears she had shedded behind the closed doors in Parthan Palace for days. They were loud. Ugly sobs that came with hiccups and coughs until it became hard for her to breath.
Percival didn't console her. But he held the reign with one hand while wrapping his hand around hers with his free hand.
The tears faded.
Faded the fear. Most of it atleast.
But something stayed behind. Something that burned at the deepest part of her heart twenty-four -seven, bright and eternal like dragon eyes.
It was rage.