She mourned the end of her innocence alone. There was no potion or remedy for that. Aymelek took great care to bring her body back to life, but was unable to put life into her heart.“Seira,” she said. “Yemek. Evet?”Aymelek laid a tray of goats’ cheese and hard bread softened with warm goat’s milk and honey in front of Seira. Aymelek became Seira’s personal attendant and friend. They learned each other’s language in a short time. “Eeet. Yemek.” Aymelek waited for Seira to move. Seira stared at a clump of mud on the floor. Mundzuk allowed Seira to have her own tent after being brutalized by his son, Bleda. He had it filled with satin cushions and soft, lamb’s skin rugs and blankets. It was as lavish as the khan’s tent. Seira was treated as the daughter of a Hun Khan. Bleda’s attempt to kidnap Seira and deliver her to Cyril failed. He was temporarily banished to his uncle Khan Ruga’s encampment in Persia.Aymelek sighed aloud. Seira looked up from her bed of cushions and wool. She smiled at Aymelek.“Not hungry now,”
