Sidika perhaps did not expect his affection or his commendation, but she had earned them both, and if there was ever a situation that called for the rare moment of Maslakhat’s deep-seated tenderness, the birth of a healthy son was it. Even if she had a daughter, he would have been just as proud—his daughters were strong too, so much that he didn’t worry for them. They were just as capable as his sons at holding their own no matter what cruelty befell them in this world. The efforts Maslakhat put forth toward picking mates ensured this. His discernment, which might have appeared as simple bias to those with weaker constitutions, was all just a bet toward future success. And Maslakhat was a practiced, careful gambler with the likes of his legacy.
A small snort from his son distracted him from her and he lowered his larger head to meet the tiny nose of the inky black colt. His interest was fleeting of course, and Maslakhat offered a simple grunt of affirmation as he bounded away after a small lizard. In time and when he was ready.
Geçersiz, Sidika said, and returned her gaze to the stallion after briefly distracting the colt from his pursuit once more. Maslakhat nodded, content at her explanation. “An appropriate calling,” he affirmed.
She continued to offer a pledge to teach him healing, and that Maslakhat should teach him his own ways as well—the ways of a ruler and of a good man. His dark eyes glittered with the weight of this responsibility for a moment, chewing on it as though it were sweetgrass in his teeth.
“Yes,” he repeated. It was important that Geçersiz learn from him as well as from Sidika. He would need to understand the responsibilities he possessed, the duty of his bloodline to carry on the good practice of discernment when it came to the matters of the male world. He would ensure that his son would be able to carry on his legacy in a positive way. He would not make the same mistakes he made with Zahhāk.
“He will be,” Maslakhat replied thoughtfully, with a level of confidence that he hoped would assure her.
MASLAKHAT
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