Yenni paused at that. It was Gunzu ancestors who had refused to enter into trade with the Yirba centuries ago, and the current Gunzu chiefclan upheld that proclamation, so why was Natahi now going on about them once being of the same tribe? They must truly be serious about a marriage alliance.

“But Cresh is not a threat to us,” said Yenni at last. “We have a treaty.”

Natahi gave her a pitying look that sent the blood rushing to her face in anger. “They are savages, Princess. They attacked us once, they will do so again. It is their nature to take what does not belong to them. Remember: they stole a third of the Sha Islands, ravaged them, imposed their false gods, and have the nerve to call it civilization, as if they were doing the Islands a favor.”

“That was over three hundred rains ago—”

“They exterminated all of our dragons,” Prince Natahi continued, as if she hadn’t spoken. His eyes blazed with righteous anger. “Not a single dragon left on all the Islands. Even in their so-called colonies they slaughtered them all, even those that surrendered.”

“I know my history,” said Yenni coldly.

He seemed to catch himself. “No doubt you do, Princess. My apologies, I can get carried away. I have little love for Cresh.”

He would not be happy to learn of her upcoming journey then. Perhaps she would not have to worry about a betrothal on her return after all.

Prince Natahi took one of Yenni’s hands in his. “I meant no offense. You are a beautiful, intelligent Island woman and I don’t care what people say, any man would be lucky to have you.”

“Thank you—what? What do you mean ‘what people say’?”

“Ah,” he looked uncomfortable. “You do have a reputation for being somewhat . . .”

“Yes?”

“Unladylike.”

She pulled her hand free and blinked at him, stunned.

“But surely you know this? Your study of runelore, your love of the hunt and combat, these are not womanly things.”

“Many girls hunt with their brothers!”

“Girls, yes—not women.”

“And there are female Masters of runelore!”

“Masters are different. They hold no lands and have no children. They are devoted to communion with the Sha.”

“As for my combat training, I train in the spear and jabdanu wrestling. Since you are so well versed in history, I trust you know that both those disciplines have been traditionally practiced by women as far back as the Island Wars five hundred rains ago, when women defended our homelands from raiders while the men were away.”

“Yes—”

“And I can only assume, with your extensive knowledge of history, that you are well aware of how integral women were in defeating Cresh during the War of the Continent. We sent our women to fight while they did not,” Yenni finished, her face flushed and warm with her irritation.