It was then she heard the cheers ring out from his men and realised that they were cheering their Leader and his exhibition of authority over a woman who had tried to defy him.
They reached the tent, the General dismounted with her still in his arms, another clever feat and carrying her, walked back inside.
He did not put her down, but stood holding her until Ileana opened her eyes to say,
“I hate you! I would rather die than accept you as my husband!”
“You will not die,” the General replied, “but your people will. Is that what you want?”
He spoke sharply, as if she was a foolish child who did not understand the full impact of what he had been saying.
Then, as she was silent, he set her down on the ground and, feeling as if her legs would not carry her, she sank down into the chair.
