Red River (天は赤い河のほとり)

This is Hattusa,

the capital of the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BCE.

This is the story of a girl who rides the sultry winds

across the vast stretches of Anatolia.

The wind blows strong, kicking up the dry sand.

The wind blows hot,

and I live under these skies,

on the banks of the red river.

RED RIVER

THE ONE I CAN'T LOVE

The One I Can't Love.

Prince Kail is eventually going to marry someone else.

So I can't allow myself...

to fall more deeply in love with him.

Good. That will do.

You've come a long way to be able to cross swords with Zannanza, Yuri.

Lady Yuri, you've improved so quickly, even we're no match for you.

You certainly have a gift for it.

I have no choice. If I want to be with Prince Kail...

this is the only way.

I'm starting to realize why you feel so drawn to this maiden, Brother.

Her supreme earnestness makes her darling.

If you'll excuse me, Your Highnesses.

What is it?

The king wishes to host a dinner party at his palace,

now that all the princes are in the capital.

For the occasion, the king has ordered for the princes to bring their consorts.

His Majesty wishes to see Ishtar, so Lady Yuri has a special invitation.

Prince Kail, do take care.

Queen Nakia was the one who suggested the consorts attend.

That scheming queen. She's up to something again.

Hey, are you sure I should be here?

Oh?

Goodness. Is that Prince Kail's consort?

What is she wearing? She looks like a boy.

Well, well.

If it isn't Prince Kail and Prince Zannanza.

I welcome you.

Queen Nakia.

You there!

That entrance isn't for the likes of you!

Now, leave!

Your Majesty, this entrance is for the royal family.

That designation includes my royal consort.

Consort?

Forgive me. I assumed she was your page due to that outfit of hers.

You may call her Ishtar, but her attire shows a lack of judgment.

To think Prince Kail doesn't know how to dress his concubine. Hilarious.

The prince did pick out a beautiful dress! I just chose to wear this.

Silence!

This does not concern you.

This is about the prince jeopardizing his dignity

by bringing a concubine to a banquet in rags.

Don't listen to her.

You just need to be yourself.

But—

Lady Yuri, please don't panic.

We came prepared for this situation.

Come.

Over here.

Your Highness, please wait here a moment.

Uh, right.

Kail, what has happened to your Ishtar?

Ishtar the star awaits the dawn, so we can wait, too.

I see.

What of you, Zannanza?

Now that Kail has a concubine,

you're the only prince without a consort.

It is as you say.

The time is surely ripe for me to find my woman.

Very well.

Begging your pardon.

Lady Yuri is ready to make her entrance.

Lady Yuri, what is the matter?

N-No, this dress really is too embarrassing.

It appears the curtain is quite heavy.

I shall escort the lady out.

Yuri?

Come. Cease this and show yourself.

Wh-What?

Do I look that weird?

My eyes deceived me.

Ishtar is also the goddess of beauty and abundance.

And how beautiful she is.

Indeed.

Who knew she was this sort of princess?

Prince Kail wasn't able to find a concubine prior to meeting her.

Watch out!

I-I'm sorry. I'm not used to wearing long dresses.

No, I am to blame.

What's wrong? Feeling worn out?

Oh, Prince Zannanza.

I've never been to such an elegant party, and I'm worried about the queen.

I was shocked when I saw you.

You reminded me of my mother.

My mother was a maid who served the late Queen Hinti, my brother's mother.

My mother caught my father's eye, and I was the result.

So that's why you were raised with Prince Kail?

But my mother was quite frail.

She passed away when I was young.

Queen Hinti took me in and raised me as my brother's equal.

I remember my mother being thin and petite, like a young girl.

Much like you are now.

Yuri, come with me.

You should greet our ministers.

Sorry, but I have to go.

Prince Zannanza.

Would you care for some more wine?

Yes, perhaps I would.

Your Majesty.

I have given it to him.

Yes, very good.

That is Egypt's finest wine.

I wanted him to taste it.

Wh-What's happening?

I feel hot. My head is melting.

Prince Zannanza.

What you just drank was the rose water.

I believe there is something you covet.

You no longer need to suppress your desires.

Go. Seize what you lust after.

I-I...

I want...

I want that girl.

For myself.

Phew. We can finally leave.

I've had enough of this fancy dress. I need to change.

Then, we'll prepare a bath.

We'll also wash you.

No, it's fine. I can do that myself.

But we...

Still, I'm sort of relieved all the same.

I thought the queen was going to pull something tonight.

Wh-Who's there?

Prince Zannanza?

Prince Kail!

Yuri!