Mongke looked at the lamp for a moment.
"The Toluid line," he said. "Through me."
He said it the way he said everything in this room, flat and declarative, a statement of what should be rather than an expression of wanting.
Batu received it as what it was and moved.
"I can deliver the Jochid plurality at whatever kurultai convenes after Ogedei dies," Batu said. "The whole faction and its military might, all of it goes toward your name when that moment arrives."
Mongke turned his cup in his hand without drinking.
"What does the plurality actually constitute," he said. "In votes."
Batu did not hesitate.
"The Jochid line's full count, plus the minor princes Orda has already moved toward our position. However, that number doesn't give you the throne alone."
Mongke set the cup down.
"No. I'd need the Toluid line behind it, and I'd need Koden's abstention at minimum."
He looked at Batu directly.
