Nakia turned to Ashni, who shrugged. Nakia wasn’t sure if this was teasing or some Roshan cultural point she missed. It didn’t matter at the moment.
“Let’s do it over supper. Nakia hasn’t had a decent meal in too long. We could all use a moment to get refreshed anyway,” Ashni said.
Layla snorted. “Yeah, refreshed. Whatever.”
“Go somewhere and relax. We’ll meet…” Ashni turned to Nakia. “Where’s a small room for just us to talk things over?”
“There’s a small sitting room. I can talk to the servants about setting up in there.” Nakia wasn’t sure how the servants would look at her, as she aided the enemy. It didn’t matter. She’d make them listen to her if necessary.
“Let’s make it happen.” Ashni clapped.
Layla and Naren vanished into the shadows. General Adira marched off without a word. Nakia scanned for a familiar face, someone she knew to be a servant. Instead, she saw a lot of Roshan warriors.
“Order about the soldiers if you need to. Just don’t treat them like slaves. It’s disrespectful,” Ashni told her.
Nakia nodded and went to test this out. The soldiers listened to her, fetching servants. She ordered food and a bath for her and Ashni. To her surprise, the servants listened, too. No one grumbled about her being a traitor. She returned to Ashni’s side and took her hand.
“The bath will be in my rooms. Care to join me?” Nakia smirked.
Ashni grinned, a good enough answer. Nakia’s rooms had survived the battle fairly untouched. The familiar rooms didn’t move her in the way she thought it would. She had grown up in these rooms, but if they had burned to the ground, she wouldn’t have cared. The lack of emotion cemented the fact that this wasn’t home.
They were scrubbed and then bathed, the water treated with the flowers and herbs. She cuddled into Ashni, not caring how the servants looked on. Ashni kissed her every few seconds. Servants milling about paused, eyes went wide, some flinched, and brows furrowed. Each reaction barely lasted a second before they went back to work. No one said anything. Once the water developed a chill, they got out, dressed, and went to have supper with the others.
“You have a status report, Adira?” Ashni asked as she shoved a couch away from the table. A Roshan servant came in with pillows for everyone, but then the tables were too high. For a quick fix, servants brought rugs in and placed the food on those. It was a mix of Roshan and Western style food.
All attention went to Adira. Nakia couldn’t help gazing at her with admiration. She hadn’t expected to feel in awe of Adira for rescuing her, but there it was. There was also something wonderful about knowing those closest to Ashni approved of her as a spouse. She tucked herself under Ashni’s arm, even though it would make it hard for Ashni to eat. The smile on Ashni’s face let her know it was all right.
“Right now, we’re calming the city down. Despite not capturing Dorian, Layla did a good job. There’s little resistance to our people outside.” Adira reached for a piece of fluffy bread. She didn’t hesitate to spread olive oil on it and take a huge bite out of it, like she knew that was how they ate in Phyllida.
“You say that like you expected me to screw this up,” Layla said.
“I say this like I expected you to capture the king and, to my great disappointment, you didn’t.” Adira gave her a hard look.
“Hey, she took this whole city, though,” Naren said. Shock dripped through Nakia at the sight of Naren actually coming to his wife’s defense. He was always overpowered by the women in his company.
“With your help and with Hafiz. Let’s not act like Layla brought the city to its knees on her own,” Adira said.
“You’re in an especially pissy mood. I thought Hafiz kissing your feet would’ve made you feel good.” Layla’s hand hovered close to the roasted, stuffed mice, but she never picked one up. Instead, the octopus tentacles were her first choice. Nakia wasn’t a fan.
“We had to deal with a lot of undead up north. I think it’s still bothering her,” Ashni said. She went for the desserts, a bowl of apples, honey, and roasted nuts. She offered Nakia a spoonful before taking a bite of her own. Nakia decided it was her turn to expand Ashni’s world and offered her a stuffed mouse. Ashni took a bite and Nakia smiled.
Layla arched an eyebrow and leaned forward. “Undead? Dragon teeth?” It didn’t seem to bother her in the same ways in bothered Adira.
“Among other things. I think the ass stole texts from your people as well as the original Roshan tribe,” Ashni said.
Layla’s eyes went wide. “How?”
That was a question Nakia had as well. Caligo never explained how he knew anything about these Eastern cultures or how he managed to get ahold of anything from them. This seemed like a big deal to everyone, beyond her confusion. It might have been better if Caligo stole money from them or even kidnapped someone.
“I’m getting answers from him as we speak. A lot of it sounds like he was able to buy these texts from dealers, who probably stole them. Beyond that, Nakia, perhaps you’d like to enlighten us about Valen and why your father would flee there.” Adira used a spoon to gather some bits of lamb with flatbread.
Nakia leaned back a little in shock. She wasn’t used to the group personally addressing her, unless they were mocking her. Now, they all looked at her expectantly. A tender hand on her knee jolted her enough to speak.
“Valen is a massive city ruled by King Timon. His only son, Wicus, is married to my older sister, Thia. After your first invasion, I know my father exchanged correspondence with Timon about shoring up his army. One of the things he liked was Valen could field an army twice the size of ours if properly prepared.”
Adira chewed on both her food and her words. “I think the winter was more than enough time to properly prepare.”
“Suddenly, this sounds like it’ll be fun,” Ashni smirked.
“You don’t mind hunting down your father-in-law?” Naren asked, mouth full of a mix of food.
Ashni turned to Nakia. “I promise you I won’t kill him.”
Nakia opened her mouth to respond, but found she didn’t have a reply. She wanted to say she didn’t care, but she suspected she did. No matter what, he was her father. No, he wasn’t the best, but she doubted he was the worst either. Still, it meant a lot to know Ashni wouldn’t kill her enemy if they were related to Nakia.
“Does this mean I get to kill him?” Layla pepped up.
“Why the hell would I let you kill her father? You won’t even let me wound this idiot.” Ashni motioned to Naren. Naren clutched his chest and glared at her, but couldn’t say anything with his face stuffed as it was.
“Can we focus on strategy, unless we’re just going to run in there on blind luck like you three enjoy?” Adira said.
Surprised rippled through Nakia as they spoke about their battle plans right in front of her. At times, they even looked to her for input, wanting to know more about Valen or the men in charge. She felt comfortable among them, not just by Ashni’s side, but in general.
***
The night had come and Ashni needed to check on her troops, but she didn’t want to leave Nakia. She didn’t want to bore Nakia either or subject Nakia to all of the teasing Ashni would have to deal with over going up north to rescue her. She wasn’t sure if Nakia would be able to stand people making light of their relationship, even if the words were harmless.
“I’ve got one more thing to do and then I’m yours for the night,” Ashni said as they walked to Nakia’s room.
“What do you have to do?”
“I like to personally check on my people after we accomplish a mission. I don’t mind you coming with me, but you should be aware that if you accompany me, almost everyone we run into will make a comment about our relationship.” What is our relationship? Well, you offered to marry her and she seemed to accept.
Nakia’s eyes went a little wide. “You personally check on all of your soldiers?”
Ashni grinned. “Not all in one night, bu
t most, especially anyone wounded or injured. I also like to thank anyone who did anything that stood out. I bear gifts sometimes.”
“My father never visited his soldiers.”
Ashni shrugged. “I like to think he and I are different when it comes to ruling. My father always made sure he was close to his troops and I like to do the same. It helps get them in the mood to follow you into Hell if necessary.”
“Would it help for them to see me with you?”
“Yes.” While she didn’t think it was wise to let on how important Nakia was to her so soon, her trip did that. Everyone knew. “They should see and understand you are me.”
Nakia’s forehead wrinkled. “I am you?”
Ashni nodded. “I know you’ve heard me say this about Layla and now it’s true of you. You are me. You are to be obeyed as if I’m the one who said it.” Pausing in both speech and step, she cupped Nakia’s face with one hand. “You are me.”
Nakia blinked several times. “You…you would give me so much power?”
“I haven’t given you anything. You have it.” Ashni would never be able to deny Nakia, so no one under her rule could have the privilege either.
Nakia blushed, rose pink coloring her fair cheeks. “Are you sure you want to trust me so quickly?”
“So quickly? It’s been months. You’re burned under my skin, tattooed on my soul. I need you to understand that. Maybe it’s not the same for you—”
Nakia flinched and put a hand to her heart. “Not the same for me?” Green eyes glistened briefly, flashing hurt before Nakia glared at her as if she committed some horrible crime. “Do you honestly think I’d be standing here with you in the rubble of my homeland helping you plot the takeover of another city if I didn’t feel something deeper?”
Ashni straightened up and scratched the back of her neck. “Uh…just want to remind you, kitten, I’m new at this and will make a few screw-ups.” They had gone through that before. She might mess up with Nakia over and over again. You have no idea what to do to make your lover happy, but you promised her and the gods you would, so you have to shape up. The gods gave you a gift. You are to honor her. In fact, she’d make another sacrifice to the gods and pray after seeing her troops.
“Well, try not insulting me to my face to start. Come, I’ll see your troops with you. I’m flattered you want me to go.” Nakia’s features softened and she took Ashni’s hand.
Ashni smiled, insides melting at the touch of Nakia’s hand. “I want you always with me, if that’s what you want. I only want to please you.”
Nakia beamed and held her hand as they walked. Ashni worried about what Nakia would think of her ruined city. When they entered Phyllida, she had been content to cuddle into Ashni, not taking in too much of the place, but now they would walk among the damage. But, as they did so, Nakia held her head high, never released Ashni’s hand, and didn’t flinch. Ashni would be proud to marry Nakia in front of witnesses.
“Captain Varaza, you’re still out here coordinating the cleanup? I thought the generals ordered everyone to call it a night,” Ashni said as she approached one of her more competent captains. She’d have to remember to promote Varaza soon.
Varaza turned away from directing people on the street who were securing a building damaged by one of the many fires. She grinned. “I’m not too good at following orders, Highness. You hear General Adira complain about it all the time.”
Ashni chuckled. “You mean I hear Adira complain all the time.”
“Somebody’s gotta keep us honest, right?” Varaza’s eyes drifted to Nakia. “Oh, this must be your spouse.” Varaza bowed. “Highness.”
“You’re going with manners for once,” Ashni said. She was impressed Varaza decided to be professional as the captain tended to be informal with everyone. It didn’t bother Ashni since Varaza did her job.
“I’ll talk about you behind your back like all the smart captains do.” Varaza wiggled her eyebrows.
“Just when I thought you matured. Where’s the rest of your unit?”
“This block suffered a lot of damage.” Varaza motioned down the street. “We’re shoring up whatever we can and destroying what needs to come down so no one else gets hurt. I told them we’re working until the area’s at least clear.”
Ashni nodded. “Good. Don’t put yourselves in danger, though. Be sure to go back to your villa and enjoy the victory.”
Varaza saluted with a fist to the heart and then rushed off to carry out those orders. Ashni moved on with Nakia by her side. The teasing wasn’t too bad from the officers. She didn’t have to say anything to them. They showed Nakia respect, understood who she was without a word. When she noticed Nakia leaning heavy on her and her eyelids closing, Ashni cut her rounds short. Guess I’ll sacrifice to the gods tomorrow.
They returned to the palace, settling in Nakia’s rooms. There were servants waiting with their nightclothes and Ashni helped get Nakia into hers. She lifted Nakia into her arms, earning a yelp from the tired princess.
“What are you doing?” Nakia asked.
“Just carrying you to bed.” Ashni wouldn’t mind doing it every night.
Nakia sighed as she was eased onto the bed. Ashni took off her clothes and joined her, wanting to feel Nakia against her skin. She gathered Nakia in her arms and surprise rippled through her when Nakia pressed a soft kiss to her chin. Still awake, eh?
“Are you all right with everything so far?” Ashni asked. Nakia was so strong to walk around the ruins of Phyllida.
“Did we get married and I missed it? Why does everyone keep calling me your spouse?”
“They’re mostly joking, but it’s an acknowledgement of what you mean to me. It’s their way of acknowledging our relationship. When we are married, I promise you won’t miss it.” Ashni pulled Nakia a little closer. “But, are you all right about what’s happening? The Roshan have taken Phyllida.”
“Maybe you haven’t noticed but the Roshan queen has taken me.”
Ashni chuckled. “So she has.”
“I might not know how to be part of your empire, but I know you’re here for me in ways no one has ever been before. I’m with you. I trust you with Phyllida.”
Ashni’s heart swelled. “I’ll care for it as I do for you.” She’d make Phyllida a shining beacon of the West and then give it to Nakia as a gift.
Nakia nodded against her collarbones. “And this is why I’m fine with it.” She wrapped an arm around Ashni’s waist, her thumb caressing Ashni’s side. The small movement made Ashni’s eyes droop. Maybe she was sleepier than she thought.
Ashni kissed the top of Nakia’s head. “I will honor you.”
“I know.” Nakia relaxed against her and it settled Ashni’s soul again. This woman, this hellcat was her soul and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
***
Nakia found herself accepted at another strategy meeting with Ashni and her closest. They sat on mats instead of pillows with papers and maps littering the floor. Breakfast lay waiting for them, too.
“This is a lot of military,” Layla said, pointing to one document as she grabbed a hard-boiled egg. Naren was next to her, squinting at a paper while getting biscuit crumbs on it.
“There are still numbers coming in. I’ve got Hafiz and his mother going through logistics. Added to that, we’ve got reports on a place called Tyra.” Adira turned to Nakia and she straightened. This was something she might never get used to, someone looking to her for her opinion and listening to her.
“My other sister, Saffi, is married to the…I feel like calling him ‘king’ is a little much. Imagine if a monkey could talk and grew to human size and was in charge of a country. That’s him. My father married her to him to prove a point to her.” Nakia paused for a moment, a sudden rush of sympathy bubbling in her stomach. “The marriage was a punishment for her daring to voice her thoughts. She once called him out in front of all the nobles. She was married to this brute less than a month later.”
“Do we have a name
to look into or do we already have reports on him?” Layla scanned the documents, but Ashni passed her several more items from her pile.
“He’s called Ferox,” Nakia replied.
“You have any other sisters we should know about?” Naren asked.
“Just the two. I’m assuming my father enlisted the Tyrans to help fight you?” Nakia asked.
“Fight us.” Ashni pulled Nakia close. “You’re with us, are you not?”
“I am,” Nakia answered.
“Then, they’re fighting us. Apparently, these folks have superior chariots and what some fool labeled ‘wild magic.’ I don’t even know what the hell that is,” Ashni said.
Layla shoved her entire hard-boiled egg in her mouth. “So what? I can swallow a chariot just as well as I can a human body. Darkness is the only true magic.”
“You can’t engulf an army of chariots,” Adira replied.
“Especially when they’re drawn by Black Dogs,” Ashni added.
Nakia shuddered in learning Black Dogs were real. She heard stories, but had never seen them. Demon dogs, the color of coal with fiery red eyes, and the size of a small horse. Their jaws supposedly could bite through metal and their claws could cut a human in half. It made sense to her that the Tyrans would use such monsters.
“Yeah, but we have me and several other Shadow Walkers. In fact, we even have the man who taught me much of what I know. And Black Dogs? Please. When I summon my demons, Black Dogs will be the least of our concerns.” Layla picked up another egg. Black mist swirled around the egg and then it fell into pieces. Nakia blinked and her stomach twisted, but she didn’t say anything, as no one else seemed bothered by the display.
“Do you…do you control shadows?” Nakia asked. She didn’t mean for a tremble to enter her voice, but she couldn’t help thinking of Caligo and how frigid his home was, how his home seemed to breathe.
Nakia shivered as the world fell away and she felt like she was lost in darkness. A freezing cold overcame her, as if it was winter in her body. Reminding her of the shadows touching her, she flinched and jumped, slamming into something solid.
Taming the Wind Page 14
