“You say that now.”
Nakia glared at her. “I say that always! I’ve already lived through one parent dying, so I know how I’ll feel if this one does, too. You don’t have a monopoly on the situation.”
Ashni flinched. Nakia had lost her mother. Ashni didn’t know Nakia’s feelings toward that until this moment. She couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if her mother died. Probably similar to the way she felt when her father died, even though she’d pretend otherwise.
“You didn’t feel anything when your mother died?”
“Do you feel anything when you get news that a stranger died?” Nakia countered.
Ashni squinted as she took in Nakia. How is it possible to feel nothing when one’s mother died? She needed a moment to consider that, so she turned and left her tent.
***
Nakia couldn’t believe Ashni left the tent. Am I about to lose Ashni over my damn father? She wouldn’t have that. But, she wouldn’t stand for anything that might get her back in her father’s clutches. I don’t want to end up like my sisters. Her insides churned at the thought, being a pawn again and being without a choice.
“Wait, Ashni!” Nakia rushed out of the tent. “I’ll go see him!” If she had to endure a moment with her father to stay with Ashni, she would. “I’ll go!” She reached out, grabbing Ashni’s hand, yanking her to a halt. “I’ll go.” Her voice lowered, and she clutched Ashni’s hand, feeling so much like a child.
Ashni ran her hand through Nakia’s hair. It felt good, almost loving. Nakia didn’t want to lose that feeling, didn’t want to lose Ashni. So, if she had to go into the belly of the beast, she would. She trusted Ashni would come after her if necessary, just like before, even if Valen seemed to be way more secure than Nex.
“Are you sure?” Ashni asked.
“Yes. After all, he might be telling the truth.” Nakia could understand why Ashni wanted her to see her father. Ashni probably couldn’t fathom having an inattentive father and probably thought Nakia was being a spoiled brat.
“I won’t send you in there alone. I’ll get Layla to go with you.”
Nakia offered her a small smile, warmed by the offer, knowing what it meant for Ashni to make Layla accompany her. “She should stay with you, in case you need her. If this was a trick of some sort, I need you to have your best warrior by your side.”
“I’m not sending you in there alone. I’m not stupid.”
“Just sentimental,” Nakia muttered, which was something worse right now.
Ashni caressed her cheek. “I’m trying to look out for you.”
Nakia bit back a frown. Ashni thought she was trying to look after Nakia, but in turn, she was putting Nakia in a position that made her uncomfortable, like so many others. But, this time, Nakia was willing to endure it.
“If my father’s dying, then I shouldn’t need protection.” Of course, if he was lying, he’d have her right where he wanted her. There’s no-win in this situation for me.
“I’m not sending you in there alone. If not Layla, Naren is going with you.”
Nakia almost scoffed, but giving it a moment of thought, Naren had to be more capable than Ashni usually made him sound. He was able to keep up with Layla, after all. He hung out with the elite, even if Ashni made fun of him most of the time. She had seen him eat from Ashni’s table. He had to have earned that.
“Then, who watches out for your sister?”
“Me and Layla look after each other and Adira’s always there to tell us we’re doing it wrong. You need someone with you. For now, it’ll be Naren.” Ashni leaned in for a soft kiss. “Remember, you’re precious to me.”
That helped fortify her. She was precious to someone. She mattered. She could do this for Ashni because she mattered, just as Ashni could march into the darkness to rescue her from a husband she never wanted. But, still, she felt unsettled.
“What does it mean to be precious to you?” Nakia found herself asking. She needed something that would help her deal with her father, whether he was dying or not.
Ashni smiled, but it wasn’t bright or carefree, as she had seen the queen smile. There was a sorrow in her eyes, and it stabbed Nakia in the heart. It took her back to harsh words she heard her entire childhood, how she wasn’t worth it. She was already a burden to Ashni, like she had been to her father, like she had been to her mother. The gods had created her to be a stone around someone’s neck. And that’s why people always wish to be rid of you. Her throat tightened as she imagined one day Ashni would be one of those people, trying to toss her aside.
“It means I’d give you the whole damn world, kitten. I’d stand before all the gods to protect you. But, it also means, if you needed to be away from me, I’d accept that,” Ashni said in a low voice.
Nakia swallowed, not expecting that. “Would you trust me, then?” Ashni seemed ready to give her everything, even freedom, but didn’t seem to think she knew best. She was used to being patronized, but she didn’t expect it from Ashni. But, I have to tread carefully as I don’t want to misstep and lose everything when I’ve only just gained it.
“With my life,” Ashni replied.
“Then send me to my father with the thought that my father’s going to betray us.”
Ashni frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Not every father is your father. I need you to understand that. Would your father have given you up as a goodwill hostage or married you off to the first eligible bastard?”
Ashni licked her lips. “Of course not.”
“Mine did. His scheming doesn’t stop with me because I’m his child. Send me to him as if he’s lying.” Nakia wasn’t surprised Ashni’s blind spot was fathers. Even when accepting Nakia as a hostage, she probably thought Dorian valued Nakia more than he did.
“Then take Layla with you. Your father will underestimate her.”
Nakia knew that was the truth. “But, you need her.”
“I have Adira, who’s almost like Layla, but more annoying. I’d rather you have Layla. We’ll work out a plan of attack from there.”
Nakia nodded. “Okay.”
They went back into the tent. Layla and Adira were called back in with Naren. They got the news Nakia was willing to go in.
“So, what’s the new plan?” Naren asked. He sported a bandage on his forearm, probably burned like his wife, not that Nakia understood how light could burn anyone.
“I’d stick to the siege idea, but we’re sending in the princesses.” Adira motioned to Nakia and Layla.
“Hey!” Layla folded her arms.
“Don’t talk about us as if we’re a team or something,” Nakia said.
“I say we set up like we’re preparing for a siege anyway. Let’s see their response,” Ashni said.
“But, what’re we going to do if the princesses get behind enemy lines and the enemy doesn’t want to give them back?” Adira asked.
“Couldn’t you just take down a section of the wall?” Naren asked, eyes on Ashni.
“That’s a thick wall,” Ashni answered. Nakia looked at her in surprise. It was weird to hear Ashni admit to not being able to do something.
“But, you could, right?” Naren stared at Ashni, as if he knew something she didn’t.
Ashni gathered Nakia in her arms, caressing Nakia’s hip. “Have your spies found any tunnels?”
Adira rubbed her forehead. “Some. They’re well-guarded, though. No way for us to use them in an invasion. Timon isn’t to be taken lightly.”
“There has to be something.” Ashni’s eyes wandered the tent. “Any weapons Saniyah left us with that could work?”
“I’m sure we have some. We just need to think about it,” Adira replied.
“What would the Amir do?” Ashni asked, eyes glued to Adira.
Adira smiled a little. “He wasn’t as creative as you are. But, I’ll tell you what he did in the few situations I witnessed where he had to dig in his heels. Like you, he lacked the true patience for a siege, but he never let tha
t stop him.”
Nakia was pleased to see things back to normal and happy to note how much they were willing to work to make sure she came back, but still unease crept through her. She didn’t want to do this, especially when they found out neither Layla or Naren would be able to accompany her. Reports came in that the magic that kept them out and burned them was all over the city, especially in the palace. Nakia would have to make do with warriors who didn’t command dark magic. At least Ashni would have the couple by her side. I can do this, for them. To stay.
***
After some back and forth, with Dorian explaining he wanted Nakia to come alone in case of assassins, Ashni agreed to send Nakia in with a pair of guards Dorian hadn’t seen. They were to be Nakia’s servants. She felt less and less confident about this, but still felt Nakia should see her father if he was dying.
“You’re tense.” Nakia curled against Ashni in their tent as they settled in for sleep. In the morning, she’d be leaving for the city of Valen and to see her father.
Ashni’s fingers were splayed against Nakia’s bare back. The skin contact should’ve relaxed her, but anxiety like never before scratched just below the surface. It was worse than when Nakia was gone. Maybe it was because she was sending Nakia into this. “This is dangerous.”
“It’ll work out. You have a plan.”
“You have such faith in me.” It should’ve instilled her with confidence, but it made her worry more. What if I let Nakia down? If this went sideways, it could derail so many dreams, but she found she cared more that it could ruin Nakia. She had promised to protect Nakia, and she could fail with this scheme.
Nakia leaned in, kissing her chin. “You’re the only person who hasn’t let me down.”
“I’ll do my best not to.” Even though she already felt like that wasn’t true. She had wronged Nakia before. Yes, she apologized for it, regretted it, but it happened. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Thinking back, Ashni wasn’t sure what changed Nakia’s mind. She went from not caring about her father to caring within seconds. “You’re not doing this for me, are you?”
“What other choice do I have?”
Ashni frowned and sat up, staring at Nakia. “You always have a choice with me. Never think otherwise. You can always tell me no.”
Nakia scowled right back, a defiant glare in her gaze. “You judged me for not wanting to see him. You walked away from me.”
Ashni sucked her teeth. She had done that. I’m such a damn idiot. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do right then. I needed to get my thoughts together.” She caressed Nakia’s back. “Tell me when I hurt you. I need to get better. I don’t ever want a repeat like before. I don’t want to chase you off.”
Nakia sighed. “And I don’t want to leave your side.”
Ashni enjoyed hearing that, but she wasn’t sure it would work. She knew her future held things she wouldn’t want Nakia to be around for, too dangerous. “We’ll discuss this when you get back from Valen.” She’d do everything in her power to make sure Nakia returned to her. But, from now on, I need her to know she has choices.
Chapter Thirteen
NAKIA WOULD’VE FELT SAFER entering Valen with Layla by her side, but they couldn’t risk Layla being harmed by the sacred lanterns. She had been promised her two guards were experts in warfare. They had just entered the lavish palace and greeted her father when the trap sprung. The men by her father’s side, reached as if to extend their hands in friendship, but blades came from up their sleeves. They acted within a blink of an eye, gutting her guards.
Nakia screamed as blood splattered across her face. “What are you doing?” She stood face to face with her father, a wicked grin spread across his face.
“Welcome home, my dear,” Dorian said.
She didn’t even have the presence of mind to point out that this wasn’t home. They were in someone else’s city. Her mind stalled on the fact that her father murdered two people right in front of her and their blood was on her cheek. She had barely learned their names.
“Why did you kill my servants?” Nakia glared at him. He couldn’t even pretend for two minutes this wasn’t a betrayal.
Dorian scoffed. “You think we can trust anyone who comes in here?”
“Yet, you trust me.” Nakia would find some way to turn that on him as soon as she could.
“I’m not that stupid,” Dorian said.
“That remains to be seen.” An old man stepped forward, the tap of his cane echoing through the grand palace. He had a thin crown on his grey head with sharp brown eyes on his aged visage. This had to be King Timon. “After all, it’s your foolish charge that led to this shameful plan in the first place.”
Dorian scowled. “The charge was a good idea. We could’ve overtaken the savages if it wasn’t for their demon magic.”
“Demon magic or superior science and tactics?” Timon didn’t seem to want a response, eyes on Nakia. His gaze softened. “You’re as beautiful as your older sister. I’m sorry for this.”
Nakia nerves calmed a little. He didn’t seem to want to slay her right away as they had done with her guards. “Sorry for what?” Although, she could guess.
“You’re staying with us until those barbarians pack up and leave.” Dorian squared his shoulders, curling his lip at her. “I already know that savage queen went to dispatch Caligo to get her hands on you.”
“She saw fit not to leave me with a true savage. She’s not willing to sell me off,” Nakia said.
“Then why are you here?” Dorian spread his hands wide.
“Because you said you were dying!” Nakia stomped her foot. “She sent me here because you said you were dying and it turns out it’s just a trap to use me, which we suspected, but she sent me anyway in case you were actually dying. How dare you call her the savage?”
Dorian grunted, folding his arms. “You’re defending her rather hard.”
Indignation tensed her shoulders. The gall of this man to act like she was wrong. “Yes, I am, because she didn’t leave me to rot with an insane man who killed pretty much every living thing in his kingdom.” She looked her father up and down. “Well, before now anyway.”
Dorian flinched and fury like she’d never seen before flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward and for the first time in her life, she wasn’t sure she’d escape his presence unscathed. Timon might’ve recognized this as well, stepping closer to her. The simple move made Dorian relax, just enough where Nakia didn’t think he might punch her.
“How about you let my servants show you to your rooms?” Timon motioned for her with one hand as the other motioned further into the palace. His hands looked strong, sturdier than she expected of an old man.
Nakia shook her head. “No, I think we should talk.” She needed to salvage this, even with the blood of her guards on her face. She refused to be a pawn, a prisoner used against Ashni. They had underestimated Timon and his honor, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her.
“Please, relax first.” Timon made another sweeping motion with his hand.
Nakia scowled. “I don’t see how that’s possible.” But she could use the time to strategize, try to see the next move and counter it.
“I understand, but I insist. You’ve already had a shock. You should get a chance to settle your nerves before you talk about anything. You should at least clean the blood off.”
She sighed as if this was some great burden. Best to let them think they were in charge and she was helpless female. Aren’t you? Not anymore. “Fine.”
Let him see what Ashni was up to outside their famed walls while she cleaned up. After that, Nakia would make her own move. She glowered at her father as she walked off. Timon offered her a soft smile, like she imagined a grandfather would, as the servants led her away.
Strolling through the palace she got a chance to see were grander than anything they had in Phyllida. Rich frescos hung everywhere showing ocean scenes, sporting events, and stories of the gods. They crossed a large courtya
rd with gardens and black marble columns decorated with white pearls and turquoise that seemed to touch the sky. It was beautiful and not too long ago she would’ve been impressed. Now, she only had one thought. Khenshu is better.
“Make use of this room as you see fit,” the servant said as he opened the door.
The room was nice, as expected. Everything she needed was on hand. The furniture was made of dark wood and lush pillows, but she barely had time to settle in before her eldest sister appeared. Tall and regal with flowing brown hair like liquid cinnamon. Her skin had a lovely glow to it, like an aura of happiness surrounded her, but her dark brown eyes had worry lines under them. She stood with her shoulders squared, somehow similar to how Adira’s spouse stood, proud and noble. Her robes were rich, yellow and orange, the material shimmering in the morning light.
“Thia, you didn’t need to come.” Nakia didn’t want to see her sister, didn’t need to see her sister. They hadn’t been around each other for years and seemed to be better for it.
“I wanted to make sure you were all right. I know Timon said he’d take care of you, but after Father’s dishonorable decision to do this, I’m not sure what to expect.”
Nakia squinted. “You trust Timon?” From what she recalled, Thia hadn’t been pleased to be given to Wicus or join his family.
Thia gave her a small smile and stepped closer. “I do. He’s an honorable man. His son’s a little weak compared to him, but Timon’s a good man.”
“You like your father-in-law more than your husband?”
“My father-in-law respects me and I respect him. I happen to love my husband, though.”
“You do?” Nakia had been quite young when Thia was carted away, married off to Wicus. She hadn’t seemed happy about it, but then again, she hadn’t seemed sad either. More resigned than anything else. Nakia understood that now.
A soft chuckle escaped Thia and her eyes sparkled. “Shocking, I know. I think Father accidentally married me off to decent people. He wasn’t thinking about that, though. He was thinking about their military might and wealth.”
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