Nakia took a breath. We made a plan. I made a plan. I have to stick to it. Lives were at stake, and she was the leader. Sacrifices had to be made to win. Jay dragged Saniyah back into the dining area as Nakia steeled herself for what was about to happen. Nakia had been dreading this moment since Asad had forced his way into her room and made her drink wine with him. Ever since then he had been taunting her with his presence in her space and taking liberties touching her, taunting her, letting her know this was coming. She braced for it as best she could, but the knowledge that Saniyah was a room away, heard her struggle, and tried to help made things that much worse.
“I didn’t need the help,” Asad muttered.
Nakia would prove him wrong, even as she resigned herself to this fate. He disarmed her and stripped her in under a minute. The violation seemed to last forever. Still, she bit and clawed, causing as much damage as she could. She sank her teeth into his shoulder enough to draw blood. He stopped moving long enough to punch her in the chest. She collapsed on the bed; all the wind knocked out of her. She tried to curl into herself from the pain but couldn’t even do that. He was too heavy and all around her, blood from his wounds dripping onto her. She sobbed in spite of herself, agony after agony rippling through her.
It seemed like it took him forever to get off of her. By then, her sobs were silent and her body sore. It was like he skinned her, could see everything inside of her. It was so much worse than she imagined it would be. Nothing she could’ve done would have prepared her for this. No, don’t think about that. This was a price for your victory. He stared at her, grinning.
“If your precious Ashni is so great, why couldn’t she save you from that? Because she’s dead,” Asad said.
“You wouldn’t dare if she were alive,” Nakia replied, trying her damnedest to keep the quaver from her voice. She glared at him, even though she was unable to move.
“I do as I damn well please.” He spat on her, gathered his belongings, and walked out.
Nakia shivered. She was wet. Sticky. Gross. Yes, this was her price for a later victory, yet she still cried to herself. Whispers came soon after, and servants entered the room. No one touched her or talked for a long moment.
“Highness, we should bathe you,” someone said. She couldn’t focus enough to figure out who it was.
“And there’s an elixir you must drink,” another said.
Nakia didn’t fight them, numb to the sensation of them moving her. She could feel was Asad. He was everywhere. The idea made her want to vomit. Is this what victory looks like? The voice in her head had the nerve to laugh. No.
This was a sacrifice, like Saniyah made to save Bashira. In the end, she would show him. I will win.
***
Bile rose in Ashni’s throat. There was no way death could be so bad. Cool water pressed to her dry lips turned her away from the sickness. She drank until the water was gone. It gave her eyes a chance to focus and see who blessed her with a drink.
“Samar,” Ashni said, voice low, scratchy, as if it clawed its way out of its grave. Her mouth tasted like something had died in it.
Samar gave her a soft smile. “For a long moment there, I considered maybe they got you.”
Ashni blinked. “They who? The north?”
Samar laughed. “No, your brothers.”
Ashni squinted, mind swimming, thoughts swirling. Her brothers? The ones nobles were trying to put on the throne now that her father was dead? The ones laughing at her for adopting Layla? The ones calling her a fool for learning tactics from a fisherwoman? Or the one who read to her while she tried to train the other two in basic self-defense? What year was it?
“What’s the last thing you remember?” Samar pursed her lips.
Ashni stared at the wall. Battle sounds filled her head. Metal scrapped metal. Screaming. She could smell fire, burning, smoke. But what battle was it? Where was she?
“I don’t know.” Ashni felt like that answered all questions.
Samar frowned. “Let’s try something else. Stand.”
Ashni nodded and went to move her arms to push herself up. Her arms refused to move as did her legs. Panic pulsed through her. “What happened? Why can’t I move?”
Samar rubbed her palms together. “You were poisoned.”
Ashni’s mouth gaped, words lost on her for a long moment. “Poison did this?” The hell? She had been poisoned more times than she could count at this point.
“This poison has left you in a coma for almost a month.”
Ashni couldn’t believe her eyes didn’t fall out of her head from how wide they opened. Poison put her down for a month. She didn’t think it was possible. Once, she was poisoned and able to host a party the same day! The look on Samar’s face said it all, though. She was lucky to be alive.
She took a moment to take stock of herself. Okay, she couldn’t move her limbs, but she hadn’t used those muscles for almost a month. It felt like everything under her skin had turned to sand. It was almost itchy, burning like claws scratched down every inch of her.
Before she could open her mouth, Layla sprang up from a shadow, squealing when she saw Ashni. She wrapped Ashni in a hug so tight it could break bones. So weak, it was a struggle for Ashni not to fall limp against Layla, like an empty banana peel.
“You’re awake!” Layla tightened the embrace.
“Shh!” Samar put her finger to her lip.
Layla gasped. “Oh, right. Sorry. I’m just so glad she’s up.”
Ashni scoffed, trying to ignore the pain pulsing through her body from her sister’s embrace. Somehow, even her teeth throbbed. “You act like I died.”
Still, from the pain of a simple hug, she understood how weak she was. Maybe this time luck saved her. Or was it Dad? She remembered hearing her father telling her she couldn’t die, couldn’t leave her family. Hellcat. Her heart thumped at the thought of her spouse.
Layla actually sniffled. “We thought you did, or you were going to.”
Ashni groaned. “Obviously, I still have things to do and the gods left me here.” Or a god left her there. She had a world to change.
“Then let’s get you fit for what you have to do,” Samar said and turned to Layla. “Layla, fetch Nakia now.”
Layla frowned and held Ashni tighter. “Must I?” Ashni looked at her sister. This wasn’t her usual pretense of disliking Nakia. It’s as if she’s scared to release me.
Ashni’s already tense stomach clenched at Layla’s fear. How close was I to dying? Am I still close to dying, even though I’m awake? She’d ask Samar about it when Layla was gone.
“Yes, she deserves to know her spouse is alive, so go fetch Nakia,” Samar said.
Layla sighed. There was something strange about the way she looked, almost disturbed. Ashni wasn’t sure what to make of that.
“Is Ashni ready for the stress?” Layla asked, finally letting Ashni go.
Ashni’s chest tightened. How could Nakia stress me out?
Samar scratched her chin in thought. “Ready or not, Nakia deserves the same relief you just felt.”
“What stress do you mean?” Ashni asked.
There was a deep sigh as Layla shook her head. “You’ll have to see. Nakia will tell you.” And then she was gone, vanished into the shadow in the corner of the room.
Ashni’s body trembled. “Samar, tell me, why would I be stressed by my beloved?”
Samar began mixing a potion on the short table next to Ashni’s bed. “Let’s work on getting your strength back for when you find out.”
Ashni wanted to argue, but a strange sort of excitement spiked in her. She felt lightheaded. She fell back against her bed and closed her eyes. The bed was uncomfortable, so unlike her bed sheets and down pillows. Why am I not in my own damn bed to get better?
“Can you drink?” Samar put a second cup to her lips. She was thirsty, but the flavor was too much. Her throat seized and she coughed, sending warm tart liquid everywhere. Samar frowned, dabbing at the droplets on her face wi
th Ashni’s blanket. “We’ll keep with your steam treatments then.”
Ashni choked a little more as Samar moved away. “Steam treatments?” I can’t even drink medicine. I have to breathe it in. She stared down at her hands, too weak to move them.
“It’s how I’ve been delivering most treatments to you. Steam and balms. It’s been trial and error, but you’re strong,” Samar replied, heading to the other side of the room.
Ashni didn’t feel strong. A breeze could probably break her in half. Samar hummed as she worked, and finally Layla returned with Nakia by her side. Ashni’s heart leapt at the sight, her body aching as Nakia launched herself onto Ashni.
“Ashni!” Nakia sobbed.
“My love,” Ashni said, hating that she couldn’t raise her arms to return the embrace.
Nakia pulled away and studied her with wide, wet eyes. “I’m sorry. Are you hurt? You sound like you’re in pain.”
Ashni tried to smile, but she could only manage a wince. Then she took in Nakia’s appearance. Her bruised face, one eye swollen completely shut. Stitches closed her eyebrow and a cut on her cheek. Her bottom lip was split down the center.
“What happened?” Ashni asked.
Nakia shook her head. “Don’t concern yourself. Focus on getting healthy.”
“I have to concern myself. I’m meant to protect you.” Who dared to touch my hellcat? She would punish them for all eternity.
“Sometimes, I’m meant to protect you.” Nakia kissed her cheek.
Ashni couldn’t even make a fist to express her anger. Whoever hurt Nakia would probably kill Ashni with their bare hands in her current state. That realization sat like hot iron in her stomach.
“So, whatever happened, you did it to protect me?” Ashni asked.
“It happened because people are terrible, but we’ll teach them otherwise. For that to happen, you have to regain your strength,” Nakia replied.
Ashni wished she could argue, but she was already exhausted, and she had hardly been awake for ten minutes. Nakia held her hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and that was enough to put her to sleep. At least her life didn’t flash before her eyes this time.
***
Nakia kissed Ashni’s forehead as she drifted off to sleep. She turned her attention to Samar and Layla. Samar wasted no time rubbing an herbal emollient on her bruises. It stung her damaged flesh, and the slight scent of rosemary burned her eyes. Layla scowled as she watched her mother work.
“You should see the other guy,” Nakia said. That’s what Layla and Ashni would do, right? Make light of the situation. “You’ll both be proud to know I fought him. I hurt him.”
Layla took a deep breath and scrubbed her face with both hands. “Even though you warned us, I didn’t think he’d be dumb enough do this.”
“She’s going to kill him,” Samar said.
“If I don’t,” Layla said, eyes alight with hatred. She raised a hand and shadows rose with it. Her hand was so tense the color drained from her dark honey fingers.
Samar shook her head. “It’s not your right.” Layla curled her lip and let the shadows fall away. “This is for Ashni.”
“She can’t kill him. Their mother would never forgive her,” Nakia said.
“Ashni won’t care. Chandra will simply have to deal with it,” Samar replied.
Nakia could see that happening. You know the lengths she’ll go to for you. However, as long as her plan continued along, there would be no need for Ashni to murder her brother and possibly face her mother’s wrath. Nakia had to handle it.
“I should get back so Asad doesn’t get suspicious,” Nakia said. He kept her by his side almost all the time now, like he knew she used her free time to put her plan in motion. It was too late for him, though. You really think you’ll defeat these battle-hardened, war-tried princes who were groomed to rule? You’re—
Layla took Nakia’s free hand, drawing her away from the thoughts swirling in her mind. “Thank you for all you’ve done,” Layla said.
And just like that, the voice in Nakia’s mind went silent.
Nakia gave a half-smile. “Don’t thank me until it works.” Anything with so many moving parts could fail. “I’m also glad your spouse is more reliable than he pretends to be.”
Layla beamed. “There’s a reason I married him beside the fact that he’s cute.”
Nakia laughed, then looked at Samar. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Ashni. Take care of my girl.” Samar nodded before she faded from view as a shadow consumed Nakia and Layla.
They reappeared in Nakia’s room and Nakia fell onto the nearest pillow, exhausted. Layla followed her lead.
“Did Saffi make it to Thia?” Nakia asked.
Layla nodded. “She’s been there for a couple of days. Tariq?”
“The first warriors are on their way there. So far so good.”
There was a long moment of silence. Layla stared at a wall then scratched the side of her head. “Will this work?”
“Provided Adira doesn’t murder Jay beforehand…I don’t know.” They saw less and less of Adira. Nakia couldn’t imagine what it was like to watch her spouse being used as Jay’s toy, knowing it was nothing more than a taunt against her.
Layla frowned. “I’m sorry you and Saniyah are going through this.”
“Not as sorry as they’ll be when this is all over.” Nakia didn’t want to think about what happened to her. She focused on her plans, and how the brothers’ dishonor would eventually blow up in their faces. The future was pleasant enough to distance the present.
“Should we watch Adira?” Layla asked. “I’m not sure how long she’ll hold off.”
“Saniyah knows how to keep her at bay. We just have to get Asad’s hostages away from him. We don’t even have to worry about military and noble support. Now that Ashni’s awake, we can use that to win favor with Chandra rather than hoping she doesn’t decide the brothers should get control of this land. We just need to buy some time for Ashni to get stronger, so her brothers can’t kill her on sight.” She took a deep breath. This had to work.
Layla put her hand on her shoulder. “Never forget, you’re strong and we’re with you,” Layla said.
Nakia scrubbed her face with both hands. Am I really strong? Maybe she wasn’t, but they were together.
“You’re so strong,” Layla said, once more, like she needed Nakia to understand her words were the truth.
Layla stood and moved to Nakia’s pillow, embracing her. Nakia broke down into sobs, overwhelmed by the support, by Ashni being awake, and by what she had endured, even if it was to save people. Layla held her tighter. It fortified her. She’d remain strong for Layla and her people. They believe in me. I can do this. For them.
Asad burst into the room. Layla leaped to her feet, tense and ready for war. Her eyes immediately went black. Nakia wasn’t sure she had ever seen Layla do that before. Thick, black smoke swirled around Layla, popping with energy. The room got cold.
He smirked, but Layla arched an eyebrow. Nakia stood by Layla’s side. Asad stepped closer.
“Shadow beast, do you want in on the sessions with the little princess?” he asked.
“You’re going to regret this,” Layla said.
He laughed, even as his hand went to his ribs, nursing an injury from her knife. “And who’s going to make that happen?”
Layla smirked. “Her.” She jabbed her thumb at Nakia, who winked at him.
His thick shoulders shook with amusement, but then he winced. He still felt the sting of her fight. He growled to cover up his pain. “How is she going to do that?”
Layla’s jaw worked like she wanted to spit at him. “What would your mother say if she knew you were doing this?”
His smile vanished and his eyes combusted right before them. The mere mention of Chandra infuriated him, like he understood how disappointed she’d be. “My mother’s none of your concern.”
“Don’t you think she’s some wild woman from the hills?” Nakia asked
innocently, remembering Amal’s words from so long ago.
“Wild woman?” Asad pointed a threatening finger at her, flames dancing off his fingertip. Smoke shot out of his nose. “Watch your fucking mouth, you barbarian wench.”
Nakia tilted her head. Interesting. Though Asad wanted revenge for his twin, his ideals didn’t align with his twin’s. “Your brother called your mother that. Did you ever tell him to watch his fucking mouth?”
Asad moved, but Layla was fast. She had a short, plain knife to his neck before he was a step closer. His eyes trailed down to the weapon.
“You care so little for your hometown? You’d throw them all away for some barbarian bitch?” Asad asked, showing his pearly white teeth in a smile that was more a grimace.
“That’s my fucking sister.” Layla put away her weapon. She glanced at Nakia and Nakia understood. Layla trusted her to save her people.
“You pretend to be close to Amal, yet your thinking’s clearly different,” Nakia said. There might be something there to get him to back off.
“Amal allowed people to poison his mind, but he’s still my twin, and to be punished as he was for Ashni isn’t fair. Ashni betrayed him.”
Nakia couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “He tried to kill her!”
Asad scoffed. “That was their relationship. He wasn’t serious, and she took it too far.”
Nakia’s mouth dropped open. He’s crazy. She looked at Layla, whose face was beyond incredulous. Nakia didn’t know Layla’s sepia eyes could open so wide.
“So, it’s her fault?” Nakia finally said.
“They danced this dance a long time and she knew there was no reason to bother Amal for claiming her kingdom. He couldn’t keep her kingdom.”
“Then he shouldn’t have taken it. He hurt a lot of people who were under her protection. Was she supposed to just let him get away with it?”
He threw up his arms. “She was supposed to play the game!”
Nakia shook her head. What the hell is he talking about? “So, this is a game to you?”
Asad glared at her. “No, I don’t play their childish games. You don’t seem to understand the bond between Amal and myself. You wouldn’t get it because you’re not Roshan.”
Blood Rain (Warrior Class Book 3) Page 17
