Wrinkling her nose, Ashni shook her head. “You’re so vulgar.”
Adira sucked her teeth. “Oh, please. I knew you before the hellcat showed up, so don’t try to pull that with me. Are we doing this budget or what?”
“Yes, let’s get to it. I want to be done by the time Nakia gets back.”
Adira’s eyebrow went up. “Who are you and what have you done with Ashni?”
“Because I don’t want to spend the day budgeting? Who does? My father died to escape a budget meeting.” Ashni threw up her hands. “Died with a smile on his face, might I add. He might’ve been on to something.”
Adira snorted. “Oh, yes, and you totally hate budgeting and making sure everything is right for the next invasion. You’re never involved in those.”
“Your sarcasm is noted and hated. Sit down.” Ashni pointed to the table she had set up for Adira’s arrival.
Adira smirked at her. Ashni wanted to punch Adira in the mouth, but she was more than an arm’s length away. Adira sat down and gave her a knowing look. Ashni had to throw something at her and opted for a small pillow tucked at her back. She very nearly bashed Adira in the face with it, but the General dodged at just the right moment. She was good at that for a woman with one eye.
“Wait, wait, wait, where’s the Princess?” Adira picked up a document and looked around, checking the ceiling.
“She’s on her way. She had things to pick up first,” Ashni replied.
A soft chuckle escaped Adira. “She isn’t bitching about you using her as an errand girl? Color me surprised.”
“She is bitching, of course, but she’s the only one I can trust with this errand. I need the special ops numbers and anyone else might betray us for the right amount of gold eagles.”
“Hell, I might betray you for the right amount of gold eagles.”
Ashni blew out a breath and waved her off. “Oh, please. I could offer you your own country and you’d still ride with me if only to harass me for the rest of our lives. Sometimes, I think you’re here just to nag me. No glory, no money, just nagging.”
“It’s not my fault you’re an idiot and need a babysitter.”
“No, I don’t. You’re a worrywart and you need someone to worry about and for some freaky reason you chose me. You’ve got a niece you can worry about, you know?”
“No, Bashira can take care of herself. You, on the other hand, need constant supervision.”
“Says the woman whose niece is currently bankrupting her and the nation.”
Adira couldn’t argue that one and they got to work. Layla arrived not too long after. There was a lot of work to do to prepare for the upcoming warring season. They had taken the West by surprise, but now, with the information from the surprise attack, they planned to stay this time. They needed a base of operations and to know where they would go from their established foothold. They worked until Nakia returned. Ashni dismissed them soon after.
“Don’t even say anything.” Ashni pointed at Adira, who opened her mouth, but then closed it at the order.
“Can I say something?” Layla had a cruel, twisted grin on her face and if she had the time, Ashni would slap it off, but she wanted to be with Nakia.
“Do you want me to say something back?” Ashni countered.
Layla shrugged. “I think what I have to say will be better than anything you have. After all, you’ve been saying things for years while everything I can say is new.”
“You can both leave me alone and get the hell out of here. We’ve all got things to do,” Ashni said, pointing to the door.
“Don’t you mean people to do?” Adira chuckled and wiggled her eyebrows.
Ashni groaned and shook her head, but rushed the pair out of the throne room. She made her way to Nakia’s rooms and found Nakia about to sit down for dinner. Ashni eased down next to her and kissed her lips. Nakia returned the kiss and cuddled against her. They both sighed.
“Good day shopping?” Ashni asked, surveying the meal Nakia had before her. A few of the foods were imports. This was generally what happened when she took her meals in Nakia’s rooms. She made note of Nakia’s favorite Roshan foods and now she could note what sort of Western foods Nakia liked to eat.
“What makes you think I was shopping? I know you have spies following me.”
“They only report to me if something dangerous happens. You have your privacy. I promise.” She wanted to make sure no one touched Nakia, but she’d never go so far as to have her people report on what Nakia was doing, even if it was something dangerous. She made sure her people knew they’d better rescue Nakia, even if it was from herself, if something happened. But, only if something happened. “I know you were shopping because Adira mentioned it when she arrived.”
Nakia brightened and kissed the end of Ashni’s nose. “I never expected you to be so sweet.”
Ashni wasn’t sure if that was an insult or not and let it be. Instead, she busied herself with a new favorite past time—feeding Nakia. Sometimes, Nakia fed her. When they finished eating, they decided to play chess. Ashni was pleased with Nakia’s progress. She was certain she could get Nakia into shape and by the time of the next Festival of the Moon, she could leave Nakia to slaughter Amal in the game. Of course, she would still have to be there as he was a sore loser on a good day and he would probably try to kill Nakia once she won on her own.
There was something peaceful about spending time with Nakia. Ashni couldn’t put her finger on it, nor did she care to. She enjoyed it and looked forward to it each day.
***
Bashira had made sure she saw much of the capital, but the marketplace had become Nakia’s favorite place in Khenshu. The theaters were interesting. Many people liked telling stories about Amir Khalid and Empress Chandra, as well as stories of Ashni’s conquests, especially with her father. Nakia even caught a tale about Ashni’s childhood and how she proved herself a warrior by killing a fully grown male lion in the cirque. That was how she became a member of the Order of the Lion. According to the story, Ashni wore the beast’s teeth around her neck. Nakia had noticed such a necklace. One day, she’d have to remember to ask Ashni to tell her the whole story.
The theaters taught her the history, but the marketplace taught her the culture—to a degree anyway. She could see what people sold and brought, see what they wore, what they ate, how they interacted with each other, and dozens of other small things. She wondered what the marketplace was like in Phyllida. Was it like this? Were all marketplaces the same? She doubted it. Places were too different for every marketplace to be the same.
“I was thinking of taking you to meet my dance troop,” Bashira said as they eyed some beautiful, soft fabrics. The bright colors never failed to attract them. The soft, light material was always a delight to Nakia.
“And why should I want to do that? You’re the rebel among us,” Nakia replied with a teasing smile.
Bashira gasped and gawked at her. “I’m the rebel? Boy, you are either in some heavy denial or don’t have an ounce of self-awareness.” She scoffed. “I’m the rebel. Anyway, I think you’d do well with us.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Come on, there’s nothing worse in the Empire than a coward. One of the reasons my aunt hasn’t said anything about me dancing is because she’s impressed by my bravery. Besides, you’ll learn dances to entice the Queen.”
Nakia glowered at her. She didn’t need any help enticing the Queen, for the moment anyway. Ashni had had a variety of lovers before she showed up. All of whom had to be more practiced in the sexual arts than she was. Maybe learning to dance would help.
“Would she…would she mind me knowing how to dance?” Nakia asked. Dancing was lower than acting, after all. Slave girls danced.
Bashira eyes twinkled with mischief and mirth. “As long as no one’s around, I’m sure she’ll only delight in it.”
Nakia felt this was true and learning to dance was now tempting. Before she could make a decision, someone seized
her. She turned around and glared at quite possibly the largest man she had ever seen, which said a lot around a city like Khenshu.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Nakia yanked her arm away.
“Come with us.” His voice was gruff and he motioned to a dozen men behind him. They were dressed in familiar tunics with long hair and beards. Beyond them was an enclosed palanquin. Her stomach dropped when she saw the insignia on the side.
Nakia was about to object, but was cut off when a man in dark blue pants appeared in front of her. She rubbed her eyes as he gently pushed her aside. She took a step back and saw another man in front of Bashira.
“Stand back, Princess. I’ve got these idiots.” The man drew a sword from his back and pointed the blade at the man in the tunic, who pulled his own sword from his side.
Nakia’s mouth fell open and her voice caught in her throat, preventing her from objecting. The men clashed swords. The sound of the metal scraping together sent people in the market running for cover. There were shouts and clamoring as items fell from stands and chaos moved around them.
Nakia tried to press forward, wanting to stop this nonsense, but the man in front of Bashira grabbed her and pulled her away. Suddenly, two female warriors came out of nowhere and fought with the other men in tunics. Nakia supposed Ashni would be getting a report eventually.
“Who do you think you are?” one of Ashni’s spies asked, knocking her opponent’s sword away.
“We are emissaries for King Dorian.” The man flashed his badge. It was time for Nakia to go home.
***
Ashni rubbed her palms together as ambassadors from Phyllida made their way into her throne room. They showed up unannounced, which was enough to upset her, but she knew they had a deal. Adira was there, standing by the throne and frowning.
“Such manners,” Adira said.
“We come with your gold,” the main ambassador said. Chests were brought in after him.
Ashni tilted her head, regarding the boxes with a scowl. She narrowed her gaze upon him. He eyed her with defiance, as if he was above her, despite the fact that she was looking down on him. Her decision was made.
Ashni flicked her wrist at him, bangles ringing. “Take it away. I don’t want it.” There were gasps all around and Adira looked at her as if she had lost her mind. Maybe she had.
“Wha…what?” the ambassador stammered. His face was tight and his forehead dotted with sweat. It was possible he now understood the dangerous position he was in.
“I have what I want and I don’t need your gold.” That wasn’t entirely true. The tribute was to help finance her invasion of the West, but she could get the money elsewhere. Most of her troops were loyal enough to ride with her for the prestige more than the money. The money was nice and they knew they’d be paid eventually.
“You have what you want?”
“Is there an echo? I have what I want. Now, away with you,” Ashni ordered. She turned away, done with him.
“You’ll forgive me, but the exchange has already been made.”
Ashni’s head snapped back in his direction and her gaze narrowed solely on him. “Excuse me?”
“I had my men fetch the Princess. The gold is yours and the Princess is ours. Good day.” The bastard had the nerve to turn his back on her and walk away.
The world shattered around Ashni and she let loose an ungodly noise. Thunder roared outside and Ashni launched herself from the throne, fully intent on destroying the man. Lightning crackled from her entire being and covered her form. She extended her hand, ready to turn the ambassador to ash—consequences be damned. Before she could, Adira stood in her way, looking her squarely in the eye.
“General, stand down!” Ashni eyed her. Lightning popped from Ashni, gathering in her hands, wanting to reach the official from Phyllida.
Adira wouldn’t be moved. She leaned in close, so no one would hear her words. “Be calm. Do you wish to go back on your word? Gain that reputation?”
Ashni snarled. “I wish to keep my kitten,” she said through gritted teeth, her voice low as well.
“There are other ways. You made a deal and you must honor it. Besides, we need this gold.”
It was true, but she didn’t care. “I can get gold elsewhere.”
“You would ask your mother to finance this march?”
Ashni’s jaw tensed. “Never.”
“Then, be calm and accept the gold. We both I know we’ll think of something else.” Adira stared at her, trying to reach into her soul. “We’ll think of something.”
Ashni growled again and thunder blared outside. There had to be another way. There had to be some way for her to keep Nakia.
“Go get her,” Ashni ordered.
Adira waved her hand. “You heard the Queen.”
People moved off in every direction, but it proved to be in vain. Moments later, the smell of smoke filled the room. Ashni turned to see black smoking disappearing, revealing her spies with Bashira.
“They took her!” Bashira threw herself on Adira.
“Her?” Adira echoed, clutching her weeping niece.
“They took Nakia. They battled in the market. She went peacefully in order to stop the destruction, but they stole her.” Bashira bawled.
Ashni gnashed her teeth as she stared down the main spy. “What happened?”
“She told us to stand down. They were her father’s men. She went with them on her father’s orders.”
“On her father’s orders?”
“There were papers. She assured us it was his writing, his seal, and they were his orders. Were we to defy her, Highness?” he asked.
Sighing, Ashni shook her head. She had given them their orders. Protect Nakia, but also obey Nakia. “She is me.”
He bowed his head. “Understood.”
Ashni turned her attention back to Adira, who held her hysterical niece even tighter. “Take care of her and then think of something. And someone get Princess in here.” Layla might be able to think of some way around this.
***
The trip to Phyllida was bumpy and lonely. No one engaged with her. Seconds into the journey she regretted leaving on her father’s orders, but she knew Ashni would keep her word. Ashni always kept her word. Of course, Nakia would be returned to her father once the gold was delivered. Knowing that didn’t stop her from feeling sick and her heart from hurting.
When she arrived at the royal palace in Phyllida, she wasn’t announced and there was no celebration. She was taken to her old rooms and her father came as soon as she was alone. He eyed her as if he expected her to transform into some monster right before his eyes, like he knew what she had done while with the Roshan. She didn’t betray herself.
“Good to see those barbarians did not harm you.”
“I’m sure.”
King Dorian didn’t care if she was harmed or not. He was just happy her presence had held off the invasion. He offered her something of a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You did us well, daughter. Holding up in that Hell. It could not have been easy, but you gave us time to prepare.”
Her brow furrowed. “Prepare for what?” They didn’t have the men to fight Ashni before and she doubted they managed to gain so many troops in the months she was gone.
“To strike against those barbarians.” He threw his fist in the air. “We’ll show those savages that they cannot march into our territory and devour us.”
She blinked. He really thought they could take on the Roshan Empire? “How do you propose to do that?”
“I’ve called forth allies.”
She wondered why that concerned her, but she didn’t have to wonder long. She was promised to one ally. She’d be his bride in exchange for his troops, forever the sacrificial pawn in her father’s game. For the first time, she hoped her father lost.
Fini — for now
Warrior Class — Taming the Wind
Ashni tries to negotiate with King Dorian to get Nakia back. When it is clear Dorian
won’t deal with Ashni, she decides she will simply take everything she wants. She plans to get Nakia back from her new husband and conquer the city of Phlylida from right under him. But, will she be able to achieve her dream with her brother Amal trying to steal her land from her while she’s out on campaign? Will Nakia be able to chase after her own dreams with her new husband and her father standing in her way? Regardless, no one is about to go down without a fight.
About S. L Kassidy
What is there to know about me? Not much. I was bred, born, and raised in New York and I have no desire to live anywhere else. One day, I would like to travel to a few places, but for now I am content where I am.
I started out writing poetry in junior high and continued to do so for ten years. I wrote short stories, usually fantasy and romance stories, for my own entertainment throughout high school and college. Back then, I wrote strictly for me and those stories remain locked in the back of my closet in little notebooks, written in my almost unreadable, tiny handwriting. In between writing those stories and poetry, I managed to get a college degree in history.
After graduating college, I had a semester off before graduate school and I didn't really have anything to do with my time. So, I took a chance and wrote a fanfic and dared to upload it to the Internet. I was surprised that other people enjoyed my work and I've been posting ever since. I had quite a bit of fun with fan fiction and eventually decided to try my hand in original fiction. I suppose it was sort of like coming back around to what I had been doing in high school and college, except this time the stories were for whoever wanted to read them. I uploaded my first original story a few years ago and haven’t looked back. I plan to continue writing as long as I continue getting ideas for stories and it continues to be fun.
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