Music accompanied them through the crowds as they made their way through the gates to the palace, their drums sounding off, keeping the attention of the Valen citizens. As they went down the clean, paved main street, they passed tall buildings of polished white stone, glinting in the sunlight. Some were shops with apartments above, people in the windows staring down at them. At a point, they passed by rows of villas with people at the gates, watching them go.
Many pushed and shoved to see them. Ashni was certain it was morbid curiosity. These people were told horror stories about the Roshan, frightened their children with tales of terrible barbarians, and spread rumors of the savage Roshan doing inhumane things. How different must they look, covered in colored robes decked out with jewels and gold.
Once they got to the palace, they dismounted and swept into the throne room, met by Timon and his family standing in front of the thrones. To the side of them, Dorian, but with them, Nakia. Nakia stood proud and beautiful. But, something was off. As Ashni got closer, she saw Nakia’s head had a knot on it and there were stitches going through her eyebrow. A thunderclap echoed outside.
“Calm down,” Adira said, hissing in her ear.
Ashni grunted, as it was the best advice for the moment. Timon stepped forward to receive her. They shook hands and even introduced each other to their families. Nakia was escorted to Ashni’s side and she went right along with their formalities. This was a meeting of partners, friends even, and Ashni was glad for it. Dorian seemed to seethe, glaring at them the whole time.
“We’ve prepared a meal,” Timon said.
They sat down for the feast. Nakia was at Ashni’s side and she couldn’t help caressing Nakia’s cheek. Dorian scowled. Others watched, including Nakia’s sister, but there was curiosity in their gaze instead of disgust.
“What happened to your face, kitten?” Ashni asked, her voice a civil tone, but the fact that she inquired was enough for everyone to understand her emotions.
Nakia glanced at her father. “Nothing. I was on the right side of an argument.”
Ashni left it at that for now, as it was a happy time. They had taken Valen without digging in for months. They had a powerful ally. And most of all, she’d walk out of here with Dorian, to punish him for harming Nakia in so many ways.
“It’s good that we can put this idea of war behind us,” Timon said.
Ashni nodded. “Agreed. I have no desire to be at perpetual war with a neighbor.” She already controlled half of the region and there were more than enough nearby towns, villages, and tribes willing to align with her just to get from under the thumb of Valen. Beyond that, linking them to her family gave her a chance to do something else with them in the future. One day, the city could be a gift for her future spouse or she could influence Thia’s children. She’d build bonds with them and go from there.
“Then we shall be friends,” Wicus said.
“Family.” Ashni motioned to Nakia and then to Thia. “And I always do what’s best for family. After all, I haven’t killed my own little sister, despite how annoying she is.”
Layla chuckled. “Perhaps you shouldn’t say that while I’m holding a knife.” She twirled a dinner knife in her hand. She hadn’t eaten much, even though the food wasn’t poisoned from what they could tell. Ashni knew Layla was anxious to get back to their quest.
“But, my family doesn’t shut me out with gates and walls,” Ashni said.
“You want us to remove our walls?” Thia asked with an arched eyebrow.
Ashni laughed and shook her head. “You misunderstand me.” She liked that Thia was free to speak. This wasn’t what she expected from allies of Dorian. Perhaps they were a little more enlightened than him. “I understand cities need walls—You’re allowed your space…but we needn’t be locked out.”
The feast went well into the night, which was expected. If Ashni had the time, the celebration probably could’ve lasted all week, but there were things to do and miles ahead of them. It was then she turned her attention to Dorian.
“You’ll be my guest for a while. We’ll have such fun.” Ashni grinned.
Dorian glared at her. “You don’t scare me.”
“Oh, but I will soon enough.”
Ashni felt pretty good. She had everything she wanted, Nakia, a foothold in the West, and everyone’s dreams practically in her hand. The gods hadn’t abandoned her. She hadn’t fallen out of favor. They heard her prayers and blessed her. She decided to show off as they went through Valen’s gate, crowds still watching them.
“We don’t need to be locked out.” Ashni held up her fist and lightning popped from her hand. Feeling the power charge within her, she made a sweeping motion and tore through the wooden door of the city’s main gate. People gasped as the wood burned. She smirked.
“Was that necessary?” Nakia asked, sitting in front of her on Midnight Thunder.
“Just for them to understand my power should they think to betray us,” Ashni replied.
“They won’t.” Nakia’s jade eyes seemed certain.
Ashni smiled. “I’m glad you’re confident. I’ll trust you.”
As soon as they entered their camp, a soldier ran up to her with a note in hand. She read it quickly, her grin melting into a scowl. Amal had taken her throne in Khenshu, proclaiming himself regent in her absence.
Chapter Fifteen
NAKIA GASPED AS ASHNI turned a note in her hands to ashes. What happened? Ashni’s entire demeanor changed, her face hardened, and she seemed tense, her high spirits gone. Nakia reached for Ashni’s hand, hoping to keep her calm, and followed her as she rushed to her tent. Adira, Layla, and Naren followed, too.
“What’s wrong?” Nakia asked.
“That disgusting rotter! He thinks he can steal my throne from me?” Ashni slapped herself in the chest with both hands. Lightning flashed in the distance, followed by smoke far off. Nakia hoped that was a tree and not someone’s home.
“Who dares?” Layla’s hand went to her sword.
“Amal has betrayed me. Us.” Ashni’s hand swept out across the tent.
Layla’s expression fell into a deadpan look. “Does that even count as a betrayal? How many times has he tried to take your territory?”
“I’m surprised it took him so long to realize he should do it while we’re out on conquest,” Adira said.
Ashni frowned. “He did it now because he suspected we wouldn’t be returning.”
Nakia winced. That probably was the best way to stage a coup and avoid Ashni’s wrath, so Amal wasn’t completely stupid. But, then again, he couldn’t be intelligent either to think Ashni would let him get away with this. Nakia couldn’t believe the gall of Amal.
“How didn’t we know about this?” Naren asked, an unusual frown on his face.
While Nakia would never describe him as cheerful, she had never seen him frown before and it looked strange on his copper features. It was in that moment she realized he actually seemed warm and friendly until now. His face always had a child-like quality to it, but now the light in his eyes had completely vanished. He looked like the seasoned warrior he was.
“I suspect he’s intercepted any news that might reach us, because Saniyah would’ve warned us otherwise. This could’ve been a stroke of luck on our part. Unless, of course, he only just managed this, but I doubt it,” Ashni said.
“If he harmed her…” Adira snarled like a wild animal, color draining from her face.
“You’ll have him if he hurt her. Even my mother wouldn’t be able to stop me.” Ashni clapped Adira on the back, which straightened her shoulders and brought back the color to her cheeks.
“So, Amal’s commanding your city now?” Nakia asked, wanting to be sure she understood.
“Yes, he has taken over Khenshu,” Ashni replied.
“Why?” Nakia didn’t understand Amal’s fascination with his sister’s domain. Ashni told her of the area Amal had inherited from the great Amir Khalid. A lush, green area with farms and woods that put Ashni’s
desert to shame. Neither was the crown of the Roshan Empire, but she made it seem like Amal got the better end of the deal.
“Khenshu is much like it’s mistress,” Adira said, through gritted teeth.
Nakia arched an eyebrow. “How so?”
“Rough looking exterior, but a diamond in the rough. Or more an emerald and ruby,” Adira said.
“There are mines there for those gems. We’ve got tons of the stuff,” Layla added.
“So, this is for money?” Nakia asked. That seemed too easy, not like Amal at all.
“And to expand his influence,” Ashni said. “He seems to think I won’t come back for my city, and he can add to his territory and possibly make a bid for Emperor when our mother dies.”
It sounded like a scheme worthy of Amal from what Nakia knew of him. He did try to kill Ashni, after all, and use her to do it. She could only wonder how he managed to take Khenshu. Surely everyone in the palace knew Ashni wouldn’t want him there. Nakia’s heart sank as she considered what Amal might have done to those closest to Ashni to get control of her territory. Adira was probably right to worry over her wife.
“So, what are we going to do? If we go back now, we’ll lose the whole campaign season and maybe even the territory we’ve gained,” Naren said.
“Princess, you and Naren will stay.” Ashni pointed to the pair.
“What? No!” Layla threw her hands up. “You already did that.”
“Yes, and it worked, which is why we’re doing it again. Or would you rather we turn the whole damn army around?” Ashni gave her sister a hard stare.
Layla ground her teeth together. “Well, obviously we can’t do that. But, there are others you could leave in charge. Hell, Adira has a whole fucking protégé.”
Ashni frowned. “Who’s in no way good enough to be in the inner circle yet, which is why he’s not around. He’s younger than you are.”
“Not by much and that’s not a good measure for anything. Your spouse is younger than I am,” Layla said.
“I am not!” Nakia was certain she was older than Layla. It felt like a win to be older than Layla for whatever reason. “I’ll soon be nineteen.”
Layla stuck her chin in the air. “As will I.”
“That’s unimportant right now,” Ashni said.
“Especially if Amal has Saniyah and kept her from communicating with me, except the expected love letter and household update,” Adira said.
Ashni nodded. “This is true.”
Adira sucked her teeth. “Why the hell didn’t I suspect something?”
“It’s not your fault. We had a lot going on and he’s most likely been planning this for a while, probably since we thwarted his last assassination attempt. He hasn’t beaten us, though. Remember, he never beats us at chess, ever. This time won’t be any different,” Ashni said, looking between Adira and Layla.
“Well, what about my family? My mother should’ve said something. Hell, my father. He writes constantly to let me know about his pupils and new techniques he thinks I should try and new philosophies he’s written about the Darkness. Neither of them said anything to me. What has Amal done to them?” Layla said.
Ashni was silent, and Nakia worried all the more. Amal could’ve done something to the families of anyone close to Ashni’s core group. Ashni put her arm around Nakia and pulled her close. She rubbed Nakia’s hip. Nakia understood when Ashni held her, it helped keep her calm and helped her think. She was flattered she could assist in that way.
“Okay, this is a problem. Adira, do you think Hafiz is ready for this? We’ll work specific instructions for him to follow. I want to put Captain Varaza Sur with him. I think she’s ready for serious command. We’ll make sure all of the captains and lieutenants understand what needs to be done. We’ll have the advance slow down, but we can’t stop. This is a mess.” Ashni sighed.
“No kidding, but we’ve figured things out before. We can figure something out here,” Layla said.
Ashni nodded and Nakia watched them work. She didn’t have anything to add, didn’t know how this situation would work. The best she could do was quietly support Ashni, so she stayed close and caressed Ashni whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Nakia couldn’t believe Amal would do something like this. Not because she thought he was such an honorable man, but because it seemed like Ashni and her siblings should be close. They had a good father and probably a good mother from what she could gather. They should’ve been a close family, but instead there was an older brother trying to kill his sister and steal her land. It hit even harder after reuniting with her own sister and seeing how Thia had matured over the years. If members of my dysfunctional family can get it together, how is it that a loving family can’t?
***
Ashni had never been so happy her warriors wanted nothing more than to please her. She and Adira left them with specific instructions. They left the lieutenants with tasks, the captains with orders, the generals with plans, and Adira’s precious protégé in charge. All Hafiz needed to do was gather troops and tribute from small towns. They could take towns and villages if they found it necessary. If Hafiz came to a major city, he should set up for a siege. If the siege was necessary, they should return in time for it. She didn’t plan to spend much time in Khenshu after she knocked Amal from his pedestal. She had dreams to achieve, after all.
“Are you all right?” Nakia sat in front of Ashni, astride Midnight Thunder, riding back to the sea.
They had left the camp at night. She didn’t want anyone in Valen to know her core group headed back to the East. She wasn’t surprised by Midnight Thunder’s willingness to carry Nakia, even though he tended to be tense with most. Her horse was always ready to help Ashni and seemed taken with Nakia, just as she was.
“I’ll be better when I see Amal,” Ashni replied. She’d be even better when she got to put her fist in Amal’s face.
“Why does he hold such contempt toward you?”
Ashni shook her head, even though Nakia wasn’t looking at her. “My relationship with my older brothers has always been strange. Amal takes it to a different level since he’s the only one to actively seek what’s mine.”
“But, why?” Nakia turned, trying to look at her. Ashni gave her a little squeeze, wanting her to stay focused. Traveling at this speed, falling from a horse the size of Midnight Thunder could mean death. Nakia took the hint and focused ahead of her. “Does it go back to this whole thing of you not being your father’s child?”
Ashni’s mouth twitched. “Even you’ve heard the rumor?”
“Bashira was trying to tell me about your culture and history. She mentioned it to help me understand this notion of bonds and how your father loved you most of all, even if you weren’t his child by blood. Is that why Amal does these things to you?”
Ashni smiled and kissed the top of Nakia’s head. “You’re trying to learn about Roshan culture.” Her heart managed to swell at this bit of news, even with the heavy situation ahead of them.
“That doesn’t answer my question. Why’s Amal like this with you? You’re his little sister. Why isn’t he like you are with Layla?”
Ashni chuckled. “Because he doesn’t have that in him.”
“Because he thinks you’re not your father’s child?”
“I’m sure that’s a ready excuse. I think it’s a mixture of jealousy and envy with my older brothers. They’re jealous of the fact that a lot of people think I’m our father’s legacy and they’re envious over the fact that it’s clear Dad was aware I was the one who’d carry on after him. They could easily try to do the same. Instead, they get pissed at me.”
Nakia shifted enough for Ashni to see her arch an eyebrow. “Could they really do what you do?”
“Well, no. Nothing about this is easy, but they could try. Our parents gave us all the same tools. My brothers seem to expect it all to fall out of the sky for them. Well, the older ones anyway. The younger crew, they might make names for themselves, but I don’t th
ink it’ll be this way.”
“You have a better relationship with the younger ones?” Nakia asked.
“The one right after me, Fahim, rode with me a couple of times, but he’s more of a scholar than a warrior. He’s married to a similarly minded woman and they spend their days having intellectual arguments and coming up with progressive programs for his territory. He’s possibly my favorite brother.” Thinking of him made her feel a little light. Her relationship with him was different than her relationship with Layla, even though they were both younger siblings. He was quieter, but sometimes, talking to him, Ashni felt like she was talking to someone so much older than she was, someone ancient, someone who would save mankind…or watch the world burn and record it for the next incarnation.
Nakia smiled. “More so than your youngest brothers?”
“They’re adorable little bits, Kek and Kiran. Mom’s other set of twins. They’re a little younger than you and Princess. They’re goofy, but she keeps them out of trouble. They were the most open to learning witchcraft from her. I think they’ll have their own adventures. I’m not sure what they’re going to do or how they’re going to do it, but it’ll be epic.” Thinking about them added to the piece of pleasantness wedged in the middle of her fury.
“Has Amal been the only one to try this?”
“Yes, it might be just be because everyone else’s territory is too far or they’re content with what they have.” Ashni doubted it was the latter. None of them had ever been content with what they had. They always wanted more, an ailment from their father, their mother always groused. Ashni didn’t view it as an ailment, except when it came to Amal. He was definitely sick.
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