“I am?” Nakia squeaked.
Chandra smiled. “You are. So, first things first, you’re to call me Chandra, if not Mom.”
Nakia could only nod. She hadn’t expected Chandra to take to her so easily. Even though in the year, she had gotten used to the idea of same-sex couples, she still got her fair share of flack, of grumbling, and harsh whispers for being an outsider. She often expected anyone she met from the Empire to do the same, but Chandra was all smiles and softness for her.
“Now, let’s get you ready.” Chandra touched her shoulder.
An intense cold ran through Nakia at her touch, but the most wonderful relaxing heat followed it. She remembered Chandra practiced witchcraft, so that might have had something to do with it, but she felt like it didn’t. From the stories she heard, she knew Chandra had to be special to catch and keep the attention of Amir Khalid and to keep up with him.
Nakia felt it was best to go along with Chandra. Soon, she was caught up in fine fabric and jewels on her head. Chandra didn’t pick out any bracelets or bangles, though. Weird. Maybe she didn’t like that, which might explain why Ashni lived for them when she wasn’t in battle. One day Ashni wore bangles halfway up her forearms.
“Hey, kitten, what’s the holdup?” Layla’s obnoxious voice called out before she came into the room.
Nakia scowled. “I told you not to call me that, Princess!”
“Hey, don’t use my title to mock me!” Layla came into view and jumped. “Oh, sorry, Empress.” She bowed to Chandra.
Chandra waved the whole thing off. “You don’t have to be formal, Layla. Don’t make me have a conversation with your parents about how you’re calling me empress again.”
Layla went stiff. “Can we please leave my parents out of things? My father already has me training students since I’m in the city. My mother has me reading all of these old religious books about the Darkness. I don’t need them to give me more chores.”
“Then, stop being so formal.” Chandra held her arms open and Layla wasted no time giving her a hug.
Nakia didn’t expect this, but she liked it. Chandra kissed the side of Layla’s head and Nakia wasn’t sure she had ever seen Layla smile quite so brightly. “What are you doing here?”
Layla threw her hands up. “I was supposed to come get you, but as usual, Empress Chandra does what she wants. So, I guess I’ll just go make sure everything’s ready to transport you.”
“Transport me? Where are we going? I thought this was all happening here.”
Layla shook her head. “Nope. It all has to do with ceremony.”
Nakia arched an eyebrow. “Even though I’ve already technically met her?”
Layla scoffed. “You have to do it in front of the Court, obviously. This doesn’t count. You look nice, though.”
Nakia glared at Layla. “Why are you being nice?”
Layla blew out a raspberry. “Empress Chandra is here. Respect.”
Chandra rolled her eyes. “I’ve already heard about you two getting on about as much as a pair of rabid dogs, so don’t bother to pretend on my account.”
“Anyway, everything’s all set up, so don’t give the servants any guff when they anoint you with oils and put you on the palanquin, okay? Definitely don’t give any of the priests and priestesses a hard time when they walk with the palanquin and pray around you, for you, about you. Darkness knows you need it.” Layla was gone before Nakia could answer.
Nakia glanced at Chandra. “Is all that necessary to meet you a second time?”
“It’s all necessary. Tradition, ritual, and such. It’ll be fine.” Chandra patted her shoulder as if the simple touch would make it so.
Nakia took a breath. “I think I’m ready.”
“That you are. Do you know Ashni’s like her father?”
Nakia arched an eyebrow. “In what way?”
“She’ll set off to conquer the world for the adventure of it, but she’ll give it to you as a gift.”
“I know.” Nakia smiled. She knew Ashni would pull down the stars for her if she asked.
Chandra grinned. “Then she’s taking the best of care of you. Please, continue to support her. Especially when she realizes how much she has conquered and it needs to be maintained. You need to be prepared to govern when she lays the world at your feet and looks at you with panicked eyes, because who knew you actually had to link places you conquered and treat them a certain way to maintain them.”
Nakia nodded. “I’m learning.”
“Good.” Chandra caressed her cheek. The same sensations as before raced through Nakia and she settled. “You might end up being my favorite of my children’s spouses. Of course, it’s hard to top Najiba. Fahim found the literal other half of his soul with her. It’s almost strange and I say this as someone whose spouse was almost like an inverse image of myself.”
Nakia nodded. She knew of Fahim. He was the brother right under Ashni. He had a large bit of territory and only seemed interested in governing it and learning about everything. He was an expert in science, math, alchemy, and philosophy, and his spouse, Najiba, was interested in the same. Ashni was certain when they had children, their children would figure out how to dismantle the whole world, but they’d put it back together again when they were done. What will Ashni and I do about children?
“Please, be good to my daughter.”
“I strive to do my best by her.”
Sometimes, Ashni made it hard because she always seemed like she could do everything. But, there were moments, times, instances, when Ashni looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and Nakia was the only one who could lift it off. She’d do that for the rest of their lives.
“Then, my dearest daughter, I’ll see you out there.” Chandra gave her wink and rushed off.
Nakia felt like that was a little strange to have her dart off so quickly. She stepped out of her room to see the palanquin waiting for her. It was like something out of a royal’s dream. Large enough for two, it was gold with silk cloth hanging from the top. She allowed the servants to spray her with different oils and then sat down on the cushion inside the palanquin and was carried off. Priests and priestess followed, chanting prayers Nakia had never heard while ringing bells and waving incense. Admittedly, she wasn’t deep into the Roshan religion, but it seemed like a little much to meet Empress Chandra.
***
Ashni kneeled on the platform, trying not to pick at her finest teal and gold robes. Earlier she almost pulled an emerald off of the inner robe, needing something to keep her fingers busy. She wouldn’t make that mistake again. Nervous didn’t even begin to cover it, but it was an eager nervousness. She should’ve done this months ago. She looked down the way to the entrance of the palace from the garden and took a deep breath to calm her heart. This was worse than riding into battle in the freezing north.
“Calm down, sweetheart,” Chandra said as she came up behind Ashni.
Ashni jumped. “Damn it! Make some noise every now and then, woman.” Her mother floated, never walked, she had been convinced of that her entire life.
Chandra smiled. “Why? It’s how I used to catch you kids always being where you weren’t supposed to be.”
Ashni opened her mouth, a brilliant retort on the tip of her tongue, but then Nakia entered and all words and thoughts fled her mind. Her heart skipped a beat, hearing the bells of the palanquin ring out with each step, each second bringing Nakia closer. Ashni stood as servants set the palanquin on the platform. Servants took the top off of the litter and then helped Ashni to sit by Nakia’s side.
“Ashni, what’s going on?” Nakia whispered.
Ashni licked her lips. “A surprise wedding.” Like so many times before, saying it aloud made it seem both idiotic and brilliant. This moment would prove which one it was.
Nakia blinked. “A surprise…” She looked out into the audience. With luck, she spotted her older sister, Thia, quite the supportive ally. The other sister, not so much thanks to Ferox’s i
ron grip. He was still on the run, but if this wedding went well, Ashni planned on her first anniversary gift to be reuniting Nakia with Saffi. Dorian was there, too, but in chains and watched by several guards. Ashni just wanted him to see he couldn’t stop her.
“Yes, a surprise wedding.” Please, don’t think it’s stupid. Please, don’t run away.
“For us?” Nakia’s eyes were wide and wet. If she cried, her kohl makeup would run, but Ashni didn’t care.
A light, nearly hysterical laugh escaped Ashni. “Of course for us.”
Nakia bit her lip. “Now?”
“Yes, now. Right now actually if we just turn and face each other and my mother can start the ceremony.”
“I really want to kiss you right now.” Nakia grinned.
“You could do that all you want after the ceremony,” Chandra said.
Nakia jumped, like she hadn’t even noticed Chandra there. They turned to each other and Chandra began, calling on the gods to recognize the union between Ashni and Nakia. The gods never abandoned me, Ashni realized. She might’ve lost their favor or maybe they tested her, but they were with her. How could I not have at least the gods’ blessings to be sitting here with my perfect match and being linked in marriage?
She never heard her mother’s voice, lost in Nakia’s eyes. Nakia never broke eye contact with her, not until Chandra took their hands with her own and pressed their palms together. Ashni blushed at the mental slip. Chandra tied a teal ribbon around their hands down to their wrists and sprinkled their joined hands and faces with sacred water as she chanted prayers along with several priests and priestesses behind her. When her mother slipped identical golden bangles on their wrists, the ceremony was complete. The audience erupted into cheers.
“Are we married now?” Nakia asked.
Ashni grinned. “We are. You’re officially my spouse, my consort, as promised.”
Nakia squealed and tossed herself at Ashni. The feeling of holding her spouse, Ashni couldn’t describe it with a thousand words. She had conquered so much, could even be considered a liberator by some, but none of that compared to holding Nakia.
“I’ll give the world to you,” Ashni promised.
Nakia shook her head. “I already have everything I want.” She kissed Ashni with love and passion. It was like the sun rising in Ashni’s soul, a brand new day, a promise of something great. The audience applauded even louder.
Ashni pulled away. “I’ll give you the world anyway.” After all, there was always conquest to be had.
Warrior Class – Blood Rain
This is the final book of Warrior Class. Ashni and Nakia work on establishing their kingdom in the West. When Ashni takes ill under mysterious circumstances, Nakia has to go through a trial by fire in leadership to hold their territory together. When it’s all said and done, the West (and the world) might escape being called Roshan.
Chapter One
THE SMELL OF THE library never failed to set Nakia Akshay at ease and it was only a recent love she acquired. How did I not know how amazing books are until a couple of years ago? Being surrounded by so much knowledge, all at her fingertips made her giddy sometimes. She giggled in a way that was probably inappropriate for the royal consort of the ruler of the largest territory in the Roshan Empire. She could not help herself. Besides, her spouse would love to hear the sound of her happiness and would delight in knowing how much Nakia enjoyed the library.
Sighing, Nakia snuggled into her chaise, which was tucked into a quiet corner of the library. The low lounge was backed with fluffy pillows, giving her optimum comfort. The space was nice and warm thanks to it being a gorgeous day outside. Any other time, she probably would have been outside, but she was in a reading mood. It was a new feeling and she loved it, making sure to nurture the desire whenever it popped up.
She had a stack of tomes and scrolls by her along with the book in her hands. Roshan history was her current craving. She always came back to it, but every now and then strayed to other subjects. Everything was so fascinating.
“Why am I not surprised to find you here?” Saniyah Gyan, her spouse’s most brilliant, chief weapons engineer, asked as she moved around a shelf and stepped into view. She regarded Nakia with warm eyes and an amused smile on her lips, but Nakia knew there was a plot behind the kind expression. She stood out in her vibrant colors against all the shades of brown in the library.
Nakia grinned, even though there had to be trouble afoot. “If my spouse has spent the last three years putting together this grand library for me, wouldn’t it be rude of me not to spend time here?” The library was a wonderful gift that kept on giving. It grew a little every day. There was no way Nakia would be able to enjoy the whole place in her lifetime, but she would try.
Saniyah’s smile deepened and their eyes met. It was a warm, even loving smile, as it often was when she discovered Nakia in the library. Nakia learned over time how much Saniyah respected knowledge and education. She did not suffer fools, but a stupid fool was the worst. She made it a point for Nakia to understand how much and how far simple competence in an area would carry her.
Saniyah’s eyes drifted around the library, focusing for a long moment out a window on the back wall. Sunlight from outside poured in as if calling attention to this haven. “Your spouse also gave you a grand city.”
Nakia nodded. “Yes, she did, and I enjoy it as much as I do the library.” She’s trying to get me out of the library. What book do I have that she wants? She tried to mentally go through her list, but there were so many. So, don’t let her distract you. Protect your horde like the Roshan would.
“When you’re not locked away in the library.”
“Whose fault is that? I do believe both our spouses lay the blame squarely at your feet.”
Saniyah chuckled, a light, airy sound that settled Nakia when she first accepted Saniyah as part of her life. “What can I say, I’m a great role model.” She flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder.
Nakia did not dispute that, eternally grateful for the moment Saniyah decided to help her understand what it meant to be the spouse of a powerful figure in the Roshan Empire. The education was necessary, and it was good she did not have to trouble Ashni over it. Ashni had enough to worry about with conquering the west.
Saniyah showed her how to be the spouse of a queen without losing herself or the things Ashni loved about her. Saniyah helped her understand issues she would face being married to Ashni and how she should deal with those matters. One of the most whispered matters to come up had to do with her being an outsider and Saniyah helped her navigate that, with some suggestions from her spouse, General Adira Gyan.
Saniyah also introduced her to her second favorite place on the planet, the library. The only place better than the library was Ashni’s arms. Saniyah’s estate back in Khenshu had a library beyond imagination and she walked Nakia around it more than once as if it held secrets of the universe. Saniyah moved most of it with her across the sea, but often found herself in Nakia’s library where there was a wider variety of knowledge.
“And because I’m a great role model and a great aunt, I’m here to remind you that you’re supposed to have lunch with Bashira. She refuses to come searching for you again.” Saniyah gave her a stern look.
Nakia winced. “I lost track of time again. I’m still trying to understand the early history of the Roshan nomads. The clans are difficult to pin down and it’s still unclear how Ashni’s great grandfather was able to rise in his clan and unite the others.” She had read so much and still did not understand how Ashni’s family ended up in the position they did. Ashni was of little help, even though she was quite the Roshan historian. Ashni just did not have the same questions as Nakia.
Saniyah offered her a small smile for her troubles. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out, but not in this one sitting. Go to your lunch. Bashira mentioned your sisters will be there.”
Nakia yelped and leaped to her feet. “That’s right! Has Ashni received Wicus and T
hia yet?’’ If she missed that, she would never forgive herself. The Court would whisper about it for days as well.
Saniyah waved her hand. “No. Adira told me they’re going to formally receive your sisters tomorrow since you have your lunch and they’re going to take Wicus to the arena and enjoy a spectacle or two. Apparently, those things are more important than decorum.”
Nakia shrugged. “Wicus didn’t object.” Besides, their spouses were more about decorum when it suited them than any other time.
Wicus was a devoted ally, even though he did not want to concede his territory was pretty much part of Ashni’s territory. Wicus’ city, Valen, was surrounded on all sides by Ashni’s land. He liked to pretend he had autonomy and Ashni allowed the pretense, but Wicus could not make a move without Ashni’s say so. It did not matter, though. Ashni treated him as family, something like a brother, so everything was civil. He and Thia visited often, so the relationship only grew as time went on.
Nakia had no choice. She had to leave. Now, it was clear why Saniyah strolled into the library looking like mischief personified. She held up a finger as she stared Saniyah down. “Don’t take my books.” It was not unheard of Saniyah to let Nakia hunt for works and wait for Nakia to become distracted. Saniyah would walk off with many of them, searching for new weapon ideas or learning of old battles to see what her spouse might come up against in the field.
Saniyah pressed her palms together. “Considering this is your personal library, I can’t help but take your books.”
Nakia’s face fell into a deadpan. “You know what I mean.” Yes, it was her personal library, but she left it open to anyone close to her.
Saniyah grinned. “Do I?”
Nakia pointed to her pile of books. “Those specific pieces are off limits. Do not touch them.” She wagged her finger to let Saniyah know how serious she was.
Saniyah’s eyebrows furrowed up. “Why? You can’t possibly read them all at once. Would you even notice if I left with one?”
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