Bashira waved her hands around. “Can you two save this for when you’re sitting with your spouses and generals?”
Nakia laughed. “Sorry. That was rude.” She glanced at Saffi, whose head was down. While this was annoying for Bashira, who simply had no desire to hear about military matters, it was foreign to Saffi, who didn’t have a spouse who shared information with her as theirs did.
“Very. Forgive us.” Thia bowed her head.
“You can sit in on meetings and discuss what the army is doing?” Saffi asked.
Nakia nodded. “We can bring you, too, if you like.”
She recalled reigning had actually been an interest for Saffi. It was one of the biggest divides between her and their father. He always wanted Saffi to stay in a woman’s place, and she never seemed to know where it was.
The color left Saffi’s already ashen face, and Nakia hated to imagine what her life had to be like with the Tyrans. It would seem they broke Saffi. That wouldn’t do.
“We should go shopping,” Bashira said. Not the subtlest change of topic.
“Don’t you have a show you’re doing?” Nakia asked.
Bashira’s face lit up and she clapped. “You can all come! It’s a wonderful show.”
“I still can’t believe you’re allowed to be in shows. And dancing of all things.” Thia shook her head as her lips twitched, probably trying to hold in a frown.
“I still can’t believe you refuse to come see me. Nakia will tell you. I’m quite good,” Bashira replied, inclining her chin.
“She’s not lying.” Nakia reached for some dates. The fruit used to be considered a rare delicacy, but since trade opened up with the East, they were easier to get. “She’s quite good. Her friends in her troupe are all nice as well.”
Thia scoffed as she finally settled on having ginger cookies, also from the East. “They’re obligated to be nice to you.”
Nakia dismissed that with a wiggle of her fingers. “No one’s obligated to be nice to me.”
Thia leaned forward. “Everyone’s obligated to be nice to you, dear sister.”
Nakia laughed. “I’ve had diplomats sit across from me with Ashni three seconds away from burning their cities to the ground and they’ll treat me like I’m lower than dirt.” Or they treated her as if she didn’t know what she was doing, like her father used to do. He wasn’t right, and they’re not right.
“And then you still talk them into an impossible deal and save their cities,” Thia said.
Nakia smirked. Technically, her sister could be considered the first to fall victim to her. She had done that to Wicus and Thia. No, they didn’t look down on her, but they had underestimated her early on when Ashni sent her to hammer out the details of their alliance. She swung the conversation back to Bashira, and they enjoyed the good food and beautiful weather.
***
Ashni typically didn’t mind spending the day watching matches at the arena, but there was so much to do. The groans of animals, the grunts of warriors, and the shuffle of sand filtered through along with cheers, but they weren’t as loud as they should’ve been. Half the seats were empty. Those sections of the building weren’t done. There’s always something else going on. She wasn’t sure when she’d be able to really dig into finishing the infrastructure.
Even as she, Adira, and Wicus made their way back to the palace, all Ashni could see were the things that needed to be taken care of. Every temple they passed was under construction. Without a proper theater, shows were put on in tents. Some streets were unpaved. They cut through a small marketplace. There were people scattered about, buying and selling, but not in a hurry. There needs to be more bustle.
Ashni wanted Nakian to become Khenshu’s sister city. Nakian had a long way to go. It would take time to become what she wanted, but it would take longer if she was out lazing about. A city named for her spouse needed to be as spectacular as her spouse.
We’ll get it there. Of course, there was something else she had to do first. It would help make the city great.
“The city has become quite a crossroads. I see many Roshan influences,” Wicus said as he weaved his broad shoulders about, cutting through the thin crowd. Hazel eyes scanned, cautious, questioning. His height gave him an advantage in that, even though his discomfort was written all over his smooth, sun-kissed face. He used to complain about walking among the commoners until he realized Ashni wouldn’t stop to accommodate him.
“Things are coming along,” Ashni replied, ignoring the eye roll from Adira. If it were up to Adira, they’d have shaped the city to look exactly like Khenshu. Even in ruins, the city was Roshan meets Kairon, East meets West, and Ashni wanted it to stay that way. She liked that both she and Wicus blended in, even though she was dressed in Roshan attire, solid colored, layered silk robes of teal and gold, while Wicus had on the Kairon robes complete with cloth draped over his shoulder and detailed designs of dragonflies against dark blue, yellow, and black linens.
Wicus made more of a show of looking around. “Then we’ll be able to get more goods into Valen?”
Ashni sighed. “I thought we were waiting for tomorrow to discuss business. Our spouses would have our heads if we did this without them.” Not to mention Layla wasn’t there. Ashni would never hear the end of it if she discussed business without her sister.
Wicus nodded. Ashni liked that he respected Thia so much. She hadn’t come across much of that in Kairon. The concept of men being above women wasn’t new to her, but it never failed to set her on edge.
They continued on before Wicus cut into the silence again. It seemed he couldn’t help himself but carry on a conversation. “That arena was a work of art. What were those matches we watched again?”
“We got lucky today. Those matches were for joining warrior guilds,” Ashni replied. Those who won their matches today would end up in the military, helping her take more of the West when she was ready. For the moment, however, she needed to shore up her power in conquered territory.
Wicus pursed his full lips. “A warrior guild?”
Ashni took a breath. How to explain this to someone not from the Empire? “There are four warrior guilds in the Roshan society. You join one and those are your partners for life. We respect all warriors, but the members of your own guild are special to you.”
“So, which are you?” Wicus asked.
Ashni was about to question his eyesight. Her guild was obvious to her and other Roshan. Her tattoos were prominent, but even the design of her braids broadcasted her guild. There’s no way he’d know, though. “I’m of the Lion guild, as is Adira.” She motioned to Adira; her single brown eye focused ahead as if she were above the conversation.
Wicus nodded. “So, to become a member of your guild, I’d have to kill a lion in the arena?”
Adira snorted and slapped Ashni against her shoulder. “If only it was so easy.”
Ashni touched a lion’s tooth around her neck. The trial to join a guild was much more ruthless than simply killing a beast. What it took to join her guild would always leave a mark, a stain on the soul. It was why all big cats were respected and treated well in her land. It was the least she could do.
“You don’t think I could do it?” Wicus asked, a daring glint in his eyes.
Ashni spoke up before Adira insulted the man. “I’m not sure you’d want to. You noticed everyone we saw was a teenager, right?” When Wicus nodded, Ashni continued. “There’s a reason. You’re hungrier to prove yourself. When you’re already an established warrior and commander, it’s a little harder. It takes more of a toll on you.” It took a toll no matter what, but if she did it now, it would come across as senseless. She couldn’t even imagine how it felt when Adira did it, an older teen, but also a conquered person trying to fit in. “If it’s really something you want, I’ll arrange it.”
The guilds helped Ashni’s popularity. Social mobility gave her the masses. Joining a warrior guild for a person who had nothing was like suddenly gaining fame and fortune, just
like joining the military. It gave people who had nothing something and that was worth fighting for. Ashni was worth fighting for, and so was the Empire.
Wicus squared his shoulders. “I have to discuss it with Thia.”
Ashni and Adira laughed. Ashni patted him on the shoulder. “And this is why you’re our ally.”
“You’re definitely one of us,” Adira said.
Wicus smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Not a bad place to be.”
The trio made their way back to the palace. Wicus went to check on his children, which Ashni admired. It reminded her of her father.
“Why aren’t there more of him around here?” Ashni asked as she and Adira made their way to the throne room.
Adira shrugged. “Would make things too easy?”
“Probably.” Ashni hadn’t expected to like Wicus as much as she did, but it was a pleasant surprise. “Should we try to get some work done before officially welcoming Wicus and Thia with tonight’s feast?”
With a smile, Adira threw her arm around Ashni and gave her a squeeze. “I really like how responsible you’ve become. There are some reports we could go over.” That settled it.
The next morning, there was the proper meeting with Wicus and Thia. Ashni settled on a pillow with Nakia pressed to her. A small, sparse meeting room held everyone necessary. Pillows to sit on, trays with breakfast foods, some maps, and documents for everyone involved. To Ashni’s right, Layla and Naren sat. To her left, Adira and her now second-in-command Hafiz Vivek, sitting up tall and proud, towering over all of them. He had matured in the three years he had worked more closely with them. Ashni had to admit Adira picked well when she picked Hafiz.
“So, we want to discuss getting more trade into Valen,” Wicus said, sitting across from Ashni and Nakia. He motioned to Thia, next to him, as she helped herself to some fruit.
Ashni gave a shrug. “What’s the issue? You have merchants coming into the city. You’re getting goods from all over the Empire.” Apples called to her as always and she ate a couple of slices dipped in honey.
Thia spoke up. “We get goods well after other cities. It’s all leftover goods, if there’s anything at all. Our nobles expected better, expected more. Where is the luxury? Where is the beauty? Where is the ease? We made promises, as you made promises.”
Ashni rubbed her chin. “And I’m supposed to get merchants to you faster?” The fact that their nobles were up in arms over this was a waste of time. “You could easily remind your nobles where they’d be without this trade deal.”
Nakia patted her thigh. “Not helping.”
“So, you want the merchants to come to you first?” Layla asked.
“It would calm down our nobles who think we made a mistake allying ourselves to you. We don’t want them to have an excuse to start trouble,” Wicus replied.
“We were thinking we could build a direct road to the eastern ports to Valen,” Thia said.
Ashni shoved several apples in her mouth to avoid laughing. Do they think I have endless resources and time? At no point in time would that road benefit her territory.
Adira smirked. “You mean, you want us to build the road.”
Wicus’ eyes glinted. “You do have the money, manpower, and it’s through your territory.”
“That benefits us in no way,” Ashni replied. She could use the money and manpower to continue working on Nakian. Why waste it on them?
“What about your canal idea?” Nakia asked.
Ashni looked at her spouse. Water was the fastest way to move things and her territory was quite vast now. If she wanted to remain connected to the rest of the Empire, she needed to make sure she could move people and goods around quickly. A canal that connected to the rivers running through Kairon had been a plan long before she took the West.
“A canal would be good if it’s going to come to Valen,” Thia said.
“When would construction begin?” Wicus asked.
Ashni looked to Adira, who shrugged. “I’ve had my hands tied with our military. Ask Nakia.”
“I’ve spoken to some engineers, but most of their attention is on the city and the palace,” Nakia said.
“So, no canal?” Thia asked.
Ashni took a breath. She needed to start something soon or it would never get done. “We’ll start the canal. Find or pull some engineers.”
“I’ll also need people to work on it,” Nakia replied. She was technically in charge of the canal system anyway, as she handled most of their non-military infrastructure. It was a job she gave herself, and Ashni didn’t argue. If Nakia could find manpower that didn’t pull the military, Ashni would give her the world.
Ashni gave Wicus a look. “She’s on it. Problem solved.”
Wicus glanced at Thia, whose eyes were on Nakia. The sisters exchanged smiles and Wicus tilted his head in acceptance.
“Now, onto our business,” Layla said, pressing her palms together.
Wicus nodded. “The northern barbarians.”
“They’ve been coming across the river and terrorizing towns. We’re going to march on them. I merely need to know you’ll support us, as allies do,” Ashni replied.
“Of course, yet I feel you want more than that,” Wicus said.
Ashni waved the comment away. She needed the verbal assurance in front of witnesses. Allies had betrayed her on occasion and then claimed ignorance when confronted over it.
“Your support is fine, but we’ll work out the numbers now, if you like,” Adira said.
“Proceed.” Wicus motioned to Adira.
Relief coursed through Ashni. That was really all she needed. Wicus would honor their agreement, but Ashni could let Adira entice him with why he should fully commit to their cause. Fighting the tribes across the river wouldn’t be the open warfare he was accustomed to. Her new troops would have problems, too. They had not done anything beyond open field combat. She frowned. What if she had expanded too far? Even if that was so, she wouldn’t be stopped. This is a mere bump in the long road to glory.
Chapter Two
NAKIA CUDDLED CLOSER TO Ashni while trying to fight off consciousness for a little while longer. If she could stay asleep, the day would never begin and if the day didn’t begin, it wouldn’t end with Ashni leaving to face the northern barbarians. Her stomach trembled at the thought of being left to handle everything on her own. It wouldn’t be the first time, but it never failed to eat at her insides. She didn’t want to think about it. She wanted to enjoy her spouse a little longer.
So Nakia held onto sleep as if it was precious, even though she was obviously awake. Sweet kisses to her neck and caresses to her bare abdomen from rough callused hands startled her. Oh, this is worth getting up for.
“Are you with me, kitten?” Ashni whispered.
Nakia purred. “Always.” She pressed herself closer to Ashni.
“I love you more than anything, you know?” The words were low, as if a secret, but the world knew.
The expression of love made her strong, like she could capture the sun. She could do anything with Ashni by her side. What about when she’s not? It was an old thought, but she wouldn’t let the dark whispers from her soul spoil her limited time with Ashni.
Nakia stroked Ashni’s muscular arm with her thumb. Her soft skin made Nakia want to feel her beloved’s body against hers forever. “Do you want something, my love?”
Ashni placed a particularly wet kiss on her neck, just the way Nakia liked it. “Oh, I want a lot of things, kitten. Most of those, I want to hand over to you.”
“I know.” Nakia took hold of Ashni’s thick, soft mane of brown hair, tugging her up until they locked eyes.
She couldn’t help getting lost in Ashni’s amber gaze. There was a hunger there, and it filled Nakia to the brim. But it’ll empty when she’s away.
Nakia smiled. “Sometimes, I swear you’re a lion, staring me down.”
Wild and carefree, Ashni grinned. “They are my brothers.”
“I know.” And if Nakia ha
dn’t met other members of the Lion guild, she would’ve thought Ashni’s look was part of the requirements. Beyond the hair and eyes, Ashni’s thick muscles made her similar to her so-called brothers.
Ashni didn’t seem to care for the discussion, coming in for a kiss. Nakia pulled Ashni closer. She moaned as their bodies pressed together, igniting passion.
“I love you,” Nakia said when they broke apart. It came easily, freely, and never failed to be the truth.
Ashni caressed her cheek. “I love you, too.”
“Then stay with me.” It was impossible, but she pouted, just in case it worked. Sometimes, her smallest twitches could bring Ashni to her knees. It was probably too much power for one person, but Nakia didn’t care. Ashni loved her, wanted to give her the world. Who wouldn’t want that kind of affection?
Ashni gave her a sweet peck on the mouth. “For now.”
“Forever.”
“Kitten, even if I’m not here, I’m always here.” Ashni pressed her fingers to the center of Nakia’s bare chest.
Nakia clutched Ashni tighter as her heart fluttered. “But I want you here. Don’t you want to give me everything I want?”
Ashni wiggled in between her legs. “That’s my deepest desire.”
Nakia never doubted that was the truth. How did I become so fortunate? It was like Ashni had descended from the sky and was presented to her as essential treasure. She caressed Ashni’s biceps and got lost in golden eyes that gazed upon her as if she were the most precious thing in all of creation. A divine being looked at her as if she were a goddess.
“While you’re away, I’ll make many sacrifices for your victory,” Nakia said. It was the only way she could help when there was a military campaign. She trusted the gods delighted in her prayers and protected her beloved.
Ashni flashed her teeth. “So, now I have your blessing to go?”
“You’re going to go regardless,” Nakia scoffed.
Ashni gave her a look. “You know I don’t want to upset you, kitten.”
Blood Rain (Warrior Class Book 3) Page 2