Warrior Class_Sky Cutter

by S. L. Kassidy

  Layla laughed, her eyes shining. “I think…I think I might need to remove my spouse.” She snickered again.

  “I’ve been telling you that for years,” Ashni said. Naren was so out of it, he didn’t react to the insult. He tried to focus on his food again.

  Layla helped Naren to his feet while Saniyah helped Adira up. Ashni plucked Nakia off the ground and watched her wobble. She pulled Nakia close to her, steadying her.

  “Everybody got…everybody?” Ashni looked around. The drunk holding up the drunker. Thank Khurshid we only have to make it to our rooms in the palace or we’d be in trouble.

  Layla shrugged and nearly dropped Naren. If ever there was a signal to go, that was it. Some of us might not even make it to our rooms. What was in that wine? Of course, the fact that we emptied those skins probably didn’t help. They parted ways as the sun crept higher into the sky.

  With each step Ashni took, she found herself feeling dizzy. She managed to stay upright while she glanced down to make sure she still had Nakia. Nakia took a few steps and then fell against Ashni. Hmm…probably shouldn’t have given her so much wine. But, the Festival was about having fun and wine made things fun. Nakia hadn’t minded. Taking a breath, Ashni lifted Nakia into her arms so that the princess wouldn’t take a tumble.

  Nakia giggled as Ashni pressed her close, for safety reasons. I wouldn’t want her to hurt herself and somehow ruin our chances of getting that gold. The giggles continued as Ashni walked on, entering the palace proper. Nakia cuddled closer and inhaled deeply, possibly breathing in Ashni, but she wasn’t sure. The notion made her heart flutter. Ashni shook that thought away. You’re being ridiculous and drunk. But, then, Nakia’s scent hit Ashni and nothing seemed ridiculous. Nakia smelled sweet, like the plum wine they had drank, apples, and honey.

  The aroma wrapped around her foggy brain and embraced it. Sighing, Ashni tried to focus. She narrowed her gaze and marched on to her bedchamber. She was thankful the room was empty. Sometimes she hated to be pawed at by servants. As she was about to lie down, her brow wrinkled as she realized something was off.

  “Wait, I was supposed to take the kitten to her room. Damn,” Ashni said. Glancing down at the still form in her arms, Ashni considered her options. She didn’t feel like making the trek to Nakia’s bedroom. Puffing out a breath of air, she blew a few strands of hair back. “Whatever.”

  Nakia was asleep and since Ashni planned on sleeping, they could share a bed. The bed was large. They probably wouldn’t even realize the other was there.

  Nakia groaned as Ashni eased her down and then she wrapped her arms around Ashni. Nakia simpered and her eyes were half-lidded, but her gaze was deep. Ashni froze in place.

  “I’ve never met anyone like you,” Nakia whispered.

  Ashni chuckled. “That’s because there is no one like me, kitten. I’ve always been one of a kind.”

  Before Ashni could put on one of her patented arrogant smirks, Nakia kissed her. Nakia’s lips tasted of wine and fried octopus. Her scent flooded Ashni’s senses and short-circuited her brain. So sweet, so delicious. Ashni wanted more, so she returned the kiss.

  A short moan escaped Nakia. Ashni tilted her head slightly so she could taste all of the princess. Nakia’s arm wrapped around her neck and pulled her close. Ashni groaned and her body buzzed. I need even more. I need to feel all of my kitten.

  Ashni pulled away to claw herself out of her clothing. Nakia whined at the loss and her hands found their way to Ashni’s body, wandering, gripping, clutching, and trying to pull Ashni back. Ashni was certain she tore her clothing because she had never undressed so fast. Once bare, Ashni went for another kiss and Nakia didn’t disappoint.

  Nakia returned the kiss with just as much passion as before, setting every nerve in Ashni’s body ablaze. The kiss was sloppy and slow, but Ashni didn’t care. It gave her a chance to savor the taste of Nakia’s mouth and to undress her. Once she had most of Nakia’s clothing off, Ashni needed more. More sweet, delicious, creamy flesh. She placed light kisses on Nakia’s cheeks and down her neck. Nakia mewled and wiggled, fingers clutching Ashni’s shoulders, but didn’t stop Ashni’s descent.

  Nakia’s body was lithe, but firm, and topped with plump, perky breasts. Ashni tasted them, her tongue gliding over soft, salty skin. Nakia purred and arched herself closer to Ashni. Each sound made Ashni want to worship this scrumptious hellion. She’d devour Nakia if she could, but for now she’d do the next best thing and have as much of her as Nakia would allow.

  Ashni wrapped her lips around Nakia’s pebbled nipple and flicked it with her tongue. Nakia’s back bowed and she pushed herself further into Ashni’s mouth. Nakia ran her hands through Ashni’s hair, destroying her already loose braids and pressing her close, encouraging her. Not that Ashni needed encouraging. She went from one peak to the other while her hands caressed Nakia’s breasts and taut abdomen. Nakia felt as good as she tasted.

  “Feels good…” Nakia breathed and hummed as Ashni flicked her nipple with her thumb.

  “You taste good.” Ashni licked her way down Nakia’s stomach, circling her navel with her tongue.

  Nakia moaned as she shifted a little. Ashni’s hands went to Nakia’s hips and Nakia lifted them up, so Ashni could remove the rest of her clothing. Seconds passed, it felt too long to get Nakia naked.

  “By the great gods, you’re lovely,” Ashni muttered, taking in Nakia’s petite, but curvy body. Her proportions were just right. Proving once again that I am favored by the gods in so many different ways.

  Before going in for what she wanted, Ashni reveled in feeling their bodies touch. Nakia chirped as soon as they were skin-to-skin and Ashni purred, feeling decadent beyond all her queenly goods. She luxuriated in the feeling for a long moment, kissing Nakia’s mouth once more. The feel of her body and her lips were enough to short out Ashni’s brain for a second and she wanted nothing more in the world than to stay right where she was forever and always. But, with the promise of more pleasure, her mind wasn’t gone for long. She slid her thigh between Nakia’s legs and they both moaned into each other mouths.

  Experiencing Nakia sleek, warm, and wanting against her, heat and desire rushed through Ashni’s body, which moved on its own. She rocked her hips slightly and her thigh pressed against Nakia just right, causing the princess to cry out. The sound burned through Ashni in ways she'd never felt before. And I command lightning, for crying out loud.

  “Yes,” Nakia sighed, her fingernails digging into Ashni’s shoulders. Even the pain felt good. The idea that Nakia was anchored to her had electricity dance down Ashni’s nerves and her heart thumped to the rhythm of her movements. She wanted to make Nakia feel just as good, so she moved with more purpose. Nakia moaned and held on tighter.

  Ashni could only take Nakia’s moaning for so long before she needed more. She wasted no time kissing her way down Nakia’s body. Reaching for Ashni, as if to pull her back up, Nakia whined, but the sound quickly turned into a long moan as Ashni took her into her mouth. By the Great Eagle, she’s sweet everywhere!

  Ashni licked and sucked, not wanting to miss a spot or lose a drop. This was the best treat she had ever had, topping all cakes, pies, pastries, and other sweets she indulged in. She doubted she’d ever be able to stop. I’ve found ambrosia.

  Nakia moaned and hooked her leg around Ashni’s shoulder, which Ashni took as silent begging, so she upped her effort. With her tongue busy, she allowed a finger to tease Nakia, making her buck. Ashni took a breath and then eased inside, finding the princess tight. So beautiful, so wonderful, so amazing. Her finger was hugged and surrounded by this magnificent, tasty treat. Moving slowly, she drew her finger in and out while her tongue, lips, and mouth remained right where they wanted to be.

  Nakia filled the room with amazing sounds and her heel dug into Ashni’s back as she dripped into Ashni’s mouth. Her hands ended up lost in Ashni’s hair for a while, trying to keep Ashni in place. Ashni enjoyed the feel of those long, delicate fingers mussing her
braids. Ashni wished they could get closer. She would’ve told Nakia to never let go, but she refused to move her lips from where they were.

  To reward Nakia for just being there, Ashni eased her free hand back up Nakia’s body and gently kneaded a bouncing breast. Her thumb delighted in flicking Nakia’s nipple. Nakia’s moans grew and her hips chased Ashni’s mouth and finger. Each movement grew more and more frantic. Ashni made sure to stay right with Nakia, wanting every last piece of her.

  Suddenly, Nakia gave a scream and her body pulsed around Ashni’s finger in a most enchanting way. Ashni looked up to see Nakia’s face, flushed with ecstasy. So beautiful.

  Wanting more kisses, Ashni eased out of Nakia and moved back up her body only to find her sound asleep. Ashni wasn’t upset, as Nakia slept with a small, happy grin on her face. She smiled and brushed some of Nakia’s hair from her glistening forehead. She kissed Nakia’s forehead, tasting sweat and satisfaction, and settled in for some sleep of her own.

  Chapter Ten

  NAKIA’S FIRST THOUGHT WAS that her eyelids hurt and she didn’t want to open her eyes. But, everything throbbed. She needed to check to see if she was physically injured. Blinking or trying to blink felt like there was sand rubbed into her eyes. Sticky sand at that.

  Once she managed to open her eyes, which somehow made pain burst through her skull, she tried to assess her situation, but it was difficult. Everything was blurry and each movement of her eyes made her head hurt even more, like her head might split open. Her body pulsed with dull agony. Focusing seemed impossible, her brain barely alert despite being awake. Why do I feel this horrible?

  Her brain offered no answers to that question. Taking a breath, she tried to remember anything from the day before. It was all a blank, so she went back to what she was doing before. Wait, what was I doing before? Oh, right, trying to figure out what was going on.

  With a low groan, she turned onto her side, hoping the change in position would make something, anything, hurt less. Her shifting caused her to realize that she was nude. Then her eyes focused enough for her to notice there was a body across from her in bed.

  Oh, no. No, no, no. She couldn’t have shared a bed with someone. Her father would destroy her. He would have her buried alive, sealed in a tomb, left to starve to death, and never think twice about her. Her chest tightened and breathing became the most difficult thing in the world to do. She was pure. She was chaste. She’d never—and then it got worse. Her eyes focused enough for her to realize who lay across from her. She yelped and gasped for air.

  “Keep it down,” the Queen groused, her face buried in her pillow.

  “Ke-ke-ke—” Nakia couldn’t even get a word out. What in the world is going on? The question echoed in her mind, crashing against her skull, causing more pain.

  “Don’t scream.” Maybe it was an order. Maybe it was a plea. It didn’t matter. The Queen reached over, as if to touch her.

  Nakia gasped and pushed back, retreating as fast as she could. She shot out of bed but her legs failed her. There were curtains around the bed and she got tangled in them briefly before her fall continued. She crumbled to the floor with a pained groan. Legs, you as well? Does no part of my body work correctly anymore?

  The Queen sat up and looked over the side of the bed, squinting at her. “Are you all right?”

  Nakia couldn’t breathe and the room swirled. This couldn’t be possible. No, this was a nightmare. This was some horrible, terrible, untrue nightmare. It couldn’t be real. But, then again, the slight throb between her legs belied that notion.

  “You!” Nakia cried, pointing at the Queen. “How could you?” she shrieked. Her shoulders shook as her voice caught in her throat.

  The Queen flinched and closed her eyes, holding her forehead with one hand. “Don’t scream,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

  “You monster!” Tears burned Nakia’s eyes and poured down her face as she yanked one of the covers from the bed. She used it to cover her shame and hide her from this beast.

  The Queen’s eyes locked with hers. “I’m not a monster.” Her tone was hard.

  “Look what you did to me! You’re a demon! You savage! You beast! You barbarian! What did you do?” Nakia screamed. Her face was hot, scorched by her tears, and her head felt like it might explode, but she didn’t care.

  The Queen’s eyes darkened and she frowned at Nakia. “Nothing you didn’t want me to do.”

  The words stabbed Nakia like a rusty knife. Gasping, she backed away, clutching her stomach. The Queen reached out for Nakia again. Nakia turned and bolted out of the room.

  “Kitten, wait! Come back!” the Queen called, but Nakia didn’t stop. She wasn’t sure where she was in the palace, if she was in the palace, but she needed to get away before anything else happened.

  ***

  “Damn,” Ashni hissed, slapping the bed. She cut her eyes to a couple of servants trying to blend in with the wall. “Follow her. Make sure she doesn’t hurt herself.”

  The servants took off and Ashni ground her teeth together. I do not need this. Or the headache beating right behind my damned eyes. She had definitely overindulged last night. Usually that wouldn’t bother her, but she looked at the door.

  “By the Great Eagle, I’m fucked.” Ashni rubbed her forehead and realized that was putting it mildly. She took a deep breath and put her head down, counting the ways she had royally screwed up.

  If anyone else had done this, she would have immediately fed them to the lions, but she couldn’t very well feed herself to the lions. Someone had to carry on her father’s legacy. It isn’t like I can trust my idiot brothers to conquer the West and eventually make sure the whole world is called Roshan. Not to mention, she really wanted to do it herself. Yeah, but it’s hard to tell that when you’re messing things up.

  “Damn it,” she hissed again as she lifted her head. “Go.” She dismissed all the servants.

  “Highness—”

  “Go!” she bellowed, ignoring the agony beating at her skull. A loud thunderclap echoed outside. She usually loved to be pampered after holidays, but right now she didn’t want to see anyone, especially people who witnessed the morning’s scene.

  The servants scurried out like mice in the presence of a cat. Usually, this would have made her feel better. It was fun to scare people, but right now all she could think about were terrified emerald eyes staring at her as if she truly was a monster. Nakia thought the worst of her.

  “Does she really think I could do that to her?” Ashni sighed and ran her hand through her mussed hair. “Okay…even if I didn’t do that…” She shook her head. No, I haven’t done anything wrong. Nakia wanted me last night, kissed me, initiated the whole thing. This was not my fault.

  With that in mind, Ashni felt a little stronger and managed to get out of bed. Her head still hurt. Definitely overindulged on the wine, if nothing else, she mentally conceded. Making her way to her bath, which was thankfully already drawn, she settled into the scented, flower-treated water. A soft sigh escaped her and she thought back to last night.

  “So sweet,” she whispered to the steamy air.

  When she closed her eyes, she could remember the exact way Nakia’s back arched as she climaxed and the memory caused her to shiver. She could still taste sweet honey on the tip of her tongue. Best of all, she could still hear the little sounds that had come from her hellcat. She really purrs.

  “Why did she react like that?” Ashni barked, smacking at the water. She knew the answer, but refused to acknowledge it. She hadn’t violated Nakia. Nakia wanted her, she wanted Nakia, and they had each other. So, why did Nakia freak out this morning?

  Well, she knew the answer to that question, too. Nakia was from a culture where women sleeping together wasn’t sanctioned. Nakia couldn’t take seeing a same-sex couple. Groaning, Ashni hit herself in the forehead. Thankfully, there were no servants around or surely they would have reported to someone that she had lost her mind. That’s all I need, Adira rushing in here t
o try to bring my sanity back.

  Have I lost my mind? If nothing else, she was driven to distraction. The smell of Nakia was enough to make her mind wander. Even the memory of the scent led to her thinking about sweet sounds and the inspiring rhythm of Nakia around her finger. Her body felt warm and throbbed with want. She groaned and shook her head.

  “No, no, no. That way leads to madness. Stop thinking about it. Look at the trouble it has already caused.” That was enough to get her mind off Nakia for the moment. To take her mind off Nakia even more, Ashni inhaled the oils and incenses around her bath. Maybe the aromas would replace the one tattooed on her brain. They were all favorites of hers. They didn’t help.

  Taking the bath and getting dressed didn’t make her feel any more human. But, the world kept turning and she had things to do. Well, she’d find things to do. She wasn’t surprised to find the throne room empty when she got there. Nakia wouldn’t be joining her today, even if she summoned her.

  Ashni settled on the throne and reports were delivered to her. Officials slowly filed in, waiting to be heard. Ashni didn’t have the energy for them yet. She focused on the scrolls. Trying to distract herself with work, Ashni felt fine until breakfast was brought in. Apples with honey were on the tray, as always. Growling, she kicked the food away and flung the document she had in her hand across the room. Outside, thunder clapped and the servants flinched.

  “Go get Adira,” Ashni barked. Almost a dozen people, some not even servants, bolted out of the room to do her bidding.

  It took a while for Adira to drag herself into the throne room. By then, Ashni had stewed and boiled. Adira was wet from the pouring rain. Lightning flashed through the sky as if doing battle. Ashni couldn’t bring herself to care Adira was soaked, and knew that meant her rage was out of control. You’ll only hurt yourself if you don’t rein in your power.