Warrior Class - Sky Cutter

by S. L. Kassidy

  Ashni rolled her eyes and acted without thinking. She opened her outer robe and wrapped Nakia in it. Nakia gasped, but didn’t say anything. Ashni leaned in close to tell Nakia what piece to move, but noticed something for the first time. Nakia smelled sweet, like honey and apples. So good. Ashni just wanted to breathe her in and nothing more. Discreetly, she inhaled just enough for the scent to wash over her.

  “This one?” Nakia asked.

  “Hmmm?” Ashni’s mind had drifted far away. What was Nakia talking about?

  Nakia turned a little to look at her. “This piece?”

  Oh, right, the game. Shaking her head, Ashni managed to dispel the brief enchantment, and turned her attention back to the board. Nakia picked the right piece and she directed Nakia where to move it. From that moment on, Ashni had to resist the urge to bury her face in Nakia’s hair and neck to breathe this perfect aroma. She grabbed more pastries, hoping eating would distract her, but no such luck.

  Has she always smelled this good? How could I not notice? Ashni was pretty sure she had never noticed because she was too busy having fun tormenting Nakia and corrupting her. Now, all she had in front of her was Nakia and this wonderful scent. It danced through her mind, jolting across nerves, making her body buzz in ways her lightning could hardly dream of. She could barely control her hands. She wanted to wrap them around Nakia’s petite waist, caress her undoubtedly soft belly, and breathe in all that she was for the rest of the night.

  Okay, stop thinking like that. Since her favorite pastries and cakes weren’t enough to keep her mind off Nakia, Ashni paid attention to the game. She played the game in her mind. Amal was doomed, as always. She wondered how many games it would take before he threw the board across the room and cursed her and Nakia.

  ***

  Nakia tried to focus on the chess game, but it was a little difficult. She could feel the Queen against her back. Being wrapped in the Queen’s robes felt like being wrapped in the Queen herself and it was heady, intoxicating even. It was more than the feel of the Queen or even the smell of the Queen, which she was now very aware of. The Queen smelled of honey, fresh berries, a hint of smoke, and something Nakia couldn’t put her finger on. It was the aroma of dangerous burning and the sky before a heavy rain.

  The Queen engulfed her, like warm clouds. Nakia’s heart raced a little and her chest was tight. Every few seconds, she forgot how to breathe or just held her breath, scared it might disturb the Queen and have the Queen release her. She didn’t know what to make of the feeling and it was hard to focus on the game, but she managed.

  Chess was still a strange game to her, despite having played nothing but chess for the past week, but she was getting the hang of it. The Queen didn’t have a problem teaching her like her father did. She didn’t understand why her father thought she couldn’t handle it, didn’t think girls could handle it. It wasn’t so difficult. She doubted she would be able to beat the Queen, but she doubted even her father could beat the Queen and he tended to beat everyone.

  “Hey, stop daydreaming and move,” Amal said. Everything that came out of his mouth sounded like a command, even when he spoke to the Queen. His eyes made it worse, as he always looked like he believed everyone and everything was beneath him, especially when he addressed the Queen.

  Nakia suspected he was the older of the siblings, but she never asked. His manner suggested it and she suspected the Queen would never take his attitude from a younger sibling. As annoying as Layla was, it wasn’t to the same degree as Amal, and Layla always seemed to hold affection for the Queen, even when purposely getting on her nerves. There was none of that playful joy with Amal.

  “Move,” Amal said again, his tone scratchy and even more forceful than before.

  Nakia shook herself out of her reverie. She studied the pieces, trying to figure out what to move. She needed not only to contemplate her move, but his counter and how she would counter that. One of the Queen’s first lessons was for her to try to see three moves ahead, and once she mastered that, try to see five moves ahead and so forth and so on. Sometimes she could see it and sometimes she couldn’t. Right now, she felt like she had seen it all, so she made her move.

  Without thinking, she leaned back and found herself pressed against the Queen’s chest. She stopped breathing, waiting for the Queen’s reaction, but nothing came. Well, not nothing. For a moment, the Queen leaned in closer, almost buried in her neck. Nakia still didn’t breathe, not sure what might happen. But, nothing happened. The Queen moved back a little and ate some cake, as she was wont to do. Amal finally moved a piece.

  Nakia moved. “Check.”

  A growl got stuck in Amal’s throat as he leaned in closer to study the board. While he burned his brain and probably failed to realize he was trapped, Nakia reached over and ate some grapes from the Queen’s tray. The Queen didn’t say anything, so Nakia helped herself to some more fruit.

  “You’re helping her.” Amal glared at the Queen.

  “Uh, yeah, three moves ago. Keep up. Since then, I’ve just been sitting here, enjoying my cake.”

  A savage snarl tore its way from Amal’s mouth as he picked up the board and flung it across the room. He turned to Nakia, his eyes wild. All too often he couldn’t contain himself, or his fury. He raised his hand and Nakia instinctively retreated, only to be halted by the Queen’s body. She felt herself pressed against strong muscles and a strong hand fell to her hip. Her body calmed to a degree, but her heart was in her throat.

  “Brother, you’re obviously overtired,” the Queen said in a smooth tone. He halted mid-strike and the Queen bit into her cake. “Perhaps you should retire to your rooms to ensure you’re fresh for the Festival tomorrow. It wouldn’t do to be fatigued before the night even begins, right?” She sounded cool, collected.

  Amal’s chest heaved as he focused on Nakia, but he didn’t move. His hand was still posed to strike. He glanced at the Queen and Nakia watched the Queen from the corner of her eye. The Queen continued to nibble her cake, and then she glanced up at Amal again. Nakia’s eyes didn’t leave the Queen.

  “Unless, of course, dear brother, you have other plans,” the Queen said. Her eyes were steel now and there was slight tension around her mouth.

  Amal took another deep breath, studying on the Queen. Nakia could feel there was a challenge here. It seemed insane for the Queen to challenge her brother, her older brother. He was a man and bigger than she was, but then Nakia remembered the poor, unfortunate captain who faced the Queen in the arena. He was larger than Amal and the Queen hadn’t broken a sweat against him.

  Amal’s hand dropped and he let out a strained breath. “You’re right, Ashni. I am overtired. Too much excitement.” He gave a weak chuckle as a bead of sweat slid down his cheek. “I should retire. I wouldn’t want to be exhausted for tomorrow night. After all, I always look forward to seeing what new things you and your people do for the Festival.”

  The Queen sucked her teeth and watched Amal as he exited the room. Once he was gone, the Queen sniffed, curling her top lip. Nakia breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed against the Queen’s body. The Queen continued to lightly stroke her hip.

  “Don’t worry, kitten. My brother is both a fool and a coward. He won’t try to hurt you while I’m around.”

  That was promising. Of course, something could happen when the Queen wasn’t around. It was interesting that Amal was so frightened of the Queen, and she clearly didn’t respect him. But, Nakia didn’t say anything about it. She stayed where she was, not sure if she could stand on her own. The Queen didn’t seem to mind, didn’t say anything about their closeness.

  “Have you picked out clothing for the Festival?” the Queen asked out of the blue.

  Nakia frowned a little and turned to fully look at the Queen, pleased her hand didn’t fall away. “Do I have to wear special clothing?” No one had briefed her about the Festival. She wasn’t sure what to expect.

  “I’ll have you outfitted. You still owe me from when you lost at dice
anyway.” The Queen grinned at her and her golden eyes shone, sparkling like the noon sun. Despite the gleeful look in her eyes, her expression still held a hint of teasing and a bit of wickedness.

  Nakia stiffened a bit and narrowed her gaze at the Queen. “What do you have planned?”

  “It’s a surprise,” the Queen said in a singsong manner.

  Nakia felt like she should be worried, but it was a little hard with the Queen so close. There was something about her aura, like she was wrapped all the way around Nakia and nothing could harm her. Well, nothing except the Queen anyway, who probably had very devilish thoughts dancing in her mind about how she could at the very least humiliate Nakia. Why did I agree to that bet?

  ***

  Servants rushed into Nakia’s rooms later that night. She met them in the first room, a sitting room, and watched as they filed in with piles of clothing. They held fabrics on top of fabrics. Nakia knew this was about the Queen dressing her. She was a little disappointed when the Queen didn’t come along with the fitting party.

  “My Lady, I am Daru and I am one of the royal dressers. The Queen has requested I make you presentable for the Festival,” a woman said as she stood in front of all of the servants. She was dressed well with her hair done up high, in a way that Nakia hadn’t seen on many people around the palace.

  “Only the Festival?” Nakia studied the dozen people, holding so much clothing. It seemed like the Queen wanted her dressed for the year rather than just the night.

  “Well, the Festival and perhaps if you find yourself comfortable, or if this frost remains in the air for long, you will have other clothing. I was told your native clothing isn’t suited to our land.”

  Nakia frowned, but refused to confirm or deny that. Most of the time, her clothes left her much too warm and her poor skin felt dry often. She’d never been in a desert before, but she learned they were sizzling in general and seasons, as she knew them, didn’t exist. Even at night, when it cooled down, it was hotter than she was used to. Still, she refused to surrender her clothing. She refused to surrender any more of herself than necessary to these people.

  “It doesn’t really matter, my Lady. The Festival is a holy day and you should be properly dressed for it,” Daru stated.

  “Why? I don’t believe in your gods.”

  “No, but the day is more than just about the gods. The Festival of the Moon is about celebrating women and creativity and life itself. It’s about taking pride in who you are and showing the gods how you shine.”

  Nakia arched an eyebrow. This was something else she didn’t understand. How could a holy day not be about the gods?

  “The day is also to celebrate the Queen’s mother, Empress Chandra. She is connected to the Moon goddess.”

  “Empress?” Nakia muttered. So, there was an empress somewhere and she was considered divine. This also explained why the Queen claimed to be a divinity.

  “Yes, the Empress. The Queen’s mother. The Queen delights in this celebration, even if she pretends not to and even if her brother comes to spoil it for her. It would do you well to celebrate and find some solace in the comfort of a day meant to embrace all that you are.”

  Nakia’s brow furrowed. “All that I am?” What did that mean? She was not sure who she was, beyond a princess of Phyllida. She was her father’s daughter, but all that meant was that she was a subject to her king, like every other person in Phyllida. Is that all I am? She didn’t get a chance to think on it as Daru pressed onward.

  “Now, it is customary to wear white during the Festival, but you can also add colors for flair and a mark on individualism. What would you prefer?” Daru asked, eyes sparkling.

  Nakia sighed and rubbed her head. This seemed like a big deal and she didn’t want to ruin it. Now, she really wished the Queen had come along.

  “Well, does it have to be pants?” Nakia asked. The pants drove her insane. Only barbarians wore pants. Well, they are barbarians. She had to remind herself of that fact.

  Smiling softly, Daru tittered a little. “No, I will do away with all of the pants.” She waved her hands and a few servants stepped to the back. “I think you and I shall be able to agree on things, my Lady.”

  Nakia smiled a little. It was nice to be addressed by a title again. Maybe she and Daru would get along. While coming up with an outfit, she might be able to learn more about the holiday. “So, everyone doesn’t wear pants in the Roshan Empire?”

  “Oh, no. The pants are favored by soldiers and you’ll find that many people like to do things that mimic the soldiers, so many of them also wear pants. I’m sure the Queen doesn’t expect that of you. I will dress you with fine gowns, but also warm cloaks. The Festival is at night, during a full moon, so there will definitely be a chill, especially with this cold gnawing at our bones.”

  “I have a cloak,” Nakia said. She had packed some winter clothing, which seemed useless until now. Of course, this cold was worse than the winter. How can the desert be so hot one moment and then freezing the next?

  “I will see it. It may match whatever we come up with and aid you in being yourself for the Festival. Then, we’ll find you the perfect belts and jewels. We’ll put makeup on your eyes and give you even more allure, allowing you to outdo the brilliance of the full moon. You will turn all heads. The Queen will find herself unable to look away.” Daru put her chin in the air and beamed, her expression so bright it lit up the room.

  Nakia had to laugh at Daru’s confidence. She decided to let Daru dress her if for no other reason than the Festival was at night and if this cold continued, she knew she’d be cold. The nights here reminded her of winter at home.

  “Makeup, you say?” Nakia asked. This was foreign to her, just as much as pants. No one wore makeup in her homeland and she thought this was normal in the Roshan Empire as well. After all, she hadn’t seen the Queen or her sister wearing any makeup.

  “Yes, just around the eyes. To show you’re a single, but proper lady.”

  Nakia was sold at ‘lady.’ Daru would get her way a lot that night just from the use of the title. Nakia didn’t realize she missed it as much as she did, but it was nice to feel respected again. Do I feel disrespected here? Fearing the answer, she didn’t explore the idea, focusing instead on Daru.

  “Is there anything I should know about this Festival? Beyond why you celebrate?” Nakia asked as Daru presented her with white outfits, wanting to start with the most important attire first.

  Daru shook her head. “Nothing I can think of. It is a time of fun and to explore. There will be food from all over the Empire, as well as games. Nothing violent, as that’s not allowed during this Festival. You may even witness the Queen participate in childish games.”

  Nakia couldn’t imagine the Queen playing something a child would. Behaving like a child, yes, but playing like one, no. “I find it hard to believe the Queen was ever a child, but then again, she hasn’t seemed to grow up much.”

  Daru smiled a little. “The Queen can be childish, yes. She likes to enjoy herself when she has the time. You should do the same. If anything catches your eye during the Festival, be sure to try it, experience it. Don’t overthink anything. Just go with it. That’s what the night is about.”

  Nakia nodded, but her forehead wrinkled slightly. Ladies didn’t ‘just go with it.’ She supposed she’d wait for the Festival and witness it for herself before she decided on how much of Daru’s advice she would follow.

  ***

  The Festival of the Moon was by far Ashni’s favorite holiday after the Day of the Golden Sun. They were two very different days in terms of what each held, beyond the usual food, games, and shows. The Day of the Golden Sun was about celebrating warriors, battle, and fighting prowess. But, the Festival of the Moon was all about inventions and arts. The Festival of the Moon showcased anything new and for this Festival, Ashni had her own little project to display.

  “You’re almost on time, Highness. And, look at this. You found a woman already?” Adira asked as she
approached Ashni in the courtyard at the palace. Saniyah was on Adira’s arm, and both were decked out in all white. They stood out against the dark blue of the night and the ethereal green glow of the lamps.

  Ashni ignored Adira mocking her with the title and chuckled, throwing her own white drape over her shoulder. The ‘woman’ by her side was Nakia, adorned in Roshan garb perfect for the festival, complete with hair, jewels, and makeup. Nakia’s white dress had a golden blouse and heavy teal robe over it to protect her from the cold that nipped the air. Her hair was done in long, thin braids with pearls threaded through the locks and tiny golden feathers hanging from a few strands. When Adira realized who the woman was, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

  “No,” Adira whispered.

  “She lost a bet.” Ashni tittered while Nakia shifted on her heels beside her.

  “She looks lovely,” Saniyah said before going in for cheek kisses. Nakia froze when lightly painted lips touched her skin. Ashni was surprised Nakia didn’t faint or fall over, but it was probably over too fast for her brain to totally comprehend what happened.

  Ashni accepted Saniyah’s cheek kisses and crowed, “I know a thing or two about dressing pretty girls, right?”

  Adira snorted. “I think we all know Daru dressed this pretty girl. You don’t know anything about fashion.”

  “I dressed myself.” Ashni motioned down to her own white outfit and colorful outer robe.

  “I rest my case,” Adira said.

  Ashni blew out a breath and decided to let it go. It was the Festival of the Moon, no time for arguing over silly things. “Anyway, I’m not sure you’ve been formally introduced. Saniyah, meet Princess Hellcat, aka Princess Nakia Lysand of Phyllida. She’ll be our guest until her father comes up with mountains of gold. Kitten, this is Saniyah Gyan, chief military engineer and Adira’s spouse.”