Ashni wasn’t entirely sure what happened. Not in the sense that she didn’t remember, despite how drunk she was. She wasn’t quite sure why it happened. Yes, Nakia was adorable; a blind man could see that. But, that shouldn’t have been enough to make Ashni lose her mind like she had. What the hell was I thinking? She doubted she’d ever be able to answer that question.
She’d been asking herself that question ever since Nakia refused to see her the first day. She got stuck on it as she tried to figure out what she’d say to Nakia when she got the chance to speak to her. But, she had no answers. She also hadn’t come up with a speech to make everything right. Do such words even exist? The more time went by, the more she was certain there were no words. The whole situation was completely messed up and she had no one to blame but herself. It was tempting to try to blame Nakia, but Adira wouldn’t allow her that escape.
Ashni thought working would distract her, but she had no idea what most of the paperwork in front of her was. Officials came and went, leaving Ashni with no idea what they discussed. Beyond the issues with Nakia and her own questions, Adira’s words had been haunting her. Adira seemed to think she cared for the foreign princess. The very idea made her suck her teeth. When did Adira get so damned stupid?
While she was certain she had done everything Adira mentioned to irk Nakia, she was bothered by the gross misinterpretation by one of the people closest to her. If Adira, who knew her well, was dumb enough to think she felt something for Nakia, who else had come to the same conclusion? That stupid, possibly dangerous, conclusion.
She put the thoughts aside as Adira approached her worktable. Adira shook her head, undoubtedly because of the mess. Adira focused on the document right in front of Ashni. She took the document and looked it over. Ashni watched her read it, wondering what the hell it was.
“Okay, I have a solution that might work, so you can at least get your mind back in the right place before you decide to stop feeding the war horses,” Adira said, waving the document around.
“Huh?” Was she really about to stop feeding their finest steeds?
“You haven’t written anything on this, but did you even know it was about the horses?” Adira asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ashni sighed. I am more distracted than I thought. “What’s your idea?”
“She’s not going to talk to you because she’s hurt and scared and she blames you. She’s scared of you, maybe for what she thinks happened or maybe for something else. Still, first, she has to heal a little before she’s ready to face you. Agreed?”
Ashni nodded. “That makes sense.”
“So, we ask Bashira to talk to her.”
Ashni blinked and then brightened. That was brilliant. There was no person on the planet who could resist Bashira. Bashira would be able to convince Nakia to get out of bed and listen to reason. She should have thought of that.
“Hey, stop smiling like that. This isn’t for you. This is for the kingdom, your father’s dreams, and our own empire,” Adira said.
Ashni rolled her eyes. “I never said this was for me. Will Bashira go for it?” Wait, that was a stupid question. And further proof that she was allowing this thing with Nakia to drive her crazy.
“Of course she will. We’ll have to explain the situation—”
Ashni balked at that suggestion. “We’re not telling her what happened.” It was bad enough that Adira and a dozen servants knew.
Adira rubbed her temples with her thumb and forefinger. “We explain as much of the situation to her as you allow and she’ll make sure Nakia is returned to her father as normal as possible, so we get our gold and continue the conquest of the West.”
Sighing, Ashni’s shoulders slumped. “I get it!” She snorted. She had definitely screwed up and was aware Adira wouldn’t let her live it down for years to come. At least Layla didn’t know or that would be a headache of a different kind. But, Layla was off tracking Majeed. Of course, I deserve this and worse. What the hell was I thinking? “Just make sure Bashira knows to keep this to herself.”
With a scoff, Adira shook her head. “I’m pretty sure that goes without saying. It does us no good for everyone to know the Queen’s an idiot.”
Ashni glared at Adira. “You do know one day I won’t need you anymore.”
Adira snorted. “Oh, so you’ll be doing your own paperwork?” She rolled her eye. “I don’t think so. I’ll summon Bashira. You pay attention to what you’re actually doing. I’ll proofread what you did before I showed up when I’m done.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
“That remains to be seen.”
Ashni hated to admit that might be true.
***
Nakia was still curled in a ball on her bed. She had no idea what day it was or how long she had been there. She didn’t know if the sun was out, as she had servants block her windows with heavy curtains. Light made every part of her feel raw and sound was no better. Everything tore through her like lion claws.
She couldn’t even get peace in her dreams. She’d been sleeping only a few minutes at a time thanks to flashes and glimpses of the worst day of her life. She couldn’t figure out those pieces, but it was enough to keep her tucked into herself.
A heavy knock on her door ripped through her and she whimpered while managing to fold in tighter. The servants would send whoever it was away. At least there were some people in this gods-awful place that she could rely on to a degree.
“Oh, my.” A voice squeaked. The stupid servants hadn’t sent whoever this was away. No one in this stupid territory is worth anything. Thankfully, it didn’t sound like the Queen, but Nakia had no desire to talk with anyone.
“Go away,” Nakia grumbled, hiding her face in her pillow.
“I should like to as I see you’re in no state for company, but I don’t think that would be the most prudent idea,” the voice, female and happy, said. It had an irksome chirp, sounding much too pleased with itself.
Nakia groaned and hid deeper beneath her blankets. She didn’t want to have anything to do with these barbarians. Hopefully, looking at her as a lump in the bed would get through to her unwanted guest. Unfortunately, the sound of things moving around the room suggested otherwise. Stupid savage. The damned barbarian made things worse by opening her curtains and letting the light in. She hissed, wishing the sound would drive away the sun.
“The sun is good for you. I know you’re going through a rough time right now, but the sun heals,” the voice explained.
Nakia grumbled deep in her throat. What does this girl know of my ‘rough time'? She hadn’t told anyone what happened. She had made sure the servants knew she didn’t want to see anyone, especially the Queen. She was surprised the order stood, until this newcomer anyway. Who is she and what does she know?
Nakia lowered her cover just enough to see the room. The light stung her eyes briefly and spots danced before her eyes. She squinted, trying to find whoever was in her room. A blond blur ordered the servants around with dramatic arm movements as she zipped between them. Then, she turned to Nakia and smiled brightly, looking like the sun itself, lighting up the room. That alone made Nakia decide to hate her. What the hell is she so happy about?
It wasn’t fair for anyone to be happy considering how she felt. It wasn’t fair that the world went on while she felt like her world collapsed in on itself. She frowned at the girl, who didn’t seem to notice if her continued smiling meant anything.
“Oh, you’re awake. I thought you fell back to sleep. It’s good you’re awake. I sent out for food. I think some food will do you well. Nothing heavy, mind you. Just something to help perk you up and help you get out of bed,” the blond said.
Nakia narrowed her gaze and scowled harder at the intruder. “Go away.”
“I can’t fathom doing such a thing,” the blond replied, still smiling. She threw her hands up and waved her fingers, as if the gesture meant something. Maybe it did in this barbarian society. “You need to get out of bed, talk to some
one, and experience life. Giving up and giving in never gained anyone anything, except bedsores. So, when the food comes, you should try to eat some and then I’ll have the servants draw you a bath. I’m sure your body will appreciate it and a bath tends to pick up many spirits.”
Nakia’s lip curled in hatred for all those things. It seemed like this pest knew what happened to her. Was the Queen boasting about what she had done? Demon.
“Go away,” Nakia commanded and seized a pillow. She flung it with all her might, which wasn’t much. The pillow sailed slow and fell flat with a dull thud, hardly escaping the bed’s edge. That pillow might as well be me. She tried to shake the thought away. She wouldn’t let these barbarians defeat her.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to do more once you eat and regain some strength. Then, you can throw all the pillows you want at me,” the blond chirped. She was too happy.
Nakia wanted to plant an axe in her forehead. I probably couldn’t hold an axe up right now. Considering her failure with the pillow, she doubted she could do anything. Of course, she could always go with her first line of defense. There had to be something she could say to get this invader out of her rooms.
Before Nakia could snap, a tray of food was placed in front of her. Her stomach grumbled at the sight. She hadn’t eaten since she crawled into bed, so maybe food was necessary. It took an effort to lift her hand and plenty of concentration to keep her hand up long enough to grab some fruit. She steered clear of anything sweet, preferring sour berries, white grapes, several different types of nuts, and diced cheese. A few crackers helped and her body began to feel better. Before she knew it, the tray was empty of everything but the sweet fruits.
“Do you want anything heavier? I wasn’t sure if your stomach would be able to handle it since the servants said you hadn’t eaten in a few days,” the blond said.
Nakia blinked, having forgotten the girl was there. Nakia didn’t bother to answer. She still wanted this intruder gone, even if she had been right about the food. Nakia didn’t feel like seeing anyone.
“I’ve had a bath drawn for you. I’m sure your body will like that as much as you liked the meal,” the intruder said. She motioned in the direction of Nakia’s private bathing room.
Nakia was about to object, but the girl had been right about the food. Maybe she should get out of bed and have a bath. Maybe it would help her feel better, even if it didn’t erase the dirty feeling that clung to her like it was under her skin. She needed to be able to function. She refused to let the Queen win, let these damned people win.
The intruder smiled softly at her and Nakia sighed. Clutching a blanket, she got up and slowly made her way to her bathing room. The intruder followed her, but stopped at the sheer curtain that closed off the room from the others. The girl sat on a short stool that was usually occupied by a servant.
“I figure you don't want company right now.”
That was true, but the girl shouldn’t have assumed that. Having servants bathe her shouldn’t bother Nakia and no one would ever think it was something that should bother her. What did that monster say to her? Why is she here? It seemed like the intruder knew what happened, but it didn’t seem like she approved of it. Nakia wasn’t sure what to think and was too exhausted to piece it together.
Nakia went into the bathroom and found it empty. Maybe the intruder sent away the servants who were usually there, making her truly alone. She was happy for that. She shrugged off her blanket and entered the water. The bath was hot, scented with oils, with flowers floating on the surface. Sighing, she eased her way into the tub, all the while watching the entrance to the room. She leaned against the wall and sighed again.
She didn’t fully relax, but there was a little weight lifted off her as she settled into the fragrant, steaming water. The quiet helped. This quiet was different than the silence of her bedroom. It wasn’t crushing or hopeless. The bath was slightly invigorating. Maybe, eventually, she would feel better.
“So, who are you? A servant?” Nakia spoke loud enough for the intruder to hear.
There was a light, airy chuckle. “A servant? Aren’t we all?”
“No.” She was a princess and she would never forget that. She wouldn’t ever let anyone else forget either. “Did the Queen send you?” What game is she playing?
The girl made a low humming noise. “Yes, in a way, I suppose.”
Nakia growled. This was some sort of trick, just as she suspected. Well, she wouldn’t stand for it and she wouldn’t fall for it. “What did she tell you? Did she brag about what she did to me? Told you to come and try?” The water sloshed loudly as she stood up to find a weapon.
“Nothing of the sort. I have no idea what happened between you two. I was only asked to come to make sure you’re all right. The Queen didn’t ask me to come.”
Nakia clutched a ceramic jar with oil inside of it. She’d smash the blond in the face with it should she try to come in the room. “Then why the hell are you here?” Her voice was harsh and echoed off the tiled walls.
“To make sure you’re all right. The Queen doesn’t want you to suffer, but that’s neither here nor there. I’m here for you, to make sure you don’t allow your melancholy to overrun your life.”
“Maybe I have a reason for why I am the way I am.”
There was a little chortle. “Don’t we all? Oh, I’m Bashira.”
“So?” Nakia didn’t care for this exchange, didn’t trust this girl. I’ll never trust any of these animals.
Another laugh. “It does you no good to stay cooped up in your rooms. I understand you’re angry with the Queen—”
“Angry with the Queen?” Nakia roared, slapping hard against the jar she clutched. Angry didn’t begin to cover it. If she could, she’d slit the Queen’s throat with one of her damned wine cups and drink her blood from the goblet.
“It’s your business. My concern is making sure you don’t let your sorrow consume you.”
“What do you care?” Nakia snapped as she sat back down in the water. She held onto the bottle, just in case Bashira decided to come in.
“I know what it’s like to be in pain and I don’t think anyone deserves that. I also know what it’s like to be alone in this big wide world and no one should feel like that. Lastly, I know what it feels like to be lost in this world.”
Nakia sniffed. “I’m not alone in the world and I’m not lost.” Of course, that was a lie. No one on the planet cared about her. Her father had sold her, for crying out loud. She didn’t fit in anywhere, didn’t know how to fit in. For a moment, she dared to think of herself as part of the Queen’s circle only to be proven wrong.
“No, I don’t suppose you are,” Bashira agreed. “But, I could use a friend.” It was easy to tell she smiled while she spoke.
“Maybe I don’t want to be your friend.” But, her stomach flipped as the words left her mouth. I’ve never had a friend and I’ve been fine. I’ll keep being fine. It’s not like I can trust this damned barbarian anyway.
“I suppose. If you find you don’t want me around, then I can easily leave. Tell me if that’s your true desire.”
Nakia didn’t respond. She wasn’t sure what she wanted. Being alone hadn’t helped her feel better. In fact, it had made her feel worse, like she was worthless and shouldn’t be alive. For a while, she felt like she wasn’t alive. Bashira changed all of that in a few short minutes after barging in.
“If you don’t mind my being around, perhaps after your bath we could spend some time together. It might do us both some good. You can come to your decision after getting to know me a bit.”
Nakia still didn’t respond. She wondered if Bashira would leave if she ignored her. Her heart sped up and hurt a little at the thought. She didn’t hear any movement from the other room, so Bashira was probably still there. Sighing, she settled into the water once more and tried to relax. While she didn’t know what Bashira wanted, she didn’t seem to be there for nefarious purposes. So, Nakia tried to enjoy her bath.
/> It was impossible to take pleasure in the bath. Her body felt gross, dirty in many ways. Sitting in a pool of her own grime wasn’t good, despite the way the water was treated. She should have washed before getting into the water, but it was too late to regret that. Besides, she wasn’t ready to show her body to anyone, even a slave. Perhaps I’ll start washing myself.
She had never washed herself. It didn’t seem overly complicated. Surely she could manage it on her own. I can manage things on my own. She wasn’t useless or incompetent, after all.
“Whenever you wish to get out, you should know I had a servant lay clothes out for you in the corner,” Bashira said.
Nakia made a noise to acknowledge she heard Bashira. She looked around the room until she spotted the folded bundle in the corner closest to her. Now would be as good a time as any to get out and get dressed. She wasn’t enjoying the bath anyway.
She toweled off with a nearby cloth and then inspected the clothing left behind. The clothing was of the Roshan style. She screamed as she flung them into the bath.
“Is everything all right in there?” Bashira asked.
“Everything’s fine.” Nakia tried to hold in a sob, but wasn’t very successful.
“You sure? Should I come in?”
“No!” Another sob. Nakia wrapped her arms around herself, fell to her knees and began crying again.
“Are you sure I shouldn’t come in?”
“Don’t.” Nakia held herself and tried to stop crying. She was so much stronger than this. She wouldn’t let these savages break her. Nothing could break her. You’re fine, you’re all right. Get up, carry on, and don’t stop.
Warrior Class - Sky Cutter Page 18