Nakia broke the kiss for need of air. Ashni would have been upset if there wasn’t so much of Nakia to taste. Her lips and tongue wandered Nakia’s neck and then she decided to go lower. Once she reached Nakia’s tunic, she wanted all clothing to go immediately. She pulled away, earning a whine from Nakia.
“I just need…” Ashni trailed off, running her hands along Nakia’s outfit. “I need to feel you, all of you.” How the hell does this stupid thing come off?
Nakia swallowed so hard it seemed to echo across the room. “Yes…” she breathed.
That was all Ashni needed and she rid them of their clothes before Nakia had a chance to change her mind. It was also all she needed to figure out how to get Nakia’s tunic off. There were two belts around her waist, one on top of the tunic and one underneath. There were ties at the shoulders. Ashni undid everything within the blink of an eye. Nakia moaned as her tunic was slid from her body.
The Queen’s clothing was gone in seconds. Her robes and shirt were thrown off. The belt keeping her pants up fell away with a flick of her wrist. As Nakia watched, a blush burned her cheeks, but she never looked away. She licked her lips as soon as Ashni was nude and that was all Ashni needed.
She leaned over Nakia, kissing her again as soon as possible. Their skin pressed together felt incredible. Ashni’s body sang out in ways that it never had. Nakia moaned so loud, it hit Ashni right in her core. She could only imagine the sounds Nakia would make when they really got started. Until then, she enjoyed the new feel of them together, skin-to-skin, bodies sharing heat and bringing each other joy.
The next time Nakia needed to breath, Ashni began her journey down Nakia’s body. Open mouth kisses went to Nakia’s neck and then her collarbones. One hand caressed Nakia’s perky breast while her mouth latched onto the opposite nipple. Nakia called out and arched against Ashni enough to make her groan, but she didn’t release her bounty. By the Great Eagle, all of Nakia was sweet. Ashni might never get enough.
Nakia’s hand slid from around Ashni’s neck to her back and she dug her nails into Ashni’s shoulders as Ashni delighted in her sweet, pink nipples. She licked and sucked at each of them, spending a few seconds with one before going to the other and then back. Her hands palmed and kneaded each breast, loving how they seemed to fit perfectly in her hands. The gods must have made Nakia just for her, so therefore Nakia was divine. She would have to treat her as such.
Each time Ashni touched one of Nakia’s nipples, Nakia moved against Ashni. She felt hot desire against her and she needed it now. She released Nakia’s breast from her mouth, but her hands refused to move. She kissed her way down Nakia’s abdomen, taking a lick at her bellybutton. Nakia let out a cute little whine.
“Are you…?” Nakia moaned.
“Do you remember this? Remember my head here?” Ashni whispered. She was tempted to flick her tongue against the source of sweet flavor, but controlled herself. She wanted to know if Nakia truly remembered this part of their night. This was what haunted her more than anything else.
Whimpering, Nakia only nodded. Maybe the anticipation made her mute. Ashni wouldn’t let either of them wait any longer. She needed this as much as Nakia did. With a light taste, a gentle flick of Ashni’s tongue, Nakia’s back arched off the bed with a surprised yelp. It wasn’t enough for Ashni, who barely got anything to savor there. Using the flat of her tongue, Ashni’s slow lick made Nakia coo and melt. One of her hands fell into Ashni’s hair and lightly scratched her scalp.
With each movement of her tongue, Nakia’s hand shifted in her hair. Sometimes she pulled Ashni closer, but other times she caressed Ashni. The sensation coupled with the smell and taste of Nakia was more than enough for Ashni to never want to leave this position. She needed to make Nakia feel the same way.
As she gave Nakia’s clit a little kiss, her fingers also rolled the gem atop Nakia’s breast. Nakia cried out and suddenly her leg was on Ashni’s shoulder and her heel dug into Ashni’s back. She rolled her hips into Ashni’s mouth.
“Yes,” Nakia groaned and Ashni sucked on her for a moment.
Nakia’s hips moved with Ashni’s mouth. Ashni doubted it’d be long before Nakia got to experience an amazing orgasm. She would remember this one beyond her dreams. As Nakia’s moans became louder, Ashni’s hands kneaded her breasts with more energy and she licked faster, with broader strokes, drinking in Nakia’s essence. Nakia’s hips chased her tongue faster and faster with each movement.
The moment Nakia went over the edge, Ashni was blessed with more nectar on her tongue, but also nails in her scalp and a kick to her shoulder. Chuckling into Nakia, she didn’t mind. She kissed Nakia’s thigh, making Nakia’s hips buck.
“By the gods, Ashni…” Nakia sighed as her body calmed down. She left her leg over Ashni’s shoulder, but her hands fell to the bed.
Resting her head on Nakia’s hip, Ashni grinned up at her. “Well, it’s about time you realized I’m more than a queen. Now, do I have to do that every time I want you to say my name? Because I will.” And enjoy every second of it while she was at it.
Nakia gave a tired smile, but there was a mischievous twinkle in her jade eyes. “Is that a promise, Ashni?”
Oh, she was in for it now. Ashni went back in for seconds. Maybe even thirds. She would see how things played out, but she felt like Nakia had the stamina for thirds at the least.
Nakia moaned and arched into Ashni. Her hand went back to Ashni’s head. Ashni was very confident thirds were in her future. I am definitely favored by the gods.
***
Nakia wasn’t sure when she fell asleep, but she woke up to Ashni caressing her hip. She was a little surprised Ashni hadn’t sneaked away. She had heard of lovers doing that after getting what they wanted. Apparently, the Queen wasn’t like that or the Queen hadn’t gotten enough of what she wanted. Nakia knew she hadn’t gotten enough.
“You okay?” Ashni asked, pulling Nakia close to her. It was a little hard since Nakia was already lying on the Queen. Her head was on Ashni’s shoulder and she wouldn’t mind staying there.
“Perfect,” Nakia purred, running her leg up against the Queen’s thigh. She had never felt so right in her entire life. It was like she was meant to be here.
The Queen shivered a little and moved her hand down to stroke Nakia’s thigh. “I’m glad. There’s a little lunch if you want to eat something.” Ashni reached over her, moving the hand that caressed her thigh.
“No, not yet.” Nakia moved Ashni’s hand right back where it had been.
“All right.” Ashni kissed her forehead.
Nakia sighed and snuggled into Ashni. For a while, the room was blanketed in a comfortable silence. Nakia could feel Ashni’s heartbeat against her chest and it soothed her in so many ways. It was like nothing in the world could touch her while she was pressed against Ashni. Maybe this was wrong, but it felt perfect.
As Nakia became more aware, she realized she could feel more than Ashni’s heartbeat, but also her naked skin. The sensation was beyond her to describe. Was this why people liked to cuddle? This could become a favorite thing if she allowed it. Would she be allowed to?
“Ashni…” Nakia had to test the name on her tongue. While it was easy to coo and scream while her mind was flooded with ecstasy, it took conscious and careful thought now. When she saw the Queen’s face light up, she knew it was safe to proceed. “Was this…was this…what was this?”
While it was happening, Nakia hadn’t thought about anything. She had needed to feel Ashni without the heady wine in the way. This was much better than flashes and phantom touches in dreams, but what was it? Was this just pleasure? Like when someone called in a slave to take care of some urges? Men did that all the time. She had been warned about it to make sure she never fell for some man’s falsehoods. Her virtue was important and needed to be protected at all costs, but she didn’t feel compromised here.
“I will follow your lead on this, kitten. I know this is not usual for you,” Ashni said. Her fingers m
ade light circles on Nakia’s thigh.
“No, it’s not. Far from it, really. But, if this is to continue, I will not be your toy,” Nakia said. Royalty had their toys. She knew of many slaves who were such for her father. She also knew noblewomen who were such for her father. She wouldn’t be reduced to being some bed warmer.
Ashni blinked. “My toy?” She had the nerve to look like she didn’t know what Nakia meant, but they both knew that was a lie.
“I am not some toy. You will not find your way to my bed out of boredom or summon me for entertainment.”
Ashni chortled. “You do realize I only summon you for entertainment.”
Nakia glared at her. “I’m serious.”
Ashni sighed. “I very much doubt you’d allow me to treat you as a toy. The second you thought I saw you as such, I know anything we have would come to an end. I like to think I’ve proven I’m not ready to let you go just yet.”
“And there will be no others.” Nakia knew that having multiple lovers was common in the Roshan Empire. She also recalled the tale of Ashni’s parents and the people who tried to convince Ashni’s father to take on other wives.
Ashni took a deep breath. “I don’t think I need anyone else, kitten. I mean, if I have a hellcat in my corner, why would I need anyone else?”
Nakia brightened, unable to contain the joy she felt. When had Ashni began to mean so much to her? She couldn’t pinpoint any time where she began to like Ashni. All the Queen did was tease and taunt her. Well, except for when she was allowing Nakia to eat with her, or teaching her games, or keeping her warm, or letting her say whatever was on her mind. Maybe Bashira was onto something.
“So…” Nakia wasn’t sure what she wanted to ask. She wasn’t sure what their relationship was called, if it was called anything. It obviously wasn’t courting. Maybe the Roshan had a term for it.
“There is you and only you, hellcat. Isn’t that enough?” Ashni shifted so that she was completely flat on her back. “You’re a handful as it is. I wouldn’t have time for anyone else.”
Nakia narrowed her gaze on Ashni as she adjusted her body to make sure they were still in contact. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
Ashni beamed as her hands slid up and down Nakia’s back. “It’s a compliment. I promise.”
Nakia narrowed her gaze. “No, it’s not. Like I said, I’m not going to be your toy or your joke or whatever the hell you think I am. If you know anything about my culture, you know this meant something to me.” Nakia hadn’t meant to say that, but now it was out there. Physical intimacy couldn’t be just pleasure for her. She wasn’t raised that way.
Ashni’s expression dropped. “Hellcat…” She wrapped her arms around Nakia’s waist. “I told you, you’re precious to me. Honestly, do you think I go around apologizing to everybody? Do you think I even care whenever someone calls me a monster? Do you think it matters to me when someone decides they don’t want to see me anymore?”
Nakia had thought about all of that. It was good to hear Ashni saying it. Still, she didn’t know what this was between her and the Queen. It wasn’t some epic love story, not when they were two females. She was about to ask, but Ashni beat her to speaking.
“Now, do you want something to eat? I know you’re hungry. You didn’t eat breakfast and I wore you out,” Ashni said with a smirk.
Snorting, Nakia gave the Queen a withering stare. “Oh, don’t look so proud of yourself.”
Ashni’s expression grew into a wide grin. “Oh, but I am proud of myself. I’m also proud of you. You lasted longer than I assumed you would.”
Nakia had a feeling that was a backhanded compliment, but couldn’t bring herself to care. She was quite hungry and her stomach had the poor manners of letting the whole room know it. Ashni chuckled, but didn’t say anything. Turning her head, Nakia could see the tray, but she didn’t feel up to lifting her arms for anything. She didn’t have to. Ashni grabbed a small slice of bread and put it to Nakia’s mouth.
“All of that and you’re feeding me?” Nakia smirked.
“Don’t let it go to your head. You’re not that special.”
Nakia knew that was untrue. Maybe this was all right. She could take her time to understand these feelings she had for Ashni and understand whatever they had between them.
Chapter Fifteen
ASHNI HAD TO GET up the next morning as she had work to do. She wasn’t surprised Nakia was still in a dead sleep. She had exhausted the princess since they had spent all day in bed. It was a pleasant way to spend the day and they would have to do it again sometime, especially since Ashni still hadn’t gotten her fill. Maybe she would never be sated, but it would be fun to find out. Unfortunately, the kingdom wouldn’t run itself and the two people who could run things for her were busy, so she had to do some governing.
She gave Nakia a soft kiss, earning a sleepy coo from her. Ashni smiled. She was ready to face the day. “When she wakes up, send her to me,” Ashni told the nearest servant, who stood outside the room, ready to be of use.
It would be nice to spend the morning with Nakia again. For now, she went to her own rooms to clean up and put on clean clothes. Once she was done and refreshed, she made her way to the throne. Work and breakfast waited for her.
For the first time in a long time, she didn’t mind working. She plucked an apple slice from the breakfast tray, but decided against it. These could not compare to the other apples and honey in her life. Instead, she grabbed a hard-boiled egg.
“Hmm…is it good to eat eggs when I’m probably going to put my tongue down someone’s throat?” The idea of Nakia’s mouth made her body tingle. She slapped herself in the head. “Why did I even get out of bed?” She thought about the things she could be doing to Nakia, showing her how amazing her body could feel.
All day yesterday, she had touched Nakia and was fine with that. She looked forward to when she could show Nakia how she liked to be touched, but for now, she wanted to do any and everything to Nakia. Her sounds alone were worth it, but her taste was the best reward. She licked her lips.
She glanced down at the documents before her and refocused. She needed to work. She needed to keep up with what was going on with her kingdom. If she couldn’t govern a kingdom, how did she plan on governing her own empire once she took over the West? She could always leave the administrative work to Adira. If Saniyah was with her, Adira would do paperwork until she died with a smile on her face. Getting Saniyah there would be the trick.
“And none of this is getting my work done, so come on,” Ashni told herself. She slapped her cheeks and took a deep breath before looking at the documents again. She ate another egg and got to work.
She got through quite a bit before Nakia came to the throne room. Ashni was a little disappointed Nakia wasn’t walking funny. She thought she had taken care of the princess quite thoroughly. She wanted Nakia to remember her even when she was doing something as mundane as walking. Well, that was something to work toward the next time they were together.
Nakia made her way onto the dais. Ashni was about to pull Nakia onto her lap, but Nakia took the space she occupied when she was the royal cupbearer. Ashni almost snickered, but held it in. Maybe Nakia was still a little asleep or maybe Ashni had made Nakia come so many times she was a bit brain-dead. The latter was an entertaining thought. Maybe I should mess with her a little and see how long it takes her to really wake up.
Ashni picked up her wine cup and waved it at Nakia. Nakia took a step and stopped. Ashni laughed until those emerald eyes narrowed. Uh-oh.
“What the hell? Is that how this is going to be?” Nakia bellowed. “I’m good enough for you to warm my bed, but you still treat me like a slave here to pour your wine.”
“Kitten—”
“Don’t ‘kitten’ me!” A fire blazed in Nakia’s eyes and she glared at Ashni as if she was the worst person to ever live. “I already told you, I’m not your toy and you can’t play me.” Nakia stormed off, feet slapping against the floor s
o hard that the noise echoed through the room, reminding Ashni of thunder.
Ashni considered chasing after her. It wouldn’t take much to catch Nakia and explain what happened, but she let the princess go. There was always a possibility this wasn’t about her little joke, but something deeper that Nakia needed to come to grips with. After all, her world was turned upside down yesterday when she realized she was attracted to women, something she hadn’t known was possible until coming to Khenshu.
“Not that I get why someone would be attracted to a person just because of their sex or would rule someone out because of their sex,” Ashni muttered, rubbing her chin. The West was weird.
Either way, she wasn’t sure she was totally equipped to handle Nakia’s issues with her growing sexuality. If it was truly bothering Nakia, she would probably get in touch with Bashira and Bashira would work her magic. Ashni already knew she wasn’t great at helping Nakia when she was distressed. Bashira knew what she was doing and didn’t mind helping. For the moment, Ashni needed to work on taking care of her kingdom rather than coddling Nakia.
“Eventually, I’ll have to learn how to take care of this woman as well. Why the hell didn’t Mommy teach us about that? Six sons and a daughter who follow anything pretty and she didn't think we needed to know how to take care of women? Or at least teach us how to read women?” Ashni scowled. Damn useless mother.
***
Nakia retreated to an empty garden and paced. She sent a servant to fetch Bashira. She would spend the day with someone who respected her. Screw the Queen. Well, no, she had already done that and that was the problem. Well, never again.
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