Blood Rain (Warrior Class Book 3) Read online

  Other Books by S. L. Kassidy

  Warrior Class

  Sky Cutter

  Taming the Wind

  Please Baby

  Scarred Series

  Scarred for Life - Book 1

  New Cuts, Old Wounds – Book 2

  Bandages – Book 3

  First Degree Burns - Book 4

  Learning to Walk Again – Book 5

  Blood Rain

  Warrior Class – Book 3

  by S.L. Kassidy

  copyright© 2021 S.L. Kassidy

  ISBN-(book): 9781954213036

  ISBN-(epub): 9781954213043

  ISBN (pdf): 9781954213050

  This is a work of fiction - names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Desert Palm Press

  1961 Main St, Suite 220

  Watsonville, CA 95076

  Editor: Kellie Doherty

  Cover Design: Jamani Hawkins-El

  Blurb

  In the end of the Warrior Class series, Ashni and Nakia are establishing their new kingdom in the West. Raiding parties from the North put their work at risk. Ashni is poisoned in battle, so Nakia has to step up as sole reigning monarch. With her spouse on the brink of death, Nakia has to master her leadership role, even as Ashni’s older brother show up unannounced to make the situation worse.

  Blood Rain includes violence and abuse, and is recommended for mature readers.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my family, who supported my writing long before I thought it was worth anything, and to my friends, who helped me believe in myself and my work. Thank you all.

  Chapter One

  THE SMELL OF THE library never failed to set Nakia Akshay at ease and she breathed it in like it gave her life. It was like walking through a forest, wafting with dried leaves and hints of fresh wood along with worn leather. It was only a recently acquired love and appreciation. How did I not know how amazing books were until a couple of years ago?

  Being surrounded by so much knowledge made her giddy, footsteps transforming into skips, sandals tapping against the hard floor. She giggled in a way that was probably inappropriate for the royal consort of the ruler of the largest territory in the Roshan Empire, but she couldn’t help herself. Her spouse would delight in knowing how much Nakia enjoyed the library. It’s her gift to me, after all.

  Sighing, Nakia made it to her spot, her chaise tucked into a quiet corner of the large library. She snuggled into the fluffy pillows, folding her crimson and teal robes in a way to keep them from bunching up. Her spot was just below one of the large windows around the space. The openings started halfway up the wall and went to the ceiling, spaced out by decorated columns. They allowed sunlight to pour in, making the library warm and bright. Any other time, she probably would’ve been outside, enjoying the gardens or markets, but she was in a reading mood. It was still a new feeling, and she made sure to nurture the desire whenever it popped up.

  She had a stack of scrolls by her along with the book in her hands, currently craving Roshan history. Occasionally, she strayed to other subjects, but always came back to this one. It was a good thing she was interested in it. She needed to know as much as she could about the empire she married into. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever know enough, especially to rule, but she did her best to learn.

  “Why am I not surprised to find you here?” Saniyah Gyan, her spouse’s chief weapons’ engineer, asked as she stepped into view, moving around a tall shelf. She regarded Nakia with fond mahogany eyes and an amused smile on painted pink lips, but Nakia knew there was a plot behind the kind expression. Saniyah stood out in her vibrant colors, a radiant yellow that put the sun to shame and shimmering green against the library’s shades of brown.

  Nakia grinned, even though there was trouble afoot. “If my spouse has spent the last three years putting together this grand library for me, wouldn’t it be rude of me not to spend time here?”

  The library grew a little every day—books, scrolls, and other things finding their way to the shelves. The shelves were as high as three men, alive with knowledge. The rows seemed to go on and on, like a lazy maze with people wandering the landscape, feeding it with more information. There was no way Nakia would be able to enjoy the whole place in her lifetime, but she’d try.

  Saniyah flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder, looking innocent enough. Her smile grew warmer, as it often was when she discovered Nakia in the library. Nakia had learned over time how much Saniyah respected knowledge and education. She didn’t suffer fools, but a stupid fool was the worst.

  Her gaze drifted around the library, focusing for a long moment out a window on the back wall. “Your spouse also gave you a grand city.”

  Nakia nodded. “She did, and I enjoy it as much as I do the library.” She’s trying to get me out of here. What book do I have that she wants? There were so many. Taking a glance, she had several histories in plain view. They probably had battle descriptions in them. Saniyah used old battles to inspire her. She might want them all. So, don’t let her distract you. Protect your hoard like the Roshan would.

  “When you’re not locked away in the library.”

  “I do believe both our spouses lay the blame squarely at your feet.”

  Saniyah chuckled, a light, airy sound that settled Nakia when she first accepted Saniyah as part of her life. “What can I say, I’m a great role model.”

  Nakia didn’t dispute that, eternally grateful from the moment Saniyah decided to help her understand what it meant to be the spouse of a powerful figure in the Roshan Empire.

  Saniyah showed her how to be the spouse of a queen without losing herself or the things Ashni loved about her. Saniyah helped her understand issues she’d face being married to Ashni. One of the most whispered matters had to do with her being an outsider, and Saniyah helped her navigate that. Her spouse, General Adira Gyan, had also given some suggestions. People tried to trip her up with little things at dinners or festivals or the temple, trick her into false steps and embarrass the Court, but Saniyah and Adira prepared her. The education was necessary, and it was good Nakia didn’t have to trouble Ashni over it. Ashni had enough to worry about with conquering the west.

  Saniyah also introduced her to the library. Saniyah’s estate back in Khenshu had a library, and she walked Nakia around it more than once as if it held secrets of the universe. Saniyah moved most of it with her across the sea, but she was often found in Nakia’s library where there was a wider variety of knowledge.

  “And because I’m a great role model and a great aunt, I’m here to remind you that you’re supposed to have lunch with Bashira. She refuses to come searching for you again.” Saniyah gave her a stern look.

  Nakia winced. “I lost track of time.” A bad habit. “I’m still trying to understand the early history of the Roshan nomads. It’s still unclear how Ashni’s great grandfather was able to rise in his clan and unite the others.” She had read so much and still didn’t understand how Ashni’s family ended up in the position they did. Ashni was of little help since she didn’t have the same questions.

  Saniyah chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out, but not in one sitting. Go to
your lunch. Your sisters will be there.”

  Nakia leaped to her feet. Thia and Saffi! Just the thought of seeing them again made her giddy. “That’s right! Has Ashni received Wicus and Thia yet?” If she missed that she’d never forgive herself, and the Court would whisper about it for days.

  Saniyah waved her hand. “No. Adira told me they’re going to formally receive your sisters tomorrow. Today is about relaxing and not worrying over all of the ceremony. They’re taking Wicus to the arena to enjoy a spectacle. Apparently, those things are more important than decorum.”

  Nakia shrugged. “Wicus doesn’t object if he’s out there with them.” Ashni and Adira were bad influences on him. Usually, Wicus would follow protocol for the visuals and to meet expectations. Wicus was a devoted ally, even though he didn’t want to concede his territory was part of Ashni’s territory when she continued her conquest. But his city-state of Valen was surrounded on all sides by Ashni’s land. He liked to pretend he had autonomy—and Ashni allowed for the pretense—but Wicus couldn’t make a move without Ashni’s say-so.

  Even so, Ashni treated him as family, something like a brother, so everything was civil anyway. There were even occasions when Wicus went on campaign with Ashni. He and Thia visited often, so the relationship only grew as time went on. It also allowed Nakia’s relationship with Thia to mature. I never would’ve thought that I’d be so close to my sisters.

  So Nakia had to leave. It was clear why Saniyah strolled into the library looking like mischief personified. She narrowed her gaze on Saniyah, whose eyes sparkled. She wants my bounty.

  Nakia held up a finger. “Don’t take my books.” She didn’t have time to have a servant pack the small mountain away and march them to the safety of her room, but she didn’t want to lose them either.

  Saniyah often let Nakia hunt for work and waited for her to become distracted, then Saniyah would walk off with many of the books, searching for inspiration on new weapon ideas from old battles or learning from old battles to see what her spouse might come up against in the field.

  Saniyah pressed her palms together. “Considering this is your personal library, I can’t help but take your books.”

  Nakia’s face fell. Yes, it was her personal library, but she left it open to anyone close to her. “You know what I mean.”

  Saniyah grinned. “Do I?”

  Nakia pointed to her pile of books and scrolls. “Those are off limits. Do not touch them.”

  Saniyah’s eyebrows furrowed. “You can’t possibly read them all at once. Would you even notice if I left with one?”

  “No, but I’ll notice if you leave with five, which would be if I’m lucky.” She huffed. Her books would vanish with Saniyah the second she left them unguarded. So don’t leave them unguarded.

  Saniyah smiled at Nakia, bright and beautiful, a promise those books would be gone the second she left, but she needed to see her sisters and best friend.

  Before Nakia left the library, she instructed a servant to go to her area and gather her books. If the servant moved fast enough, she wouldn’t have to spend tomorrow finding new tomes. With that out of the way, she rushed through the palace, not wanting to be late for her own lunch date. I have to get better at keeping track of these things.

  Nakia couldn’t help taking in some of the art as she zipped by frescos and tapestries depicting a multitude of stories, a mix of religious stories from both Kairon and Roshan. Her favorite was the story of Ashni’s parents, and it was told in several different mediums across areas.

  Nakia patronized many different artists to tell her and Ashni’s story. Nakia worked hard to normalize their relationship in Kairon, to get Westerners used to seeing two women together. There were plays, stories, and art showing, promoting, and embracing same sex relationships.

  Beyond her own, Nakia patronized art throughout the territory depicting Roshan love stories and adventures of same sex couples. There were no shortages of such. She could see it in the markets, at public temples, and even at noble functions. Evidence of change never failed to fill her with hope and joy.

  Nakia had to dodge many people in her mad dash. The palace was always a hive of activity. Ashni had a habit of attracting busy people, even the servants. There was always something to be done by someone somewhere. It didn’t help that the palace was still under construction, as was the city. This western capital was home.

  The city was once known as Phyllida, but Ashni changed the name once it fell under her control. It was now Nakian, a reminder to the people of why it was still standing after the way their former king had behaved toward the Roshan. Ashni could have destroyed the city, but she gave it to Nakia instead.

  The gesture still made Nakia’s heart flutter. It reminded her of what Ashni’s mother told her when they met: Ashni would conquer the world and gift it to Nakia. Ashni tried to rename all of Kairon after her, but Nakia objected. That was too much.

  Nakia halted just in time, almost colliding with Bashira. Her dearest friend was as bright and bubbly as always and somehow always managed to pop up out of nowhere. Her blond hair bounced and shone like the sun, like her personality. Sometimes, it was a surprise she didn’t fall into more fluid movements since dancing was her passion. She giggled the moment Nakia stepped into the lush eastern garden.

  “You made it,” Bashira said, throwing her arm around Nakia’s shoulders and pulling her into a hug. Nakia laughed, returning the embrace, and kissed Bashira’s cheek. Bashira never failed to make her feel warm on the inside.

  Nakia patted Bashira’s arm as they pulled away. “Of course.”

  Bashira led Nakia into the garden with flowers as colorful as Bashira’s robes. The smell of mint and mist greeted Nakia. Fountains kept the area cool, but also made the whole place sparkle when the sunlight hit it, like walking into a place for the gods or heroes.

  Nakia smiled. “You didn’t even have to send someone to find me this time.”

  Bashira scoffed. “Because my aunt was already headed to the library.” She looped her arm around Nakia’s and walked her to the lunch area.

  “Nakia, we feared you forgot us!” Thia, Nakia’s older sister, rose with all the elegance and grace of a queen. She never failed to remind Nakia what a true queen should look like, tall with brown hair that flowed like it had a mind of its own. Her face was fresh and full of wisdom.

  “How could I? This is our first lunch with Saffi.” Nakia’s gaze fell to her other sister, Saffi, grinning so hard it hurt her face. Her heart filled at the sight of her older sister.

  Saffi wasn’t as graceful as Thia when she rose, and she didn’t stand with the same posture as Thia and Nakia. Her brown eyes sparkled, but the light was new and helped display wrinkles on her pale face. She seemed older than Thia, even though Thia had a couple of years on her. Time with them should remedy that. That’s what people tell me.

  Much to Nakia’s delight, Saffi wore Roshan attire, a long, light robes cascading around her like a rose-colored waterfall with streams of gold stitching. She wanted her sisters to embrace her and her adopted culture. Like Nakia, Saffi viewed the Roshan as her saviors. Ashni rescued her from her husband, Ferox, a wild king who foolishly stood against the Roshan.

  Ferox put himself in Ashni’s line of fire by aiding Dorian, Nakia’s father, and standing against Ashni. He ran after she made a fool of him in battle. He probably thought he got away or she forgot about him as she conquered more of Kairon, but it was really that his kingdom was too far at first. That changed a year ago. Ashni’s army made it close enough to his land and found a purpose for what most of Kairon thought was a wasteland. Rice fields. Ashni conquered it with glee and brought Saffi to Nakia, reuniting the sisters.

  Saffi bowed her head to Nakia, but Nakia grabbed her into a hug. “Please, we’re sisters. You have to stop bowing.”

  “I’m sorry. This is still so incredible. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be able to see you both again,” Saffi said, her voice low like always. It was like she had been
trained to whisper, like her voice did not matter. She glanced between Nakia and Thia.

  Thia smiled as she stroked Saffi’s cheek. “I’m happy about it. I worried over you.” She embraced Saffi and then pulled Nakia into the hug. “Our father didn’t do right by either of you.”

  None of them could argue, though Saffi got the worst of it. Saffi’s time with Ferox hadn’t been kind and it turned out it wasn’t even him. His other wives had tormented Saffi because she hadn’t produced a child.

  “Let’s eat.” Nakia motioned for them to sit.

  Lunch was set up in Roshan style, pillows for them around food trays on low tables. An umbrella shaded them from the radiant sun. A mix of Roshan and Kairon foods lay before them, which Nakia always did. They settled on their pillows. Bashira sat by Nakia and Saffi sat on the other side of her. Thia was close to Saffi.

  “How long will you be here, Thia?” Bashira asked.

  She was familiar with Thia after moving west with Saniyah two years ago. Saniyah wanted to be close to her spouse and Bashira wanted to be with her aunts. Her father eventually followed to help develop towns, so Bashira had her whole family with her.

  Thia studied the food. “I believe we’ll be here for the rest of the month. Wicus wants to discuss the trade routes and Ashni had a matter to resolve.”

  “It’s the tribes across the river,” Nakia said.

  Across the Great River Reve, the tribes up north were giving Ashni, Adira, and Layla fits. They raided towns and villages in Roshan territory, making pests of themselves. They needed to be stopped, but they were spread to the point where Ashni wanted as many soldiers at her disposal as possible to take them out.

  “An invasion?” Thia arched an eyebrow.

  Nakia shook her head. An invasion implied plans to stay. “Nothing of the sort. Just getting the tribes to stay on their side of the river.”

  Thia let loose a delicate snort. “We all know they won’t. They want all of the new, shiny goods in Kairon.”