Chapter 8

T he legendary city of Ilkana, a shimmering oasis, stood as a glittering jewel rising from the vast expanse of the arid sands.

Its silhouette was almost ethereal. The golden minarets and domes reached skyward, catching even the weakest light and reflecting it in a dazzling array of brilliance.

Each tower and rooftop was adorned with intricate patterns of gold leaf, sparkling like molten treasure against the stark, ocher horizon.

Liana perched at the edge of the terrace, looking at the view of the mysterious metropolis.

She slowly chewed a hunk of bread from a long loaf she held in one hand. Her other fist clutched grapes as she wolfed down from the tray of food she’d found in her new royal chambers.

As the sun dipped, casting a soft, amber glow over the distant wilderness, the city pulsed with life, its beauty heightened by the fading light. Its walls, made of pale sandstone and aureate marble, glimmered in the enchanting twilight.

The streets below were a labyrinth of winding alleys and impressive boulevards. Most were lined with market stalls overflowing with vibrant silks, shimmering gems, and the rich fragrance of incense and spices carried on the desert breeze.

At the city’s heart stood the grand palace, the Ilkanisa, its domes and arches glistening as though kissed by the sun itself, a testament to the grandeur of Ilkana’s architecture.

The spires, crowned with golden crescents, reflected rays in every direction, turning Ilkana into a breathtaking beacon visible for miles around.

Streams of people, merchants, scholars, and travelers alike wound in the streets below the stately edifice, the latter staring in wonder, captivated by the palace’s splendor.

It was far different from what she’d imagined when she’d spotted it from afar. Now, she appreciated the opulence, mystery, and beauty that emerged to rise impossibly from the harshness of the surrounding desert.

‘Ilkana is more than just a city—it is a dream carved from stone and gold, a glittering sanctuary amid the shifting sands,’ a voice said behind her.

Liana jumped.

She whirled and stared at a young, bald man in a flamboyant blue silk robe.

He was skinny, to the point of skeletal, small, and undersized, as if he’d suffered from malnutrition as a child.

His cheeks were sunken, his jaw covered in feathered fluff, but his eyes held an age-old wisdom and a sharp acuity.

She tilted her head, and he bowed deep, his movements graceful and with a camp flair.

‘My name is Ja’Kan. I’ve been assigned to be your advisor and attendant. My job is to be your guide through the palace and Ilkan, answer any questions you may have about our people, and manage your day. I’ve also been tasked with educating you on royal etiquette and Council policy matters.’

A second presence flitted onto the terrace.

This time, it was a woman, tall and lean, her face framed by golden curls. She had snapping brown eyes, dimples, and a broad smile as she curtsied. Liana liked her at once.

‘I’m K’Shana, K’Lita’s daughter, the Ilki Council’s prime elder and your lady-in-waiting. I’ll care for your needs, from food and clothes to jewelry.’

Liana stared at the pair, their posture as impeccable as their finely pressed attire.

She waved the hand, clutching her bread roll. ‘I see. My apologies; I don’t know how to respond as I’ve never had anyone work with or for me.’

‘You’ve nothing to worry about,’ Ja’Kan said. ‘We’ll teach you all the intricacies and manners required for being a Kwen ? of the Ilki. We’ll ensure you’re dressed for the part and know what to say at the right time.’

‘But I haven’t decided -,’ she countered.

The young advisor nailed her with an intense look, raking both his eyes and a hand wave over her appearance from head to toe. ‘Oh-hoh, you will become our Queen. I feel it in my íkan honey.’

Moments later, the pair whisked Liana from the terrace and into the bedchamber.

‘We shall start with attire,’ K’Shana murmured.

She moved to a wardrobe inlaid with silver and gold, opening its doors to reveal an array of ornate attire, each more elaborate than the last. ‘For your first formal dinner with the Council, you must wear something befitting your status.’

Liana stared at the glittering dresses and was hit by a sudden wave of exhaustion.

The fabrics shimmered in crimson, emerald, and sapphire hues, each embroidered with gilded threads, pearls, and intricate patterns.

She ran her fingers over one of the silken gowns. ‘Do I need all this? It seems excessive,’ she said.

Ja’Kan, small and stoic, nodded with a faint smile. ‘A Queen should present herself as the embodiment of grace and power. The council, the people—they look to you for confidence. Your appearance is as much a part of your authority as your decisions.’

Liana sighed.

She knew he was right, but she imagined living on display, scrutinized for every detail of her attire and mannerisms, would suffocate. After years of control from her father, she wanted to be free of anything that bound her. Now, she was being asked to serve another master.

‘Then there is the imperial etiquette,’ K’Shana continued, pulling Liana from her thoughts. ‘The way you walk, sit, even speak must command respect. You must oversee the seating arrangements and conversation flow when hosting formal dinners. You’ll be expected to moderate disputes and guide discussions.’

Liana blinked. ‘Discussions? I thought these banquets were about food.’

Ja’Kan chuckled. ‘In the Ilkanisa, nothing is about what you eat. Royal feasts are political battlegrounds. Each course is an opportunity for alliances, and each toast a delicate maneuver. You must ensure that no one leaves the table either offended or overly empowered.’

A headache began to form behind Liana’s eyes. ‘You expect me to learn all this in a few days?’

‘Your kríffin instincts will help,’ K’Shana reassured her. ‘As I understand, you’ve made plenty of decisions in the line of fire. This is a similar kind of battle.’

‘But exhausting nonetheless,’ Liana muttered under her breath. She turned to the two servants, her brow furrowing. ‘And what about the Council? What do they need from me? Surely, it’s more than how well I dress or moderate dinner conversations.’

‘Of course, Your Majesty,’ Ja’Kan said, his expression softening. ‘They crave your symbolism and strength. But they also necessitate a Queen who understands their customs and traditions. That is why you must immerse yourself in this life, as difficult as it may be.’

Liana rubbed her temples, the weight of her unintended role pressing down harder.

‘I require time,’ she murmured. ‘I have to understand what’s expected of me before I decide how to lead. Can I—’ she hesitated, then continued, ‘Can I spend a few days in the palace archives? I want to read about my people and learn from their histories. I also require space to think.’

K’Shana and Ja’Kan exchanged a glance before the young woman nodded. ‘Of course, Your Highness. The library is yours to use as you see fit. It’s filled with ancient texts, historical accounts, and records of the kingdom’s governance.’

Liana exhaled in relief. ‘ Sante . I can’t decide whether I want to be Queen until I understand the weight of what’s being asked of me.’

‘We’ll ensure no one disturbs you while you’re there,’ Ja’Kan promised. ‘But remember, the council will be expecting answers soon. They won’t be patient forever.’

Liana gave a tired smile. ‘I know. But I must regroup. All of this is overwhelming.’

K’Shana bowed her head. ‘Take the time you need. We are here to assist you in whatever you require.’

‘Why don’t you rest, then come down for dinner? The archives can wait until tomorrow,’ Ja’Kan suggested.

As they exited the room, Liana sank onto a nearby chaise. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the eddy of rising panic swirling around her.

She felt lost in the largesse of her new reality and sent a little prayer for a life raft and guide to light her way.

The palace dining hall was grand, its vaulted ceilings adorned with tapestries of battles long past, where torches flickered, casting shadows along the marble floors.

Liana sat at the elongated, ornately carved table, fingers tracing patterns etched into the wood.

Her two attendants’ quiet voices filled the serene dining room as they prepped her a tray.

‘I can do it myself,’ she protested.

‘We want you to have the best selections, Your Majesty,’ Ja’Kan said, gesturing to the selection of platters. ‘Tonight’s meal is a blend of Silkanth tradition and Shadowing influence to honor both sides of the kingdom.’

Ja’Kan, ever the poised and proper one, gave her a soft nod of reassurance as he plated and handed her a feast of delicacies.

Her gaze swept over the roasted meats, fragrant vegetables, and the delicate spiced breads. Nothing enticed her.

Ja’Kan distracted her with conversation.

She soon found he was a single child with a mother living in the provinces.

‘She sacrificed all she had to send me to Ilkana City, where I started working in the palace as a footman. I made my way up as a valet and was appointed by the council as your attendant.’

Liana nodded at him. ‘Your mother must be proud of you.’

‘She is. She sacrificed much for me. Despite the great famine, she fed me soup from herbs she had collected in the desert, even when it took days to collect a small basket.’

The slight man fell silent after that, and Liana sensed the suffering he’d experienced.

She gave him a soft smile and a gentle touch of her hand on his arm in commiseration.

‘ Sante ,’ he said.

K’Shana, on the other hand, had an almost mischievous glint in her eye. She was always ready to lighten the mood with a quick remark or teasing smile.

She launched into a yarn about the antics the palace staff got to behind closed doors, which soon had them all chuckling.

Still, Liana fought the overwhelming anxiety about her new reality.

The palace was grand, filled with luxury she still wasn’t used to.

Golden sconces and tapestries told stories of a long-forgotten age, and delicate glassware clinked as servants poured wine into their goblets.

Even the fare was different, flavored, rich, and buttered, which roiled her insides.

‘Will you try the roasted quail, Your Majesty?’ K’Shana asked, her voice light but respectful.

She gestured toward the spiced meat placed before Liana, the fragrance tantalizing, but somehow, Liana couldn’t find the appetite.

‘ Naam, Sante ,’ Liana replied.

She took a few absent-minded stabs at the food.

Ja’Kan, the more observant of the two, leaned in. ‘You seem distracted tonight, Your Highness. Is something troubling you?’

Liana gave a faint smile, shaking her head as she forced herself to take a small bite of the morsel. It was delicious, but she only nibbled. ‘ Nada , just tired, I suppose.’

Twas true.

Since one soul had entered her life, sleep had become elusive. His presence lingered in her mind like a shadow she couldn’t shake.

The sensual yet gruff gyrfalcon warrior she’d chanced on in the vault of heaven.

Kaxim .

The Sāb?r Hawk commander with an íkan was so strong that when she’d ‘died’ in the skies above his camp so many moons ago. Meeting him had triggered a spiritual connection between them.

One she believed had helped pull her back from the brink of hell, empowering her phoenix resurrection and every instance afterward.

It persisted and grew stronger by the day, intertwining their thoughts and spirits like ancient trees’ roots.

In the stillness of the night, when the world was quiet, she was convinced he called her name. In his deep timbre, familiar and soothing as if it had always been a part of her.

Sometimes, she would catch the faint echo of his voice, not in words, but in feelings—emotions that swept through her like a breeze across a meadow.

It was a communication beyond language, pure and untainted by the misunderstandings that often plagued spoken utterances.

When his essence found fragments of joy, she basked in that happiness, a smile playing on her lips without knowing why.

She even sensed his pain as her own, a sharp pang that pierced her heart and brought a sting to her eyes.

Lost in her inner musings, the dinner passed in a blur of conversation she struggled to focus on.

The two attendants chatted about palace life, the duties expected of a queen, and the upcoming meetings with the council.

But all the while, Liana’s thoughts drifted back to the brooding Katánian commander with eyes like molten steel.

He flitted through her mind, his obsidian eyes watching through their soul bond, always guarding, but with a distance that made her chest tighten.

By the time the meal ended, Liana was weary on multiple levels.

She excused herself, telling Ja’Kan and K’Shana that she needed rest.

But when she lay down in her bed, the silk sheets cool against her skin, sleep did not come.

Instead, it was Kaxim who filled her consciousness again and again.

She saw him in her dreams—standing on the edge of a battlefield, his sword drawn, the moonlight catching the hard angles of his face, his jaw clenched in concentration. His hair tousled from the fight, his essence dark and stormy.

His brow furrowed in that intense way that made her heart race.

He was a force of nature, mighty and untamed, yet a depth in his eyes hinted at a vulnerability that intrigued her.

His gaze burned into hers through the soul flare, and her breath caught.

She wanted him—his strength, ferocity, and presence seemed to dominate the space around him.

The longing in her chest was overwhelming and consuming. She ached for him, for his touch, for the feel of his arms encircling her. He was the storm she could never escape; somehow, she didn’t want to.

Liana stirred in her sleep, restless.

Her dreams became more vivid, more heightened.

Kaxim’s hands on her, his lips hovering near hers, the heat between them electric. She was drowning in him, in the desire that burned through her veins.

She ground on the length of his cock brush against her tummy; she suckled on his mouth, his essence, and shivered at his growl in her ear as he slid into her.

And then, just as her pussy rippled around his thick shaft, she woke with a start, panting through the most intense orgasm.

Her heart was pounding, her skin flushed and warm. The sheets clung to her, and she gasped.

Sitting up, Liana pressed a hand to her chest to calm the rapid beating. But it was no use.

The sensual dream had left her shaken, the press of Kaxim’s heavy mass still imprinted on her limbs. Even now, his essence was fresh in her mind, as if their bond pulsed through the air.

The longing didn’t fade.

It intensified, wrapping around her like a vice.

Her hands tingled, wanting to touch him, stroke him, pump him, blushing red hot as she realized he must have shared the same ecstasy wherever he was.

No, she growled to herself. This is madness.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood, the cool marble floor beneath her feet doing little to compose her.

She took a quick cold shower, and it took sluicing water over her groin several times before she managed to calm down.

Pulling on a simple gown, she made her way to breakfast with Ja’Kan and K’Shana.

They were waiting for her as she entered the grand dining hall, their expressions warm.

‘Good morning, Your Majesty,’ Ja’Kan said, bowing. ‘Did you sleep well?’

Liana’s eyes skittered around the room.

‘I slept enough,’ she lied, her thoughts still swirling with remnants of her dreams.

She offered a faint smile, her face flushed, and her eyes dilated, though she doubted the lethargy in her eyes went unnoticed.

They ate in relative silence, the clatter of silverware against porcelain the only real noise in the room.

‘Perhaps we should continue the tour today?’ K’Shana suggested with a bright beam after the meal. ‘There’s still so much of the palace you haven’t seen, Your Majesty.’

Liana nodded, grateful for the distraction. ‘ Naam , that sounds good.’

She forced herself to eat the repast, but her thoughts drifted back to Kaxim, to his brooding intensity and how he seemed to fill every space in her mind and soul with his presence.

She tried to push the notions away, but they kept returning like waves crashing against the shore.

Fokk.