Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
ESCAPE FROM CARABAN
- A Fantasy Romance -
- A Fantasy Romance -
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Fantasy Escape from Caraban - [Closed]
- Thread starter Owl Knight
- Start date
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
The brush was part of his hand, part of his arm, the slow steady music of the stiff bristles against the chestnut coat strumming with the beat of his heart. The musky rich odor of the stables filled the air, filled his nose, filled his soul. Asimir whickered and shook his head as Ali's strong hands moved the brush over his flanks until they glistened and steamed in the night air. The stables were quiet. None of the other hands had come down. Even Kasim the stablemaster had not showed his face in the stables this night. The Sultan lay dying, and the palace had gone silent awaiting word. Ali could not bear the silence, the tears and apprehension of the handmaidens, the taciturn silence of the palace guards, the lamentations of the sultan's daughters.
He came to the place he knew best, he came to the creatures who above all he understood and admired. There was peace in the stables. A deep and abiding quiet. The horses welcomed the oncoming night with gentle whickers and huffs. Even Elesim, the Sultan's prized stallion put off his fiery fits of temper as the night closed over the city. Through the stable windows, Ali could just see the flaming sky fading to lustrous purple, as the scent of orange and lavender drifted up on a light breeze from the royal gardens below. He sighed, remembering another night, much like this, a wonderful and terrible night.
Though he tried to avoid it, his thoughts drifted to Nasima.
Asimir turned and nudged Ali's arm with his nose. The stablehand had stopped brushing. Ali shoved back at the Princess' young stallion with a chuckle.
"Mind your manners, little brother," he chided. "She won't be coming to see you tonight." The sound of his voice drew the attention of Amra, the elegant black mare in the next stall. "Not you either, little sister. She will have a lot on her mind tonight." Somewhere along the palace wall, a guard called the closing of the gates. Night was falling, and like the horses, Ali could only think of Nasima.
He came to the place he knew best, he came to the creatures who above all he understood and admired. There was peace in the stables. A deep and abiding quiet. The horses welcomed the oncoming night with gentle whickers and huffs. Even Elesim, the Sultan's prized stallion put off his fiery fits of temper as the night closed over the city. Through the stable windows, Ali could just see the flaming sky fading to lustrous purple, as the scent of orange and lavender drifted up on a light breeze from the royal gardens below. He sighed, remembering another night, much like this, a wonderful and terrible night.
Though he tried to avoid it, his thoughts drifted to Nasima.
Asimir turned and nudged Ali's arm with his nose. The stablehand had stopped brushing. Ali shoved back at the Princess' young stallion with a chuckle.
"Mind your manners, little brother," he chided. "She won't be coming to see you tonight." The sound of his voice drew the attention of Amra, the elegant black mare in the next stall. "Not you either, little sister. She will have a lot on her mind tonight." Somewhere along the palace wall, a guard called the closing of the gates. Night was falling, and like the horses, Ali could only think of Nasima.
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
"Baba, I do promise your name will not fall. I will inherit all and secure Caraban's wealth and power," Nasima kneels by the right side of her father's bed, her hands gripped tightly onto his whilst her mother held the other. Although the Sultan's health seemed to be decreasing for the past several weeks, that morning he had taken a turn for the worse. His eldest daughter was eager to be by her parent's side in his final moments. Nas was saddened by the thought of her father not witnessing her marriage nor birth of her offspring but knew he had saw her grow to be the welcoming, strong woman she was today.
Laying her head among the sheets, the princess watches the Sultan's chest rise and fall. He had lost consciousness shortly after she arrived and new it was only time till he passed to the other side. Nasima hoped he could still hear what she, her mother and sisters had to say. They were desperate to make his transition occur as smoothly as they could. The palace was on shut down, the halls quiet and the staff minimal. Caraban would soon fall into mourning. Gazing over to her siblings, Nasima watches their pair clinging to one another. The future queen had to remain strong for her relatives. She had to make sure she held courage in times of devastation. She was to represent herself as the future leader.
Returning her attention to her dying father, the gathering of women remain silent. After a few moments, his breathing began to get raspy before his chest fell still. It was an end of his monarchy. Nasima felt her heart start to beat faster. The Sultan was gone. Looking from her sisters to her mother, she witnesses tears falling down their olive cheeks. She had to push her own emotions aside. She was now next in line to the throne. She had to provide courage even within private situations. "Mama, Baba has passed into the spirit world. May his body rest but soul continue," Nasima offers her relatives advice, picking her head up from the bed whilst keeping a firm grip of her father's hand.
Laying her head among the sheets, the princess watches the Sultan's chest rise and fall. He had lost consciousness shortly after she arrived and new it was only time till he passed to the other side. Nasima hoped he could still hear what she, her mother and sisters had to say. They were desperate to make his transition occur as smoothly as they could. The palace was on shut down, the halls quiet and the staff minimal. Caraban would soon fall into mourning. Gazing over to her siblings, Nasima watches their pair clinging to one another. The future queen had to remain strong for her relatives. She had to make sure she held courage in times of devastation. She was to represent herself as the future leader.
Returning her attention to her dying father, the gathering of women remain silent. After a few moments, his breathing began to get raspy before his chest fell still. It was an end of his monarchy. Nasima felt her heart start to beat faster. The Sultan was gone. Looking from her sisters to her mother, she witnesses tears falling down their olive cheeks. She had to push her own emotions aside. She was now next in line to the throne. She had to provide courage even within private situations. "Mama, Baba has passed into the spirit world. May his body rest but soul continue," Nasima offers her relatives advice, picking her head up from the bed whilst keeping a firm grip of her father's hand.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
[IMG='width:332px;']https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4e/72/9d/4e729d4611299eb87ab734d67ac9276c.jpg[/IMG]
Grand Vizier Mahir Azia stood by the door as his brother breathed his last. Watching with keen eyes from the shadows as the final obstacle between himself and the throne vanished to the spirit world with a final desperate clutching gasp. As the Sultan's frail form collapsed into the silk sheets and as his nieces and his sister in law gathered in mourning around their father's body, he could not help the satisfied smile that crept dangerously about the corner of his lips.
The sultan had wished the throne to go to Nasima, but no Sultan in twenty generations had yet died leaving his rule to an unwed woman. The Sultan's legacy would be tarnished by such an action. The nobles would not receive the news well. There would be talk of overturning the throne and bickering amongst the great princes as to validity of claim to rule. Mahir was counting on this. He watched Nasima and the royal family with a scowl. His brother's doting affection on these weak girl-children had always sickened him. He knew that his brother was too short sighted to see the harm an unwed queen would bring to the Azia dynasty. His time had come.
"The Sultan has passed," he intoned, stepping from the shadows. "His spirit roves in the halls of his forebears in paradise." His eyes fell on Nasima. "It is with a heavy heart that I take on the mantle of headship over this family."
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
The loss of a parent would be difficult on any soul but with the Sultan's place within Caraban, the death would also affect the citizens. Nasima could not fault her father's actions or beliefs. He was someone his daughters could idolise. In the present, moments after his passing, the eldest knew it was time to act the part. The entire state was going to be looking towards her for their next course of action. She would be given very limited amount of time to grieve.
Nasima almost forgot her male relative stood in the doorway. He was the Sultan's sibling and previously second-in-line to the throne before Nas and her sister's birth. Although the Sultan was desperate for a son to inherit the crown, he did not allow the missing to affect the monarchy. Against social beliefs, the woman would become Queen without a husband. It seemed that the public could visualise her as 'incomplete' with a missing partner and the lack of children.
The princess was never a huge fan of Mahir. His aura, his speech and even movements seemed to cause a shiver to run through her body. There was something about her relative that was not to be liked. Nasima just could not pick point what. Gazing towards her uncle, Nas listens carefully to what he had to say. It was far from warming and almost a declaration that he was willing to take on the 'burden' of the Sultan's death and his title. Without her father, the family would lack any male figure. They would fail to have any protection over than their servants or superior to lead them through struggling times. Nasima understood that this necessary figure was not required. They had enough strength to continue.
"Your loving gesture may not be needed, Mahir," Nas begins, keeping her voice quiet but strong due to the situation. With her deep brown eyes staring towards the gentleman, she continued, "I shall declare our homeland in mourning. This will allow myself time to prepare for the coronation."
Nasima almost forgot her male relative stood in the doorway. He was the Sultan's sibling and previously second-in-line to the throne before Nas and her sister's birth. Although the Sultan was desperate for a son to inherit the crown, he did not allow the missing to affect the monarchy. Against social beliefs, the woman would become Queen without a husband. It seemed that the public could visualise her as 'incomplete' with a missing partner and the lack of children.
The princess was never a huge fan of Mahir. His aura, his speech and even movements seemed to cause a shiver to run through her body. There was something about her relative that was not to be liked. Nasima just could not pick point what. Gazing towards her uncle, Nas listens carefully to what he had to say. It was far from warming and almost a declaration that he was willing to take on the 'burden' of the Sultan's death and his title. Without her father, the family would lack any male figure. They would fail to have any protection over than their servants or superior to lead them through struggling times. Nasima understood that this necessary figure was not required. They had enough strength to continue.
"Your loving gesture may not be needed, Mahir," Nas begins, keeping her voice quiet but strong due to the situation. With her deep brown eyes staring towards the gentleman, she continued, "I shall declare our homeland in mourning. This will allow myself time to prepare for the coronation."
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
"A word, my niece," Mahir replied, his voice cold as the deep water of the Eshen. He extended a commanding hand towards the door, part inviting and part demanding that Nasima join him in the hallway. Nasima's mother and sisters gazed from Nasima to her uncle and back again, their eyes swollen with tears and apprehensive. Mahir had darkened the doorways of their palace for long years, his leering eyes drinking them in with a blend of hunger and disgust. They had always trusted their father to keep his brother at bay, but now the dog was unleashed.
Mahir followed Nasima into the corridor, drawing the heavy door behind him with a creak of aged iron hinges. Satisfied they were alone, he turned on the girl, his eyes smoking like embers of incense as he backed her into a corner.
"You would do well not to trifle with me," he snarled. "Your father was not so beloved in this city that his breaking with custom did not turn the heads of the nobles. A dozen princes stand ready to seize control and strip the Azia family of its dynasty. The legacy of my father and his father before him stands on a dagger's edge." He caught his niece's wrist in a steely hand and pulled her forward, holding her gaze. "Power must be consolidated. The nobles will never see an unwed virgin claim the throne without contest."
His eyes gleamed hungrily. "A marriage within the family, a male heir apparent could seal the family claim to the seat of power. It must be done."
His eyes roved over his niece's voluptuous frame. "We could sire a dynasty to rival the kings of old. What say you?"
Mahir followed Nasima into the corridor, drawing the heavy door behind him with a creak of aged iron hinges. Satisfied they were alone, he turned on the girl, his eyes smoking like embers of incense as he backed her into a corner.
"You would do well not to trifle with me," he snarled. "Your father was not so beloved in this city that his breaking with custom did not turn the heads of the nobles. A dozen princes stand ready to seize control and strip the Azia family of its dynasty. The legacy of my father and his father before him stands on a dagger's edge." He caught his niece's wrist in a steely hand and pulled her forward, holding her gaze. "Power must be consolidated. The nobles will never see an unwed virgin claim the throne without contest."
His eyes gleamed hungrily. "A marriage within the family, a male heir apparent could seal the family claim to the seat of power. It must be done."
His eyes roved over his niece's voluptuous frame. "We could sire a dynasty to rival the kings of old. What say you?"
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima was disturbed by her uncle's demand. It was minutes since her father had passed. She wanted to lay with his body for as long as she morally could. Other than paintings through the palace walls, this would be the last opportunity to take in his features. The eldest daughter had taken this for granted, hoping it would be several decades till his passing. It seemed that the date had come rather to quickly.
By the gaze on the male's face, Nasima knew she had to obey. Her mother and siblings feared the butch figure. He was a shadow in the darkness, haunting the palace for the crown. Every child his brother produced let his chances of inheriting the superior royal status slim. Nas knew Mahir did not see her mother nor sisters as competition. Right now, she was the enemy - she held the power. Once her coronation was complete and the concept of marriage and breeding appeared, Nasima's children would push her dark relative further down on the line to the throne. As long as the brunette was breathing, he did not stand a chance.
Standing from her knelled position, the princess gently lets go of her father's hand. His skin was still warm but it was only a matter of time till it turned cold and nature took its course. With her head held high, Nasima walked across the room and into the corridor. The woman's body tensed as the large doors closed. They were alone.
Although the mood was far from positive, it quickly altered from sadness to pure horror. Regardless of Nas' fear of her uncle, he had yet to lay his hand among her petite frame. Staring up at the figure towering over her, Nasima flinches at the tightness of his grip among her skinny wrist. The royal's breathing fastened with her eyes widening. She was petrified but had to show courage. She was the next in line after-all, the woman who was going to serve her country. The princess was not going to be belittled.
Listening to his comments, the woman frowns her eyebrows. His suggestion was not exactly absurd. Many generations before had used a similar technique of keeping the monarchy in their blood. She hated the thought of the male remaining so close, nevertheless touching her. Allowing him to finish, the royal looks towards his grasp on her arm. Attempting to pull away but failing, she looks into his eyes with a snarl. "I forbid your offer," she begins bluntly, declining his craving further. There was no way she would allow herself to droop to such level out of fear of a relative. Maybe her female relatives would but the future Queen had other desires. "Your actions have no place among a woman of such power. I suggest you consider your desires before I call for your removal from the palace. Now allow me to talk to my people. The country will fall into silent, mourning their Sultan," the princess informs her elder, her voice hard, deep and courageous. King Kassim held the power that his daughter would now inherit.
By the gaze on the male's face, Nasima knew she had to obey. Her mother and siblings feared the butch figure. He was a shadow in the darkness, haunting the palace for the crown. Every child his brother produced let his chances of inheriting the superior royal status slim. Nas knew Mahir did not see her mother nor sisters as competition. Right now, she was the enemy - she held the power. Once her coronation was complete and the concept of marriage and breeding appeared, Nasima's children would push her dark relative further down on the line to the throne. As long as the brunette was breathing, he did not stand a chance.
Standing from her knelled position, the princess gently lets go of her father's hand. His skin was still warm but it was only a matter of time till it turned cold and nature took its course. With her head held high, Nasima walked across the room and into the corridor. The woman's body tensed as the large doors closed. They were alone.
Although the mood was far from positive, it quickly altered from sadness to pure horror. Regardless of Nas' fear of her uncle, he had yet to lay his hand among her petite frame. Staring up at the figure towering over her, Nasima flinches at the tightness of his grip among her skinny wrist. The royal's breathing fastened with her eyes widening. She was petrified but had to show courage. She was the next in line after-all, the woman who was going to serve her country. The princess was not going to be belittled.
Listening to his comments, the woman frowns her eyebrows. His suggestion was not exactly absurd. Many generations before had used a similar technique of keeping the monarchy in their blood. She hated the thought of the male remaining so close, nevertheless touching her. Allowing him to finish, the royal looks towards his grasp on her arm. Attempting to pull away but failing, she looks into his eyes with a snarl. "I forbid your offer," she begins bluntly, declining his craving further. There was no way she would allow herself to droop to such level out of fear of a relative. Maybe her female relatives would but the future Queen had other desires. "Your actions have no place among a woman of such power. I suggest you consider your desires before I call for your removal from the palace. Now allow me to talk to my people. The country will fall into silent, mourning their Sultan," the princess informs her elder, her voice hard, deep and courageous. King Kassim held the power that his daughter would now inherit.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Mirhan stepped back, his smoldering eyes still fixed on his defiant niece. His lips curled in a grim sneer, his brows arched like stormclouds before a monsoon. He folded his ringed hands in the voluminous sleeves of his robe and stepped back from the girl.
"We shall speak further of this," he growled. "My brother told you so little of our world." His last vile portent hanging in the air of the corridor, he turned and stalked into the night, moving through the violet patched of light which shone through the open windows overlooking the city. Nasima Azia was left alone in the silence and gloom of the palace hall.
"We shall speak further of this," he growled. "My brother told you so little of our world." His last vile portent hanging in the air of the corridor, he turned and stalked into the night, moving through the violet patched of light which shone through the open windows overlooking the city. Nasima Azia was left alone in the silence and gloom of the palace hall.
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima remains silent, watching Mahir step back and release his final comment. A sting towards the woman who had just lost her father. She had strong beliefs that the Sultan had educated her massively on the responsibilities and duties of her future role. It was a low blow even for her the male to challenge the thoughts Nasima shared of her father. It was not like she could walk back into the bedroom and ask him herself.
Watching the figure disappear down the corridor and into the darkness, the princess returns her attention to the heavy entrance that featured the corpse of the Sultan alongside her grieving relatives. She was not entirely sure she could handle returning following the tense encounter with Mahir. Closing her eyes for a second, she thinks briefly. Nas had to calm herself down and the only way how, her horses which also shared the benefit of bumping into Ali. The princess would wait till morning before announcing her father's departure.
Opening her eyelids, Nas turns before heading down the corridor. Arriving at the stairwell, the royal runs her hands down the marble balcony. Within Ali's presence, Nasima was able to let her mask go and release the negative energy and emotion building within her mind. She was safe in the stables regardless of the pair's forbidden secret.
Watching the figure disappear down the corridor and into the darkness, the princess returns her attention to the heavy entrance that featured the corpse of the Sultan alongside her grieving relatives. She was not entirely sure she could handle returning following the tense encounter with Mahir. Closing her eyes for a second, she thinks briefly. Nas had to calm herself down and the only way how, her horses which also shared the benefit of bumping into Ali. The princess would wait till morning before announcing her father's departure.
Opening her eyelids, Nas turns before heading down the corridor. Arriving at the stairwell, the royal runs her hands down the marble balcony. Within Ali's presence, Nasima was able to let her mask go and release the negative energy and emotion building within her mind. She was safe in the stables regardless of the pair's forbidden secret.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Ali had blanketed Asimir and Arma against the night's cold and he had turned his attention to polishing the princess' custom made saddle. It was a prize of the stables, elegantly decorated with filigree of silver and golden thread. The smooth leather was dark and lustrous as chocolate from the jungles of Ulin and as the stablehand worked it with a polishing rag it gleamed in the light of an oil lamp which hung from the cedar rafters of the stable. As Ali worked, his mind drifted back to that night so many months ago. The princess had just returned from an unexpected evening ride. She was alone, without her customary attending maidens, and dressed for riding in silken pants and a fitted tunic. He helped her down from the saddle, she slipped, falling into his arms, her veil fell away. The kiss had been impulsive, forbidden and sudden, but neither had shied away.
As Ali worked and daydreamed, he did not hear the light footfalls outside, nor the light creak of the stable doors as they cracked open and Nasima slipped inside.
As Ali worked and daydreamed, he did not hear the light footfalls outside, nor the light creak of the stable doors as they cracked open and Nasima slipped inside.
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima was thankful that the palace was empty and all servants were commanded to stay within their chambers. This would remain for a number of days whilst Caraban mourned the grand Sultan. With his death still raw, the princess had yet to change into the desired black clothing. Making her way towards the gated exits, Nas lowers her veil across her face. With the sky darkening, if was as if the world was shadowing the passing of the superior. It was incredibly fitting.
Strolling across the field, the princess came to a stop outside stables. She craved Ali's attention, ever since their first romantic encounter. Of course the royal knew it was forbidden, her father would never have approved of such a relationship. However, the young girl could not control her feelings. The pair had even made love within the hay of the stables. These were certainly not actions of a future Queen. Excusing herself of knocking, Nas slowly opens the door, closing it with her back. "Ali?" she calls quietly, in case any of his fellow horsemen were present.
Strolling across the field, the princess came to a stop outside stables. She craved Ali's attention, ever since their first romantic encounter. Of course the royal knew it was forbidden, her father would never have approved of such a relationship. However, the young girl could not control her feelings. The pair had even made love within the hay of the stables. These were certainly not actions of a future Queen. Excusing herself of knocking, Nas slowly opens the door, closing it with her back. "Ali?" she calls quietly, in case any of his fellow horsemen were present.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Ali turned, knowing all too well the voice that called his name. His face broke into a gentle smile as he saw Nasima's delicately painted eyes peering through the door. His face fell almost at once. If she had come down from the Sultan's chambers it could mean only one thing.
"Your grace," he murmured, setting aside the saddle and rising from the low stool where he had been seated. The greeting was proper, formal, an exercise the two had long ago abandoned in each other's solitary company. For some reason he feared calling her by the name she had begged him to use as they lay in each other's arms watching the stars through the hayloft windows. He should have lowered his eyes, but he could not not bring himself to tear them away.
"His majesty? Is he...?" the question died on his lips.
"Your grace," he murmured, setting aside the saddle and rising from the low stool where he had been seated. The greeting was proper, formal, an exercise the two had long ago abandoned in each other's solitary company. For some reason he feared calling her by the name she had begged him to use as they lay in each other's arms watching the stars through the hayloft windows. He should have lowered his eyes, but he could not not bring himself to tear them away.
"His majesty? Is he...?" the question died on his lips.
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ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima was relieved to see the young male staring back at her. It seemed they were alone apart from the royal's beloved horses. She was sure their secret would remain hidden for another day. There was growing issues more severe than their blossoming relationship. She had lost her father, her protector, the grand Sultan of Caraban. The only location enabled for the princess to grieve consisted of the stables.
Walking closer to her lover, Nas slowly raises her veil to reveal her facial features. She listens carefully to his vague question. The princess knew exactly what he suggesting, Ali just did not want to say the words himself. Although it was common knowledge that the leader would eventually pass, the servant still had to be careful of conversation. This was Nasima's father after-all.
The princess nods slowly. As soon as she revealed his death, it become reality. Taking a deep breath, she began to talk, "my father has passed. His body remains but his soul is travelling through paradise." Nasima was almost attempting to persuade herself this was the truth. She was upset by her father's departure but also tense from the interaction with Mahir. He did not share any negative emotions towards his brother's death with his only interest in the next suitor of the crown.
Walking closer to her lover, Nas slowly raises her veil to reveal her facial features. She listens carefully to his vague question. The princess knew exactly what he suggesting, Ali just did not want to say the words himself. Although it was common knowledge that the leader would eventually pass, the servant still had to be careful of conversation. This was Nasima's father after-all.
The princess nods slowly. As soon as she revealed his death, it become reality. Taking a deep breath, she began to talk, "my father has passed. His body remains but his soul is travelling through paradise." Nasima was almost attempting to persuade herself this was the truth. She was upset by her father's departure but also tense from the interaction with Mahir. He did not share any negative emotions towards his brother's death with his only interest in the next suitor of the crown.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Ali was quiet, his fingers fumbling with the polishing cloth. Though he had held the woman before him in his arms through countless clandestine evenings, the gulf between a common stable boy and the most venerated and untouchable woman in the city still seemed immeasurably vast, even her in the close space of the stable. Was it his place to offer comfort? She had been distant, since the Sultan had taken ill. Her smile a little more sad, her eyes, hazy and distant. She seemed so far away, even now as she stood before him, the glow of the oil lamp gleaming on her olive skin.
He attempted an easy smile, nodding his head towards the horses. "Little brother has missed you," he said, crossing to the horse's stall to rustle Asimir's forelock. He couldn't keep the smile on his lips. He knew she was suffering despite the way she held her head high and he didn't know what to do to help her or even if he could.
"I'm so sorry, Nasi," he whispered. "So sorry."
He attempted an easy smile, nodding his head towards the horses. "Little brother has missed you," he said, crossing to the horse's stall to rustle Asimir's forelock. He couldn't keep the smile on his lips. He knew she was suffering despite the way she held her head high and he didn't know what to do to help her or even if he could.
"I'm so sorry, Nasi," he whispered. "So sorry."
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima was closer to her father than her mother. She knew from a young age that she would inherit the crown, causing her to shadow the Sultan. The princess was eager to discover what responsibilities, duties and characteristics were needed to provide an elegant yet controlled leadership of Caraban. Now he had departed, Nas hoped she had learned enough to make her father proud and provide her homeland with the next monarchy they required.
A weak smile appeared on the mourning woman's face. The mention of her horses always brought delight. The creatures were her life and joy. Right now, the thought of taking her favoured mammal and riding into the night sky seemed calming. But he was exhausted and settled for the night. It would be upsetting to wake him.
Her reaction soon disappeared by Ali's following comment. It was only polite to show sympathy but it was not bring Nasima comfort. It would not return the Sultan's soul to his body. "What will be, will be," she responses, her head remaining high though her mental state was desperate to break down. Maybe it was her pride refusing to give in to her emotions or perhaps it was the reaction of Mahir that required the princess to keep a steady mind. "My father lived a grand life and now it is my opportunity to continue his legacy," she informs her lover, her top lip beginning to wobble.
A weak smile appeared on the mourning woman's face. The mention of her horses always brought delight. The creatures were her life and joy. Right now, the thought of taking her favoured mammal and riding into the night sky seemed calming. But he was exhausted and settled for the night. It would be upsetting to wake him.
Her reaction soon disappeared by Ali's following comment. It was only polite to show sympathy but it was not bring Nasima comfort. It would not return the Sultan's soul to his body. "What will be, will be," she responses, her head remaining high though her mental state was desperate to break down. Maybe it was her pride refusing to give in to her emotions or perhaps it was the reaction of Mahir that required the princess to keep a steady mind. "My father lived a grand life and now it is my opportunity to continue his legacy," she informs her lover, her top lip beginning to wobble.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Whether it was his confidence beginning to build, or whether it was the quiver of Nasima's lip that stirred his heart, Ali would never be able to say for certain, but in that moment all pretense of the divide between the princess and the servant melted away. He crossed to Nasima, taking her in is arms and pulling her close. "I'm sorry, Nasi. So sorry," he whispered again. There was no formality, no ceremony in his words, only a true depth of sincerity of feeling. It felt right to have the princess in his arms again.
Asimir whickered and Arma stomped her hooves impatiently. All around the clandestine lovers the night was still.
Ali looked down into Nasima's eyes, a sympathetic smile curling the corner of his lips. "What will happen?" He asked softly. "Will you take the throne? Will your uncle cause trouble?" The question he really wanted to ask didn't rise to his lips. What will happen to us?
Asimir whickered and Arma stomped her hooves impatiently. All around the clandestine lovers the night was still.
Ali looked down into Nasima's eyes, a sympathetic smile curling the corner of his lips. "What will happen?" He asked softly. "Will you take the throne? Will your uncle cause trouble?" The question he really wanted to ask didn't rise to his lips. What will happen to us?
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
The adoration between the pair was magnificent. Nasima never thought she would fall for a male as strongly as Ali. Although his words could not provide comfort, his contact did. She could rest in his arms for eternity. Letting her chest relax briefly on his chest, the princess adjusted her body as he begins to speak once again.
Ali was curious to what would follow. The royal was not entirely sure herself. Her coronation was certain but Mahir held a threat. He was hungry for power, to hold the leadership title and be superior over Caraban. It was as if her lover was physic, able to read the thoughts circling her mind. Nasima had discussed openly with Ali regarding her worries of her relative. Mahir was unpredictable, angry and desperate. He would do anything and everything to make sure the princess did not inherit her destined title.
Meeting his eyes, Nasima was not entirely sure what to respond. There was not just the discussion of a state funeral nor the coronation. It would not be as straight forward as she had once hoped. Mahir would provide grand difficulties not to even mention the forbidden relationship between the future queen and the stableman. "I cannot tell you," she begins, not because Nasima had anything to hide but rather she did not know herself. Closing her eyes briefly, the royal allows a stray tear to appear before the drop runs down her fragile cheek.
"I am not sure what my future holds, Ali. Mahir will not disappear without a fight for the monarchy. I do not know where we will stand nor if our relationship will be accepted by my citizens. Ali, my mind is overbearing. I-I am trying to keep courage for my father, my mother and the princesses b-but..." Nasima pauses, overcome by the sudden burst of emotion. She was finally spilling the reality of her thoughts. The princess hoped her lover would provide essential advice to guide her towards the correct path.
Ali was curious to what would follow. The royal was not entirely sure herself. Her coronation was certain but Mahir held a threat. He was hungry for power, to hold the leadership title and be superior over Caraban. It was as if her lover was physic, able to read the thoughts circling her mind. Nasima had discussed openly with Ali regarding her worries of her relative. Mahir was unpredictable, angry and desperate. He would do anything and everything to make sure the princess did not inherit her destined title.
Meeting his eyes, Nasima was not entirely sure what to respond. There was not just the discussion of a state funeral nor the coronation. It would not be as straight forward as she had once hoped. Mahir would provide grand difficulties not to even mention the forbidden relationship between the future queen and the stableman. "I cannot tell you," she begins, not because Nasima had anything to hide but rather she did not know herself. Closing her eyes briefly, the royal allows a stray tear to appear before the drop runs down her fragile cheek.
"I am not sure what my future holds, Ali. Mahir will not disappear without a fight for the monarchy. I do not know where we will stand nor if our relationship will be accepted by my citizens. Ali, my mind is overbearing. I-I am trying to keep courage for my father, my mother and the princesses b-but..." Nasima pauses, overcome by the sudden burst of emotion. She was finally spilling the reality of her thoughts. The princess hoped her lover would provide essential advice to guide her towards the correct path.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Nasima's words were cut off by the overwhelming surge of emotion. Ali could feel it, the way her slender shoulders tensed and her fingers gripped at the back of his linen shirt. This was not the first time Nasima had come to the stables with troubles on her mind. She was a woman of passion, with a single-minded focus on her goals and Ali had learned to read every thought over the months of their secret meetings.
So many times he would see her passing in the palace grounds with something working on her mind and he would wish he could cross to her and take her hand. He was a calming presence, it was the reason he had such a fair hand with the horses.
"Come with me," he said softly, taking Nasima by the hand. He led her to the narrow ladder which led up to the hayloft. The loft had been their secret meeting place for months, a warm hideaway with small windows that opened on to the clear sky above the city. Ali led Nasima up into the hollow place at the far end of the loft where he had cleared a space in the hay where they would be hidden if anyone were to come up the ladder unawares.
"Sit here," he said kneeling and gently patting the woven rug he had brought up for them some time ago. "Do you remember the first time we came up here?" He asked softly.
So many times he would see her passing in the palace grounds with something working on her mind and he would wish he could cross to her and take her hand. He was a calming presence, it was the reason he had such a fair hand with the horses.
"Come with me," he said softly, taking Nasima by the hand. He led her to the narrow ladder which led up to the hayloft. The loft had been their secret meeting place for months, a warm hideaway with small windows that opened on to the clear sky above the city. Ali led Nasima up into the hollow place at the far end of the loft where he had cleared a space in the hay where they would be hidden if anyone were to come up the ladder unawares.
"Sit here," he said kneeling and gently patting the woven rug he had brought up for them some time ago. "Do you remember the first time we came up here?" He asked softly.
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Although the thoughts were continuing to circle her mind, Nasima understood Ali was doing everything in his power to distract. The future queen would not be help to anybody if her emotions took toll. Courage was a necessity. She had to keep her head high and lead the way for her citizens. Allowing her lover to pull away, Nas listens carefully to his demand. She knew exactly where he was gesturing too. Their favourite spot. It was not exactly glamorous not up to the royal standards but it was perfect. It allowed the forbidden couple to share time together within privacy. The horses would signal if anyone did intrude.
The princess kept her hand united with Ali's, allowing him to lead her up into the loft of the stable. She follows him towards the woven rug and kneels down among the material. She remembered the first time the pair discovered the room. It was a relief that they managed to find a spot to be the lovers they desired. "I do," Nasima begins, a smile appearing of the thought. Her dark eyes were beaming by the strays of the moonlight appearing through the panels of the wood. The couple had confessed their adoration towards one another on that exact spot. It moved from there with the pair eventually making love.
"This is where I discovered we were destined to be together," she confesses, allowing her fingers to trail along the cotton threads. "We-We embraced, our skin touched and we bonded," she continues, still daydreaming about the experience. Nasima knew it was forbidden. Sexual intercourse before marriage was strictly frowned upon but it was the correct time. The princess could not refuse her body what it was craving. She was hungry for Ali.
The princess kept her hand united with Ali's, allowing him to lead her up into the loft of the stable. She follows him towards the woven rug and kneels down among the material. She remembered the first time the pair discovered the room. It was a relief that they managed to find a spot to be the lovers they desired. "I do," Nasima begins, a smile appearing of the thought. Her dark eyes were beaming by the strays of the moonlight appearing through the panels of the wood. The couple had confessed their adoration towards one another on that exact spot. It moved from there with the pair eventually making love.
"This is where I discovered we were destined to be together," she confesses, allowing her fingers to trail along the cotton threads. "We-We embraced, our skin touched and we bonded," she continues, still daydreaming about the experience. Nasima knew it was forbidden. Sexual intercourse before marriage was strictly frowned upon but it was the correct time. The princess could not refuse her body what it was craving. She was hungry for Ali.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Ali let a gentle finger trace the outline of his lover's cheek. The starlight and the gleam of the crescent moon, what his mother used to call the queen's bow, poured down through the small widows in the high loft wall, gleaming in her olive skin like liquid silver. "I told you that you would always have a place here. I'd never place an expectation on us, on this. I still mean that, my love." He smiled, a smile that masked uncertainty. It was known throughout the palace that the princess faced an uphill battle in her rise to the throne. Unmarried, virginal (in the eyes of all but Ali and Hasia, her closest handmaid who knew of their secret rendezvous) tradition precluded her from a strong claim to the throne. Only the dying will of the Sultan offered her a path, but it was a path fraught with peril and political deceit. The local princes hungered for the seat of power in Caraban, and even within Nasima's own household there were those who would use her for their own crooked ends.
"If you should take the throne," he said softly. "If you should...marry," the word caught painfully in his throat. "Your servant will be here, an ear to bend, a hand to hold, if need be." His hand trailed down from her cheek to her shoulder, his finger tips drawing down the edge of her sleeve to reveal the soft curve of her shoulder. She smelled of cinnamon and lavender oil. He leaned forward slowly, taking her lips in his own.
"If you should take the throne," he said softly. "If you should...marry," the word caught painfully in his throat. "Your servant will be here, an ear to bend, a hand to hold, if need be." His hand trailed down from her cheek to her shoulder, his finger tips drawing down the edge of her sleeve to reveal the soft curve of her shoulder. She smelled of cinnamon and lavender oil. He leaned forward slowly, taking her lips in his own.
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima did not want to consider what was next for the forbidden lovers once the coronation was finalised. It would never be accepted for the queen to marry a servant. The monarchy had to be tactical regarding their forever partners - they needed to make sure the individual would provide financial gain and power. This was why many generations beforehand took to marrying distant relatives. There was individuals desperate to receive the title and would not stop at anything to gain it. It broke her heart that Ali was talking of giving up their relationship. Not that he wanted to but because he had no other choice. It was going to be difficult enough inheriting the crown, especially an unmarried woman, without the secret of her forbidden relationship being exposed.
The princess was about to respond when she felt Ali's careful touch. It distracted her briefly before his lips found his way to hers. Nas did not want to think of the time where she would not be able to feel his physical form. He would be so close, yet so far, moving her slim hand to brace his cheek, the young woman closed her eyes, letting her thoughts wander into the positive energies blossoming from the peck. Ali's lips were tender, carefully massaged against her own.
Slowly pulling away, Nas rests her forehead on the male's. She wanted to stay close, treasure any time they shared together. Their entire lives were going to change within several days. They were already running on borrowed time. "I cannot bare the thoughts of losing you. I-I thought our time together was going to be extended," she begins, "however, with the Sultan's passing, I have to inherit the crown. It is what my father wished and I have to follow."
The princess was about to respond when she felt Ali's careful touch. It distracted her briefly before his lips found his way to hers. Nas did not want to think of the time where she would not be able to feel his physical form. He would be so close, yet so far, moving her slim hand to brace his cheek, the young woman closed her eyes, letting her thoughts wander into the positive energies blossoming from the peck. Ali's lips were tender, carefully massaged against her own.
Slowly pulling away, Nas rests her forehead on the male's. She wanted to stay close, treasure any time they shared together. Their entire lives were going to change within several days. They were already running on borrowed time. "I cannot bare the thoughts of losing you. I-I thought our time together was going to be extended," she begins, "however, with the Sultan's passing, I have to inherit the crown. It is what my father wished and I have to follow."
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Ali's jaw clenched, his dark brow furrowed. He stared down at the woman he had grown to love more than any other living being, knowing all the while that love could never be more than a secret. The secret, the forbidden nature of the love had made it all the more deep. Now as she spoke he could feel the fear of losing her rising to strangle his heart. He held her close, feeling her breath moving in rhythm with his own and cursing whatever god had written the scheme which would bring him so close to the love of his life but deny them both the freedom to live that love in the light.
"Stay with me," he whispered. "No one will be here until the morning. Leave duty for another day. Let's have one last night as Nasima and Ali."
"Stay with me," he whispered. "No one will be here until the morning. Leave duty for another day. Let's have one last night as Nasima and Ali."
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima stirred the following morning. Her naked body was intertwined with Ali's. With her sleepy mind, she could only guess what the pair got up to the night before. She did not regret it nor was she ever disappointed in her actions with Ali. His touch was tender and sincere - he only ever wanted the best for the future queen. Even if that meant putting his feelings aside to allow Nasi to follow her destiny. Her loose brunette locks trailed along her slender, olive back as the sunlight begin to appear through the cracks of the barn. Rubbing her eyes gently, the young woman slowly pulled away from the male and began to get herself clothed. She needed to make sure she returned to the palace before anyone caught sight of her. The last thing she needed was to declare where she had been for the evening. Applying the rich fabric to her body, Nasima finishes by placing her veil over her face. She was decent enough to make the short walk across the field to the chambers of her bedroom. Leaning down, she plants an innocent kiss on her partner's forehead and makes her way down the loft-ladder. Greeting her beloved horses silently, the tickles their noses before disappearing from the stables and back to the palace.
Managing to return safely, the princess quickly gets herself suited within her nightgown and climbs into the large bed. She was sure she could not fall asleep again. She could not believe she did previously. The unknown thoughts were circling her fragile mind, not to mention the grief of her father passing. In a matter of hours, the royal would find herself on the balcony of their beloved home, informing the citizens of Caraban that the Sultan had died. She would then have an opportunity to reveal she was willing to take on the title as heir to the crown. Laying back upon the dozens of pillows, Nasima stares up at the ceiling. She did not even know what her dream world would consist of. Maybe inheriting the crown with her lover able to appear from the shadows. The pair would never run in unison. It saddened the princess to consider having to give up her relationship with Ali for her father's wishes or vice versa. It seemed her future was never destined to be pleasing.
Regardless of her mental state, Nasima managed to fall asleep once again. As if only minutes went by, the brunette was awoken by her large bedroom door opening. It was the morning already and Nasi knew it was probably one of her many servants awakening her for the day before making sure she was fed before duties occurred.
Managing to return safely, the princess quickly gets herself suited within her nightgown and climbs into the large bed. She was sure she could not fall asleep again. She could not believe she did previously. The unknown thoughts were circling her fragile mind, not to mention the grief of her father passing. In a matter of hours, the royal would find herself on the balcony of their beloved home, informing the citizens of Caraban that the Sultan had died. She would then have an opportunity to reveal she was willing to take on the title as heir to the crown. Laying back upon the dozens of pillows, Nasima stares up at the ceiling. She did not even know what her dream world would consist of. Maybe inheriting the crown with her lover able to appear from the shadows. The pair would never run in unison. It saddened the princess to consider having to give up her relationship with Ali for her father's wishes or vice versa. It seemed her future was never destined to be pleasing.
Regardless of her mental state, Nasima managed to fall asleep once again. As if only minutes went by, the brunette was awoken by her large bedroom door opening. It was the morning already and Nasi knew it was probably one of her many servants awakening her for the day before making sure she was fed before duties occurred.
Owl Knight
Don't let it ruffle your feathers, my liege.
Ali awoke some time after Nasima departed, the scent of her cinnamon skin still clinging to him faintly. He lay for a while in the loft staring off into the morning light and recalling everything he could of her silken skin, the smell of her hair and the sound of her breath as she slept.
At last he rose and pulled on his trousers and boots, belting the pants on with a broad belt of worn leather. He would have to wash in the water basin outside to rid himself of Nasima's perfume, lest he rouse any suspicions.
He clambered down the ladder, his remaining clothing tucked under one arm.
"Pleasant night?" came a voice from behind him. Ali turned quickly and saw Saidd, another stable hand leaning against the side of a stall. A knowing smile split his face. "I hope your woman enjoys the stink of horses." Ali's mouth went dry. He stared dumbfounded. If the truth were known it would cost Nasima the throne and Ali his head, among other extremities.
"I... I..." he mumbled. Saidd laughed. "You look like a catfish, gulping like that," he chortled. "If you're going to sneak a filly into the loft, don't walk around smelling like her," he patted Ali's shoulder. "And don't let Sher Assan know you're sneaking servant girls down here for a tumble in the hay. He'll set leather to that pretty hide of yours." He slapped Ali's back, hard, and took up a hay fork to start the morning feeding. Ali breathed a sigh of relief. Unless Saidd was lying, it seemed as though he didn't know who had spent the night with Ali in the loft. But he grew nervous. If Saidd could figure out he had someone in the loft, it would not take much more to determine who had been in the loft. Should he and Nasima have time to meet again they would have to find a more secure hideaway.
Outside of the stables he splashed water over his body, rinsing away the scented oils Nasima had left on his skin, and dressed himself. He returned, refreshed, to help Saidd finish with the feeding.
"The word went out that the Princess addresses the city today," Saidd said as he and Ali forked the hay into the stalls. "They say she will lay claim to the throne, the first Sultana of Caraban." Saidd scoffed as he set down the fork and dusted off his hands. "That crooked nosed vizier, her uncle, he'll be a sour old goat about it, and no mistake. Alisha, my girl who works in the palace, she says he has been storming around like a storm cloud over the Calabasas." Ali had no response. "What do you say, Ali?" He smiled. "Are you ready to bow the knee to the virgin Sultana?"
Ali shrugged.
"I guess we'll see," he replied, setting down his fork. He continued his morning work in silence, wondering what the day would bring.
At last he rose and pulled on his trousers and boots, belting the pants on with a broad belt of worn leather. He would have to wash in the water basin outside to rid himself of Nasima's perfume, lest he rouse any suspicions.
He clambered down the ladder, his remaining clothing tucked under one arm.
"Pleasant night?" came a voice from behind him. Ali turned quickly and saw Saidd, another stable hand leaning against the side of a stall. A knowing smile split his face. "I hope your woman enjoys the stink of horses." Ali's mouth went dry. He stared dumbfounded. If the truth were known it would cost Nasima the throne and Ali his head, among other extremities.
"I... I..." he mumbled. Saidd laughed. "You look like a catfish, gulping like that," he chortled. "If you're going to sneak a filly into the loft, don't walk around smelling like her," he patted Ali's shoulder. "And don't let Sher Assan know you're sneaking servant girls down here for a tumble in the hay. He'll set leather to that pretty hide of yours." He slapped Ali's back, hard, and took up a hay fork to start the morning feeding. Ali breathed a sigh of relief. Unless Saidd was lying, it seemed as though he didn't know who had spent the night with Ali in the loft. But he grew nervous. If Saidd could figure out he had someone in the loft, it would not take much more to determine who had been in the loft. Should he and Nasima have time to meet again they would have to find a more secure hideaway.
Outside of the stables he splashed water over his body, rinsing away the scented oils Nasima had left on his skin, and dressed himself. He returned, refreshed, to help Saidd finish with the feeding.
"The word went out that the Princess addresses the city today," Saidd said as he and Ali forked the hay into the stalls. "They say she will lay claim to the throne, the first Sultana of Caraban." Saidd scoffed as he set down the fork and dusted off his hands. "That crooked nosed vizier, her uncle, he'll be a sour old goat about it, and no mistake. Alisha, my girl who works in the palace, she says he has been storming around like a storm cloud over the Calabasas." Ali had no response. "What do you say, Ali?" He smiled. "Are you ready to bow the knee to the virgin Sultana?"
Ali shrugged.
"I guess we'll see," he replied, setting down his fork. He continued his morning work in silence, wondering what the day would bring.
ohstardust
☽ moonlight baby ☾
Nasima immediately arose from her bed, pushing her legs off the side and standing. Her limbs felt weak and a hot flush was beginning to consume her body. It must have been the nerves and the lack of deep sleep she had received the previous evening. It was understandable, especially after her father's passing. The princess had to push through, she had a duty to announce the passing of the Sultan to the city. Maybe then she would be able to find a spare few minutes to rest before meeting with her mother to discuss the next course of action. As the monarchy, that had to prepare the funeral plans. It was going to be a large affair, especially with his passing occurring within his term of reign.
The scent of the freshly made breakfast reached her senses, causing the future queen to silently gag. Normally, she desperately craved her morning meal, making sure she was prepared for the day. Gazing over to the silver platter rested on the table, Nasima knew she would not be able to consume that morning. Perhaps it was the grief taking toll. She had heard many changes of behaviours taken over a mourning individual in their time of grief. This was no different. Just because she was royalty, did not mean she was immortal to feel.
Stumbling up, Nasi combs her fingers through her dark locks. She did not care what the servant saw before her. The maid was only young, nothing more than a child at most. She was there to assist the future queen with bathing, dressing, make up and hair for the day along with delivering the meal. She was not to ask personal questions nor comment on the princess' behaviour. The maid had a duty of care, not a companionship.
"Good morning. I will have to refuse my morning meal till after I address Caraban," Nasima says softly, hoping her senses would quickly return. "May you fill the tub whilst I select my clothing of mourning," she continues politely, having always been considerate to the staff waiting hand and foot on the royal family. Some were there without no choice of their own. Many had been residents since childhood with generations of their family continuing the legacy of working for the monarchy. Although it was seen as terribly hard work with very little time of rest, it was rather better than the many slums that scattered around Caraban, especially the Streets of Pain.
The scent of the freshly made breakfast reached her senses, causing the future queen to silently gag. Normally, she desperately craved her morning meal, making sure she was prepared for the day. Gazing over to the silver platter rested on the table, Nasima knew she would not be able to consume that morning. Perhaps it was the grief taking toll. She had heard many changes of behaviours taken over a mourning individual in their time of grief. This was no different. Just because she was royalty, did not mean she was immortal to feel.
Stumbling up, Nasi combs her fingers through her dark locks. She did not care what the servant saw before her. The maid was only young, nothing more than a child at most. She was there to assist the future queen with bathing, dressing, make up and hair for the day along with delivering the meal. She was not to ask personal questions nor comment on the princess' behaviour. The maid had a duty of care, not a companionship.
"Good morning. I will have to refuse my morning meal till after I address Caraban," Nasima says softly, hoping her senses would quickly return. "May you fill the tub whilst I select my clothing of mourning," she continues politely, having always been considerate to the staff waiting hand and foot on the royal family. Some were there without no choice of their own. Many had been residents since childhood with generations of their family continuing the legacy of working for the monarchy. Although it was seen as terribly hard work with very little time of rest, it was rather better than the many slums that scattered around Caraban, especially the Streets of Pain.
