Kingdom of Ash

Sensing her attention, the Heir to the
khaganate signaled, All is well?
Nesryn blushed despite the cold, but
signaled back, her numbed fingers clumsy
over the symbols. All clear.
A blushing schoolgirl. That’s what she
became around the prince, no matter the fact
that they’d been sharing a bed these weeks, or
what he’d promised for their future.
To rule beside him. As the future empress
of the khaganate.
It was absurd, of course. The idea of her
dressed like his mother, in those sweeping,
beautiful robes and grand headdresses ... No,
she was better suited to the rukhin leathers, to
the weight of steel, not jewels. She’d said as
much to Sartaq. Many times.
He’d laughed her off. Had said she might
walk around the palace naked if she wished.
What she wore or didn’t wear wouldn’t bother