Nesryn and sartaq rolled together near the plains , she was laughing, her eyes crinkled , stomach hurting laugh , her entire body is shaking and her hands were moving involuntarily , All because sartaq told her a story about "a witch who used to kidnap princes when they go near the kitchen at night " . The story was obviously told to a child to keep him away from kitchens , nesryn was laughing because of sartaq's seriousness and a little , no a lot of fear , he was describing how he caught a glimpse of houlun hair shadow, and ran 🏃♂️ for his life, heart beats raising , knocking onto few water pots . Only to lock his door and sleep 😴 praying 🙏 to the 36 gods.
Sartaq was particularly offended that she's not taking him seriously, and that a story of his fear and childhood struggles ( he couldn't eat his 6th meal ) was making her laugh so much, the audacity of this woman , so he rolled her onto her back and looked into her deep eyes ,
which she 's struggling to keep open . And looking at her smile, being so full of life Changed his face to absolute gentleness, All he wanted for this life , is her to carry this smile and jest for life.
She also noted the change , and began reassuring that she also saw his witch , how dangerous, scary, haunting and started describing .....
He leaned in for a kiss , his lips around hers, it always surprised him , how warm , soft, safe ,he felt when he is touching her. He hoped she echoed the thought. His fingers started exploring the warrior body , All strong muscles ,
and a fierce exterior to protect her precious heart , he's the only person in the world who has access to her gentle soul . Which has an ocean of love waiting for him.
His hands touched her breasts , ah : he moaned those soft pearl like nipples and her two breasts which are luscious and spilling out of his hands , he pressed them harsher , nesryn groaned,
taking a breast in his hand and fondling it with his strength, he wanted to take care of her oscillating pelvis .
His penis hardened , and was completely erect , wanting some action , he distanced her to have some space , then pushed forward , her entrance hugged him like a long lost friend , his mind was filled with the pleasure, and blasting through his consciousness ,a name - her name , came out of his mouth, he whispered her name, dragging those letters through her ear, neck , hair.
His existence, needed that name , needed to hear it , remember it, cherish it , call it , her name will forever be taken before his, just as he put her life Above his.
how does pinterest see you? makeup, purse, aesthetic, outfit , celebrity, shoes (search these ‘n pick the first photo)
i’d say this is pretty accurate :3 i do my makeup kind of similarly + have a ring and outfit kind of like that minus the corset (actually i swear i have that exact same skirt).. also i need those shoes so bad omg
omgggggg miss river thank u for the tag this was so fun - the fact that the shoes and bag are almost the same shade red is so pleasing too. it’s giving pm carina 🤞
Nesryn supposed she should get used to the parties and festivities Sartaq and his siblings seem to enjoy hosting.
Chaol and Yrene had said they hadn’t wanted anything too big, but that didn’t resonate with Hasar, who did the exact opposite.
It was a feast, to say the least.
She wasn’t going to let her friend get married more simply.
Nesryn smiled into her drink, watching from the side as people danced, having been among them minutes ago. But the faster they got, the louder and faster the music got, Nesryn found it harder to keep up. So she’d pulled out to grab a drink.
Not even a second later she felt arms wrap around her from behind, a shiver racing down her spine when Sartaq leaned down to whisper in her ear,
“I would have thought Neiths arrow would have held out longer.”
She leaned back against him, savoring the warmth of his arms, the scent of him as intoxicating as the smoke wafting through the room.
“Perhaps in other scenarios,” she murmured, leaning her head back on his shoulder to gaze up at him. “I'm afraid dancing isn’t my forte.”
He chuckled, the sound shaking down her back.
“Then I wonder,” he started, trailing little kisses down her neck, hands ever so lightly, casually snaking up and down her waist, her back. Seemingly innocent little strokes to onlookers. But it was the way each passing trail went higher or lower each time, fingers grazing her breasts through the fabric of her dress (she had been forced into) in a fleeting touch, going lower and lower so slowly, intentionally teasing.
She fought the urge to look around, in case anyone was watching. She knew they were and weren’t at the same time, too taken from the smoke and dancing. But the past weeks have been full of eyes on her, some curious, some angry, some neutral. It didn’t bother her.
She knew it was expected with the news that was to empress should they return from the war. She knew it would take some getting used to that and imagining herself as empress. It seemed and sounded ridiculous every time she thought about it.
“How would you hold out in other scenarios, Nesryn.”
She heard it. The question lingering. The promise of it. And all she thought was about time. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of preparation. Between the war and seeing to the Rukhin amongst other things, they hardly had time to see to themselves. At one point, Sartaq had dragged Nesryn to his chambers where they both hardly so much as caught a few fleeting kisses before they were called to see to something or collapsed in bed, asleep from mere exhaustion.
She twisted in his arms enough to look up at him, the question lingering in his eyes, hands having halted their exploring. And maybe it was the smoke, but Nesryn didn’t particularly care. Or wanted to wait any longer than she had.
She held his eyes as she brought her drink to her lips, draining the content before blindly handing the glass to a passing servant. Then took hold of his hands and gently tugged him towards the door.
…
She was barely a step into his room before he slammed her back on the door and crashed his lips to hers.
She moaned into the kiss, hands tugging on fabric as she rid him of his jacket, undoing his shirt, shoving it off before his hands nearly ripped the fabric of her clothes as he undid the buttons before damn near tugging the fabric off her.
He pulled back, panting, eyes slowly lowering from hers to her lips, down, darkening as he took in her breasts, lower. She would have watched, but her gaze fell to his muscled tan chest, the slight gleam of sweat.
She bit her lip as she took her fill, a wave of pleasure coursing through her when Sartaq groaned-
She gasped when he picked her up, one hand tangling in her hair, pulling her lips to meet his, the other hand wrapping her legs around his waist before carrying her to his room.
She tugged on his hair, one arm around his neck, pulling him closer, hips rocking against his, feeling him through the fabric of his pants that were still on for some abhorrent reason.
He groaned, gently laying her on the bed, pressing down against her as their tongues clashed, hands roving over each other in desperate, heated, wanting touches, the room filled with their moans and gasps of pleasure. She wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, rolling her hips against him, relishing the sounds he made.
He pulled away, kissing his way down her face, her neck, biting as he went, there was little he missed, enough that she was sure he'd leave marks. She didn't care then.
He reached her breasts, slowly, leisurely. As if they had all the time in the world and he was set on spending it taking in every inch of her.
…
Sartaq was a patient man. He prided himself in it.
Yet he'd never hated having to wait for a peaceful moment. For weeks he waited, his time spent on every responsibility, exhausted by the end. All he'd wanted to do for weeks was to spend his time with Nesryn. To know her, take her, in more ways than one.
It had been frustrating to hold out, nights spent with her in his bed. Too exhausted to do much. He was partly shocked at his self-control every time she was pressed against him in her sleep, the way she'd cling tighter to him, every time she'd smile at him, soft and sweet, in passing. It had been an effort not to grab her and take her then and there.
But now, he relished it all. The raspy, breathy moans she let out when he took her breast in his mouth were likely going to send to his knees every time. How addicting they were. How addicting she is. Nothing would ever compare, he was sure. Not that he was keen on testing it out. All he could think of were the various ways he could draw out those exquisite moans and sounds of pleasure out of her.
He would take her time. One hand squeezing her breast while the other was in his mouth. Fuck, she was exquisite.
He pulled away, trailing kisses down, down, hands roving over her sides, her thighs.
…
Nesryn nearly screeched in frustration when Sartaq pulled away and stood up. Only for her to gasp in surprise when he grabbed her and pulled her down to the edge of the bed.
And Nesryn could only watch, holding her breath as the Heir to Khaganate knelt down before her.
She was sure she'd stopped breathing.
He only gave her that insufferable grin and started kissing his way down her knees, her thighs, nearly to her inner thighs, she was panting at this point, hands twisted in the sheets as she watched him, unable to look away.
He only pulled back from where she wanted him and did the same thing on her other leg. She had to bite her lip to keep from groaning in frustration. That wicked gleam in his eyes told her enough that he was doing it on purpose. Teasing.
He went slower this time, biting. When he finally reached her inner thighs, he was made to pull away again but she growled in frustration, tangling her hand in his hair and damn near shoving him where she wanted him.
He laughed, but before she could respond to that-
She moaned, loudly, as his tongue came down on her. She tried to grip his hair tighter, but he grabbed her wrists and set them aside. Gripped her thighs and spread them apart, no chance of her moving.
He went right for her, the shift from teasing to full contact caused her hips to follow a rhythm of their own, rolling against his face. She could have sworn she heard him smile against her but she couldn't care less. She was a mess of moans and breathy sighs as he worked his tongue against her sensitive nerves. Each flick and stroke sent ripples of pleasure through her that had her fighting against his and squeezing her legs together.
She couldn't help the sounds that escaped her, especially not when he added a finger, two, setting a pace with his tongue and finger, making her whimper as her pleasure heightened.
She's long since collapsed back on the bed, hands twisting in the sheets, grabbing her breasts, squeezing, when she reached her peak as pleasure broke through her.
She closed her eyes, panting as she caught her breath.
Sartaq came back on her, leaning over her, elbows resting next to her head. She opened her eyes, breath catching as he grinned and brought his fingers to his mouth, sucking.
She damn near moaned at the sight.
She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him to her. Something softened in him there as she brought his lips to hers. It was soft and sweet, the kiss. Unhurried they took each other in.
Sartaq brought one arm under her head, pulling her closer to him, the other running up and down her sides, grazing her breasts. Teasing. Again.
She took his face in her hands, kissing him in unhurried abandon.
“You are exquisite, ” he murmured into the kiss. “Beautifully exquisite.”
She couldn't help the blush that spread over her flushed cheeks. She wasn't used to receiving compliments. Never been in such a place too. She didn't know what to do with herself then.
“You tease,” She sighed, hands slowly making their way down his chest, light, exploring touches down his muscled chest, feeling it as he laughed, kissing her harder.
She went lower, hands finding his pants, ridding him of his remaining clothing. He helped her.
Then grabbed his neck to pull him down for another kiss as her other hand wrapped around him. Squeezing.
He groaned into the kiss and cursed. Pulled away to bury his face in her neck. She may have smiled then, feeling him panting against her as she squeezed and stroked him with her palm.
She laughed when he grabbed her wrist, bringing her hands to rest next to her head. She looked up at him then, eyes heavy-lidded as she met his darkened gaze, his short hair falling around them as he brought his forehead to hers.
He gave her one swift kiss, lining himself with her, and thrust inside in one smooth motion. They both groaned at the sensation, the way he stretched out along her walls-
She rolled her hips against him, making them both groan again.
Sartaq brought his hands to hers, fingers entwined with hers as he moved. Slowly, unhurried thrusts hit that sweet spot in her-
He groaned, hands trailing to her hips, wrapping around her thigh as he brought it up and wrapped it around him, thrusting deeper inside her, heightening her pleasure.
That seemed to do it for him too, as he started going faster, harder, chasing their pleasure, their moans all that was left between them, the slap of skin against skin.
Nesryn cried out, bringing her lips to his as she came, swallowing his cry of pleasure.
She hardly had time to catch her breath before Sartaq started again.
…
Nesryn collapsed on the bed, face down, burying her face in the pillow, trying to catch her breath.
He hadn't lied that day. If Nesryn hadn't seemed to have been nearly spent, he would have her here all day. He'd certainly had her all night, she thought as she caught the light starting to peek out behind the curtains. It was likely almost dawn.
He flipped her over after the first time, taking her from behind, his hand gripped in her hair as he thrust into her so hard she collapsed face first onto the sheets, a moaning, gasping mess as he'd gripped her hip with the other hand, keeping her aloft as he'd sent her over the edge.
She'd barely had time to catch her breath before he'd lifted her to straddle his lap, hands guiding her, stroking her everywhere, her sides, breasts, back, as she rode him, grinding into him.
Then again. And again till she collapsed into the bed now, sweat coating her entire body, sated.
She heard Sartaq chuckle, chuckle, the smug bastard, next to her, his hand stroking her back.
He murmured something to her she didn't hear, eyes closed, she felt him leave a moment.
She didn't know when she'd passed out. But she woke in his arms as he carried her to the bathing chambers.
The bath, more like a pool in the ground, had been filled and she sighed as Sartaq took them both into the water, warm to her weary bones.
He sat back, leaning back-was there a bench?- and settled them both down, her back against his chest, her head resting against his shoulder.
She nearly groaned at the delicious heat, sighing contentedly. Sartaq massaged her arms, gently, her shoulder blades, her legs, her back. She went limp there, halfway to sleep.
He washed her hair, hands moving so gently, that she may have fallen in love with him there and then all over again.
After some time, she was finally able to move enough that she turned, straddling him, arms wrapped around his shoulders as she kissed him, just soft, little kisses.
He sighed, arms wrapped around her, content as they were.
Then she gently nudged him forward, so she could wash his hair, return the favor.
When he came back out from under the water, pushing his hair back, the sight in front of her had her knees shaking, water dripping down his body, his arms-
The sharp intake of breath didn't go unnoticed. His eyes flicked to her, the shit-eating smirk back on his face as he moved towards her, her back hitting the edge of the pool.
“I'd thought you'd be tired by now,” He said, hands to her waist.
She looked up at him, an effort in itself to shift her gaze from the water dripping down his chest to his eyes.
“Of you?” She breathed, unable to hold back from touching him, hands cautiously going to his chest, stroking, feeling.
He must have noticed her hesitancy, for he leaned down to whisper in her ears, “Touch me as you please, Nesryn.” A kiss trailed down to her neck. A murmured, “I am only yours to touch now.” Another kiss. A bite. “Do with me as you please.”
She turned, her eyes heavy-lidded as she locked eyes with him, him gazing up at her from where he'd buried his face in her neck, her hair.
She nodded. He grinned, eyes flicking behind her for a split second, where she knew a full-length mirror was against the wall. She saw the wicked gleam in his eyes a second before he twisted her, lifting her so her knees rested on the bench in the water.
She saw him through the mirror in front of her, as he set himself up behind her.
Placed her hands on the edge of the pool.
Fuck.
She watched, panting, entranced in him. He snaked one hand around her stomach, pushing her hips back, his hands already teasing her clit, rubbing circles that had her moaning already.
The other hand came up and wrapped around her throat, squeezing gently, pulling her back ever so slightly, back arching, her breasts face to face with the mirror.
She felt him lean down behind her. “Hold on for me, love.”
She damn near came right there. But all she could do was groan as he thrust into her, crying out in pleasure, his thrusts relentless, his hand teasing her bundle of nerves in time with his thrusts, the slight squeeze of his hand around her throat.
It was too much, her eyes rolling back as she let herself succumb to the feeling. Watched as Sartaq did.
And made her watch too, when she closed her eyes from the pleasure coursing through her. “Open your eyes,” He breathed next to her.
She did, watching him kiss her cheek. “Good. Watch yourself.”
So she had, bringing one hand up to wrap around his neck behind her, she'd watched herself as he'd taken her.
She'd never had anything like this.
She tried and failed to keep from screaming as she came.
…
It was well past dawn when they actually washed up and fell to bed.
He hasn't stopped there either. The sight of watching them together in the mirror, her breasts moving with every thrust into her-
He hadn't been able to stop there. It had only stirred him on.
Now, spent and sated, he carefully laid Nesryn down. She groaned a little, but her eyes remained closed. He quickly came around and set himself next to her, wrapping his arms around her.
She did the same, nestling up next to him, head on his chest, and murmured, nearly asleep, “No more.”
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “No more,” he promised. “Tonight. We have all the time after.”
“Didn't seem like it tonight,” she murmured. Her breathing slowed enough that he knew she was asleep.
He stroked her back, pressed a kiss to her hair, and breathed her in. She smelled of roses. He'd noticed that since the first slight on Kadara.
She couldn't breathe. Try as she might, Nesryn couldn't seem to get enough air into her lungs, couldn't for the life of her seem to draw in a breath.
She had to get out of here. It was suffocating, the palace. As much as she loved it, it was suffocating.
She saw nothing in front of her, lines seemed to blur, voices sounding far away. She managed to keep it together long enough until she reached the minaret.
It was muscle memory at this point, to saddle up Salkhi, moving in a trance.
She didn't know how long she flew, the moment she caught sight of a nearby cliff, she landed. Nearly tripped off the saddle, she gasped for breath. Salkhi let out what she could only call a cry of worry, nudging her with his beak.
Nesryn stroked him, reassuring him as much as giving herself something to do. He nudged her again, towards her face.
She brought as hand up-
She hadn't realised she started crying, but there she was, a steady stream of tears. She rubbed at her face, turning and nearly collapsed to the ground, leaning back against her Ruk. Brought her knees up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them and buried her face in her arms.
She felt Salkhi shift behind her, then his wing was around her, shielding her or trying to comfort her, she didn't know, but she appreciated all the same.
She gasped, trying to control her breathing, counting on her fingers, trying, trying, to calm herself.
It was so quiet up here. Just the steady rustle of the leaves against the wind, the chirping of the birds.
They had to be far from the city then, she couldn't hear even the slight bustle of the city.
It helped, being away. She didn't know how long it took, but she managed to get her breathing under control, but her face remained buried in her arms, as if trying to hide herself, from everyone and everything.
The funny thing was, she couldn't even place a certain thing that happened to have her react this way. Her day had been full of planning for her upcoming nuptials. Meeting and endless planning. Just the thought seemed to bring her to tears again. She wasn't sure what happened, but she'd left the latest meeting and this… feeling had washed over her, she couldn't place it. This sense of dread has washed over her, leaving her unable to breathe.
Unfortunately, she knew, in the back of her mind, why. It was little things that had accumulated the past months, things she shoved into the back of her mind. All it took was one sentence and it all came rushing out.
She didn't know what to do. All she knew was she wanted one of two people. But she didn't want to bother Sartaq, for it seemed trivial and only sounded like a reason to add more stress on him she didn't want to cause. It was why she'd stayed silent.
The other person was her mother. But that wasn't an option. Still, she wished she was here. Her mother always seemed to know what to do. How to calm her fears. What she wouldn't do to have a mothers reassurance and steady presence right now.
She was too far gone to notice the flap of wings, the crunch of boots on the grass. Didn't notice someone was there, that Salkhi had shifted his wings to allow him to come closer.
…
Kadja had found him right after he'd left the meeting, the worried expression on her face enough to have him pull her aside and tell him what happened.
He was saddled on Kadara not moments later. The Ruk seemed to know where to go, how, he wasn't sure. But he didn't think too much of it, not when he saw the other Ruk.
His heart was beating too fast, a sense of panic washed over him when Salkhi moved his wings, then-
His heart shattered to the ground at the sight before him. She looks so small. His throat closed up, the sight of his heart curled up, not even aware of her surroundings had him near shaking.
He knelt next to her, unsure of what to do for a moment, the feeling that this was partially his fault nagging in the back of his mind.
Slowly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t move. He brought his hand to her hair, gently stroking the dark locks of hair, as he did every night.
It took some time, but eventually, tentatively, she lifted her head, blurry eyes trying to focus. Sartaq’s chest tightened at the sight of the dried tears on her beautiful face. He had the thought that they didn't belong there.
He gave her a soft, reassuring smile, hand cupping her face, and she leaned into it. Not a second later, her face crumbled. Whatever control she had before he came disappeared then as if she couldn't control it any longer.
She launched herself at him, arms around his shoulders, her face buried in his neck, and then the first sob broke through her, and it was as if a dam broke.
He damn near felt like crying himself seeing her like this. But he only wrapped her in his arms, letting her cling to him for as long as she needed. He moved to lean back against the Ruk.
All Sartaq could do was stroke her hair, her back with her sitting sideways on his lap, whispering into her hair.
…
By the gods, the more she thought, the more the reason for her breakdown seemed…silly. But she had no control over herself anymore. Whatever control she did have was overshadowed by all the little incidents and feelings she was so used to shoving to the side.
She stopped trying to regain that control the moment the sob tore through her chest at the sight of Sartaq. Damn it all.
She clung to him like a lifeline, and he didn't seem to want to let go either. The words he whispered to her only made her cry harder.
She didn’t know how long they stayed that way. How long she tried to focus on his words, to focus. But she did, at some point.
Nesryn stayed that way, clinging to him, face buried in his hair until she stopped. Then took in deep breaths, and stopped shaking, until she was back to herself. Or somewhat herself.
She turned her head against him to rest on his chest, her hand playing with the buckles on his leathers. She said nothing. Nearly went back to tears at the soft kiss he placed on her hair.
“What happened,” he asked, his tone soft, but leaving no room for her to deny. She shrugged. He just ran a hand down her arm, tangling their fingers together, squeezing once, “Nesryn.”
She sighed into his chest, “ I can't do this, Sartaq.” Gosh, she hated how her voice hitched at the end.
She felt him stiffen, hand losing its grip on hers, and Nesryn realised she should clarify. It sounded as if she didn't want to marry him. Which wasn’t-
She leaned back slightly, her free hand turning his face to her. “I don't mean I can't-”
“I’d understand, you know,” he said softly, kissing her palm, “If you didn’t. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Nesryn, I cant decline.” Decline, being Heir. But she didn’t want that for him. Or the empire.
She shook her head. “I don’t want you to, you know that. And that's not what I meant. I meant..”
She hesitated. And he saw it, “Kadja came and told me you ran straight from a meeting. Did something happen, someone said something-”
He stopped when she looked up at him. She was sure the defeated look on her face was evident.
“You know what I realised today?” she started, her voice so low he had to lean down to hear her, squeezing her hand to keep her going.
“I-Sartaq, listen,” she looked up at him, met his eyes, held them. “I love you, it's not about that, just-” She sighed, pulled away and stood up, pacing, running her hands through her hair as she thought of a way to say it.
(A/N- I had the idea in my head and I myself have no idea how to write it so we will go through it with Nesryn together and figure it out.)
“I don't want this wedding,” she started, holding up a hand to him as he stood up and made to say something. She continued pacing.
“I didn't realise until Renia said it today, but I don't like anything that has been planned for our wedding, at all. As much as I want to marry you, I can't stand all the extravagance and the expectations everyone has.” Her breath hitched halfway, silent tears streaming down her face again. But she didn't care at that point. She couldn't stop the words spilling out of her.
“I don't know half the people invited, the thought of being stared at like a centrepiece by all these people on a day like that seems so wrong. But I can't say anything, because you're the Heir. Of an empire. And people expect the most lavish event, but I don't want that. I don't want the most intricate dress in which I can't even move, I hate that dress. Everyone is so hyper fixated on the decor and food I don't even like any of it. But I'm being stupid and I'm too scared to say anything to anyone because I'll disappoint them or do something wrong. Not to mention the expectations they have of me to become empress, I don't even know what to do and I just-”
The sob ripped from her before she could stop it. She fell to her knees, he's done her hands. Sartaq was in a second. She looked up at him, saying through her tears,
“I've never been one to imagine my wedding since I was a child, but all I know is I want the day to be about us.” She waved a hand at the two of them. “ I want it to be about us, I don't want to feel out of place and made to act a certain way for a day that's about you and me. It might as well be for show then. I'd rather not have it at all.”
She couldn't breathe again, try as she might.
Hands cupped her face, making her look up, wiped away the tears streaming down her face. Gosh, she never cried like this over something so… trivial before. It was ridiculous, to cry over something most would happily take. But she didn't want it, even if she knew she'd get it.
“Nesryn,” he murmured, kneeling before her, holding her as if she was the most precious thing he ever had. He drew her to him, keeping in his arms.
“I know it's silly, to be upset about this,” she took a deep breath, lips trembling but held it together.
He just had to kiss her brow. “Not at all. I only wish you had something sooner,” he said, running a hand up and down her arm.
She felt tired all of a sudden, leaned further into him, closing her burning eyes. “ I can't bother with things like this. I should just stay quiet and let it happen, but I don't like it. If I could, we'd just have a small ceremony, friends and family. But-”
“No,” he stopped her, leading to her opening her eyes to look up at him, confused. “If that's what you want, that's what you'll get.” He said it so simply, smiling softly down at her.
She shook her head, even if she wanted to agree, “Sartaq, we can't..”
“Yes, we can. It's our wedding, no?” She nodded. “If you want a small ceremony, it's what you'll get. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. If anyone has anything to say, they can say it to me.”
It's all she wanted, wanted to hear. She felt the tears blurring her vision again.
“What about you?” she asked. He gave her a look, confused. “What do you want?” She whispered.
He smiled, leaning down to kiss briefly. He pulled back and leaned his forehead to her. “You,” he said.
She closed her eyes, heart beating too fast, chest tight. “I want you. However you'll have me. I want you to be happy, whatever it takes. If that means having a small wedding, giving up my position as heir, anything, I'll do it. I'll do anything, if it means you'll be happy. As long as I get to see you smile, I don't care what I have to do. For you, I will.”
His lips met hers, he murmured into the kiss, “I can deny you nothing, my heart.”
She opened her eyes, slowly, gazing up at him. The soft smile on his handsome face, the love shining in his eyes, they way his whole face lit up with it. She couldn't stop the little smile on her face either.
That seemed enough for him, because he crashed his lips to hers in a full kiss then. It was all consuming.
She let herself surrender to it.
…
They missed dinner by the time they got back. Not that they cared. They simply snuck off to the kitchens like teenagers sneaking around places they shouldn't. They fought to keep from laughing at their own antics.
He'd take it, he thought as he looked back at her. The beautiful grin on her flushed face nearly sent him to his knees then and there. God's, she was gorgeous. He doubted he could get enough of her. The difference of her now and the way he'd found her earlier-
He knew he had to talk to his mother. No one else, he knew that. He had a feeling Nesryn needed a mother's reassurance right now more than anything.
Aside from that, his mother would gladly guide through everything. What it was to be an empress, to ease her mind. Let her feel like she could do this, even when he knew she could.
And help her plan the wedding the way she wanted it, not how others did. That's what had been bothering her? How long? It had to be a while if she had lost it and broken down as she had today. He wanted to beat himself for not asking her sooner. He knew she likely hadn't wanted to worry him, but he didn't care now. If it bothered her, it would change, others be damned.
“This reminds me of when me and Delara used to sneak around the kitchen when we were teenagers, trying to find the pastries father used to hide from us.”
He laughed at the image that formed in his head, sparking a memory of his own. He grabbed her by the waist and set her down on the table while he filled their plates.
“Me and Borte would sneak out and hide in the great Hall when we should have been asleep. We listened to ej's stories until Bortes mother would catch us crouching over each other.”
She grinned at him, taking the wine he handed her and lured it for them while he lit a candle between them.
He leaned against the table as they were. “Now, tell me what you want.”
She knew what he meant. Tilted her head, the way she did when she was thinking, her silky hair falling over her shoulder.
“Where do I even start,” she laughed. “I never thought of getting married.” A shrug. “ I never had anything specific in mind.”
He thought about it, remembering. He nodded, “You mentioned the dress.”
She snorted, taking a sip of her wine. “The dresses. Heavens, they had me try on samples, they weighed tons.”
He placed a hand on her thigh, making her smile at him. She sighed, leaning back on one hand, playing with her food.
“I suppose..” She bit her lip, as if she wasn't sure she should say it.
“It's me, love,” Sartaq said.
She seemed almost shy when she said it, which made him grin at how adorable she looked.
“My father had a painter for his wedding, for my mother,” She started. “I remember her showing them to me, she always was beautiful.” A sad smile as she remembered her mother. He had to hold his tongue to keep from saying she took after her. Not now.
“She wore these gowns, dresses, whatever. One was this icy blue, that was my favourite, a red one and this pink and green. They weren't as gaudy and heavy as some of the others I've been shown but they were lovely. So…her.” She sighed, swirling the wine in the glass, longing clear on her face. “I suppose I wanted ones like hers. I know they can't be exactly the same, but those are ones I want, I remember them so vividly.”
He met her eyes, smiled. The candle flickered, casting shadows on her face, the light casting a golden glow on her face. Ethereal, with the smile on her face. “Then we'll call the seamstress tomorrow.”
The smile on her face was radiant.
She went on, telling him what she wanted, or what she didn't want. Again, she said she wasn't sure what she wanted. But the more she spoke, the more a clear picture came to life in his head, ideas churning.
She laughed at something, pouring more wine in her glass, then his.
“You think Kashin spared some of the desserts tonight,” she grinned.
He snorted a laugh. “A miracle that would be,” he said, grabbing her by the waist and setting her down to look. She swayed a little, likely from the wine.
She chuckled. “A miracle indeed,” uncovering the tray, then her face fell when she saw the pistachio dessert. She groaned.
It had him laughing. She glared at him, “ He did it on purpose.”
“Who's to say,” He laughed. One thing Nesryn didn't like were pistachios. Despised, she said. “Here, at least there's honey cakes.”
She let out a little groan, but took it nonetheless, then nearly tripped on her way back to their spot. Then giggled.
Giggled.
That was it. He came up behind her, grabbed her by the waist, lifted her up onto the table, grabbed her by the neck and crashed his lips to hers.
She moaned into it, those breathy, slightly raspy moans he was obsessed with.
They lost themselves then, hands roving over each other, trying to get closer, as if moulding themselves together. He-
“What are yo-oh.”
They broke apart, heads whipping to the source, both gasping for breath, as if they were youths caught doing something they weren't supposed to.
The servant stammerer, bowing, slowly walking away, murmuring an apology. He couldn't run away faster.
He looked back at Nesryn. She was still looking at the door, cheeks blushed, breathing ragged. The light of the candle flickering in her eyes, shining.
She turned to him, sensing his attention. Bit her lip to hold in her laugh, shoulders shaking, the grin lighting up her face.
....
Now I don't know where I saw it, but there was something of either Nesryn or Yrene, I don't remember. I do remember it was a wedding scene in the southern continent and someone put then in a white wedding dress?? I don't want to be mean but my friends, this is wholly Middle Eastern, the southern continent. I dare you to try to put my sweetheart in a white dress 🤺🤺🤺. Also I went on a whole Pinterest scroll because of it.
Yayy! Nesryn wedding nuptials , you did amazing 😍 especially that " he had a thought that tears don't belong in her eyes " wahhh chef's kiss writing, looking forward for more , you want the moodboard ,I'll prepare right now !
She couldn't breathe. Try as she might, Nesryn couldn't seem to get enough air into her lungs, couldn't for the life of her seem to draw in a breath.
She had to get out of here. It was suffocating, the palace. As much as she loved it, it was suffocating.
She saw nothing in front of her, lines seemed to blur, voices sounding far away. She managed to keep it together long enough until she reached the minaret.
It was muscle memory at this point, to saddle up Salkhi, moving in a trance.
She didn't know how long she flew, the moment she caught sight of a nearby cliff, she landed. Nearly tripped off the saddle, she gasped for breath. Salkhi let out what she could only call a cry of worry, nudging her with his beak.
Nesryn stroked him, reassuring him as much as giving herself something to do. He nudged her again, towards her face.
She brought as hand up-
She hadn't realised she started crying, but there she was, a steady stream of tears. She rubbed at her face, turning and nearly collapsed to the ground, leaning back against her Ruk. Brought her knees up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them and buried her face in her arms.
She felt Salkhi shift behind her, then his wing was around her, shielding her or trying to comfort her, she didn't know, but she appreciated all the same.
She gasped, trying to control her breathing, counting on her fingers, trying, trying, to calm herself.
It was so quiet up here. Just the steady rustle of the leaves against the wind, the chirping of the birds.
They had to be far from the city then, she couldn't hear even the slight bustle of the city.
It helped, being away. She didn't know how long it took, but she managed to get her breathing under control, but her face remained buried in her arms, as if trying to hide herself, from everyone and everything.
The funny thing was, she couldn't even place a certain thing that happened to have her react this way. Her day had been full of planning for her upcoming nuptials. Meeting and endless planning. Just the thought seemed to bring her to tears again. She wasn't sure what happened, but she'd left the latest meeting and this… feeling had washed over her, she couldn't place it. This sense of dread has washed over her, leaving her unable to breathe.
Unfortunately, she knew, in the back of her mind, why. It was little things that had accumulated the past months, things she shoved into the back of her mind. All it took was one sentence and it all came rushing out.
She didn't know what to do. All she knew was she wanted one of two people. But she didn't want to bother Sartaq, for it seemed trivial and only sounded like a reason to add more stress on him she didn't want to cause. It was why she'd stayed silent.
The other person was her mother. But that wasn't an option. Still, she wished she was here. Her mother always seemed to know what to do. How to calm her fears. What she wouldn't do to have a mothers reassurance and steady presence right now.
She was too far gone to notice the flap of wings, the crunch of boots on the grass. Didn't notice someone was there, that Salkhi had shifted his wings to allow him to come closer.
…
Kadja had found him right after he'd left the meeting, the worried expression on her face enough to have him pull her aside and tell him what happened.
He was saddled on Kadara not moments later. The Ruk seemed to know where to go, how, he wasn't sure. But he didn't think too much of it, not when he saw the other Ruk.
His heart was beating too fast, a sense of panic washed over him when Salkhi moved his wings, then-
His heart shattered to the ground at the sight before him. She looks so small. His throat closed up, the sight of his heart curled up, not even aware of her surroundings had him near shaking.
He knelt next to her, unsure of what to do for a moment, the feeling that this was partially his fault nagging in the back of his mind.
Slowly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t move. He brought his hand to her hair, gently stroking the dark locks of hair, as he did every night.
It took some time, but eventually, tentatively, she lifted her head, blurry eyes trying to focus. Sartaq’s chest tightened at the sight of the dried tears on her beautiful face. He had the thought that they didn't belong there.
He gave her a soft, reassuring smile, hand cupping her face, and she leaned into it. Not a second later, her face crumbled. Whatever control she had before he came disappeared then as if she couldn't control it any longer.
She launched herself at him, arms around his shoulders, her face buried in his neck, and then the first sob broke through her, and it was as if a dam broke.
He damn near felt like crying himself seeing her like this. But he only wrapped her in his arms, letting her cling to him for as long as she needed. He moved to lean back against the Ruk.
All Sartaq could do was stroke her hair, her back with her sitting sideways on his lap, whispering into her hair.
…
By the gods, the more she thought, the more the reason for her breakdown seemed…silly. But she had no control over herself anymore. Whatever control she did have was overshadowed by all the little incidents and feelings she was so used to shoving to the side.
She stopped trying to regain that control the moment the sob tore through her chest at the sight of Sartaq. Damn it all.
She clung to him like a lifeline, and he didn't seem to want to let go either. The words he whispered to her only made her cry harder.
She didn’t know how long they stayed that way. How long she tried to focus on his words, to focus. But she did, at some point.
Nesryn stayed that way, clinging to him, face buried in his hair until she stopped. Then took in deep breaths, and stopped shaking, until she was back to herself. Or somewhat herself.
She turned her head against him to rest on his chest, her hand playing with the buckles on his leathers. She said nothing. Nearly went back to tears at the soft kiss he placed on her hair.
“What happened,” he asked, his tone soft, but leaving no room for her to deny. She shrugged. He just ran a hand down her arm, tangling their fingers together, squeezing once, “Nesryn.”
She sighed into his chest, “ I can't do this, Sartaq.” Gosh, she hated how her voice hitched at the end.
She felt him stiffen, hand losing its grip on hers, and Nesryn realised she should clarify. It sounded as if she didn't want to marry him. Which wasn’t-
She leaned back slightly, her free hand turning his face to her. “I don't mean I can't-”
“I’d understand, you know,” he said softly, kissing her palm, “If you didn’t. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Nesryn, I cant decline.” Decline, being Heir. But she didn’t want that for him. Or the empire.
She shook her head. “I don’t want you to, you know that. And that's not what I meant. I meant..”
She hesitated. And he saw it, “Kadja came and told me you ran straight from a meeting. Did something happen, someone said something-”
He stopped when she looked up at him. She was sure the defeated look on her face was evident.
“You know what I realised today?” she started, her voice so low he had to lean down to hear her, squeezing her hand to keep her going.
“I-Sartaq, listen,” she looked up at him, met his eyes, held them. “I love you, it's not about that, just-” She sighed, pulled away and stood up, pacing, running her hands through her hair as she thought of a way to say it.
(A/N- I had the idea in my head and I myself have no idea how to write it so we will go through it with Nesryn together and figure it out.)
“I don't want this wedding,” she started, holding up a hand to him as he stood up and made to say something. She continued pacing.
“I didn't realise until Renia said it today, but I don't like anything that has been planned for our wedding, at all. As much as I want to marry you, I can't stand all the extravagance and the expectations everyone has.” Her breath hitched halfway, silent tears streaming down her face again. But she didn't care at that point. She couldn't stop the words spilling out of her.
“I don't know half the people invited, the thought of being stared at like a centrepiece by all these people on a day like that seems so wrong. But I can't say anything, because you're the Heir. Of an empire. And people expect the most lavish event, but I don't want that. I don't want the most intricate dress in which I can't even move, I hate that dress. Everyone is so hyper fixated on the decor and food I don't even like any of it. But I'm being stupid and I'm too scared to say anything to anyone because I'll disappoint them or do something wrong. Not to mention the expectations they have of me to become empress, I don't even know what to do and I just-”
The sob ripped from her before she could stop it. She fell to her knees, he's done her hands. Sartaq was in a second. She looked up at him, saying through her tears,
“I've never been one to imagine my wedding since I was a child, but all I know is I want the day to be about us.” She waved a hand at the two of them. “ I want it to be about us, I don't want to feel out of place and made to act a certain way for a day that's about you and me. It might as well be for show then. I'd rather not have it at all.”
She couldn't breathe again, try as she might.
Hands cupped her face, making her look up, wiped away the tears streaming down her face. Gosh, she never cried like this over something so… trivial before. It was ridiculous, to cry over something most would happily take. But she didn't want it, even if she knew she'd get it.
“Nesryn,” he murmured, kneeling before her, holding her as if she was the most precious thing he ever had. He drew her to him, keeping in his arms.
“I know it's silly, to be upset about this,” she took a deep breath, lips trembling but held it together.
He just had to kiss her brow. “Not at all. I only wish you had something sooner,” he said, running a hand up and down her arm.
She felt tired all of a sudden, leaned further into him, closing her burning eyes. “ I can't bother with things like this. I should just stay quiet and let it happen, but I don't like it. If I could, we'd just have a small ceremony, friends and family. But-”
“No,” he stopped her, leading to her opening her eyes to look up at him, confused. “If that's what you want, that's what you'll get.” He said it so simply, smiling softly down at her.
She shook her head, even if she wanted to agree, “Sartaq, we can't..”
“Yes, we can. It's our wedding, no?” She nodded. “If you want a small ceremony, it's what you'll get. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. If anyone has anything to say, they can say it to me.”
It's all she wanted, wanted to hear. She felt the tears blurring her vision again.
“What about you?” she asked. He gave her a look, confused. “What do you want?” She whispered.
He smiled, leaning down to kiss briefly. He pulled back and leaned his forehead to her. “You,” he said.
She closed her eyes, heart beating too fast, chest tight. “I want you. However you'll have me. I want you to be happy, whatever it takes. If that means having a small wedding, giving up my position as heir, anything, I'll do it. I'll do anything, if it means you'll be happy. As long as I get to see you smile, I don't care what I have to do. For you, I will.”
His lips met hers, he murmured into the kiss, “I can deny you nothing, my heart.”
She opened her eyes, slowly, gazing up at him. The soft smile on his handsome face, the love shining in his eyes, they way his whole face lit up with it. She couldn't stop the little smile on her face either.
That seemed enough for him, because he crashed his lips to hers in a full kiss then. It was all consuming.
She let herself surrender to it.
…
They missed dinner by the time they got back. Not that they cared. They simply snuck off to the kitchens like teenagers sneaking around places they shouldn't. They fought to keep from laughing at their own antics.
He'd take it, he thought as he looked back at her. The beautiful grin on her flushed face nearly sent him to his knees then and there. God's, she was gorgeous. He doubted he could get enough of her. The difference of her now and the way he'd found her earlier-
He knew he had to talk to his mother. No one else, he knew that. He had a feeling Nesryn needed a mother's reassurance right now more than anything.
Aside from that, his mother would gladly guide through everything. What it was to be an empress, to ease her mind. Let her feel like she could do this, even when he knew she could.
And help her plan the wedding the way she wanted it, not how others did. That's what had been bothering her? How long? It had to be a while if she had lost it and broken down as she had today. He wanted to beat himself for not asking her sooner. He knew she likely hadn't wanted to worry him, but he didn't care now. If it bothered her, it would change, others be damned.
“This reminds me of when me and Delara used to sneak around the kitchen when we were teenagers, trying to find the pastries father used to hide from us.”
He laughed at the image that formed in his head, sparking a memory of his own. He grabbed her by the waist and set her down on the table while he filled their plates.
“Me and Borte would sneak out and hide in the great Hall when we should have been asleep. We listened to ej's stories until Bortes mother would catch us crouching over each other.”
She grinned at him, taking the wine he handed her and lured it for them while he lit a candle between them.
He leaned against the table as they were. “Now, tell me what you want.”
She knew what he meant. Tilted her head, the way she did when she was thinking, her silky hair falling over her shoulder.
“Where do I even start,” she laughed. “I never thought of getting married.” A shrug. “ I never had anything specific in mind.”
He thought about it, remembering. He nodded, “You mentioned the dress.”
She snorted, taking a sip of her wine. “The dresses. Heavens, they had me try on samples, they weighed tons.”
He placed a hand on her thigh, making her smile at him. She sighed, leaning back on one hand, playing with her food.
“I suppose..” She bit her lip, as if she wasn't sure she should say it.
“It's me, love,” Sartaq said.
She seemed almost shy when she said it, which made him grin at how adorable she looked.
“My father had a painter for his wedding, for my mother,” She started. “I remember her showing them to me, she always was beautiful.” A sad smile as she remembered her mother. He had to hold his tongue to keep from saying she took after her. Not now.
“She wore these gowns, dresses, whatever. One was this icy blue, that was my favourite, a red one and this pink and green. They weren't as gaudy and heavy as some of the others I've been shown but they were lovely. So…her.” She sighed, swirling the wine in the glass, longing clear on her face. “I suppose I wanted ones like hers. I know they can't be exactly the same, but those are ones I want, I remember them so vividly.”
He met her eyes, smiled. The candle flickered, casting shadows on her face, the light casting a golden glow on her face. Ethereal, with the smile on her face. “Then we'll call the seamstress tomorrow.”
The smile on her face was radiant.
She went on, telling him what she wanted, or what she didn't want. Again, she said she wasn't sure what she wanted. But the more she spoke, the more a clear picture came to life in his head, ideas churning.
She laughed at something, pouring more wine in her glass, then his.
“You think Kashin spared some of the desserts tonight,” she grinned.
He snorted a laugh. “A miracle that would be,” he said, grabbing her by the waist and setting her down to look. She swayed a little, likely from the wine.
She chuckled. “A miracle indeed,” uncovering the tray, then her face fell when she saw the pistachio dessert. She groaned.
It had him laughing. She glared at him, “ He did it on purpose.”
“Who's to say,” He laughed. One thing Nesryn didn't like were pistachios. Despised, she said. “Here, at least there's honey cakes.”
She let out a little groan, but took it nonetheless, then nearly tripped on her way back to their spot. Then giggled.
Giggled.
That was it. He came up behind her, grabbed her by the waist, lifted her up onto the table, grabbed her by the neck and crashed his lips to hers.
She moaned into it, those breathy, slightly raspy moans he was obsessed with.
They lost themselves then, hands roving over each other, trying to get closer, as if moulding themselves together. He-
“What are yo-oh.”
They broke apart, heads whipping to the source, both gasping for breath, as if they were youths caught doing something they weren't supposed to.
The servant stammerer, bowing, slowly walking away, murmuring an apology. He couldn't run away faster.
He looked back at Nesryn. She was still looking at the door, cheeks blushed, breathing ragged. The light of the candle flickering in her eyes, shining.
She turned to him, sensing his attention. Bit her lip to hold in her laugh, shoulders shaking, the grin lighting up her face.
....
Now I don't know where I saw it, but there was something of either Nesryn or Yrene, I don't remember. I do remember it was a wedding scene in the southern continent and someone put then in a white wedding dress?? I don't want to be mean but my friends, this is wholly Middle Eastern, the southern continent. I dare you to try to put my sweetheart in a white dress 🤺🤺🤺. Also I went on a whole Pinterest scroll because of it.
Yayy! Nesryn wedding nuptials , you did amazing 😍 especially that " he had a thought that tears don't belong in her eyes " wahhh chef's kiss writing, looking forward for more , you want the moodboard ,I'll prepare right now !
So I was thinking about doing some spicy arts and decide to start with some light version 😋😏. Hope you enjoy this beautiful scene with Aelin and Rowan🫣❤️❤️❤️.
Characters from “Throne of glass” series by Sarah J Maas 🔥🔥🔥.
"I have no idea who these people are, but my cousin's puppy dragon seems fond of these losers and I do not want him to cry when they inevitably get beaten up so better help them out. That overgrown lizard has his own agenda."
Sartaq was so alone for the " 3 months". He spent away from nesryn , often the nights were longer without her at his side, he was so used to her calming presence that when she wasn't there, he felt restless,agitated like a storm wind , he want to again feel like the calm breeze of the sea.
The gentle caress of his lover, made him forget all the wounds of life, which are visible and invisible.
Her eyes which are always full of love and joy , her curiosity and excitement. when she is near him, she makes him forget all his years of existence.
Sighing, he sleeps on his bed in erudin aerie, sleep was almost claiming him, when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, he opened his eyes , " Are you for real" he whispered, Nesryn whispers, " yes, sartaq". Sartaq let's out a sound filled with joy, " how come you are here ,at the night time , did you journey here at night , you know how dangerous it is ," her carelessness though brought him joy could have also brought him endless grief. Nesryn smiled, "nothing is more haunting then living without you ". Sartaq pulled her closer for a kiss , he will be angry on her , but kiss comes first. He murmered near her lips " you could have gone to heaven , with the ride you just took " . Nesryn replied " I don't even need heaven without you ". Unable to be anymore angry at her , he laid his shoulder to use as her pillow ,and pulled her feet over his ,and wrapped his arms around her. Finally two hearbeats became one.
Borte was the first to come out just as Kadara and Sulkhi landed in the great hall in the quirlet of the night, his Ruk going as gentle as possible.
“About time you brought her here,” his hearth sister grumbled, though her eyes lit up when her eyes landed on the carrier wrapped securely around his chest.
Houlun came up behind her just as Nesryn chuckled, a sound that, to this day, made his heart flutter, and began unbuckling herself from her saddle, making him do that same. “At least let them put their feet to the ground, child.”
“You can hardly blame me, they kept us waiting this long.”
His wife dismounted, graceful as a dancer, “You didn’t see the fight we put up just to come here,” she said as a way of explaining as she gave them both a swift but tight hug before making her way over to him.
“What, did they think the Ruks would eat her,” Borte snorted.
“I was sure they were going to lock her away from us by the end,” he mused as he carefully handed the sleeping babe over to Nesryn before dismounting himself, just as Houlun and Borte came around Nesyn. The babe, their little Ayla, only made a small sound that he was sure was a grumble before resting her head on her mother's shoulder, her arms lightly wrapped around her neck, completely at peace as she slept.
She’d fallen asleep on the flight over. A flight that may not have happened had he not argued endlessly with his family first, then reassured Nesryn over and over that it was safe enough to bring the babe to the Rukhin.
She tried to argue against it, but he’d seen how much she had needed it. How tired she was, of everything.
They’d been married three years now, and though they hadn’t talked about children, Ayla had been a surprise, but not an unwelcome one, not at all. Sartaq’s overwhelming joy aside, he’d never seen Nesryn so…happy before. Or happier than she had been. He saw it, since finding out they were having the babe, which nearly took the knees out from under him, to the hard pregnancy in which he’d never seen her so tired, exhausted, to the moment they placed the screaming little girl in her arms. Through it all, she’d had this joy that made him fall in love with her over and over again, each time he saw her.
But the past six months had been tiring. For both of them.
For him, with his responsibilities as Heir, and with taking care of a newborn with many sleepless nights alongside his wife. And for her. Though she never said anything, never complained, but he saw it. Both mother and daughter were attached, so much so that Ayla would get cranky or cry if Nesryn so much as put her down, not that the babe cried often. And Nesryn was just as protective of their little one, but when it came to her duties, it was difficult.
And as much help as she had with his and her own family, he saw how uncomfortable it made her, how she didn’t seem to like handing their daughter over all day for someone else to handle. It didn’t help that due to the families, there was always someone wanting to hold the child, especially when he and his wife were alone. He’d take in the flash of annoyance on her face, the slight twitches of her hand. And though they both appreciated the help, it got rather… stifling. Suffocating.
So when he had suggested they finally come to the Rukhin, the relief that had flooded her face, despite her worries, had him arranging for them to leave as soon as they were able. There had been protests, but there was not much they could do to stop them now was there.
And he saw it now, he was right to bring them here. It seemed as though a weight had been lifted off of Nesryns shoulders, how much more relaxed she looked here than back in Antica.
“ I would have liked to see them try,” Borte said, as she lightly stroked Ayla’s cheeks, “I was one more week away from coming down there myself. Oh, she’s adorable.” A smirk as she glanced at the two of them, “Thankfully she looks like her mother. It would have been unfortunate if she poor thing took after Sartaq.”
Nesryn laughed, to which he gave her a teasing glance before being pulled into an embrace by his hearth mother, alongside words of congratulations before pulling away.
“You two seem like you’ve seen better days,” she said as she looked them over.
“Of rest,” Nesryn muttered. Houlun chuckled. Borte made to say something but was cut off with a sharp glance from her grandmother.
“Go on, sleep. We can talk in the morning.”
…
Nesryn didn’t know who was nice enough to have a crib placed in their room and she wasn’t going to ask around tonight anyway. She carefully laid Ayla down, tucking her in as gently as possible to not jostle her.
She wanted at least a few hours of sleep tonight, especially after the long flight here. It wasn’t that her daughter cried a lot, the problem was that when she and Sartaq had to attend to their duties, they had no choice but to have someone else look after her, much to her dismay. Even more so when they had her sleep through the day, making her wide awake at night. And the two of them having to stay awake with her, until she eventually falls asleep with only a few hours for them to sleep through.
To be fair, as much as the two were attached to one another, her Ayla tended to be cranky when she was out of her arms, eventually leading her to cry. So the only thing for anyone to do to calm her was to put her to sleep. It didn’t sit right with her, broke her heart each time her little one reached for her.
She never complained though. Not even to Sartaq, who she knew felt the same pain each time just as she did, if only because he had enough to worry about as is, but also because he stayed awake with her every night, even when she insisted he could sleep. At one point he just said, “I won’t be the father who sleeps peacefully while my wife stays awake every night. You too are my heart, I can’t rest until you both are.” And that had been the end of it, and so they stayed awake, and she enjoyed those moments the three of them spent together, just them in the quiet of the night. But all of it was certainly taking a toll on both of them, she hadn’t dared to say anything.
But when Sartaq had suggested coming here, she hadn't put up too big of a fight. At the very least, she didn’t have to consistently worry and be on her feet. She was hoping they could spend some time together, without the constant weight of having to attend to their duties every few minutes.
She sighed just as the door opened, “Here’s to hoping she sleeps through the night,” she said as she turned to Sartaq.
He chuckled, the sound making her chest flutter, even after all these years. “She was awake most of the day ride here, I think she just might,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her.
She closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest as she returned the embrace. She felt him lose a breath, one hand stroking down her back, the other on the back of her head, placing a kiss at the top of her head. She leaned further into him, his hair wet from the bath he’d taken, likely as quickly as possible.
She wanted to stay this way forever. This quiet, peaceful kind of moment. Just them. In each other's arms.
“Sometimes I feel terrible,” he murmured into her hair, “For bringing all this upon you.” Another kiss. “This life and duties you never wanted.”
She pulled away enough to look into his eyes. “I knew what I getting myself into,” she whispered, bringing a hand up to cup his cheek. He leaned into it. “I knew what was expected, that things like this would happen. But I didn’t mind it, I still don’t.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to rest his forehead to hers, “I don’t mind any of it, not as long as I have you at the end of it.”
He closed his eyes, eyes she’d gotten lost in so, so many times. “You’ll have me,” he murmured, lips grazing hers, “For as long as you wish. I could deny you nothing, Nesryn.”
She smiled at that, stealing a kiss. “If I remember correctly, you were the one who was rather insistent-”
He cut her off, crashing his lips to hers. She closed her eyes, returning the gesture in kind. Gods, she would have him forever, could never get tired of it. Of the press of his chest against hers as he pulled her tighter against him, the hand tangling itself in her hair, holding her ever so close to him. She let out a little moan, which only encouraged him further, not that she complained.
His tongue had just grazed hers when a little whine had them instantly pulling away, necks snapping as they turned to the crib. They didn’t dare breathe too loud, but Ayla only twisted a little before settling down once again.
She turned to Sartaq just as he did before smiling, laughing, albeit a quietly as they could. She buried her face in his neck, trying to stifle her laugh, he buried his face in her hair as he tried to do the same, his chest shaking from the effort.
Eventually, they calmed down enough. He pressed a kiss to her hair and said quietly, “Best to go clean up while she is still asleep.”
She snorted, looking up at him, “ You make it sound like she’s going to wake up any second.”
He smiled, giving her one last kiss, she’ll never get tired of it, before pulling away. “I’ll look after her if she does. Now go.
She frowned. “That's not what-”
“Shh, I said I’ll do it, my love.”
“You are just as tired as I am,” she argued.
He only smiled, as if it was a joke. It was infuriating, she thought as he gently nudged her. She sighed, not in the mood to argue this over. At least not at the moment.
…
Nesryn awoke to soft hands on her face, and a sound that sounded suspiciously close to “ma.”
Ever so slowly, she opened her eyes to find an identical pair of dark brown eyes on her with a smile that could’ve melted the coldest of hearts, the one that turned into a laugh. She couldn’t help her smile at the sight, even more so at the laugh that sounded from the other side of the bed, behind the babe.
“Look who's finally awake,” Sartaq teased. Nesryn looked over Ayla to find Sartaq leaning on his side on the bed, both dressed for the day, it seemed.
Nesryn could care less at the moment, not when she finally felt rested after so long. Funny how good one slept knowing they didn’t need to be awake as the sun rises. Though she had woken up once at night, only because Ayla was hungry, after which she went right back to sleep. She was sure she slept in, and would likely get teased by Borte relentlessly, but Nesryn couldn’t find in her to care.
She stretched out her arms, awake, but not as willing to leave the warmth of the bed, so she wrapped her arms around her babe, who let out those addictingly adorable giggles, and let herself be wrapped in her arms.
Nesryn pulled her in close, breathing in the baby's soft scent she couldn’t get tired of. Ayla didn’t seem to mind either, she lay content in her arms, head on her chest, and let out that sound that sounded like “ma” again. She knew she would start making those little sounds around now, alongside the little jousts of crawling. She has enough nieces and nephews to know that.
Even so, she looked over at her husband when she did see it, a smug look on her face.
He only gave a mock sigh before moving to wrap his arms under her, pulling them both into his embrace in blissful comfort. “I try not to get jealous of that,” he said, feigning hurt.
She laughed, her voice still raspy from just waking up, and kissed her daughter's hair. “I think your da’s jealous, Ayla,” she mocks whispered. Sartaq pinched her side, making her laugh.
“How long has she been awake,” Nesryn asked as Ayla sat up on her lap, babbling and grabbing at anything at arm's length.
“I told you I’d take her if she did, don’t worry about it.” Frowning, she glanced up at him but he cut her off before she could say anything. “You were rather deep in sleep, love. The fact that I got her up and ready without you so much as moving was enough.”
She waited for the rush of guilt, but it didn’t come. Maybe because she had wanted that sleep, or she wasn’t fully awake enough to feel anything yet.
She sighed. “How long did I sleep in?” She was afraid, not really to hear it.
“It’s a little past noon. Oh, everyone already came and went after meeting her out in the great hall,” he explained, stroking Ayla’s hair, making her pause and look up at him, giving him a toothless little smile before continuing in her little world.
They smiled at that before he continued. “I know you hate the passing-her-around, so I thought having it done and over with. Also, the teasing is only reserved for me it seems, since no one seems inclined to give you a tough time for sleepin' in.”
She couldn’t help her laugh at that. She felt good about that, maybe even smug, considering the stories he had told her about how relentless the Rukhin had been with him.
Sartaq tried to act annoyed, but he couldn’t hide the amusement on his, or the smile.
Ayla had no idea what was happening but laughed all the same. Nesryn grabbed her under the arms, lifting her and bringing her down to blow kisses on her cheeks, making her laugh and squirm, the sound making her heart soar in her chest.
…
“She didn’t fuss much earlier did she?” she asked after changing, standing in front of the vanity as she braided her hair.
Sartaq, on the bed with Ayla, a picture book open in front of her, said, “No. I think she was more focused on the cap she kept trying to take off.” An amused look at that, “I don’t think she liked being this bundled up.”
She snorted a laugh. “She’ll get used to it. But-”
There was a knock on the door then, and opened without waiting for an answer. Borte smirked at her, “You think you can join us for lunch this time.”
“I was debating a nap just now,” Nesryn said, finishing her braid. Her hair was longer now, past her shoulders, which surprisingly she didn’t seem to mind.
“Well,” Borte said, sitting down next to Ayla, who looked up at her, curious, “If you're so inclined, but just give this one too us.”
“I think you have your husband for that,” Sartaq teased.
A snort. “As if the bastard is good for anything.”
Nesryn and Sartaq shared a look that Borte chose to ignore. She never understood how these two worked, only that they did, in their own weird way. Honestly, she'd stopped trying to keep up with them. If only because everything they did changed every other day, after saying something completely different the before.
“But I still think you could've brought her over sooner,” Borte started. A pointed glance at her as she came towards them, Sartaq sitting up. “You haven't been back in over a year. Instead this one kept coming and going.”
Sartaq laughed. “Just say you missed me, Borte. I won't tell.” He grinned, then reached out an arm, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer to him.
A snort, which made Ayla let out a little laugh. Borte looked over and smiled at her. “As if,” she said, “but just so you both know, I'm holding you accountable for the glares and badgering my dear grandmother is sure to give me.”
“Won't you listen to her,” Nesryn teased her, moving to pick her daughter, who had started to crawl towards her, or was trying to, the picture book forgotten and shoved to the side, gave her a laugh, the smile on her face contagious as she wrapped her arms as best as she could around her. “I think Ayla wants a friend, don't you, love,” she said, tickling her little cheek, making her giggle as she squirmed in her arms.
“I think she has plenty back in her little palace.”
Sartaq grinned, “Not one here.”
The pillow on his face came so fast she didn't even see it, followed by a humph before she got up and left, leaving her and Sartaq laughing.
She only peaked back inside to say, “Oh just so you're aware, the other clans would be dying to meet their captains child. Better get to it.”
-----
For all the Nestaq shippers like me out there. I'll probably do a part 2 to this. Maybe. We'll see.
One thing sartaq observed is , he can't sleep without her , so for now the shining moon is substituting for his neith's arrow, it was well past dinner in the khaganate palace, moon was shining bright in its all aura, wind has been carrying Jasmine's scent from the hanging gardens , soft breeze were making curtains of their bedroom flutter, indicator of an empty bed.
Nesryn was in a meeting with the khajis, for construction of rivers, and Saving of monsoon water , particularly in the tawan mountains
She sweared not one life will be claimed by the hell god due to drought and has been researching since then. The sound of soldiers alerting made his shoulders turn , oh sweet lord finally he can sleep, Nesryn , entering the door muttered " feeling bad love to keep you waiting". With that she grabbed his collar and kissed him, all his complaints dissolved in the comfort of his lover" .
Borte was the first to come out just as Kadara and Sulkhi landed in the great hall in the quirlet of the night, his Ruk going as gentle as possible.
“About time you brought her here,” his hearth sister grumbled, though her eyes lit up when her eyes landed on the carrier wrapped securely around his chest.
Houlun came up behind her just as Nesryn chuckled, a sound that, to this day, made his heart flutter, and began unbuckling herself from her saddle, making him do that same. “At least let them put their feet to the ground, child.”
“You can hardly blame me, they kept us waiting this long.”
His wife dismounted, graceful as a dancer, “You didn’t see the fight we put up just to come here,” she said as a way of explaining as she gave them both a swift but tight hug before making her way over to him.
“What, did they think the Ruks would eat her,” Borte snorted.
“I was sure they were going to lock her away from us by the end,” he mused as he carefully handed the sleeping babe over to Nesryn before dismounting himself, just as Houlun and Borte came around Nesyn. The babe, their little Ayla, only made a small sound that he was sure was a grumble before resting her head on her mother's shoulder, her arms lightly wrapped around her neck, completely at peace as she slept.
She’d fallen asleep on the flight over. A flight that may not have happened had he not argued endlessly with his family first, then reassured Nesryn over and over that it was safe enough to bring the babe to the Rukhin.
She tried to argue against it, but he’d seen how much she had needed it. How tired she was, of everything.
They’d been married three years now, and though they hadn’t talked about children, Ayla had been a surprise, but not an unwelcome one, not at all. Sartaq’s overwhelming joy aside, he’d never seen Nesryn so…happy before. Or happier than she had been. He saw it, since finding out they were having the babe, which nearly took the knees out from under him, to the hard pregnancy in which he’d never seen her so tired, exhausted, to the moment they placed the screaming little girl in her arms. Through it all, she’d had this joy that made him fall in love with her over and over again, each time he saw her.
But the past six months had been tiring. For both of them.
For him, with his responsibilities as Heir, and with taking care of a newborn with many sleepless nights alongside his wife. And for her. Though she never said anything, never complained, but he saw it. Both mother and daughter were attached, so much so that Ayla would get cranky or cry if Nesryn so much as put her down, not that the babe cried often. And Nesryn was just as protective of their little one, but when it came to her duties, it was difficult.
And as much help as she had with his and her own family, he saw how uncomfortable it made her, how she didn’t seem to like handing their daughter over all day for someone else to handle. It didn’t help that due to the families, there was always someone wanting to hold the child, especially when he and his wife were alone. He’d take in the flash of annoyance on her face, the slight twitches of her hand. And though they both appreciated the help, it got rather… stifling. Suffocating.
So when he had suggested they finally come to the Rukhin, the relief that had flooded her face, despite her worries, had him arranging for them to leave as soon as they were able. There had been protests, but there was not much they could do to stop them now was there.
And he saw it now, he was right to bring them here. It seemed as though a weight had been lifted off of Nesryns shoulders, how much more relaxed she looked here than back in Antica.
“ I would have liked to see them try,” Borte said, as she lightly stroked Ayla’s cheeks, “I was one more week away from coming down there myself. Oh, she’s adorable.” A smirk as she glanced at the two of them, “Thankfully she looks like her mother. It would have been unfortunate if she poor thing took after Sartaq.”
Nesryn laughed, to which he gave her a teasing glance before being pulled into an embrace by his hearth mother, alongside words of congratulations before pulling away.
“You two seem like you’ve seen better days,” she said as she looked them over.
“Of rest,” Nesryn muttered. Houlun chuckled. Borte made to say something but was cut off with a sharp glance from her grandmother.
“Go on, sleep. We can talk in the morning.”
…
Nesryn didn’t know who was nice enough to have a crib placed in their room and she wasn’t going to ask around tonight anyway. She carefully laid Ayla down, tucking her in as gently as possible to not jostle her.
She wanted at least a few hours of sleep tonight, especially after the long flight here. It wasn’t that her daughter cried a lot, the problem was that when she and Sartaq had to attend to their duties, they had no choice but to have someone else look after her, much to her dismay. Even more so when they had her sleep through the day, making her wide awake at night. And the two of them having to stay awake with her, until she eventually falls asleep with only a few hours for them to sleep through.
To be fair, as much as the two were attached to one another, her Ayla tended to be cranky when she was out of her arms, eventually leading her to cry. So the only thing for anyone to do to calm her was to put her to sleep. It didn’t sit right with her, broke her heart each time her little one reached for her.
She never complained though. Not even to Sartaq, who she knew felt the same pain each time just as she did, if only because he had enough to worry about as is, but also because he stayed awake with her every night, even when she insisted he could sleep. At one point he just said, “I won’t be the father who sleeps peacefully while my wife stays awake every night. You too are my heart, I can’t rest until you both are.” And that had been the end of it, and so they stayed awake, and she enjoyed those moments the three of them spent together, just them in the quiet of the night. But all of it was certainly taking a toll on both of them, she hadn’t dared to say anything.
But when Sartaq had suggested coming here, she hadn't put up too big of a fight. At the very least, she didn’t have to consistently worry and be on her feet. She was hoping they could spend some time together, without the constant weight of having to attend to their duties every few minutes.
She sighed just as the door opened, “Here’s to hoping she sleeps through the night,” she said as she turned to Sartaq.
He chuckled, the sound making her chest flutter, even after all these years. “She was awake most of the day ride here, I think she just might,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her.
She closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest as she returned the embrace. She felt him lose a breath, one hand stroking down her back, the other on the back of her head, placing a kiss at the top of her head. She leaned further into him, his hair wet from the bath he’d taken, likely as quickly as possible.
She wanted to stay this way forever. This quiet, peaceful kind of moment. Just them. In each other's arms.
“Sometimes I feel terrible,” he murmured into her hair, “For bringing all this upon you.” Another kiss. “This life and duties you never wanted.”
She pulled away enough to look into his eyes. “I knew what I getting myself into,” she whispered, bringing a hand up to cup his cheek. He leaned into it. “I knew what was expected, that things like this would happen. But I didn’t mind it, I still don’t.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to rest his forehead to hers, “I don’t mind any of it, not as long as I have you at the end of it.”
He closed his eyes, eyes she’d gotten lost in so, so many times. “You’ll have me,” he murmured, lips grazing hers, “For as long as you wish. I could deny you nothing, Nesryn.”
She smiled at that, stealing a kiss. “If I remember correctly, you were the one who was rather insistent-”
He cut her off, crashing his lips to hers. She closed her eyes, returning the gesture in kind. Gods, she would have him forever, could never get tired of it. Of the press of his chest against hers as he pulled her tighter against him, the hand tangling itself in her hair, holding her ever so close to him. She let out a little moan, which only encouraged him further, not that she complained.
His tongue had just grazed hers when a little whine had them instantly pulling away, necks snapping as they turned to the crib. They didn’t dare breathe too loud, but Ayla only twisted a little before settling down once again.
She turned to Sartaq just as he did before smiling, laughing, albeit a quietly as they could. She buried her face in his neck, trying to stifle her laugh, he buried his face in her hair as he tried to do the same, his chest shaking from the effort.
Eventually, they calmed down enough. He pressed a kiss to her hair and said quietly, “Best to go clean up while she is still asleep.”
She snorted, looking up at him, “ You make it sound like she’s going to wake up any second.”
He smiled, giving her one last kiss, she’ll never get tired of it, before pulling away. “I’ll look after her if she does. Now go.
She frowned. “That's not what-”
“Shh, I said I’ll do it, my love.”
“You are just as tired as I am,” she argued.
He only smiled, as if it was a joke. It was infuriating, she thought as he gently nudged her. She sighed, not in the mood to argue this over. At least not at the moment.
…
Nesryn awoke to soft hands on her face, and a sound that sounded suspiciously close to “ma.”
Ever so slowly, she opened her eyes to find an identical pair of dark brown eyes on her with a smile that could’ve melted the coldest of hearts, the one that turned into a laugh. She couldn’t help her smile at the sight, even more so at the laugh that sounded from the other side of the bed, behind the babe.
“Look who's finally awake,” Sartaq teased. Nesryn looked over Ayla to find Sartaq leaning on his side on the bed, both dressed for the day, it seemed.
Nesryn could care less at the moment, not when she finally felt rested after so long. Funny how good one slept knowing they didn’t need to be awake as the sun rises. Though she had woken up once at night, only because Ayla was hungry, after which she went right back to sleep. She was sure she slept in, and would likely get teased by Borte relentlessly, but Nesryn couldn’t find in her to care.
She stretched out her arms, awake, but not as willing to leave the warmth of the bed, so she wrapped her arms around her babe, who let out those addictingly adorable giggles, and let herself be wrapped in her arms.
Nesryn pulled her in close, breathing in the baby's soft scent she couldn’t get tired of. Ayla didn’t seem to mind either, she lay content in her arms, head on her chest, and let out that sound that sounded like “ma” again. She knew she would start making those little sounds around now, alongside the little jousts of crawling. She has enough nieces and nephews to know that.
Even so, she looked over at her husband when she did see it, a smug look on her face.
He only gave a mock sigh before moving to wrap his arms under her, pulling them both into his embrace in blissful comfort. “I try not to get jealous of that,” he said, feigning hurt.
She laughed, her voice still raspy from just waking up, and kissed her daughter's hair. “I think your da’s jealous, Ayla,” she mocks whispered. Sartaq pinched her side, making her laugh.
“How long has she been awake,” Nesryn asked as Ayla sat up on her lap, babbling and grabbing at anything at arm's length.
“I told you I’d take her if she did, don’t worry about it.” Frowning, she glanced up at him but he cut her off before she could say anything. “You were rather deep in sleep, love. The fact that I got her up and ready without you so much as moving was enough.”
She waited for the rush of guilt, but it didn’t come. Maybe because she had wanted that sleep, or she wasn’t fully awake enough to feel anything yet.
She sighed. “How long did I sleep in?” She was afraid, not really to hear it.
“It’s a little past noon. Oh, everyone already came and went after meeting her out in the great hall,” he explained, stroking Ayla’s hair, making her pause and look up at him, giving him a toothless little smile before continuing in her little world.
They smiled at that before he continued. “I know you hate the passing-her-around, so I thought having it done and over with. Also, the teasing is only reserved for me it seems, since no one seems inclined to give you a tough time for sleepin' in.”
She couldn’t help her laugh at that. She felt good about that, maybe even smug, considering the stories he had told her about how relentless the Rukhin had been with him.
Sartaq tried to act annoyed, but he couldn’t hide the amusement on his, or the smile.
Ayla had no idea what was happening but laughed all the same. Nesryn grabbed her under the arms, lifting her and bringing her down to blow kisses on her cheeks, making her laugh and squirm, the sound making her heart soar in her chest.
…
“She didn’t fuss much earlier did she?” she asked after changing, standing in front of the vanity as she braided her hair.
Sartaq, on the bed with Ayla, a picture book open in front of her, said, “No. I think she was more focused on the cap she kept trying to take off.” An amused look at that, “I don’t think she liked being this bundled up.”
She snorted a laugh. “She’ll get used to it. But-”
There was a knock on the door then, and opened without waiting for an answer. Borte smirked at her, “You think you can join us for lunch this time.”
“I was debating a nap just now,” Nesryn said, finishing her braid. Her hair was longer now, past her shoulders, which surprisingly she didn’t seem to mind.
“Well,” Borte said, sitting down next to Ayla, who looked up at her, curious, “If you're so inclined, but just give this one too us.”
“I think you have your husband for that,” Sartaq teased.
A snort. “As if the bastard is good for anything.”
Nesryn and Sartaq shared a look that Borte chose to ignore. She never understood how these two worked, only that they did, in their own weird way. Honestly, she'd stopped trying to keep up with them. If only because everything they did changed every other day, after saying something completely different the before.
“But I still think you could've brought her over sooner,” Borte started. A pointed glance at her as she came towards them, Sartaq sitting up. “You haven't been back in over a year. Instead this one kept coming and going.”
Sartaq laughed. “Just say you missed me, Borte. I won't tell.” He grinned, then reached out an arm, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer to him.
A snort, which made Ayla let out a little laugh. Borte looked over and smiled at her. “As if,” she said, “but just so you both know, I'm holding you accountable for the glares and badgering my dear grandmother is sure to give me.”
“Won't you listen to her,” Nesryn teased her, moving to pick her daughter, who had started to crawl towards her, or was trying to, the picture book forgotten and shoved to the side, gave her a laugh, the smile on her face contagious as she wrapped her arms as best as she could around her. “I think Ayla wants a friend, don't you, love,” she said, tickling her little cheek, making her giggle as she squirmed in her arms.
“I think she has plenty back in her little palace.”
Sartaq grinned, “Not one here.”
The pillow on his face came so fast she didn't even see it, followed by a humph before she got up and left, leaving her and Sartaq laughing.
She only peaked back inside to say, “Oh just so you're aware, the other clans would be dying to meet their captains child. Better get to it.”
-----
For all the Nestaq shippers like me out there. I'll probably do a part 2 to this. Maybe. We'll see.
Sartaq is well loved by all women in khaganate, when hasar asks aren't you jealous to nesryn , she replies " why? afterall he's married to me"
@lysandra-emerald
She would never fail to feel out of place.
At least before, Nesryn had felt somewhat at ease. The reality had yet to sink in, the war having provided a blessed distraction.
And since returning to the Khaganate, she had had time to let herself adjust, to let herself feel a sense of familiarity here of some kind. She thought she had, but she had apparently just been living in ignorant bliss for the most part. Likely because she either spent most of her time with the Rukhin or her family in the city.
But now, surrounded by nobles in the palace, dressed in finery, maybe she may have relaxed.
If it weren't for the fact that they all addressed her as ‘Your Highness.’
Nesryn cringed internally every time she heard it. She had a hard time resisting the urge to not respond to the title.
Ever since she the day got married, the title came with her. Which admittedly was a few months ago, but she couldnt shake her….feeling of the title away.
Sartaq, her husband, had assured her she would get used to it, and she believed him but it still bothered her for the time being.
Likely forever, a voice at the back of her head said, but she promptly ignored it, taking a sip of her wine as she half listened to one of the viziers talk while looking around the room. It wasn't often that balls were held in the Khaganate, probably because then one would be held every few weeks. Even less maybe. But when the occasion called for it.
When the occasion called for it she was also made to wear more of the traditional attire, the robes and dresses and heavy embroidery.
She didn’t hate it as much, she thought as she remembered earlier as she had looked herself in the mirror, looking herself over. The amethyst-coloured robes with the embroidery made of the finest material as she could only imagine and she hadn’t dared ask. But..
She did like it. The way it fit perfectly at the bodice, the flow of the robes, the billowing sleeves.
Liked it even more when Nesryn heard a sharp intake of breath, making her turn to find Sartaq standing there, wide-eyed, his eyes taking in every detail, as she did the same.
The sight of him always did something to her, but there was something about seeing him in all dressed up, muscles bunching beneath the fabric, the open collar of the attire revealing just a peak of the tanned chest that had her sucking in a breath-
She swallowed, took a shaky breath and met his gaze just as he did hers, and gave her the deviously charming grin that never failed to make her knees buckle as he strode for her, hair swaying where he had left it open, a small braid tucked behind his ear.
He reached out, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her into his embrace as his other hand cupped her jaw, thumb lightly grazing her cheek as he tilted her head back and kissed her, her cheeks, peppering tiny fleeting kisses until she was laughing in his arms.
He pulled back enough to grin. Touching his forehead to hers,
‘My wife, it seems, loves to torment me,’ he murmured, another kiss.
She smiled, closing her eyes as she sighed. ‘Maybe. Sometimes.’
‘Sometimes? My heart, you torment me every day.’ She grinned. ‘But right now, I’m finding it hard to let you walk out that door.’ He pulled back to gaze at her once more, lightly brushing his thumb along her jaw. She leaned into it. ‘You look…’
She looked down at her attire, ‘Its certainly not something I would have chosen. But I like it.’
‘You look beautiful, Nesryn.’ She looked back at him and the look on his handsome face had words failing her. ‘If I’m to be inclined to say, which I am, you might be the most gorgeous person in the room tonight-’
She gave a playful slap to his chest, laughing, ‘ Stop. I am certainly not.’
‘Oh, you are.’ He kissed the tip of her nose, ‘If not to anyone else love, then to me, you will forever be.’ That devilish smirk told her what he was going to say before he even said, ‘I might just pull you out of the room as soon as we-’
She wasn’t going to win this. So she just shut him up by pressing her lips to his. He was all to happy to respond, holding her closer.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him ever so closer to her as if they could. As if they could join together.
Nesryn was sure he would have taken her there, appearances and responsibilities be damned when the knock sounded on the door.
He grunted, making her laugh as he glared at the door. Then turned to her, heated look in his eyes, ‘Later then, my love.’
Perhaps that was part of the reason she was not as uncomfortable here as she would have been. Usually, Sartaq and her were so busy with their duties that they could hardly see each other most days. So oddly enough, having a moment with him beforehand seemed to have comforted her. He always did.
‘There, thought you finally went into hiding.’ She turned in time to see Hasar walk up to her, Renia hand in hand, and wave the vizier off.
‘You’d think I would have done so from the beginning,’ she said. Hasar, she had learned, loves to be entertained, be it by others or of her own making. She’s been particularly wreathing to see Nesryn have a breakdown, or at least she thought so.
‘I suppose so. But it’s-’
‘Hasar,’ Renia warned silently. All she got was a smile.
‘Bored, sister,’ Kashin said as he came up to them. Nesryn immediately noticed eyes upon them.
Or rather the prince. Mainly from young women. But he paid them no heed.
‘Awfully,’ Hasar grumbled, ‘No one seems to want to have fun around here.’
Nesryn and Kashin shared a look. Then he asked her, ‘Where’s Sartaq?’
She waved a hand, ‘ Whisked away the same way I assume those ladies want to do to you.’
Kashin glanced at a group of them, turned back and shook his head, smiling. ‘They can want all they like then.’
‘Oh,’ Hasar questioned, ‘No interest brother? That's a first.’
‘Not for the time being, much to your displeasure it seems.’
Her gaze landed on Sartaq then as the two continued. He was talking to people she didn't even bother to identify. How could she when all she could see was him.
She felt Hasar move closer to her and said. ‘Jealous?’
‘Of what,’ she asked, confused.
‘You can not tell me all those females flocking him don’t spark up a reaction.’
She hadn’t even noticed. Nor did she care and she said as much. ‘ Why would I be? He’s married to me.’
Dare she say she looked disappointed yet surprised and a flash of approval. ‘Not even a little?’
‘There’s no reason for it now is there.’
She felt arms around her waist then, knew exactly who it was as she looked over her shoulder and smiled at Sartaq, who merely smiled and asked, ‘No reason for what?’
Hasar shook her head and walked away. Nesryn only shook her head and chuckled, turning to him.
‘They must have been dying to talk to you, your highness.’
Indeed, the speed at which the nobles had hounded him may have been concerning were it not normal. She had merely hidden her amusement at the sight.
‘So my title makes an appearance again,’ he sighs. ‘If its going to be that way, would you, dear wife atleast do me the honour of a dance.’ He raised a brow and said, leaning in to whisper, ‘Or would you rather we leave.’
Her toes curled at the promise in his voice, knowing exactly what he would do and how much she would enjoy it.
But for now, she supposed she could torment him a little more, as he had put it. ‘A dance, prince.’
