[ social ] dawnlight over dunes

The encampment was in a barely organized shamble. For reasons rumored about the clan and refugees, it was preparing to move to a more permanent residence. As to where? No one seemed to know for sure.

Diana had been holed up in her tent for days since she had returned. What had happened within her last excursion, she spoke to no one about in detail. Over occupied with such political arrangements and other clan affairs, she hadn't slept much and left her meals half eaten. Not yet had she taken a moment to stop. The neglect she inflicted upon herself caused her ladies to lament among each other with concern nonetheless. Even Rhea had to force Venus out of her care in hope she would rest.

But such outside disruptions in her life only made her more restless.

When Jahan had entered the tent that morning, she hadn't even lifted her head to look. Soft rubies remained focused on the scroll in her hands. It cracked as her fingers tensed around the dowels. A map rested below that. Notes and circles scrawled in ink blotted its surface.

"Any territory in Heliohapt is ours for the choosing," she stated, "According to the Sultan." For news that would have been exciting, her tone tired on. Not even a smile cracked her stoic expression. A heavy breath released from her nostrils. The relief causing her to lean back in her chair. "Though... it is not without price or limitations."

She pushed the scroll forward with too much force, intended to send it off the far edge onto the floor. Its contents revealed as it unraveled. Permission of authority in the land and an offer to assist Al-shamshura as 'Emira' to guide the people towards their future. Her stress spills into her tensed brows. Leaning on her elbow, she reached for her head, lithe fingers pressing against her temple.

"I know not what this man asks of me nor if I should care or if I am even capable of this."

"You have the mind of a thief but I can't argue your methods. The Sultan is no more a rightful leader than the others are."

Jahan was right in that respect.

All the leaders had fallen; but parasites grew in their place, poisoning a once beautiful land with their malintent. Yet no more was the claim to king a mere dream. Not only had he acquired a djinn, but an army subjects and a land of their own. If he wanted more, it made that reality all the more easier.

He tore the scroll into pieces and for something that should have angered her, she couldn't be.

She breathed a laugh, amused. The corners of her lips lifted a slight bit. "I never thought I'd be taking orders from you on these matters, but here I am," she sighed, gazing up into his eyes. For once, she cast aside her pride and listened. While she was better with words, war was his game.

And among other things, he would remind her.

Her breath caught as his warmth enveloped her. Goosebumps prickled her skin at his light touch. Diana allowed herself to lean her weight back into him. Her hand running slow down his forearm, fingers clasping lightly onto his wrist.

"If that is your idea of celebration," she murmured, parting her legs just an inch. It was enough of an invitation, for certain. "Might I remind you, my king, that anyone could walk in?"

Her free hand moves, manicured nails digging into his shoulder in response to her need. A whine stifles itself behind her lips. It had been so long that even through the plagues of exhaustion, it revived her skin with a blush of color and ignited sparks of pleasure that left her breathless.

Diana relished in the heat of his lips pressing against her own — burning into her skin as he drifted to her neck, her jaw. The scent of him addled her mind into a haze. Something so writ into her being coupled with her heart’s simple yearning.

"Maybe."

The thought of him having to chase her made her blossom with a strange excitement. But so long as he held her like this, she had little chance to do so. Her hips shifted, hand guiding until he was right where she wanted him. Slender fingers intertwined his own; teasing, dipping into her heat.

She gasped.

His teasing further enticed her to provoke him, to agitate those roots of possessiveness. Knowing all too well how deep his pride ran — he was sure to smother her in it. Her hand at his shoulder reached higher, slipping around the back of his neck to beckon him closer. She pulled from his kiss and as she spoke, her voice lowered to whisper.

"And if it was a visit from the noble Sultan?"