Kissed by the sun

A half hour later the princess was even more miserable. Not only was she still naked, but she normally rode in a palanquin and had no experience on a camel, so her butt and thighs were aching and sore. Also she hardly ever spent time under the scorching desert sun, so despite her bronze skin, she was sweating furiously. She was thirsty, sore, and totally humiliated when finally they approached the oasis.

Seeing the small pond of water Cassandra jumped off the camel gracelessly, stumbling on her bare feet. Heedlessly she darted over to the water and kneeled by it, splashing cooling water into her face. The thief chuckled as he watched the nude royal.

Finally hydrated, Cassandra rose back to her feet. She turned and saw Qar, who had tied off the camel, eyeing her with some amusement. She flushed, remembering her nudity and crossing her arms over herself.

"You've been kissed by the sun princess." Qar said.

"What does that mean?!" Cassandra asked.

"Sunburn." He explained, pointing at her bare skin.

Cassandra looked down. Sure enough, there was pink showing through her bronze tan, and her flesh felt warm and stingy to her touch...