Nasir flies true, and they camp at an oasis

"We'll camp there tonight." Kihara said suddenly, pointing over Marcus' shoulder to a rare spot of green in the endless seas of sand below them. They were the first words she'd said to him since they'd flown away from those scary women what felt like hours ago. Nasir had soared through the pass, through massive walls of sleek granite that had left the young prince gasping and gawping in awe. He'd turned back, eager to share his excitement with the woman he adored, but she'd still had that same stony look on her face. His mouth had snapped shut then, knowing somehow that his childish babbling about how amazing this all was would only make her more upset.

On the other side of the mountains, the pass had opened up into a large desert, golden sand stretching out as far as Marcus could see, piled up in wavy, rolling dunes as tall as hills. It was late afternoon, but the air still felt very dry and hot. At least the wind whistling past Nasir as he beat his massive wings kept the young prince cool anyway. Marcus had tried to enjoy the amazing scenery below, to stare at the far horizon and see as much as he could of Kihara's exotic homeland, but his mind kept straying back to how upset she seemed. When he lent back into her, she didn't hug him or pat his belly anymore, and she felt so stiff and tense under that armor.

Was she just worried what had happened before the pass? Or maybe it was him she was angry at? Suddenly it was really starting to seem that way, his mind running off with the idea as soon as it popped into his head. Of course she was mad! Those scary women had only questioned her because of him. Whatever had happened there, it was all his fault! And now she was really angry because of it! Kihara had been so very patient with him so far, even though he was clumsy and useless. She'd listened to all his questions, and taught him amazing things like how to set up a tent...and even made love to a weak and girly boy like him, when he couldn't act manly or protect her at all.

Maybe she'd finally realized he wasn't anywhere near good enough for a strong, amazing woman like her. The thought made his heart ache fiercely inside his chest, his throat getting all tight and painful. Was she going to leave him behind? He couldn't bear that. The way she'd kissed him fiercely after taking her pleasure last night had made him feel so warm and safe and happy. If she tossed him aside now, he was sure his heart would break.

Marcus was sniffling, tears burning in his eyes, as Nasir dove down towards the place she'd pointed out, guided by her gentle tugs on his reins. Sheltered amidst the baking the dunes, there was a pool of crystal clear water, surrounded by swaying palm trees and a carpet of thin grass dotted with colorful flowers. It was like a lush little emerald hidden in the golden sand. Even in his miserable state, the young prince found himself gasping at the beauty of this place.

Nasir landed just outside the patch of greenery, his claws spread wide for purchase on the sand below his feet. He seemed very happy to be here, warbling and beating his wings in the hot air. Marcus shivered on the massive eagle's back, struggling not to sob too loudly. If he was going to be left behind here, he needed to be strong!

"This oasis is not well-travelled." Kihara murmured behind him. She didn't seem to notice how sad he was, or maybe she just didn't care anymore. "We can stay here in safety for the night." She leapt easily from Nasir's back, landing lightly beside the eagle. As Marcus watched her miserably, she went down on one knee, reaching down one hand to rub her fingers over the tightly-packed grains of golden sand. She murmured something softly under her breath, too quiet for him to hear, then rose back to her feet and turned to face him. "Little one...oh, what's wrong?" She gasped. In moments she'd darted forward and seized his waist in her hands. Without a hint of strain, she lifted his little body up off Nasir's back and held him to her, one arm under his legs while the other pressed his chest into hers. Her dark eyes were wide with concern as she stared down at him.

"I'm sorry..." Marcus gasped, forcing out the words through another painful sob.

"What?" Kihara cocked her head, a flicker of confusion passing over her gorgeous face.

"I...know I made you mad...please, I'm really sorry, Kihara!" The young prince sobbed. "Please don't leave me behind here! I'll be good from now on, I promise!"

"That's enough!" She shook her head sharply, and Marcus felt his lips snap shut. "Did I not say I would protect you?" The young prince paused for a moment, then nodded hurriedly. "Do you really think my word is worth so little?" He shook his head now, panicking at the annoyance in her eyes. She was definitely upset now! "Then how could you believe I'd just abandon you like that?" The edge to her voice made him tremble as she held him even tighter against her chest.

"I...you were upset." He sniffled, trying desperately to explain. It all seemed so very silly now, but...he couldn't help how he'd felt. "Those women almost hurt you because of me. And when I tried to ask you what was happening you got so mad at me! I thought...you were angry because it was all my fault!"

"No, not at all." Kihara said fiercely, her dark eyes fixed on his. "I'm sorry I was sharp with you. Those guards were not supposed to be blocking our path. That they were has me worried, over many matters. But, little one...you must trust me, okay? I am not happy at all that you thought I would leave you behind over such a small thing."

"I'm sorry, Kihara." Marcus buried his sobbing face in her armored shoulder, his tears dribbling down onto her hard metal breastplate. Now he felt even stupider. He'd made her angry over nothing, because he was too silly and childish to trust her like he should have. "I'm really sorry."

"This isn't over. We'll deal with it properly later." Kihara sighed, her hand gently rubbing his trembling back as she spoke. She seemed to relax then, letting out a long sigh as the tension eased from her body. "For now though, I need you to be good and help me again, little one. You remember how to set up my tent?" Marcus nodded, rubbing his tear-stained cheek against her shoulder. "I'll carry you to the oasis, and then lay out my supplies, but afterwards, I want you to focus and do your job right, okay?"

"Yes, Kihara." The young prince whimpered, his little sobs starting to ease at last. As she stepped forward, easily carrying his slender body in her arms, he straightened against her, raising his head to stare with tear-filled eyes up at her gorgeous face. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been! She'd promised him she'd look after him, and at the first chance he'd started doubting her word! No wonder she was mad now.

He had to do better, show her he could be a good, obedient boy who trusted what she told him. That started right now. Forcing his stinging disappointment with himself to one side, he tried to focus instead on what she'd taught him last night about camping. If he could at least set up the tent properly the first time, maybe he could start making her happy with him again.