A/N: Wow, it's been forever since I touched Kahn the Konquerer! I am pleased to announce the latest update to my Shao Kahn story!

Chapter 2

The early morning sun cast bright spots of light on the reed walls of Shao's bedroom, causing him to stir, before opening his eyes. The warrior gently rubbed Reima's arm, earning him a sigh of pleasure. He smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Many good mornings, my lovely wife," he crooned, and pushed himself up onto an elbow, encompassing Reima in his other arm. His wife touched his large hand and looked at him, her panther eyes filled with a sweetness unlike any Kahn had encountered.

"And many to you, dear husband," she replied. "Do you go into glorious battle today?" she asked.

"No. Today I must deal with the damned politicians," Shao answered, gloom darkening his irises. "The vile senators do rub my crest the most wrong of ways."

Reima laughed, the silver chime of her voice instantly soothing Shao's spirits. He smiled and kissed her, before getting out of bed and opening the chest by the wall. He removed a fine tunic dyed red with the blood of some unknown creature, and put the garment on. Next, he put on leather trousers and fastened them with a bone studded belt, before putting on hide boots.

"How do I fare, Reima? Am I presentable for the politicians?"

"Darling, you would be naked and swathed in the blood of your foes and still be presentable!" she said.

"How you treat me so!" Shao laughed, and kissed his wife."I am off."

Shao was barely out of his hut before he was stopped by a courier, who looked as if he might faint from over-exertion. Kahn grabbed the boy's shoulder to hold him steady.

"Breathe young one, before you pass out!"

"Sir, you must read this! It-it's important!"

The boy handed Shao a scroll and watched as the warrior's eyes frantically read the note. He trembled, and crumpled the parchment in his fist. He looked at the shaking youngster.

"Boy!"

"Sir!"

"Gather my men. Tell them we march on the Dusty Plains of Ashteroth by noon tomorrow. Go now!"

"As you wish, sir!"

As soon as the boy left, Shao briskly marched to the senatorial building, not stopping to speak to anybody. He stormed up the stone steps and kicked the large wooden doors open. All speech subsided immediately. Every politician stared as the warrior walked to the center of the room.

"The Dragon King moves to Ashteroth."