Two weeks after the wedding....
In the Kingdom of Azu....
Malik stood tall and proud at his open window, his gaze piercing through the vast expanse of the open field where young warriors trained.
Dressed in a sleek black leather suit that hugged his waist, it accentuated his broad chest and defined muscles.
His sharp eyes scanned the field, analyzing the training of each warrior as if preparing them for a real battle. His chiseled features were set in determination, ready to face any challenge that came his way.
As the lead warrior of Azu, it was his duty to train and mentor the younger warriors in preparation for any battle. However, something else was bothering him.
He has seen strange deaths occurring in the kingdom, and the king was eager to know what was happening, especially since the crown prince, Jelani, was in line to become the new ruler following his recent marriage.
Malik wondered what was happening. He pondered if there was an enemy from the other tribes, considering their alignment with Dakar. It must be from the other kingdoms, but this death was strange, as if it wasn't done by mere humans.
"My lord," Nia's voice came from the door. Her hair was adorned with beads and cowries, her face gleamed, and her brown lips curved into a smile.
Malik turned and noticed her, wondering why she was here so early in the morning.
Nia walked up to him with a smile. "I came here a while ago and met your mother in the kitchen. She said you would be in your room. Is everything okay?"
Malik sighed, wondering why she was here. "You can drop the act now. You and my mother need to stop."
She frowned. "Act? I thought you were ready to be with me now."
Malik was feeling overwhelmed. First, his mother had been persistently pushing him to get married. Then, she introduced Nia as his betrothed to everyone, despite his objections. Even Jelani got involved and invited them to his wedding. It was all too confusing, and Malik didn't know how to handle it any longer.
Initially, he had wanted to go along with everything just to appease his mother, but meeting Safiya had changed everything. He couldn't continue living a life that wasn't true to himself anymore.
With a deep sigh, Malik spoke firmly to Nia. "No. You need to go back home to your parents. I won't be marrying you, Nia." His words caused Nia to flinch.
How can he even be with someone he doesn't like, let alone talk about his everyday battle of killing people at war? How can he even consider settling with someone or opening his black heart to anyone? No one deserves to be with someone like him, with his hands, soiled with blood.
Yes, he felt something when he met Safiya, something he hasn't felt for anyone else. But that was it. It was definitely just a flinch, and despite feeling something, he wouldn't pursue her.
But, he must prevent her from making any rash decisions. Life with swords isn't all rainbows; she would soon discover the sleepless nights and the darkness that will consume her. There was no way he would let her live like that.
He feared the determination in her eyes and wondered if he could ever convince her to quit. But one can only find out by trying, right?
"Malik," Nia's voice interrupted his thoughts, "I thought you said I was your betrothed."
"I never did," Malik replied frustratingly as he picked up his sword from the table. What was his mother thinking, forcing him into a marriage? Did she truly believe it would be a good match?
Nia's eyes welled up with tears. "Malik, I love you."
Malik closed his eyes, feeling a pang of guilt. He hated that she loved him, knowing all too well that he couldn't reciprocate those feelings. He walked slowly towards her and gently held her shoulder.
"Nia, I'm sorry that I can't give you what you're asking for. I want you to understand that I'm not the right person for you. I won't be able to give you the attention you deserve, and that's not what you need in a partner."
She shook her head, appearing to not fully grasp his words. "But it's you I want," she insisted, her voice uncertain. "I don't care if you won't be around. I don't need anyone else, and maybe, just maybe, one day you might come to love me."
"What if I don't?" Malik raised an eyebrow skeptically.
A hint of uncertainty flickered across her face. "Well, I'll manage," she said, her voice unsure.
Malik shook his head and began to put on his armor. "I don't want that kind of life for you, Nia."
He started walking out of the room, with Nia following closely behind, persistently expressing her desire to be with him despite the obstacles.
Without pausing to listen, Malik swiftly made his way into the sitting room. The room was illuminated by a crackling fireplace, its red flames casting a warm glow throughout the room.
Wooden chairs and tables were arranged neatly, and a decorative cloth depicting a majestic lion's head adorned one of the walls. It was a symbol of his father's days as a renowned warrior.
Malik's mother emerged from the kitchen. She was dressed in a vibrant red wrapper adorned with black dots. A single bead necklace adorned her neck.
Her figure was plump, with full cheeks and a full brow. Her eyes were round and large, while her lips remained petite. A birthmark, resembling a delicate line, could be seen on her jawline.
As she caught sight of Malik walking towards her, a smile spread across her face and her cheek lifted up slightly. "Going out?" she asked, to which Malik responded with a sweet kiss on her cheek. "Certainly, Mother. The king has summoned me," he said.
However, her attention was quickly drawn to Nia, who appeared to be upset and was crying. "What's the matter, Nia?" she asked, her frown deepening.
Through sobs, Nia explained, "He doesn't want me. He said he doesn't want to marry me."
Malik's mother turned to him with a displeased expression. "Is that true, Malik?" she demanded.
Malik let out a sigh and replied, "Yes, Mother. I have made it clear that I do not wish to marry her, despite your insistence otherwise."
His frustration evident as he walked towards the door. He raised his hand to signal his mother to hold off any protests. "Please, no more, Mother. I will choose a wife for myself if need be."
Nia's cries grew louder, prompting his mother to rush towards her and comfort her. "Hush, my child. He will come around, I'm sure of it," she reassured Nia.
Malik left, tuning out their conversation. Nia could cry all she wanted, and his mother could offer her comfort, but one thing was certain - he would never marry her. He believed that she deserved someone better, and that person wasn't him.
He made his way to where the other warriors were training. As soon as they noticed him, they hurriedly approached him. He raised his hand and shook his head, signaling for them to continue. "Go on, keep training. I will be back," he instructed them.
The warriors nodded in understanding and resumed their training. Malik let out a sigh and walked over to his majestic midnight horse. He gently stroked its back, deep in thought.
He pondered why the king had summoned him. Perhaps the king was troubled by the recent mysterious death, although it was him who had brought it to the king's attention in the first place.