Kazi pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside the governor's study. She walked towards her father, who looked troubled. She inclined her head in acknowledgment as he rose to greet her.
"Father," Kazi began, "what is wrong?"
Governor Nari sighed heavily, running a hand through his thinning hair. He reached for a rolled-up parchment and extended it towards her.
"Read this, Kazi," he said, his voice heavy with concern.
Kazi unfolded the parchment, her brow furrowing as she began to read the message. Kazi's eyes widened in shock as she continued to read. It was a letter from King Eldarion himself, and the contents were far more outrageous than she could have ever imagined.
꧁༺"Your Excellency Governor Nari,
I write to you today with a proposition that I believe will solidify the already strong bond between our nations, Niameda and Althea.I propose a formal union between our houses through the marriage of my son, Prince Azrael, to your daughter, General Kazi.
This union would not only signify the enduring friendship between Niameda and Althea, but also pave the way for even greater cooperation. As a token of our commitment, Althea would be willing to:
Strengthen our current alliance, ensuring lasting peace and prosperity for both our nations.
Grant Niameda additional trade vessels, facilitating a significant boost in commerce.
Offer the Crystal of Althea, a legendary artifact renowned for its ability to revitalize the land and attract tourism, potentially increasing Niameda's economy by 20%.
Provide a financial contribution of 100,000 Niamedan coins to support vital infrastructure projects within Niameda.
I am confident that this union, along with the benefits, would usher in a new era of prosperity for both Niameda and Althea.
I eagerly await your esteemed response.
With utmost respect,
King Eldarion of Althea" ༻꧂
Governor Nari's heart raced as he watched his daughter's reaction to the letter. He could tell by her expression that she was as shocked as he was. He braced himself for her response, wondering if she would be open to the idea.
Kazi's eyes widened as she finished reading the letter. "Is this real?" she whispered, her voice barely a breath.
"It is very real, Kazi." Governor Nari's voice was low.
"And you expect me to... marry this, Prince Azrael?" Kazi's voice rose slightly, betraying her disbelief and confusion.
"No, Kazi," her father replied gently, his expression serious. "If you do not wish to marry him, then I will—"
"I do not want to marry him!" Kazi cut him off, her voice firm. "Nothing will change my mind on that."
"But Kazi," he began, "if that is your choice, then I will respect it. However..."
Kazi narrowed her eyes. "However?" she repeated.
"This offer," Governor Nari continued, his voice hesitant, "it represents a great deal for Niameda. More trade, a powerful artifact, financial aid... these things could significantly benefit our nation."
Kazi scoffed. "So, you want to sell me off like a... a cow? In exchange for gold and trade ships?" She spat the words, her anger rising. "I am not some bargaining chip, Father! I am a general, a leader of men and women! I have fought and bled for this kingdom, and I will not be reduced to some prize to be given away!"
"No, Kazi, that is not it at all!" Governor Nari replied, his voice strained with emotion.
"Then what is it like?" Kazi pressed, "Do you want me to marry a man I do not even know, all for a bunch of materialistic objects?"
"No, Kazi, listen to me!" her father pleaded. "This is about more than just the benefits. This union would solidify the bond between Niameda and Althea, ensuring peace and prosperity for both nations."
Kazi threw her hands up. "I am not Nia!" she shouted, her voice echoing though the study. A heavy silence fell over the room.
Kazi's outburst hung in the air, a stark reminder of the difference between her and her older sister. Nia, ever dutiful, had married for the sake of Niameda, but Kazi craved something more.
"I do not do things because of DUTY, Father," Kazi continued, her voice lower now but no less intense. "I do them out of love for Niameda, to our people. But I will never sacrifice myself for the sake of some political alliance."
Governor Nari opened his mouth to speak, but Kazi cut him off again. "Father, no!" she said, her voice firm. "I will never accept this preposterous offer! If this King Eldarion wants someone to marry his arrogant, entitled son, then he can find someone else!"
"If you truly want all of these benefits, maybe you should marry him yourself!" she shouted. With that, Kazi stormed out of the study, slamming the heavy oak door behind her. Her father sat there, defeated. He knew Kazi was right. He couldn't force her into a marriage she did not want.
꧁༺ 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓪𝓵 𝓫𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓯𝓲𝓽𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓝𝓲𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓭𝓪... ༻꧂
The news of King Eldarion's marriage proposal to General Kazi spread like wildfire through the kingdom
The news of King Eldarion's marriage proposal to General Kazi spread like wildfire through the kingdom. Whispers and gossip filled the kingdom.
"Did you hear?" one woman leaned in conspiratorially. "General Kazi, getting married! Can you believe it?"
The other woman scoffed. "One year since Queen Nia's wedding, and now this? Governor Nari's daughters are getting snapped up like Niamedan honey cakes!"
A younger woman, giggled. "I would not mind being snapped up by a prince myself. Heard Prince Azrael is quite the looker."
"Handsome or not, Kazi is a soldier, not a princess. This whole thing feels wrong." The first woman shook her head.
Across the marketplace, a group of men engaged in a heated debate.
"Can you believe it?" a man asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "General Kazi, marrying some Althean fop? We need her here, leading our men, not wasting away in some foreign court."
"Easy there. This marriage could bring much benefit to Niameda. More trade, resources..." another man countered. "And who's to say the prince will not fall for her strength and charm? She might be able to change his ways."
"Resources at the cost of our best general?" the first man scoffed. "We have missing trade ships out there. Who's going to find them if she is off playing princess?" The others in the group nodded in agreement.
"There is a difference between duty and sacrifice. General Kazi is loyal to Niameda. If this marriage strengthens our nation, that serves her duty, would not you agree?"
The whispers and debates continued throughout the kingdom, with opinions flying in every direction. Some saw the marriage as a sign of General Kazi's loyalty to her country, while others lamented the loss of a strong leader.
Kazi stormed out of her chambers; her face flushed with anger. The audacity of her father's proposal echoed in her mind. Marriage to a spoiled prince? Never!
"Kazi, wait!" Ife called out, catching up with her sister in the hallway. "Maybe you should at least consider—"
Kazi cut her off with a wave of her hand. "Consider what? Giving up my life for some political alliance? Absolutely not."
They continued down the stairs, the tension thick in the air. At the bottom, Ife leaned against the railing, a playful smile on her face. "Well, well," Adanna drawled, "the future princess graces us with her presence."
"Adanna!" Kazi snapped. "There is no princess here, just a soldier being treated like a pawn."
"Oh, come on, Kazi," Ife countered, her smile widening. "He is a prince, and apparently quite handsome. Maybe Althea is not such a bad idea after all."
Kazi gritted her teeth, her anger rising with each comment. Just then, Asha rounded the corner, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Kazi," Asha began cautiously, "are you giving any thought to the... proposal?"
Kazi's patience snapped. "No!" she shouted. "If all you care about is some stupid marriage alliance, then you do not understand me at all!"
Before anyone could respond, Tanisi, their youngest sister, walked over to them, a question forming on her lips. Kazi sensing what the question would be, cut her off.
"Leave me alone!" she shouted. "All of you! I will not marry that man, and if you cannot respect that, then stay away from me!"
Adanna opened her mouth to protest, but Kazi held up a hand, "No, Adanna," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "If you will not give me peace, then I will find it myself. I am going to Ivamis, to Nia and her husband. There, at least, I will not be hounded about marriage prospects!"
Before anyone could react, Kazi opened the front door and stormed out of the estate. The sisters stood in stunned silence, the weight of Kazi's anger hanging heavy in the air.