The flickering candlelight danced playfully across the grand dining table casting long shadows that stretched and distorted across the royal family's features. Kazi, seated beside Ren, felt completely at ease. Weeks of pent-up anxiety appeared to wash away as they reminisced about their days in Niameda.
"Remember that time Commander Akemi accidentally set his beard on fire during a training exercise?" Kazi chuckled, recalling the memory with ease. "He did not even realize it at first, and he kept trying to put it out with his sword! It was hilarious."
Ren laughed, which sent a shiver down Kazi's spine. It had been too long since they had been able to just sit and share stories like this. "Oh, that was priceless! He had this look of pure confusion on his face, like he couldn't understand why his beard was burning in the first place!" Ren took a sip of wine before continuing. "But my favourite memory has to be when we all tried to fit into that tiny dinghy during our training exercise. We spent hours laughing and trying not to capsize it."
Their mutual amusement prompted a few strange looks from the other patrons. Queen Evangeline's lips twitched at the edges, and Concubine Corie smiled politely. Princess Athiel, on the other hand, frowned, her young face marked with disdain.
Azrael sat rigidly across the table, his posture betraying his inner agony. His eyes shifted between Kazi and Ren, his face twisted in a mixture of jealousy and anger.
The easy friendliness they shared clawed at him, an unfamiliar and unpleasant sensation. Jealousy, a raw and strange emotion, lingered beneath the surface, ready to boil over.
He clenched his fists under the table, his nails digging into his palms. Here he was, the Crown Prince of Althea, yet a simple soldier from Niameda held K's complete attention. The very thought sent a fresh wave of resentment crashing through him. Why did K seem so... alive when he was with this man? Why did 'his' laughter fill the room with a melody that sent a strange ache through his own heart?
Kazi, oblivious to the storm brewing across from her, continued to regale Ren with stories. "And then there was the time Nia snuck into the palace kitchens and ended up covered head to toe in flour!"
Ren's laughter echoed through the hall, and for a moment, Kazi forgot about everyone else. "That is right, you remember that too! I had almost forgotten about that mess. I was so covered in flour; it took us an hour to get the kitchen cleaned up!"
Their playful discussion lasted for a time, mixed by bursts of laughing. Kazi, usually reserved and stoic in the company of the Althean royals, seemed to lose her usual demeanour with Ren. He revealed a carefree side of her that Azrael had barely seen before.
As the laughter subsided, a tense silence settled over the table. Ren, finally noticing the stares they were attracting, cleared his throat.
"Forgive us," he said, directing his words to the royal family. "We seem to have gotten a bit carried away with our reminiscing."
King Eldarion chuckled, a hint of amusement softening his features. "No need for apologies, young Ren. It is refreshing to see such friendship.
Azrael, unable to contain his anger any longer, shoved his chair back violently, sending it skittering across the floor. If you will excuse me," he said, his voice tense with barely contained rage. "I have urgent matters to attend to."
He walked out of the dining hall without waiting for an answer, leaving a trail of astonished silence behind him. Kazi's smile faltered, and a look of concern crossed her face.
"Is everything alright?" Ren asked, his brow furrowed in question.
Kazi offered a weak smile. "Azrael can be... unpredictable at times. But do not worry about it. Please, finish your meal," she urged, gesturing towards his plate.
Ren, sensing her anxiety, simply nodded and agreed. Despite the delicious food in front of him, his appetite seemed to have vanished. The sight of Azrael's behavior hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the previously light-hearted atmosphere.
The rest of the dinner passed in a daze. Kazi forced herself to continue the conversation with Ren, but her mind was preoccupied with Azrael's sudden departure. His unexpected outburst left her feeling unsettled and confused. What was going on with him?