Sunlight shone through a crack in the curtains, landing right on Kazi's face. She squeezed her eyes shut against the sudden brightness, the dull ache in her head throbbing in tandem with her ribs. As she stirred, a warm sensation spread across her arm, feeling both familiar and unfamiliar.
Kazi opened her eyes, disoriented, and focused on the hand that was softly gripped around hers. She looked around the room, realising she was in her old chambers in Althea. She then looked at the hand in hers...It was Azrael.
He held her hand as he slept at the edge of her bed, his breath soft and warm against her knuckles. The blankets were tangled around them, their limbs entwined in a way that felt so natural and comfortable. Despite the pain in her side, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. It was as if she had been asleep for weeks, her body and mind exhausted from the ordeal.
"Azrael?" Kazi's voice was barely a whisper, the past few days a blur of fear and frantic searching.
He slowly woke up at the sound of her voice, his eyelids fluttering open. He turned his head to look at her, concern evident on his face. "Kazi, thank the heavens you are awake." Relief washed over his face, replaced almost immediately by a blush. "You...you were hurt, and I... I was worried about you." He let go of her hand and tentatively reached out to touch her cheek, gently brushing away a strand of hair that had fallen across her face. "Are you in pain? Should I get the healer?"
But Kazi could not concentrate on his relief. All she noticed was the bandage poking out from under his shirt. "Are you alright?" Azrael's words were filled with concern, and his gaze moved from her face to her scared arm.
Kazi ignored his question, her voice harsh with hardly hidden concern. "Are you? You were gone! Missing!"
Azrael flinched, a flicker of pain crossing his features before being instantly replaced with a smirk. "Seems like the mighty General Kazi can be worried after all."
Kazi's cheeks flushed, "Of course, I worried! "You disappeared after..." Her voice trailed off as the memories of their argument.
"After what?" Azrael prompted; his gaze fixed on hers.
"The argument," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "After the argument, you left...an-" Her voice caught in her throat, and she couldn't meet his eyes. She had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed. "I just wanted to say I was sorry," she managed, her voice barely audible. "I did not mean to deceive you...I just..."
"There is no need for you to apologize," Azrael whispered, his voice hoarse. "I was an idiot. I should not have left like that. I should have stayed and talked to you." He paused, searching for the right words. "I should have fought for us."
"What...what happened to you?" Kazi asked, her voice barely audible. "After the carriage attack. We thought... the worst."
Azrael's smile softened, a hint of vulnerability peeking through his usually arrogant facade. "Well, the worst did not happen. Thanks to some lucky turn of events, I ended up being found by a kind soul who nursed me back to health. They helped me escape from the clutches of those who sought to harm me and brought me here." He paused, his gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to meet hers. "I owe them my life."
"You now have a scar on your abdomen," Kazi murmured.
He chuckled, a deep sound that caused a pleasant sensation in her chest. "Looks like I have a story to tell then, do not I? About a daring rescue and a close call with –
But Kazi cut him off, her voice surprisingly firm. "No stories, Azrael. Just tell me you are alright."
Azrael's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a seriousness that mirrored her own. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I am more than alright, Kazi. Because I am here with you."
The air buzzed with unspoken emotions. Kazi's heart raced as she stared into Azrael's eyes, unable to look away. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek, his hand still resting on her arm. Then, in a voice that sent shivers down her spine, Azrael spoke again, his words flowing out in a flood of raw emotion. "Kazi, I... I love you. You are strong, fierce, and beautiful beyond words. These past few weeks without you have been an eternity. The fear of losing you was far greater than being lost or injured."
Kazi's breath caught in her throat. His confession hung in the air, heavy and lovely, calming the fear and worry that had been eating at her. Her cheeks flushed, and a nervous smile appeared on her lips.
"Azrael," she said softly, her voice thick with sorrow. "You are a fool."
He lifted an eyebrow, bringing a humorous light back to his eyes. "Perhaps. But a fool who adores you."
"But Azrael you shouldn't say things like that," Kazi said, shaking her head. "I lied to you."
He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing across her lips, the touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I know you did. But I do not care. Every word is true, Kazi. Every agonizing moment I spent lost, the only thought that kept me going was the hope of seeing you again."
Kazi let out a sob. "But you are a prince, Azrael. You have a kingdom waiting for you, a duty to Althea."
His jaw clenched for a moment, but then a determined spark appeared in his eyes. "Duties can change, Kazi. If being with you means leaving Althea behind, then so be it. I would rather face the disapproval of a court than a life without you."
The dam broke. Kazi's eyes welled up with tears of both relief and anxiety. "Are you sure? Is that what you really want?
"There is nothing I would not do for you, Kazi. You are worth more than any crown." His gaze was intense, burning into her very soul. "I want to stay in Niameda with you, to build a life together. If that means giving up my title, then I will do it. Because you are my world, and I will follow you anywhere."
He reached into his pocket, moving slowly and deliberately. Kazi's heart pounded against her ribs, creating a frenetic drumbeat in her chest. He pulled out a little velvet box, his hands shaking slightly.
He opened the box, revealing a ring unlike any Kazi had ever seen. A single, sparkling sapphire rested in the centre of a delicate band of gold, encircled by a halo of smaller diamonds. Kazi had never been a fan of jewellery, but she couldn't help but gasp at the beauty of the ring. Her eyes met Azrael's, shining with a mixture of love and determination. "Kazi, will you do me the immense honour of becoming my companion? Will you allow me to spend the rest of my life proving my love for you?"
Her heart raced, and she felt a lump form in her throat. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Yes, I will."
A relieved smile lit up his face. He rose to his feet, his movements careful as he pulled her into a gentle hug, mindful of her injuries. Kazi wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.
"I love you, my fierce, brave Kazi. With every beat of my heart, I love you," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
A week had passed since the whole chaos
A week had passed since the whole chaos. Kazi was itching to get back on her feet, but the prince, with his surprising protectiveness, would not let her lift a finger. "Absolutely not, Kazi," he had declared earlier that morning, his voice laced with a playful sternness, "Physician's orders, complete and utter rest."
Their playful bickering was interrupted by a knock on the door. Kazi winced, the sudden noise causing her to flinch.. "Come in," Azrael called out, his voice laced with a hint of concern.
The door creaked open, revealing a parade of faces: King Eldarion face eased with a touch of relief, Queen Evangeline with a hesitant grin, Princess Athiel with downcast eyes, and the two...well one prince...Aradiel and Akiel walking behind a smiling Concubine Coriel.
King Eldarion moved closer, holding Kazi's arm in his. "General Kazi," he exclaimed, his voice full of gratitude, "words cannot express how much we owe you." You rescued not only us but the entire kingdom.
Kazi grinned, a little weak. "Your Majesty, this was my job. I would gladly do it again."
Queen Evangeline approached next; her eyes fixed on Kazi. "General," she began, her voice strained, "I... must apologize for the way we treated you before. We were wrong. Please, forgive us."
Kazi's smile widened, genuine warmth radiating from her. "Your Majesty, Queen Evangeline, there is nothing to forgive. I understand your position."
Princess Athiel remained silent, her gaze flitting nervously between Kazi and Azrael. Finally, she mumbled a barely audible, "Thank you... for saving us." Her voice trailed off, and she looked away, fidgeting with the hem of her gown.
The princes expressed their gratitude one by one, with emotions ranging from embarrassed to silent signing. Then the royal family left her chambers one by one until only Concubine Coriel remained.
She sat beside Kazi darting a look between her and her son Azrael. "General Kazi," Coriel said, her voice calming, "I would like to thank you. Not only did you save I and my family, but you also saved Azrael...you loved him the way he deserved.
Kazi felt a flush spread up her neck. "I... I am the lucky one, My Lady. To have found someone like him."
Coriel twisted his lips into a knowing smile. "Perhaps. But Azrael can be delicate, would not you agree?"
"I beg your pardon?" Azrael said, confusion clouding his face. Kazi let out a snort of laughter. "I cannot say I disagree; I remember the first time I met you, you were in the garden screaming because of a rabbit." She laughed.
Coriel laughed, her eyes gleaming. "See? Delicate. You are good for him, Kazi. You are strong, friendly, and make him laugh. That is an unusual mixture."
"I am honoured that you think so, My Lady," Kazi replied, her cheeks flushing again.
Coriel reached out to squeeze Kazi's hand. "Welcome to our family, sweetie. And get well soon, General; we all need you back in battle."
Kazi smiled. "Thank you, My Lady."
"Call me mother, dear," Coriel said with a warm smile. "You are now part of the family, and I intend to make sure you feel as loved and welcome as the rest of us." She squeezed Kazi's hand gently.
With a final smile, Coriel stood and exited the room, leaving a peaceful silence behind. Kazi gazed up at Azrael with a teasing twinkle in her eyes.
"So," she taunted, "delicate, huh?"
Azrael rolled his eyes, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps," he said, "but strong enough to win your heart, it seems."
Kazi couldn't help but laugh, a soft, genuine sound that filled the room.