Sunlight flooded through Kazi's study, lighting the beautifully organised maps and scrolls on her desk. Kazi, wearing her usual army uniform, drew her finger down a campaign route, a frown on her brow. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and she called out, "Come in."
The door creaked open, showing Azrael, his face shining with a bright smile. He walked up to her, his hand brushing against her shoulder before coming to rest on her cheek. "Good morning, my love," he said softly, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"Azrael!" Kazi shouted, "You know It is inappropriate for a man to be alone with a woman in her study." Her heart was beating rapidly.
"I do not care about propriety, my love," Azrael whispered, his breath warm on her ear. "I am here to see you, to be with you. And besides, I have missed you tremendously." His hand traced a slow path down her arm, coming to rest on her hand.
Kazi's frown faded away, and a flush crept up her neck as his hand found hers. "I have missed you too," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Azrael closed the distance between them, locking his arms around her waist. He buried his face in her hair, smelling the distinct scent of lavender and roses. "So," he began, I hear congratulations are in order. Queen Nia has given birth, yes?"
Kazi nodded and her smile returned. "Yes, to a lovely little girl. My niece, Kyra. "She is absolutely perfect."
Azrael's eyes took on a cheeky glitter. "And from what your sisters tell me, the question of your own little ones has already come up?"
Kazi snorted, a small flush spreading up her cheeks. "Nia, bless her heart, was already asking when I plan on having my first child."
Azrael laughed, creating a deep sound that filled the room. "Well, Kazi, let me just say that I would not mind having children with you. Strong, intelligent children, like their mother."
Kazi felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mixture of affection and something she couldn't quite define. "Lovely sentiment, Azrael. But not anytime soon, no."
Azrael's smile did not change. "Of course not," he agreed quickly. "We have all the time in the world. Besides," he drew in closer, his voice lowering to a husky whisper, "I would not mind having you all to myself for a little longer."
His words sent a shiver down Kazi's spine. Before she could respond, Azrael cupped her face in his hands and pulled her into a passionate kiss. His lips were soft and demanding at the same time, and she felt herself melting against him. When he finally pulled away, she was breathless.
Kazi, her heart pounding in her chest, found herself speechless. Perhaps, she thought, some things were best learned through experience, not explanation. And with Azrael by her side, she was more than willing to embark on that journey of discovery.
And with Azrael by her side, she was more than willing to embark on that journey of discovery
Kazi's chambers were as busy as the bustling marketplace. Sunlight shone through the beautiful windows, illuminating the rush of servants as they scurried to and fro, attending to her.
A swarm of handmaidens surrounded Kazi, their fingers working tirelessly to tighten the corset of her wedding gown. She bit back a groan of discomfort as they pulled the laces taut, the whalebone boning digging into her ribcage. "Almost finished, my lady," one of them murmured, her voice barely audible over the din of the palace.
The white silk ribbons of her wedding gown fluttered in the warm breeze as the maidens tied them into place, securing the bodice of the gown. Finally, they stepped away, allowing her to take a deep breath. "There," one of them said, "you look absolutely beautiful, my lady."
Kazi glanced at herself in the mirror and sighed. She looked like a porcelain doll, all right. But underneath the pretty exterior, she felt anything but delicate. But she couldn't complain, Azrael was already moving to Niameda for her, the most she could do was wear a wedding gown from Althea.
Then the handmaidens did her hair. Her afro, though short, took hours to style, and the women worked patiently, carefully braiding and twisting each strand. A gentle knock on the door stopped their concentrated labour. "Come in!" Kazi shouted out; her voice full of nervousness.
Her sisters entered through the door, which swung open to reveal a breath-taking vision of elegance. Nia, the eldest, led the way, her eyes widening in amusement at the sight of Kazi. Adanna, shrieked with excitement.
Kazi, despite the flurry of compliments, couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous. "Radiant? I look like a giant, fluffy pastry," she grumbled, puffing out the skirt dramatically.
Nia chuckled as she stepped closer and smoothed a wrinkle on the bodice. "Nonsense! You look great, Kazi. "Every bit the bride."
Kazi exhaled deeply, a teasing smile tugging on her lips. "But why must I wear such a monstrosity? There is enough cloth to make a modest tent!"
Adanna chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Remember, Kazi, Althea is all about extravagance. The bigger the gown, the bigger the love, or so they say."
Kazi rolled her eyes. "Well, they need to find a new saying because all I feel is this gown trying to swallow me whole."
A flurry of questions followed. Kazi answered where she had stashed her favourite battle-ax (not today, sisters!), and how she felt about not having a sword at her side (oddly liberating), before she asked. "Where is Kyra? I have not seen my little niece all day."
Nia's smile softened. "Kiyoshi would not let her out of his sight. He claims he is a natural with babies. Can you believe it?"
"He is hundreds of years old; it would be quite concerning if he was not a natural," Adanna teased, earning a playful glare from Nia.
Ife, joined in. "You are quite lucky, Nia. Kiyoshi is a keeper. What a devoted husband."
Nia smiled. "He is, is he not? And to think, I get to see my sister finally get married. Kazi Nari having a husband. Who would have thought?"
"He is not my husband, but my companion," Kazi said, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"You are still going to be married. It still means you have a husband now." Adanna teased, poking at Kazi's side.
Nia rested a hand on Kazi's shoulder, her gaze warming. "Okay, alright. It is time for a pre-wedding talk between the older and younger sister. You ladies go and keep the guests entertained. We will be out in a moment."
The other sisters, grumbling playfully, filed out of the room leaving Nia and Kazi alone. Nia motioned Kazi to sit, her typical warmth replaced by a glimmer of unease. Kazi arched her brow, feeling a shift in mood.
"Nia," she began cautiously, "is everything alright? You seem a little... tense."
Nia took a deep breath, her gaze flickering to the window and then back to Kazi. "Kazi," she began hesitantly, "do you... do you know what consummation is?"
Kazi's eyes widened in surprise. "Consummation? What kind of question is that?"
Nia winced. "Look, Kazi," she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, "blame it on Father for never having 'the talk' with any of us. But consummation... it is what happens between a husband and wife... or in your case, a companion and their partner, on their wedding night."
Kazi sat in silence, confused. Nia struggled with her explanation, looking for the appropriate words. "It is... it is an act of love, Kazi. A way to express your... devotion to your partner. But..." Nia trailed off, frustration evident in her voice.
Kazi, sensing Nia's struggle, reached out and squeezed her sister's hand. "Nia, it is okay. You do not have to explain it. I am sure Azrael will... enlighten me in due time."
Nia let out a defeated sigh, a mix of comfort and amusement in her gaze. "Azrael, huh?" Are you sure you are prepared for whatever he has planned?"
Kazi met her gaze, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "As ready as I will ever be, Nia. Besides, would not want to disappoint the people of Althea with a less than extravagant wedding night, would we?"
Nia chuckled, the tension finally breaking. She pulled Kazi into a tight embrace. "Kazi," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "I wish you all the happiness in the world. May your companionship with Azrael be filled with love, laughter, and... well, whatever else you two end up getting up to."
Kazi hugged Nia back, her heart overflowing with love for her sister. "Thank you, Nia. I love you."
With a final squeeze, Nia pulled away, a watery smile on her face. "Now, let us go get you married, shall we?" she said, her voice steadying. They rose to their feet, arm in arm, and headed out of the room, re-entering the chaos of the wedding celebration.