The grand hall doors swung open, revealing a spectacle that left even the most jaded guests in awe. The air was electric with anticipation as Kazi, dressed in a stunning white gown covered with lace, walked into the hall hand in arm with her father. The space was an eclectic mix of colours, with Kazi's favourite, brilliant orange, beautifully interlaced with Azrael's choice, clean white.
A sea of faces turned towards Kazi, including advisors in formal clothes and Kazi's sisters. Adanna's face was flushed with excitement as she sat beside Ife whose expression seemed neutral but deep down, she was bursting with pride. Asha and Tanisi sat close together, eyes shining with unshed tears, while Nia who was sat beside her husband Kiyoshi and baby Kyra gazed at her sister with a mixture of happiness and longing.
Princess Serena, Kiyoshi's sister, looked elegant in a pale blue gown. Kazi's heart skipped a beat when she noticed Ren standing discreetly in a corner. She smiled gratefully and mouthed a quiet "thank you" for his presence.
As Kazi started walking down the aisle, her gaze met Azrael's. His usually arrogant expression softened, and a look of deep affection filled his eyes. She could tell he was holding back tears, and it made her heart swell. The ceremony itself was a beautiful blend of their cultures.
She couldn't help but giggle softly at his charming expression as she reached the end of the aisle. Glancing at the royal family of Althea – King Eldarion and Queen Evangeline, Prince Akiel, and the enigmatic Concubine Coriel – Kazi offered a respectful curtsy.
Governor Nari, his eyes filled with a bittersweet pride, leaned down and kissed Kazi's cheek. Then, with a gentle squeeze of her hand, he handed her hand to Azrael.
The officiant kicked off the ceremony. When he reached the vows, a wrinkle formed on his brow. "Do you, Prince Azrael, take General Kazi Nari as your..." He paused, clearing his throat, "companion?"
Kazi's eyes widened at the surprising word choice, but when she saw Azrael's teasing smirk, she couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Yes," he replied with a hint of mischief in his voice, "I do."
"And do you, General Kazi Nari, take Prince Azrael as your..." The officiant paused, glancing between them. "companion?" he ventured; his voice uncertain.
Kazi grinned at Azrael. "I do," she said, her voice steady. "With all my heart." Her gaze locked with his, and she felt a shiver of anticipation run down her spine.
The officiant proceeded, his voice becoming more confident with each word. Finally, he got to the ring exchange. A little, gorgeous ring made of white gold and set with delicate orange stones was presented. It was an ideal representation of their unusual connection.
"With the power vested in me," the officiant said, his voice echoing through the crowd, "I now pronounce you...companion and companion!" The gathered crowd erupted into applause, cheering as Kazi and Azrael sealed their vows with a kiss. The tension that had been building between them since their first meeting seemed to dissipate, replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment.
The tension that had been building between them since their first meeting seemed to dissipate, replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment
The reception was boring by Kazi and Azrael's standards. People slow danced to the soft music, but the couple had no interest in it. They were separated, each forced to engage in conversation from ambassadors and advisors from different kingdoms. The conversation was polite, but uninspiring. Kazi caught a glimpse of Azrael and excused herself from her conversation partner. She walked over to where he was standing, looking bored.
"Azrael," she sighed, leaning against him, "I am exhausted. This gown is trying to strangle me."
He chuckled softly, his eyes meeting hers. "You look beautiful, you know."
"Do I?" She asked, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You do not think I look ridiculous?"
He laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Of course not. You look beautiful, as always. Actually, my love, I have a surprise for you."
Kazi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What sort of surprise?"
He leaned in closer, his breath tickling her eardrum. "I purchased us an estate. A lovely little spot just outside the city."
Kazi's eyes widened with amazement. "An estate? But Azrael..."
"Surely you did not expect us to live with your father forever," he continued, his voice low and teasing. "Besides, it is time we had a place of our own. A home where we can be together, just the two of us."
Heat rushed Kazi's cheeks. "Well... "I had not really thought about it," she mumbled. "But an estate?" That is..."
"Extravagant? Althean? Perfect?" Azrael finished with a smirk.
Kazi couldn't help but grin. "Alright, alright. It is perfect. But what about your duties? Your father needs you for trade negotiations."
Azrael waved a dismissive hand. "True, but there is news. My father has appointed me to oversee the trade ships between Althea and Niameda. It is a prestigious position, but it will not keep me tied down all the time. I will still have plenty of time to... take care of you."
Kazi burst out laughing. "Take care of me? As if you are doing me some grand favour."
Azrael feigned a shocked expression. "Aren't I? You are, after all, stuck with the most arrogant, infuriating prince Althea has ever known."
Kazi swatted him playfully on the arm. "Still the charmer, I see. But arrogant? Maybe a little. Infuriating? Not anymore. Actually," she admitted, her voice softening, "I feel incredibly lucky to have you."
Azrael's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a genuine tenderness. "Lucky? Kazi, my love," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion, "you are the luckiest one of us. You have me, yes, but most importantly, you have yourself. A strong, brilliant woman who deserves the whole world. And I intend to help you claim it, one adventure at a time."
Kazi was about to tease Azrael about the outrageous price of the estate when a figure approached them. It was King Eldarion, his expression tinged with amusement. Concubine Coriel stood behind him, her face carefully neutral.
"Congratulations, both of you," the King exclaimed, his voice unexpectedly cheerful. "May your companionship be long and fruitful."
Kazi and Azrael exchanged shocked looks before bowing politely. "Thank you, father," they both said in unison. "We are honoured by your presence and you're blessing."
As the King and Concubine proceeded to greet other guests, Kazi noticed Ren across the room, conversing with Nia and Kiyoshi. A mischievous look appeared in her eyes. She gave Azrael a gentle nudge.
"Let us go and meet someone Azrael," she said, taking his arm and dragging him towards Ren with surprising strength.
Ren turned, a smile spreading across his face as he saw Kazi. "Kazi! Your Highness! Congratulations! May your life together be filled with joy."
Azrael narrowed his eyes at Ren and instinctively pulled Kazi closer a hint of possessiveness in his gaze. But Ren quickly immediately relieved any tension with a chuckle.
"Do not worry, your highness. Kazi and I are old acquaintances. I am very delighted for you both."
Kazi smiled, relieved at Ren's genuine kindness "Thank you, Ren. It means a lot coming from you. And look over there," she pointed, "that is Princess Serena, my sister Nia's sister-in-law. I think you two will hit it off."
Ren's brow furrowed in confusion for a moment, but before he could question her, Kazi shot him a playful wink and slipped away with Azrael, leaving a confused and slightly amused Ren in their wake.
Later that night.
The last of the guests had left, leaving Kazi's father estate empty. Kazi and Azrael stood outside, the cold night air whipping around them. Azrael wrapped a comforting arm around Kazi as they watched his family take their leave. He hugged Concubine Coriel tightly, whispering something affectionate in her ear. He exchanged a firm handshake with his father, a nod towards Queen Evangeline, and a brief but heartfelt hug with his brother, Prince Akiel.
As his family boarded their carriage, Kazi noticed a flicker of sadness in Azrael's eyes. She squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"They will be back, Azrael. You will see them again soon," she offered softly, her hand squeezing his reassuringly.
Azrael returned her glance, his eyes full of gratitude. "You are correct, of course. But it is... different now. We have a new home, a new life to build together."
He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "Are you ready for our next adventure, my companion?"
Kazi's heart leaped. "More than you know," she said, a cheeky twinkle in her eyes. "Just remember, on this journey, we are equals, and we will face whatever comes together."
She felt Azrael nod against her shoulder. "That is exactly what I need to hear," he said, his voice full of warmth. "I am so grateful to have you by my side, my companion."
With a final glance at the departing carriage, Kazi and Azrael walked towards their carriage, a sense of anticipation and excitement filling the air between them.