Curled up in bed with Azrael's warmth radiating alongside her, Kazi couldn't help but ask a question that had been bothering her. "So, what happens to Prince Aradiel, Princess Athiel, and Queen Evangeline now?" she asked, her voice soft in the morning light.
Azrael moved beside her, his arm tightening around her waist. "Aradiel," he began, "since he is not Father's biological son, will not be inheriting the throne. However, Father recognized his years of service and the betrayal he endured with... Lady Layil."
"Did we not also find out that Lady Layil was never with child?" Kazi asked, her brow furrowing in thought.
Azrael chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Indeed, Kazi. It seems her manipulations ran deeper than we initially thought. Thankfully, the truth came out even though the damage had already been done."
"Unbelievable," Kazi said, shaking her head. "So, who will be the new king?"
"The throne will pass to Akiel," Azrael explained. "Despite his muteness, his claim is undeniable. As for myself, well," he continued, brushing a stray strand of hair from Kazi's face, "I have no desire to be king. Niameda is my home now, and you are far too precious to leave behind for the burdens of Althean politics."
Kazi smiled as her heart swelled. "Are you certain, Azrael? You would not make a bad ruler."
He smiled playfully. "Do not tempt fate, Kazi. The thought alone is enough to give me a headache. Overseeing the trade routes between our two nations is challenge enough, and even that..." he trailed off with a sigh.
Kazi let out a soft laugh. "Even that?" she teased, nudging him playfully.
"Even that," he admitted, a sheepish grin on his face. "But, at least it allows me to spend more time with my fierce companion."
Kazi leaned into him, her eyes twinkling. "And what about Princess Athiel? What is her fate now that everyone knows the truth?"
Azrael sighed. "The public scandal has been... unpleasant. My father forced the driver to take responsibility for the child, but a forced marriage was never an option. Instead, Athiel has been given a large estate in the countryside, a generous allowance, and a small retinue of guards and servants. When she is ready, Father has promised to help her find a suitable husband, should she desire one."
Kazi considered this for a moment. "Your father sounds like a good man, Azrael."
"He...is," Azrael said, drawing her closer. "He may not be perfect, but he is fair and cares deeply for his family, even the... troublesome members."
Azrael continued, "As for Queen Evangeline," he explained, "well, after the public revelation of their... indiscretions, they will remain married for appearances' sake. It would not do for the Althean throne to appear unstable. But they are done as a couple. Father has granted her a great deal of freedom – she can do what she wishes with her life now."
"And what about your father?" Kazi asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Does he plan on taking another queen?"
Azrael chuckled, a dry sound. "Not officially, no. But recently, there seems to be... a closer relationship between him and my mother." He grimaced. "There is a lot of tension in the palace right now. It is a delicate situation."
Kazi sighed and shook her head. "Why cannot men be content with just one woman?" she mumbled, frustrated.
She looked to Azrael; her expression hardened. "Azrael," she said with a harsh look in her eye, "if you ever think about..."
Azrael, observing the change in her demeanour, held up his palms in a placating gesture. "What is wrong, Kazi? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Do not dare," Kazi said, her voice low and threatening. "Do not even think about it. You are mine and I am..." She cut off as he put lips on hers, silencing her words. The kiss was fierce, possessive, and it made her heart race. When he finally pulled back, her breath was coming in ragged gasps.
"Yours, completely and utterly. Kazi, my love," he murmured, his voice filled with adoration, "you are the only woman for me. I would not dare dream of looking elsewhere."
Kazi's harsh demeanour faded, replaced by a relieved giggle. Azrael leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly. Kazi sighed as he pulled away. "So, you are content," she said with a teasing glitter in her eyes. "being stuck with a warrior wife and a life of adventure in Niameda?"
Azrael leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "More than content, Kazi. Absolutely, ridiculously in love with a warrior wife and a life that promises endless possibilities, side-by-side with you."
He trailed a finger down her arm, sending shivers down her spine. "Besides," he murmured, his voice husky with desire, "who knows what adventures await us in this new chapter? Perhaps even more passionate explorations of our new chambers..."
Kazi couldn't help but laugh, and the sound echoed across the room. Kazi knew she had found her place in Azrael's arms, with a future full of love, laughter, and maybe even a little adventure.