Kazi winced as Princess Serena's rant echoed around the elegant sitting room. Nia, her brow pinched with concern, gave Kazi a compassionate look.
"And then," Serena fumed, "he began talking about the weather! Seriously, can you think of anything duller?"
Kazi forced a smile while trying to hide a sigh. "Perhaps he was just a bit nervous, Princess Serena."
"Nervous?" Serena scoffed. "He seemed like a fish out of water! Seriously, Kazi, what were you thinking?
Kazi shot Nia a helpless look. When Nia detailed Serena's situation, Kazi suggested her childhood friend Ren, a devoted and capable soldier. Kazi was aware that he was not the most extravagant man, but she had hoped that the princess would appreciate his honesty and boldness. Clearly, she was mistaken.
"Ren is a good man," Kazi argued weakly. "He is brave, loyal..."
"And about as exciting as a sack of potatoes!" Princess Serena interrupted, raising her hands in frustration. "Look, Kazi, I appreciate your efforts, but I am starting to think marriage is not for me. Perhaps I will pursue an artistic career or become a warrior myself!"
Kazi chuckled uneasily, taking in the furniture around them. They did not need a princess carrying a sword in their sitting room.
Nia, decided to take a fresh strategy. "But Serena," she said gently, "have you considered that perhaps these men weren't showcasing their best selves because they were so... intimidated by you?"
Princess Serena's frown grew. "Intimidated? By me? Why would they be intimidated by me?"
"Because you are a Princess, strong-willed, and clearly intelligent," Kazi listed with a smile. "Most men might find that a bit... overwhelming on a first meeting."
Serena paused for a while, a doubtful expression on her face. "Perhaps you have a point," she said hesitantly. "So, Kazi, what are your suggestions? Should I tone it down to meet these men halfway?
"Absolutely not!" Nia exclaimed before Kazi could respond. "You are powerful, independent, and bright. "Those are qualities that any worthy man would value."
Kazi nodded in agreement. "Instead," she suggested, "let us find a man who can keep up with you. Someone who appreciates your strength and intelligence, and who would not be afraid to challenge you in return."
Serena's eyes widened with a flash of renewed interest. "A challenge, you say. Now that is an intriguing idea."
Nia sighed in relief. Perhaps Kazi was not so hopeless at matchmaking after all. "Well, Princess Serena," Nia said, a humorous smile replacing her previous concern, "it appears you have a new goal. And Kazi and I," she smirked, "just could be the ideal team to assist you in achieving your goals."
The weight of the day sat on Kazi's shoulders
The weight of the day sat on Kazi's shoulders. She slipped out of her armour and into a modest nightgown, calling for Azrael. Silence welcomed her. With a sigh, she walked towards the bathing chamber, hoping that a relaxing soak would relieve the strain in her muscles.
Pushing open the doors, she discovered Azrael nestled in the huge bathtub. Steam swirled over him, concealing his face. He sat with his eyes closed, a calm expression on his face. A sweet smile tugged at Kazi's lips, a dramatic contrast to the misery of matchmaking she had experienced earlier.
She paused for a while, recalling their prior rendezvous in the bath in Althea when she was disguised as a man. The fright, the embarrassment, and the way his touch sent thrills down her spine all seemed like a distant memory.
Taking a deep breath, she crouched alongside the bathtub, her hand tentatively stretching out. It hovered over his naked chest before dipping down and brushing against his warm skin. A familiar surge of lightning rushed through her.
Azrael's eyes widened at her touch. "Darling?" he asked, a surprised furrow in his brow.
"Just... checking on my husband," she teased, a playful smirk gracing her lips.
Azrael's surprise melted into amusement. "Husband, huh?" he chuckled. "Since when have you been so fond of that term?"
Kazi shrugged, her gaze lingering on the water lapping at his chest. "Perhaps," she admitted, "I am starting to warm up to it."
His grin widened, and he reached out, capturing her hand with his. "Funny," he murmured, his voice a low rumble, "I thought you hated the idea."
Kazi leaned closer; her other hand hovering dangerously close to his jawline. "Maybe you do not know me as well as you think, Your Highness."
Azrael's eyes darkened, his gaze dropping to her lips. He pulled her closer, the space between them disappearing. "Perhaps not," he breathed, his voice husky. "Then, with a playful look in his eyes," he added, "But there is always time to learn more."
Before she could reply, his lips were on hers, his tongue demanding entrance. She yielded, opening her mouth to allow him inside. Their tongues danced; their bodies pressed together. When he finally pulled away, a breathless sigh escaped Kazi's lips.
He ran his thumb across her cheek, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So," he said, "would you like to join me?"
Kazi pretended to be outraged. "Me? In a bath? With you? Why, Your Highness, whatever would possess you to think such a... scandalous thing?"
Azrael's eyes twinkled. "Scandalous?" he repeated, raising his eyebrow. "My love, with you by my side, even a bath becomes an adventure."
Kazi giggled, her façade breaking. "An adventure, huh? Well, who am I to deny my husband some excitement?"
Azrael smiled triumphantly. "Excellent thinking, my wife," he said, drawing her close. "Now, come join me."
Kazi looked down at her plain nightgown. "But I am already dressed," she said faintly.
Azrael scoffed, his grin spreading even more. "Dressed?" he inquired; his voice full of amusement. "Since when has that ever stopped us?"
Azrael pushed her into the warm water, laughing. Kazi let out a yell of astonishment, which quickly turned into laughing when Azrael joined her, bringing her close.
Their playful banter filled the room, a stark contrast to the uncomfortable silence that had welcomed Kazi previously. In the warmth of the bath, surrounded by laughter and love, Kazi knew she would not give up this moment for anything in the world. And when Azrael drew her closer, murmuring lovely nothings in her ear, Kazi realised their adventure had only just begun.
꧁༺ 3 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻: ༻꧂
The evening sun streamed through the open window, casting a glow over the couple as they laid in bed together. Kazi traced idle patterns on Azrael's chest, her fingertips feeling the familiar ridges of his muscles beneath her touch. She glanced up at him, studying his face for a moment before leaning in to press a kiss to his lips. He responded eagerly, deepening the kiss as his hand found its way to her hip.
"My fierce general," he muttered, pulling back, "how was your day of conquering conquered you?"
Kazi smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, you know me," she replied with a sigh, "Just the usual reports and battle plans," she said, a cheeky twinkle matching his. "Though, something did come in that surprised even me."
"Surprise?" Azrael raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do tell."
"I received a letter from Nia. Apparently, she and Kiyoshi are expecting again."
Azrael threw his head back and laughed. "Again? Is this not their third in how many years?"
Kazi joined in his laughter, shaking her head fondly. "Seems they cannot get enough of the little ones. They already have Princess Kyra, who's turning three soon, and then Princess Niya, a mischievous one-year-old. Now, another one on the way."
Azrael wrapped his arm around her waist, his voice turning husky. "Well, we have all the time in the world to catch up," he murmured, leaning in for another kiss.
Kazi could feel the desire building between them, the familiar heat spreading through her body. She arched into him, their kiss becoming more urgent, more needy. Her fingers tangled in his hair, and she moaned softly into his mouth.
Their moment of passion was abruptly cut short by the frantic knock on their chamber's door. "General Kazi," came the voice of their trusted servant, "I am sorry to disturb you, but there is an urgent matter that requires your attention."
"What is it?" Azrael called out, sitting up in bed, a frown on his face. "Is something wrong?"
The maiden took a deep breath. "A letter addressed to General Kazi claims that there has been a disturbance on the southern border, General. A small skirmish, but the reports say..." her voice trailed off, hesitant. "They might be—"
Before the maiden could finish, Kazi shouted. "I shall be out soon!" She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, feeling a sudden surge of adrenaline course through her veins. She glanced at Azrael; concern etched on her features. "I am sorry, my love. I will be back soon, I promise."
Azrael, understanding the weight of duty on her shoulders, reluctantly nodded. With a final lingering kiss, Kazi got off the bed and quickly put on her armour. She strapped on her sword, checking the blade before slipping it back into its sheath. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, before leaving the bedchamber.
As the door shut behind them, Azrael stared at the ceiling. a flicker of worry crossing his face. He knew Kazi could handle herself, but that did not stop the protective ache in his chest. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, Kazi's laughter echoing faintly in the now silent room.
"Perhaps..." he murmured to himself, a mischievous glint returning to his eye, "we can start catching up on those children sooner rather than later." He laughed softly, shaking his head at the thought.