Book 2 of: Whispers Of Desires.
In the kingdoms of Niameda, Althea, and Ivamis, trade ships are mysteriously vanishing without a trace. When Kazi, the General of Niameda, risks her life to save the King of Althea from an assassination attempt, he of...
The carriage stopped before the Royal Castle of Althea. Its towers and spires stretched into the sky, their white marble gleaming in the sunlight.
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Reaching for the handle, Kazi instinctively went to open the carriage door. However, a gentle hand on her arm stopped her. Seraphinael, nodded towards the door. "Allow the servants, General," he said, "Their sole purpose is to ensure your comfort."
Kazi gritted her teeth. The idea of someone else opening a door for her felt...foolish. Back in Niameda, even though her family was relatively wealthy, they had always valued independence. But as she looked up at Seraphinael, she realized that this was not her place. With a nod of acquiescence, she released her arm from his grasp.
Two figures, dressed in white uniforms, walked towards the carriage, their movements graceful and silent. They opened the doors on either side of the carriage, as Kazi stepped out.
Her soldiers, exited from the first carriage, their faces in awe at the majesty of the Royal Castle. Kazi, however, could not help but feel her heart race as they approached the palace gates. The guards, dressed in shining armour and the symbol of the angels, stepped forward to greet them. They kneeled to the floor; their heads bowed as if in prayer. Kazi looked at them in surprise. This was a first. She had never seen soldiers, or any guards for that matter, kneeling for anyone.
Seraphinael, oblivious to Kazi's surprise, turned to face them. "Please, follow me," he said, gesturing for them to proceed.
Kazi and her soldiers followed behind him. As they walked, she couldn't help but mutter under her breath.
"Honestly," she grumbled, just loud enough for Seraphinael to hear, "it is not like I am royalty. I can open my own damn door."
"Perhaps, General," he replied dryly, "but here in Althea, we value proper decorum. Even for esteemed guests."
As they followed Seraphinael through the castle, Kazi's eyes widened with each step. The inside of the castle was a display of wealth. As they walked, servants lined in the hallways. Each one kneeled as they walked past, their heads bowed. Kazi felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. This level of submissiveness was foreign to her, and it made her feel...uneasy. She glanced at her soldiers, who were doing their best to maintain their composure, but she could see the curiosity and unease in their eyes.
Suddenly, Seraphinael stopped in front of a young woman kneeling in the hallway. Her clothing, although white like the others, was not as decorated as the other servant's uniforms that marked the higher-ranking servants.
"Zayel," Seraphinael said, addressing the young woman, "please escort the General's soldiers to their quarters. Ensure they are comfortable and have everything they require."
Elara bowed her head even lower, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes, Your Excellency."
Kazi watched as Elara gestured for Kazi's soldiers to follow her down the hall. They exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of this new command. As they were led away, Seraphinael turned back to face her. "General Kazi," he began, his voice taking on a surprisingly formal tone, "given your esteemed position and lineage – daughter of Governor Nari and sister-in-law to King Kiyoshi of Ivamis, one of our most valued allies – we have prepared private chambers for you."
