Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Truth {Book 2}

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚅𝙸𝙸: 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚍𝚘𝚖

The scorching Niamedan sun beat down on the training grounds as Kazi gave orders to her soldiers. Her sword flashed through the air, a deadly blur of steel and grace, as she led them through a series of complex manoeuvres. The sound of metal clashing against metal filled the air, a cacophony of sound that she found both soothing and exhilarating. She was in her element, and she knew that she was meant for more than just being some man's trophy wife.

"Again, Amani!" she shouted "Watch your footwork! Remember, swiftness and precision!"

Her soldiers, men, and women alike, responded to her commands, their movements fluid and confident. As she watched them, Kazi couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They were her people, and she would protect them with her life. She had trained them well, and they were ready for anything that came their way.

Suddenly, a cool drink appeared in her hand. Looking up, she met the familiar gaze of Ren. "Thanks, Ren," she muttered, accepting the drink gratefully.

"So, how was your visit with the Althean royals?" Ren asked, his voice low. As he watched her intently, a flicker of concern in his eyes.

Kazi took a sip of her drink, the memory of Althea flashing through her mind. "Different," she said finally, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. "Very different from Niameda."

"Life is already difficult for women here," she continued, her voice dropping to a low murmur. "There, the women are expected to be even more... submissive."

Ren chuckled, a dry but genuine sound. "Is that bad, coming from a woman who can outfight most men in this army?"

Kazi smiled faintly, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "Good point," she admitted.

Suddenly, a mischievous look appeared in Kazi's eyes. "You will not believe what happened," she leaned closer, her voice lowering even further.

Ren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on," he urged.

Leaning closer, Kazi lowered her voice even further. "The King of Althea," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "offered his son's hand in marriage to me!"

Ren's jaw clenched tightly, a surge of something tightening in his chest. He just stared at her for a moment, unable to believe what he was hearing. She was his friend, his comrade-in-arms, and the thought of her being married to someone... anyone... well, it was just unsettling.

"You... accepted?" he managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt a strange mixture of shock, anger, and a twinge of jealousy.

Kazi threw her head back and laughed, a sound that sent shivers down Ren's spine. "Of course not!" she exclaimed, wiping a tear from her eye. "Second prince, no less. Apparently, this Prince Azrael is quite the... party lover."

She rolled her eyes in disgust. "Not exactly my type."

"Oh, really?" Ren couldn't help but challenge her. "Have you met him?"

"Met him? No, of course not! How could I?" she asked, laughing again.

Ren crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Then how do you know he is not your type?"

"Well, I heard... he is weak. Delicate, even." Kazi shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "He would not last a day in my army." She took another sip of her drink, relishing the coolness it brought to her lips.

Ren grinned, a memory resurfacing in his mind. "Strong men, huh?" he teased, recalling a conversation they had had ages ago.

"You remembered what I said," Kazi mumbled, a playful smile on her lips. "You know, I never really thought about it like that. It is just... I have always been drawn to strength. It is not that I do not appreciate a man's gentleness or his weaknesses, but... well, I guess I am just more comfortable with someone who can stand beside me. Someone who can handle the weight of a sword, or the responsibility that comes with leading a kingdom."