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

꧁༺ 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓧𝓘𝓘𝓘: 𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓼 ༻꧂

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."

She paused for a moment, taking another sip of her drink. "And, of course, someone who can keep up with my pace. I do not want to be the one always leading the dance, you know?"

Ren just listened and stared at her as she spoke. Her words were a mixture of strength and vulnerability that he found both intriguing and disarming. He had never thought of her that way before, not really. He had always seen her as his friend, his comrade, but now... now he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be the one beside her, to support her, to lead alongside her.

"So, what about you?" Kazi asked, her gaze flickering to him briefly before returning to her drink. "What kind of woman are you looking for?"

Ren considered the question. He had never really thought about it before, not really. He had always assumed that when the time came, he would know. But now, with her asking him... well, it made him think.

"I do not know," he admitted with a shrug. "Someone strong, I suppose. Not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually. Someone who can stand on their own, but who also doesn't mind being with me. Someone who can understand the weight of responsibility that comes with being a soldier's wife, and who can help carry that burden when it gets too heavy."

He paused, considering her question further. "And, of course, someone who can make me laugh. Life is too short not to enjoy it, you know?"

Kazi nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I think that is important. Life is hard enough; we should enjoy it while we can. So, have you met this paragon of strength and humour yet?"

He chuckled, "I think I have..." he began, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But she is a bit... complicated. Very strong-willed, stubborn at times. And she can be quite intimidating, even to me." He took a sip of his drink, thinking of her. "But there is something about her that just draws me in. I cannot help but want to be the one to understand her, to help her, to... to be there for her."

Kazi raised an eyebrow, curiosity clearly piqued. "And who might this mystery woman be?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement.

"You do not know her," Ren replied with a grin, shaking his head.

Kazi arched an eyebrow, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Well, she sounds intriguing. If you ever want to talk about it..." she offered, her voice trailing off invitingly.

Ren stared at her for a moment, his heart racing. There was something about the way she looked at him, the way she spoke about it... it made him feel like maybe she understood. Maybe she knew exactly what he was feeling. He took a deep breath.

"Let us go back to you for a moment," Ren said, changing the subject slightly. "I thought you did not want to get married or have children?"

Kazi laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "I do not, not really. But that doesn't mean I do not want companionship. It is not about the children or the marriage vows; it is about finding someone who understands me, who I can be myself around. Someone I can trust with my life, and who I know will have my back no matter what."

She looked away for a moment, "But I do not think I will find it" she confessed. "It is either I marry, or I become a spinster, it is just how things work in our realm." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, as if she did not want that life for herself. But she quickly regained her composure and smiled at him. "But I am glad we have each other. We can be each other's family, you know? We will always have that."

Ren nodded, his heart pounding. He wanted nothing more than for her to understand. To know that he felt the same way, that she was the one. "Kazi..." he began, searching for the right words.

Just then, a young soldier sprinted towards them, his face flushed with urgency. "General Kazi," he panted, saluting her. "Governor Nari requests your immediate presence in his study."

Kazi straightened; her playful demeanour replaced with a touch of seriousness. "Thank you, soldier," she acknowledged. "Tell him I will be there shortly."

Turning back to Ren, she offered a quick smile. "Duty calls, Lieutenant."

Ren nodded in understanding. "Go, Kazi. See what your father needs."

A hint of worry flickered in Kazi's eyes. "Will you be alright here?" she asked.

Ren chuckled, a genuine confidence emanating from him. "Do not worry about me, General. These soldiers practically know the training drills by heart at this point."

Kazi offered one last smile before following the soldier. As she disappeared into the distance, Ren found himself wishing he could go with her, to be by her side.