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

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚇𝚅𝙸𝙸𝙸: 𝙰 𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝙳𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢

Kazi's relief dragged on as she began to weave through the crowd, hoping to melt into the background. Feeling the beginning of freedom, the first notes of the waltz filled the ballroom. Before Kazi could react, a gloved hand grabbed her wrist, a woman pulled her onto the dance floor.

Kazi's stomach tightened. Ballroom dancing? She, a seasoned warrior, was about as graceful as a rhinoceros in a tutu. Cursing under her breath, she tried to stumble through the steps, her feet clumsily shifting from one to the other. Partners changed with dizzying speed, and soon, Kazi found herself face-to-face with the last person she wanted to see – Azrael.

"Well, this is unexpected," Azrael drawled, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Kazi felt her cheeks burn with a blush she couldn't explain. "Of course," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "This whole situation is..."

"Awkward?" Azrael finished, a chuckle escaping his lips. He twirled her expertly, the movement sending a jolt through her. Kazi, flustered and off-balance, stood on his feet.

"Oh goodness I am so sorry!" she gasped, panic rising in her chest. Her heart pounded in her ribs, an irregular rhythm that had nothing to do with the music.

Azrael winced playfully. "No worries, K," he said, his voice somewhat amused. "Dancing is not really the royal guard's forte, it seems."

"Maybe you should dance with...a woman," Kazi said hesitantly, her voice barely a squeak.

Azrael laughed, a soft, warm sound that sent shivers down her spine. "True," he admitted, "and most likely a better dancer at that."

Kazi felt her cheeks burn even hotter. His words were innocent, but they sent a strange tingle through her. She tried to move away, but Azrael's grip on her suddenly tightened.

"Hold on, K," he said, his voice soft and serious. "It is considered rude to walk out in the middle of a dance."

Kazi gritted her teeth internally. "But...your Highness," she protested, "This is inappropriate. I am your guard, not—"

Suddenly she realized all eyes were on them. The King and Queen, their faces had a shocked expression as they watched them waltzing together. Princess Athiel's mouth hung open in disbelief, and Prince Akiel and Concubine Coriel stared at them with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

The room fell silent, the music just a backdrop. Kazi felt her face burning with humiliation. What had she gotten into?

Azrael raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "What is wrong, K?" he asked, speaking softly over the music. "Isn't it normal for friends to dance together?"

Kazi stared at him, surprised. "Friends?" she said, her voice higher than usual. The idea that Azrael considered them friends, after all their disagreements, was almost funny.

Azrael grinned. "Of course, friends," he said. "Why would not we be? After all, I did save me from those eager ladies just now."

Kazi let out a short, frustrated laugh. Azrael's self-confidence was truly remarkable. She shook her head, muttering, "Arrogant peacock."

As the dancing continued, another pair bumped into them quite enthusiastically. Kazi stumbled a bit, instinctively moving nearer to Azrael for support. Their bodies touched unexpectedly. A jolt seemed to spark between them, surprising both. Kazi drew a sharp breath, noticing Azrael's surprise before he hid his expression.

She quickly pulled away; face became warm. " I apologies, Your Highness," she barely whispered. Had he felt it? Her feminine chest, the softness of her skin, the shape of her... She was mortified.