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...
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.
With newfound resolve, Kazi took advantage of Azrael's slightly loosened grip. She bowed quickly and muttered, "Excuse me." Before he could react, she ran out of the ballroom.
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She felt the hallway's cold breeze as she slipped away. Her heart pounded wildly as her thoughts raced. What was happening to her? This unfamiliar feeling, this strange attraction towards Azrael...it was a weakness she couldn't afford. Her mission, her duty to Niameda, had to remain her top priority.
She took deep breaths. She wanted to focus. "Take it easy, Kazi," she whispered to herself. The hallway seemed lonely and empty. Her pace was quick as she walked back and forth. Finding the traitor was crucial. Some confusing sickness had infected her. She couldn't ignore it, but now was not the time.
She would eventually visit the royal physician. Maybe they knew what caused this odd feeling. For the moment, thoughts of Azrael were set aside. Energy focused on the investigation. A traitor lurked somewhere. Acting swiftly was essential.
The cool stone walls of the hallway felt like a welcome embrace after the heat and chaos of the ballroom. Kazi's heart pounded a frantic rhythm as she grabbed a candle from the wall.
Kazi reasoned that the traitor would not be found amidst the frivolity of the ball. Secrecy thrived in hidden corners, away from prying eyes. Sneaking past a guard, Kazi found herself in the throne room.
With a sharp eye, Kazi scanned the room for any disruption or traitor's mark. Minutes ticked by way of, and her optimism began to dwindle. Maybe this search was futile. Just as she turned into about to turn and leave, a glint of light stuck her eye.
Across the room, a tiny object shimmered faintly near the window from the incident with witches. Kazi, interest piqued, carefully navigated toward it. Bending down, she squinted at the object. There, nestled amongst the white marble chips, lay a small ring. Made of an easy, white material, it mixed seamlessly with the surrounding stone, making it nearly invisible to the informal observer.
A sigh escaped her lips. They had obviously missed this during the repairs, their attention no doubt focused on the larger wreckage. Picking it up, Kazi examined it carefully. It felt clean and cool to the touch, as if it had been polished recently. There was no inscription or marking of any kind. Yet there was something familiar about it...
And then, in a blink of an eye, it changed. The white surface began to melt and changed into a black ring. A wave of dread washed over her.
Recognition dawned on her face. This was not simply any ring. This turned into a Changer's ring. The same kind worn by the shapeshifter they had encountered just a few months ago, the one who had manipulated King Madoc. A Changer in the Althean court?
Panic clawed at her throat. They could not deal with some other one, not so soon. The memories of the chaos and destruction Madoc had caused flooded her mind. The innocent lives lost; the kingdoms decimated. It couldn't happen again. Not on her watch.
Kazi's grip tightened at the ring, its coldness seeping into her skin. This ring was a chilling confirmation of her worst fears. The Althean court harboured a secret far more dangerous than a simple traitor. They were facing a creature capable of unimaginable deception, a master of disguise who could be anyone waiting for a moment to strike.
She did not know who this Changer was, who they wore this ring for, or what their motives might be.
But Kazi knew one thing for certain. The mission had just become more dangerous.
