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

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚇𝚇: 𝙰𝚗 𝙰𝚠𝚔𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝙴𝚗𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚁𝚘𝚘𝚖

A few days later, Kazi rounded a corner in the bustling hallway, her thoughts consumed with the King's message. She was lost in thought and did not see the person coming towards her, until a dull thud and a stifled cry jolted her back to reality.
It was Uriel, Princess Athiel's handmaid. She had crumpled onto the floor, silent tears staining her pale cheeks as she shook with sobs. Kazi's initial surprise quickly turned into alarm.

"Uriel? What happened?" Kazi asked softly as she knelt down beside her.

At the sound of her voice, Uriel winced and swallowed hard, brushing away her tears with the back of her hand. "I-I am sorry Sir K," she choked out through sobs that wracked through her small frame, "I shouldn't have bothered you."

Reaching out a hand, Kazi offered Uriel a comforting smile. "You did not bother me at all. Please tell me what is wrong."

Uriel hesitated for a moment before bursting into another fit of choked sobs, lower lip trembling uncontrollably. "It is... it is Princess' gown for the ball! I left it on an ironing board for so long that it... it got burnt!"

A wave of sympathy washed over Kazi for this poor girl who was obviously devastated by what may seem like such an insignificant mishap but could prove to be quite serious if indeed attached to royalty.

"Oh, Uriel," Kazi said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Accidents happen. It is alright."

Uriel looked up at her, her eyes wide and filled with disbelief. "Alright? But the ball...the Princess will be furious!"

Kazi squeezed her shoulder gently. "We will figure something out. Perhaps a seamstress can salvage it? Or maybe the Princess has another gown she can wear?"

Uriel sniffled, a flicker of hope flickering in her eyes. "Do you...really think so?"

Kazi smiled, offering her a comforting pat on the back. "I would not lie to you, Uriel. Now, why do not you get cleaned up? And maybe I can find something for you to do to take your mind off things."

Uriel nodded, wiping away the last of her tears. "Thank you, Sir K. You are very kind."

As they walked down the hallway together, a newfound sense of camaraderie settled between them. Uriel, her composure somewhat restored, began to confide in Kazi.

"I shouldn't complain," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "It is my own fault for being so careless."

Kazi listened intently. "Everyone makes mistakes, Uriel. Do not be so hard on yourself."

Uriel sighed. "It is not just the gown. Life as a handmaiden can be...stressful. There is always so much to do, and Princess Athiel can be...demanding."

Kazi was not surprised. Having witnessed Princess Athiel's behaviour firsthand, she could imagine the difficulties Uriel faced on a daily basis.

"Tell me about yourself, Uriel," Kazi said, wanting to divert her attention from the ruined gown.

Uriel hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I...I am the daughter of a single mother," she began, her voice tinged with sadness. "My father...he passed away when I was young. I have three younger siblings, so I left home to find work and help support them."

Kazi listened with empathy. Uriel, despite her youth, shouldered a heavy responsibility. "That is very brave of you," Kazi said sincerely. "You must be very strong."

Uriel offered a small smile. "We all have to do what we need to do, Sir K."

The weight of Uriel's words resonated with Kazi. They both carried burdens, secrets they kept hidden. In that moment, a silent understanding bloomed between them, a bond forged in shared vulnerability and hidden strength.

Kazi listened intently as Uriel poured out her heart, the young woman's story resonating deeply within her. As Uriel spoke, Kazi found herself captivated not just by her words, but by her eyes. They were a startling blue, clear and honest, reflecting the vulnerability in her voice.