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 stood stiffly, her back pressed against the cool stone wall of the drawing-room as the royal family engaged in conversation. Nia, exhausted from her pregnancy, was taking a well-deserved nap in her chambers, while Ren had gone into the city of Althea.
"K," Queen Evangeline she said, "would you be a dear and fetch that old box of old toys from the west storage room? I believe it needs a new home in the orphanage."
Kazi bowed her head respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty," she replied.
"Wait K, I will go with you," Princess Athiel said, stepping closer. "I remember playing with those toys when I was little. It would be nice to see them go to some good use."
Kazi internally groaned, she was tired of the princess's obsession with her. She knew Athiel had a crush on her, but it was starting to become unbearable. The princess knew 'K' liked men yet she continued to throw herself at her. It was embarrassing, to say the least.
Before Kazi could turn down the princesses offer, someone spoke.
"I will get it," Azrael interrupted, his voice firm as he stepped forward. Silence descended upon the room. Heads swivelled in unison, eyes wide with surprise. Azrael, who always relied on the help of servants, had volunteered to do something himself. It was unheard of. Azrael walked out of the room without another word.
Even Concubine Coriel, his mother, appeared momentarily stunned. A flicker of something – perhaps suspicion, perhaps curiosity – crossed her face as she locked eyes with Kazi. The brief exchange sent a shiver down Kazi's spine. The woman's gaze was always kind, always understanding, but now... there was something else there.
Kazi felt a warmth bloom in her cheeks as she realized her heart was still pounding from the unexpected interaction. The confusion surrounding Azrael's behaviour, coupled with Concubine Coriel's unsettling stare, only served to heighten her emotions. She needed to visit the royal physician. Now.
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Later that day, Kazi clutched the heavy oak door to the royal physician's chambers, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.
Inside sat the royal physician at his desk. "Sir K," he said, noticing Kazi's dishevelled appearance, "Come in, come in. I hope you are not here for another injury." He chuckled, but Kazi did not find it amusing. She took a seat across from him.
Kazi offered a weak chuckle in response. Explaining her own predicament was out of the question; everything she revealed would be documented and reported to the royal family. She needed a discreet approach.
"Actually," she began, "it is not about me today. I...well, I have a friend."
"A friend...?" the physician said, his eyebrows raised in interest. "Do I know this particular friend?"
"No," Kazi said quickly. "They are from Niameda. Recently, I received a letter...about their health."
"Their health?" the physician repeated, leaning forward in his chair. "Please, do elaborate."
