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

꧁༺ 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓛𝓧𝓧𝓘𝓘𝓘 - 𝓑𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 ༻꧂

Kazi forced herself out of bed, wincing at the dull ache in her muscles. The pain was a small price to pay for the joy that filled her heart. She walked over to the window, her hand trailing along the smooth wooden frame as she took in the view of the palace gardens.

Everything had returned back to normal, even the blinding colour of white had returned as she watched the servants tend to the lush gardens below. The palace had regained its former glory, and with it, her heart. She couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her, a peace she had not known in a long time.

She had been caged up for far too long, and her restlessness was getting the best of her. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts as a someone entered her chamber.

"Kazi," he exclaimed, rushing to her side, "what on earth are you doing out of bed?"

Kazi gave him a reassuring smile. "Just admiring the view. Your highness. It is beginning to feel like a dungeon in here." she teased as she leaned against the window frame.

Azrael furrowed his brow. "Nonsense. You should rest. The physician's orders." He surprised her by gently but firmly scooping her up in his unexpectedly strong arms.

"Your Majesty!" she protested with a playful laugh. "Isn't it a bit improper for a prince to be carrying a woman to her bed chambers at this hour?" She wiggled in his grasp, feeling the strength in his arms as he easily held her.

Azrael smirked, a mischievous look in his eyes. "Perhaps," he admitted, "but is it not also rather improper for a certain 'woman' to disguise herself as a 'man' and capture the heart of another 'man'?"

Kazi's heart skipped a beat as he spoke. She couldn't help but blush. "Well," she stammered, "that is different. I was only doing my duty as your aide."

Kazi burst out laughing, and the sound echoed across the room. As Azrael returned to her pillows, she taunted him even more. "Who would have thought, the arrogant Prince Azrael, tucking a mere General into bed?"

Azrael chuckled and tucked the covers about her chin. "A man of many skills, General Kazi," he responded with a teasing look in his eyes.

"Still arrogant, I see," Kazi replied, a smirk on her lips.

"And you love it," he grinned, a smug look on his face.

"Maybe just a little," she said, rolling her eyes.

The playful mood softened. Azrael leaned closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Speaking of love, I suppose a visit to your father is in order. A proper introduction, would not you agree?"

Kazi felt her heart skip a beat. "That sounds lovely, Azrael."

Azrael's eyes regained their malicious glint. "Excellent. Perhaps we might also begin addressing the finer elements of..." He paused, "our future together. Perhaps we could become companions?" He emphasized the last word, his meaning clears.

Kazi felt her heart skip a beat. "Companions?" she repeated, the word tasting foreign on her tongue. "I... I suppose we could be that Your Highness," she stammered, her cheeks flushing.

"You do not like the traditional term of 'husband'?" he said. "Therefore, I shall strive to be not only a companion, but also a friend, confidant, and lover. Someone who cherishes you above all else. Someone who will fight for your happiness, protect you with his life, and make you feel safe and loved every moment of every day." His words sent shivers down her spine.

The warmth in his voice poured over Kazi. She reached out and grabbed his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. "Azrael," she began, a soft laugh escaping her lips, "you truly are a walking contradiction. Arrogant one minute, surprisingly considerate the next."

He smiled down at her, a playful glint in his eye. "I suppose I am. And it is a shame I cannot make you love the title of 'wife,' can I?"

Kazi felt her heart skip a beat. "No, that is... that is all right, Your Highness," she stammered, her cheeks burning. "I... I think I can learn to accept it."

Azrael leaned closer; his gaze intense. "I am glad to hear that, Kazi. Because I do not think I could ever be happy with anyone else." He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering there for a moment before he continued. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Not as a prince and a general, but as partners. As equals."

"I consider myself incredibly lucky." Kazi swallowed hard, her heart thundering in her chest. "To have such a kind, understanding man like you in my life. I will cherish every moment with you, Azrael."

Azrael leaned closer, his lips brushing across her ear. "Then you are as lucky as I am, my love." He kissed her forehead, his breath warm against her skin. "Because I will do everything in my power to make you happy, Kazi. To protect you, cherish you, and love you for the rest of our lives."