Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐳: 𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

"What!!!" Governor Nari thundered through the study.

"Just imagine, Father!" she gushed, not allowing her father a say another word. "There are supposed to be incredible floating gardens, and the people speak an entirely different tongue! And who is to say, perhaps the Duke is incredibly handsome and kind, and..."

Governor Nari slammed his fist upon the desk, the sound cutting Adanna's breathless monologue short. "Enough, Adanna!" he shouted. "Before you launch into another flight of fancy, I shall let Kazi explain what this is about! And frankly, I would appreciate if you two learned to discuss matters involving your futures without bringing me in at the last moment!"

Kazi, who was sat on a chair spoke. "Allow me to explain, Father," she said, her calm voice huge contrast to her usual sharp tongue. "Adanna and Princess Serena have an opportunity to travel to Aerionia. There is a competition to find the Duke a bride, and—"

Unable to contain her excitement any longer, Adanna interjected. "And the rewards, Father! They say the winner obviously becomes the duke's wife but also inherits the title of Duchess, granting her a seat on the royal council and diplomatic immunity in allied kingdoms. She will also become an Aerionian citizen and receive a magnificent manor house as her residence."

Governor Nari held up a hand, silencing her. "Rewards? Adanna, are you seriously considering competing for a duke's hand based on material gain?" he asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "What about love, companionship, shared values? What about finding someone who truly complements you as an individual?"

Adanna rolled her eyes, her face flushing with annoyance. "Father, love can blossom later. Right now, I want to see the world, experience new things. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"Do you not understand? Aerionia is a faraway land, and we have no official ties with them! This whole notion sounds utterly...foolish!" Governor Nari exclaimed, his face flushed with anger. "I will not allow you to throw away your life on such a frivolous quest!"

Kazi leaned back and sighed. Her father and Adanna were so alike - both prone to impulsive decisions and long-winded explanations.

Adanna, however, remained undeterred. "But Father, please!" she pleaded, desperation in her voice. "It is not just the competition. It is a chance to see an entirely new world, to experience a different culture! Think of all the stories I could bring back, all the knowledge I could gain!"

"And what of the other competitors?" he asked sharply. "Do you not think it dangerous to place yourself in such close proximity to so many other women, all vying for the same prize?"

"They are all women from respectable kingdoms, I do not think they will harm me, Father," Adanna said, her expression hopeful. "I promise to be careful. I will not bring shame upon our family name. Please, I beg you, let me go."

"You have never brought shame upon our family, Adanna, and I know that you would not start now," Governor Nari said, his tone softening slightly. "But I cannot help but worry about your safety, especially in such a foreign land." He sighed, rubbing his forehead as if in pain. "Very well, you may go, but only on one condition: I give you one month. One month to explore this Aerionia, to learn of their culture, and to return home safely."

Adanna's face lit up with an ecstatic grin, but her optimism was quickly tempered by practicality. "One month? But Father, that is hardly enough time! Six months, at the least!" she protested.

"Six months? Absolutely not! Two months, at most!" Governor Nari replied firmly, his expression unyielding. "I want you to understand the gravity of this decision, Adanna. This is not a vacation or a summer's jaunt. This is a serious endeavor that requires careful consideration and preparation."

Adanna pouted, her eyes wide and pleading. "But Kazi," she whined, turning to her elder sister, "cannot you help me convince him? Four months, surely that is a reasonable compromise?"

Kazi, glanced at her father before her final argument. "Four months does seem more sensible, Father. Besides, I doubt Adanna will stay for the entire competition anyway. Is that not right, Adanna? You are not actually planning to marry the Duke, are you?"

"Of course not!" Adanna exclaimed, "I doubt any suitor would look my way no less a duke!" She admitted, "I just wish to visit, explore Aerionia! Honestly!"

Governor Nari, clearly worn down by the exchange, looked at his two daughters and chuckled, a hint of amusement replacing his earlier anger. "Very well, very well," he conceded. "Four months it is. But no more negotiations! And Adanna, be smart, be careful, and represent Niameda well."

Adanna's face broke into a radiant smile. She rushed towards her father, engulfing him in a grateful hug. "Thank you, Father! You shall not regret this, I promise!" she said.

She then turned to Kazi, wrapping her arms tightly around her. "Thank you, Kazi! You are the best sister ever!"

Adanna's triumphant cry of "I am going to Aerionia!" echoed through the halls of the estate a few moments after she left the study. Relief and excitement bubbled within her. Reaching her bedchamber, she threw open the doors and launched herself upon her bed, a wide grin stretched across her face. There was so much to be done!

First, she must inform Serena. Relief washed over her again at the thought of the princess's reaction. Surely Serena would be most ecstatic at the news. Next came packing. Clothes, of course, but what of essentials? Did Aerionia have a different climate? Did they wear entirely different attire? Perhaps Kazi would know something of that.

Speaking of Kazi, a pang of guilt struck Adanna. Her sister had, after all, gone before their father on her behalf. She needed to properly thank her, maybe with a gift from Aerionia - a token of gratitude and souvenir of her adventure.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and there stood Kazi, a smile playing at her lips.

"Four months," she said, raising an eyebrow. "You are quite the negotiator, little sister."

Adanna threw her arms around Kazi once more. "Thank you, Kazi! You have no idea how much this means to me."

Kazi chuckled, returning the hug. "Just promise me you will take care. Aerionia is uncharted territory for us. Keep a level head, and do not hesitate to ask for help if needed."

Adanna pulled back, her eyes filled with determination. "Worry not, Kazi. I shall be fine. And who knows, perhaps I will find a handsome Aerionian knight to sweep me off my feet!"

Kazi laughed. "That, little sister, remains to be seen. But for now, focus on packing and preparing for the journey. We do not journey to Aerionia every day."

Adanna's grin returned, wider than ever. "I leave for Aerionia soon, Kazi! And that is all that matters!"