Chapter 15: By the Stream

As Kazi walked along the stream, her fists clenched and her shoulders tense, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. For once, she was truly alone. The weight of the kingdom's expectations seemed to lift from her shoulders, if only for a moment. Then she saw someone sitting on a nearby log, their back to her. It was Ren.

Kazi walked up to him. "What are you doing here?" she asked softly, taking a seat beside him.

Ren shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing much. Just needed some fresh air," he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "What about you?"

"I am here to clear my head," Kazi replied, glancing down at her boots.

Ren nodded understandingly, "About the marriage proposal, huh?" he said, not meeting her gaze.

Kazi nodded. "Yes" she sighed, running a hand through her short braids. "It feels like everyone is forcing me to accept something I do not want."

Kazi sat beside Ren in silence for a while, her mind racing with the weight of her feelings. The wind rustled through the leaves above them, creating a soothing sound that seemed to drown out the chaos of her thoughts. "I just wish I could be free of it all," she said finally, looking up at the sky. "To just be able to live my life the way I want to, without anyone else's expectations weighing me down."

Ren placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it is okay," he reassured her. "You do not have to do anything you do not want to."

"But what if..." Kazi started. "What if this is my only chance to ever get married?" Her voice trailed off as she looked down at her lap, "As much as I do not want to get married...it was my mother's dying wish for all her daughters to be get married and be happy. I cannot ignore that."

Ren turned to her, his eyes softening with understanding. "Kazi, look at you," he said. "You are beautiful, strong-willed, and you fight for what is right. What man in his right senses would not fall for you?" He paused, searching for the right words. "And I am pretty sure your mother would want you to be happy, too. She would not want you to be with someone just because it is what she wished for you."

Kazi gave him a small smile. "You always know what to say," she murmured, her gaze meeting his.

Ren couldn't help but return her smile, his heart skipping a beat. "That is what friends are for," he replied warmly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

They sat together by the stream in comfortable silence, the gentle rush of water a soothing background to their thoughts. Ren couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted to stay in this moment forever, by Kazi's side. But for now, he was content to simply be there for her, offering his support as a friend.

 But for now, he was content to simply be there for her, offering his support as a friend

The carriage jolted along the road to Ivamis, the dust rising in its wake. Kazi stared out the window, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts and emotions. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so angry, so frustrated. It was not fair, she thought. She had spent her life training, serving her kingdom, and now they expected her to abandon everything she had worked for because of some political alliance?

With each passing moment, Kazi could feel her frustration growing. Marry Prince Azrael? The very thought was enough to turn her stomach. She had never met him, but she did not need to. She knew the type. A spoiled brat, more interested in his own pleasures than leading his people. And yet, that was what her father expected her to do. To abandon her life, her dreams, and her kingdom for some meaningless alliance.

After two days and one night, the carriage finally stopped. Kazi sighed with relief, eager to stretch her cramped legs and escape the stuffy interior. As she climbed down from the carriage, she saw her sister Nia.

Nia walked up to Kazi, her four months bump visible, and gave her sister a hug. "Oh, Kazi," Nia whispered, resting her head against Kazi's shoulder. "When I got your letter, I was quite surprised."

As they pulled back. Kazi spoke up. "Surprised?" Kazi repeated. "I thought you would expect this. For me to run away from marriage, I mean." She laughed.

"Well, yes, of course. But mostly, I was worried." Nia let out a sigh.

Kazi smiled, "No need to worry, Nia. I am here now."

As Kazi and Nia walked into the palace, the guards took Kazi's luggage to her chambers. Kazi and Nia settled in the drawing room.

"How is Kiyoshi?" Kazi asked.

"He is well, in his study as usual," Nia replied, her voice soft. "What about you? How are things... back home?"

"As bad as I expected. The whole kingdom is buzzing about this marriage proposal to Prince Azrael." Kazi ran a hand through her hair in frustration.

Nia's eyes widened. "The word reached Ivamis too, I am afraid. I heard you... declined?"

"Declined? I practically threw the letter at Father's head!" Kazi exclaimed. "The man's a drunkard and a fool! There is no way I am marrying him."

"I know, I know, it must be frustrating," Nia said, reaching out to pat Kazi's hand. "Apparently, the King offered a rather... substantial dowry in exchange for your hand in marriage."

"He offered a lot of money..." Kazi said with a sigh. "Wait Nia...Are you... are you suggesting, Nia, that I should just go through with it? Just for the money?"

"Of course not!" Nia exclaimed, "I would never advise you to marry anyone against your will. You know that."

"Good," Kazi said, relieved. "Now, let us forget about whatever-his-name-is and focus on you and... well, the little one on the way."

As Nia and Kazi were talking, the door creaked open and in entered Kiyoshi. A smile spread across his face as he spotted Nia. He walked towards her, and Nia noticed him and stood up. He hugged her gently. "My love," he murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear. He placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

Nia returned the kiss, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Kiyoshi," she greeted him softly, then gestured towards Kazi. "My sister has arrived."

Kiyoshi turned his gaze to Kazi, "General Kazi, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." He held out his hand, which she accepted with a firm shake. "I apologise for not being here to welcome you earlier, but I trust your journey was uneventful?"

"It was, thank you." Kazi said. Kiyoshi turned his gaze back to Nia, his eyes softening. "You look lovely, my dear." He kissed her hand, causing her to giggle. The two of them looked like a charming portrait, and Kazi couldn't help but feel happy for her sister.

"Well," Kazi began, "I will leave you two lovebirds to catch up. If you need anything, I will be in the courtyard practicing with my sword." She stood up and winked at Nia.

"Thank you, Kazi," Kiyoshi said, nodding. "Please, make yourself at home."

Kazi bowed her head in acknowledgement before turning to leave the room.

He turned back to Nia and gently cupped her face in his hands. "You were in your study, what took you so long? I have been waiting for you to come back since I woke up this morning." Nia asked, her voice soft and teasing. Kiyoshi grinned and leaned in closer, his breath warm against her lips. "I have missed you," he whispered before pressing his lips to hers. The kiss deepened as they were both consumed by the desire that always seemed to flare up between them whenever they were together.

"Right! Prince Azrael is here in Ivamis," Kiyoshi murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Nia's eyes widened in surprise. "Azrael? Here, in Ivamis?"

"Yes," Kiyoshi confirmed. "Apparently, his father sent him here to learn about the political alliance between Niameda, Ivamis, and Althea. But so far, he is shown little to no interest in anything other than... entertainment."

A smile crossed Nia's lip. "What are the odds," she murmured, shaking her head. "Both Kazi and Azrael are under the same roof at the same time."

Kiyoshi chuckled, "Indeed," he said. "Just one more complication to add to the mix. Let's just hope their paths do not cross, shall we?"