Chapter 56: The Journey Home

The clock ticked away the hours, each one echoing the emptiness in Kazi's chest. She left her chambers, carrying her travel pack, but with a heavy heart. The familiar passageways felt oppressive now. She saw Azrael, approaching her as she rounded the corner.

Breath seizing in her throat, Kazi froze. Their gazes locked, his brimming with a profound hurt that echoed her own hidden agony. Her mouth opened to say something, but nothing came out.

The silence between them stretched, heavy and suffocating. Azrael glanced at her, his expression a mask devoid of emotion. With no words, he walked past her without a word, disappearing down the hall. The sound of his footsteps echoed in her ears, fading until they were lost in the distant murmur of the palace.

As she arrived at the palace gates, Ren and Nia were standing beside the carriage, worried expressions on their faces. Kazi offered a strained smile, her voice tight as she said, "Let's go."

As she was about to climb into the carriage, a soft voice called out, "K?"

Kazi turned to see Uriel; her eyes filled with a bittersweet smile. She walked over, hesitating for a moment before reaching out and giving Kazi a letter. "Goodbye, K. Thank you for being such a lovely friend." The silence that followed was almost deafening, and Kazi felt her throat tighten as she took the letter from Uriel.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Uriel," Kazi replied, a forced lightness in her voice. Uriel stepped forward and hugged her tightly. "Please, do not open this until you arrive in Niameda."

They pulled away and Kazi looked at Uriel. "Thank you, Uriel. I will."

Kazi waved goodbye and hopped into the carriage, feeling the weight of the unspoken words and the letter crushing down on her. She glanced back at the palace as the carriage departed. She could make out the silhouette of someone...Azrael.

Her heart quivered in his presence, even from a distance.

With Althea and its secrets behind it, the carriage continued its journey. Kazi reclined, finding little comfort in the journey's constant swaying. The letter from Uriel rested on her lap, its unopened envelope a silent reminder of the promise she had made. The weight of it seemed to grow heavier with each passing mile.

The mission had to continue but she was now filled with a new kind of uncertainty. The journey to Niameda had begun, but the turmoil within Kazi's heart was only just starting. The carriage pulled up to the Althea Port, its iron-bound wheels creaking as it came to a halt. The horses, tossed their heads impatiently, sensing the end of their journey. Ren and Nia exchanged glances; their eyes filled with concern. They boarded the ship with Kazi, helping her carry her heavy travel pack. The air was salty and briny, carrying with it the scent of the ocean. The ship rocked gently in the water, its sails billowing in the breeze.

Weeks passed, and the journey to Ivamis was long and tiresome. Finally, the familiar scenery of Ivamis welcomed them. Nia stepped from the boat and hugged Kazi before she entered a carriage, ready to take her back to the palace.

She and Ren then boarded a carriage headed for Niameda. The trip home was filled with uneasy stillness. Ren, ever-observant, noticed Kazi's distant gaze. He tried to engage her in conversation, discussing the state of the army and potential strategies for dealing with the ongoing threat of missing ships. Kazi's comments were brief, her gaze unfocused. It was clear she was somewhere else entirely.

 It was clear she was somewhere else entirely

The carriage finally arrived in Niameda. The city was bustling with activity. The streets were decked with colourful banners, and ecstatic screams erupted when Kazi's carriage passed by. It was clear that the people of Niameda were thrilled to have their general back. Ren helped Kazi disembark from the carriage, and she straightened her posture, and there in the town square was her family.

Her family raced to hug her, their faces filled with relief and apologies. Governor Nari clutched her hand. "Kazi, my daughter," he said, "I apologise for the way I treated you. I was wrong. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Kazi looked at her father, her expression softening. "Father, I forgive you." She paused, taking a deep breath.

"We are very glad for your safe return." Ife added, her eyes glistening with tears. "We have missed you so much."

"I missed you all too," Kazi replied, as she hugged Tanisi tightly.

Adanna stepped forwards. Her gaze shifted to Kazi's hair, which was now a short afro, in stark contrast to the braids she had previously worn. "Kazi," she began gently, "your hair is gorgeous. What made you change it?"

Kazi forced a smile. "Oh, just a little change," she said, her voice strained.

They all entered a carriage and made it their way to their father's estate. A huge celebration was held in Kazi's honour, with music and dancing filling the air. However, Kazi felt like an outsider at her own homecoming. The music felt muffled, and the laughing empty.

As the night wore on, Ren approached her, a concerned frown on his face. "Kazi," he started cautiously, "you seem... distant. Is everything alright?"

Kazi took a deep breath, her attention briefly shifting to a group of young women laughing with an attractive, young officer. "Everything's fine, Ren," she lied, her voice lacking confidence. "Just a little tired from the journey."

Ren was not convinced. He knew Kazi better than that. But he knew better than to press her when she was in this mood. He knew she might open up to him in time. For now, he would just have to be patient and supportive.