Chapter 62: The Truth

A bunch of activity filled Kazi's chambers. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the bustling scene. Maids, their faces alight with excitement, fussed over Kazi, transforming her into a vision far from the formidable fighter she was renowned as.

They dressed her in a flowing orange gown that surprisingly complemented her sharp features, fiery attitude, and warm skin tone. The gown was decorated in golden embroidered patterns that spoke of elegance rather than the armour she was used to. Her short afro, which was normally stubborn and untamed, received a gentle touch of the curling iron, adding a touch of softness to her features.

Kazi, despite the unfamiliar sensation of the gown and the unfamiliar flutter in her stomach, Kazi couldn't help but feel excitement. Today was the day she would meet Prince Azrael again, the day she would finally confess the truth of her actual identity.

"Well, well," Ife drawled, a teasing expression on her face, as Kazi walked down the grand staircase. "Never thought I would see the day the mighty General Kazi would wear a gown to meet a man!"

Kazi rolled her eyes, a slight smile tugging on her lips. "Enough with the teasing, Ife," she playfully swatted at her younger sister.

Tanisi, was laughing. "You look beautiful, Kazi!" she said, whirling Kazi around to see the full effect of the gown.

Adanna, with a smirk, continued, "I thought you would never accept the 'arrogant prince' marriage proposal."

Kazi's cheeks became warm. "Alright," she murmured, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "You have made your point." She glanced around, suddenly nervous. Today was the day she would finally reveal her true identity to Azrael. Would he forgive her? Would he understand? She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, trying to calm her racing heart.

Governor Nari took a step forward, his expression full of pride. "You look radiant, Kazi," he murmured, his voice full of emotion.

Kazi smiled warmly at her father, feeling the weight of his words. "Thank you, Father," she said, her voice steady despite the swirling emotions within her.

As they stood in the foyer, a brief silence descended upon them, broken only by the nervous flutter of Kazi's heart. This was it. The moment of truth. Today, she would not be just a general, a symbol of Niamedan strength. Today, she was a woman taking a chance on love, a love that had blossomed under the most unexpected circumstances.

A buzz of enthusiasm erupted. Her sisters, suddenly overcome with playful mischief, practically shoved Kazi towards the drawing room door. "Go on, Kazi!" Ife teased, pushing her gently. "Go inside and wait for your prince!"

Adanna winked. "Remember, Kazi, be yourself. But maybe a slightly... less fierce version of yourself."

Kazi's heart hammered against her ribs; she threw a playful glare at her sisters. "Just be quiet," she muttered, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

The drawing room door swung shut behind her, leaving her alone with her rapidly escalating anxiety. Every rustle of fabric, murmur of conversation from outside felt amplified. Kazi took a long breath, adjusted her clothes, and attempted to control her trembling hands.

This was it. It is now or never. She would not let fear cripple her, especially when her heart craved for this reunion.

Suddenly, the murmuring outside changed from a faint rumble to distinct voices. King Eldarion's loud laughter echoed throughout the chamber, followed by Azrael's quieter, more hesitant voice. A lump developed in Kazi's throat. He was here.

She tightened her grasp on the chair's armrest, every nerve ending in her body on high alert. Her heart raced as she tried to control her breathing, the delicate lace of her gown rustling with each shallow intake of air.

Then, the sound of the drawing-room door creaking open echoed through the silence.

Kazi stood up, her breath catching in her throat. The door swung open, revealing a tall figure bathed in the warm afternoon light. It was Azrael.

But the playful prince was gone. In his place stood a man frozen in disbelief, his eyes wide and a gasp escaping his lips. His gaze landed on Kazi, and for a long, heart-stopping moment, their eyes locked. In that single glance, a million unspoken emotions swirled – shock, recognition, a flicker of something deeper that made Kazi's breath hitch.

Azrael's lips parted as if to speak, a tremor running through his body. But before he could utter a word, the door slammed shut behind him, leaving Kazi standing alone in the room, the weight of the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.