Chapter 26 Azahara #2
Zhal decided to walk and insisted that Azahara ride Noxus.
There was no arguing because since meeting Noxus, she’d wanted to ride him solo and feel his power beneath her.
Zhal commented that as they approached the gates, it would be best if she didn’t look as threatening, to which Illyan retorted that it didn’t help her being off the horse.
Riding Noxus was precisely as she imagined—dominating.
Even with Zhal walking steadily aside, she felt in control of everything.
She could not explain it to them, but it felt good.
It was empowering and liberating, and it was shaping her back from her panic attack.
Putting back the clarity and purpose she had.
There was also a sense of inner peace and balance, with increased confidence.
Zhal didn’t need Azahara to speak words to her, but instead knew what she needed.
She felt such gratitude towards the Vaeragi that at one point, while Kaed and Illyan were discussing their accommodations for the evening, she put her hand down to Zhal.
Without hesitation, the Vaeragi took her hand and brought it to her forehead.
“Thank you,” Azahara whispered.
The very edge of Zhal’s lip curled as she looked up at her. “Anything for you.”
She knew that Kaed had overheard their brief interaction, as he hadn’t responded to Illyan’s inquiry.
Azahara glanced at him, finding a radiant smile gracing his face.
It was as if he could sense the profound acceptance and revitalization coursing through her.
In return, she could feel his joy, even from a distance.
The overwhelming emotions threatened to bring tears to her eyes, and the burning sensation within them hinted at the possibility. After sharing a heartfelt smile with Kaed, she redirected her gaze ahead, and there it stood—the towering grand gates guarding the majestic kingdom.
She hadn’t set foot in the kingdom in this lifetime, not even during her mortal days.
Witnessing the formidable gates now felt both symbolic and ironic.
They marked the boundary between the outside world and the sanctuary within, a threshold they would have left behind if not for the essential trade that sustained the kingdom, keeping those gates from closing forever.
The gates themselves were meticulously crafted with the vision of the great King Xhavior in mind, using the finest materials available, most notably the gleaming white marble that gave rise to the kingdom’s moniker, the ‘Kingdom of Ice’.
From a distance, it resembled snow-capped peaks more than a bustling city.
The gates soared to imposing heights, their arches reaching toward Paradise.
The marble surfaces bore intricate carvings, featuring delicate patterns, twined vines, mythical creatures representing the realm, and scenes from the Great Divide—a remarkable tale recounting how King Xhavior had saved their world.
Bunch of crap. She rolled her eyes.
As they approached, the guards stared in awe at their party.
“Welcome, travelers.” One of them cautiously approached, eyeing the imposing Vaeragi beside their enormous horse, likely the cause of their amazement. “Please state your names and alignment.”
Azahara paid them no mind, her attention fixed on the towering gates ahead. She muttered to herself, “Why did they have to make them so high? Giants have been extinct long before this fortress was built.”
Kaed stepped forward, his voice confident.
“I’m Kaed Blackfyre, Fourth Squadron, 100237 King’s Eagle.
” The guards immediately saluted him. They were part of the White Cloaks, the protectors of the king and his people, distinct from the Order which dealt with external matters.
There was mutual respect between the two factions, and that was reassuring.
“These are my companions. Illyan L—” He paused.
Illyan cleared their throat. “Illyan Ru Faelrin Sylvan Lazuli, Fae,” they announced, savoring the guards’ wide-eyed fascination.
“Zhal Utlzl Kakzox, she is my duty,” Azahara added, choosing her words carefully.
“And I am Azahara Rothwen, a citizen.” By stating that Zhal was her responsibility, Azahara made it clear that any issues caused by Zhal would reflect on her.
This meant that any punishment inflicted on Zhal would be equally applied to her.
One of the guards, who was recording their names, looked up with a quizzical expression. “Did you say Azahara Rothwen?”
“Yes,” she affirmed.
“Thank you,” the guard replied. “Accommodations and length of your stay?”
Kaed took back the lead. “We plan to stay for two days, assuming our meeting with the king proceeds as planned. We haven’t finalized our accommodations, but I’ll notify the White Cloaks of our location once we secure it.”
Azahara observed Zhal’s tense demeanor while Illyan dismounted from Starlight and gathered their belongings. They knew they’d have to leave the horses in the nearby stables, and the thought of being separated from their loyal companions made Azahara uneasy.
The guard, after jotting down their information, spoke again. “By law, weapons must remain with the horses.” He then opened the gates with a loud creak, causing Azahara to instinctively cover her ears. “Regarding your departure, will you be exiting through the northern or southern gates?”
“Northern,” Kaed declared as they passed through the gates, and what met Azahara’s gaze was nothing short of breathtaking.
The kingdom sprawled before her in all its splendor, promising a tapestry of majestic stables.
Although they were only at the beginning of their journey through the city, Azahara couldn’t help but already be in awe at the expanse of colorful homes lining the streets.
Unlike the marble gates and the towering castle in the distance, these buildings painted a vibrant mosaic of yellows, blues, reds, and pinks.
Zhal tapped her leg, helping her dismount from Noxus. Taking her bag, Azahara slung it over her shoulder and stepped onto the street, heading straight for the heart of the Marble Kingdom.
The place was a marvel, as if it had sprung from the depths of a dream. Every structure, every avenue, every intricate detail exuded the grandeur and magnificence of its creators.
Azahara couldn’t help but be in awe at the gleaming structures and architectural wonders that stretched farther than her eye could reach. The towering palace in the distance stood at the epicenter of this breathtaking landscape, reigniting her excitement about their upcoming visit.
“You are spectacular, you know that?” Kaed’s voice came from behind as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. His words echoed her own sentiments of the kingdom.
She chuckled softly. “What did I do?” Azahara glanced over her shoulder at Kaed, who was smiling down at her with admiration. She couldn’t fathom the source of his sudden affectionate mood.
“They say beauty shines in this city, and you are positively radiant,” he remarked, planting a tender kiss on her cheek. “I quite like it.”
In truth, it was the marble surroundings, not the most sun-friendly material, that caused the radiant effect. The marble reflected the sun’s light, giving the illusion of a glow to everyone. It was part of the city’s aura, masking the underlying hardships and deceptions.
“Thank you, Kaed,” she replied, inhaling deeply, though the scent of the nearby stables wasn’t particularly pleasant. Her nose wrinkled involuntarily, and she wished she hadn’t taken that breath.
“Of course, Red,” Kaed said, nuzzling into her hair, his voice muffled. “I’m sorry.” She had expected the apology.
“Don’t be. You are doing everything right.” She leaned her head against his, her hand gently rubbing at his arm.
She felt him shake his head against her neck. “Just promise you’ll talk to me when you can.” His lips kissed the small spot behind her ear, sending bumps crawling down her arm. “I want to help, but I won’t push you. I’m here forever, Aza.”
With a broader smile on her face than before, she turned her head, and he met her cheek with a kiss.
“Come on, kids, I have a place in mind, but they fill up quick,” Illyan announced, coming to Azahara’s side and looping their arm through hers. “You’re going to love the city, Ladybug.”
They began to guide her forward, and Kaed released her.
Azahara smiled as she turned to see him and Zhal falling into step behind them.
The sense of detachment she had once felt was now gone completely.
These were the people she was meant to be with.
They brought her happiness, and that was all that truly mattered.
“Three rooms, please. Three rooms,” Zhal chanted repeatedly as she stood at the doorway of the bustling Idle Fox with Azahara. The tavern was already crowded, even before dinner time.
Kaed and Illyan suggested waiting outside, given the growing crowd inside. They didn’t want any mishaps or inappropriate encounters. The last thing they needed was Zhal intervening and them getting expelled from the Kingdom.
Illyan had recommended the Idle Fox as the finest tavern in the city, conveniently located near the palace. It seemed like the perfect place for them to stay. Azahara admired the grandeur of the square it occupied, a place that felt strangely familiar.
The square was expansive and impressive, with a magnificent fountain at its center, bustling markets, and towering, vibrant homes encircling it.
Azahara noticed intricately carved foxes decorating the marble tiles, signifying the tavern’s claim over this part of the city.
It was undoubtedly a significant hub for the surrounding shops.
As the clear sky filled with fading light, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a beautiful, albeit chilly, night over the city.