Chapter 32 #2
“How recently did you decide this? I hear you have been in search of a husband for nearly two years.”
She hides her lips behind her teacup, “More recently than I should admit.” He chuckles at her response.
They stay there looking at each other for a moment, Aza not knowing exactly where to take the conversation next, figuring that neither does the prince.
She has never been this open with a potential suitor, although it is a nice change.
They seem to have a lot more in common than anyone else she had met on her journeys.
“Call me Zhou.”
“What?”
“My friends, and future friends, call me Zhou.”
Aza’s smile widens. “Call me Aza,” he returns her smile, “What category do I fall into?”
“I’ll let you know by the end of the night. For now, let me show you around. And maybe I’ll answer more of your questions.”
“Alright.”
He stands, crossing to her, helping her slide her chair back and offering his hand as she rises. She nods her thanks.
“Where to first, Aza?”
“The throne room.”
“The throne room? If you have travelled all this way for a fancy throne, I am afraid you will be woefully disappointed. Our throne room is never used. If the servants did not clean it, there would be far too many cobwebs to be able to sit.”
“Good.” Is all Aza replies.
“The kitchens?” Zhou offered instead.
“Yes, please.” Aza barely contains her excitement.
Never had she thought she would enjoy a place—or person—so much, especially a potential suitor, and so quickly.
Although Aza didn’t know if she truly considered him a suitor, rather a potential alliance holder.
From what she has seen and heard so far, Aza could guess that this prince did not want what a marriage entails beyond satisfying his father.
He did not let go of her hand as they made their way to the kitchens. She’d almost forgotten about her guards until she heard the sound of Jahar’s steps. She’d recognize them anywhere.
“You can wait here. We are only merely seeing the kitchens. All will be well.” Aza suggests.
Jahar had said that he didn’t think he could stand seeing another man touch her or the thought of another being with her. Although he recently said he would learn to, she figured she wouldn’t make him galavant around with her and Zhou for the time being. Especially not here—this had been theirs.
An unapproving look held on Jahar’s face.
Aza gave him a gentle smile. She looked up at him through her lashes, silently begging him to trust her.
A quick, gentle touch to reassure him that all would be well.
When his face softened, her smile brightened, she took one last admiring look at him, and continued on with Zhou.
When they entered the room, Aza couldn’t believe how giant and beautiful the kitchens was.
Aza's kitchens back home was lovely as well, but this one was extraordinary. Aza feels a flicker of guilt about leaving Jahar behind, especially since he would be missing all of this. But she decided she could show him later. She wants to understand Zhou and his kingdom. She couldn’t do that if her attention was attached to Jahar as it normally was.
“What do you think?”
“I have never seen something so grand! I mean to be fair, no other kingdom or potential suitor really let me see their kitchens, but I’m sure none of them would have compared.
Mine back home is beautiful and cozy, but nothing compared to this.
The kitchens is one of my favorite places back home.
I used to hang out there all the time with…
” Aza stops herself from slipping out Jahar’s name.
“With who?” Zhou asks, full of curiosity.
“No one.”
“Come on now. You drank the tea, now spill it.”
Aza can’t help but let out a belly laugh, “You are not like any man I have ever met.”
“I know. I’m better.” He lifts his chin in the air and purses his lips, then returns his attention to Aza, “But if I were to guess, there may be one man who is better in your eyes. Tell me, dear Princess, who might that be? Who did you spend time with in the kitchens? Did you guys eat more than just food?” He stares her down with a wicked grin as he makes a circle around her, Aza turns with him, laughing.
She gently pushes him, letting out a shocked yelp at his indecent joke, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He grabs her hands and pulls her closer to him. Aza finds herself laughing along with him.
The moment is ruined, however, when Jahar bursts through the door. His hand hovers near his sword.
Aza pushes away from Zhou quickly, “Jahar! It’s okay. We were merely just joking around.”
He doesn’t soften. Aza swears she can see true fear in Zhou’s eyes.
“Please. Everything is alright. We will continue a kitchens tour and then return to you.”
Jahar still holds his stance and stares longer than need be before he finally releases, “See to it that she does,” is all he says as he goes through the door once more.
Zhou makes an audible exhale, “Mhm, you don’t know?” He purses his lips at her once more, looking towards the now closed door and then looking her up and down.
Her heart drops.
How does he know? Did I give it away? Will he say something?
Zhou doesn’t push, just smiles at her and starts walking farther into the kitchens.
Aza takes a risk and says the first thing that comes to her mind, “I’ll tell you a secret if you tell me one.”
He glances at her sideways and nods for her to continue.
“Do you not want to get married because you’re not ready? Or because you don’t want to be with a woman?”
He stops walking, and a mix of shock and fear coats his face.
“I am not here to judge you. You can be honest with me. I’m sure my secrets are far worse.”
His returning look of worry, yet relief, gives her her answer.
“The person in the kitchens?” He asks as he begins walking again, bringing her to what she believes is an enormous pantry.
“Jahar was a chef before he became my personal guard.” She admits.
He just hums, but then breaks out in a goofy smile, “I was right.”
“What about you? Have you hung out with any tall, well-dressed men recently?”
He stops in his tracks, and Aza sees him gulp quickly.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I already used that line. Spill.”
“And I already used that one.” He stares her down before giving in, “Maybe one.”
Aza mimics his hum. He gives her an evil glare before continuing on.