Strange Acquaintances

Strange Acquaintances
Shazir did not remember these halls being so long. He felt like he’d been walking for hours. It definitely wasn’t because he was nervous that the Queen he’d hounded for years, had asked for him to be brought to her. He hadn’t even started to sweat excessively until he realized that he wasn’t being led to the throne room or even the great hall, but somewhere high up within the west wing of the castle. He ignored Kailani as she glanced back at him once more her brows furrowing as her eyes caught on how he was pulling at his own fingers. 

Like the Queen, she’d also changed drastically from what he’d remembered. The Kailani he’d known was cold and calculating. Quick with wit, and sharp of tongue. This Kailani was a mystery. He could tell she led the guards, all women with their faces covered. Blades and all sorts of daggers hung around their arms, and thighs. A metal clang the music that, followed them everywhere as their blades hit their thighs, or arms as they walked. 

Shazir hadn’t remembered these fierce women when he’d been King. Most likely this was the Queen’s guard. The infamous league of Assassins, that guarded the Queen and her secrets with the utmost silence and vengeance. Like the daughters of the King, they’d all but disappeared when he proclaimed himself King of the land. 
A fact he was increasingly regretting with every step he took. Vanna had laughed off his fear, when Kailani had come to their room, with the request to see the Queen.

Even after Shazir reminded her, that if he died or was imprisoned, he couldn’t very well help her with her ongoing mission to defeat her brother – in – law. 
He swallowed thickly as Kailani finally stopped, turning sharply to him her gaze on him at first strict and then softening lightly. “There is no reason to have such fear upon your face. Zaya is a far greater ruler than you ever were.” 

“The bar was set pretty low for that,” Shazir muttered as he tugged on his shirt before he seemed to take a breath his eyes on the dark wooden door, that he knew led to one of the many libraries. Kailani let out an amused huff, as she opened the door gesturing him inside. 

Shazir took a couple of steps inside the room, his gaze moving upwards surprised with the rays of the sun that lit the room up brilliantly. He barely noticed as Kailani closed the door after him. Clearly not joining him in his misery. Despite the magic running through his veins, it seemed that everyone believed him not to be a threat. 
“I hope your accommodations are adequate.” Zaya murmured, Shazir turned slightly looking upwards at where Zaya’s voice seemed to echo.

She stood a book in her hand looking down at him from a terrace on the second floor of the library. “Kailani had assured me that it was your former quarters while you resided in the castle. 

Shazir’s brows furrowed as he heard the question in her voice. “I had no need for further embellishments while you weren’t here.” He replied. 

“I rather thought you would’ve been living in my father’s old quarters. Not a guest suite.” Zaya replied putting the book down and walking down the curved steps to where Shazir stood.

“Please take a seat.” Shazir turned, taking in the oak wood desk, with two plush chairs in front of it. But also, of the sitting area that lined the wall-to-wall windows. 
He sat down there, his eyes lighting on the beautiful view of the gardens, and further to the clear crisp water’s the sun shining down on the ocean. Zaya walked to where he sat sitting further on the bench. With enough room to run, if Shazir decided to pounce. 

Shazir shuffled nervously, away slightly as she sat, her eyes on the waters. He looked at her for a moment before he returned back to watching the ripples in the water. He could feel a tingle within him, the beast wanting to be let out. He straightened slightly ignoring the urge, “You wanted to see me?” he asked. 

“Seraphina has been spotted over the sea.” Zaya murmured. 

Shazir’s gaze snapped to hers. “I thought you didn’t know where your sister’s pirate ship had gone?” Shazir asked. 

Zaya smirked slightly. “I don’t think Aariz would be happy to hear you refer it to Zara’s ship.” She murmured. Her gaze returned to his looking thoughtful. “Seraphina was spotted weeks ago. When she travels between worlds, it leaves a trace in the sky, which is how she was spotted in the first place. 
She seemed to hesitate slightly. “Do you want to see if you can contact her?” 

Shazir’s heart clenched within his chest. Is that what he wanted? Or would it be another thing he took from Seraphina? From Zaya? 

“She’s doing what she needs to, for the good of her own people. I can’t let her stop for me. Can’t force her to give up one more thing. Not for me.” he murmured. 

“What do you need from me?” Zaya asked. 

Shazir found himself fiddling with his fingers in his lap. Did he need anything from the Queen? Is that why he was here? “Nothing.” He rasped. His voice was sharp and impatient. “I only ended up here, because of the amulet. I know now what I need to do.”