Chapter 2. Journey to azuira kingdom

Kael's heart swelled with excitement as he set towards azuira kingdom, a place he had only heard of in whispers. With a small satchel of clothes slung over his shoulder, he embarked on the long journey on foot,his sturdy legs carrying him through the rolling hills and dense forests.

As he walked, the sun beating down his broad shoulders, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. He was a tall,well-built man with chiseled features and piercing brown eyes that seemed to see right through the soul.

He was confident that his good looks would open door for him in the kingdom,especially in the palace.

The journey was not without it's challenges, however. Kael's feet ached, and his stomach growled with hunger. He rested when the sun was at it's peak, seeking shade beneath an ancient tree. As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Kael continued on his way.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he caught sight of the kingdom's walls, towering above the surrounding landscape like a giant's fist. The gates were still open, despite the late hour, and kael slipped through them unnoticed.

As he made his way through the busting street, Kael's eyes widened in wonder. The people of azuira kingdom were a diverse lot, with skin tones ranging from pale to dark,and hair curled, waved, or fell straight as a waterfall. The women's clothing, in particular,caught his eyes, flowing robes with intricate embroidery, and headscarves that framed their faces like a work of art.

Kael's stomach growled, reminding him that he needed to find a place to rest and a hot meal to fill his belly. After inquiring with a few locals, he found a small inn that rented out rooms for travelers. The proprietor, a gruff but kind hearted man named gaius, showed him a cozy room with a soft bed and a warm fire crackling in the hearth.

Later that evening, Kael ventured out to a nearby tavern, seeking a drink and some company. The sign above the door read 'The red griff', and the atmosphere inside was lively.

Kael's piercing gaze swept across the room, drinking in every detail. The soft murmur of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the gentle hum of laughter all blended together in a symphony of sound.

But it was his sense of smell that truly came alive. His nostrils flared, and he breathed in deeply, his senses heightened by the supernatural power that coursed through his veins. The scent of perfumes and colognes wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of exotic spices and the sweet tang of fresh flowers.

Every smell was distinct, every note clear, and Kael's sensitive nose picked up on each one, processing them with an ease that was both fascinating and unsettling. It was a reminder of the primal power that lay just beneath his surface, waiting to be unleashed.That was when he saw them, a group of beautiful women, each one more stunning than the last. They seemed to sense his gaze, and soon, they were flocking to his side, rubbing against him like cats in heat.

"Hey, love, what can I get for you?" a redhead asked, her voice husky and seductive.

Kael's face flushed with embarrassment. "Just a glass of wine, please. Make sure it's not too strong.

The redhead raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, she handed him a glass of wine, her fingers brushing against his as she did so. Kael took a sip, feeling a little overwhelmed by the attention. He tried to make small talk, but the women seemed more interested in flirting with him than having a genuine conversation.

After a few minutes of this, Kael had had enough. He downed the rest of his wine, stood up abruptly, paid and made a hasty exit, leaving the women staring after him in surprise.

He wander about a bit just to get a clear glimpse of the palace, the very palace he had longed to see, and now here it is looking back at him as if to beg him to go in there at that moment and seek for a job but he knows better, he has to take it nice, slow and easy. He turned around and left for the inn.

Kael slept soundly at the inn and rose before dawn. He made his way to the palace, determined to secure a meeting. Upon arrival, he attempted to enter but was halted by the guards.

"Who are you?" one of the guards demanded, hand on the hilt of his sword.

Kael stood tall, his confident demeanor unwavering. "I am Kael, here to request an audience with the king. I seek employment within the palace."

The guards exchanged skeptical glances before one of them nodded. "Follow us."

They led Kael through the winding corridors of the palace, finally arriving at the throne room. The king, a stout man with a thick beard and piercing blue eyes, sat upon his throne. His unpleasant facial features seemed chiseled from years of scowling.

Kael, undaunted by the king's intimidating appearance, bowed respectfully. The king's gaze roved over Kael's tall, athletic frame before speaking.

"What have we here? Who are you and what brings you to my palace?" the king asked gruffly.

"My name is Kael, Your Majesty," Kael replied, his deep voice firm and confident. "I've come seeking employment within the palace walls. I possess skills in combat, strategy, and diplomacy, which I believe would be valuable assets to your kingdom."

The king raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Kael's bold claim. "I see," he said, stroking his thick beard. "And what makes you think you're qualified to serve in my palace?"

The king snorted, his expression skeptical. "We'll see about that," he muttered, before nodding to one of the guards. "Take him to the training grounds. Let's see if he's as skilled as he claims."

Kael's breathtaking display of martial arts expertise left the guards crumpled on the ground, utterly defeated. The sheer force of his power was overwhelming, rendering even the most skilled guards powerless against him. His undefeated record in combat remained unscathed, a testament to his superior strength and agility.

The king watched from the shadows of the training corridors, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Kael's impressive skills. Despite his initial reservations, he couldn't help but feel a begrudging respect for the young warrior's prowess. However, his pride refused to let him acknowledge it openly, and so he maintained a stoic silence, his expression unreadable.

Kael bowed his head proudly, his chest heaving with exertion, and stood tall on the training ground, awaiting the king's verdict.

Meanwhile, Princess Farah watched the entire scene unfold from the window of her chamber, her curiosity piqued. She stood beside her lady-in waiting.

Her attention was captivated by the mysterious figure on the training grounds. "Who is that?" she asked Elara, her curiosity piqued.

Elara leaned in, peering out the window with equal interest. "I've never seen him before, my lady," she replied.

Farah's expression remained nonchalant, but her eyes betrayed a spark of fascination. "He's likely just another guard," she said, attempting to downplay her interest.

Elara raised an eyebrow. "But his skills are impressive, my lady. And have you seen his physique? He's certainly not like any of our usual guards."

Farah's gaze drifted back to the window, her eyes searching for another glimpse of the enigmatic stranger. "I suppose you're right," she conceded, her tone slightly softer. "I wonder who he might be."

Elara smiled, sensing her mistress's intrigue. "Perhaps we'll discover his identity soon, my lady."