Chapter 132 - The Final Accord
The highlands of Abyssinia rolled out in golden majesty as Khisa and his retinue approached Gondar. They had been riding for four days straight, just enough time for laughter, reflection, and teasing.
The Shadow Guard who accompanied him missed the shift in Khisa’s demeanor. He was quieter, more thoughtful, eyes often drifting toward the horizon as if already seeing the future unfold beyond it.
"So," Jelani said, riding closer with a sly grin. "Do we call her Princess or Sister-in-law now?"
Laughter rippled through the group. Even Khisa cracked a smile, though he tried to suppress it.
"She is still the princess of Abyssinia," he replied calmly. "But perhaps not for long."
Simba raised an eyebrow. "You sure you’re ready for royal life? Silk robes and endless court dinners? We are still very young, we’ve spent all our time training and learning out in forests and mountains. We don’t even know what Nuri looks like right now, we’ve only heard of its development and not much else."
"Simba has a point, Prince Khisa. We haven’t had a chance to live yet. Are you really ready to be tied down so soon?" Wasike asked.
Khisa chuckled. "I’ve lived among brick dust and battlefields. I know that there is no need to rush into it, but seeing and experiencing all we have just makes me even more determined, life is too short for me to waste time just because I am young. You guys have the rest of your lives, after this, I expect you to do what you wish to do. Our battles are not over yet, but that shouldn’t stop us from living."
"Do you have to turn everything into a lesson?" Zuberi complained.
The group burned into laughter.
Ndengu leaned forward on his saddle. "Just remember, if you fumble the proposal, we will tell Princess Azenet."