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 ti for laughter, reflection, and teasing.
The Shadow Guard who accompanied him missed the shift in Khisa’s deanor. 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 ti 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 developnt 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 even more determined, life is too short for to waste ti 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 rember, if you fumble the proposal, we will tell Princess Azenet."
That earned a round of hearty laughs. Khisa waved them off. "It’s already done. She knows. She’s waiting for in Assab to tell her of my success. She believes in us... and after all I have done here, maybe the Emperor won’t refuse to give her hand in marriage "
As the walls of Gondar ca into view, the laughter gave way to silence. This was more than a reunion. It was a closing Chapter of war and the opening of sothing far more permanent.
The sun had just begun its slow descent behind the Simien Mountains when Khisa rode through the gates of Gondar for what he knew would be the last ti, at least for many years. The city was quieter now, less burdened by the whispers of war and betrayal. Markets bustled once more, families strolled openly in the courtyards, and a new flag—one bearing the eagle of Abyssinia and the rising sun of Nuri intertwined—fluttered above the imperial palace.
Khisa’s heart was calm. His mission here was complete. The treaty had been signed, the navy built, the weapons delivered, the slave camps dismantled. Abyssinia now stood strong, free, and tied to Nuri not just by ink and diplomacy, but by sweat, sacrifice, and shared vision.
Inside the golden-washed throne hall of Gondar, Emperor Gelawdewos stood beside his Pri Minister, Haile, both n older but visibly energized. The air was charged with expectation. The emperor already knew why Khisa had co. The last letter he received spoke of his depature. The king was of course saddened by this news, but the fact that they could now stand on their own was an accomplishnt on its own.
When Khisa was announced, the emperor greeted him with wide arms. "There’s my kingdoms saviour."
Khisa bowed, then greeted them both with respect. The pleasantries passed quickly. The weightier matters began.
"I have good news for you Khisa," The Emperor began. "The last of the Adal slave camps have been disbanded. Those nobles who collaborated with them have either fled or are in hiding, hunted by their own people. I just need to catch who led my younger brother down this path. Once that is done. The puppet strings will be cut."
"Abyssinia’s new navy now controls part of Red Sea coast. We have begun operations to weaken their army and their influence on the sea. The checkpoints have fully transitioned to your people, so have the communication lines. Tesfaye will look after the navy. I have left him training manuals and strategies to employ.
The supply lines from Nuri remain open and strong. We will watch your back from our side. Your borders are secure. Once I return, I will work on extending the communication network to make things easier for us." Khisa explained.
The emperor bead, his pride nearly overflowing.
Khisa continued, "And the new currency, we will begin minting the coins soon. Expect word from soon. With your permission, it will bear both the Abyssinian holy tree and the sun of Nuri—two nations, one symbol."
The emperor turned to the pri minister, who gave a solemn nod of approval.
"It is a new era,"Haile said. "One forged not by conquest, but by cooperation."
"There is another matter, there was an assassination attempt on . I managed to fight them off, but I expect that there will be more. They were Adal assassins. They said your brother Wossen sent them."
The emperor sighed, "I thought I finally strangled all their routes, seems like I missed a few."
"They might follow back to Nuri, of course I can handle them but we must deal with it at the source. I can’t look over my shoulder all the ti. I do have my own people to protect." Khisa said solemnly.
"I understand Khisa, leave this matter to . Once you step out of Abyssinian soil, I assure you, you will never have to look over your shoulder. I will deal with my brother all traitors who remain in the coming months."
The Emperor said, his gaze piercing.
Khisa took a breath. This was the mont.
"There is one final matter," he said, stepping forward, his voice even. "Your Majesty... I formally ask for the hand of your daughter, Princess Azenet, in marriage.
Not as a gesture of politics, but from admiration and affection. I have co to respect her strength, her wisdom and the grace with which she carries your na.
I intend to return to Nuri and build a palace worthy of her. And in due ti, I shall co back with a dowry, in full accordance with Abyssinian custom, to honor your house and unite our peoples forever."
A long silence followed. Then slowly, the emperor stood, his eyes glassed with emotion. He walked over and placed both hands on Khisa’s shoulders.
The emperor’s eyes sparkled. "At last," he whispered. "I had prayed for this mont. You think I did not see it from the beginning? From the day I t you, I wanted to entrust my daughter to you, that is why I sent her to Asaab with her brother. You, young prince are sharp as a general, but soft as a man. Perfect for my beautiful little girl." Emperor Gelawdewos bead. Turning to pri minister Haile.
"I guess you were right old friend, leave matters of love to the young ones. It all worked out in the end." He laughed heartily, patting Khisa’s shoulder.
"This union will make our nations unbreakable! You are not allowed to back out."
But his smile dimd slightly, and he raised a hand. "But no. No dowry. You have given enough. You saved my kingdom. Freed our people. Gave us more than any other leader ever could. Trained my son to be a worthy leader. You owe us nothing."
Khisa bowed respectfully, but did not relent. "With honor, I must disagree. I do not offer the dowry as paynt, but as tradition. I will co not just as a prince, but as a suitor who respects your customs."
Haile stepped forward. "Your Majesty, allow it. Let him honor the old ways so that the new ways will stand on a strong foundation. We must not be seen as those who abandon our traditions in the face of change. Let this be a bridge, not a bypass."
The emperor considered his words carefully... and finally nodded.
"Very well. Let it be as custom demands. But know this, Khisa Lusweti: no dowry can equal what you have already given. You are now a son of Abyssinia."
Khisa bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father."
"Now, go get so rest from your journey. I am sure you are anxious to say goodbye to my daughter. Next ti I see you, I expect a grand feast in the na of your marriage." He laughed.
As the final rays of sunlight bathed the palace in gold, Khisa left the chamber with a full heart. Soon, he would be on his way to Assab to et the woman who already knew his heart—and from there, he would leave her behind for now to prepare a grand palace and dowry to welco her into his kingdom as a future queen.
Not just as allies.
But as family.
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