Xaki

"Wrap your arms around me." I said for her ears alone as I glared at the man hiding in the dark who was doing a shitty job of spying on us.On her.He flinched and backed away in the shadows.Very slowly her hands wrapped around my waist."Good girl." I said nonchalantly. My eyes roamed the vicinity and picked out three more hiding in the shadows. The bitch was at work.Much earlier than I expected.

I let go of her stiff body,frowning when she shivered. I rubbed my hands on her bare arms.She stared at me as if I had gone mad.Maybe I had,trying to find excuses to touch her. But it was necessary . I had to make sure that everyone who saw knew how important she was to me.They'll think twice before initiating any attack on her. The bitch would do more than  uncover the truth.It is important that this facade looks as real as can be so that there are no problems in executing my plan later.I can't afford any mistakes.A single carelessness on my part and she would be ready to pounce on it.And I'd rather die than let that bitch win.

My eyes landed on the girl in front of me.She was still in a daze but something was amiss.There was a wariness in her eyes. A tightness around her features. I didn't like the guarded look on her face. Did something happen on the way? I had send her the different way and taken the main route myself for any traps there might be. Sending Marcus with her was the best choice.He will protect her with his life.Cutting down anyone who dare crosses his path , being skilled in all forms of fighting,especially knives. He had once killed a bear with his bare hands.I knew it since the head was presented to me as a sign of his fealty towards me. Marcus had become more loyal and more ferocious since then. Attaining the title of head guard with his hard work and determination alone. He commanded over the others and had their respect in turn. So it was no wonder,he was the next one in line for me after Rivean.

 Not taking my eyes off her, I asked , "Were there any issues?" A small vertical line appeared between her brows. My hands itched to smooth it down.

Marcus replied knowing it was directed towards him."No,my Lord.We traveled without any difficulty. There w.."

"Yes, everything was perfect. I found I quite liked travelling without the presence of your dark shadow." The hellion cut in rudely in her perky voice. Trying to infuse enthusiasm and hatred in that remark but falling short. I narrowed my eyes at her.At the act she was pulling.There is something wrong.

I turned my head to inquire from the one who won't lie. "Marcus?" 

His eyes danced to the foxy hellion and back to me. "It is as the Lady says. There was nothing to worry about."

Did she really think I didn't see it? The slight shake of her head.But that was not what was troubling. It was the siding of my own man with her against me. He lied just because the fox wanted him to. I stared in amazement at the man who has pledged his life,his loyalty to serve me with his life and now he was lying to my face JUST BECAUSE THE DAMN FOX TOLD HIM TO. 

I turned back to her. The picture of perfect innocence.Her eyes blinking at me. Just what did she do to earn his obedience like this? I shook my head. This was no time for interrogations.They'll have to wait until we were alone. "Let's go." I said briskly, surveying the surroundings once more.There were two more new faces now.

I took her hand.It was becoming more normal to hold her hand in mine. I pulled her behind me to the main doors.The whole palace was decorated with everything over the top.Father dearest had spend quite too much this time around, not like it'll make a dent in his huge coffers.I bet the bitch to be the one behind it.

I hurried my pace ,to avoid any confrontation with that slimy bitch or her legions before it was absolutely necessary. I turned my head to look back at the quiet girl. Very unusual. Why wasn't she talking my ear off? This isn't sitting well with me.Since when did she walk with her head down?Is she tired because of the journey? But I had made sure that her travel was as comfortable as can be. So what is bothering her? Seems like I have to remind my guard to whom his loyalty belongs to.

I reached the room I used for my "forced" stay here.The bitch would have planted her worms inside as well. I nodded to Marcus as we stopped before the door.He went inside to check and make sure everything was alright.

My eyes again went to the hellion who was lost in thoughts.Her eyes having that faraway look.Maybe I was being too mean in not telling her about all this.And that could be what is troubling her. Hm. That will be rectified soon.

Marcus returned and shook his head for any foul play. Taking that as affirmative I entered with her. Her eyes widened as she took in our space. I was too used to it to pay any attention to the details. More pressing matters had to be handled first. Especially the ones I found outside.My heart thumped just thinking about the joy I'll get by tearing them apart. 

"Rest for a while.I'll come get you when it's time ." I said to her back intending to leave but my legs remained rooted to the floor . I wanted her to argue back,say something mean so that I could take pleasure in shoving her haughtiness to the ground.

I knew her hair was long but the effect was now magnified with it open and grazing her hips.The silky black mass  straight and scented similar to mine, complemented the black gown she wore. The hair pin of blood red color worked well to hold it all in place. She turned in a circle.Her eyes up at the ceiling looking at the artistic mural covering it all. Her lips parted. 

I couldn't deny it.The fox looked beyond pretty today.Ethereal and aesthetic. And I have seen my fair share of dressed up ladies with their made up faces. Too much coloring and tinting. But she seemed perfect in all ways.

I was so intent on my perusal of her that when her blue eyes fell to my silver ones, my heart skipped a beat.

What the fuck?

****************************************************************

Iviyana

"When are you going to tell me?What are we doing here? And where is this?" I asked the beast snidely as he stood staring at me.I thought he would have left after announcing his intentions of coming back for me later so imagine my surprise to see him, still standing at his spot with his hand on his chest.He jerked his hand down and glowered at me.As if that will frighten me.

He opened his mouth but I cut in again."Don't say "You don't need to know."" I said in a deep voice mimicking his. He cocked a brow at me. "I'll hit you.I am telling you." He smirked at that.The bastard.

This place,these people,this situation itself was making me antsy and I didn't like it one bit.I needed answers and I needed them now.And he will answer me. I placed my hands on my waist and waited impatiently. "Well?"

He tilted his head to the side and said in a saccharine voice . "Ask me nicely and maybe I'll tell you."  

I snorted. "In your dreams."

He shrugged his massive shoulders and turned to leave.Is he serious right now?

"Wait." I called out before he could open the door. He stood with his back to me and I thanked my stars for that small reprieve. At-least I won't have to see his smug face. "Please tell me what is going on." I let out with my clenched teeth.The effort it took me to voice out the word "please" and to him at that.

His shoulders shook slightly.He turned with a grin on his face. "Aw and you even tried.But not hard enough.So you'll have to wait until you can say it nicely enough."

With those last words he sauntered out and closed the door shut.I rushed to the door to let him know how nice I can be.

"Don't let anyone inside  "  he raised his voice high  " and don't let the one hovering behind the door out." 

I cursed and jerked away from the door but not before I heard his chuckle. Unbelievable. A scoundrel, he is. Manipulative one, at that. I have to be more smart in my dealings with him.

Again with the wait.Just when will it be all over?

I ventured to the bed and sat down with a heavy sigh,not caring about my gown. I fell back  on the bed and stared at the ceiling. I was more at ease now.

It is nothing to doubt anymore.Although I hated that bastard's guts, his presence calmed me like nothing else.There was no hint of discomfort I had felt since the incident in the street.No anxiety. It is peculiar, now that I think about it. I am relying and depending on the bastard to feel secure and relaxed in this new environment. 

I heard the knock on the door. I got up as the door opened and  the two of the maids that had helped me get ready earlier bowed their heads and came forward. "Lord Xaki was worried you'll need help in getting ready.He sent us ." I stared at them open mouthed.How?

And worried?Him? I am sure that the bastard didn't want to be embarrassed seen with me looking so unkempt and that is why he came prepared.

Before I could direct any questions to them,they pulled me from bed and set to work on righting my appearance. With some magic using hot coals,they were able to straighten my rumpled dress and hair.My face was next.They applied more things on my face.I looked at the mirror when they were done.I looked more older and sophisticated than before. 

The door opened once again without any knock.Of course why will he knock.Only the cultured ones do such mundane things.

The maids bowed their heads and shifted to one side,their eyes down.What is wrong with these people?Why are they so afraid to look at him.I looked at the beast through the mirror.He stared back with wide eyes.That changed to a glare soon. I'll get a headache from all his mood swings.

"Let's go." 

Once again,he took my hand like it was so very normal for us to be holding hands. I didn't care anymore and I don't know what his excuse was. We ambled out of the room and then walked some more. The guards didn't follow us this time round.The hustle bustle increased as we reached the ground floor and stood before a heavily guarded door.The guards standing there  kneel-ed on the floor with their heads bowed as soon as they saw us .Their weapons down by their sides on the ground. Weird.

"Announce us." The bastard said in a clipped tone. Only two words and the door guards rushed to do his bidding.I would have laughed if not for the seriousness, I could detect in their faces. The bastard must be someone with high connections.The way these guards were tripping themselves to carry out his order.

"Prince Xaki Valen of the Anthea Kingdom with his betrothed. "

My gaze swung to his face.Prince? Anthea Kingdom? Seemed familiar? Have I heard about it before.I sucked in a breath as I recollected.

The old crone who tortured me with her history lessons mentioned it and tried making me  rote-learn it. The true ruler of all lands,the Anthea empire which boasted of its rich abundance and expansion till the end of the sky .The most powerful being to exist in the last hundred decades is the King of the said empire who sovereign-ed over all the things living and non living in all the kingdoms known to exist.And the one standing next to me is Princ...?!

I couldn't even think about it.I'll go in deep shock if I do.

 And then the rest of the sentence filtered in my muddled brain. 

Betrothed?

He squeezed my hand and let go.Lifting it ,he laid it into the crook of his arm,whispering darkly "Let the games begin."