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CHAPTER 9
Xavier could no longer help himself and released the laughter he was trying so hard to hold in.
Although the situation barely looked favourable for Raven, he couldn't care less at this point. It felt as though the heavens were on his side on this matter.
Never had he seen someone so eager to court death or seek to break their bones this way as Raven.
And after a few minutes, his laughter eventually died down as he peered closer into the mirror.
The humorous expression faded from his face as his lips tugged down and his strikingly handsome face was pulled into a frown.
For some reason, seeing her in this state felt painful yet funny.
Unfortunately for his bemusement, his glee soon died down, and he was left with a familiar tug in his heart as he watched the blood drip from the side of her head, staining her smooth white skin.
'Why?' Xavier questioned in his mind. 'Why do I feel you, Saphira?'
He couldn't understand it.
'Why is it that all I see are memories anytime I see her? Your memories?'
Xavier tore his gaze from the mirror; his eyes fell on the window where they lingered on the shining moon in the sky.
A bitter smile formed on his lips as he thought of the countless times the serene-looking sky had been smeared with blood.
He took in a large intake of air and exhaled sharply, allowing the flames within to become fanned with desire as his eyes closed.
Seconds turned into minutes, but no other word came to mind except for one lingering image... the smile of his late wife and mate.
'I miss you, Saphira.'
****
~Drakenflare~
At dawn the next day, King Jared set out for the Assembly of Kings' meeting with a few of his trusted Generals and his most potent Mage, the strongest dragon warlock, Zephyr.
Standing by the window in the poorly lit room, a dragon with arms crossed behind him and his shoulders properly poised and straightened, lifted his eyes from the painting he had been observing for a couple of minutes before turning away silently.
His feet moved lightly on the tiled floor like a nymph gliding through a smoke screen.
Everything about him, from the crown of his head and his blonde hair to his muscular physique, handsome face, and well-decorated clothing, spoke of the wealth he possessed, especially the intricate golden design decorations he had adorned his room with.
His eyes narrowed further at the window as he took long strides forward till he was three feet away from the window sill, but did he truly stop there?
His gaze wandered through the city of Drakenflare. The most powerful hold, home to the King, his trusted delegates, and the royal family.
Far into the land, the sight of running horses could be seen, and without much thought, he knew to whom they belonged.
Now that they were about to leave the city and presumably soon the kingdom, a smile flashed before the face of the young-looking being.
"Finally, it is time."
No sooner had those words left his lips than he heard the silent footsteps of someone coming from afar.
He straightened his back and turned around as the person's footsteps halted outside his chambers.
"Enter."
The deep sound of his voice reverberated in the room, carrying his message to the one at his door.
Without uttering a word, the doorknob turned, and the door was pushed open. The once silent footsteps resumed their march inside his chambers, finally coming to a stop before him.
"You know, it would be useless wearing such shoes to conceal your steps from me," the first being spoke up.
A warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips as his long lashes battered at his companion before him. "Welcome, Zeno."
"Lord Xander," he dipped his head, taking a bow with his right hand across his chest.
"Rise; there is no need for formalities between us, Zeno."
"I cannot do that. Respect must be given," Zeno replied, straightening his back in the process.
"Sure, but we are more than that."
Zeno parted his lips to argue, but Xander quickly held up his palm to silence him. "Not now. His majesty has left, Zeno. We must make haste while the sun is yet to be out."
"Aye."
Taking a turn to his right, Xander began to walk about in his room while dishing out his concern.
"Are they ready? It would be harder going at this time, but we can make it."
"They are, but I think it would be best to do so at night."
"I know. I just hope King Jared won't be returning from his meeting on time," Xander said, confessing his fears to his most trusted friend.
"I do not wish for an all-out battle as I would not be on your side," he added.
"You do not have to remind me," Zeno started, his eyes lowering briefly to the ground. "I feel bad that we would be far from you."
Xander's brows drew close together at his words and was about to respond when Zeno continued.
"I would be far from you," Zeno corrected shortly after.
"Stop acting like a baby. You are a four-hundred-year-old dragon, for heaven's sake! Behave like one."
Zeno puffed his cheeks in protest after Xander scolded him. "And you are a six hundred years old dragon; behave like the senior and do not leave me."
"Because I am the senior, I am doing this to you. For everyone's sake, I mustn't remain."
They held each other's gaze for quite some time before simultaneously releasing a breath of air.
"Fine," both of them chorused concurrently and finally chuckled.
"I would visit occasionally," Xander attempted to appease the younger dragon.
"It doesn't make it easier, Xander. I have known you all my life. Never have we stayed far from each other."
"I know, but now stop acting like my wife; you are a leader. You would see me."
"Call me your mate or anything, I do not care. I am your closest companion."
"Which is why I have been left without a mate till now. You are the one blocking out my chances of meeting my mate."
0_0
For a minute there, Zeno stared at the shameless older dragon with astonished eyes.
"Is that the lie you tell yourself, Xander?" Zeno retorted after regaining his composure.
"You literally use your indifferent self to chase away all the ladies, even the males."
At the mention of the word male, Xander's brows arched up in slight confusion. 'Males? What does he mean by that? Do I look homosexual to him?' He questioned internally.
"People fear you. Sadly, your handsome appearance fails to reel in the ladies for fear of being heartbroken by your sharp tongue."
"But you, I pamper blissfully like my child." Xander brought his fingers to his chin. "Hmm, I think it is high time I changed that output. Love the world and give you the cold front. You'd like that, won't you?"
Before he could consider his options properly, Xander moved swiftly and was already standing face to face with him.
"Time is of the essence. I have used these few minutes to reconsider your proposition."
"Huh?"
"I won't be rash; we leave at night. However, I would also make plans to ensure King Jared is delayed. We do not have time to spare. We have an ancient duty to fulfill."
"You…" Zeno was about to ask when and how he had the time to think when they were bantering but swallowed his words instead.
Each time he conversed with his friend, he was always left speechless.
One would think he would have gotten used to it by now, but no matter what he did, Xander made him feel like he needed years before he could catch up.
"Got it. I would inform the others." Saying that, Zeno took a bow and turned around swiftly as he made his way towards the entrance of the chambers.
"Zeno," Xander called after him.
"Yes?" Zeno stopped.
"At 7 pm today, we'll meet at the forest entrance. They can use the day to sneak out some of their belongings. It will be a hard night."
"Yes, sir. The illusionists would also be ready at each standpoint," Zeno informed.
"Thank you."
Allowing his lips pull back into a thoughtful smile, Zeno dipped in his head before walking away and leaving Xander to his thoughts.
****
~Arcadia – Assembly of Kings~
Seated on the several seats surrounding a large round table were eight males, all well dressed in attire signifying the races from which they came.
Starting from the chair in the center was a young-looking male with lengthy blonde hair and pointy, elf-shaped ears, leisurely sitting with both hands lifted and brought into an arc in front of his face.
The stern expression reflected through his emerald green eyes did little to nothing to conceal his handsome features.
He released a breath of air, his deadly stare piercing through the familiar faces of those seated before him, transfixed in a similar state as he was.
Coming along with them were their most trusted advisors and second in command, standing some foot away from where their rulers sat, listening and watching in silence as the most dreaded topic in the realm was being discussed.
Amongst them was Zephyr. He had long grown impatient since their greeting, and the first sentence was thrown open to those present.
Slowly, the elven King lifted his head as his lips parted, ready to break the awkward silence.
"It is time to air our views. And as the presiding meeting leader of the joint assembly of kings, I hereby declare the room open for discussion," Aragorn declared.
"We do not have time for protocols; action must be taken at once," Zephyr stated, taking a step forward, and several pairs of eyes laced with visible displeasure landed on him.
"Zephyr!" Jared voiced, hoping to call him to order.
"My apologies, your majesty but time is of the essence, and perhaps because it wasn't their home that was destroyed, they are still silent now."
"Zeph…." Jared's words were immediately cut off when Aragorn held up a finger.
"No need, King Jared. Let us hear him. This is the famous warlock. I can see and feel the passion and desire emanating from his eyes. They spell one thing though. Rage."
No one spoke and observed the scene in careful silence.
"Tell me, Zephyr, what makes you so ardent about this awakening?"
"The disposed-off Dragon King."