I snuck back into the palace without the guards being aware. I managed to make to my room unnoticed. Everyone was in their rooms. My body still pumped with adrenaline and I needed to calm down. A bath would do the trick.
I sat by my bed when from the shadows he appeared. My heart leaped to my throat.
" You're late!" He said coming towards me .
" I was out for a night stroll..."
" I hate liars ..."
I stood up and headed to my desk avoiding his stern gaze.
" How was dinner?" I asked.
I turned to find him right behind me . He caged me with his arms and I could see his calculation eyes.
" What happened?" He asked.
" I told you I was..."
" Don't lie to me ." He said between gritted teeth.
I sighed and decided to tell him .
" I was abducted but I handled it!" I said. " I ain't no damsel in didtess..."
" Who?" He said leaning closer to me as I leaned farther back. " Who did it?"
" I don't know!" I said looking away. " I scared them off..."
Xavier let out a frustrating sigh and released me from the cage he'd set up for me. I took a breath not realizing I was holding it.
" You won. I'll marry Chloe. Turns out she's my type..."
" Wait? What!" I yelled in confusion walking up to him his back turned towards me.
" You'll get your request tomorrow!" He said and walked away.
*****
" I should be happy Lilly, shouldn't I?" I said to Lilly as we talked by the library.
" It is what you wanted or are you having cold feet?"
" No...no"
I sighed. Something about this whole thing didn't sit well with me. Xavier had given in so easily it was unlike him. Or maybe I was just overthinking the issue.
" Shall i show you something?" Lilly said reaching out for the flower pot by the window. " We call it channelling..."
She touched the pot and closed her eyes as a green aura began coming from the plant. She was drawing power from it.
" Wow?"
" It is as useful as it is dangerous. If you take to much it could corrupt your system and kill nature around. It therefore not commonly used..."
I listened as Lilly explained. She stated that I wasn't yet ready to channel.
I soon left to find Xavier and talk about what was really happening. Something was definitely up. I walked in on Lady Mari and Xavier talking. Lady Mari was beyond happy that Chloe would marry Xavier.
" Honestly I never thought that commoner was suited for you..." She started off. " It's nice you came to your senses."
" You are right Mari . I had been blind all this time and clearly not seeing what you had been trying so hard to show me..." Xavier said.
I thought I opened his eyes. Wait why did Lady Mari hate me I barely knew her. Only the heavens know I want no part in kingdom matters.
" So what do you plan on doing to her..." She asked.
" I'll get what I need and then dispose of her..." Xavier said and my heart shattered. I didn't expect much but this was cruel even for him .I had been just a piece in his game.
Gosh to think I was about to pass out on the opportunity of a lifetime with Kilian. No way. He could fuck himself for all I cared. Power threatened to burst through me and I left heading for the library. Luck it was empty.
I paced around. I tried calming myself down but nothing seemed to work. Gosh I felt ready to blow.
"Jessica!" I heard Xavier's voice and honestly he was doing more harm than good.
" Leave!" My throat was parched.
" You need to calm down...."
" Don't you think I know that!" I yelled.
I tried taking in deep breaths but nothing worked. I needed to find an outlet or else I would blow.
" I can't hold it!" I cried . I finally yelled and felt Xavier's arm around me as if muffling my power. I crumbled down once I had released and took shallow breaths.
" You're fine!" Xavier said. I pushed myself away from him . He seemed stunned but returned his usually serious demeanor.
" I want to join Kilian in patrolling the trade routes..." I stood up and took one last deep breath. " That's my request...."
Xavier seemed conflicted but finally nodded. He tried coming towards me and I took a step back.
" I think it's best we follow the rules we had set..." I said and he stood at his tracks and assessed me as if checking for something.
" You're right... you'll leave tomorrow. Lilly will join you...." He said before leaving.
I finally sighed in relief. It was good that I made it clear that our marriage was like a business agreement. No strings attached. This was to avoid any more outbursts like today.