Chapter5

　　Call Me Xander!

　　HAZEL.

　　'YOUR HIGHNESS'

　　"What the hell. I was with a king. Such a fool I am. He must be a king, otherwise, how can he own a castle? But why didn't he tell me? I shouldn't call him by his name, I think. I should tell him sorry for this."

　　My stream of thoughts was broken by his magnetic voice. He whispered gently, "What happened? You look tense. What is bothering you?" I only smiled and replied, "Nothing."

　　He chuckled seeing my expression and then shifted his eyes towards the other and said, "As you all know we have a very beautiful guest today so today's toast is in her name. I want all of you to respect me equally as you respect me. Any kind of disrespect towards her is a punishable offence from now."

　　All seemed quite happy with my presence and despite his threatening words they all shouted together with smiles, "Long live Milady." Though I didn't understand that whole incident as I was busy examining the royal members. Then Xander placed his hand over mine gently and started introducing me to some high-rank members. We started our breakfast. The foods were heavenly and delicious along with plenty of varieties like boiled meat, fried meat, egg, bacon, fish, desserts, bread, and many others. When my stomach was already full, I started to examine the members again. Exactly next to me were two mid fifty gentlemen one named Francesco with dark hair introduced as Damien's father and general [along with beta] and another named Luxian introduced as Rachel's father and the second general was busy in their talking. Then I noticed the girl Rachel as temporary Luna with curly grey hair and honey eyes. She was quite beautiful but surprisingly she didn't look very happy with my presence and was looking at me with disdain and a tinge of wrath. My scrutiny was broken when Xander asked, "Are you done, Hazel? Then let's go. I have some other plans for you."

　　I apologetically muttered, "yes, but I think I am fit now to return to the camp. I don't think I should bother you anymore." I was already ashamed of my previous mistake. He with a smirk replied, raising one eyebrow, "you are unique, Hazel. You are the first one to reject me. I thought of giving you a tour of our surroundings." I apologetically replied, "No no I didn't mean to disobey you. It's just I don't want to bother you. Your highness, I am so sorry." Though my feelings towards him didn't change or my body's strange act was still going on but my mind was aware of reality. So I decided to stay calm and tried not to fall for him anymore.

　　" I am taking your words as yes. So let's go then" offering his hands he whispered. I looked at the members once more; they were still busy eating and chatting merely except for Rachel; her fierce gaze was scanning my every movement. Without hesitation I took his hand with a slyly smile and silently left.

　　He led me to a private garden through a vast training ground where lots of muscular soldiers were busy in their workouts. The garden was beautifully organized with plenty of unknown and known flowers along with a swing. Sitting on that swing, Xander first broke the silence, "Are you scared of me? I am not going to eat you. Why so silent today?"

　　"NO your highness, not at all. I am just sorry. I didn't mean to disobey you. I didn't know that you are a prince", I blurted out. He charmingly chuckled, making the situation worse for me, and indicated beside him and said, "Sit hazel." I obediently sat without looking at him as his smile forced me to break my oath of not falling for him.

　　He gently whispered coming closer to me, "I didn't imagine you would be so scared of a prince but not a beast. But my angel I am not angry at all and I can forgive your ignorance with one condition only."

　　"What condition?"

　　He replied with a mocking smile, "You will call me by my name, and no need to show those formalities. I like your carefree, brave yet innocent nature."

　　I was surprised to hear that unexpected condition and looked at him. He was already staring at me. When our eyes met it was just like the whole world paused and instantly realized ' I can even die for his happiness, just to see those eyes happy.'

　　I blushed and asked confusedly, "But everyone calls you Your highness." He with a smirk instantly replied, "But you are not everyone, Hazel. You are very special, princess. So you can call me anything you want and only you can order me." Though I didn't expect those words I was living the moment.

　　Then our conversation went on like a common couple. I asked with curiosity, "Where is your kingdom, Xander? Here I didn't hear of any king ever in this 20th century. Where are your parents? I didn't meet them."

　　He replied with a little shy and gentle smile, "Actually my parents died and my father was the king, but I don't have a kingdom at least not know when I will regain my kingdom," then taking my hand in his hand and gently squeezing it he added, "I want You to be the first one I will show you my throne."

　　I apologetically and a little sadly replied, "Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I can feel your pain"

　　"No, it's ok. I don't feel sad anymore," Xander replied. There was a sudden change in his expression, something very frightening, it looked like his eyes suddenly turned into fiery golden. I thought it was just my imagination so kept the thought aside. He asked in his husky tone with curiosity, "Hazel, do you remember your parents? They must be very nice?"

　　"I didn't know anything about my father still now, but I faintly remember my mom and I have seen one photo of her. I have been living with my granny since when I was 3. So all memories of my mom are very vague. My granny also doesn't know anything about my father," I replied without hiding anything.

　　'This whole thing makes me sad. I want to know about my dad and my true identity. That's another reason I am in Valdez actually.'

　　Xander gently kissed my forehead, cupping my face with both hands, and whispered, "Don't worry you will find your answers very soon."

　　I smiled with pleasure, it felt like he could disappear from all my pain and loneliness. I was curious to know more about his kingdom so I again asked, "Why don't you live in your kingdom? Is it lost?"

　　"No, it is a long story," he replied. I instantly, with a huge curiosity, replied, "Of course. I have plenty of time."

　　"My father, Luciano, was the rightful king but he was betrayed and murdered by his cousin, Cyrus along with my mother and elder brother. My grandma with the aid of these loyal people of my father saved me and from then we are living here," with a little hesitation, he looked into my eyes and added, "preparing for revenge and making our soldier."

　　Of course, I was not expecting such a story. I muttered with assurance, "Don't worry you will be the best king ever." He with a smirk whispered near my ear causing Goosebumps, "Ummm hmm... only if I get my mate as my Luna. I mean as my queen."

　　I asked with confusion without understanding, "Mate? Luna? Do you mean soul mate? Is Rachel not your Luna?"

　　"Yes, she is. But she is just a temporary Luna to see the official works but she is not my mate or queen. My future queen will be the only future Luna. But this is another story I will tell you later. Now princess we should go for lunch. It's already late," he replied. I nodded and started to walk towards the dining hall.

　　—-****----****----