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CHAPTER 19 – Pendragon
"Thank you, your majesty," Xander gratefully acknowledged with a bow once more before standing straight.
"By the way, what families do we have here?" Xavier subtly inquired, shifting his stern gaze to the people who stood behind Xander.
"Your majesty, presenting…" Xander had barely completed his speech when Xavier suddenly raised a hand, gesturing for him to stop.
"I cannot sense him," he openly enunciated, drawing his brows closer together while locking gaze with the half-lost Xander.
Xavier had no intention of hiding his thoughts from Xander or the others and he let all of his worries fly out.
To him, if he was right, these were the families which founded the bedrock, the core of politics of the kingdom.
And whether he liked it or not, they were his loyal supporters.
So, if anyone could come back, then they would. After all, pledging one's life to the throne wasn't a simple thing.
Confused by what Xavier meant, Xander took a step forward, his brows carefully knitted as his eyes narrowed on the throne.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" Xander inquired.
And rather than answering, his eyes turned cold before he directed his gaze at Xander. "Where is he?"
"Wh..."
Xander had barely got the words out of his mouth when Xavier's indifferent voice echoed out loud.
"Pendragon."
Several heads turned to the sides as they all stared at each other while wearing a forlorn look on their faces.
One look at them and Xavier could tell something was amiss. But even at that, none of them bothered to speak whatever heavy words they carried in their mind.
Ultimately, he was forced to center his attention on the one they all looked up to.
If there was one thing, he was sure that Xander would not hide anything from him.
This was a trust he carried from his friend back then, years ago, and gave to him. And feeling his spirit still inside him, he was sure their loyalty would be alike.
"Without a Pendragon, the fellowship would be incomplete," Xavier reminded.
They may not have known due to the time difference in which they lived but back then, there were certain spells and even decisions that could not be carried out if the twelve houses were not seated on a matter.
It was important that all twelve families be in the palace for things to work smoothly.
Either that or he knows he would have to strike a war to get them back from the new king's rule.
Regardless of whichever outcome it brought, Xavier was determined to get all he owned back one way or the other.
However, even with such matters bothering his mind, he did not hurry. There was still time and he knew he had a long time to live.
Besides, the people of Drakenflare would need lots of conviction and would wish to see his sincere heart before they could once more follow him again.
And if they didn't, he wasn't too bothered still.
In life, whatever would be, would be. He was sure of that after suffering alone for ten thousand years.
One thing he was glad about was the fact that all spells and talismans used to subdue him and keep him sealed, also did him a favour by prolonging his lifespan.
What a shame it would have been having him die and not be allowed to see the light of day again.
His lips tugged upward at the side and his eyes held a dark glint in them.
'If I died, how would I complete my revenge? This time around, I will be more watchful.' Xavier concluded in his mind.
"Your majesty," Xander said, taking another step forward.
Xavier blinked casually, as he averted his gaze from Xander and then to the rest of the dragons present.
"Yes?"
"It would be hard to get a Pendragon."
"Why?"
Xander was about to respond when he held up his hand again and stopped him from speaking.
"Better still, I think it is safe to ask, how many of the families remained loyal and did not serve the non-pure blood?"
"All except the House of Pendragon."
His eyes went sharp instantly. The one House that should have remained loyal was the one to leave.
Suddenly the air around them felt chilly and when they all looked up, they noticed a dark aura from the throne on which Xavier sat.
His eyes narrowed at Xander as he balled his hands into a fist by his side, ignoring how visible they were.
'The House of Pendragon is the chief of the twelve houses of Drakenflame. How dare they disrupt an order!' Xavier thundered in his mind.
But even as he kept his emotions bottled in, everyone felt a headache suddenly coursing through their brain from the force released in his mind.
Without being told, they knew he was offended. His pride was bruised. He may have been locked up for doing so many wrongs but he was the proud ruler of the dragons.
"Fine," he breathed out sharply, releasing his fists. "Any other one I should know of?"
"There is none, your majesty," Xander reported and dipped his head in.
By the time he lifted his head up, he cast a glance to his side briefly before returning his attention to where it was needed most.
"You can rest assured."
"I would take your word for it. Meanwhile, I believe you would not find it hard to locate your place around the palace?"
"Huh…"
"You wouldn't. I trust that. Anyways, she would assist you should you need anything." His gaze trailed around the throne room, suggestively.
That singular action already told Xander what he meant and he nodded in affirmation. "Yes, your majesty."
"Good. Meet me up when you are done."
Xavier rose to his feet and did not bother to wait for Xander's response, but before he had the chance of disappearing, Xander voiced his thoughts.
"Where, your majesty?"
"She would show you."
With that he snapped his finger and disappeared without a trace, leaving them to do whatever they wanted.
At this point, he was not ready to speak with the twelve until they were assembled completely and he knew he could trust them.
Until then, they could make themselves at home.