Intruder

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CHAPTER 29

The sound of the knock pulled him out of his thoughts as he trailed his gaze from the ring to it.

This was the second time someone came over to him and he wasn't getting any prior notice.

Once was a mistake and twice was a freaking coincidence with a third, being too much of one.

However, Xavier wasn't one who wished to wait for the kill on the third one. The limit he gave himself was on the second.

Turning on his heels, he bridged the gap between where he once stood to the door to answer it.

Upon opening the door, Xavier was faced with the calm face of Zeno, the very person with whom Xander had left to assist him.

Although he appeared to be brave, bold and calm, Xavier could see from the corners of his eyes how his fingers trembled.

Notwithstanding, Zeno lowered his head before him and greeted him with a strong voice, "Your Majesty, there has been a breach in the Aisle of Drakenflame. You have a guest."

Instantly, Xavier's arched brows furrowed as his eyes widened from the news he had just heard.

That was an unusual thing to happen. Never had one just walked into his palace without permission.

Usually, the Aisle would prevent such entrance and only allow it with his permission.

Having to listen to such news made him wonder. He may have been sealed for years, but that did not mean changes were made to the Aisle's magic system.

It was like a natural order of things. She had existed long before he could remember and provided protection to the royals inside.

Slowly, he raised his eyes once more. "Fine. Let them in. I want to meet with this person."

Zeno's brows knitted together with his eyes going wide. He had never believed Xavier would take it lying down and let just anyone in.

Not when there was the probability of a big threat lingering outside the protective barriers of Drakenflame.

To be precise, for himself and all of his supporters currently, Drakenflame was the safest place they could be.

Although he opposed the idea of just allowing them to waltz in as though they owned the place, whereas they broke in, he could not go against Xavier.

There were two things for him. It was either Xavier was naïve in just welcoming anyone, and if that was the case, he wondered if Xander did not want him about anything.

The second thought that came to mind was the fact that he was not naïve king. And every action he took had a significant reason.

And more than anyone, he was the most cautious being existing in Maestherial currently.

Especially with what happened years ago. He knew better than to trust the other kingdoms not to speak of, his people.

And from the look in his eyes when he was told the news, he could tell that if he was to guess which, it would be the second.

Finalizing his decision in his mind, he nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Keeping all further thoughts to himself, Zeno straightened his back and excused himself. He did not think there was any use speaking anymore.

For one, he also wished to see who this bold person was that had the audacity to do what they did.

However, while he was yet to leave, Xavier's cold voice forced him to a halt.

"Try not to stiffen so much. It doesn't help with your position as one of my right hands," Xavier advised. "Be relaxed. I won't be eating you or any of our kind."

At the last sentence, his lips tugged to the side, letting out a half smile.

Sensing the joke in his words, Zeno nodded once more before responding positively. "Got it, Your Majesty."

"Better. You may go. I would be waiting in the throne room."

He dipped his head in and with that he took his leave.

Walking down the hallways as he made his way out of the palace's main building, Zeno had several thoughts running down his mind at that moment.

It was true he was scared and did not entirely know how Xander kept his composure in front of such a mighty being.

He was not yet in his shoes but could already feel the pressure from standing before such a strong being.

Shaking his head, he cleared his mind of such thoughts and decided to view Xavier as one of them and not some ancient dragon.

Then perhaps he would be able to keep his composure as well.

'He noticed. Stupid Zeno. If Xan were here then it would have been the death of me. He won't miss an opportunity to tease the life out of me. However, if he was here, he would have delivered the message himself.'

He chuckled at his thoughts and increased the pace of his strides. The earlier he rushed to the scene to intercept the intruders, the better for him.

At the very least his mind would become clear.

Unlike Xander who had no problem excelling in all he did and took a natural leading position in all, for Zeno, when it came to actual combat and battle strategies, his brain exceeded what words could say.

*****

For a while, Raven remained locked up in her room with nothing but a few fruits, a big jug of water and a cup to tend to her hungry needs.

From what Xavier noted, though she was a dragon, with the numerous attacks and injuries she had within this period of time, one drink of his blood wasn't enough to sustain her health.

He was sure that she would have devised more mischievous means to fix escape again. And who knew the kind of hurt she must have gotten?

To this effect, he left her alone with her pet fox and tended to other things in his palace.

"Layla, stop jumping from the table," Raven cautioned.

She did not bother sparing her pet a glance as she played with the flames hovering on her palms.

She had been trying to strengthen her flames and attacks since her last meeting with him.

If she could not use it against the barrier, he was sure to pay her a visit. At least, she would take hold of the opportunity, and do her best to ensure her escape.

'At the very least while he is distracted, Layla and I can make a run for it.' Raven said inwardly.

Her lips pulled back a mischievous smirk as her eyes held a glint of humour in them.

'I am so going to enjoy having my payback, Your Majesty. Just wait. You would experience pain as I did from your barrier.'

Extending her smile, she pushed back on the bed and let out a deep sigh. Suddenly her smile faded and her expression became ardent.

She felt a familiar feeling rush at her heart while her chest tightened in anticipation.

It was a feeling she had known before but it had been a while since she felt it. The question now was, why now?

And here of all places. Her forehead furrowed and her eyes darted in confusion.

Without uttering a word, she rose from the bed and rushed over to the window.

The moment her eyes landed on a small figure far from the building she was locked in, Raven's flew open and her jaw fell.