Truth Hurts

**************

CHAPTER 37

Xander understood the words coming out of Jared's mouth but these were not words that he could just change. The truth was, cowardice or not, Xavier was much better than he was.

"All I can say is, perhaps the assembly was right. Rushing in would do you no good.," Xander added.

Immediately, Jared opened his mouth to counter his words, but being fast-witted, Xander continued.

"And sometimes, cowardice is not a bad thing. Just as living to fight another day. Plan and prepare. If it is war, it is better to count your losses and your gain, rather than rushing head-on."

He cast a suspicious gaze on Xander but did not say anything. With this young man, he needed to be careful.

Although younger, his words held wisdom in them he could not find from most of his councillors. Yet when he offered him a position to join his court recently, he refused.

He had come to know late, that the young Lord of the House of Blade was a man of wonders and brain. And so, if he feared someone then it was Xander.

"Those are the words, I would tell any king," Xander said and bowed to him once more.

"Now it is left for you to decide whether or not you would take them."

He did not have time for people who would not take his words to heart.

Aside from the fact that his major support went to Xavier, all the words he said to Jared were the ones he would have truly told any king in his position.

However, should Jared choose to ignore him, which he was sure would be the case when he had Zephyr with him, it would be his doom as Xavier would do anything in his power to get his wife back or keep whatever he had that reminded him of her?

Just thinking about that, Xander's eyes widened a fraction. There was something he had failed to ask Xavier during their talk just now.

And now that he was gone, he had to do proper research. It was a question that plagued his mind and that of others for a long time.

Having the answer in this present age was second to impossible, but still, he needed to try.

Lifting his head, Xander cast a side glance at him and brought both hands in front of his chest.

He did not know the answer to give outright as whatever was to be done was dependent on both kings.

Even so, he wasn't planning on lingering on this discussion anyway.

His main goal and focus were on Xavier and his people while making sure Zephyr did nothing stupid.

Which any reasonable person could see he would do sooner or later.

"Patience is a virtue, sire. I wish you would see it from that point of view."

A deep sigh fell off King Jared's lips as his brows relaxed. "Okay. For now, I guess I will lie back. But just for now. I can't promise that for too long."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I think..." He had continued speaking when King Jared ignored him and cut in.

"Still, what if he is mistreating her there? What if he abuses her, harasses her, or something? Then I won't be able to look into Zephyr's eyes and tell him all of those was done to his beloved daughter."

"And why is it so easy for you all to pin such blame on him?" Xander questioned, rather than confused than being displeased.

In such a situation, that was the best he could do so as not to come off with much suspicion.

"What do you mean? He is a beast."

"And so are you and I, Your Majesty. So are you and I," he recapped. "We are all dragons. We are not humans. They are the ones who refer to us as beasts."

"That is different. Do you see us murdering our kind in cold burning blood?"

"No, but..."

"Save it. He has already proved it in times past. He is capable of anything. He doesn't value our lives. So why can't I accuse him of such?"

"I..."

"Or, wait." Jared's eyes gleamed at him as he took a walk in his direction while squinting at Xander.

He could sense that even though he spoke ill of Xavier, not once did Xander insult him as well or rent but he kept his composure.

Glaring at him with suspicion filling his eyes, Jared came to a stop a foot away from Xander as he lifted his head.

"Why has it been that all you have done till now has been nothing but defend him? Are you by any chance in support of him?"

"What can I say, Your Majesty? This is the very reason why I do not give my opinions to you. You are quick to point an accusing finger my way when things do not go the way you like."

"Can you blame me? Being the third in command in the whole of Drakenflare after the royals and Pendragon, your House has been loyal to the crown. So, I can only suspect you."

His jaw tightened at the words Jared spoke. Could he only suspect him? Really now!

"And still, I am here with you and not halfway over to be standing by his side," Xander reminded him.

Not long after, he saw the look on King Jared's face turn gleam.

"No. You are correct. I am loyal to the crown and what is best for Drakenflare," Xander retorted.

"This has also caused me to not make decisions based on emotions. My insights are not clouded."

"Hmm," King Jared let out, twisting his lips as he brought his right hand over to his chin and massaged away thoughtfully while keeping his eyes on Xander.

He never spoke straight, which was another problem with him but as he said, his action and decisions were true.

"Why do you defend him, Xander?" King Jared questioned once more.

"Because like every person, we all have the right to free trial and to be heard. If you were in his position, I would do the same."

Releasing his breath sharply, King Jared let his chest relax as he peeled his gaze elsewhere.

"There are not many I trust. Forgive me. This is just me. You shall understand one day perhaps or if you were in my place."

"You think I do not understand?"

"No, you do not."

"I am not defending but I want you to keep an open mind while you take your actions, Your Majesty. That is all I can say. Then you can make better decisions. That is all the advice I can give."

"I see. Well, it was well given."

"Thank you. However, please, if your majesty wouldn't mind, I need to see to some things first."

"Sure, sure. I am done anyway." He pursed his lips into a thin line as his lips quirked a bit.

"I umm... I would be taking my leave now."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

With that, Xander led the way over to his door and opened it for King Jared before taking a step to the side, paving the way for him.

"See you in the assembly tomorrow, Blade."

"Definitely."

Dipping his head, a bit, he paid his respect and watched as Jared took his leave before shutting the door to get back to his thoughts.

'I need to reinforce this barrier and have a barrier specialist erect a much stronger one.'

He took more steps into his chambers as he cast a glance at the door once more.

Thoughts of Jared's suspicion came rolling back into his mind.

'Sigh. I serve the crown and its rightful rulers. And that isn't you, King Jared. For that, I am sorry."