CHAPTER 10

The next couple of days were sought of weird and confusing.

I was wrapped up with my lessons with Austin as he taught me a few spells for defense. Turns out Lilly was also ' gifted' . Her power was linked to nature and I took my time to learn from her.

On the other hand Xavier and Chloe spent time with the generals constantly having meetings. Chloe was like Xavier's shadow. The girl followed him every where and it was annoying. Not that I cared. He could marry her for all I cared.

One strange thing that appeared was how General Kilian took a strange interest in traininge. I had brushed it of but after his shear persistence I gave in and had a lesson with him. He was a charmer sweet and would correct me kindly.

Lilly and Austin were present at the training and I got the feeling that they didn't like the guy. But I saw no fault in him.

****

" Honestly is she always this clingy..." I said to Lilly as we were seated in the garden.

Lilly laughed." Are you jealous!"

" Me ! Jealous. Never. Besides Xavier and I have a mutual relationship. He abducted me .." I said as I noticed them approaching.

" If you say so..."

Lilly stood up and excused herself while I turned my gaze to the flowers ignoring their presence.

" Oh didn't see you of late. How are you?" Chloe said and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

How could you when all you could see is my husband.!

" I was busy. And so were you. We just haven't got time ..." I said still not meeting their gaze.

Wait why was I behaving like this. It's not like I liked the guy. This was a forced marriage. Marriage with benefits. If I could get them together then the guy could leave me be and even give me freedom.

I looked at the two with a smile, " how are things? Saw you held several meetings..."

" All is well..." Chloe said.

" Chloe could you excuse us for a while..." Xavier said and Chloe released the arm she'd interlocked with Xavier and skipped off.

" You okay?..." Xavier started off but I cut him short.

" She's pretty don't you think..."

" Chloe? Yeah she is..."

" She would make a good ruler!" I said winking at Xavier.

Xavier's brows furrowed and he narrowed his gaze to me .

" What are you playing at ..."

" Nothing?" I said as I stood up, " Now if you excuse me I got other details to tend to . Say hello to Chloe for me..."

I left before he had a chance to speak. If things fell into place then I'd be a free woman. Freedom here I come!

*****

" You need to feel everything your surroundings..." Austin said as he watched me channel my energy.

" Wait what is your strongest power...."

He chuckled." That isn't a secret I can disclose but one day you may find out..."

I nodded. " Are there others like us?"

" There is a whole other dimension but it's been sealed off and only Xavier power opens it..."

Austin looked at me as I struggled to concentrate on trying to control my growing power.

Just as we spoke in the palace field , General Kilian approached us. He asked to be left alone with me so we could talk and after assuring Austin I'll be fine he left.

"What is it that you want to talk about?" I asked as we took a sit by a nearby bench.

" Well , Lady Mari mentioned that you were a specialist in trading routes around the kingdom ..."

That woman really does know a lot about me. She has done her fair share of digging.

" I have some knowledge. Why?"

" Well would you mind joining me to set up station posts to guard the routes and avoid attacks . .." he asked his eyes piercing my soul . The anticipation clearly evident.

" Ummm....well . Could you give me some time to think!"

Kilian sighed as he faced the distant horizon. He really looked genuinely interested.

" You are unlike all the royals I've met. Your kindness and willingness to learn sets you apart. "

He turned to me and held my gaze before I excused myself. The guy was great and all but he just...I couldn't put it into words.

*****

Lilly had just left for her room and I took my long awaited bath as I thought of Killian's offer. It was a sweet chance to travel and get to see the kingdom. But the only problem is Xavier.

I wrapped a towel and walked out my hair dripping wet. I grabbed a towel and dried my hair as I walked out in my thigh high towel. I stopped dead on my tracks when I spotted Xavier sitting on my bed . His gaze travelled down my body his eyes similar to the once he had by the lake.

" You lost!" I asked as I stopped the rubbing motion.

" Why? Just thought I should visit my wife who has been ignoring me ..."

" Ignoring you! Really. Wanna bet..."

Xavier lied back on my bed as I went on to speak.

" So how's Chloe? You should probably be with her since you haven't been with her for a long time..." I said walking upto the closest and pulling out a silky night gown.

Xavier immediately jerkedup and had a throaty laugh.

" I never thought the day would reach when I should see this ..."

" See what?"

" My own wife is setting me up..."

Xavier walked up to me and stopped a few inches farther away.

" I'm just saying she is beautiful and great warrior. You two are match. Perfect for you and the kingdom..."

" So you think she's my type..."

" Not I think but I know so. I've seen the way you look at her you clearly like her..."

I said turning towards the towel I threw on the nearby stand and resumed drying my hair.

" How about we make a deal!" Xavier said and I turned my focus towards him.

" I'm listening..." I said shifting my focus to him .

" If you get me to like and confess to Chloe then I'll grant you any request. "

Yes. This was how I was going to go on the trip.

" Whats in it for you?" I asked.

" You'll find out if you lose..." He said walking slowly towards me till my back hit the wall. " Pray you don't have to..."

I swallowed " Deal!" I said.

Xavier smirked and bet down to nip at my earlobe before he disappeared from the room and I let out a sigh of relief.