Recruiting Trouble

(7 Years Later) 

The nightmare was always the same. Fire. Screams. The acrid scent of burning wood. The chaos of that night played out in fragments, her feet pounding against the stone streets, Leo's hand gripping hers tightly, the overwhelming rush of fear as they ran for the gates. 

The sound of Xander and Anya yelling for them to hurry. The blinding burst of pain as she was thrown forward, through the closing gates. 

The last thing she saw before the world slammed shut between them was Leo, standing just outside the barrier. The dark mage's blade piercing his back. The horrifying moment his heart was ripped from his chest. And his eyes, lifeless, frozen in time. 

Emeney gasped awake. 

Her body shot upright in bed, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to calm her racing heart. Her room was shrouded in darkness, save for the faint glow of the lightbulbs mounted on the walls. It took her a moment to remember where she was, to remind herself that it had been seven years. Seven long years. 

With a slow, practiced inhale, she wiped at the sweat clinging to her forehead and ran a hand through her tangled hair. She clenched her jaw, willing her emotions to settle. She had trained herself not to cry over the dream anymore. 

Grief was a weakness she could no longer afford. 

Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Emeney rose to her feet and walked to her bathroom, approaching the sink. The cool water grounded her as she splashed it over her face. 

She exhaled. Today would be a long day. By the time the sun peeked over the horizon, she was already dressed and ready to start her day. 

***

The quiet hum of medical equipment filled the dimly lit room. The steady beeping of the heart monitor was the only indication that King Snow was still alive. 

Emeney stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor as she approached the grand but sterile bed where her father lay. The sight of him, once a strong and formidable ruler, now frail and sunken into the pillows, never failed to send a pang through her chest. 

Three years. 

For three years, she had watched the sickness steal him away piece by piece. The mighty King of Arcania, reduced to a shadow of himself. His dark hair was damp with sweat, his skin pale against the sheets. Despite the weakness in his limbs, his eyes, soft but sharp, found hers immediately, and a familiar warmth flickered in them. 

"Emeney" He greeted, his voice hoarse but steady. 

She offered a small smile as she sat in the chair beside him. "How are you feeling today?" 

King Snow let out a tired chuckle. "Like a man who hasn't ruled his kingdom in three years." 

Her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "You shouldn't worry about that. The kingdom is stable. Everything is under control." 

Her father studied her, the weight of his gaze making her feel as though he could see past the walls she had built over the years. "Because of you" He said simply. "You've done well, my daughter. More than I could have asked for." 

A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed it down. She couldn't afford to show weakness, not even here.Instead, she focused on the reason for her visit. "I came to inform you that I'll be heading to the mage level building today" She said. "There's an empty spot in the king's guard. I'll be selecting a new A-Class mage to fill it." 

Her father nodded, his expression approving. "A wise decision. The king's guard must remain at full strength, especially with…" He trailed off, a shadow passing over his features before he sighed. "You've taken on more than you should have at your age, but I know the kingdom is in good hands." 

His words, though meant to reassure, only reminded her of the burden she carried. But she had long accepted it. 

"It's my duty" She said simply. 

King Snow reached for her hand, his grip weak but warm. "It shouldn't have been yours so soon." 

For a brief moment, the walls threatened to crack, but she forced a steady nod. 

"I should go" She said, standing. "I'll check on you again later." 

Her father smiled, a tired, knowing smile. "Go keep our kingdom safe." 

She nodded once more before turning on her heel and striding out of the room. She had a task to complete.

***

Xander stood in his father's private study, his arms crossed as he watched the Advisor pour himself a glass of aged whiskey. The room smelled of oak and parchment, bookshelves lining the walls, filled with centuries' worth of knowledge. Advisor Gray settled into his chair, his sharp eyes, so much like his son's, fixated on Xander as he swirled the golden liquid in his glass. "You seem tense" He observed. 

Xander exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair. "In a few hours, we'll be heading to the Mage Level Building. Emeney is choosing a replacement for the King's Guard." 

His father nodded knowingly. "A wise decision. The Guard must always be at full strength." He took a slow sip before setting the glass down. "And you will be going with her, I assume?" 

"Of course." Xander scoffed. "I'm her fiancé, her future husband. Where she goes, I go." 

Advisor Gray leaned back, studying his son carefully. "Good. Make sure it stays that way." 

Xander frowned slightly at the weight behind his father's words. "What do you mean?" 

The Advisor exhaled, tapping a finger against his glass. "You've done well in securing your place at her side, but do not grow complacent. You are her fiancé by arrangement, not entirely by choice." 

Xander's jaw clenched. "I've loved her since we were kids and I know for a fact she loves me just as much. There is no reason for you to say such things" 

His father continued, ignoring his words. "Emeney is strong-willed. If you wish to solidify your position, you must ensure her heart belongs to you entirely. That way, even if the winds of power shift, her feelings for you will remain unwavering." 

Xander's lips pressed into a thin line. "She cares for me." 

Advisor Gray arched a brow. "Does she love you?" 

Xander hesitated. He wanted to say yes, but he stayed silent instead

"She does. There is no sign she doesn't" He said instead, his voice firm. 

His father nodded approvingly. "Good. Then make sure of it. Be the one she trusts most, the one she turns to in her weakest moments. If you remain merely her fiancé by duty, you will always be replaceable. But if you become the man she cannot live without…" A small, knowing smirk crossed his face. "Then even if she had a choice, she would still choose you." 

Xander straightened, his resolve hardening. "I won't let anyone take my place." 

"See that you don't" His father said smoothly, lifting his glass in a silent toast before taking another sip. "Now, go. Stay close to her today, and make sure she sees only you" 

Xander nodded, turning toward the door. As he left, his father's voice followed him. 

"And remember, son… love is a powerful weapon. Use it wisely."

***

The Mage Level Building loomed ahead, its towering glass exterior reflecting the city lights as the sun dipped below the horizon. A soft breeze rustled through the streets, carrying the faint scent of enchanted incense from the market district. 

Emeney stepped out of the SUV first, her black boots clicking against the marble pavement. Xander followed closely behind, his broad frame radiating silent authority, while Commander Dion, ever composed, kept pace beside them. The building's entrance was buzzing with activity, mages of all classes milling about, some checking their rankings, others engaged in spell demonstrations or conversations. 

At the far end of the grand hall, a section had been cleared where a group of A-Class mages stood in formation, awaiting evaluation. They were handpicked by Commander Dion, each one highly skilled and disciplined. Emeney approached with quiet confidence, her sharp gaze sweeping over the candidates as she assessed them. 

The air in the room was thick with magic, each mage's aura humming with power. But as Emeney studied them, her own energy subtly attuned to her surroundings, a sudden ripple of something stronger caught her attention. It wasn't just power, it was raw, controlled, and different. 

She stiffened slightly, her heartbeat quickening as she turned, scanning the room for the source. Commander Dion and Xander didn't seem to pick up on this strong aura. It felt like the aura was targeted at her. Then she saw him. 

A man stood alone near the corner, arms folded, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He wasn't part of the lineup, nor did he seem interested in the evaluation taking place. His dark, slightly tousled hair fell effortlessly over his foreheadlike a bang, his sharp features carved with an effortless elegance. His physique was lean muscular and also powerful, the kind that spoke of strength honed through experience rather than show. But what stood out the most, what made Emeney's breath hitch for a second, was the aura surrounding him. 

It was vast, almost suffocating in its depth, yet eerily controlled. A storm hidden behind an unshakable calm. 

She found herself moving toward him before she even realized it. 

Xander and Commander Dion exchanged confused glances as she walked past the candidates without a word, heading straight for the man in the corner. The surrounding mages noticed as well, murmurs spreading through the hall as the princess approached the unknown figure. 

Emeney stopped a few feet away, tilting her head slightly as she studied him. Up close, he was even more striking. He had the kind of presence that demanded attention without trying, without wanting to. He was taller up close, taller than the commander and even Xander. If she had to guess he was like 6"2 while she herself was 5"7. 

"You're not here for the evaluation" She noted, her voice steady. 

The man lifted his gaze to hers, his deep, unreadable blue eyes locking onto her with an intensity that sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. He said nothing at first, merely watching her as though she were the one who had disrupted his peace. He was neatly dressed in a black suit pant and an equally black and neatly tucked long sleeve. He had the sleeves folded up to just before his elbow and he smelled nice. 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. 

"No, I'm not." 

His voice was smooth, unbothered, almost indifferent. 

Emeney narrowed her eyes, intrigued rather than offended. "Then why are you here?" 

He shrugged slightly, barely a movement. "Just watching." 

Xander, who had followed after her, let out a scoff. "Watch your tone. You're speaking to the princess of Arcania." 

The man barely spared him a glance. "I know who she is." 

The dismissal was subtle, but Xander bristled, his jaw clenching. Emeney, however, wasn't concerned with Xander's bruised ego, her curiosity had only deepened. 

"What's your name?" She asked. 

There was another pause, then finally, "Rayne Egan." 

With his arms still folded, he had been leaning against the wall since she saw him, and even her presence wasn't enough for him to stand properly and give her his full attention. His side was given to them and it didn't seem like he was interested in turning to face them. 

She let the name settle in her mind. "What's your class?" 

Rayne exhaled through his nose, clearly not interested in entertaining the conversation. But after a moment, he answered. 

"B-Class." 

A flicker of surprise crossed Emeney's face. That couldn't be right. With an aura like his, she had expected A-Class at the very least, if not something beyond classification. Yet he stood there, entirely unconcerned, as if his ranking meant nothing to him. 

And that was what made her decision so easy. 

"Join the King's Guard, and become one of my personal guards" She said, without hesitation. 

Silence followed. The entire room seemed to freeze, the surrounding mages exchanging stunned looks. Even Commander Dion tensed, clearly not expecting such an offer. Xander was no different. He was shocked and completely against it. "What are you doing, Emeney? He's a B-Class mage" Xander aired his concerns. 

"He's right, princess. Only an A-Class mage can be a member of the King's guard. We have skillful and strong A-Class mages lined up already for you to pick from" Commander Dion added with concern all over his face. 

Emeney was unfazed about their words. She was determined. She ignored them both and offered again. "Join the King's guard" 

Rayne, on the other hand, remained completely unaffected. He stared at her, unreadable, before uttering a single word: 

"No." 

The blunt rejection sent a ripple of shock through the air. No one ever rejected an offer to join the King's Guard. It was one of the most prestigious positions in Arcania, a role only the elite of the elite could dream of achieving. 

Xander took a step forward, his patience finally snapping. "Do you have any idea what you're refusing?" 

Rayne barely acknowledged him. "I do." 

Emeney folded her arms, regarding him with newfound intrigue. "Most people would kill for this opportunity." 

"I'm not most people." 

That made her smirk. "I can see that." 

Xander exhaled sharply. "Princess, you can't seriously be considering this. He's B-Class. The Guard is strictly A-Class—" 

"And yet he commands more presence than every A-Class mage in this room combined" Emeney cut in, her voice firm. 

Commander Dion stepped forward, his tone diplomatic. "Your Highness, while I understand your reasoning, protocol exists for a reason. If we allow a B-Class into the Guard, it creates precedence…" 

"I don't care about precedence" She interrupted. "I care about ability. And I have a feeling that Rayne Egan is more capable than most of the mages here." 

Rayne watched the debate unfold around him, entirely unmoved. 

Emeney turned her attention back to him. "I don't like repeating myself, Rayne. Join the King's Guard." 

For the first time, a flicker of amusement touched his otherwise impassive expression. "If I say no again, will you keep trying?" 

"Absolutely." 

He exhaled, shaking his head slightly before finally meeting her gaze again. "Fine." 

Commander Dion and Xander both stiffened. 

"But on one condition…" Rayne added, his tone casual but firm. "I do whatever I want." 

A heavy silence followed. 

Xander scoffed. "That's ridiculous. The King's Guard follows orders…." 

"I don't." Rayne cut him off, his gaze never leaving Emeney's. "Take it or leave it, Princess." 

Another challenge. Another test. 

Anyone else would refuse. No one in their right mind would give such freedom to a member of the King's Guard. It was an outrageous demand. 

But Emeney didn't hesitate. She ran her fingers through her short blonde hair that stopped at her neck. 

"Deal." 

She extended her hand. 

The room collectively held its breath as Rayne stared at her offered hand for a brief moment before taking it, his grip firm but effortless. 

Xander looked ready to explode. Commander Dion looked like he had aged ten years in the span of five minutes. 

Emeney, however, only smiled. 

"Welcome to the King's Guard, Rayne. Now you'll return to the castle with us to finalize everything and to explain to you what being a member of the King's guard entail and how your life will be altered from now on"

"Very well then, lead the way, princess" Rayne said with a smirk. 

***

Letting out an audible moan, Emeney could feel her hands trembling as it gripped the sheet under her her. Her legs could barely hold up from it quivering. The electrifying feeling of his soft lips going up the lines of her neck to her ear, made her legs feeble. His hand finding its way inside her pant wasn't helping either. She felt a jolt up her spine as his other hand worked it's way up inside her clothes and grabbed her boob gently, his forefinger circling her nipple. 

Her breathing became labored as his hands worked her body. She felt his lips leave her neck, and her body immediately begged it's return. She didn't suffer for long, she felt those soft lips enclose hers and then slowly parted it open. 

She could no longer take it, her whole body tensed up and begged for more of his touch. But to her dismay, he withdrew his hands and his lips from her body totally. 

Her eyes shot open and immediately fell on his baby blue eyes. Her body ached for his touch and she wanted more of him. She kept staring into Rayne's eyes with this yearning and craving in hers. He had a sly smirk on his lips as he stared at her without moving. "Please....take me" She begged. 

He leaned in closer to her, grabbed her neck gently with his right hand, brought his lips closer to her ear and then whispered into her ear, "MINE"

Emeney jolted awake, gasping as she sat up abruptly on her bed, panting and sweating heavily. She swiftly looked down at her side and saw Xander still sleeping peacefully. She sighed with relief, wiping the bead of sweats off her forehead. "This is bad" She muttered to herself. "Seems I just invited trouble into my home"