Anya closed the door and returned to the room afterwards.
"I need to go now". She said. "But, I do hope we could continue this conversation soon enough, especially when you've become more reasonable".
"I don't think so, because I still need to understand what you're talking about and you haven't made it clear to me". Akim replied, his hands still crossed below his chest.
"Just....imagine yourself being close to Kaylan" she said with her eyes closed.
"You could have her; while I get what I want".
And with that, she opened the door and walked out of the room.
*
*
It was a long walk for Anya to Lord Xander's room and as she got closer, her heart kept beating heavily in her chest. Of course, she knew he was calling for intimacy, but she was helplessly scared of his roughness.
She hoped it wouldn't affect her child 'cause she sure wasn't ready to lose it.
Lord Xander felt bored and exhausted.For someone like him, it was extremely hard to feel this way and he wondered if it was as a result of the encounter he has with Prince Berlin earlier that day.His mother's words wouldn't stop ringing in his ears:*Someday, you'll become a father and I'm so sure you'll never want to watch anyone hurt your child* he couldn't get rid of those lines.Become a father? But how?.How, when he was under a curse? How, when he had lost his previous wives in the process of giving him a child?He was cursed; was never going to have an heir; a successor. When he dies, his legacy would be gone; and rulership passed onto another.He dropped the feather he was writing with and covered his face with his palms, taking a deep breath. Over the years, he's never felt so torn, so broken.He was nearly divin
"Arghhhh!!!" A female's scream was heard.It snapped the distraught out of Xander's head as he heard that familiar voice ...""Kaylan!" Jaden shrieked, her eyes dilating in shock as she saw the arrow flying into her leg.She couldn't even stop her from reaching to the ground.Kaylan writhed in pains, her heart pounding heavily as she stared at the arrow stuck in her leg. What just happened??"Oh, goodness! Kaylan, are you alright??!" Jaden was muddled.Why would Lord Xander' shoot the princess?? Did they do wrong by standing there to watch him??She looked up at him and found him just staring at them; then she lowered herself to Kaylan on the floor."It hurts, Jaden!" Kaylan whimpered."It hurts....Just get me some help!"Lord Xander stood and watched them, realizing his mis
Jaden gasped, and Kaylan also flinched when she felt someone lifting her up.There was no way it could be Jaden; no. The hand felt so cold and hard, and evidently, it was....Lord Xander?He lifted her up in a bridal style and settling on, she could now see his face.Those troublesome eyes of hers widened in shock as they stared at him.*What're you doing?* She wanted to ask, but restricted herself, especially without the fact that her lungs had suddenly gone cold.But, what was he doing??? Why was he helping her up???She never expected such from him.Lord Xander could notice the shock on her face, but ignored it anyways as he started walking with her."Oh!" Jaden muttered and ran ahead of them, so she could lead the way to the room.The few seconds walk she had in Lord Xande
Jaden came into the room with a cup of tea. The physician Lord Xander sent left few minutes ago and the pain in Kaylan's leg had subsided.den walked closer to her friend and found out how lost she looked. "Kaylan? Are you alright? Is the pain still much?"Kaylan sighed and shook her head. "No. I'm better. I'm just thinking about what happened earlier. Come on Jaden.... aren't you surprised?"Jaden shrugged and dropped the cup of tea on the drawer beside Kaylan's bed. "I am but.....he was just trying to show how sorry he was. Remember? He shot you."Kaylan sighed again. She couldn't get that image off her head. It was actually the first time she would he making a physical contact with Xander. She couldn't forget the way he held her....she felt so safe and small in his arms."Kaylan? You need to take that tea and sleep now. It's late." Jaden said and Kaylan shook her head."I don't think I can sleep just yet. I feel troubled....I don't know why." Kaylan mumbled."Why? Because of him?
Queen Hapitha sat behind her desk in her chambers, writing on the long brown scroll. She scribbled on it effortlessly as she wrote the letter for her daughter, Kaylan. She could not describe in words how worried she had been ever since she left.*My precious daughter, how are you doing? I hope you been doing great and hope the Xander community is treating you well. *I’ve been worried sick about you my dear. I’ve tried convincing your father about you coming back home but he is not listening to me*The queen continued writing until the whole script got filled up.After pouring her heart into the scroll, she dropped the ink in her hand and folded up the scroll then kept it at a corner on the table. She would send the letter once she was sure the king was too busy to notice it.She stared at the window and stood up, noticing it was almost midday. She wondered what Kaylan was doing at the moment as she walked to the window and parted the long heavy curtains. She stared down and saw the
Lord Xander walked steadily to the girls with his expressionless face staring intently. When he moved closer, Kaylan noticed he was staring at her leg and that really made her heart skip."What are you doing out here? Do you ever listen to instructions?" His voice was sharp and hard.Kaylan moved back a bit. "I..... wanted to get some fresh air." She mumbled staring at her feet.Jaden was holding her breath as she stood there. She didn't want to breath. She thought it would only make Lord Xander notice she was there too.Lord Xander turned, facing the water. "I can see you are getting better. Get ready tonight. Axel will come and escort you " with that, he turned and started heading back.Kaylan stared after him, her upper lips swollen as she pushed her tongue against it. "He's so mean", She mumbled still looking at him.She saw him climb up his horse, said something to Axel and started riding away while Axel stood there staring at them. Jaden let out a deep breath and rolled her ey
It was late in the evening as Anya was seen walking to the other building of the palace where Akim and her sisters with their mother shared.She walked swiftly to Akim's door and knocked. She knocked impatiently again and almost immediately, the door opened with Akim sticking out his head from one corner of the door. "Can I come in? I need to talk to you."Akim rolled his eyes and stepped aside for her. She quickly entered after looking around and closed the door behind her.She turned around to see Akim as she got into the room. "Any progress on what I told you about?""I feel so tired." Kayla groused as she stepped out of the bathroom. Jaden was on the bed, already dosing off."Do you think I should go to Lord Xander's room? Should I go and apologize for being disobedient again today?" Kayla asked but got no reply.She turned to look at Jaden and rolled her eyes when she noticed she was already fast asleep. She sighed and moved closer to the bed then stared into her friend's face.H
Lord Xander sat down as Axel pulled out the chair for him. He picked a napkin, wiped it gently across his mouth before glancing at Kaylan.He wouldn't deny the fact that he very much liked the sight before him.It was stunning. Dazzling. "Do you like it here?" He asked, putting so much effort not to use his usual cold voice.He had never had any reason to be nice to anyone let alone a woman but tonight was different.She saved his life. Just for tonight, he would try not to be his cold and grumpy self.Kayla smiled and nodded. Her hands felt like jellyfish. She was starting to sweat. "I love everything here and thanks for the meal..." Xander said nothing as he picked up his spoon. The silence between them was a loud one coupled with the tension.Kayla sat still. She felt so awkward. She picked up the chopstick and it fell right back on the table. She couldn't understand why her fingers were shaking badly.Xander stared at her, wondering why she wasn't eating. "Do you want something e
Kaylan's hand cupped the bottom of her protruding belly as she stared at the face she's been longing to see.Her mother held her shoulder, guarded her to one of the royal seats.Xander's eyes followed their every move, his eyes particularly on Kaylan. It took him all the self-control in his body, not to stand up and pull Kaylan into his arms. He took his eyes somewhere else, willing himself to stay put, at least, till the end of the ceremony.Kaylan on the other hand couldn't sit still. She moved her legs about, her hands clutching the hem of her dress nervously."Are you okay, my darling?" Queen Hapitha who was sitting beside her asked."Xander is here, mom. He didn't even smile at me." Kaylan was close to tears.Queen Hapitha smiled and squeezed her hand. "The ceremony is on, Kaylan. Give him a break, I'm sure he will come around."Kaylan nodded and sighed softly. She glanced at Xander and saw him speaking to someone beside him. Few hours later, it was time to dance and that was w
***SOME MONTHS LATER*** Lord Xander came out of his room, fully dressed for his outing. Axel and Davie, his newest personal guard stood side by side by the door, ready to escort him to the carriage. He took the stairs gently, lifting his black long cloak slightly. He looked up and saw his Aunt, Madam Nadine, waiting for him. He stared at her for a while, looked away as he got closer. "Is everything ready for my journey?" "Yes, my Lord. Are you okay?" Madam Nadine asked, looking straight into the young man's face. Xander breathed in and stared down, he shook his head and stared back at the old lady. He would be lying if he told her he was fine. No. He was not. He was greatly disturbed. Frustrated, but then, he was tired of keeping everything to himself, he was tired of not having anyone to tell his mind. "Xander...you know you can always talk to me." Madam Nadine said, hoping he would not shone her away. "It's been five months without her, and it seems like eternity." Xander sa
King Moreh sat on his bed, scrolls scattered all over his sides. He dropped the one in his hands and picked another one, going through them carefully.The Queen walked in, a huge smile on her face as she walked towards the king. "My king, don't you think the study will be more convenient for you?" She asked, staring at the scrolls."Oh. It's a little bit hot in there. I'm okay here, I just need to search for a very important letter." King Moreh replied and briefly looked up. Realising how happy the queen appeared, he stared back at her. "You look so bright this morning, Hapitha compared to the other days." The king pointed out.The queen smiled and nodded. "I should be happy, my daughter is coming home after so many months away from us.""She's only coming to visit." The king replied, taking his eyes back to his scrolls.The queen looked at him and shook her head. "I know you miss her too, my king. It's all over your face. I can't wait to see her too." The king nodded, he put away h
"I can't do it, I won't do it." She mumbled.Xander let go of her and stepped back. "I won't allow you stay here and watch you die."Kaylan looked back at him, calmly now and nodded. "Yeah. I can't stay here either, knowing you'd never care for me nor the baby during the time I will carry he or her in my womb. I'd rather take the trip to my Kingdom and stay there for a while. I will give you sometime to calm down.""You think I will ever calm down knowing I will probably not see you again?" Xander retorted coldly, walking to the window.Kaylan watched him as he moved to the window and sighed. "I'm not gonna die.""Yes you are, so far you want to have that child." Xander replied, staring out of the window. Kaylan could see he was hurt but there was nothing she could do. Killing her own baby would be the last thing she'd ever have to do in her life. Slowly, she turned and left the room without glancing back.Xander turned and stared at the door. He walked back to the bed, sat down and
Xander stood in front of the door, arms folded. He continued staring at Kaylan until she was done.Kaylan turned and flinched slightly when she saw him standing there, looking at her. "You scared me.""What's wrong?" Xander asked calmly."Nothing. I will be fine." Kaylan said and hurried past him.Xander followed her back into the room, still staring at her. "You are not fine. Look how white and skinny you've become. What's...?" Xander stopped talking and sighed. "Axel. Come in here." He called, his eyes still on Kaylan.Axel came in immediately and bowed as he stood before Xander. "You called for me, my Lord.""Call in the royal physician immediately. Tell him to leave whatever he's doing right now and come up here." Xander ordered with his usual cold voice, still maintaining eye contact with his wife.Kaylan's lips slightly parted as she stared back at Xander. It was very obvious she was scared. It was written all over her face.Axel left the room immediately to carry out the order
Kaylan stayed awake all through the night, contemplating on what Xander had said. He sounded so serious that she was a super scared. She touched her stomach and stared down.No pregnancy? For the rest of her life?No.She couldn't live like that, she wouldn't be able to."Why aren't you sleeping?"Kaylan jolted as soon as Xander's voice was heard. She turned and saw him staring at her."I couldn't sleep." She mumbled a reply."Why?" Silence."Answer me, Kaylan." Xander demanded. "I'm protecting you from what I know might happen. What do you want? To leave me here and die?"Kaylan looked sharply at him. "But...what are you talking about? The curse has been broken. What are you afraid of?""Come." Xander whispered, stretching his hand toward her.Kaylan sighed and took it, moving closer to him. Xander hugged her to himself, closing his eyes."Sleep. Sleep, my princess." He said in a soothing voice.Kaylan couldn't object not say anything. She slowly closed her eyes and slept off.**
Camilla sat on a chair in the small parlour, her eyes were staring down and she didn't bother to stand up when Xander walked into the room.Xander sat opposite her and crossed his legs. Her stared at her and sighed. "It's been years now, bearing grudges against me isn't gonna bring her back. "Camilla slowly looked up at him and the hatred in her eyes burned into his. "You wouldn't be here if you know how much I hate you."Xander shrugged. " I don't like you very much too, do I?" He asked her with a mild tone.Camilla shook her head and tears trickled down her cheeks. "She was only a child, a child who was only trying to help her family to get something to eat."Xander stared silently at her, his hands shoved into his pockets. "What do you want me to do in order for you to remove the curse you placed on me?" He suddenly asked after a long silence." I will never ever remove the curse I placed on you. Never." Camilla replied with something powerful in her voice."Name your price. I wil
Xander woke up the next morning, found his queen sleeping right beside him. He reached out and moved a strand of hair from her face. He stared intently into her face, carefully and with possession. She was beautiful, with the way her eyes were closed, her lips slightly parted.He suddenly looked away and sighed. How could he bring himself so low to apologise to a woman who cursed him?Before he met Kaylan, his plans were different. He'd wanted to kill the woman who cursed him at first sight but now, he would have to beg her.It unsettled him as he tried to imagine himself, kneeling in front of a woman; begging her for mercy.Xander stood up from the bed and walked slowly to the window. It was still dark outside with the setting sun rising in the sky.He heard a movement behind him and turned to see Kaylan waking up. He folded his arms, leaned on the wall as he studied her. Kaylan opened her eyes and was startled to see Xander, staring at her. "You startled me!" She accused.Xander
Xander stared back into her face and slowly nodded. The support and encouragement he saw in the depths of her eyes was amazing but suddenly, he looked away and that cold look was back in his eyes, replacing the sober one."What do you want me to do about that? You want me to beg her?"" If it's gonna break the curse, if appeasing her will set you free..."" Enough. That's enough." Xander replied coldly, his eyes penetrating deep into hers intimidatingly.Kaylan closed her mouth, stared down at the floor when she couldn't take that hot gaze from the cold man.She nodded and sighed. "I will go back to sleep, I'm sorry if I crossed my boundary." With that, she turned and walked nervously towards the bed.Xander stared at her as she walked and cursed under his breath. What has he done?He followed her immediately, his steps, very light on the floor.Before Kaylan could get on the bed, he caught her wrist in his hand, twirled her around so she was facing him.Kaylan's breath increased as X