Unwilling To Compromise

A woman ran down the palace hallway as her expression scrunched into a worry filled one. Her long red hair billowing in the wind as she clung tightly onto the cloak that was snugly wrapped around her body.

Surprised expressions were displayed on the faces of the people she had passed by. They genuflected in reverence as she passed them without sparing a second glance.

Xander stood in his study, holding a book gingerly in his palm. His eyes boring a hole through the middle of the book. He had a stern and firm look on his face, jaws clenched as he emitted an ominous aura.

Suddenly, the doors of his study flew open. The sound it made when it hit the walls was loud and garnered his unamused attention.

"... This had better be good news..." Xander said below his breath, his eyes still focused on the book.

"Xa...nder... haah... haah... is it true...?" a woman's raspy voice filled the now morbidly silent room. Echoes of her stertorous breathing filling the stale air of the room.

Xander's eyes widened as he shut the book he was holding, turning to face the door. Lilith was panting as she breathed heavily, catching her breath. Her eyes were downcast and her luscious red locks clung to her sweat stained cheeks.

He then placed the book on his desk as he walked over towards her. His large hand stroked her back gently as he ushered her to breathe slowly. His fingers reached into the depths of his pockets as he fished out a handkerchief, wiping away at the gleaming beads of sweat trickling down her pale skin.

Why was she running here? Her room was far on the East Side of the palace. She hadn't need to rush all the way over here... unless it was urgent news or something of great importance.

"A... Anyways... Lilith? Are you alright?" Xander asked as he continued to stroke her back gently, his fingers running against the crease of her silken cloak.

"Hoo.... Your Highness... I had heard that..." Lilith breathed as her words slowly escaped from her lips. A worried look, etched on her face. Her breath still shaky from the long distance she had ran.

"Yes?"

"Hah... I had heard news that you had mobilised the Platinum Knights! Is something wrong? Why haven't I heard of it directly from you? Aren't we supposed to share the burden... together?" Lilith said as her eyes welled with tears.

Xander's eyes widened from the statement as he immediately clamped his mouth shut. It was true he had said that before. A few years after he had married Lilith. However, this was different. He didn't... no... couldn't allow her to take part in the search. Diane was his responsibility to bear.

"I... did say that. But... this is... my selfish desire. There's no need to bother yourself with it. And... there's no war. Nor conflict. It's something else entirely."

"Huh? Then why?"

"Like I said. There's no need to..."

"Xander Deniel Von Enoch! We made a promise to each other! At least let me understand your choice! You didn't even mention a thing about it! How am I supposed to figure out your thoughts if I don't know where you are coming from?!"

Sapphire eyes met ruby ones as Xander fell into reticence. His thoughts wandered until he felt himself grasping at a memory from almost a decade ago.

***

"Lady Lilith. I've thought hard and watched your every action within this palace halls... I believe I owe you something." Sapphire eyes flashed as they met a pair of ruby ones. Xander bowed lightly as he pulled his lips into an awkward grin.

"Wait! Waitwaitwaitwait!" Lilith had exclaimed this sentence with a shocked expression. Her eyes had bulged to look as wide as a sauce plate.

"Pardon?" Xander asked as his face contorted into one of confusion. It was the second time in his life that he had ever been cut short of his sentences.

"That... that sentence sounds really creepy even though you said it, Your Highness..." Lilith replied as she inched away slightly from Xander.

"I-is that so?"

"Very much so!"

"Oh... um... well..."

Lilith then breaks into a soft giggle as she covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes squinted into a half moon as her cheeks flushed a little. Xander stared at her wide eyed as he took in her refreshing laughter. 

He hadn't heard it before. Of course, her genuine laughter that is. If it were her usual shrill and contemptuous laughter, he'd have paid no mind to the situation. This genuine laughter was something he felt uncertain about as he continued to watch her, the memory burrowing itself somewhere deep in his mind without his consent.

"Ah-ahem! An-anyways. I just came to offer you a proposal." Xander said as he cleared his throat awkwardly. His usual composure slipping up due to the unforseen situation.

"A proposal? But aren't we already..."

"Not that type. I hope you were only making a joke."

"No sense of humour... Why, yes. That was exactly it. So, my dearest King... What is this... proposal?"

"I just thought that we should have some ground rules. I know you'd probably miss your motherland and all. So read this... And give me your opinion on the matter."

"Hmm? That's unexpectedly kind of you."

"Well. Yes, of course. You're my... erm... wife now... I have to do this at the very least."

"Why, how nice of y--" Lilith had unfurled the scroll handed to her by Xander. It had originally been heavy and on the thick side, but she thought he had only jested and that there would only be a few lines held within. 

However, the scroll fell to the ground with a thump and continued rolling down the arched hallway as it reached about half of the length of the hallway.

"Th-this! Your Highness! There's so many terms?!" Lilith's mouth gaped open, completely unbefitting a lady of her status as she pointed shakily to the long unfurling scroll.

"Well, I had to take all aspects into consideration after all. ...Was it too much?" Xander asked with an innocent look on his face as he cocked his head inquisitively toward Lilith.

"Of course! This could practically be as long as the law of your country! There's no need for this! I've got an even better solution!" Lilith said, exaggerating a little as she pulled out her feathery red laced fan, slapping it onto her palm as she looked up at Xander. 

"Oh?"

"We should just share the burdens of the royal throne and always discuss anything that could affect the kingdom before taking action! How's that for a proposal?" Lilith asked as she puffed her chest with pride, covering her mouth with the fan as she grinned from behind the fan.

"Hmmm... it does have validity."

"Of course it does. There's no need for you to shoulder all the responsibilities. It could be a burden that may be too heavy for one person to hold. So, I'll be there with you."

"My. Such wisdom. The citizens and nobles of the Kingdom of Lestria are impressive! That's a great proposal. And while we're at it... Its too stiff."

"Huh... What is?" Lilith asked as her cheeks flushed red and her eyes wandered slightly lower than where they were earlier.

"The way we call each other. I'd prefer if you just called me Xander. The title is too stuffy."

"O-oh... Then just call me Lilith... When we're alone." Lilith said a little downcast as she held her expressions in check.

"... Of course... Lilith."

"Then... its a deal." Lilith had said as they both shook hands, warm smiles illuminating their face.

They both parted ways as Lilith walked off in the direction the scroll had rolled in. She bent down and picked it up, staring at the first line.

"1. Express your thoughts honestly."

She scoffed at the sentence as she started rolling up the scroll. Her eyes obstructed by her bangs as her lips pulled into a frown.

There's no need for him to listen to my thoughts. I only need to know all about this country... and doing it by watching him... He probably doesn't know that I am the one who sends people to watch his every move. Lilith thought as she rolled the scroll, tying a purple ribbon around said scroll.

She then walked off from the arched hallway, humming her country's official melody. Her eyes gleamed maliciously as she brushed her fingers towards her right ear. Whispering softly in the dark walkway.

***

"I know what you mean Lilith. But... This is something important to me. I don't... want you to be involved." Xander finally breathed out, as his thoughts drifted back to the present.

"... Its that... Diane woman isn't it? I understand! You LOVED her after all. But... you could have been honest with me." Lilith said as she stood upright, heading straight for the door.

"This would affect our country as well! I hope you think of what you're doing to yourself and your country!" Lilith yelled before pulling the doors shut, walking briskly towards the arch walkway from her memory.

Xander stared at Lilith's back as she walked out the room. He ran his fingers through his hair as he sighed. What was he supposed to do in that situation anyway? 

He then slammed his fist through his desk before leaving the room as well. A crack formed on his desk as it slowly broke apart. Staying in the room dwelling on the topic was useless. He should have done it hours ago. He was going to take part in the search for Diane and his son.

Lilith glanced behind her shoulder even though she knew Xander wouldn't chase after her. She knew about his deep love for Diane. That was why she felt furious. That woman was back again! Ready to ruin her life a second time.

"Diane... how do I get rid of her? Just like before?" Lilith muttered lowly as she walked down the empty hallway, back to her wing on the East side of the palace.