17 CHAPTER EIGHT (B)

He rose to his feet when she returned a few minutes later. Her eyes searched the room for Xander. The guilt still burning fresh in her chest. Archer shook his head, his way of telling her that Xander wasn't with them. Distraught she went beside him and took his hand. She was too busy feeling guilty to realize their mother's giggling and pointing at the both of them.

"So when is the covenant taking place?" Liora asked.

"Maybe, a week from now," Adalia answered. Her mind and her lips were in two different places. She was trying to figure out where Xander could have gone to and at the same time she was trying to keep up with the conversation.

She sat in silence with the ladies as the men left for the throne room. They were busy admiring Novia's dress. Adalia snuck out at the first chance she got. She expected Xander to be with the other soldiers. She found Conan at the palace doors, his rock expression not accommodating.