True Intent

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CHAPTER 36

"This conversation is over. I would find out the truth. And if I cannot get it, then perhaps this Zephyr would be paid a nice visit. There must be something he knows."

Not being one to argue for long, Xander heaved out a deep sigh and resigned himself to obeying.

As far as he was concerned, he wasn't going to give up on him just yet. This war was still far from happening, if only he returned Raven to where she was rightfully meant to be.

There was a conviction he held on to till date.

If he had really become that way back then because of power like most of the people in the realm thoughts, then his forefathers would not have dedicated their lives to preserving his palace and waiting for the time he would awaken.

That singular act gave him the strength to carry on and not think that his actions of Xavier were questionable.

At most, Xander hoped it was just an after-effect of having all of his emotions locked away for years.

And even though released, the anger from the past had still not dissipated which clouded his judgement.

The realm was in an age of peace and anything threatening would once more trigger their hands.

This action would be bad for so many reasons. The other houses would not wait for him that way.

He was chosen at this point in time for a reason and that included his gift of handling and tackling difficult situations.

"Yes, your majesty. As you wish."

"Good. Also, I think there is something you should know. I do not think Zeno has had the opportunity to inform you about it yet."

"What is the matter, Your Grace? Did something by chance happen at the Aisle when I was gone?"

"Yes. However, not a bad thing entirely."

"Entirely?" Xander's brows remained creased at him.

He did not know what this news was going to entail, regardless of whether he was sure it would not be bad seeing she had time to speak about Raven and get angry.

"Yes. Skylar Pendragon has pledged her allegiance to me."

"What!"

For Xander who had just been away for a day plus and had so many shocking tales told to him today, having one like this added to the equation.

"Yes. Now stop looking stupefied and be a man."

Having been scolded coldly, Xander shook the shock out of his mind and straightened his face. "I see."

"Anyways, I think Zeno would have a better story to tell than I will in that regard. Regardless, I am happy to announce, the twelve houses assembling is close. All that is left is your arrival and that of the others."

"Sure. I would ensure that the next movement would be soon and quicker. Maybe split them up some more now that King Jared is back."

Knock! Knock!

The moment the sound came on the door, Xavier and Xander stopped speaking and waited for a second.

Immediately, Xander's eyes narrowed at his door while trying to perceive who the visitor was. Howbeit, no matter how much he tried to sense the person he got nothing.

Left with no other choice, he shifted his attention back to the ring. "I must go now. Someone is around."

Turning the small knot on the ring, everything went back to normal. It was simply now a plain old ring.

At the same time, the door pushed open, revealing King Jared standing in his full might with his hands clasped at his back.

"Xander Blaze."

Hearing his name being called out, Xander quickly turned to face the door and lowered his back in reverence.

"Your Majesty."

Bringing his hands in front of him, he gave a small gesture with his hands and rose a bit to greet him with his hands joined in front of his lowered head.

"Welcome, Sire."

Ignoring the greeting of the being in front of him, Jared cast a thorough glance around the room, inspecting it and trying to sense the presence of any other person.

After a brief moment, he brought his quizzical gaze to Xander and asked, "Xander. Whom were you conversing with just now?"

"Oh, I was thinking out loud. It was nothing, Your Majesty."

He kept his head lowered still and hoped Jared had not heard a single word from his conversation as that would be bad.

Usually, he kept a barrier around, anyone who passed it, got alerted to their presence but in this case, he wasn't.

"Are you sure?" Jared inquired, taking a step into the big chambers with hands still clasped behind him.

His chest rose gently and with each step taken, he made sure he kept his kingly profile. His shoulders back in, tummy in and chest out.

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Following his order, Xander rose and straightened his back while following Jared's every step with his eyes slowly.

"What brings His Majesty to my humble abode?"

"Nothing. I realized you have not come to visit me since my arrival."

Instantly, Xander dipped his head and apologized. "My sincere apologies, Your Majesty. I felt you would want to relax after such a journey and with the worries you may be having…"

"Exactly why I need your help. You should have come to me, Xander. That was not an excuse. This whole situation is a pain in my neck."

"My apologies once again. I was stupid to think you did not have any need for me when the head of Pendragon House is there. Also, you have the council and your trusted advisor Lord Zephyr."

"Stop assuming. You are an intelligent general as well." He released another deep sigh, casting a side worried glance at Xander.

"The assembly isn't attacking now."

"What?"

Another deep sigh fell off his lips sharply once more as his shoulders slouched following his next words.

"I know. Perhaps because the threat did not come from one of the other Kingdoms, they are calm and collected. However, it happened here. I felt it. His audacity and his rudeness. His rage even."

"What can I say? He had all of his pent-up rage sealed with him. It was obvious he would awaken with fury."

He shot Xander a cold glare almost instantly. "Excuse me? Whose side are you on, Xander?"

"Isn't it obvious? I want what is best for you and the kingdom but I must tell the truth."

"He was insolent. He did not respect me. How dare he make a fool of me before the other kings?!"

With all the words he said, Xander kept his gaze averted elsewhere. He was tempted to let go and burst into an uproar of laughter.

And had he not ended their communication, he was sure, Xavier would have been having one hell of a laugh right now.

'Of course, I would not support you but Drakenflare and right now, Xavier is the king Drakenflare needs.' Xander mentally noted.

"What do I do, Xander? How do I make him pay and feel useless? I want him to fear my might as well."

"I am sorry to say, but I would not lie to you. You simply cannot. This is a man, a beast in fact who fears none, not even his life. Scaring him is out of the question."

"Then what can I do? Sit down like a coward and wait?!"