A dangerous game

Xavier bent down to meet her gaze, his eyes locking onto hers.

"You're brave, I'll give you that...very. foolishly. brave," he stated, his voice cold as he grasped her head in a rough grip.

Alexia struggled, trying to escape from his hold, but it seemed impossible.

She then held still, hoping that her scarf wouldn't fall off. If her secret was revealed, she would be in even greater danger; lying to the royals could mean a death sentence.

"Do you perhaps know someone by the name of Aldric Meyer?" he stared at her thoughtfully.

Alexia's eyes widened in shock, how did the prince know her father? Was he somehow connected to him? Her heart raced as she tried to process this unexpected revelation.

But then she firmly dismissed these thoughts. Her father had always despised the royals. He had even sternly warned her never to associate herself in any way with the royal families, but she had dismissed his words as the paranoia of an old man.

Shaking her head firmly, she declared, "No, I don't know anyone with that name."

Xavier's gaze lingered on her, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated silently. He had caught the flicker of hesitation in her eyes, the boy was definitely lying.

Standing up, her turned to Liam.

"Grab her and follow me to my chambers," he said after a moment's thought.

Liam nodded, then bent down and grasped her firmly by the arms, pulling her upright.

Though reluctant, she stood up, her feet dragging as he dragged her along, following behind Xavier as they left the training grounds.

As soon as they left, the crowd erupted into discussion.

"Did you hear that? His Highness called that young boy a thief!"

"But what could have driven such a young boy to steal?"

"I can't help wondering, what His Highness will do to him."

"He'll likely kill him, of course. There's a reason they call him the demon prince - he doesn't tolerate any nonsense. So, for a thief who dared infiltrate his palace, death is the most likely option."

"Ah...what a pity. Why did it have to end like this? I had high hopes for that boy's future; with his strength, he would have made a great royal knight."

Alexia, unaware that her fellow trainees had already written her off as dead, quietly followed Liam.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Xavier's chambers.

Stopping at the door, Xavier turned to Liam ,"Wait here."

Then, he dragged Alexia out of Liam's grasp and led her into the room, slamming the door behind them.

As soon as she entered the room, Alexia was pulled into a firm grasp, colliding with Xavier's chest before she could even take in her surroundings.

Before she could process what was happening, a strong hand grasped her jaw, forcing her back against the wall. He tilted her head up, his gaze piercing into hers.

Alexia felt chills run down her spine as she met his eyes. They were completely pitch black, devoid of any white or iris.

Didn't he have silver eyes? How had they suddenly turn so dark?

Alexia felt herself being drawn into their dark depths. She was helpless to resist as his gaze seemed to bore into her soul, compelling her to remain still.

"Now, tell me... who are you?" His voice was low and husky, like a dark incantation.

"I'm... Alexia." She replied, her was voice hollow and lifeless, as if her very will was being drained away.

A girl? It's her. The daughter of that damn couple.

"What are you?" He pressed on.

She remained silent for a moment, her eyes wavering as if struggling with something.

Wasn't her will a bit too strong?

"Tell me" he urged, his voice growing more hoarse, his eyes turning darker.

"I'm human"

'Huh? How is that even possible? How can the daughter of the man be human? Was she adopted or something?' he stared at her with hesitation.

'It doesn't matter, let's just end this once and for all.' his hand released her jaw, only to grab her neck lifting her off the ground. Her feet dangled in the air as he squeezed her neck, his grip like a vice.

She shouldn't blame him, if she had to blame anyone, then she should blame her father for betraying his family's trust and for killing...her.

Unknowingly, he tightened his grip around her neck, his fingers digging deep into her skin.

Alexia's face turned a deep shade of red, her veins bulging on her temples as she struggled to draw in a breath. Sweat glistened on her body, her eyes wide with fear as she clawed at him, desperate to break free.

"No! I should probably consult Irene first," Xavier muttered, his grip on her neck easing, lowering her back down to the ground.

But Alexia remained frozen, completely motionless, still trapped in his gaze.

"Get out!" he commanded, his voice firm but controlled. Yet, she didn't move.

"OUT!" He roared, his patience snapping.

Alexia's body jerked, and she snapped out of her trance-like state, her eyes blinking rapidly. She felt disoriented, as if she had just awoken from a dream.

Her mind hazy and a piercing headache threatened to split her skull.

'What the hell happened?' she turned to survey her surroundings. Her gaze locked unto a familiar figure, his silver eyes blazing in pure hatred as he stared at her.

Memories came flooding back, she recalled that the prince had brought her into his room. But why did he seem so angry? It couldn't be just because she was a thief, right?

"I...SAID...OUT" he growled through gritted teeth, emphasizing on each word.

Huh? Wasn't he the one that told me to come? Why was he suddenly sending me out.

"Your..." She swallowed back her words, when she noticed his gaze grow even more darker. It was as if he was warning her that if she didn't leave immediately, he would definitely kill her.

She quickly shrank back, hurring out the door as quickly as her legs could carry her.

Alexia swiftly slammed the door shut behind her and turned to face the guard, who was staring at her as if he'd seen a ghost.

"How are you still alive?" He asked, disbelief written all over his face.

Alexia couldn't help but roll her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest in annoyance. Did he really expect me to be dead? That damn prince didn't even lay a finger me, just dragged me into his room and then told me to get out. What a weirdo.

"Ahem" He cleared his throat, snapping out of his shock. His words now felt had felt a bit ambiguous.

"What did His Highness say?" He asked, changing the topic.

"He didn't say anything, just told me to get out" she shrugged.

Liam's gaze lingered on the marks on her neck, his eyes narrowing meaningfully as he nodded. It was clear to him that the prince had gotten what he wanted from the boy. But for some reason decided not to kill him.

"Okay, then you'll stay in the servants' quarters," Liam stated, turning to leave. But then, as if remembering something, he turned back to her.

"I don't want you roaming around, you're to sit in your room and wait for His Highness' orders. I don't want anything going missing," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Alexia rolled her eyes inwardly, 'Oh please, that's the main reason I'm here anyway, and he should stop acting like he's some kind of saint.'

"Let's go," he said curtly, turning back to lead the way down the hallway.