Where is Athena?

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Five years Later

"Is the preparations for the young prince's return going smoothly?" King Aaron asked.

"Yes, Your Highness." Madam Lisa said with a bow.

"Good, I want my son's return as a swordsman to be perfect without flaws." He said again and moved on, making sure that everything was well arranged and perfect. The king was merry that his youngest son had at least achieved something and is now returning to Cranes kingdom as a skilled swordsman.

"Your Majesty, you have to rest, we'll take it from here," Sarah said politely, due to her hard work and diligence, she was appointed as an assistant head maid. In charge of junior slaves who were working as maids, She had grown beautiful with full and curly thick brown hair, her lashes were long and fluttered like butterflies when she blinked, he skin was tanned and she had innocent features.

"No Sarah, I should at least do this to show him how proud I am." King Aaron said with a smile.

The gates opened and three horses entered, the first was General K. Who went to pick up the prince from the border.

A random guy followed, he had shoulder-length brown hair, he was very handsome and muscular and he looked like a flirt. Even from a distance and it was confirmed when he winked at the ladies who were stationed at the gate, bowing.

Prince Xavier's horses came in and a chilling aura filled the air, there was something strange about him. He had grown into a fine man, His jet black hair was draped on his back, his stoic face and jawlines, those feminine lashes, and his pale red lips. he had grown taller and muscular, he was huge, and he was so damn hot that the maids forgot they were supposed to be bowing and we were instead, drooling over him.

"Father," Prince Xavier said, coming down from the horse and going to embrace his father who had a grin on his face.

"Prince Xavier, welcome home son." King Aaron said, patting his back. Xavier pulled away and gazed into his Father's eyes. King Aaron also felt something as he started into Xavier's cold blue eyes, but he shrugged it off, thinking it was the aura of a well-trained swordsman.

"Who's your guest?" King Aaron asked.

"Ah, this is Ezekiel Gray, Sir Simon Gray's son and a very good friend of mine." Prince Xavier introduced and Zeke stepped in.

"Your Majesty, it's an honor to finally meet you," Zeke said, touching the king's feet, causing the King to jolt and step back with a confused look on his face. Zeke rose with a confused gaze as well. Xavier chuckled, pinching the space between his brows.

"I'm sorry Father, that's how the Melechians pay their respect. The King nodded with an 'ohh' and then patted Zeke's back.

"Welcome Ezekiel, our Kingdom might be small, compared to the kingdoms in Melech, but please, consider this place your home. The King said with a smile.

"Uhm, Sarah?" King Aaron called, Sarah stepped forward and Zeke glanced at her, his heart skipped a beat when he saw her, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Could you please prepare a room for our guest?" the king said.

"Yes Your Majesty, I'll see to it that he is comfortable," Sarah said and with a simple gesture from her, two maids stepped forward and took their luggage.

"Sarah," Xavier called with a smile, he almost didn't recognize her, her curves were not expected. He moved to hug her.

"Prince Xavier, welcome back." She said with a smile and after a short reunion hug, he pulled away, his eyes, searching around for someone in particular, someone with blood-red hair and pale skin. Sarah left with the maids before he could ask about Athena and so did General K. Luckily, he spotted Alex who was dressed like a commander.

"Alex," He called.

"Xavier," Alex responded.

"It's been a while," Xavier said.

"Indeed it has," Alex replied, the conversation was so awkward that even Zeke caught the gist that something went up between these two in the past, he couldn't blame the guy, Xavier could be a handful and now that he has Zavian, he was more than a handful.

Xavier wanted to ask Alex about Athena, but Alex did not seem to want to look at him talkless or talk to him.

"We meet again." Prince Nathan said, stepping forward and shaking Zeke's hand.

"Yes, Your Highness," Zeke responded.

"Welcome home brother." Prince Nathan said, giving Xavier a brief hug.

"Let's go In," The king said, turning their attention back to him. He led the way while we trailed behind.

"Father, where's Athena?" Xavier asked, suspecting something was wrong.

"You must be tired from your long journey, why don't you both get some sleep and we'll all have dinner together." King Aaron said, switching the topic.

Xavier was indeed tired and stressed, but he wanted to see Athena so much that he couldn't wait another minute.

"Father, where is Athena?" Xavier asked again.

"Ah, Athena, we released her, and her sister to go back to their family, I will ask Kristan to take you to her tomorrow, just get some rest." King Aaron lied. Xavier's face lit up and he felt relieved. He nodded with a smile before heading to his room while Zeke was accompanied by a maid.