CHAPTER I

The emperor looked down at Xander, standing tall before the crowd. Xander in term had a calm and collected look on his face, but his tactics were stern and merciless.

"Xander Johnson, you have achieved a great deal for your nation.", the emperor spoke, his voice beaming with pride like a father would congratulate his son, "Such actions shall not go unrewarded. My one and only daughter, Abbigail, will wed you today. Have you thought of any other you want?"

He gestured to the young lady clad in the purple ballgown beside him. Catching onto her father's hint, she stepped forward, strutting towards the general, a seductive smile on her face. Her eyes obsessively leeching onto his body, a faint flush evenly spread on her face,

"His Highness is too generous but this general wish only for what we first agreed upon, your majesty." Xander looked up and slowly explained.

"I beg for your Majesty to honour this peasant original deal." He resounded, each word clearly and carefully spoke.

The emperor's eyes narrowed, his discontent evident, his daughter's movements also jerked as she stopped in her tracks.

"Are you sure, General? Have you thought about it carefully?" the emperor's voice replied, an invisible warning could be detected.

Xander saw the dissatisfaction in the emperor's eyes however his heart was untroubled; he was not going to change his decision.

"The only thing that matters in my heart is Katherine."

This voice was even clearer than before. His tone heavily filled with reckless determination, as his clear eyes stared into the emperor's.

"My will has been decided. I ask His Majesty to kindly fulfil it." Xander opened his mouth to as again add on.

Xander was well aware that this could, in fact it would anger the emperor but he still said it. No matter what happens, he was not going to change his mind, he would be leaving with Katherine in his arms. One way or another.

"I beg of Your Majesty." Xander repeated, this time with a slight bow.

His words were stern and resolute.

The emperor continued to stare into his eyes, as though searching for some sort of reason. After a while, he sighed, his shoulders slouched.

"Bring the gir- Katherine to the palace." He commanded.

Fredrick, the head guard, walked in through the doors, bowing first before repeating the Emperors words to his subordinates.

His voice echoed in the palace and spread to the distance.

Shortly afterwards, the unison sound of marches emerged from the previous silence. It was a loud resonating sound, accompanied by the bounds of metallic objects, clashing against one another.

Simultaneously, the heads in the room turned towards the doors of the ballroom.

A tighten sharp pain was felt by Xander as he stared at the group of people by the door, or rather the middle figure in her torn, rugged piece of clothing - the long, waist length hair, noughted and haggard, she had shackles binding both her hands and feet. Slowly dragging them every step she took.

Yet as restrained as she was, her back was still straightened, her eyes: clear and firm - her face held no emotions nor trace of the injustices she had suffered. She nonchalantly walked forward, as if at the end of the path stood her crown for her coronation rather than her prisoner.

A princess with a fallen kingdom was no the less still a princess. In her soul, in her mind, in her blood.

The golden artefacts and decorations of the room, dimmed as though they feared taking her attention away. Her aura evidently unmatched, even in shackles and in her unpleasant sate, she was still so charming.

Xander's eyes trailed her as she walked with a praising smile hanging on his lips only to be quickly replaced by his gritting teeth. His fist abruptly clenched when his gaze landed on the metallic hell binding her.

Katherine walked before the palace hall until she reached the emperor. While the guards surrounding her lowered their heads and bowed, her eyes remained persistence as her back remained straight. Her sharp gaze piercing into the Emperor even when her shackles were dragged down by a guard; she still did not back down.

"From today onwards, you, Katherine Ashton will be confined to General Xander Johnson's residence. You are not permitted to leave." The emperor commanded; the tone of disgust clouding his words.

"I'll much rather die." The clear crisp voice cut through the room.

Everyone heads turned towards the skinny figure in the shredded fabric boomed.

An emanate frown formed on Xander's face, the darkness in his eyes deepened.

"I would happily assist you, princess." A guard said as he caught a hold of her jaw, gripping onto it forcefully.

Katherine looked into his eyes, spiting in his face. Her face remained clam while her eyes flashed with pride.

The crisp sound of a body, forming an arc, being obstructed by the ground shot through the hall. The previous guard, standing up proud could now be seen laying onto the floor. His face coveted with pain as he struggled to breathe, a fit of dry coughs followed.

Diligently, his long legs strode towards the girl, who was standing beside the culprit as though she had no involvement.

She had a unique temperament, a fallen princess who was burdened with the hatred of her country and her family as well as herself, yet she remained resilient in the chaotic environment suppressing her.

Katherine looked at Xander, her long hair scattered over her shoulders. Her pale face remained stubborn. The two of them stared at each other in silence. A softness gradually surfaced in Xander eyes.

"Katherine, I'm going to take you home." his lips moved as mouthed.

Katherine stood there while Xander moved his shoulders slightly. He bent down; his warm hand placed on her waist. With a bit of effort, he pulled her into his arms. His actions were very light as if he didn't want to disturb or notify Katherine. He wrapped his arms around her body causing Katherine's body to rigid, her breathing pace quickened. The distance between them grew closer and their breaths gradually intertwined, contaminating their individual personal space.

Katherine's long hair carelessly swept by the tip of Xander's nose and the clear fragrance spread over the air. Xander eyes continued darkened, developing a similar shade as his brown pupils. His warm breath was being emitted to her senses so clearly that her body stiffen even more.

Sensing her discomfort, Xander comforted her.

"Don't be nervous." He whispered.

Katherine turned her head around just to see his strong jaw. Xander changed his sight of gaze, avoiding her, as if he didn't want to pressure her.

Katherine heart gradually turned quiet; she was able to regain her prior nonchalant face however her body still remained tense although she was getting gradually a lot looser than she previously was. She attempted to use her bonded hands to push his chest away from her. She began wiggling as a sign of wanting to be placed down and away from him.

The general was unmoved.

"I will not be apologising for my actions, your Majesty. I hope you can understand my actions. "he said each word to the emperor although his eyes were fixated on the squeamish girl in his arm.

"Katherine is a part of me and I will not tolerate any malice towards her." while speaking his lines, the corners of Xander's lips curved into a faint smile. Although said lightly, the deceptive threat resounded with everyone in the hall.

The emperor frown, displeasure crawled upon his face.

"You are dismissed." His commanding voice boomed.

The general nodding as he carried the princess off in his arms. Leaving behind him the victims of his verbal assault.

***

The only thing he cared about from start to finish was Katherine alone. Whatever happens in the past and whatever will happen bothered him none in the slightest.

Katherine remained persistently fighting in his arms, her action clearly depicting her intentions however Xander purposely tighten his grip on the figure as he existed the castle doors and out to the court where his carriage was waiting.

"Sir." The servants waiting by the carriage greeted as she bowed.

Xander replied with a nod as the carriage doors were opened. He silently entered the vehicle, his hands momentarily loosened as he readjusted his hold on the girl in his arms to sit on his lap.