Chapter 9 Framed

*****Six years Later*****

Athena and Xavier were seen in the same valley,Athena had perfectly learnt how to ride a horse all thanks to the prince,after several falls and injuries for six years she was finally getting a hang of it.Xavier sat behind her,they had gotten really close since that day in the stables,she had been a very good influence on him.

They were done with their horse riding and both walking to the garden."That was amazing,I feel like Leo has a connection with me"Athena said talking about Xavier's graceful horse.it was pure white with a black mark on its forehead and had long hair.

"Yea right,it took you six years to learn how to ride a horse red"Xavier said making fun out of her as he begun to laugh.she pouted and walked hastily trying to get away from him.

"Hey wait up"he called as he jogged to catch up with her.

"Aren't you going for training with your brothers?"She asked.

"I rather spend the day with you"he said and then dragged her into his embrace causing a blush to creep on her face.

"Awwwn how cute"Sarah voice was heard Xavier and Athena turned back only to see Sarah and Rose grinning like a cat while spying on them.

"Really,girls we talked about this."Athena said.

"Yes Sarah,we should give the couples some alone time don't you think?"Rose said still grinning,

"Cou...what...couples,we are definitely not couples."She said as her face became as red as a riped tomato.

"Yea not couples just friends"He said scratching the back of his neck as he let go of Athena's hand he didn't realize he was holding.

"Hmm,I don't buy it,you are obviously so Hot and handsome also you are a guy that is great at sweet talking I doubt there's nothing going on between you two"Sarah said.

"I have to go,Madam Lisa might be looking for me"Athena said and like a rat she sneaked out of the conversation.Xavier was staring at her departing bottom when Rose suddenly asked.

"What are you looking at?"

"Hmm?"he asked pretending not to hear what she said.

"She asked what you were looking at"Sarah said with crossed arms and a smirk playing on her lips.

"No... nothing"Xavier said and blushed out of embarrassment.

"Yes am coming!!"He suddenly yelled pretending to have heard someone call him just so he could escape from these two.

Early the next day Athena and Madam Lisa were both in the kitchen,their most favorite place to be,the old lady had taken Athena to be her daughter and Athena saw Madam Lisa as her mother.She was loved by everyone,even the king had found favor in her and the princes attempt to befriend her.

The prince rushed into the kitchen looking around until he found the red haired girl standing at the corner looking back at him with a confused gaze.

"Good morning Madam Lisa,hey come with me I wanna show you something"Xavier said.

"Am still busy here Xavier,I don't have time to move around."She replied showing him her hands that had flour all over them.

"It'll only take a minute,red"he said again.

"I don't have a minute,I still haven't washed the dishes"Athena said and a frown crept on his face.

"How about tonight?"He asked.

"I'll be exhausted"She said,he stared at her for a while,he could tell she hasn't been sleeping well due to the dark circles under her eyes,she seemed to have lost weight.

"Xavier...Step away from this thief!"A voice was heard walking towards them and when they turned their gaze to see who it was they saw Edith angrily approaching them.

"Thief?"They asked.

"This girl stole something that is very precious to me ,it's a family heirloom and she had the guts to take it!!"Edith said pointing at Athena.

"Excuse me?"Athena asked in disbelief.

"I ordered you to clean up my room last night and when I woke up this morning,it was missing"Edith accused.

"I am sorry ma'am for that misfortune but you might have me mixed up with someone else,I don't steal"She said. and went back to work when Edith suddenly grabbed a handful of her hair as she winced in pain.

"Ahhh, please ma'am stop"Athena cried out.

"You little bitc.."

"Stop that,you're hurting her,woman!"Xavier said slapping Edith's hands away and pushing her to the ground he was fuming with anger as if he was the one who she had hurt.he was about to say something when Athena grabbed his arms and rubbed it slightly,he looked at her and she shook her head silently telling him he should not do what he was about to do.

"Xavier,you dare slapped me?"Edith asked staring at Xavier,she knew Xavier was rude as shit but for reason he had changed and adopted a sweet attitude but now here he was pushing her and not apologizing for it.

"Am sorry ma'am"Athena who was still in pain ran to help her up but she suddenly pushed Athena who also fell and hit her head as blood rolled down her forehead.

~~

The matter soon reached the king in the throne room,Xavier,Athena,Edith stood ten steps away from the stairs leading to the throne.There was silence in the hall and then the doors flew opened.

"We found it under the girl's bed your majesty."A soldier said and passed the item in a pink piece of clothing to the General who carried it to the king.

The general opened it right Infront of the king and a pearl necklace,worth a lot of money was seen inside.

"How would you explain this Athena?"King Aaron asked in an authoritative voice.

"I...I don't know how that got there your majesty."Athena said shivering and stuttering,her hands flew to her neck and she clutch her skin,what were they going to do to her,she felt anxious and bitter as goosebumps crawled on her skin.