I stood outside the throne room, my heart racing with anxiety, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Sameen."
I turned to see Xavier, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. The air seemed to thicken, and for a moment, we just stared.
"Xavier," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He took a step closer, his expression intense. "I heard you're taking on the Dragomir role. Congratulations."
I force a smile. "Thanks. I...I don't know what's going on, Xavier. The queen-"
He cut me off, his voice low. "I know. I've been trying to get in to see you, but-"
The doors opened, and Augustus beckoned me inside. "Your Highness, the queen awaits."
My eyes locked onto Xavier's, a silent understanding passing between the us. I nodded and turned to face whatever lay ahead.
I stepped into the throne room, my head held high despite the turmoil brewing inside.
The queen's gaze settled on me, a calculating glare that made my skin prickle.
"Ah, Sameen, dear," the queen said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I'm glad you're here. Xavier's arrival is... timely."
Xavier slipped into the room, his eyes never leaving my face. He positioned himself beside Augustus, his expression neutral, but I caught the subtle tension in his shoulders.
The queen continued, "As you know, Sameen, your... unique abilities make you an asset to the Moroi court. I've decided that you'll be taking on the role of Dragomir's head in the royal court, effective immediately."
My heart sank, my mind racing with the implications. I glance at Xavier, his eyes flashed with concern, but he said nothing.
The queen's gaze settled on Sameen, a calculating look in her eyes. "I want you to attend the Harvest Festival at the Noble's Mall tomorrow evening.
My eyes widened slightly, and my mind racing with the implications.
"You'll be meeting with Lady Anastasia, the Colun's matriarch," the queen continued. "She's interested in discussing a potential alliance between our families."
Xavier shifted beside Augustus, his eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly.l caught the look and felt a flutter in my chest.
"Xavier will accompany you, of course," the queen added, her eyes glancing at him briefly. "As your Guardian."
My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't expected Xavier to be included in this. The queen's motives were never straightforward, and I wondered what she was really after.
The queen turned to Augustus. "See to it that Sameen is properly prepared. I want her to make a lasting impression."
With that, the meeting was dismissed. I followed Augustus out of the throne room, Xavier falling into step beside me. "Sounds like we've got a royal assignment," he murmured, his voice low and smooth.
I shot him a look, my heart still racing from the queen's announcement. "You have no idea," I whispered back, a hint of a smile playing on lips.
***†***†***
Xavier had barely turned to the corner when a bright flare of orange shot past his cheek.
A fireball.
Then another.
He sighed through his nose. "Fantastic. The circus is out."
It's was Demari and his crew (Moroi),they stood in the middle of the walkway, tossing burning spheres between them like they were playing catch.
Their uniforms were crisp, their grins cocky, and their magic practically hummed in the air.
One of them noticed Xavier and smirked.
"Well, well. Look who's out for a midnight stroll," Daphne began. "Shouldn't you be babysitting some princess right about now?"
Xavier didn't even slow down. "Shouldn't you be learning basic self-control? Or did you all collectively fail fire safety?"
The Moroi brats exchanged looks-offended but entertained.
Colin stepped forward, conjuring a flame that shifted from orange to blue. Show-off.
"We heard you broke a newbie earlier. What's the matter? Finally found someone at your level?"
Xavier stopped. Just for a second.
"Level?" he echoed. "Please don't flatter her. She already talks too much."
A few of them snorted. One tried to hide a laugh.
Demari finally spoke "You walk around like you're above everyone. St. Vladimir isn't your personal kingdom."
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Trust me, if it were my kingdom, you wouldn't be allowed to juggle fireballs in the hallway like hyperactive toddlers."
Colin frowned. "We're training."
"Really?" Xavier looked unimpressed. "Because from here it looks like you're trying to set off the sprinklers."
That earned another laugh-this time from Demari himself.
Demari clicked his tongue, stepping slightly in Xavier's path-not blocking him aggressively, just challenging him.
"You think you're untouchable."
"No," Xavier corrected calmly. "I think I'm tired."
He sidestepped, brushing past without effort. They didn't stop him.
Didn't dare to.
"But hey," Xavier added as he walked away, his voice deceptively light, "if you're going to keep throwing fire around, at least try not to burn the school down tonight. I'd like to sleep."
He didn't look back, but he heard them mutter among themselves:
"He's such a-"
"I know."
"Still kind of cool, though."
"Shut up."