His Bride to Be [M/M] (Slow Update)

Chapter 40: Bits and Pieces

There were a few things that were different since the last I stepped into the throne room. The first was the ball had come to a conclusion, and, save for a couple of guards, had no remnants of any of the guests from earlier.

The second was the atmosphere of it. Where the air had feelings of warmth and joy, now had a static tension. It buzzed with heat and something that was akin to magick.

The King, still with his hand on my shoulder, felt this difference and took in the surroundings of the room. His gaze wandered back towards the throne.

"What happened?"

I expected one of the guards to speak, however, the voice that did, was one I did not miss.

"A two-man army."

I turned, and the King allowed me as he simply shifted to a position beside me and placed his hand back on my shoulder. The closeness was strange indeed, however, this is a man I now have to learn not to hate, but accept it wasn't his doing for our destruction.

I moved away, and he allowed it, as he spared me a glance, simply smiling before looking toward Xelius once more. His hands moved to now be clasped behind his back.

Yeah, something that I will learn in my own comfort.

The King watched Xelius unsurprised as if already knowing the being was there. He stood near the exit, his arms crossed with a smudge look on his face. His eyes locked with my own as his cockiness turned into mischievous.

"Hello, my Prince."

Thoughts of our first encounter, when I locked eyes with him at the village gate, entered my mind, causing me to frown.

"I still don't like you."

He looked at me for a few more seconds before erupting with laughter. I tried not to let the surprise show as I watched him carefully, and the King, beside me, stared at him in annoyance. 

"Enough Xelius."

The laughter died down, and the remnants of it hung on his lips. The King just stared, and finally, Xelius stopped as he looked at the Demon beside me.

"You know you are no fun."

The King just stared.

Xelius straightened, "Fine. Be that way."

"Where are they, Xelius?"

Xelius smiled and, without saying a word, snapped his fingers. 

Shadowy figures appeared, and in an instant, the shadows evaporated, leaving a very confused Rion and Tarrah standing a few feet before us. Xelius, still leaning against the pillar, waved towards them uncaring.

"Not hurt, I just locked them back in their guest rooms, nothing more."

Xelius smiled. It was almost sinister and spoke of wants. "Not even a scratch."

Before I could begin to question him, Rion and Tarrah appeared facing us. Rion quickly grabbed the hilt of his sword but stopped upon laying his eyes on me. Both he and Tarrah took in their surroundings and stood ready to fight.

"It's okay."

They snapped their eyes at me and stared for a moment. We continued our silent staring contest before they began to relax.

"We really need a code word or something. I'm tired of debating if you're the real Ame."

This came from Rion, who placed his sword in its sheath.

I smiled, "How about Woof."

Memories of the time Raiu was jealous of Jason for partaking in our meal entered my mind, It must have entered his too because his signature grin came back.