Shadows of Avarice (BxB)

Chapter 8

Xia's nerves felt like they were off the charts as he walked down the silent hall to meet with the sultan. After Osiris chose Xia as his bride, many of the guests congratulated them before leaving. Osiris didn't want them to stay and announced that there would be a celebration later. When this would take place, Xia was unsure. Afterward, Xia and Alishba were sent to Xia's new room, a room that wasn't where the concubines resided. Instead, Xia was given the wing that belonged to the sultana of Rasea. Every room on that side of the palace now belonged to him.

There would be plenty of talk among the townsfolk about this event. Xia was sure that word would reach his family eventually. While his grandmother wouldn't know that Xia was the bride, his brothers would certainly know. He had a feeling that they wouldn't let him live this down for a long time. Once they were on the road to get away from Rasea, Xia would be the center of their teasing for a while. That was fine with him, as it was something that he was already used to. As long as they eventually made it out of this kingdom, then Xia didn't care.

The maid eventually stopped in front of a large door that led to the dining hall. She knocked, before opening it and gesturing for Xia to enter. He did as he was instructed despite his racing heart. Already waiting for him inside was Osiris, who gave Xia a charming smile as he looked at him. He had to glance away as he blushed. Osiris was certainly handsome, Xia couldn't deny that. This man couldn't have been much older than him, perhaps somewhere in his late twenties. Xia didn't know much about the history of Rasea, but he did know that Osiris was the youngest sultan to ever rule this kingdom.

Osiris gestured to the chair across from him. "Please, get comfortable. This is to be your home now, so feel free to treat it as so. If there's anything that I can do to make your life easier here, then don't hesitate to ask."

His voice, though deep, was gentle. He appeared to be genuine and hospitable as he spoke to him, but Xia didn't trust him. He had a feeling that he was playing with him. Osiris must have known who he was. Why else would he suddenly decide to make Xia his wife? This was a trap.

But Xia did as he was told. He did not want to anger the sultan so he took the chair across from him. He heard rumors that the sultan had a bit of a temper when he didn't get his way, but there were plenty of other rumors that circulated about the sultan as well. Apparently, he was a temperamental womanizer who was engaged previously. Osiris was engaged to a unique woman who met an unfortunate end. The rumors said that Osiris was the cause of her death and after she died, that's when he started his harem. The harem was meant to mend his broken heart, and every couple of years, a new woman joined. How much of this was true, Xia didn't know, but it still made him cautious being around the sultan. If the rumors were true and Osiris did murder his previous betrothed, then Xia needed to be careful. He didn't want to end up six feet under as well.

Upon looking at his face, Xia couldn't imagine Osiris being a bad person. How could someone this handsome and kind-looking be evil? Xia knew that he couldn't let this pretty face fool him. Looks can be deceiving. He glanced away, down at the plate that was served in front of him.

"Relax. You seem tense," Osiris commented.

It was hard for Xia not to be when he found himself in this situation. He bit his lip, and then responded, "Perhaps because I wasn't expecting to become a bride today."

"When I saw you, I knew that you couldn't only become a concubine. I knew that you deserved to be more. Most women would be thrilled to be chosen as a bride to their sultan. I can give you anything that you have ever dreamed of. But perhaps you would rather be a concubine instead?" Osiris asked with an eyebrow raised.

"No!" Xia was quick to answer. If he were to become a concubine, then he might be expected to sleep with Osiris sooner rather than later. At least if he became his betrothed, then he could hold it off until their wedding day when Xia planned on disappearing.