Shadows of Avarice - Book #1 (BxB)

Chapter 16

Xia led Osiris through the streets and crowds of Rasea. During the escape, they lost the merchant as well as their two soldiers. Xia didn't stop running until they were coming down the street where he lived. These were the slums of Rasea; a place that Xia doubted Osiris had ever been to. As nice as the sultan had been to Xia, he didn't feel bad for subjecting Osiris to this part of the kingdom. Perhaps seeing this would open his eyes to how some of the people suffered.

Eventually, they stopped at one of the huts at the end of the dirt road. Xia didn't bother knocking as he pushed open the door and walked inside, Osiris trailing behind him. The sultan had fallen silent ever since they entered this part of the kingdom. He seemed at a loss for words.

Sitting at the table, Tariq and Zakariya played with their usual cards. Upon hearing the door opening, Zakariya was quick to stand up and grab one of his knives. Tariq was also on alert, until they saw their purple-haired brother walk through the door. Their expressions quickly turned to relief knowing that he was still alive, but Xia could see the amusement in their eyes. They glanced at Xia up and down, taking in his attire. There was a joke itching to be made, but they had to restrain themselves.

"Xia, you look stunning," Tariq said, a humorous smile tugging at his lips. He glared at his brother, giving him a silent warning to behave.

When they looked at the man standing behind Xia, he pulled him closer and said, "This is Osiris, the sultan of Rasea, and my future husband."

"No fucking way," Zakariya muttered under his breath.

Word must not have reached them about the woman that the sultan chose to be his wife. Word would have spread like wildfire, but perhaps they didn't believe that Xia was the one the sultan chose to marry. He was to be this man's fiancée instead of a simple concubine.

Upon gaining their composure, the two brothers quickly bowed to the sultan. Osiris took in their features, studying them before saying, "You may rise. It is a pleasure to meet the both of you. You're Xia's brother's, I presume?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. And please, the pleasure is all ours," Zakariya said.

Being in front of the sultan clearly made the men nervous. This man was the most powerful person in all of Rasea. One small slip up could ruin their lives if the sultan deemed it necessary. They had to be on their best behavior, as well as not accidentally reveal Xia's identity. Which meant no teasing him until Osiris was out of earshot.

Xia glanced around the small home, searching for his grandmother. It was a relief that she wasn't there to see him in this attire, but part of him did hope to see her during this short visit. If she saw him, then he doubted that she would have revealed anything to the sultan. However, she would definitely scold him in private. He hated hiding the things that he did from her, but he didn't want to worry her with his schemes.

"Um, would you like to see the rest of my home? It isn't much, but I could give you a tour." Xia just wanted to be away from his brothers and their teasing eyes. They didn't need to say anything for him to know what they were thinking.

Osiris nodded and let Xia lead him away from his brothers. Xia glanced back for a moment to see Tariq and Zakariya quietly conversing amongst themselves. Zak said something to make Tariq chuckle, and Xia rolled his eyes. They could have their fun while it lasted. They wouldn't tease him as much once they saw the fortune that Xia would bring in for them.

He showed the sultan each of the small rooms, starting from the kitchen, to the washroom, to the bedrooms. The last room that he showed him was the room that he shared with his brothers. With all three boys sharing this space, the room was cluttered. There were three, small cots for each of them, and a single dresser for them to share.