Shadows of Avarice - Book #1 (BxB)

Chapter 20

A few days passed after the incident with Osiris. Xia didn't see the sultan during that period, and he didn't bother to seek him out. He was too embarrassed after the moment that they shared the other night. They kissed and Osiris definitely knew Xia's secret now. Their naked bodies were pressed up against each other, after all. The damage was done and if Osiris wanted to, he could get rid of Xia at any time for trying to deceive him. That was part of the reason why Xia was avoiding him. He was afraid Osiris would finally decide to have him executed.

Shiva could tell that Xia was distracted as she lectured him on etiquette. Him biting his nails and the distant look was enough to give it away. She sighed, then put her book down and asked, "What's wrong? We can't make any progress if you're distracted. Unfortunately, I need to drill this stuff into your head for an important event coming up. You were born a commoner, so there's a lot that you need to learn."

Xia finally looked at her. "How did you know that I'm a commoner? And what important event?"

"I may not have been born in Rasea, but I know many of the nobles. Your face and Alishba's were new to me, which could only mean you are commoners or middle class. Considering how you act, it doesn't take a genius to figure out your social class. As for the event, well . . . it's to celebrate your marriage to Osiris. His court and some of the nobles have been on his case lately, so he wants to hold this celebration to make it look more official. But don't worry, it is not the actual marriage ceremony. This is just to get his court off his back for a while." Shiva stood up and held her hand out to Xia. "If you can't focus on studying, then perhaps you will focus more on dancing. This is one of the things that I need to teach you, anyway."

"Dancing . . . ?" Xia took her hand, but the thought of dancing with her made him nervous.

He never danced before in his life, so the thought of having to dance in front of a lot of people made his heart want to stop. He didn't see how he could get out of this one. Osiris would expect him to dance with him to get the court to leave him alone for a while. Osiris would want to prove that he's serious about marrying Xia.

"It's simple. I'll make sure you're ready for Osiris by teaching you a few dances. You don't necessarily need to dance with only the sultan, but make sure you're with him more than anyone else. Especially don't let Soraya get close to him. You can't stop her from dancing with him at least once, but ensure you're the center of his attention," Shiva explained.

She spoke about Soraya knowing that this would rile Xia. Shiva may not have known much about him, but she could clearly see he was competitive, especially when it came to Soraya. It would look bad if the concubine spent more time with the sultan than his betrothed during the ceremony.

It seemed to work as Xia stood up to join Shiva. He was nervous but determined. Shiva made him put his hand on her shoulder, while she put one of hers on his waist. Then with her free hand, she took ahold of his free one.

She smiled at him and said, "I'll lead this dance and then I want you to do the next one. We have about two weeks before the celebration, so I'm going to make you a pro at dancing. You're going to blow everyone away. I would also like to see the look on Soraya's face when you dance with Osiris without stepping on his toes."

Shiva was usually the mature one, but even she wanted to shove something in Soraya's face. She chuckled and added, "Perhaps I have been hanging around Amani too much lately. That girl has a way of bringing out the worst in you."

The concubines seemed to get along with each other. He had only seen Shiva and Amani together, but neither of them hung around Soraya. He suspected that was because Soraya most likely thought she was better than them and she only wanted to seek out Osiris' attention. At least Xia didn't have to compete with Shiva and Amani. They seemed more interested in pushing Xia onto the sultan. Especially after Amani tried to trick him.

He let Shiva guide him around the center of the library as they danced together. He accidentally stepped on her toes a couple of times, but she didn't seem to mind. As a princess from Zuvelia, Shiva was tougher than most. Stumbling around with Xia was nothing to her compared to almost being murdered.

"It's been a while since I've taught someone how to dance." Shiva chuckled to herself, lost in her thoughts. She was reminiscing about the past, which Xia could see by her sad gaze.

Xia was curious. "You taught your old love how to dance?"

"A little bit, yes. Tristan was talented in everything he did. Even during our first dance, he was the one leading me. He didn't step on my feet nearly as much as you," she playfully said.

"I am talented at other things." Xia defended himself.

She smiled up at him. "Yes, such as winning our dear sultan's heart. He seems quite smitten with you already."

He blushed. "W-wait, really?"

"Of course. You can see it in his eyes. When you're in the same room or if you're passing by, his eyes are always on you. I've also noticed that he tends to bring you up in conversation, even to Soraya. He has often talked to us about you and always asks about your well-being. What did you do to win him over so easily? No one's been able to make Osiris think about them nonstop. Soraya has tried, but she's been unsuccessful. He doesn't like opening up to people after what he went through," Shiva said.

Xia wasn't sure what he could have done to make Osiris like him already. It wasn't as though they spent much time together and they only kissed once. If the sultan refused to open up to others before, then he clearly wasn't one who easily fell in love. Xia couldn't help thinking that Osiris was only trying to keep an eye on him. There was no way Osiris had feelings for him this soon.

"It must be my natural charm that made him fall for me." Xia shrugged as he jested. He felt silly for being hurt by the idea that this was all a game and Osiris didn't actually like him. He didn't want Osiris to like him. He didn't want to have any regrets when he fled the palace one day.

Shiva came to a halt, making Xia stop dancing as well. She sighed and said, "I'm sorry, you just reminded me of Tristan for a moment. You're not nearly as mature as he was, but you do both have a quirky sort of charm to you."

"Have you ever thought about leaving Rasea to seek him out?" Xia asked. Despite the years that have passed, Shiva still thought about this man. It couldn't hurt to look for him. Perhaps he still felt the same way as well.

But Shiva shook her head. "Wherever he is, I'm sure he's moved on and is happier now. I don't want to walk into his life and ruin things for him. I'm the one still clinging to the past, and I need to learn how to let him go. But . . . a word of advice, Xia. When you meet the right person, don't hesitate. Whether that person will be Osiris or someone else, hold onto them. I don't want you to end up like me and regret your decisions."

The only thing Xia could do was nod. He didn't know who or when he would meet the right one, but Osiris couldn't be it. He didn't have a choice in the matter like Shiva did in the past. Regardless of how Xia felt, he would always choose his family. He needed to leave Rasea with them.

"Anyway, tomorrow we will hit the books again and I shall teach you about etiquette. Please, make sure to pay attention this time. And bring Alishba with you. She should learn how to properly conduct herself as a lady as well. If she's to be your lady-in-waiting, then she needs the proper training. Class is dismissed for now." Shiva gave him one last smile, one that tried to hide her pain, before departing the library.

With a deep breath, Xia left as well.