Days passed, Xavier spent his time with Lucien, Norixx spent his time as a guard for Lucien's castle. He would walk the castle floor, quietly watching Xavier from his position. Xavier's cracks slowly worsened everytime he caught a glance of Norixx, the cracks becoming painful when he saw him.
Norixx was abused by his father, called horrible things, harmed, etc. Mr. Raphael ordered him to ignore Xavier, never speaking to him.
There was a masquerade ball tonight, plenty of royals had gathered in Lucien's extravagant castle ballroom. Knights were free to roam around, Norixx secretly looking for Xavier. He wore a mask the same as the other knights, Xavier wearing a mask that covered his right cheek along with his eyes. Xavier spent his time on the balcony, watching everyone dance. He felt sadness fill his heart as he saw Norixx walking around.
Norixx grabbed a woman with black hair, thinking it was Xavier, he sighed and rushed away. He walked upstairs to the second floor hallway, walking down the hallway when he noticed Xavier on the balcony. "Xavier?" Norixx called for Xavier, making him turn around, looking nervous. "Norixx?" Xavier asked, Norixx stepping closer to him. "Im so sorry, Xavier-" Norixx said, Xavier cutting him off, "no, i dont wanna hear it-! How could you just leave like that-! Did you just forget about me or something?" Xavier said, beginning to tear up. Norixx grasped his hand and gently kissed Xavier, setting his hands on his hips. Tears dripped off Xavier's face as Norixx pulled back, taking off his mask. He had a bruise on the side of his face as he smiled sadly. Xavier removed his mask, revealing his cracked skin. Norixx looked shocked, "what happened..?" Norixx asked worriedly, "its...hard to explain..." Xavier mumbled, setting his hands on Norixx's cheeks. "Does he..hurt you..?" Xavier asked, Norixx frowned, looking saddened. "I'd rather not say..." Norixx mumbled. Xavier kissed the mark on his face, Norixx tearing up. "I dont ever wanna leave your touch..." Norixx whispered, suddenly hearing his father calling his name. Norixx flinched and put his mask back on, looking frightened. "Please, ill meet you back at your room, after the ball. Okay?" Norixx said before rushing back to his father. Xavier sighed as the cracks furthered.
Xavier quietly sat in his room, the bed was comfortable, the sheets white and gold. The design of the room was colored gold and white. He noticed the door open, Norixx stepped into the room, wearing his regular knight uniform. Norixx removed his armor and coat and sat on the edge of the bed, smiling at Xavier. "Why did you abandon me..?" Xavier said softly, seeing Norixx frown. "I...I was afraid..." Norixx mumbled, Xavier got up and sat down in his lap, cupping his hands on Norixx's face. "Does he harm you.? Please tell me the truth..." Xavier asked, Norixx sighed and rolled up his sleeve, revealing bruises all over his arm. Xavier looked mortified, hugging Norixx tightly as he felt his skin crack all the way to his right eye. Norixx hugged Xavier and began to sob, holding onto Xavier tightly. "Wont you leave.? Please..." Xavier asked, Norixx began to shake. "He'll kill you...if i leave...i cant lose you.." Norixx stuttered. "You wont lose me, i promise." Xavier hummed, petting Norixx softly.
The two quietly enjoyed each other's embrace, falling asleep together.
