Shadows of Avarice - Book #1 (BxB)

Chapter 28

It had taken them a few hours, but seeing Rasea again almost brought tears to Xia's eyes. He might have been stuck out in the desert for only a day, yet that was enough to make him miss his home. Even a few hours stuck in the desert without the proper equipment would have been enough to end someone's life. Xia would be forever grateful to this family for saving his life. He wouldn't have survived out there without them.

If Xia were feeling better, then he would run to the palace. Regardless of his fever, he was tempted to. The quicker he returned, the better. He needed to assure everyone he was okay, as well as tell Osiris what happened to him. Xia may not have known the noble who kidnapped him by name, but he remembered his face. He would be able to point that man out no matter where he saw him. He would also tell Osiris that he suspected Soraya was involved. After all, she did talk to that noble at the party. It was too suspicious for her not to be involved.

Before Xia had the chance to thank the family and say his goodbyes, Dariya cut him off. "Before you even think about leaving, we want to make sure you get home safely. You're sick, so we don't need you passing out in the streets and getting kidnapped again."

Xia bit his lip. If he told them he needed to go to the palace, then they would grow suspicious. Even if he appeared to be a noble, he wouldn't have any business at the royal palace. He thought about having them escort him back to his real home. From there, Tariq and Zakariya could help him get to the palace, but he worried about involving them. He was also scared of his grandmother finding out what happened to him. After his sudden disappearance, Alishba would have returned home to find him. Upon not finding him there, she would have warned their brothers about his absence. They were most likely already frantic knowing that he was missing.

No, it was best for him to return to the palace straightaway. From there, he could work on letting his whole family know that he was safe.

He sighed, and then responded, "I live at the palace. I-I'm actually the sultan's fiancé."

None of them could contain their shock after hearing Xia's confession. Dariya gave Xia a questioning gaze, knowing he lied to her before when he mentioned he already had a husband. She didn't appear mad at him for lying, but he could see the confusion.

"Sorry for lying. I needed to make sure that you didn't abandon me in the desert," Xia admitted and rubbed the back of his neck. If they found out who he really was beforehand, then they could have easily left him. He didn't know their stance on the sultan, and he wasn't willing to take a chance.

Eventually, the father nodded. "Regardless of who you are, we would still like to see you reach the palace safely."

"That's right! Even if you're married or engaged to that jerk, we'll make sure you get home," Dariya chimed in.

Her response confirmed that they weren't fond of the sultan, but he was glad they planned on seeing this through to the end. Xia could reach the palace by himself at this point, yet he wouldn't deny their company. They did have a point, after all. Xia still didn't feel well, so there was the risk of him passing out.

"Thank you," Xia quietly responded.

"Don't mention it." Dariya linked her arm with Xia's. She began to walk in the direction of the palace.

Xia's heart picked up in beat the closer they came to the palace. He wasn't sure what to expect once he faced Osiris again. The last time they saw each other, Xia made a fool out of himself. He wouldn't be surprised if Osiris believed Xia ran away. They still barely knew each other, so perhaps Osiris might think Xia was the type to run away after one argument. Could he even call that an argument? Xia was the one who acted out, while Osiris made a valid point. He hated to admit it, but perhaps it was time for this charade to end. They could take all the gifts the sultan gave him, sell them, and then finally leave this kingdom. Xia wouldn't let himself get sidetracked any longer.