Shadows of Avarice (BxB)

Chapter 41

Xia wasn't sure what to do with himself with all the free time he had in the palace. Without Alishba there, things were quiet for him. The two of them would usually explore the palace together, but things changed. Now Xia had no reason to snoop in all of the rooms, and he had no one to talk to. Osiris was always busy during the day and Xia didn't want to hang out with anyone from the harem. Soraya was still locked up, while Shiva was still mad at him. Amani always seemed to be doing her own thing, or she was hanging out with Shiva. That left Xia alone.

Maybe he could finally visit his family. He still needed to apologize to Alishba, as well as tell them the news Dariya gave him. If they still wanted to leave Rasea, they would have the opportunity in two weeks. He could make sure their transportation was arranged.

Xia didn't want his family to leave, but it was their decision. He couldn't stop them from choosing their own path and as Osiris promised, Xia could always visit them. This didn't have to be the last time they saw each other. He didn't know how often he would be able to see them once they crossed the sands. It would be too dangerous to travel across them often, and eventually, Xia would have responsibilities in the palace. He should enjoy his freedom for now before he had a whole nation to worry about.

There was still much for him to learn about running a nation, but the person who was teaching him wasn't talking to him for the time being. While Shiva was giving him the silent treatment, Xia had no one to teach him about how to rule Rasea. She was supposed to help him, but she wouldn't when she thought Xia was untrustworthy. Xia didn't know what to say or do to prove himself to her, and he didn't blame her for not trusting him. Shiva may not have been in love with the sultan, but she did cherish him. After all, if it weren't for Osiris, then Shiva would have been left alone with nowhere to go. He provided her with a space to live and helped her get through a tough time in her life. She was grateful to the sultan.

As he thought about Shiva, he had the unfortunate luck of running into the fallen princess. He turned the corner as he was spacing out, only to bump into her. Shiva was almost knocked off her feet, until Xia wrapped an arm around her waist and steadied her on her feet. Regardless of what she thought of him, Xia wouldn't let her fall. He wasn't sure what to say to her, though. He felt awkward being in her presence. He wanted her to trust him, but he didn't have the words for it. So instead of saying anything, he tried to make his escape.

However, Shiva wouldn't let him leave that easily. Before he could leave, Shiva grabbed his arm to keep him in place. Xia let out a sigh, but didn't pull away from her. He needed to face her eventually. He might as well get this over and done with now.

She was the first to break the silence between them. She sounded nervous as she said, "Xia, could we talk for a moment?"

He nodded. "I wanted to talk to you as well. Maybe we could go somewhere private?"

Shiva agreed. They were out in the open where anyone could hear their conversation. Xia didn't think he could admit anything when someone could listen to them. There were things he didn't want everyone to know. No one else needed to learn the reason why he came to the palace in the first place. While many could guess it, he didn't need his business out in the open. If the wrong people learned about his wrongdoings, then they would fight to have him kicked out of the palace. He already knew many were upset that Xia came out to be a man. The court especially didn't want Osiris to marry Xia after learning this major news.

The two went to the library where Shiva tried teaching Xia about proper etiquette. There were other books lined up for future lessons, but those lessons would have to wait until these two came to an understanding. If they couldn't work things out, then Xia would have a new teacher. Osiris already spoke to Xia about learning how to become a 'queen'. The sultan wanted Shiva and Xia to get along as well.

Once in the library, neither seemed willing to be the first to speak first. Xia awkwardly shifted back and forth on his feet. Like with his family, Xia wasn't very good at apologizing. The people around him had good intentions, even if they didn't always see eye to eye. With Shiva, Xia knew he was in the wrong. She only wanted what was best for the sultan, and didn't want someone around who was only using Osiris. However, things have changed. He needed to explain this to her.

He opened his mouth to finally admit everything, but Shiva beat him to it. With a deep breath, she said, "I'm sorry. I realize that I was hard on you. I know what your background is like, so I should have tried to see things from your perspective. We all came to the palace with our own intentions, and it would be hypocritical of me if I denied that we weren't all using the sultan. After all, on my first night with Osiris, we were using each other, and I ended up staying. I stayed for selfish intentions, just like everyone else who stayed in the palace. Amani and Soraya are no different. The only thing with Soraya is that she was forced by her father, but in the end, she also has her goals in mind. Somehow, despite the reasons why we came here, we all came to have feelings for Osiris. My feelings for him are platonic, but I still care about him. I imagine you're no different."

He wasn't expecting her to apologize first. He scratched the back of his neck. It was his turn to say his piece. Xia searched for the right words before replying, "I'm sorry, too. You had every right to suspect me, and you weren't wrong. I did come to the palace with bad intentions. I only wanted to steal enough to support my family and run away from Rasea, but I have changed my mind. My family still wants to leave, and I will support them however I can, but I won't be going with them. I want to stay in the palace with Osiris. I-I've grown to care about him a lot. He's more than a friend to me . . ."

Xia blushed as he admitted this and he glanced away. It didn't take a genius to figure out how Xia felt about the sultan. Shiva could see it on his face when he spoke about the sultan. His eyes seemed to light up at the mention of Osiris.

"I see. Well, I'm glad. Osiris really cares about you, too. He talks about you a lot and while I don't mind, he can be a little much. Lately, you've been the only conversation topic for him." She gave him a small smile, then added, "It looks like we'll have to get back to your lessons. If Osiris is going to marry you, then there's a lot you need to know. Running a nation isn't going to be an easy task, but with your background, I think you'll know how to help the people who need it most in Rasea."

It was a relief that they had this chance to talk things out. Xia was worried Shiva would never forgive him, but he was glad to be wrong. He preferred to have her as an ally instead of his enemy. He wasn't thrilled to start lessons again, but he would need to suck it up.

"Since that's all settled, how about we start lessons again tomorrow?" Shiva clasped her hands together and fluttered her eyes at him. "And don't even think about trying to skip out again. You won't pull the same trick you did when I tried teaching you about etiquette."

He had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes. She was back to her old self again. He didn't have much choice in the matter. He might have hated sitting around and listening to lectures, but he did want to become the best ruler he could be. There was a lot to learn.