Shadows of Avarice (BxB)

Chapter 47

The day of their departure finally arrived. Their bags were packed, and they were ready to leave Rasea behind them. This kingdom was where they lived for their entire lives. They never knew any other home, and while they felt sad to be leaving, they were also ready to see what else this world had to offer them. There was so much more to see other than this desert kingdom.

Xia looked back at their home, which was almost barren. They weren't taking everything, but they took most things. They didn't own a lot and even though the sultan provided for them, the siblings didn't spend much of the money. They mostly only spent the gold on food and new clothes. They didn't splurge like some citizens would have. They might not have had a lot, but it was enough for them.

They walked through the streets of Rasea towards the gates of the kingdom. They said their goodbyes to many of the people they had grown to know throughout their lives. This would be the last time they saw them. Once they walked through those gates and out towards the sands, they didn't plan on coming back. It was a slow walk as they said their goodbyes and took in the sights of the kingdom. Xia tried to remember as much as he could as they neared the exit. He didn't want to forget the kingdom that had been his home for his whole life.

The last place Xia looked was towards the palace. From where he was, it didn't seem as though the palace changed at all. It might not have looked any different on the outside, but he knew that things would never be the same there. He made many memories there, many that he didn't want to forget. He didn't want to forget about his relationship with Osiris, even though it pained him to think about. He might not have ever told Osiris how he felt, but he knew that deep down he loved him. Osiris was his first love. Xia would always remember how he felt about him. It would take some time for his heart to heal, but he knew he would get better one day. He would take each day one step at a time until he was feeling better again.

He turned away from the palace, and towards the group that waited for them at the exit. Dariya and her family were there for them as they promised. He wasn't expecting them to have a carriage with them, however. The carriage would be able to fit all of them inside with whatever goods the family was taking with them to the next kingdom. When he met them, they didn't have this with them. He wondered what they would be transporting this time.

Dariya ran up to Xia as he approached with his siblings and grandmother. She gave them a friendly smile and asked, "Your family, I presume?"

He nodded, gesturing to each as he introduced them. "This is my grandmother, my younger sister Alishba, and my older brothers Tariq and Zakariya."

"A pleasure to meet all of you," she said before her eyes landed on Zakariya. He gave her a smile back, making the girl blush and quickly glance away. "Um, if you're ready, the carriage is waiting for us. Your fiancé actually provided this for us, Xia. He presented it to us this morning and said that it's a gift."

Xia was surprised, and his heart clenched at the mention of Osiris. Osiris knew that Xia's family wanted to leave, so he knew that Xia would be going with them. Even after everything, he was still looking out for Xia. The carriage looked sturdy and expensive. It would make their trip across the desert safer and easier than if they were to go on foot. This was also more convenient for Xia's grandmother. Her old bones wouldn't be forced to cross the harsh desert unprotected.

He looked down and said, "He's not my fiancé anymore."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Xia. I didn't know," she sounded apologetic and there was sorrow in her eyes when he told her this. It wasn't that long ago when Xia was telling her about Osiris and how wonderful he was.

"I'll tell you about it another time, perhaps." There were still many things Dariya didn't know about his situation. Since meeting her, she had been nothing but helpful to him. He might not have known her for long, but he would consider Dariya one of his friends. Xia didn't mind telling her this story.

She nodded. "I'll be happy to listen to you. So . . . I guess that thing about saving Osiris . . . are you still planning on going through with it?"

"No. Osiris chose his path, and I'll choose mine. He'll be fine without me" he said.

It hurt to admit that, but with Soraya by his side, Osiris would be okay. Xia couldn't provide the same divine powers that she could. She could help tame the beast inside of him, while Xia only seemed to make it worse. Osiris deserved someone who could help him control his curse. Xia just hoped that it didn't get worse. If it did, would Soraya's powers even be enough?

He shook his head. He shouldn't worry about Osiris anymore. Xia needed to focus on his family. They were so close to leaving Rasea. All they needed to do was board the carriage and then this would all be over.

His grandmother reached out to take his hand. Her smile was gentle as she said, "You can change your mind, Xia. It's okay."

He looked back at the palace once more. This was his last opportunity. If he stayed in Rasea, he could always try to save Osiris once more. He could save him, but that didn't guarantee a happy future for them.

Xia turned to the carriage. He wouldn't look back at the palace where he left his heart again. His mind was made up.

"I'm ready to go." Xia squeezed his grandmother's hand, then walked with her to the carriage. The rest boarded after them.

Xia didn't look back at Rasea as they left the kingdom behind.