Shadows of Avarice - Book #1 (BxB)

Chapter 49

A week passed as the family began to settle down in Ambria. With Dariya as a tour guide, she showed them the most important landmarks in the city, from the marketplace to the castle. She even showed them the noble district, where they would eventually be able to live. It still felt odd to be able to afford the things they wanted. Living among nobles in a foreign kingdom was a big change for them, but at least the people of Ambria seemed friendly and welcoming. Dariya promised to help them find a new home while her family stayed in the kingdom. Until then, they stayed with Dariya and her family.

While his family enjoyed the sights in the city and prepared for the future, Xia didn't. He stayed home and didn't bother doing much during the days. He couldn't force himself to put a smile on his face, even if it would make his family feel better. They were all worried about him, but they were still trying to give him space.

However, their grandmother was growing tired of seeing her child suffer. While the others were making preparations in the city, the old woman climbed the steps of their home to where Xia was staying. He hardly came out of the room he shared with his brothers. Whenever anyone tried to talk to him or visit him, Xia pretended to be asleep. This couldn't go on for much longer. Someone needed to say something before Xia lost himself in his sorrow completely.

She knocked on the door but didn't wait for a response. She knew there wouldn't be one, even though Xia was inside. She pushed the door open and entered. As she thought, Xia was curled up underneath one of the blankets. She wouldn't allow him to pretend to be asleep this time. She would talk to him, whether he was ready to or not.

His grandmother sat on the edge of his bed and said, "Xia, let's talk. And don't pretend as though you're asleep and can't hear me. I know you're awake."

She heard a sigh, and then Xia uncovered himself. His eyes were red and his tears stained his face. She reached across and wiped away a stray tear. Almost two weeks had passed since leaving Rasea, but Xia was still heartbroken over what happened. It was hard for him to cope with when the sultan was his first love.

"You need to get out of bed, Xia. This isn't good for your mental or physical health. You've barely eaten anything since leaving Rasea. You're going to become skin and bones. What will your husband think if he sees you like this?" She gently stroked Xia's long hair, trying to soothe her grandchild.

Xia was surprised by her words. She knew the story, so she couldn't have forgotten what happened. "Grandmother . . . He's not my husband. He broke up with me, remember?"

"That's only because you let him and didn't fight harder. Xia, this isn't like you at all. What happened to the boy who would fight for the things he wanted? You're not the type of person to mope around. You're strong, and I don't believe you're willing to give up on him just yet. There's still a curse for you to break," she said with a smile.

"But . . . he's with someone else who can help him control his curse. He doesn't need me when he has her." He didn't want to think about Soraya, but he knew she was there with Osiris. She would be sitting on the throne beside him, where she belonged.

"How long can she help him control his curse, though? From what you've told us, it's getting worse. Divine powers can only hold off a curse for so long. He needs you to break it for him, and you have an idea of what to do to help him. So go help him. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. You'll only regret it if you do nothing," her voice was stern, but caring. She knew her grandchildren and what they needed better than anyone else. She might have known more about Xia than he knew about himself.

She was right. This wasn't like him. He faced many hard times in his life, but he never gave up before. He was a fighter, and he couldn't lose his spirit now. If he let Osiris go, then he would regret it, just like his grandmother said. Xia wasn't ready to give up just yet. He might have faltered for a moment, but he knew what he wanted deep down.

Xia finally sat up. He still had his doubts, but the fire in him was rekindled. He bit his lip and asked, "But . . . what if I can't find a way to save him? What should I do then?"

"You'll find a way. I believe in you, Xia. If this cave you told us before isn't the answer, then keep searching. All curses can be broken. I wish I could go with you on this journey, but . . ." She was too old. Xia knew what she meant without her having to say it.

He wouldn't want her to risk her life for this journey anyway. Where he intended to go was dangerous, even with a guide. He was just happy that she supported him. His siblings might not have approved of his relationship with the sultan, but he was glad to have his grandmother on his side. She meant the world to him. Words couldn't express how grateful he was to have her.

Xia hugged her. He tried not to cry as he said, "Thank you, Grandma. I think I needed your encouragement to keep going."

She hugged him tightly back, chuckling to herself. When she let him go, she teased, "Well, why are you still hanging around? Shouldn't you be saving your man right now?"

Her words made him laugh, and she once again wiped away a tear that threatened to fall down his face. With a gentle smile, she added, "I love you, Xia. You and your siblings have meant the world to me. I'm so glad that I had the chance to raise you and call you my own. We may not be related by blood, but you're all the bet family I've ever had. Now, go find Dariya and get out of here. She should be downstairs."

He nodded and gave her one last hug. With newfound courage and hope, Xia finally got out of bed and ran out of the room to find his guide.