Kidnapped by a Prince

Chapter 19

Xander's POV

I left Melody's room with the biggest smile on my face. We had just had a nice conversation. No scowling or glaring or snarky tone. Just two buds joking around. I really liked that side of her, and it felt like I was seeing it more and more every day. I had finally made her smile and heard her laugh. She was definitely getting more comfortable around me. I could sit next to her without making her flinch and we even became reading buddies. It almost seemed like we could maybe be...? I sighed deeply as I caught myself getting carried away in fantasy again. No, we would never be anything more than casual acquaintances. Once I established my relationship with Thea, Melody would be free to go back to her life... back to Darren, and then I would be nothing more than a memory.  

My head was so full of somber thoughts that I almost didn't hear my brother calling me. 

"–der. Xander?" He asked looking down at me. 

"Oh. Hey, Sam," I said slowly as I met his gaze. "Didn't see you there." 

"Are you ok? You seem spaced out..." 

"I'm fine. I was just... thinking."

"Hmm, haven't seen you do that in a while," Sam answered with a snort. 

I jeered back at him but did not reply. 

After a brief silence, Sam continued. "So, what's on your mind? Anything your big bro can help you with?" 

"You're not my 'big' bro," I replied curtly. We had grown up side by side, and yet he always insisted that he was wise beyond his years thanks to all of his life experiences. 

Sam feigned hurt before ruffling my hair. "That hurt little guy. Don't be so mean to your elder! What's troubling you?" 

"I said it was nothing, Sam. It's just my thinking face." 

Sam looked at me skeptically but made the wise decision not to press the issue any further. "Ok, you can talk to me whenever though." 

I nodded in response and started to walk away, but Sam called out to me again. "I almost forgot, Thea asked me to tell you to meet her in her room when you had time." 

"Ok, I'll go now. Thanks, Sam," I answered. The blond grinned at me and carried on down the hall. My eyes followed him as he turned right at the end of the hall, the way I had just come. Strange. His room was to the left. 

With a feeling of uneasiness gnawing at my chest, I made my way to Thea's room. It would be rude to make her wait for any longer after all. I knocked once and the door instantly opened to reveal the beautiful princess. "I was waiting for you," Thea giggled. "What took so long?" 

"Sorry, I had some business to handle," I answered unable to meet her eye. 

"Oh darling, you are so diligent! My poor, overworked prince!" She cooed as she squeezed my cheeks. 

I shrugged her off with an embarrassed smile. "We're not kids anymore, Thea. Why do you always mess with me," I asked in a playful tone.

"Because you are so easy to mess with of course," she responded easily before poking me in the side. 

I let out a small squeak as I squirmed away from her which caused Thea to burst out laughing. "You sounded like–– a–– mouse." She had to pause between words to catch her breath. I felt my cheeks heat up as she continued to laugh at my moment of weakness. I could not catch a break. "I don't think I have ever heard you make a sound like that before." 

"Quit it! That's my weak spot. You know that! How cruel of you to use that against me." I complained. Though I tried to stay angry, I could not help the little smile that crept onto my lips.