Once Upon a Child of the Stars

Forty Two- Hellian Protection

Xavian's act of kindness and loyalty for both myself and my family were definitely worth brownie points towards him. I saw him differently now, especially since being on Dyspheria. It was as though being away from his kingdom made him let go of the stresses of being a ruler and allowed for him to see what having a connection could be like. 

Though we had not shared romantic moments, a strange sense of intimacy always swarmed around us when we got close enough. The connection was undeniable at times, like static flowing between the two of us, and the closer we get physically the stronger the sparks and fire.

The ship ride was not very loud, in fact most of us slept the way. Most of my family was prematurely awakened in the night and were still tired.  I, however, even not having slept at all was still very awake and alert. There was someone after me, and unlike when it was Xavian, this person wanted me dead. 

When I was running from Xavian, it was not for fear that he'd hurt me, it was for fear that I would lose my freedom. This time, I was running for the safety of not only myself but my family too. Though it was apparent this person had eyes on me, they could easily go for anyone in my family just as easily. I am sure one reason I was targeted was because I was defenseless against a shifted dragon as I never transformed myself. I was as defenseless as a human. 

When we arrived on Hellian, a strange bubble swirled inside my chest; anxiety. My body remembered the trauma that I endured here the last time, and it was sure to remind me of it even though Xavian and I were on better or even good terms now. 

"Are you alright?" Xavian asked next to me. I had obviously spaced out as I stepped foot off the ship and onto the dark planet. 

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied. I was anxious not only to be back onto the planet where my own mate had previously hurt me, but also because there was a threat among us. I left a good lot of my family back on our home planet and if anything happened I wouldn't be able to defend them in even the smallest of ways. 

I may not be able to shift into a dragon, but I did have a good amount of personal trainings through the years. I trained harder than anyone thought I could just to prove I was helpful and I could help defend the land, but now with the threat of a dragon shifter after me, I felt like a small animal trapped in a corner. 

"I can see you've got some thoughts on your mind," Xavian noted. 

"It's just strange being  back here, that's all," I admitted partly. He was quick to pull me into a hug, wrapping his large arms around my small body. 

"I promise, what happened last time you were here will never happen again. I am in a different mindset now, I've realized having a mate is an amazing gift," he says, his deep voice sounding soft and comforting. 

"I know. I'm just on edge, I'll be fine," I say, wrapping my arms around him briefly before pulling away.

Everyone filed off of the ship and were speaking in hushed voices as they moved toward the Hellian castle; Xavian's castle. Before we made it all the way to the large stone structure, Xavian's parents and sister come out to greet us. 

Xavian's father, Ozias, greeted my father with a warm handshake and a few words I didn't catch from the distance I was at. His mother, Lavina, pulled me into a close hug along with her children who had been away with me. 

We stood around, chatting and explaining the situation to the former king and queen of the planet. They were completely welcoming and were more than willing to help with anything they could. Though it was ultimately Xavian's decision, he always looked for his parents approval. As I said, they were so welcoming and it truly warmed my heart knowing that with Xavian as my mate, I would have wonderful in laws who were also welcoming to my family. 

We made our way into the castle and the younglings made their way to their assigned bedrooms while the adults gathered into a meeting room. A long table sat between us and there was never any awkward silence, as we dived right into the issues at hand. 

We discussed the history of Dyspheria and Earth and about Syfus, the evil king who lead the invasion of my mother's planet. Though most things were on record, Syfus's son managed to clear all known his name from data bases. The only reason we knew he existed was the fact that my father, the king, remembered his birth. Unfortunately, my father didn't recall his name or even how he looked as he was just a baby when my father last saw him. 

Xavian stood by his word and sent guards back to Dyspheria. Everyone was turning in for the night and each one had one or two guards placed at their doors. 

After the brief meeting, Xavian and I made our way through the castle. He lead us to his personal room, and once I realized this I stopped in my tracks. I raised my eyebrows, realizing he wanted me to stay with him. 

"What's the matter?" he asked, seeming confused that I had stopped walking. 

"Is this necessary?" I asked awkwardly. 

"The closer you are to me the better I can protect you. It's not like we haven't been in the same bed before," he says with a smirk. 

"I still want a pillow between us while we sleep," I say and I hear a deep chuckle behind me as I push around Xavian's large frame and into his bedroom. 

I stripped down to my underwear and shirt before I climbed into Xavian's large bed. Xavian switched into some sleep pants without replacing his shirt. I could feel his head under the blankets as he settles into the bed a ways away from me. 

My mind wanders through the events of the day. Honestly, I knew I wouldn't get much sleep and I let my thoughts twist and turn through the possibilities of the future. I was afraid for my family's lives more than I was mine. Being a royal family there were always threats but this was a direct one that we had little to no knowledge about. We knew who was most likely behind it, but we did not know who it was exactly, not even a name or face. 

"It's going to be alright, Lumi. We will protect you all," Xavian's voice pierces the silence. 

"I know," I say before allowing my thoughts to dwindle away and my body to shut off for the time being.