Chapter 13

Xavier walked towards the castle with a huge smile on his face. He was still picturing Nikki's face as she told him she loved him and wanted to marry him. She was going to be his wife! He was still amazed that she had accepted him. Now, all they had to do was make the preparations and let all their loved ones know before the wedding took place in about a month. He sighed as he remembered the last thing he and Nikki had talked about before she had kissed him goodbye and watched him enter the portal.

"I don't think I should go back with you immediately, Xavier. We still have to tell everyone that we are getting married. And there's Kristine. How can I tell her that I'm going to marry you when she still doesn't even know what you really are?" asked Nikki.


Xavier nodded, "You're right. I know," he sighed, "I'll talk to Zach when I get home. I'll tell him that she needs to know as soon as possible since you and I are going to be married in a month."


"Tell him not to wait too long, I want to go with you a couple of weeks before the wedding." She looked into his eyes and he saw the hesitation there, "I think I need to get used to your world before I commit to it completely."


Xavier had agreed that it would be best for her to go with him in a couple of weeks. Hopefully by that time everyone would know the truth and things would be easier for Nikki to adjust to a new life with him.

As Xavier rounded the corner of the hallway that led to the many conference rooms, he nearly collided with his best friend.

Zachary grinned at him, "Whoa! Man! I thought you'd be eager to get to Nikki, not the other way around!" As Xavier chuckled, Zachary's eyes narrowed upon seeing the state Xavier was in. His eyes took in the torn, bloody clothes and the bandages on his thigh and shoulder. Zachary had known he'd gone to see the girls home safely as usual. "Shit X! Tell me they're okay and you just walked into a wall or something."

Xavier flinched as his smile faded, "Do you have some time? I need to talk to you about something."

Zachary nodded and led Xavier into an empty conference room. Once Zachary had shut the door and locked it, he turned to Xavier, "What happened, Marcus?"

He sighed, "The gang came looking for the girls."

He began to explain everything that had happened. Zachary looked relieved that Kristine had not known anything was happening and that Nikki had been able to get her to safety before Xavier confronted the gang. However, he'd tensed up as soon as Xavier had told him that they were specifically after Kristine to use as a bargaining chip against her parents.

Zachary growled low in his throat, "Tell me you made them pay!"

Xavier shook his head, "I killed one and roughed up the others, but the leader got away."

Zachary began to pace the length of the room, his hands curling into fists. "They'll be back then. If it's Kris they are after, they'll be back." He turned to look at Xavier. "What are we going to do now?"

He shrugged, "Nikki knows about them. I think she will make sure that Kris won't do anything to put themselves in danger. They only leave the house to go to school anyway, and one of us is always there to see them home safely." He paused to look in Zachary's eyes, "But Nikki will only be able to watch out for Kris for a couple of more weeks. After that, Kris may be on her own."

Zachary scrunched his face, "A couple of weeks? Where is she going?"

"She's coming here." Xavier watched as those words sank in.

With a sharp intake of breath, Zachary turned widened eyes onto his friend, "You asked her!"

Xavier gave a brief nod, then broke into a huge smile, "And she said yes."

Zachary laughed and drew Xavier into a brotherly hug, "Congratulations, bro! I knew she was the one!"

As he pulled away with a thanks, Xavier’s smile faded, "Zach, you have to tell Kris the truth." At Zach's look, Xavier continued, "Nikki doesn't want to leave her until she knows everything. She also wants Kris to know the truth before she tells her that she is going to marry me."

Zachary nodded, "You're right." He sighed, "I've been wanting to tell her for a while now, but I just didn't want to ruin the time I have with her."

Xavier gave Zachary a sympathetic smile. He knew that Zachary had always wanted to tell Kristine the truth. He was fairly certain that if Zachary's father hadn't gotten killed and Zachary was still able to be the carefree young man he'd once been, that Kristine would have already known.

Instead, things had changed and Zachary had turned to Kristine as a source of comfort in his time of need. Kristine had become the only thing that helped Zachary to feel carefree and young again. And it was something Zachary was desperately holding on to now. Xavier couldn't blame his best friend for wanting to put off something that could potentially destroy what was left of his youth and happiness.

"Okay, I'll clear my schedule for tomorrow. We'll go get the girls tomorrow after school and I'll talk to Kris then." As Xavier agreed, Zachary arched an eyebrow at him, "So? Should I clear my schedule for the rest of the day too?"

Xavier gave him a puzzled look, "What for?"

"I figure you may need the services of your Chief Advisor as you break the news of your engagement to everyone else." He grinned at Xavier, "We could break the news to Kegan first. That way you can use his expertise as the son of the weapons master too."

Xavier rolled his eyes, "I don't need bodyguards, thosidi!"

Zachary laughed, "An idiot wouldn't be concerned about your welfare would he?"

"You're right." He thought about it for a moment before going on, "Okay, let's go tell Kegan and Charles. It's probably safe to assume Evelyn will be with him, so I can tell her at the same time I tell him. I'll save my parents for last."

Zachary clapped him on his good shoulder, "Good plan, but before you do any of that, let's get you patched up and cleaned."

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Evelyn glared at her older brother as he sat in the chair, wincing at the way she'd just shrieked at him.

Zachary had taken Xavier to the infirmary where the surgeon on duty had cleaned and disinfected his wounds before giving his thigh stitches and wrapping both wounds up in fresh bandages. The surgeon had been impressed with the way Xavier's thigh hadn't bled much despite it being a serious wound. It had made him feel pride in Nikki's nurturing skills. After the visit to the infirmary, Xavier had returned to his room to clean up and change clothes before he and Zachary had made their way to Kegan's place.

Kegan had taken the news well. In fact, the only thing Kegan had been interested in was if Nikki was easy on the eyes and if she 'pleased' Xavier in the way a wife should. Xavier had rolled his eyes, then looking Kegan straight in his eyes had made sure he understood that no one except the King was going to touch the Queen in that way.

Zachary had stood behind him snickering as Kegan threw his hands in the air in an appeasing gesture, "Okay, Your Highness! Message received. I have no intention of committing treason!"

And that had been the end of that.

Their next stop had been at Charles' place, which Evelyn was also at, just like Xavier predicted. Kegan had accompanied them saying that he agreed with Zachary in that Xavier would come to need their 'protection'. They were all in Charles living room where he and Evelyn were currently playing with the puppy Charles had finally chosen from Sleeta's litter. Xavier figured since she was in a good mood, that the time was right to tell her that he was now engaged.

Her answer had been to shriek, "You're what?! Just where did you find this mystery woman that you intend to marry and who is she?"

Zachary stepped in front of Evelyn, who was now standing with hands on her hips and trying to tower over Xavier. "Ev, chill. Give him a chance to explain everything before ripping his head off."

Evelyn turned her glare to Zachary, "And I suppose you've known about this all along since I know he tells you everything." No one in that room missed the hurt note that crept into her voice as she said those words.

Xavier sighed and reached up to pull his sister into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her in a fierce hug. "I'm sorry, Ev. But please understand. I needed to be sure she was the one before I told anyone." He pulled away to look into Evelyn's eyes, "She's human Ev."

Evelyn's eyes went wide, "Human! Oh my!" And then she graced Xavier with a sympathetic look, "Oh Marcus, you really are going to need our support aren't you?"

Xavier grimaced as Zachary rolled his eyes and Kegan tried to hide his laugh behind his hands. Charles was the one who asked, "Are you sure she's the right one?"

Xavier nodded, "Yeah. Positive. We've already made the connection, the one that tells me she's my ulhi'maos. Even she felt it." He sighed, "I don't know how that was possible, but she is the one and there's something in her that allows her to bring out my true self."

Kegan grimaced, "Ouch! That's gotta be tough." When all eyes turned to him, he shrugged, "What? I'm just saying, if she's his ulhi'maos and they haven't consummated yet, well his hormones must seriously be out of whack right now."

Evelyn slid to the floor, kneeling in front of Xavier, "Have you?" she asked.

Xavier shook his head negatively.

It was Charles turn to grimace, "Are you certain that's wise Xavier? In the state your hormones are in right now, you could become dangerous."

"I know that," replied Xavier as he rubbed his hands over his face, "but Nikki has never done this before and I won't give her anything less than she deserves."

Kegan rolled his eyes, "Marcus, it's you! You could make a dung heap look like a palace for her!"

That sent all of them into laughter and made Xavier blush a deep red. "Even so," Xavier said, "I want to wait until I have made her my Queen. Nikki deserves the best and she deserves all of my respect." His eyes roamed over all of his friends faces, "She deserves yours too."

They had all agreed to treat Nikki with respect and to welcome her with open arms. Xavier had remained there for a while longer answering all of their questions about Nikki, anything from how he'd met her to how they had managed to figure out that they were soul mates. Zachary had also answered questions since it had been his idea to meet the girls in the first place.

By the end of the conversation, they had all learned about Kristine too and that Zachary planned on telling her the real truth the following day. That meant that she would be made aware of their world just as Nikki already was.

After the conversation, Xavier had excused himself to go home and break the news to his parents. Every one of his friends wanted to go with him to give him support, but in the end he decided it was best to tell his parents alone.

Evelyn begged and pleaded to go with him because she didn't want Xavier to be hurt by anything they would say, while Zachary wanted to go just to back him up. Charles wisely stayed out of it, but Kegan wanted to go because he was sure there were going to be fireworks. Xavier had left as Evelyn proceeded to rip Kegan a new one for being an insensitive jerk while Charles tried to hold her back and Zachary just stood in the background laughing.

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Devnet stood in her solarium looking down at the quilt she'd had made for one of her handmaidens who was getting married in a few days. As she traced the finely woven material with her fingers, she knew her son was standing in the doorway watching her. She smiled to herself, Xavier obviously had something to tell her, but was hesitant to do so. Slowly she straightened and turned around as if to walk towards the door.

She stopped when she saw her son, "Oh! Xavier, I didn't hear you knock! Come on in son."

Xavier swallowed the lump in his throat before making his way to his mother's side. He leaned in and gave her a kiss on her cheek in greeting. "Hello mother."

Devnet patted his arm in affection, "Hello, son. You're home early. Thought maybe you would be spending time with Zachary a bit before dinner."

Xavier shrugged, "I saw him earlier. He's with Kegan right now. Um, I actually wanted to talk to you and father before dinner."

She raised questioning eyes, "Oh? What about? Nothing's wrong I hope."

He shook his head, "No, it's nothing bad."

Devnet continued to study her son's manner. He seemed nervous, more than she'd ever known him to be before. Sighing she motioned for him to take a seat on the couch nearby.

As she waited for him to get comfortable she said, "Your father's in meetings that he thinks will run very long this evening. He already sent me a message not to wait for dinner or to wait up for him."

Xavier closed his eyes. That was just great. That meant that most likely his father wouldn't be in a good mood any time soon, so it wasn't a good idea to spring this news on him just yet.

His mother frowned before reaching out to lay her hand against his arm, "What is it, son?"

Xavier sighed and looked into his mother's eyes. "I have some good news."

She chuckled, "Well, it certainly doesn't sound good." She paused as she saw the helpless look her son wore on his face. She took his hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just tell me, Xavier. I promise I will just hear you out before I say anything, okay?"

He nodded, "Okay." Xavier closed his eyes and took a deep breath, gathering up his courage. Opening his eyes again, he looked at his mother and said, "I found my future Queen."

Devnet graced him with a beautiful smile, "That's wonderful, Xavier."

"She's human," he blurted out.

His proclamation was met with silence. Devnet stared at him for the longest time. And just when he thought he'd finally lost all of his nerve, she spoke quietly, "How is it that you met this human female?"

Xavier sighed, "I met her that night you caught Zach and I sneaking in. We'd been in the Overearth. Zach knew about these two girls and we went to see them that day. We saved them from this gang that was trying to scare them and ever since then I've been going to see her every day that I can."

Devnet nodded, "You went even though you knew it was forbidden to go there."

"We knew, but we also knew that others go there too and they don't get caught."

She shook her head, "Oh Xavier. You are the prince. You should know you are an example to our people." She stopped as she saw the wince on her son's features. Sighing, she squeezed his hand again, "Tell me about her."

Xavier smiled, "Her name is Nikki Lindsey Payne. She's got long, chocolate hair and these deep brown eyes that seem to lighten or darken with her surroundings. She's so strong and beautiful. She's been through so much, but she's survived it all."

Devnet couldn't help but notice the look on her son's face as he began to talk about Nikki. As he went on, telling her about the tragedy of her family and what she had to survive through lately with the gang, she realized that her son was in love with her. Her eyes widened as she realized that it was more than that.

"Oh my!" Xavier stopped talking at her exclamation. "Is she your..."

Xavier nodded, "Yes, she's my ulhi'maos," he said, confirming her suspicions.

Devnet closed her eyes. It was one thing for a wahani to be in love with a human. It was something completely different to find out that human was the ulhi'maos of that same wahani. She knew there would be no way for anyone to contest this marriage, but that didn't mean they wouldn't try. She looked at her son, as his eyes begged her to understand. She gave his hand another squeeze, "So, when will I be able to meet my future daughter-in-law?"

Xavier stared at her, "You want to meet her?"

She laughed, "Of course I want to meet her. I mean, we do have to get to know her, right? And there's the wedding to plan and also..." she paused, "Wait, does she know about you?"

Xavier nodded, "She knows everything. I didn't keep any secrets from her and she accepted it all." He smiled, "She handled the truth better than I could have hoped and she wants to marry me."

Devnet nodded, "Well, that's wonderful then. So, when will she be here?"

"In a couple of weeks. She wants to be sure Kris knows the truth and to make sure Kris will be okay without her."

"Okay, then that should give me time to work on your father."

Xavier grimaced, "Yeah, he's not going to like this is he?"

Devnet sighed, "I'm not really sure how he's going to take it. I'm hoping he'll just be upset about you going to Overearth and nothing more. Hopefully he'll understand that she's your ulhi'maos and that means even he can't forbid something like this."

Xavier nodded. It was the only thing that seemed to be highly in his favor. No one would mess with any couple who were soul mates, it was taboo to come between something like that. It was a common superstition that bad fortune would descend upon anyone who dared to mess with a bonded couple. He just hoped his father believed in that just as strongly as almost everyone else in his world did.

Devnet leaned in to give her son a hug, "I'm so happy for you Xavier. I knew you would find someone and I'm glad she's the only one for you." She sat back again and grinned, "So, since we still have a couple of hours before dinner, you have to tell me everything about my future daughter-in-law."

And for the next couple of hours, Xavier did just that while a huge smile spread across his face.

Translations
thosidi - idiot
ulhi'maos - soul mate