Chapter 18

Xavier cringed as Nikki turned to face the woman who stood in the doorway. Nikki immediately knew this was Xavier’s mother, the present Queen.

As she hastily went into an awkward bow, the woman placed a hand on her shoulder, “Now there’s no need for that my dear. After all, you are going to be family.” As Nikki straightened up, she gave Nikki a smile, “I’m Evelyn Devnet Raneri. You can call me Devnet, or mother, as my son is so fond of naming me.”

Nikki couldn’t help but respond to Devnet’s warm smile. “Pleased to meet you Devnet, I’m Nikki Lindsey Payne, but you can call me Nikki.”

Devnet chuckled, “Yes, Xavier has told me so much about you and I’ve been looking forward to finally meeting you.” She gave Nikki another smile before looking past her shoulder to Xavier, “But your description of her didn’t do her any justice, son. She’s prettier than you said.”

Nikki blushed at Devnet’s observation and replied, “Xavier told me so much about you too and I have to say, you’re more beautiful than he described.”

Devnet laughed, “Well, we’ll just have to teach him to pick better words then, won’t we?” She frowned as looked past Nikki’s shoulder again, “Marcus Xavier Raneri what are you doing!”

Nikki turned to see Xavier standing near the bed leaning over one of her opened suitcases.

“I’m putting her stuff away.”

“Not in there you’re not!” His mother proclaimed as she walked to the armoire behind his bed and made a face. “Oh for heaven’s sake, you have got to get this organized Xavier!”

She turned to look at the empty wall and said, “I’ll have another armoire made for Nikki placed right here immediately. Leave her things in the suitcases and the maids will take care of them too.”

She turned to survey the entire room before looking at Nikki, “I’ll also have another set of shelves and a desk brought in for you too dear. You should have your own furniture to suit you just like he has his own. I know you just got here and you may be tired, but if you’ll come with me to the dining area below, we could sit and have a bit of dinner while we wait for the work to be done in here.”

Before Nikki could even respond to Devnet, they all heard several footsteps ascending the stairs to the bedroom and then Evelyn burst through the door dragging Charles behind her. “Oh I knew she was here! I knew it, didn’t I Charles?”

“Yes, milady, you certainly did.” Charles gave Nikki a friendly smile as Evelyn pulled Nikki into a tight hug.

Nikki stood there with a stunned look on her face as Evelyn pulled back to look at Nikki. “Oh Xavier! She’s gorgeous!” she breathed.

Once again Nikki found herself blushing at yet another compliment.

Xavier walked up to them and pulled Nikki into his arms, “Evelyn would you calm down, you’re going to overwhelm her with all this attention.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes, “Oh posh, Xavier! That’s not true and you’re just being possessive as usual.” She grinned at Nikki, “But I’m sure you already knew that about my big brother, right Nikki?”

Xavier sighed and looked down at his future bride, “Nikki, this is my little sister Devnet Evelyn Raneri.”

Nikki smiled and held out her hand to his sister, “I’ve heard so much about you Evelyn! It’s a pleasure to finally get to meet you.”

Xavier’s sister grinned at Nikki, “Please, call me Ev okay. That’s what all my close friends and family call me.”

Nikki nodded, “Okay, Ev.”

“Great! And Nikki, I’d like you to meet our close friend and computer whiz extraordinaire, Alan Charles Nieri.” Evelyn said as she grabbed him and presented him to Nikki.

Once again he gave Nikki a friendly smile and held out his hand, “Pleased to meet you Nikki, I’m known as Charles around these parts.”

“Hi Charles.” Nikki greeted as she shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too. Zach and Xavier have told me so much about all of you that I almost feel like I’ve always known you.”

Evelyn laughed, “Oh I feel the same way! Xavier has told me so much about you too and Zach has told us all about Kristine too. She’s your best friend right?”

Nikki nodded, “We pretty much grew up together, so she’s more of a sister to me.”

“Of course! Zach and Kegan are my older brothers too, but I hope you and I will become close since you will technically be my sister too.”

Nikki joined Evelyn in laughter and agreement as Xavier rolled his eyes, “Okay, I think we need to separate you two now.”

Devnet chuckled, “Oh Xavier really. It’ll be good for the both of them to be close. I’m hoping I get to know Nikki as a daughter too, you know. It’ll be good for Nikki to have someone to talk to when she’s trying to get used to our world.”

Xavier nodded, “I know, you’re right. I just don’t want Ev to corrupt her that’s all.”

Evelyn folded her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at her brother, “What do you mean corrupt her?”

“I just don’t want you to change her from the way she is now. You know, make her more like you,” he said trying not to insinuate anything more.

Before Evelyn had a chance to go on, Zachary came into the room and gave Devnet a slight bow, “Your majesty.” He then turned to the others, “Xavier, Charles, I’ve been asked to let you know the King has called a meeting in the main conference room which he would like you both to attend immediately.”

Xavier sighed and looked to his mother in annoyance.

Devnet smiled and patted his arm in sympathy. “You go ahead to the meeting, my son. I will take Nikki to the dining area and keep her company until you return.”

Evelyn nodded, “Oh yes! Mother is right Xavier. We’ll both keep Nikki occupied until you come back. It’ll be a great way for us to get to know each other.”

Xavier nodded, “Will you be okay, Nikki?”

“Of course.” Nikki gave Xavier a quick hug, “Don’t worry about me. They’re right, this will give us all an opportunity to get to know each other.”

“Okay, I will return as soon as I can.”

They watched as the men left the room before Evelyn slid her arm into Nikki’s, “Come on Nikki, let’s go have dinner and have some girl time.”

Nikki giggled, “That sounds good Ev.”

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An hour later Nikki, Devnet, and Evelyn sat around the dining table eating their dinner and talking to each other. They had all found it easy to have a pleasant conversation and traded stories about their lives. Devnet and Evelyn also made sure that Nikki understood that they both would be there to help her adjust to her new life.

When the three of them had arrived in the dining area, Devnet had gone down stairs to find a servant in the corridor. She had given instructions for dinner to be served to the three of them in Prince Xavier’s dining area. She had also sent for some wood workers, dressmakers, and maids so that Nikki’s furniture, clothes, and room could be done as soon as possible.

As each person or team came to her, Devnet gave them the instructions. The dressmakers took Nikki’s measurements and Devnet had asked Nikki if there was a particular color or type of material she preferred. Since Nikki would be the one wearing the clothes, Devnet told Nikki to discuss her preferences with the dressmakers.

Nikki also did the same with the furniture makers. Letting them know if she wanted a particular type of wood, paint, style, and the like. She also asked for advice from both mother and daughter, who were only too happy to help Nikki out. However, they both made it clear that it would have to be Nikki’s choice in the end since she would be the one to live with it.

Devnet showed the makers and the maids exactly where each piece would go in the room so they could make the necessary changes. The maids were also told to make the room much more suitable for Nikki to reside in.

By the time Devnet and Nikki had talked to everyone, their dinner was on its way to the dining area. So the three women had sat down to dinner and began a light hearted discussion about their lives and the people in it. Most particularly, Xavier. Nikki was thrilled to hear the stories both women had to tell about Xavier’s childhood and life.

The women were also interested in knowing more about Nikki’s life living with her best friend. They already knew about the horrific deaths of her family, so they tried to stay away from that topic, but Nikki assured them that she could talk about her family. It was easy for her to talk about the good things she could remember and she had Xavier to thank for that.

Soon their conversation veered into the world Nikki was going to live in as Xavier’s wife. Devnet and Evelyn assured Nikki that they would be there every step of the way to help Nikki adjust to life in their world. Evelyn said she would take Nikki out to the East Side city and show her around. She’d also show Nikki around the castle grounds if Xavier didn’t get around to it. Devnet said she would help Nikki learn the things she would be required to do as a queen and told Nikki to come to her if she had questions or needed help with anything.

After dinner, the women moved to the living area and began to discuss the wedding. There were seven more days left and Devnet filled Nikki in on all the things that had already been prepared for Xavier’s coronation and the wedding. Devnet assured Nikki that all she had to worry about was getting together with the dressmakers to design the perfect wedding gown and Devnet would make sure to walk Nikki through the whole coronation and wedding ceremony.

Evelyn was more than thrilled to talk about the wedding since she just loved those kinds of things. She started going on about other weddings she’d been to and how beautiful and romantic some of them were, but she was absolutely certain that Nikki’s wedding to Xavier would be the most beautiful of them all. Nikki had simply smiled at Evelyn’s enthusiasm and asked if they had such a thing as a maid of honor here.

Devnet said that the closest thing to that would be the espouser. She explained that each person in the couple had a person who would give them in marriage to their significant other. That person was generally someone who had either been married themselves for quite a long time or it would be someone who was greatly respected.

When Nikki asked if they could make an exception since she wanted Kristine to be part of the wedding as her maid of honor, Devnet said she would see what she could do about it. Nikki was grateful for that and admitted that while she was more than eager to learn about her new home, she was feeling a little flustered about the wedding itself. Both of the Raneri women assured Nikki that everything would be wonderful because Nikki would have them and Kristine to get her through it all.

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While the women were becoming family, the men had gathered together in the main conference room where Marcus had asked them to meet.

Zachary had told Xavier that after he’d been certain that Kristine was going to be okay with Nikki leaving, he had come back to the castle with the intention of finding them to see how Nikki was coping so far. He had been crossing the hall in front of the conference areas when Marcus called out to him and ordered him to round up all of the council members, including his son, Prince Xavier. So, Zachary sent servants with messages to all of the members and went to get Xavier from his rooms. He had been lucky that Charles was there too since he was a member also.

As they entered the conference room, several others were already there, including Kegan and his father, Jules. Xavier and Kegan greeted each other as friends and Xavier made his formal greetings to everyone else.

Once everyone had arrived and they were all seated around the table, Marcus told them why the meeting was called.

“Gentlemen, I’ve called this meeting because I’ve made further advancements for the coronation and wedding of my heir, Prince Xavier. I also wanted to touch base with all of you to find out how you are doing with your own preparations for the events, especially since they are now less than seven days away. So, let’s begin with Head Technician Nieri.”

Charles nodded, “Your highness, I have managed to change all passwords, keyed and carded access codes, as well as symbol verifications over to the ones the Prince provided me with. I’ve also set up the computer systems both you and the Prince asked me too and made the modifications the Prince specifically requested. I’ve tested and made sure that everything is up to date and matches the information I have from the Prince.

The only thing left to do is to get the physical and biological samples I need to enter into the system that will allow Prince Xavier complete access to everything in the kingdom. Once that is done, all of it will become effective on the day of his coronation.”

Marcus nodded, “Good to hear. So, have you set up a time to get the last of what you need?”

Xavier was the one who answered, “Yes, my lord. H.T. Nieri and I will be meeting day after tomorrow just after midday meal.”

“All right then, that’s done.” He turned to Zachary then and asked, “Chief Advisor, how is it coming with the notifications of those who will be in attendance during the coronation, wedding, and celebration afterwards?”

“The majority of those who were sent invitations have already replied and I’ve made accommodations for them, Your Majesty. I’ve provided Weapons Master Vanek and his team with the list of names including all of the events they are attending and where they will be staying during it all. I’ve also dealt with those who requested invitations according to your response and the Queen’s.

Currently I have twelve invitations that haven’t been responded to yet, but I have sent out another letter letting them know if I haven’t received a response by four days before the events, I will mark them as having declined.”

“Very well then, what about the details of the coronation that we deemed you responsible for?”

“All of them were finalized yesterday evening and the papers were sent to you this morning for approval.”

“I see, so those were in the file waiting on my desk for me. Forgive me, but I’ve been running in and out all day and haven’t had the chance to look them over yet, but I will get to them before the night is over and have them back to you first thing in the morning.”

“Of course, my lord.”

“One last thing. Have you managed to settle on who will be the Prince’s espouser during the wedding?”

“That is the only thing I have not been able to complete, my lord.”

Marcus frowned, “Is there no one suitable for the Prince?”

“My lord, I have made my choice in the matter, but it seems that the one I chose isn’t enthusiastic about being my espouser,” replied Xavier.

“Who did you chose?”

“My C.A.”

Marcus arched an eyebrow, “Well, tradition does state that it should be someone who has been married for quite a while.”

“Yes, my lord, but it also states that it can be someone well respected.”

Zachary cleared his throat, “My argument is that I have not been C.A. long enough to garner that much respect.”

“Nonsense! You are clearly following in your father’s footsteps,” announced Marcus, “anyone can see that. You have definitely gained my trust and respect in the little time you have been in this position, so I don’t see any reason why you cannot be the Prince’s espouser.”

Jules spoke up, “I second that.”

There were a few other murmurs of agreement before the King said, “There you have it, Zachary. You will be the Prince’s espouser.”

Zachary gave a nod to the King then looked at Xavier, “It will be an honor, Your Highness.”

“Okay, now that that is settled, how is the security team and all of it’s duties for the eventful day shaping up, Weapons Master Vanek?”

“My team is still heavily training for the big day, Your Majesty, but it is only so that they will remain in top shape for the day. They already have it all down cold from all of the mock practices we’ve had. Every one has already been assigned to their positions and I will be personally handling the Prince’s security while my second will handle the bride’s.”

“Good, okay let’s move on to the preparation of the city itself, Councilman Elway.”

The rest of the meeting continued with Marcus getting briefed from the rest of the council members and their responsibilities. Xavier remained quiet unless he was asked something or had something to input like he had with Xavier. However, even he was beginning to think it was a waste of time for his father to have called the meeting in the first place.

Everyone knew if his father had wanted updates on everything all he’d have to do was send a request to meet with each individual. He sighed inwardly as the meeting dragged on, wishing he was with Nikki and wondering if she was doing okay with his mother and sister.

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Devnet sat on the couch next to her future daughter in law watching her in silence. Evelyn had left a few minutes ago after she and Nikki agreed to try to get together the following day to give Nikki a tour of the East Side city. After Evelyn had left to feed and walk her dog, Nikki and Devnet had continued to talk about Nikki’s future there.

Devnet had listened as Nikki had given her account of how she and Xavier had met and how Xavier had managed to become so much a part of her life. Every thing that Nikki said made Devnet realize how much her son meant to the petite brunette sitting next to her. That was why she was now sitting there contemplating on how she was going to tell Nikki about Xavier’s tenuous grip on his sanity.

Nikki turned to look at Devnet, noticing how quiet she had become. She tilted her head in question, “Devnet? Is there something wrong?”

Devnet blinked to clear away her musings, “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear the question.”

“I asked if there is something wrong.”

“Oh. I see.”

“Forgive me if I’m prying, but you seemed as if something was troubling you.”

A flicker of recognition at Nikki’s observation went through Devnet, but she chose to ignore it for the moment. Instead she prepared herself to confide in Nikki. “Yes, actually, there’s something serious I need to talk to you about.”

Nikki nodded, “It’s about Xavier isn’t it? He’s still having problems controlling himself isn’t he?”

Devnet nodded, “Yes. And I’m afraid he won’t make it to the day of his wedding. Even the healer believes that.”

Nikki frowned, “Zach and Xavier both told me what could happen if he loses control, but they both assured me that they were handling it.” She paused a moment as she looked at Devnet’s worried face, “You don’t think so do you? How long do you think he has?”

“If he’s lucky, about two and a half more days.”

Nikki closed her eyes. The words ‘if he’s lucky’ echoing in her head. She nodded, “I think I believe you.”

Devnet sighed, “I’m sorry Nikki. I don’t know how else to say this, but you are the only one who may be able to get through to him. Everyone here has tried to convince him not to wait, but you know how much of a stubborn gentleman my son can be.”

“Yes. I do.”

“I wouldn’t have been this worried if Zach hadn’t come to me two days ago to get me to talk to Xavier again. When I found him in his room in the state he was in, I knew it was bad. The healer I sent for confirmed my suspicions.”

Nikki frowned, “What happened?” When Devnet hesitated, Nikki prompted, “Devnet, just tell me, I need to know what I can to do to save him. I love him too much to lose him.”

With a nod, Devnet recounted the entire incident from two days ago. Nikki sat there with wide, worried eyes as she listened to Devnet describe the way she had found her son drenched in sweat, writhing on his bed. He had been fighting the beast within with his last strength. It had gotten so bad that he’d been unable to speak without reverting to the Wahani language.

At his request, Devnet had called the healer to administer the medicated shot that would sedate Xavier’s inner wildness. But what had alarmed them had been the fact that the shot should have taken effect immediately. Instead, it had taken a few heartbeats to work on Xavier.

When Devnet finished, Nikki didn’t hesitate to tell Devnet she would talk to Xavier as soon as they were alone. “You’re right. He’s too close to losing it. I’ll talk to him as soon as I can and I won’t give up until I convince him that we don’t have to wait.”

Devnet smiled, took Nikki’s hand in hers and whispered, “I know he will be your first. You have no idea how frightened and embarrassed I am to have to ask you to do this.”

Nikki shook her head, “Don’t be. I understand that it may be scary, depending on how Xavier reacts to me when we are alone, but it’s Xavier. The man I’m going to marry. I love him and I want to spend my life with him so if I have to walk through the fires of hell to do it, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Devnet drew Nikki into a fierce hug as she remembered the words Xavier had said to her when he’d first told her about Nikki. “She's so strong and beautiful. She's been through so much, but she's survived it all." He had gone on to explain her parent’s death and the recent gang threat.

Now, sitting there and talking to Nikki, Devnet knew his words to be true. Nikki was a very strong girl and Devnet knew she’d be the only one capable of saving her son.

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“YOU WILL DO EXACTLY AS I SAY!” roared Marcus.

“I am not marrying Nobleman Alban’s daughter! I told you I am marrying Nikki! She’s my ulhi’maos!”

“No she’s not! You only wish she were!”

“Your Majesty, Xavier isn’t lying. She really is.” interjected Zachary.

“Don’t you dare take his side just because the two of you grew up together Zachary!”

“Da’kata!” Xavier cursed, “Why won’t you listen to me!”

For the last ten minutes they had been arguing about this. After Marcus had finished getting all of the updates from the council members, he had then let them know what the advancements he’d made were. It had been only one. He had invited Nobleman Alban’s daughter to dinner the following evening and told Xavier that he was proposing to her or else.

That had been the beginning of the argument they were now embroiled in. The only problem was that there were three sides instead of just two. Xavier had immediately let Marcus know he was marrying Nikki and only Nikki because she was his soul mate. Zachary and Kegan were both behind him, explaining that if Xavier wasn’t with Nikki, he would lose his sanity.

Marcus refused to believe that Xavier was that close to turning. Mainly because Xavier had always appeared calm and rational in front of him. Marcus had never had the privilege that Devnet and Zachary had of witnessing Xavier getting so close to madness. He had tried to make them all see that their people would never accept a human as their queen especially since so many of them still remembered the atrocities the humans had committed against them.

However, while Zachary and Kegan took Xavier’s side, they also insisted that Xavier stop trying to fight and give in to being with Nikki because he wasn’t as in control of himself as he claimed to be. All of the other members, including Jules, wisely stayed out of it since none of them even knew who Nikki was. So, it was Marcus against Xavier and his friends, then Xavier against his friends.

Xavier tried to keep up with the arguments coming at him from both sides, but eventually the frustration and anger began to wear him thin. He growled when his father once more commanded him to marry the woman he’d chosen for his son and forget that the human girl even existed.

“I SAID I’M MARRYING NIKKI!” Xavier roared, as his hands curled into fists.

“You will marry who I say you will!”

Zachary noticed the way Xavier was beginning to shake and the way his chest rose and fell as if he were prepping for battle. “Um, Your Majesty, I think we should continue this discussion later.”

Marcus sneered, “No! There will be no discussion. I’ve given the order! You will do as I say! End of discussion!”

Not even Zachary was prepared for what happened next.

Marcus hadn’t even finished his tirade when Xavier had instantly shape shifted right before their eyes and launched himself at his father. Marcus had barely saved himself by jumping back in surprise as both Zachary and Kegan caught Xavier by his outstretched arms and tried to hold him back. If the King hadn’t been quick enough, Xavier’s wicked claws would have been embedded themselves in his neck, probably even severing it.

With a roar of rage, Xavier began to fight his captors, unaware that he was fighting his friends. All Marcus and the others could do was watch in stunned silence as Xavier managed to get in several good swipes and bites to both Zachary and Kegan. Both men tried to talk to Xavier, but he was too far gone to even understand them.

Jules was the first to recover since he realized just how close his son was coming to losing a body part. He quickly opened the door to the conference room and shouted, “Guards! Find a healer and get him in here quickly! Tell them to bring the ireca with them!”

Jules turned and moved to help the two telling them to get him on the ground so they could hold him down for the healers to administer the ireca shots.

As a healer came barreling through the door, an assistant in tow, Xavier managed to throw Kegan off him and lunged for Marcus again. Zachary twisted his body and shoved Xavier back, right into Kegan who’d regained his balance. Xavier immediately whirled around and lashed out with his claws.

Kegan hissed in pain as his forearm was laid open almost to the bone.

Jules reacted, “Da’kata! Get him on the ground now!” He turned to the guards at the door, “Get in here and help us restrain him!”

It took the three of them, plus three guards to wrestle Xavier onto the floor. Jules held Xavier’s head, baring his neck so that the healer could administer the shot.

Thankfully the healer was calm enough and quick enough to stick the needle in as soon as he saw the opportunity, but when Xavier continued to growl, thrash, and attempt to get back on his feet, the healer held out his hand for another shot.

The second one did the trick after several long heartbeats. Just when the healer was starting to panic and reach for a third shot, Xavier went limp.

Slowly, every one of the men holding Xavier down let go of him. Zachary was the last one to let go. While Jules remained sitting and completely focused on the now comatose Xavier, Zachary stood up and looked his King dead in the eye.

As Marcus continued to stand in shocked silence, Zachary said, “Now you have your proof. None of us were lying, Your Highness.”

Translations
ulhi'maos - soul mate
da'kata - damn
ireca - calm/tranquility