Chapter 21

Nikki was walking down the corridor that led to Evelyn’s rooms. She had just finished having the last fitting of her wedding gown and had promised Evelyn they would get together for a walk through the castle grounds before dinner.

She smiled to herself as she thought about the last few days that she’d been there. Things had been hectic, but not as hard or as scary as she’d first thought it would be. Devnet and Evelyn were wonderful with helping her learn the things she would need to know about being a member of the royal household. Xavier’s friends, Kegan, Charles, and Zachary had all shown her around the city while explaining things to her. Each one of them were experts at certain things, so through them she was learning about security, technology, and politics.

But the one who seemed to be bending over backwards these days was Marcus. Nikki knew he felt extremely guilty for what had happened to his son and he was extremely grateful to Nikki for saving him. Nikki had forgiven him when she’d realized that he was just being a father. Marcus had only wanted the best for his son and had been completely clueless about what was between Xavier and Nikki. However, the moment he knew what his mistake had been, he’d changed completely.

Xavier hadn’t been so easy to forgive his father for what he’d done. The following day, when he and Nikki had finally emerged from their room and he had seen what he’d done to Kegan, he’d gotten the full account from those who’d been there. Xavier had apologized again and again, especially to his friend for nearly ripping his arm off, but Kegan said he had understood that Xavier wasn’t in his right mind. Still, the moment Xavier had come face to face with his father, he’d given him a piece of his mind.

Marcus hadn’t even had the chance to apologize before Xavier stepped up to him and laid into him for everything he’d done. All Marcus could do was stand there looking pale as Xavier hurled insults and accusations at him. It had taken Nikki to step in once more to calm him down. It hadn’t escaped anyone’s attention that all it took was a palm on his chest, the other on his cheek, and a soft yet firm word from Nikki and Xavier was calm again.

After that, Xavier only seemed to tolerate Marcus’ presence and Nikki noticed he rarely spoke any words to his father at all. Still Marcus treated both of them with respect and went out of his way to help Nikki adjust to her new life. While Xavier kept his encounters with his father to a minimum, Nikki enjoyed the time she could spend with the King and anyone else from this world since it meant she got to know them better.

Of course, her favorite person to spend time with was Xavier. Unfortunately the only time they seemed to have to themselves lately was when they retired for the night. By that time, both of them were usually exhausted from the days activities. Still, they would cuddle up together in their huge bed and tell each other what they’d done that day.

Nikki loved that time with Xavier. To just lie there and hold him in her arms without worrying if he was going to bolt from the bed because he was on the verge of losing it was something she cherished. Ever since that night they’d made love, he had gone back to being the wonderful man she’d fallen in love with in the first place. Warm, caring, and gentle he would lie next to her and patiently listen to what she’d learned about his world.

Still, there were a few times when he’d start something and then pull back before it went to far. Nikki had told him not to stop, but he asked if it would be all right to wait until the wedding night. She’d wanted to roll her eyes again at his chivalrous behavior, but she understood his wanting to wait just a few more days. As much as it frustrated her, especially since she already knew just how wonderful he was, she knew the wait would be worth it.

Nikki rounded the corner and continued walking down the corridor towards the stairs that led to Evelyn’s rooms when a hand grabbed her arm and yanked her into a small room. She collided with a solid chest with a squeak and looked up into her favorite pair of emerald eyes.

Before she could ask what was going on, he’d shut the door, leaned her against it, and attacked her lips. Nikki moaned into his mouth as she parted her lips, allowing him access. She slid her arms around his shoulders and arched into him.

Xavier slid one arm around her waist, pulling her closer to his body even as he leaned them towards the door. His other arm rested against the door, just above Nikki’s head and supported most of his weight. As Xavier’s lips left hers, Nikki lifted one hand and shifted her fingers through his hair.

Xavier kissed his way down her cheek and nipped her earlobe before whispering in her ear, “Od’yia, idi khami esu!”

Nikki curled her fingers around his head, keeping his lips close to her skin. “Idi khami esu alsis, Xavier.”

She felt him sigh against her neck before he pulled away to lean his forehead against hers. He graced her with a handsome smile, “You’re really getting the hang of the language aren’t you?”

She laughed softly, “Well, I do have wonderful teachers in you, your sister, and mother.”

He chuckled, “Well, the others anyway, since I haven’t been able to see you except in passing these days.”

She frowned, “Is it always going to be like this?”

“No, it’s just because we are getting everything ready for the wedding day. But I promise, once that day’s over, you and I will have plenty of time for each other after that.”

Nikki smiled as he rubbed her nose with his, “I’poskpro?”

“I’poskpro.” He answered.

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Evelyn looked up from her window seat as Nikki walked into her room. She stood up and placed her hands on her hips in a very impatient way as she asked, “Where have you been? I was beginning to think you’d gotten lost!”

Nikki gave her a sheepish grin as she replied, “Sorry, I had to stop and talk to your brother for a few minutes.”

“A few minutes? Wow, the dress fitting must have taken longer than you thought huh?”

Nikki simply shrugged and let Evelyn think that, especially since that was better than letting her know that Nikki had spent more time in that little room getting hot and heavy with her soon to be husigos before they’d finally parted ways to continue with their errands.

“Okay, well, you ready to go for a walk around the grounds? It’s turning out to be a nice evening after all.”

Nikki nodded, “I’m ready.” She knew the walk in the cool night air would do her good since she was still feeling a little hot from her encounter with Xavier.

As Nikki and Evelyn stepped onto the path that led towards the pasture and the pond on the other side of it, Evelyn said, “So, only two more days! You must be getting nervous?”

Nikki smiled, “Actually, I’m excited. I can’t wait for that day to get here! After everything you all have told me and all of the things I’ve been doing to get ready for the day, I just know it’s going to be exciting. I just can’t imagine that an entire day is going to be dedicated to Xavier’s coronation and wedding! It just seems so unreal.”

Evelyn giggled, “It does, doesn’t it? Well, this will be the first time I’ll be experiencing something like this too, but I’m certainly looking forward to it.”

Nikki laughed, “And you’ll be taking plenty of notes for when it’s your turn won’t you, Ev?”

Evelyn’s eyes went wide, “What? Oh no, I won’t have a day like the one you and Xavier will have!”

As they neared the pond, Nikki turned to Evelyn with a frown, “Why not? I thought you wanted to get married?”

Evelyn nodded, “I do, someday, but I’m not going to be King like Xavier will be. That’s why your day is so extravagant, because you’re marrying him.”

Nikki arched an eyebrow, “So? I’m willing to bet Xavier would give you an extravagant wedding if you asked for it.”

“Those kinds of weddings are for kings and queens, Nikki. I’m not planning on becoming a queen.”

Nikki giggled, “Maybe not, but I know for a fact Xavier will do anything for his little sister.” She paused for a moment before adding, “And Charles will do anything for you too.”

Evelyn gasped, “Nikki!” She looked at Nikki for a moment before looking around surreptitiously and whispering, “How did you know?”

Nikki rolled her eyes, “No one is here Evelyn, relax! And how could I not know? It’s obvious you two are in love with each other.”

Evelyn stared at Nikki, “Are we that obvious? Really?”

Nikki shrugged, “Okay, not that obvious, but it’s clear to those of us who know how to look.”

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, “Like who?”

“Oh, me, your brother, Zach, Kegan, your mother.” Nikki replied, while ticking off the names with her fingers.

“Oh my God, my mother knows!” she shrieked.

Nikki sighed, “Ev, calm down. Of course she knows, she’s your mother and she’s incredibly astute.”

“But if she knows, then my father…”

“Doesn’t know.”

“He doesn’t?”

Evelyn shook her head, “Nope. Devnet hasn’t told him anything, and I’m beginning to understand that Marcus tends to be completely oblivious to what’s going on right before his eyes unless someone points it out to him. That’s usually Devnet, but she knows when to point it out and when to keep it quiet.”

“Wow! Did she tell you she knew?”

Nikki grimaced, “No, that was actually my fault. I had assumed everyone knew and asked her if you had to be a certain age before you could marry Charles. She told me that you just had to be the legal age of sixteen before anyone asked for your hand. When I asked why Charles hadn’t asked for your hand yet, she told me because no one was supposed to know about your relationship since the two of you haven’t told anyone yet. That’s when I found out who knew about your secret and who didn’t.”

“She didn’t seem upset did she? I mean, did she say she didn’t think I should be involved with Charles or…”

“Evelyn, why would your mother be upset about you and Charles? You’ve known him since you were children.”

Evelyn nodded, “I know. I just think she’d say that he’s more of a brother and that I should set my sights higher, like on a prince or something.”

Nikki gave her a smile and reached out to squeeze Evelyn’s hand in encouragement, “Evelyn, your mother loves you. And because she does, all she wants is to see you happy just like Xavier is now. She knows it’s Charles that makes you happy, so she’s fine with that. Besides, she does see Charles as a member of the family already. He’s a great man, Evelyn. He’ll be a great husband for you.”

Evelyn blushed at that and reached out to draw Nikki into a hug, “Thank you for that Nikki!”

“You’re welcome,” Nikki said as she hugged her friend back.

When Evelyn pulled away, she laughed, “See? I just knew we’d become like sisters!”

Nikki giggled, “I know! I’m glad!”

Evelyn smiled, “So, when is Kristine coming here? I can’t wait to meet her too!”

“Zach told me she would be here the day of the wedding. He’s going to go get her in the morning before she heads off to school like they planned.”

“I’ll bet she’s excited!”

Nikki nodded, “Zach says she is. He’s been walking her through all the things she needs to do during the ceremony and she’s really excited about it. As soon as she gets here, she’s got to try on her dress to make sure it fits, then she has some time to spend with all of us before the actual wedding ceremony. I hope there won’t be too much to alter on her dress otherwise we may be cutting it close.”

“I’m sure it’ll all be fine. Zach gave all the measurements to the dressmakers and they were following his instructions to the letter, so it should be great.”

Nikki nodded, “Yeah. I saw the dress. It’s beautiful, I know Zach will be speechless.”

Evelyn giggled, “Now that will be a sight to see!”

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Kristine silently closed the door to her room, not wanting her parents to hear her. She really didn’t think they would since their voices were so loud and they were on the other side of the house, still she didn’t want them coming out to question her again about how she was feeling.

It had been days since Nikki had left with Xavier and her parents were now starting to convince the others that it was time to start organizing a plan to overthrow the Mayor and the Hell’s Angels. As each day passed, Amy and Felix were more convinced that they were the ones who had Nikki especially since Kristine remained closed up to them.

If she wasn’t in school or in the barn with Zachary, she was in her room hiding from her parents. They assumed that she was still mourning the loss of Nikki, but that wasn’t the truth. She was just avoiding them since she just couldn’t tell them the truth.

Kristine was truly happy for Nikki. Zachary had been keeping her informed about how Nikki was adjusting to her new home and all of the wedding plans. She was actually excited to be going down there for the wedding, even if it was only for that day. It would be the first time she’d get to see the place Zachary came from and where her best friend now called home.

Plus, she was going to be the maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding. She couldn’t wait for that. To be able to see just how extravagant the place would be and to see how beautiful Nikki was going to look, it was already making her tear up. She just knew Nikki would be radiant as she became Xavier’s wife.

Zachary had come this last time and handed Kristine the letter from Nikki. After she’d read the letter, the two of them had planned what Kristine was going to do on the day of the wedding. Of course, not all of the time was spent on planning. She and Zachary had spent some of the time making out too and discussing where their own relationship was going.

Ever since Kristine had told him that she wanted to see the world after she graduated, Zachary been afraid that she was going to leave him for good and asked if she was really leaving. Kristine had hesitated in answering until Zachary had laid his feelings for her out in the open. Kristine was floored to learn that he was in love with her and didn’t want her to leave him. He told her that he wouldn’t make her stay, but he hoped that she had feelings for him too.

In truth, Zachary wanted her to go with him to his world. He had confessed that to her, but Kristine didn’t want to leave her parents all alone. She knew they’d be devastated at losing her too. She wanted to be able to tell them that she was leaving before it happened.

As she made her way into her bathroom to take a shower, she wondered if she would ever be able to tell her parents that she was in love with a man who wasn’t even human, but who seemed more human than anyone she’d ever known. Would they be able to understand that love transcended all boundaries, even that of species?

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Nikki felt the bed dip besides her and knew Xavier had finally come to bed. She slowly rolled over to face him and spoke softly, “Long meeting?”

He slid his arm around her waist and responded, “Yeah, sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. I was waiting for you.”

He kissed her forehead before pulling her close to him. As she settled her head against his chest, he said, “You didn’t have to do that.”

Her voice was muffled against his chest as she replied, “I know, but I couldn’t really sleep until you were here.”

He chuckled, “Really?”

“Really. I sleep better when you’re holding me.”

He sighed as he buried his face in her hair, “Me too. I love you, baby.”

Nikki lifted her head to graze his lips with her own. “I love you too, my handsome prince.”

He grinned at that and covered her lips with his. Deepening the kiss, he wrapped his arm tighter around her waist as she molded her body to his.

Nikki slid her arms around his shoulders, one hand sliding into his hair to hold him to her. As Xavier caressed her back with one hand, she lifted her leg to drape it over his hip.

Xavier moaned as he felt her leg slide over his hip and tighten, pulling his groin closer to her heat. The way she slid her body sensuously against his told him exactly what she wanted.

He sighed and pulled away from her, resting his forehead against hers. Nikki expelled an exasperated sigh, making him smile as he spoke, “I know, mo’ba, I know.”

“Do you?” she asked, her voice sounding slightly annoyed.

He caressed small circles against her back as he answered, “Yes, I do. But we’ll be married day after tomorrow and then I promise I’ll love you the way a husigos should.”

“I hope you understand that I’ll be expecting lots of it to make up for all this waiting you’ve been putting me through.”

He chuckled, “I know, Nikki. I promise you that I won’t let you out of our bed at all on our wedding night.” He nuzzled her neck for a moment before whispering huskily in her ear, “And when you wake up the next day, you’ll be very sore, but completely satisfied.”

She giggled, “Oh, I’m counting on that, dimo ulhi’maos.”

He smiled at her before he gave her another long kiss, then they settled in for the night.

As she leaned back into his embrace, she whispered, “Goodnight Xavier, idi agalo esu.”

His arm tightened around her as he replied, “Idi agalo esu, Nikki.”

Within moments, she was fast asleep, safe in his arms. Xavier remained awake, listening to her steady breathing and being comforted by her warmth and her scent.

It would be a while before sleep would claim him. His mind was too occupied with the events of the night. Nikki had thought it was a long meeting that keep him busy. In truth, it had been something else. But Xavier didn’t want the last thing on his beloved’s mind before going to sleep to be the discovery of the gruesome deaths of twelve of the guards who had been part of the group patrolling the western border.

Translations
od'yia, idi khami esu! - God, I miss you!
idi khami esu alsis - I miss you too
i'poskpro - promise
husigos - husband
mo'ba - baby
dimo ulhi'maos - my soul mate
idi agalo esu - I love you