Chapter 8

Nikki leaned back against Xavier's chest as his arms enveloped her. She could feel the rumble of his laughter as Zachary continued to tell his story.

"And when Kegan called Charles a nerd, Evelyn pushed him into the mud puddle."

Kristine laughed, "I think I may just like this sister of yours, Xavier."

Nikki giggled, "Yeah, I think I like Evelyn too."

Xavier groaned, "In that case, I'll make sure neither of you ever have the chance to meet her."

Zachary nodded, "Yeah, Evelyn will corrupt the two of you." He glanced at Kristine, "And I like you just the way you are."

Kristine grinned, "Aw, brave Zachary, I like you too." She giggled and kissed his cheek.

Nikki rolled her eyes, "Okay, people, let's not get too cute here."

Xavier laughed, "But you can't help it if you already are." He leaned in and rubbed his chin against her neck.

Nikki giggled and turned her head towards his, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Okay, for that, you can have a kiss too."

He grinned as he leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers. His lips lingered for a few moments then he pulled away, looking into her eyes. She gave him a shy smile and shifted to wrap her arms around his waist. He simply held her close to him.

Kristine broke the comfortable silence. "Well, as much as I want to stay here a little longer, I think we should be getting home before it gets dark."

Nikki nodded, "Yeah, we should go." She looked longingly at Xavier, "If we don't get home before dark, Amy's likely to start a search party for us."

He nodded.

The boys helped the girls to their feet and all of them walked out of the barn towards the house. As they walked, Nikki held Xavier's hand. She looked over at him and smiled when she saw him looking at her. He returned her smile, then wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She leaned closer to him, sliding her arm around his waist.

When they got to the house, Nikki turned to face him, "Thank you. For listening to me, I mean."

Xavier nodded, "You're welcome." He lifted his hand to her cheek, "Feeling better?"

She smiled, "Much."

He chuckled, "I'm glad."

Smiling shyly, she ducked her head until Xavier lifted it with two fingers under her chin. Her smile faltered when she saw the look in his eyes. They smoldered, seeming to sear her with their heat. She suddenly found it hard to breathe as he leaned in. Her eyes fluttered closed and she let out a soft sigh when his lips met hers.

When she didn't protest, he curled his fingers around her neck and deepened the kiss. Nikki lifted her hands, fisting his shirt. When his tongue slid over her lips, she parted them, granting him access to her mouth. Just when she felt a moan beginning in her throat, he pulled away slowly, taking his warmth with him. She wanted to cry at the unfairness of it.

He smiled, taking her hand into his, "I'll be there tomorrow. To walk you home again ok?"

She nodded, "Okay."

"Bye Nikki."

"Bye Xavier," she whispered.

He let go of her hand and walked backwards never taking his eyes off of her. Zachary finished saying his goodbye to Kristine and joined Xavier. Kristine moved over to Nikki where they both watched the guys disappear into the night.

Kristine turned to Nikki and grinned, "C'mon, let's go inside."

Nikki nodded and followed Kristine into the house.

An anxious Amy met them in the hallway. "Where have you two been? Do you know what time it is? I thought something had happened to you."

Kristine shook her head, "No mom. Sorry. But Nikki was feeling down and wanted to talk, so we went to the barn."

Nikki agreed, "Yeah, we've been there the whole time. I'm sorry Amy. We didn't mean to worry you, I just really needed to talk."

Amy looked worriedly at Nikki, "Are you all right, honey?"

"Yes," she nodded, "I am now."

Amy sighed, "Okay," she looked from one girl to the next, "But the next time, please come to the house before going to the barn? We always need to know where you are. We can't take any chances anymore. You both know how dangerous things are getting."

Both girls nodded and gave Amy a hug. "We will Amy," said Nikki.

"Good," she sighed, "Well, you girls go on in. Dinner should be ready soon."

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Xavier glanced around him as he and Zachary walked through the East side. Things were quiet that early in the evening. Too quiet. He noticed that there wasn't really anyone in the streets and all the windows and doors seemed to be shut tight. He frowned, something was wrong. He could feel it.

Suddenly Zachary's voice whispered in his mind, Is it me or is this place too quiet and empty for early evening?


It's not you. Xavier replied, using his own mind speech.

Okay, then. What do you think is going on?


I don't know, but it feels bad. Keep yourself on alert.


Done.

They made their way stealthily through the empty streets towards the castle. As they reached the gates, Kegan came rushing out with several guards in tow.

"There you two are." He said, looking a little frantic, yet relieved. "We've been trying to reach you for hours. Not even Evelyn could reach you with mind speech!"

Xavier frowned, "What's going on?"

Kegan swallowed, then looked at Zachary.

Zachary narrowed his eyes. "You heard him, spill Kegan."

Kegan lowered his head, "It's your father, Zach. He's been murdered."

Xavier's eyes went wide as Zachary looked like he'd just been sucker punched.

"Murdered?" Xavier exclaimed.

Kegan nodded. "He was enroute to the northern border to do the monthly inventory when his group was attacked by a group of rebels." He looked up at Xavier, "At least your father thinks it was rebels, according to the eyewitness account."

Xavier narrowed his eyes, "Eyewitness? Someone saw this? Where were the guards?"

"The eyewitness was the only surviving guard, he barely made it back alive. The Chief Advisor only took four guards with him this time. It's been quiet in the West, no one thought there'd be trouble."

Xavier growled, "Have they learned nothing! They know the way it is. My father perfected it! Make them think we're comfortable, at peace. Then attack when their guard is down! He should have known better!"

Kegan swallowed, "They are only rebels, Your Highness. Nothing impor.."

"Only rebels!" Xavier yelled, "Those rebels just ambushed the Chief Advisor and four guards!"

Kegan lowered his head in silence. The rest of the guards shifted nervously behind him. Xavier took a deep breath and realized his best friend hadn't said a word. Quickly he looked at Zachary noticing that he stood there staring blankly at the castle.

Xavier stepped up to Zachary, softly saying his name, "Zach?"

Zachary blinked and turned to look at Xavier, there were unshed tears in his eyes, "My father's dead."