Chapter 4 No fights on the royal grounds!

"Are you gonna tell me what's gotten into you, you've never been excited for casseroles before" Katerine stated as she took a piece out of her pork.

Cassidy was staring at her meal like it was the most delicious thing ever. Leaning slightly she said, "Let's just say the universe granted my request"

"No way!"

"Yes way" A satisfied smile was pasted on her face not until it was wiped off as mother superior entered Into the food hall.

Almost as if planned, the whole room went into a pin drop silence, backs straightened, fork and knives on the correct hands, chins high.

Mother Rosita moved like she was floating on air, eyes boring holes into the girls heads as if trying to figure out what got them this excited.

"Julianne!"

Everyone stilled as the name was called, but everyone acted like they weren't bothered.

Julianne was the house snitch, any little thing she cries to mother superior, but after she was caught watching a guy jack off, the house mates finally had a hold on her. At least for now.

"Yes mother Rosita" Julianne stood up and meekly answered whilst bowing her head.

"Anything happening?"

Julianne held her eyes so as not to grow suspicions. Mother Rosita's eyes were like drill. It once made an eight year old cry during interrogation.

The silence stretched and a few girls groaned, the were totally busted!

Suddenly, Julianne chuckled. "C'mon .... mother everyone's been stressed out and were just catching up on today's activities. Nothing to be worried about mother"

Phew....the tension was off everyone's shoulders as they settled back to their meals.

Mother Rosita eyes swept over the girls and smiled._These girls has been through enough already, what harm is a little fun?_

Silently she left them to their meal.

The remaining minutes were spent in hushed silence.

****

"Really? You expect me to believe e all these crap you just told me?" Kathy huffed in annoyance as she realized all her anticipation has gone to waste.

"As much as I love crafting out tall tales, I couldn't have been able to create him!" Cassie said as she hugged her pillow and screamed into it.

Kathy rolled her eyes and smacked her across the head with a pillow as she took her place beside her.

"So the universe really sent someone to you huh? But dressed in ancient royalty wears? It doesn't make sense does it?" Kathy concluded as she gave Cassie a skeptical look.

Cassie recognized that look all to well and dropped the pillow. "Look I know it sounds far fetched, even I still can't believe it yunno"

With a sigh Kathy gave up, the guy wouldn't hurt her best friend and if he dared, he should kiss his balls goodnight.

"I can't wait to see him though, the first guy to steal your breath away that isn't one of your morally grey characters "

"Hey!!! And I love them that way lady"

"I know, I know" Katherine smiled as she rarely sees her this excited with a smile permanently etched into her face.

Pulling the pillow across Cassie and placing it under her head, she pulled the blanket up and began lulling her to sleep.

Switching off the main light, she kissed Cassie's forehead and sighted, "I hope I don't have to end you again Cassie, it's been nice getting to know you through your lifetimes"

And with that, she shut the door and walked out.

***

Jaxon's eyes fluttered open, the sun's relentless assault on his senses pulling him from the depths of sleep. The previous night's revelry weighed heavily on his head, and he winced as he pushed himself up from the floor and flopped on his bed.

His chambers were opulent, adorned with tapestries depicting knights in shining armor and courtly ladies. Yet, despite the grandeur, a sense of emptiness gnawed at him.

Cassie.

The name echoed through his mind like a haunting melody. She had appeared like an angel, out of no where. He wasn't expecting any of it. But it has been worth it

With a sigh, Jaxon swung his legs over the edge of the bed. The cold floor sent a shiver up his spine, and he reached for his robe. The maids scurried about, their hushed voices filling the room as they prepared his morning bath. He stepped into the steaming water, the scent of lavender and rosemary enveloping him. As he soaked, he allowed his mind to drift back to Cassie-the way her lips had curved when she smiled, the warmth of her hand in his.

He had missed every single touch of hers.

Dressed in linen trousers and a loose shirt, Jaxon strode out into the courtyard. The sun had climbed higher, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestones. His sister, Sydney, stood near the stables, her fiery hair catching the light. She was a force of nature, fiercely loyal and unyielding. Her gaze met his, and she arched an eyebrow.

"Late night, brother?" she teased, her tone laced with amusement.

Jaxon chuckled. "Indeed. But it was worth it."

Sydney's eyes softened. "As much as I'll love to ask, I'll skip that part "

He nodded with a smile, "Thanks"

As they walked toward the paddock, Jaxon noticed the horses being groomed. His favorite, a chestnut stallion named Storm, nickered in greeting. Sydney patted the horse's flank, her touch gentle.

"Tell me about Cassie," she said softly.

It was all too sudden, why did she ask of her out of the blues

When Sydney noticed that he wasn't going to reply, she dropped her hand from the horse and sighed, "I just wanted to know, I know it's only thoughts of her that could give you a rough night brother. She was a good friend to me"

And so, as the morning sun bathed the world in golden hues, Jaxon told her titbits about Cassie, but not that he finally found her or anything, he recounted the way he reacted when he found out that it was his obsession that his father sent him to kill.

Her laughter bubbled out, but it died abruptly when the metallic rasp of a sword being drawn echoed through the air. Jaxon's eyes narrowed, and he spun around, blade at the ready. Sydney gasped as strong hands pulled her away from the impending clash. It was her immediate brother, Prince Alex-the second prince.

"I told him not to go through with this reckless plan," Alex whispered urgently in her ear, guiding her to the side of the stable. The tension in the air was palpable, and the clanking of swords intensified as Jaxon faced off against Prince Kristen-the first prince and legitimate heir to the throne.

"You know it's against the laws of the land to attempt murder on royal premises!" Jaxon's voice dripped with sarcasm as he parried Kristen's attack. The blades clashed, sparks flying, and a deep gash appeared along Kristen's arm. Blood stained his sleeve, but it wasn't enough to sever the limb.

Kristen gritted his teeth, eyes blazing with fury as he clutched his bloodied arm. "You lowlife..." he hissed, raising his sword again.

But Jaxon cut him off, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "...that managed to get your princess wrapped around my finger." The venom in his tone was unmistakable.

Sydney's heart raced, struggling to get away from Alex grip if not they'll send their heads rolling,she ended up saying with Soo much authority, "Stop!"

The tension hung thick in the air as Sydney's voice reverberated through the stable. Jaxon and Kristen froze, swords locked mid-clash. Sydney's authority cut through their rivalry.

Jaxon's eyes bore into hers, a mix of defiance and curiosity. Kristen's wounded arm trembled, and he lowered his blade, begrudgingly yielding to Sydney's command.

Sydney stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "This ends now," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of a thousand years of royal lineage. "Our family will not tear itself apart."

Jaxon sheathed his sword, the polished steel sliding smoothly into its scabbard-the ornate hilt adorned with intricate engravings. His attire, the fabric of his cloth clinging to his sweat-slicked skin. The scent of iron and adrenaline hung in the air.

Ignoring Sydney's glare, Jaxon closed the distance between them. His sister's eyes were stormy-anger, fear, and something deeper that he couldn't quite decipher. She pulled him away, her grip surprisingly strong.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and edged with amusement. "The fun has only just begun, lady."

Sydney's tears threatened to spill, and she turned her face away. "I've been separated from you for way too long," she whispered. "I can't bear to lose you again."

Jaxon's guilt pricked at him, but he held his ground. He had made choices, walked a path stained with betrayal and defiance. Yet, he didn't regret it. Not when the kingdom teetered on the brink of chaos, not when Sydney's safety hung in the balance. At least that's what kept him going them and even now.

He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "C'mon, baby sister," he murmured. "I was made to become this, okay? I'm still an enforcer and nothing can change that"

She nudged his side playfully and leaned into his embrace as they walked towards the palace grounds.

"I'll be right back, I've got to meet mother up for tea" Sydney said with reluctance and she played with her brother's finger.

"Then get going biscuits, I'll be waiting for you in my chambers alright?" He toyed with her hair as he pushed her away gently.

"Promise?" She said sticking out her pinky

"Promise!" He said as he pressed their thumbs together and smiled to her.

She giggled as she ruffled his hair and skipped away, paused as she regained her bearings and placed her hands in front of her, rolled her shoulders back and walked slowly as royalty should. Her maids joined her and together they walked towards the queens chambers. Jaxon stood smiling as he watched his sister go and winked when she spared a glance at him.

What would life be without his sweet biscuits.

He kicked a stone playfully and shuddered when he simply passed through the chunk of nature. He looked at his hands in dismay. He was fading away- again!

Jaxon tried to talk but only air wheezed out of his throat as he slipped away from consciousness.