Chapter 131
Xander’s POV:
Caldan and Sabrina. They’re back? To the palace?
“Send them in.” I said to the guard, my voice as controlled as I could get it.
“Yes your Majesty.” The guard bowed and left. Moments later he returned with Caldan and Sabrina.
My breath caught in my chest as I saw her. Unharmed, in one piece, albeit exhausted from the looks of it.
I felt the rush of multiple emotions at once. Relief. Joy. Happiness. Sadness. A terrible feeling settled in the pit of my chest. After so long I spent searching for her, fearing the worst, unsure when I’d ever see her again, she walked in like nothing every happened. At a time when I had resigned to resort to magic just to find her.
The air felt heavy, like the oxygen had become suddenly too heavy. I was at a loss for what to say, unable to tear my eyes away from her.
She looked down and bowed. “Your majesty.” She greeted inam a neutral tone.
“Your majesty,” Caldan greeted too.
“Sabrina…” I said, whatever other words I had to say
She looked up at me, but otherwise was silent.
died in my throat.
Is this perhaps a dream? Will I wake up to coldness and her being gone again?
This can’t be a dream. It’s too real to be one.
“You’ve returned.” I turned to my brother. It was easier to look at him. “You aren’t done with the trip. There still a lot of packs to be visited. Why are you back so soon?.”
“Why was Sabrina sent away from the palace?”
I paused. Caldan stared at me, his eyes shooting daggers. “I beg you finest pardon?”
“All this time. All those long months. I believed that she was here Safe and cared for. But she was sent out? Why? Why did you allow it to happen?”
“Caldan, perhaps you’ve gotten the wrong idea. I don’t have time for unnecessary things. So don’t everything.”
expect an answer for
“How do you mean?” He asked, his tone borderline accusatory. “The last time I checked, everything was fine back here. You must have known something. Why didn’t you…”
“Caldan!”
“Your majesty” He said with indignation. “My apologies for my tone.”
This is so annoying. He wasn’t sorry at all, it was painfully clear to me. His eyes have that challenging look in them. He held Sabrina’s hand and squeezed it. And as he did, his eyes dared me to say something. His insolence is fucking annoying right now. But at the same time I understand why he’s acting like this.
Sabrina is right here. Right now. I’ve dreamt about this moment when I’d get to see her again. I never expected that moment would be anytime soon.
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Chapter 131
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From the nature of Cattan’s questions, she didn’t tell him the details. I didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Had they been together for long? How long since they met? How on earth did Caldan even run into her?! What happened while they were away?
I want to hug her. Pull her close to me and feel her body against mine. I want to take her into my arms and express my joy at seeing her okay. Words can’t describe the devastation I felt when I went back to that forest and didn’t find her. I want to tell her how much I missed her, and how worried I was about her. And how I’ll never do anything to hurt her or even attempt sending her away, I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have been so quick to send her away. The guilt ate me away every single day.
And yet I can’t move. I stood frozen. Watching.
“Since you’re back, you can go and rest up.” I said in a controlled tone.
“You haven’t answered my questions.” Caldan said. “Rest, we’ll have plenty of time to rest. I want to know why you sent her away. Why can’t you tell me? Whatever happened?”
I resisted the urge to rub my temples. “Caldan. You can leave now”
“Hey,” Sabrina said and tugged on his arm. “I’m really tired. Perhaps we can do this later.” She looked at me as she said the last words, and I could see the hatred reflected in her eyes. Her eyes were cold as she stared at me. Colder than I had ever seen. She turned to Caldan and smiled softly.
Caldan brought her hand up to his lips and kissed the back of her palm. “I’m sorry. You’re right, we should get some rest.”
That’s exactly what I said! And he acted like I was his biggest enemy.
He’s doing this to further annoy me. Hanging all over her like a lovesick puppy. It’s so fucking infuriating.
But above all, I’m greatly relieved that she’s safe.
I turned away from them so I wouldn’t see them leave. The door shut and then opened again.
“Your majesty,” I heard Nifra’s voice behind me. “Caldan and Sabrina… they’re…”
“I know.” I said. “She’s back. And she’s safe. I’m glad.”
Nifra went silent.
I could guess her thoughts. He’s back. Now what? Caldan is a very stubborn child he always has been. And now that Sabrina is involved, I can only guess what he’s going to do now.
“I shall prepare a welcome dinner.” Nifra said. “They need it.”
I replied with a hum. A welcome dinner. It’s probably going to be at the royal dining hall too. Seated with Caldan and Sabrina.
It’s not something I’m looking forward to at all.
“My king?” Nifra called softly. I turned and looked at her. She opened her mouth to say something then sighed. “You should get some rest before the dinner. It’ll help.”
I felt exhausted. Like all my energy had been lynched out of me. “I will. Thank you, Nifra.”
I have a bad feeling about all of this. I can’t shake off the look in Sabrina’s eyes a rightfully angry at me.
she looked at me. I sent her away, and she’s
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