5) Call me Xander!

HAZEL 

'YOUR HIGHNESS' 

"What the hell. I was with a king. Such a fool I am a. he must be a king, otherwise how can he own a castle. But why didn't he tell me? I shouldn't call him by his name, I think. I should say him sorry for this." 

My stream of thoughts were broken by his magnetic voice. He whispered gently, "What happen? You look like in tension. What is bothering you?" I only smiled and replied, "Nothing." 

He chuckled seeing my expression and then shifted his eyes towards other and said, "As you all know we have very beautiful guest today so today's toast is in her name. I want all of you to respect equally as you respect me. Any kind of disrespect towards her is a punishable offence from now." 

All seemed quite happy with my presence and in spite of his threatening words they all shouted together with smiles, "Long live Milady." Though I didn't understand that whole incident as I was busy in examining the royal members. Then Xander placed his hand over mine gently and started introducing me with some high rank members. We started our breakfast. The foods were heavenly delicious along with plenty of varieties like boiled meat, fried meat, egg, bacon, fish, deserts, breads and many other. When my stomach was already full, I started examine the members again. Exactly next to me there were two mid fifty gentlemen one named Francesco with dark hair introduced as Damien's father and general [along with beta] and other named Luxian introduced as Rachel's father and second general were busy in their talking. Then I noticed the girl Rachel as temporary Luna with curly grey hair and honey eyes. She was quite beautiful but surprisingly she didn't look much happy with my presence and was looking at me with disdain and a tinge of wrath. My scrutiny was broken when Xander asked, "Are you done, Hazel? Then let's go I have some other plans for you." 

I apologetically muttered, "yes, but I think I am fit now to return to the camp. I don't think I should bother you anymore." I was already ashamed for my previous mistake. He with a smirk replied, raising one eyebrow, "you are really unique, Hazel. You are the first one rejecting me. I thought to give you a tour of our surroundings." I apologetically replied, "No no I didn't mean to disobey you. It's just I don't want to bother you. Your highness, I am so sorry." Though my feelings towards him didn't change or my body's strange act was still going on but my mind was really aware with the reality. So I decided to stay calm and tried not to fall for him anymore. 

" I am taking your words as yes. So let's go then" offering his hands he whispered. I looked at the members for once more they were still busy in eating and chatting merely except Rachel her fierce gaze was scanning my every movement. Without hesitation I took his hand with a slyly smile and silently left. 

He led me to a private garden through a vast training ground where lots of muscular solider were busy in their workouts. The garden was beautifully organized with plenty of unknown and known flowers along with a swing. Sitting on that swing, Xander first broke the silence, "Are you scared of me? I am not going to eat you. Why so silent today?" 

"NO your highness, not at all. I am just sorry. I didn't mean to disobey you. I didn't know that you are a prince", I blurted out. He charming chuckled, making the situation worst for me and indicated beside him and said, "Sit hazel." I obediently sat without looking at him as his smile forcing me to break my oath of not falling for him. 

He gently whispered coming closer to me, "I didn't imagine you will be so scared of a prince but not a beast. But my angel I am not angry at all and I can forgive your ignorance with one condition only." 

"What condition?" 

He replied with a mocking smile, "You will call me by my name and no need to show those formalities. I like your carefree, brave yet innocent nature." 

I was surprised hearing that unexpected condition and looked at him. He was already staring at me. When our eyes met it was just like the whole world was paused and instantly realized ' I can even die for his happiness, just to see those eyes happy.' 

I blushed and asked confusedly, "But everyone calls you Your highness." He with a smirk instantly replied, "But you are not everyone Hazel. You are very special, princess. So you can call me anything you want and only you can order me." Though I didn't expect those words but I was really living the moment. 

Then our conversation went on like a common couple. I asked with curiosity, "Where is your kingdom, Xander? Here I didn't hear of any king ever in this 20th century. Where is your parents? I didn't meet them." 

He replied with a little shy and gentle smile, "Actually my parents died and my father was the king, but I don't have kingdom at least not know but when I will regain my kingdom," then taking my hand in his hand and gently squeezing it he added, "I want You to be the first one I will show you my throne." 

I apologetically and little sadly replied, "Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I can feel your pain" 

"No it's ok. I don't feel sad anymore," Xander replied. There was a sudden change in his expression something very frightening, it looked like his eyes suddenly turned into fiery golden. I thought it was just my imagination so kept the thought aside. He asked in his husky tone with curiosity, "Hazel, do you remember your parents? They must be very nice?" 

"I didn't know anything about my father still now, but I faintly remember my mom and I have seen one photo of her. I have been living with my granny since when I was 3. So all memories with my mom very vague. My granny also doesn't know anything about my father," I replied without hiding anything. 

'This whole thing makes me really sad. I really want to know about my dad and my true identity. That's is another reason I am in Valdez actually.' 

Xander gently kissed my forehead, cupping my face with his both hands and whispered, "Don't worry you will find your answers very soon." 

I smiled with pleasure, it felt like he could disappear my all pain and loneliness. I was curious to know more about his kingdom so I again asked, "Why you don't live in your kingdom? Is it lost?" 

"No it is actually long story," he replied. I instantly with a huge curiosity replied, "Of course. I have plenty of time." 

"Actually my father, Luciano was the rightful king but he was betrayed and murdered by his own cousin, Cyrus along with my mother and elder brother. My grandma with the aid of these loyal people of my father saved me and from then we are living here," with a little hesitation, he looked at my eyes and added, "preparing for revenge and making our own solider." 

Of course I was not expecting such a story. I with assurance muttered, "Don't worry you will be the best king ever." He with a smirk whispered near my ear causing a Goosebumps, "Ummm hmm… only if I get my mate as my Luna. I mean as my queen." 

I asked with confusion without understanding, "Mate? Luna? You mean soul mate? Is Rachel not your Luna?" 

"Yes she is. But she is just temporary Luna to see the official works but she is not my mate or queen. My future queen will be the only future Luna. But this is another story I will say you later. Now princess we should go for lunch. It's already late," he replied. I nodded and started to walk towards the dining hall.