4. Xander

4

XANDER

I t wasn't the first time fate had taunted Xander Savero.

He'd been thrust into the role of king when Cato had made him kill his brother Davide a year ago and he'd spent almost every moment since shirking his responsibilities. But the moment he'd stepped up and finally accepted the role, his cousin Vincent had stolen it out from under him.

Now the place that was just beginning to feel like home was a prison once again. The unsettled feeling squirmed under his skin as he paused in the hallway outside the war room, trying to summon the strength to go inside and play a part he loathed.

Xander squeezed his eyes shut, trying to use the moment of quiet solitude to think around the problem. He had no ideas. There had been many closed-door meetings with Vincent, Xander, and individual members of the council over the past month. In each one, Vincent worked to ingratiate his way to support and Xander acted as if he was glad to have someone to take the responsibility off his hands. Today was the first full council meeting and Xander needed to be impeccable.

The first few weeks after the attack, security was so tight and Xander and Cece were still learning the rhythms of the new patrols. They had only just begun to smuggle servants out of the castle last week. Any mistake Xander made now would put their smuggling operation and the safety of all the castle staff at risk.

Xander hoped to the gods this first meeting would go smoothly, though it was foolish to pray for their help with Cece on a daily dose of Godsbane and the rest of the gods unable to enter the castle. Once Vincent figured out how Xander's friends kept Cato out of their heads, he'd had the entire castle warded so that gods couldn't simply drop in. They had to be invited at his behest and could only stay as long as he wished them present. It meant that they wouldn't be getting much help, communications or otherwise, from Grimon inside the castle walls. Even Cato wasn't free to wander. He was only allowed in once a day to reinforce his magic bargain so that no one could share what had happened during the coup, and he was always accompanied by two armed escorts.

Vincent was being exceptionally careful.

There were too many balls in the air, and Xander was terrified of dropping any. One false move and his wrongs would be taken out on Cece.

Xander couldn't bear it. He could still hear her screams in the other room when Vincent's men dragged her away.

Xander had only contained his rage that night because of Cece. Because she gave him the slightest shake of her head. Her eyes told him to stay calm, to not make things worse. He'd seen the crestfallen look on Rainer's face—the shame. She'd needed Xander to stay calm not just for her, but for Rainer. In Rainer's mind, he had failed her not just as his fiancé and the love of his life, but as her guardian. He'd let her be hurt in a devastating way. Worse, Rainer had felt it all.

He'd struggled harder than Xander thought he'd have the energy to with the amount of blood loss and pain he'd endured. He thought Rainer would be in shock, but the guards had to pin him to the floor after he tipped and broke his chair, trying to get to Cece. Xander saw his brutalized back as they held him down. Still, he struggled and called out to her. It was heartbreaking.

Xander had always known how much Rainer loved her. He'd seen it a hundred times since the three of them had entered this frustrating dance. But he'd never seen anything like the way Rainer fought for her then. He'd never seen him look so crazed and desperate—not even when Cece died. Because Vincent wasn't taking her life. He was taking her soul—the part of her she'd fought so hard to get back. The part that Rainer had fought so hard for.

That day broke something in all three of them.

For Xander, it broke his heart and his fight. He knew he'd made the right decision, but his heart never stopped warring with his head. He knew down to his bones that Cece would have been hurt even if he'd told Vincent what little he knew. It all came down to Cece, and she kept her mouth shut because she was truly the bravest person he'd ever met, and also the one with the worst sense of self-preservation. Xander loved her for it, but it wounded him in a way he still didn't understand. Both Rainer and Cece bled for Xander's kingdom that day, and he'd been unharmed. Because Vincent needed him.

Which was why he forced himself to play along for now.

His family tree had been hacked down to just two gnarled limbs. Both he and Vincent were ruined in their own ways. Xander was terrified that would be his legacy—the accidental king who'd let a maniac take over. He took a deep breath with his hand on the doorknob before pressing into the war room.

All the men at the table looked up at him before looking back at Vincent, who stood at the head of the table.

Xander's gaze clashed with Reese Reynolds and Chris Lamotis, across the table. At least he still had two of Evan's spies at his disposal.

Vincent tapped his knuckles on the mahogany table.

"Those of you in this room are the only ones in this kingdom who know the truth. You have options," Vincent began. "I've already apologized to you for hiding myself as William Arvato, but I needed to earn your trust without the scourge of my father's history. You've already watched me make countless decisions in Argaria's best interest. Now, under my true name, Vincent Savero, I am here to right the sinking ship of the Kingdom of Argaria. Some of you may not agree with my methods, but I'm here to make things better for all of you at this table by correcting the mistakes Xander has made with the nobles and commoners of this kingdom. I do not blame my dear cousin, Xander. He spent most of his life in an enemy court. But beyond that, he was a second son. He was not raised to rule. He was raised to fight, which is why he's the best Savero warrior in generations. Unfortunately, he's turned out to be the worst king."

The council members shifted in their seats. Even some of the older members seemed nervous, their eyes shifting to Xander for a response. He kept his face placid.

"Even Xander will admit his shortcomings. Won't you, cousin?" Vincent said, looking at him.

Xander swallowed hard. He wanted to gut Vincent right there with the letter opener on the table. But that was the kind of rash instinct Vincent was telling the council to expect. Lashing out would only prove his point. If Xander wanted to be king, he had to be a patient strategist like Evan. He had to think like a king and play a longer game.

Xander stood reluctantly. "I think you all know that we haven't always seen eye to eye on this council. I have tried my best to do what is right for our kingdom, but it's no secret that many of you have been disappointed with my rule."

The words felt like a betrayal to everyone who had sacrificed for him. Cece would tell him becoming a spy again was his sacrifice—patience instead of swift vengeance.

Xander cleared his throat. "I've done my best, but I'll admit that in this case, my best has not been enough. I will concede the throne to Vincent, who has been raised to rule and who has proven himself—" Xander could barely grit out the last words. "Who has proved himself a better strategist and a more qualified king. The truth is that I never wanted to be king. I did it for the sake of our people after a fierce war. I only want what is best for Argaria and I'm willing to accept that isn't me. I will work side by side with my cousin to ensure a smooth transition."

The group stirred quietly, nervous glances passing between them .

"What of the unrest with the common folk?" Edward Spellman asked.

Vincent's eyes narrowed on him. "What of it?"

Spellman pressed on, leaning forward in his chair. "If I may suggest—the farmers on my lands had a record season of crop production. We could quell their angst with a bit of free food."

Xander fought a smile. It was a small mercy that Spellman seemed as content to be a thorn in Vincent's side as he had been in Xander's. A man whose loyalty could be bought with power could always be purchased by someone else.

Vincent's jaw ticked. "Fine. I will do as you suggest and provide some food to them for these harsh winter months. But I'm increasing nightly patrols until the city settles down and if the food and oversight don't settle them, I will raise their taxes again. Let's make that known." He smoothed his tunic. "Now, if any of you feel that I'm incapable of handling this position, I will be happy to relieve you of your post and send you on your way."

From anyone else, the words wouldn't have sounded threatening, but the way Vincent menacingly eyed each person at the table let them know that compliance was survival.

Richard Chavers, one of the longest-serving council members, who'd served King Damian and was known for his leadership in their war with Olney, stood with a start. Xander's heart leapt into his throat. Days ago, when he and Vincent had met with Richard, he'd been stoic and said almost nothing.

"This is outrageous!" Richard snapped. "The boy might need some polish, but I will not stand by and let some usurper take the throne with violence. I knew your father. William Savero was a thief and a manipulator and it's clear you're made of similar?—"

Vincent moved so quickly that Xander didn't have time to shout a warning. His blade was in Richard's heart before he'd even finished his sentence. Vincent twisted the dagger before pulling it out, the sucking sound deafening in the silent room.

Richard was dead before his body hit the floor.

"Clean that up," Vincent said calmly to his guards. They bent and retrieved the body as Vincent wiped his blade on a handkerchief. "His family will be stripped of its title and it will be awarded to someone more suitable for our new vision for this kingdom. I'm not without a heart, though. They can keep their land. Any other takers?"

No one dared move.

Xander's gaze flicked back to Reese and Chris. He wasn't worried about Vincent noticing, since they'd always been his allies on the council. He gave them both a nod, letting them know to go along.

Reese clenched his jaw but nodded back and Chris sighed.

"Speak now or I'll assume that you're truly ready to steer this kingdom in the right direction," Vincent said.

Xander held his breath, but no one spoke up. Relief and betrayal warred in his chest. He found it hard to believe that all of the men on his council were content. Still, they were wise enough to assess the threat before they made a move.

"Very well. I just wanted to be certain we were on the same page. We can continue tomorrow, once this mess has been removed," Vincent said, sneering at the blood on the floor.

Chairs scraped against the floor as the council rushed to escape the room. The door clicked closed behind them, leaving Xander alone with Vincent.

"We need your wife," Vincent said.

"Jessamin fled during the attack and she won't be back, unless she returns with the Novumi army," Xander said.

Jessamin hadn't actually fled to Novum, but Xander wished she'd return with her army in tow as much as he wished she was safe and far away. Their relationship was brand new, and more friendly than romantic, but he'd grown fond of her quickly. They had shared a very special wedding night with the hopes that they'd soon have an heir. The best place for her was nowhere near Vincent.

"I need you to write to her and get her back here to help smooth things over," Vincent said.

"I will not invite my wife to her death."

Vincent cocked his head to the side as if he were regarding a child. "I promise not to harm Jessamin. I simply want to ensure our alliance for the time being. When you cease being useful, you'll die, which of course will be a terrible and hopefully gruesome accident. I will invite your lovely wife to stay."

Xander shook his head. "You're going to try to marry her?"

Vincent grinned. "Oh no, haven't you heard? I already have a fiancée. I'll be marrying an ex-goddess and former princess, Lady Cecilia Reznik."

Xander felt like he'd been plunged into the Bay of Endros in mid-winter. He was frozen with fear.

"It's just that you spoke so highly of her talents and, after having a taste, I want more." Vincent's taunt made Xander feel sick with rage and grief. "I want so much more . I want to spend my time taking more and more from her and watching you know that's exactly what I'm doing. Who knows, your misery is so delicious to watch it might even help you live longer."

It was hard to believe Vincent was the same cousin Xander had chased around as a boy, but desperation changed people. Xander might have spent most of his life undercover in an enemy court, but he had joy. Vincent spent his life in the eastern wastes between Argaria and Aldrena. It was desolate and cold and the people there were survivors but not the kind who prided themselves on community. They were the type to stand on the backs of the weak to move up in the world. He'd never known anything else.

"She won't agree with that," Xander mumbled.

"She already has. The only thing that foolish girl cares about is her guardian and maybe you. She wouldn't leave now, even if she could. So, the last piece to slide into place is your new princess wife."

"Why are you doing this? Why are you so cruel? I was just a child when you left," Xander said.

Vincent leveled him with a furious look. "Of course you don't know." He barked out a cruel laugh. "You really have no idea what your father has done. His lack of thought for his people is the least of his crimes. He saved a special cruelty for anyone who threatened his throne."

Dread pooled in Xander's chest, making it harder to breathe. His instinct was to deny it, but he had a sinking suspicion that he'd only seen hints of what his father was capable of.

"He had my mother killed, you know," Vincent said.

Xander swallowed hard. He didn't have many memories of his Aunt Ophelia. She'd been a great warrior before she married his Uncle. Xander only remembered that she had been a beautiful, kind woman who loved to ride horses and kept to herself.

Vincent's dark eyes drilled into him. "One minor disagreement with my father and he was written off after years of loyal service. He went from ally to threat in the blink of an eye. Your father started by killing my mother. He said he wanted to control threats to his legacy and if my father didn't get to the eastern wastes without argument, he'd kill me too."

Xander shook his head. He searched for a denial but he had none. "I didn't know."

"Of course not. You were too busy being treated like a little prince," Vincent said. "But we only made it a few days' ride from Ardenis when Damian must have decided that wasn't going far enough. His men chased us into the forest. My father made me hide and when they caught him, he wouldn't tell them where I was, so they made sure that he couldn't grow his legacy. They made him pay."

Xander frowned.

"They killed most of his men and made very sure he could not have any more children, Xander. He would have died if he hadn't left a few guards with me, including one of his hunters who was also a talented healer. He saved my father's life, but the damage was done. Damian counted on us withering. Easier to wait for one Savero nephew to die than to allow my father to create more children. That really got into my father's head. I think that was the last sane moment he had, but it was the moment that forged me."

Xander was speechless. His mind spun. He didn't want it to be true. He thought he'd made peace with his father's faults and cruelty, with the damage he'd done to the working-class people in Argaria, the people who'd been hurt most by his endless warmongering, but he'd only seen the tip of a horrifying iceberg .

He willed that to be the end of it, but Vincent spoke again. "I'd expected you to be more self-righteous, but I can see from the look on your face that you saw your father , Damian, for who he was."

The emphasis on the words "your father" was not lost on Xander. He didn't know how Vincent knew the truth. Perhaps he was just bluffing, but Xander forced himself not to react.

"We are all driven to survive and I have no problem getting down in the muck," Vincent said. "I like the challenge of dominating an opponent. You'd be surprised how just a little bit of cruelty inspires it in other men. I suppose we all have some kernel of bitterness inside us and when one of us is bold enough to nurture it, it stokes that same boldness in others. I seem to have attracted followers with similar proclivities."

Vincent's voice was so calm, his face strangely stoic. "Your Cece. Gods, she struggled . I can still feel her squirming against me. I can still hear the way she begged me not to. She has such a lovely scream. Makes me hard just thinking about it."

Xander's fists clenched. He ground his teeth together so hard he thought they'd shatter.

Vincent smirked. "It's the spirited ones that are the most fun to break. I don't think I need to remind you that you had your own chance at breaking her and, from what I've heard, you did a pretty good job."

Shame unspooled in Xander's mind. He hated the reminder of the way he'd hurt Cece, taken away the autonomy she fought so hard to hold on to.

"I would never do something like that to her."

Vincent shrugged. "You'd be wise to remind her to fall in line. What I did that night is the least I can do and, frankly, I can do that again as many times as I like, wherever I'd like, in front of whomever I'd like, and I'm not afraid of sharing if I'm too tired or bored."

There would be no getting through to his cousin, no reasoning with him. And even if Vincent's madness was King Damian's fault, Xander's legacy wouldn't be paying for the sins of a father who wasn't even his to claim. He refused to let his people be terrorized by yet another horrible king.

Xander wished for a weapon. He could hear Evan's voice in his head, reminding him he couldn't act until he knew where all of his people stood. Spellman was powerful, but if Xander simply killed Vincent now, he wouldn't have a chance to root out the poison under the surface.

"Now write your letter to your new wife and ask her to come to the table to negotiate," Vincent said.

There was no way Xander was letting Jessamin return to the castle while Vincent and his men were there.

Xander sighed. "I will write to Jessamin, but she's a strategist. I doubt she will come."

"Then tell her I'll kill you if she doesn't," Vincent said.

"You'll kill me anyway."

"Yes, but she doesn't know that."

A guard burst into the room. "Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption?—"

"I said I was not to be disturbed!"

"I know, Your Grace, it's just?—"

"Spit it out, man!" Vincent yelled impatiently.

"There's a woman at the gates who claims to be Princess Jessamin Orum."

Xander's stomach dropped while Vincent's face lit up.

"Look at that! She's saved us the trouble. Bring her in at once!" Vincent said. He sat back in his chair, gazing at Richard Chavers's blood seeping into the cracks in the floor.

"It's awfully late for a royal to expect to be seen," Xander said. The wind howled outside the windows as if agreeing with him. "It could be an assassin in disguise."

Vincent rolled his eyes.

Xander stood, brooding awkwardly off to the side. Castle Savero was the last place he wanted his new warrior queen. He paced nervously, tapping his thumb to each fingertip.

Finally, the doors opened and the queen walked in, followed by two of her guards decked out in lavender garb. Xander froze, forcing the confusion from his face. She looked at him, her brow pinched with concern.

"Xander," she purred, closing the distance between them and kissing him on the cheek.

Xander couldn't help but smile back at the beautiful woman standing in front of him. "Darling, what are you doing here? I wanted you to be safe and far away."

"I know, but they assured me that power had transferred peacefully to your cousin, and I wanted to come back for you. I cannot run from a fight," she said. She turned to Vincent, curtseying. "Your Grace."

Vincent stood and crossed the room, tracking bloody footprints in his wake. He kissed her hand. Jessamin's two guards, Freya and Nicholette, shifted nervously behind her, their hands poised on their blades. A creeping suspicion grew in Xander's mind.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry that we were not formally introduced before," Vincent said. "I was quite busy during your wedding with all of my men who were acting as security."

Xander's heartbeat kicked up, and he held his breath, trying to remember if Jessamin and Vincent had ever been closer than across the room at a party.

"I'm happy to be of service to the kingdom, but I came back to ensure the safety of my husband. I've sent word to my mother, and she hoped that I would visit by month's end with my new husband. She was quite insistent since the wedding was so rushed and she hadn't met him yet. She's hoping to have a Novumi ceremony to celebrate there," she said.

"That sounds festive, but I'm afraid you might have to postpone a bit since there's so much to do here. We will make sure that happens as soon as possible," Vincent said, slipping back into his old accommodating William Arvato voice.

How easily Vincent had played Xander, his friends, and the entire Argarian royal council.

"I hope Your Majesty will forgive me and my guards, but I'm quite tired from our travel," she said. "I hoped my husband could escort me to our room so that I might wash and rest."

"Of course. Xander, go spend some time with your wife and please don't forget all we've talked about," Vincent threatened.

Xander nodded and held out his arm. She took it and walked with him through the halls all the way to their room. Her scent hit him as they walked, tugging at a memory he couldn't quite call up without his magic. He waited until the bedroom door was closed and her guards were stationed outside before he turned to the woman.

"I don't know who you are, but you're certainly not my wife," Xander said.

She grinned at him. "Ah, but you do know me."

He could see it now in her expressive eyes. "Isla?"

She smiled and Xander knew he was right. When he'd met her before, he'd only seen her eyes, the rest of her shrouded by a veil.

"Queen Jessamin's cousin and royal decoy at your service. Let's hope that the new king didn't make me as easily as you did. Now sit down. I have so much to tell you."

Xander's relief was so strong his knees almost gave out. "So Jess is fine?"

"Yes. She's with Maren, Evan, Cal, and Sylvie, but she was losing her mind being trapped there, so they decided they could send me as backup."

Xander's gaze passed over her, assessing the slight difference in appearance between Isla and his wife. Isla's skin tone was a bit lighter, with a dusting of freckles across her nose, and her eyes were closer to amber than Jessamin's warm brown, but their height and build were almost identical.

"It's uncanny. Even your mannerisms are the same," he said.

Isla nodded. "I've studied Jessamin since we were girls and part of my testing as a decoy required passing for her at several court events. I've spent as much time studying her as I have studying weaponry and battle strategy." She sat in the chair by the fire, an eerie shadow of Jessamin .

"Don't you ever miss being yourself?" Xander asked. The question slipped out and Isla looked shaken by it.

"Can I not be both? You see, I've instantly switched out of character now that we're here and while I'm sure you haven't challenged your wife in combat, I assure you that you'd notice our differences there."

Xander fought off a grin. "And which of you would win? I was under the impression that my wife is the fiercest warrior in Novum."

Isla scoffed. "You can't be serious, Your Majesty."

"Xander," he corrected. "Or darling , if you prefer."

Isla bit her lip and smiled at him. "Xander," she said. "She'd like to think she'd win, but she's gone soft from time spent princess-ing." Isla unpinned her elaborately braided hair. "Plus, you and I have sparred once before. You should remember looking up at me from your back."

Xander smirked. "A view I'll not soon forget and perhaps one we could revisit."

Isla pressed on. "I accused you of being a pretty face surrounded by pandering idiots. Turns out I was wrong. You were surrounded by traitors."

"But you feel the same about my pretty face?" Xander asked.

She ignored the question, continuing to unpin her hair before removing several blades from her bodice. Without warning, she hiked up her billowing skirt, offering a flash of her long legs as she untied one of her boots. She glanced up like she was testing him.

Xander crossed his arms, leaning against the wall to watch her. When she was satisfied with his attention, she started on the other boot.

He pulled off his own boots before tugging off his tunic and undershirt, tossing them in a basket in the corner as Isla stood and looked at him. Her eyes went wide as they passed over his bare chest, her gaze lingering an extra moment on the scar over his heart.

"Well, I suppose you could have saved me some energy with the undressing you just gave me with your eyes," Xander said.

Isla huffed out a breath, but her cheeks and the tips of her ears turned dark pink as she stalked across the room, placing her dagger on the nightstand. "If I had known, I would have turned around," she said.

"I'll sleep on the sitting room couch," Xander said.

"Nonsense," Isla said. "I'm quite certain that we're both mature enough to sleep in the same bed and we don't need servants noticing and starting rumors. You and Jess need to appear to be a united front."

"I will keep my hands to myself," Xander assured her.

She studied him for a moment, holding his gaze as she slipped out of her dress and tossed it on a chair. Xander tried not to stare at her ass in her lacy underwear as she crossed to the closet to change into a nightgown, but Isla caught him looking.

"See something you like?" she teased.

He shook his head and looked away. "Sorry, I?—"

"I'd be more insulted if you didn't look. I'd be disappointed that the notorious royal flirt, Xander Savero, didn't think me worthy of his attentions."

"Notorious royal flirt?"

"I wanted to know what all the fuss is about," she said with a grin.

Xander couldn't help but smile. "Oh, I assure you that any fuss you've heard is probably underselling my skill."

"Really?" Isla said, her eyes lit with amusement.

"Certainly. Just let me know when you'd like me to prove it."

"When? Not if?" Isla asked. "Cocky."

"You have no idea," Xander said, unbuttoning his pants.

"We'll see," she said.

"I normally sleep naked, but I don't want to show everything at once. I wouldn't want you to get too attached too quickly," Xander taunted.

"That won't be an issue," Isla said.

"And why not?"

"Because one man has never held my attention long enough for attachment to form."

"I suspect that will change," Xander said .

Isla laughed. "It's a shame I don't find you as compelling as you find yourself."

"You wouldn't be the first woman to be mistaken about that."

"And you wouldn't be the first man I've met whose opinion of himself rivals the gods," Isla countered.

Xander laughed. "The gods aren't so great, trust me. I've met several and most of them are assholes."

"Well, in that case, perhaps your opinion is more self-aware than I realized," Isla said, rolling away from him.

Xander laughed as he climbed into bed and blew out the candle on the nightstand.

"Good night, darling ," he whispered. He smiled up at the ceiling and for the first time in months, he fell asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.