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C R O W N E D

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Tossing his pillow up into the air and then catching it in his hands was what Kaleb was doing over and over again in his room. He was bored out of his mind but since all of his companions were busy with their own lives, there wasn't much he could do. Suddenly, there was a knock on his door and he granted the visitor entrance. "Young master," the maid bowed. Hearing her voice, the boy automatically tossed the pillow back onto the bed and sat up.

"What's the report?" he questioned, face stiff and blank.

"The young miss has actually begun to communicate with your friend, Xavier," she informed. At the news, Kaleb's eyes unconsciously widened. "Recently, he has also been the one delivering her food and I think she's eating again. When he comes back out, he is smiling and the bowl is less full. It's not empty but I can tell it's been touched."

"Is that so?" Kaleb pushed himself up and stood on his feet. "So you're saying that other than Xavier, she hasn't spoken to anyone else?"

"It seems so," the maid replied.

"I understand. Just go back to work for now," he instructed. Hearing the door close, Kaleb let out an exasperated sigh. He rubbed his temples and then ran a palm over his face. "Why do I care about her well-being?" he droned. "Stupid girl. Starve yourself for all I care."

Meanwhile, in Irina's room were Xavier and the said girl. "Here, eat some more," he prodded as he held out another spoonful of porridge for her to consume. She looked at him hesitantly before she bent down and took the food into her mouth. Slowly and carefully, she swallowed. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" The boy smiled, ecstatic that she was finally willing to comply. "I'm really happy that you're willing to give me a chance."

Irina hung her head low and withdrew to the corner of the bed. The same corner where she always sat at. "I'm only giving you a chance because you remind me of Lyra," she let out quietly. "My sister would always nag me whenever I skipped a meal because of lessons." A sad, bittersweet smile graced her lips as she reminisced about those fond memories. "But you got one thing right, Xavier. I will never be the same girl I was ever again. Not after everything I've been through."

"I know and I don't expect you to be." He nodded in comprehension. After their last meeting, the meeting where Xavier had told Irina to look at him as an older brother, their relationship had taken a step in the right direction. Yes, Irina was reluctant about his offer at first but as he continued to talk to her and visit her daily (when no one else did) she saw that he was genuinely concerned about her well-being. However, it was only when she spotted the tears rolling down his cheeks that she realized she wasn't alone. How could she forget about how much he had to endure?

"I'm sorry," she confessed gently.

Xavier blinked in surprise as he set the plate down and looked at Irina. "What are you apologizing for? As long as you're eating and sleeping now, I won't be worried as much anymore," he said and he meant it, every single word.

She shook her head and lifted her gaze to meet his. "I'm sorry I never asked if you were okay. You—you were there when the execution happened, weren't you? You witnessed her..." Her voice cracked and Irina couldn't find the strength or bravery to complete her question. It hurt too much and from the crestfallen expression Xavier was currently sporting she could tell it was hurting him as well. "I'm sorry," she said again.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Xavier croaked. He knew it wasn't her fault that Lyra died and he wasn't going to hold it against her that she was alive. He could never do something like that. Lyra told him to take care of her little sister and that was what he was planning to do.

"It must be hard for you," Irina commented cautiously. "You lost your mate."

"It is hard," he agreed numbly.

"But you know what's also hard?" she inquired, causing him to look at her with a confused expression. "Not being with your mate when you know you could be."

For a second, it took Xavier a moment to compute what she had just said. Then his eyes rounded and his mouth fell open. "You—you found your mate? Is that what you're saying?" he stuttered, dumbfounded.

"I did." Again, another bittersweet smile. "But I had to leave him behind. And the saddest thing about it all is I never even got to tell him who he was to me. How important he is to me."

"Wait." Xavier shook his head in disbelief. "Your mate... he was that boy whom Kaleb nearly killed, isn't he?"

"He is," she confirmed. "And I know I'm not supposed to return to the kingdom but I just want to see him one last time." Her eyes shone with hope as she gazed at Xavier.

The boy immediately shot up from his seat and shook his head feverishly once he understood what she was implying. "No, Irina, you can't," he proclaimed protectively. "You can't go see him because when you do, you won't want to leave his side. I can't allow that to happen. Did you forget that you're also a wanted felon there? The noblemen are still searching for you. What do you think will happen if he finds out who you really are? Do you think he'll be able to love you and protect you for the rest of your life? A mere human?"

"I don't care if he loves me. I don't care if he's a human. I just want to see him. I want to see if he's okay," she murmured. "Please," she begged. "You should know better than anyone else how painful it must be for me to be apart from him. Just one time and I promise I won't ever ask to see him again. If you take me, I'll listen and do everything you tell me to do. I'll eat. I'll sleep. I'll bathe. I won't lock myself up in the room anymore. Just to see him one more time. Is that too much to ask for? I won't even approach him," she compromised desperately. "I'll look at him from a distance."

"Irina." Xavier averted his gaze and nibbled on his bottom lip. "I'm sorry but I can't. It's too risky."

"But isn't love worth it?" she fired back. "Please. You said you would be my family, yes? Well, as a member of my family, you should support me. If not, I won't ever trust you again. I will return back to the days where I ignored you and everything else in this world. Is that what you want?"

His eyes landed back on her and his face had hardened. "Are you threatening me right now?"

"If it's the only way you'll take me to see him, then so be it," Irina said brazenly.

Xavier clenched his jaw and glared at her. It was dead silent before he let out a deep and heavy sigh. "Just one time." He held up a finger to emphasize what he was saying. "After, you must never ask me to do something like this again."

Irina nearly cried tears of joy and quickly placed a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. "Really?" she asked in elation. "Will you really take me to see him?"

"I will." He nodded. "But not today. We have to wait a few days. If I just take you out, it'll be too suspicious. Even Gideon would object to this."

She lowered her hand back down. "So what are we supposed to do?"

"Well first, young lady, you're going to have to bathe. We have to show everyone that you're coming back to your senses. We'll take it one day at a time. You'll obviously have to eat and sleep everyday if you want to fool these Rogues," he muttered in case someone was eavesdropping. Since the house was built within a cave, the walls did a good job at soundproofing the room but it wasn't impossible for someone to listen in on them if they strained hard enough.

"Okay, I'll do it." She obliged. "If it means getting to see my mate one last time, I'll do anything."

"Good." He smiled softly. "Should I ask them to draw you a bath then?"

Irina gave the idea some thought. "Actually," she began, "will it be okay if  I bathed by the waterfall? You know the one we passed by on our return? I've always wanted to wash myself in a fresh body of water. My father used to tell me how revitalizing it felt when he went as a child."

"But that's out in the open," Xavier pointed out, his voice showing signs of disapproval. "What if someone watches you? Male Rogues are pretty perverted. Some would probably join you too. Well, with the exception of yours truly of course."

"But it's really secluded," Irina assured. "And if we go at night, I'm sure no one would be around," she reasoned.

"We? What do you mean we? I'm not bathing with you!" Xavier exclaimed, his cheeks turning pink.

Irina pursed her lips out as her brows scrunched together. "I don't want to bathe with you either," she remarked. "You'll be on lookout. That's all."

"Oh," Xavier exhaled, relieved. "Fine. If that's what you really want. When the sun sets, we'll head out."

"Wouldn't Gideon say something though?" she pondered.

"He has a meeting this evening and won't get home until midnight. We just have to tell the maids. If they find anything sketchy, their suspicions will surely be put to rest when you return. This could also be beneficial for us when we decide to cross the border," he explained thoroughly. "Does that sound like a plan?" Irina flashed him a sincere smile and nodded. I hope I don't regret this, Lyra, thought Xavier.

* * *

"I'll be patrolling the area. If you hear me howl twice that means someone's nearby and you should get dressed. Understood?" Xavier asked as they stood by the lake. "And if you have a hard time seeing, use your wolf's eyesight. It helps at night."

She blinked, confounded. "How am I supposed to do that?"

"Just close your eyes and focus on changing them," he answered. She clamped her eyes shut and tried to do as she was told. "Now open them." To their dismay, Irina's orbs were still blue. "Hm, what did you say your mate's name was again?"

"Lucas," Irina automatically replied and when she blinked again, he saw her eyes gleam a golden auburn.

"Just keep thinking about him then. Sometimes, your wolf senses are connected to your emotions as well. Now look around. Doesn't it look clearer?" To his word, Irina was able to see everything before her with much ease.

"I didn't know I could do this," she gasped.

"There are a lot of things you can do. But you should really get in. We don't want to stay out too long," he reminded. "And remember, if you hear me howling twice, get out of here. We'll meet by that huge tree we encountered on our way here."

"Got it," Irina answered. Watching as the older boy left, she exhaled and glanced around. When she saw nothing or heard anything out of the ordinary other than the sound of the waterfall, she relaxed and began to undress. After they had told the maids about where they were going, she was given an extra set of clothes along with a comb to help detangle her bird's nest. She could tell they were hesitant to let them go but since Xavier assured them of her return, they were not of hindrance.

The cool air began to kiss her bare skin and Irina shivered. She was completely naked once she slipped out of her undergarments. As she stepped into the water, she was surprised at how warm it felt. It was still summer after all. Walking a little further into the lake, she stopped once the water hovered just above her chest. Her most private parts were concealed and she let out a breath of exhalation. Holding her nose, she closed her eyes and submerged her whole body under water.

Meanwhile, Kaleb was wandering around the area at the same time. He didn't know what he was doing by this particular waterfall but he just felt the need to go there. He had been out since the afternoon, trying to find something that could possibly entertain him. And for the last hour or so, he got all the entertainment and attention he wanted from a pair of sisters. But while he was with them, he couldn't help it as she invaded his mind. He never visited Irina personally. He just told the maid to report her status to him like she had done earlier. For some reason, Kaleb just couldn't bring himself to witness her in such a weak and pitiful state.

Entranced with his own thoughts, Kaleb didn't even realize that he had already arrived by the lake's shore. Next, he felt himself stepping on something and when he peered down, he was stunned to find women's clothing sprawled out on the ground. Then his eyes rounded hearing someone suddenly breaking the water's surface. Normally, the boy wouldn't bother to hide but this time, he found himself perched up against a neighboring tree.

Listening closely, he could hear a soft hum and the rippling of the water. Ever so slowly, he poked his head out to see who it was that was swimming in a lake at this hour. When he had her backside in view, his breath got caught in his throat as he quickly pulled his head back. He didn't need to see her face to be able to identify her. The familiar healing wound on her shoulder told him all he needed to know. He knew he had seen those clothes somewhere before. How the hell did she come out here on her own? Didn't she think about what the boys around here are capable of?

As Kaleb was scolding the foolish girl in his mind, he heard her releasing numerous sighs of content, which sounded more like seductive moans to him. Not being able to resist the urge, he peered over to her again and this time, he was able to see her face perfectly. The rays from the moon made her glow and he swallowed down the saliva which had pooled in his mouth as he watched her tilt her head back while her hands delicately scrubbed her neck and shoulders. She was so tempting. Suddenly, he felt envious of the water. His eyes trailed everything that belonged to her. From her pretty face adorned with a small smile to her flawless figure (at least the parts that were not hidden from him). Soon enough he felt his blood rushing south and his pants tightening as she released another sensual sigh.

Kaleb glanced down and bit on his bottom lip. This—this was not what he wanted. He did not want to get turned on at a time like this. Especially not if she was the reason for his hard-on. Shit. What the hell. She didn't even touch you. It was rare for him to fall into this kind of state just from looking at somebody. Add the fact it was only because of Irina's exposed shoulders and neck stupefied even him. Was he that weak when it came to her? Did she have that much power over him?

"Ah, this feels so good." Irina breathed out as she splashed some water onto her face. Her father was right. Bathing in a fresh body of water was rejuvenating. Cleaning herself up, Irina froze when she thought she heard a rustle. Her eyes had been clamped shut the entire time and when she shot them open, she scanned the vicinity with much caution. There was nobody as far as she could tell and since Xavier didn't howl, she figured it was just the wind and her paranoia setting in. Shaking her head, she let out a soft chuckle before she returned bathing.

"And just what are you doing? Are you enjoying the show as well?" someone whispered, catching Kaleb off guard. When he turned to his right, he was surprised to find Peter smirking at him. "What? Did I say something wrong again?"

"What the hell are you doing here?" he hissed in a hushed tone.

"Me? Well, I was just enjoying my book behind the waterfall, minding my own business and all." Peter showed him the novel he was reading as proof. "But then she appeared with Xavier and before I could leave, she just stripped in front of me. I have to say, she is definitely someone I wouldn't mind sharing my bed with."

"You asshole, you were spying on her?" Kaleb sneered, his anger boiling.

"Don't be such a hypocrite," Peter scoffed. "You're doing the same thing." Kaleb was about to continue their banter when he heard a low growl. They both looked up and saw Xavier standing there in his wolf form, bearing his teeth viciously at them. The look in his icy blue eyes was murderous and that was when they knew they had fucked up.

* * *

"What happened to your faces?" Holden gawked with his mouth hanging wide open. Peter and Kaleb glanced at each other before they winced and shuddered at the remembrance of that night. If the two of them hadn't changed into their wolf forms, Xavier would have definitely killed them; shredded their bodies into a million pieces. They were certain of that fact. He was merciless and lethal when he had caught both of them secretly watching Irina bathe and the huge, contused bruises around Kaleb's left eye and cheek bone, along with the large cut and busted lip Peter's face was decorated with, were all the evidence they needed to prove that they were really at death's doorstep.

"Xavier went completely mad when he found me and Peter by the lake. That's what happened," Kaleb snarled as he touched his cheek which was still throbbing.

"But it was totally worth it." Peter smirked. "I mean, after all of these nights I still can't get the image of her body out of head. I bet when she's older she's going to be one curvaceous woman."

"Just who the hell are you talking about?" Holden questioned, more than lost.

"Who else?" Peter snorted. "There's only one girl I could think of that Xavier would nearly slaughter us over."

"You're talking about Irina, aren't you," Marcus said. His remark was more of a statement than an inquiry.

His brother winked at him. "Bingo."

"No way!" Holden exclaimed. "Are you saying the two of you were watching her when she bathed?"

"No!" "Yes." Kaleb and Peter answered at the same time.

Hearing Kaleb's untruthful answer, the deer-eyed boy sent his friend a quirked brow. "What are you talking about, Kaleb? You were totally checking her out. You even had a boner. Not that I didn't have one either." Peter shrugged as though it was no big deal.

"Is her body that worthy?" Holden ran a thumb over his bottom lip and started imagining the said girl without any type of clothes on.

"I think we should quit talking about her. If Xavier did that to your faces, he wouldn't hesitate to do the same to us," Marcus suggested. He may love women, but no women was worth dying for. "And I don't know about you guys, but I like my face."

"Seriously," Kaleb agreed. "I forgot how ruthless that bastard could be when he was pissed."

It was dead silent before Holden spoke up again, "So out of ten, what would you rate her as?"

"Definitely a solid eight. I'm telling you though, in a few years she'll be exceeding your scale," Peter answered confidently, forgetting about his brother's words.

Marcus clucked his tongue and shook his head. "You two are going to die if you keep this up."

"But aren't you just dying to know the details as well?" Holden shot back.

Marcus thought about it before he shook his head again. "She's too young for me. I like older women," he said. "And speaking of older women,"—he glanced up at the sun to tell the time—"It seems like I have an appointment to catch." A sly simper came across his face and before any of them could say