Alec’s

I still struggle with my training, I'm not gonna lie, but then again, I'm not an overachiever or a perfectionist like Xena is. I'm more down to earth and prefer things flowing as they should without trying to force things. If I don't get a certain technique in the first trial like Xena, I no longer let it bother me.

We sit in silence for a moment before I pull her into a hug. I really missed her. And holding her like this... it melts away a lot of the tension I've carried lately.

"So," I ask once we pull apart, "any cute boys on the horizon?"

Technically speaking, we aren't allowed to date. We are supposed to wait for our mates, but that doesn't stop a girl from having a few crushes here and there. It's normal and I would never judge.

She blushes.

I blink. Did Xena just blush? My sister, the intimidating perfectionist?

"That blush says otherwise," I grin.

She shakes her head quickly. “It's nothing. I'm too busy for that.”

Sure, Xena. Sure.

"I don't buy it," I tease.

Truth be told, it makes me happy. I've always been afraid that she'd be too focused, too determined for her own good. Afraid she'd reject her mate, or worse, never find someone who could match her intensity.

We were told all about mates, and we know that you can reject your mate. It's not accepted, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.

"What about you?" she asks, changing the subject. "You always talked about meeting your mate. Anyone you feel a connection to yet?"

I sigh. "No one. I know we're supposed to meet them at twenty-one, but sometimes it feels so far away. I just want to settle down and start a family."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "You're sixteen, Nyx. Most girls our age are thinking about dresses and balls, not babies."

"I know. I don't really understand it either. I've just... always wanted a family. Sooner rather than later."

She frowns. "But what about the kingdom? There's so much to do before you can even think of having children. Even if you find your mate right at twenty-one and tie the knot, you'd have to wait."

The kingdom. Right.

I know it sounds selfish, but the kingdom is the last thing on my mind.

"And that's why the kingdom has you, Xena." I take her hands.

Her mouth parts in shock. "But... you're meant to be Queen after Mother steps down."

I shake my head slowly. "We both know I've never wanted the crown. I'm the eldest by seventeen minutes, but let's be honest-everyone thinks you're the firstborn. You carry yourself like it. You were born to rute."

She blinks, stunned.

"I was supposed to have you as my second-in-command," I continue, "but I knew from the start that I'd abdicate. You're the one who

deserves this. After everything net

you've worked for... I trust no one else."

"But-"

"No buts," I cut in gently. "We hold the power. That means we can change the rules. You, Xena, will be the next Queen."

Silence. Her eyes are wide, disbelief written all over her face.

"Just promise me one thing," I whisper, locking eyes with her. "Don't let anything come between us. I don't ever want to lose you, Xena. Promise me we won't drift again."noveldrama

She pulls me into a hug. "I promise."

And her voice is so strong, so full of conviction... that I believe her.

I shouldn't have.

Because I never imagined she'd be the one to betray me.

I never imagined she'd be the one to crush my heart like it was nothing but worthless garbage.