Chapter Five-A Claim Most Improper
"You made me sleep in your chambers so you could take advantage of me, no? How utterly regal of you, Your Majesty. To defy a maiden's will, is that your idea of honour?" Lola accused, her voice sharp with indignation.
Gabriel, seated leisurely at the long table, made a motion to speak but was quickly silenced by a subtle gesture from Xander. Instead, he smirked and reclined further, clearly amused by the drama unfolding before him.
"Did I defy you, young lady?" Xander asked, his tone even. His eyes, however, were fixed on her with pointed interest.
Lola hesitated. She looked down at herself, inspecting her body, untouched, unharmed. Realisation dawned, and she bit her lower lip, embarrassed.
"You've nothing to say?" he pressed, watching her stumble over her thoughts. "Save it. It is clear you speak before your brain catches up. You're not being mistreated, merely... disciplined."
"Disciplined?" Lola echoed, her tone tinged with disbelief. "By placing me in your royal bedchamber?"
He raised a brow. "You kissed me, uninvited, in the presence of my court. Would it not be just that I keep the bold culprit where I can see her?"
Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "You're still on about that kiss, I…"
Xander lifted a finger, cutting her off. "Nothing you say will change your fate. You'll remain in my chambers as punishment. Unless, of course, you'd prefer I begin with your friends instead."
At that, her companions sat up straighter, eyes wide with alarm.
"There's no need to be extreme, my Lord!" Julian exclaimed, rising with a bow. "You may keep her as long as you wish. No objections."
The others nodded quickly in agreement, murmuring their approval.
Lola spun toward them, betrayed. "Traitors!" she hissed under her breath.
Xander chuckled. "Worry not. I will not lay a finger on you." He glanced at her pointedly. "You're not even my type."
She gasped. "I beg your pardon?"
He smirked. "I said, you're not my type."
Lola folded her arms, lifting her chin. "I'll have you know, I'm considered quite the beauty. Men seek me wherever I go."
"Are you trying to seduce me now, madam?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Of course not!" she snapped. "You're certainly not my type either."
"Curious," Xander mused aloud. "One would not know that from your earlier claims."
Unable to counter, Lola marched to her seat and sat down with a huff. Her friends tried to stifle their laughter unsuccessfully, until she cast them a deadly glare, silencing them instantly.
"She's terribly easy to fluster," Xander thought, highly entertained.
He reclined in his chair, casting a glance at Gabriel, who now wore a full grin.
"And what are you still doing here, Flynn?" Xander asked lazily.
Gabriel shrugged, lifting his goblet. "Would you miss a performance of this calibre? The palace is never this entertaining. Normally, it's all stiff collars and dull conversation."
As the rest of the group began to dig into their breakfast, one young maiden remained still. Her eyes held a quiet intensity, her demeanor far removed from the laughter and chaos around her.
"I must ask for a moment of clarity, my Lord," she said softly, yet with confidence.
All eyes turned to her. Even Gabriel, who'd been thoroughly invested in Lola's banter, now looked up, sharply intrigued.
The room fell silent.
Xander leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his gaze curious.
"And what is it you wish to clarify... Miss?"