Xenovia
For a moment, Xenovia was stunned into silence. The one thing she never expected to run across on her trek through the Flower Forest, an area well known for being impenetrable, was another human. Yet here she was, face to face with what seemed to be a lone traveler!
She gazed at the man, examining him thoroughly. His clothing was made of high quality materials and looked to be ideal for any type of weather. The leather was new and strong, and lined with warm wool. It was also dark in color, making it easy to blend into one’s natural surroundings if necessary. Not only that, the man’s appearance was very handsome. He was tall, with a muscular build and a strong jaw. His hair was a dark auburn color and reached down past his shoulders. His eyes on the other hand were a bright grey color and sparkled almost like silver. It was his stare, however, that had her the most entranced, for it was wild and full of cunning, reminding her of a wolf on the prowl.
“Who are you?” the stranger inquired in a low voice, watching her warily.
“I think I’m the one who should be asking you that question,” she retorted quietly.
“Is that so?” he chuckled.
Xenovia nodded. "Good sir, it seems you are unaware that these woods belong to the king of Luxo. They are off-limits to travelers like yourself, as the path has been deemed unsafe.”
A wry smile spread across the man’s rugged face. “What exactly are you doing out here then?”
“I happen to have permission to traverse through this area. But what are you, a trespasser?”
“On the contrary, I am a simple traveler. I got lost on my way home and wound up here by accident.”
Xenovia’s eyes narrowed. That was a lie if she ever heard one!
“I don’t believe you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Why you-!”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way,” he said, interrupting her as he turned to leave.
She ran over to block his path and put both hands on her hips. “Hold it right there!”
He paused, though she could tell it was done unwillingly. “Yes?”
“As a public servant appointed by the king, it is my duty to report any suspicious activity to him directly. And you are acting extremely suspicious,” she declared.
“You are a public servant of the king?”
“Of the highest rank,” she lied.
The man cocked his head to the side and eyed her up and down. “Interesting.”
Xenovia could feel her stomach flutter. “I beg your pardon?”
He shook his head. “Oh nothing, I was just thinking that you must be lying.”
“Lying?”
“Yes, for you are not dressed like a public servant. Nor are you being escorted by any guards, as is mandatory for any appointed official.”
Xenovia was shocked. This civilian was anything but ignorant! Nevertheless, it was too late to change her story to something more believable.
“You dare to insult me?!” she snapped.
He shrugged. “I have often heard that the men of the House of Basileos like to indulge in wine and enjoy themselves. So, I will instead presume that you are a dancer or singer on her way back from entertaining the king in secret.”
“Do I look like a dancer or a singer?” she scoffed.
“You certainly are pretty enough for the job. Although, I still find it strange that the king would allow such a lovely woman to leave his side without sending at least one person to protect her.”
Xenovia gasped at his implied notion. “As I told you, I am a public servant. The only reason I am traveling alone is because I am not a helpless maiden in need of protection!”
“Are you sure about that?” he asked, taking one step closer. “The world can be a dangerous place for a lady like yourself.”
At once, she pulled out her dagger. “Perhaps the world is a bit more dangerous for those looking to pick a fight.”
The stranger burst out in loud laughter. “My! You truly are a fiery little miss. But I have no quarrel with you, so if you will let me, I shall depart.”
Xenovia frowned. “But you haven’t told me who you are or what you’re doing here!”
“You know, it may not be wise to go confronting strangers in the woods.”
“As an appointed official, it is my job to uphold justice. And as someone trained for combat, I have nothing to fear from a lone traveler.”
The man took another step forward, instinctively causing her to take a step back. “Still, you should be more careful.”
“In the end, what business is it of yours?” she snapped with embarrassment.
“I suppose it isn’t, but it is good advice nonetheless. Especially for someone as naïve and dimwitted as yourself.”
Naïve and dimwitted!?
Xenovia examined the man one more time. “Just who did you say you were again?”
“I didn’t.”
“Well, maybe it’s time that you did.”
The traveler paused. “Or what?”
“Or, by order of the king, I will have you arrested for trespassing!” She replied.
He crossed his arms, looking amused. “You and what army?”
“What makes you think I need an army?”
The man just sighed. “Look, if you know what’s good for you, then leave. Before I change my mind.”
“Change your mind? Just who do you think you are to threaten me!?”
“What does it matter? You’re clearly not a public servant of the king.”
“And you’re clearly not a lost traveler on his way home!” she shot back. “In fact, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were acting more like a criminal on the run!”
The traveler began to shake his head, a look of pity reflected in his silver stare. It sent shivers down Xenovia’s back and sent her heart into a frenzy. He once again reminded her of a wolf, one who was solely focused on the prey in front of him. Being called a criminal made something shift in him, and his next words filled Xenovia with fear.
“I really wish you hadn’t said that,” he grumbled.
She gulped. Uh oh…
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