Nix arrived back at The Flay’s home not long after 4pm. No one seemed to be home, so Nix warmed up some leftover meatloaf, slipped into an old t-shirt and sweatpants, and sat in her room enjoying the quiet. Beethoven always played throughout the house, Nix loved this. The music helped her relax, she lay back on her bed and closed her eyes.
Hours later, Nix shot up in her bed. Shoot, I fell asleep she thought as she scrambled to see what the time was. 8pm? I’m late! Nix jumped up and threw on some jeans and a sweatshirt. She dashed down the stairs, to the Legion board members sitting in the Dining Hall.
“Nice of you to join us,” spat Lia who was standing annoyingly close to Dim. Nix rolled her eyes and walked over to Trista.
“Did I miss much?” Nix asked, sitting in the empty spot next to Trista on the bench.
“Not at all! We’ve only sat around chatting about silly things,” she said, her usual bubbly self. “I’ve only just got here myself,” she shrugged, laying her head on Nix shoulder. Nix looked towards Dim, who caught her eye. He began towards her.
“Hello, Ladies.” He smiled so beautifully, Nix couldn’t help but smile at his scruff he has grown on his face. He eyed her, bit his lip, and ran his hands through his hair.
“Phee, you look beautiful.” She rolled her eyes, “You’re going to have to be able to stop yourself from thinking about me during this meeting, or you’ll make it very hard to get through.” Trista rolled her eyes and pretended to throw up. Nix narrowed her eyes, but decided to play along with his tease,
“Well, my thoughts would be easier controlled if you would just grace me with at least a kiss.” Trista giggled, knowing Nix was pushing her brother. He furrowed his brows and walked towards her. He pulled her up from her sitting position, wrapping his arms around her waist and dipped her down. Trista screeched, covering her eyes in disgust. Dim pushed Nix’s hair from her face, leaned in, opened his perfectly plump lips slightly, and kissed her… on the forehead.
Nix shoved him off, while he laughed.
“Be patient young blood,” he continued to smile, “Maybe after the party tonight,” he gave a wink. She rolled her eyes sitting back down with her best friend,
“Isn’t it funny how he thinks that he can just decide on when he ‘gets me’, Trista? Pretty big head he has knowing he will be king. Dim why don’t you just go shack up with Lia again tonight. We all know she wouldn’t turn you down.” Nix spit her words with a fire in her stomach and Dim glare with black eyes at her accusations. Lia walked up as Nix was finishing,
“I heard my name?” She said in her cheeky voice.
Liliana had beautiful silky red hair that grew past the middle of her back. She almost always had it curled, and she never needed makeup. Her eyelashes were long, her eyes blue, and she was perfectly built in every way. She had a few freckles that lined right under each eye and her lips were always thick and looked soft. Her parents were part of the Legion board, Mr. and Mrs. Flay are very fond of them.
“Hello Liliana,” Dim kissed her cheek, “Nix was just suggesting I come and speak with you. Would you join me?” He held his arm up, she giggled and took it. They both strolled away as if they were lovers, all the while Dim fuming from Nix’s words. Nix turned to her best friend to change the subject. Her friend went into a deep conversation about a colleague from work.
As Trista talked, Nix couldn’t help but watch Dim. Lia hung on him, running her hands on his back and his arm. Nix could feel the hate in her stomach growing darker. She watched as he smirked. Did he know she was watching him, or was Lia just reaching all the good spots? Nix sighed and looked back at Trista.
“... and then she concocted the perfect flame,” Trista said in awe.
“Wait, your coworker is part witch?” Nix should’ve listened more intently.
“So? You’re a half-blood,” she stated in a matter of fact way.
“No, I just think thats interesting. Very cool, is all, but remember your status. It will be hard to be with a half-blood.” Trista shook her head.
“Nix, your fathers beliefs aren’t yours.” Nix was surprised at her comment, also at herself. She’s right. Nix smiled and tossed her hands up in defense. They both laughed at there small quarrel, and moved to the table that the demons were circling at. Dim stood at the head of the table.
“My uncle, King Cabbette, will not be joining us. He, my father, and mother went to the Talia Legion to set bases and speak of a peace treaty. With myself being your future King and Nix your Queen,” Nix jumped at her name and looked up with everyone looking at her. She smiled wearily, as each board member nodded towards her presence. Lia’s fuming eyes met Nix. She placed a hand on Dim's shoulder, to show Nix she didn’t have him fully.
Probably never will, Nix thought to herself. Suddenly a burst from the door startled the group.
“Sir! Sir!” Lennyn ran into the room, soaked from being out in the pouring rain.
Lennyn has always been by Dimetree’s side. Once Dim was the age of 5 years old, he was matched with a child who would be trained to fight next to him and help keep the Legion safe. Lennyn was a tall, stocky man with black hair that was shaved on the sides. He had the tattoo of our legion streaked down his right arm muscles that showed he was a Calvert Legion protector. Having this tattoo proved you were a part of the Legion and not an imposter. A witch designed the tattoo, making it impossible to copy exactly. Lennyn was always Dim’s voice of reason and has helped him face his darkness, learning to control it. Trista elbowed Nix and pretended to wipe drool from her chin. Both girls giggled.
“Lennyn, what is it?” Dim pushed away from Lia and walked towards a wet Lennyn. Lia rejoined her parents, looking proud of her accomplishments with Dim. Lennyn bowed to Dim, and showed him his arm.
“The exile is back. They are running the outer parts of town. We have found two half-bloods slaughtered, both from the next town over. With your father and King Cabbette gone, and needing a more immediate solution, I brought this information straight to you.” Dim stood with his emotions undisturbed.
“Lennyn, please take Trista and offer refuge to the outside towns for the time being. We will keep them safe as they fought with us in war. Let them know we stand with them and we are sorrowful for the ones they lost. Everyone, please join me around the table as we create a plan.”
Dim stood as a part of the group of Demons. Discussing how to handle the exiled runner along the edge of town. Nix stood watching her soon betrothed lead the group of men in telling them where they would go and how to take stations to catch the situation. Nix watches his muscle tense, his facial expressions show the frustration, and how his suit hugged him just right. His black pants perfectly tightened around him. Nix gripped her sweater around her cold hands, staring at Dim with every bit of want. She looked at the ground with thoughts of him taking her then. She imagined him ripping the sweatshirt right from her body. Biting her through her bra, shoving her down to the table, throwing everything from it, running his hands through her hair, and pulling. She was hot and feeling dizzy with want. She hates that the link between them is so strong, she hates that she will be responsible for being queen, and she hates that Dim refuses her until the day she turns 25 years old, so she has her youth prior to their engagements. She hates that he can have anyone, including Lia, until then. Dim’s sigh interrupted Nix’s thoughts,
“Everyone, do excuse me. I need a word with my misery”. Nix looked up, noticing everyone looking at her. They all left the hall, closing the door behind them. Nix clenched her sleeves in her hands nervously. What had she done to aggravate him? Was he still mad about what she said? His back turned to her he stated,
“Phoenix Marealee, standing with such poise. Come here.” Nix walked forward, a faint feeling of amusement.
“What di…” Nix started, but was interrupted with Dim grabbing her wrist and pulling her into his chest. Her body fluttered in pleasure.
“You have to behave your thoughts.” He said, pushing his hand into her jeans. He wiped wetness from her thigh and pushed his head into her hair. She shivered in response. Breathing through her words,
“It would be easier to obey that command if you were to take me to our room” she claimed. He grunted with amusement. He quickly shoved her into the wall, breathing closely as if to kiss her. He smiled, “you aren’t ready.” She shoved him off, and he gazed at her with black eyes,
“Phee, listen…”
“No,” she interrupted, “I won’t have you toying with me. If you won’t take me, I’ll refuse to stand…” a thought fluttered through her mind. She turned on her heels and stomped out of the hall.
“Phee. Phee. PHOENIX” he yelled, throwing a nearby lamp from its stand. The men from the group flooded back into the hall as Nix stormed back to her room.
If he won’t take me, I’ll make him regret every second until he does, she thought as she slammed her door.