Our Little Secret (The Reborn)

Hit again!

Xavier strode down the hallway swinging firmly in a red cape as it's required of a man of valour which, of course, a potential Lord of the versatile province of Saxton.

Everyone was at the table when he interrupted

 "Father! Forgive me for taking a while! I got your message you sent through Marie. How important is it?" Xavier asked as Nicholas dragged a seat for him. All eyes were fixated on him except for Nathan who felt a very high level of jealousy at his elder brothers' swift emergence. Jim tilted his brows in firm excitement.

 "Of course, Son!" He wiped his mouth with a piece of white cloth while Mariah red painted lips curved into a mesmerising smile. "A month from now, you'd be resting totally from all the stressful and cumbersome tasks. I would love you to travel to a far place...somewhere like Goldstone province... Natures' got a handful and more to offer!" Jim Inquired. Xavier let out an almost invisible smile and continued

 "That's perfect but..." Mariah did not let him finish ad she cuts in sharply after a scoff

 "...No buts, Xavier! You have been embedded with the monumental affairs of Saxton and the Salvador's as well, you should perhaps leave as soon as you can!" 

 "And i think so too! Since the beginning of winter, you haven't had anything chilling, don't stray away brother!" Marie coaxed as well with an unfailing smile. Nathan remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

 "Nathan dear, what do you think about the Lords' proposal?" Mariah asked duly after carefully observing Nathan's dire attitude.

 "Oh ah...what can i say, he could decide whether to stay or not! Besides, he's the Man of valour and of course the next Lord in waiting!" Nathan blurted out almost rudely. Xavier stared ay him angrily because he knew that Nathan was at the verge of disrespecting him. He took up a small knife knife that laid next to enormous grilled turkey, he flung it towards Nathan's direction, which pierced through Nathan's curly dark hair, the knife was stuck on the painting on the wall that was few feets away. Everyone was slightly startled at Xavier's reaction to Nathan's words, it felt like his dark aura had taken charge again.

 "The next time you try to act delusional just to say something almost impossible then i'd pierce that knife into your heart until you bleed to death..." Xavier warned sternly in a dark tone and with an unforgiving look on his face.

 "Xavier, you could be charged with man slaughter and i hope you realize that you could also compromise your title to the dust only because you listen to the words of an unwise child!" Jim cautioned sternly

 "It's a warning and i hope that he doesn't cross my path any further, father!" Xavier stated regardless, Nathan was perturbed.

 "I didn't mean to get you upset, brother! Forgive me!"

 "...Man of valour!" Xavier reminded icily "There's a reason why I'm called that! Be careful Nathan, don't try to hurt me because it wouldn't pay off!" Xavier warned again 

 "Enough already! "Mariah scolded

 "I shall talk to you all later, i need to rest and and i'd love to be left alone!" Xavier rose up walkking away towards the exit.

Xavier beckoned at Filip who was right beside him.

 "Send for Jason, its urgent!"

 "Yes Sir!" He prostrated then walked away. Xavier walked into the garden near the slave quarters purposely because he wanted to observe the Mansion, its what he does. 

The first thing he sighted was Nicholas and Ursula talking calmly then a hug followed afterwards, he was inwardly furious at it, how could Nicholas be this affectionate Ursula?! He speculated.

He ignored then turned to leave as Nigel appeared suddenly with a firm smile on his face.

 "Greetings! Man of valour." 

 "Greetings Nigel, you didn't keep to time my friend!" 

 "My apologies, i had to deliver a letter my father sent through me!"

 "We should talk over some wine!" Xavier suggested as they walked into the mansion, they were served by Donna.

 "What exactly do you have in mind? You seem to be bothered, Nigel!" Xavier asked then took a sip afterwards.

 "Yes about that!" Nigel adjusted then continued "It is vivid enough that i have acquired the clubhouse days ago and it is not fair for it to be taken away forcefully, is it?!"

 "Absolutely not! Who's the scoundrel that has decided a fowl play?"

 "Nathan!" Nigel blurted without hesitation

 "I'm not surprise at all and why has he decided to do that?"

 "I don't know! If eventually he acts differently over this then I'd be forced to act differently! The Cunningham's and Salvador's have built an inseparable relationship and he's really trying to interfere..." Nigel complained as Xavier cuts in

 "...Nigel? This is not my cross to bear, my friend. This is where you come in, would you let him over ride you? In the world of business stakes, there's more to gain than lose. It is not wrong if he tries to buy what you've taken!"

 "But he knows that i acquired that property first.."

 "That he could also acquire as well!" 

Nigel was upset at Xavier's opinions because he had expected defense not defiance.

 "Are you also suggesting that i let him take it? I do understand the Saxton's principles especially when its about the financial world, Xavier!" 

 "Why do you worry after all? Do you think that my brother could actually acquire the clubhouse?" Xavier asked coldly with a smirk

 "Of course not and that's a promise!" Nigel said

 "Don't make promises before me and i still do not understand why you have come directly to me? Do you expect that i go against my brother?" Xavier asked

 "Which makes me wonder if you really care about both families! This is some sort of test not business, Xavier!"

 "I have listened to you carefully and I'd also inquire that you don't question my suggestions, my friend. I have got Saxton's interest at heart which makes me work harder to protect everything inside it, you wouldn't come to me if you didn't think that I'm more than eligible to answer your questions!" Xavier said then took a sip again

 "Then what do you suggest that i do?" Nigel asked

 "Simple! For how long do you think that I've been Saxton's protector?"

 "I can't remember, you have attained that position ever since!" Nigel admitted, he then understood Xavier's points.

 "Thats because i don't bark in the day time, i take over when sleeping heads relent! The choice is yours, Nigel!" 

Xavier instructed as Nigel beamed coldly.

 "My gratitude, man of valour! Permit me to leave!"

 "You may! Send my greetings to lord Cunningham!" 

Xavier was widely known for his smart and cunning abilities, he'a been a mentor to Saxton and other provinces. Nigel walked away satisfactorily and a few moments later, Jason arrived.

Xavier and Jason took a walk around the premises discussing their next task and pleasure.

 "The tax rates had risen and it does not look good..." Jason said

 "...For the middle and low classes i think!" Xavier completed

 "What do you suggest we do?" Jason asked

 "Let it be for now, we'll work it out soon enough!" 

Xavier remained silent suddenly as Jason tucked him.

 "Why do you look different? Sometimes i wonder if you'd ever fall in love?!" Jason blurted

 "Why do you think so?" They stopped to interact moe better

 "The way i see things is never different from what everyone out there has seen! Ruby could never win you over, am i right?" 

 "I do not think so!"

 "Then who do you have eyes on right now?" Jason asked curiously

 "Er..No one! I don't..." Xavier began as Ursula walked past them with a basket on her side after showing her respect.

Both of them stared at her carefully, Ursula had a special way if taking the hearts of men. Her long brown hair and green eyes and beauty defines her specialty.

Xavier took off his eyes followed by Jason.

 "How come i have never noticed such glamorous beauty around the mansion?" Jason confessed with a smirk but Xavier seemed angry. "I would have her by all means if she wasn't a non Saxton, she's got this spectacular features..."

 "...Don't even think about it, brother, she's a slave which makes her answerable to us...people like her don't deserve a chance to be different..." Xavier said a little too much, Jason understood that something was not right. Xavier barely talks about someone or talks entirely but he seemed to be angry at her for some reasons.

 "Why are you mad, Xavier? Should i be told something, are you sure that something is not going on?" Jason teased

 "Not funny! I could have any woman to my embrace you know that!" Xavier replied coldly

 "Which makes me even more confused at this moment. You could have women but you have never found one interesting!" Jason countered, they nodded lightly with a tight smile. Two soldiers approached hastily and bowed.

 "Greetings, men of valour! The goods have arrived but it was captured at the borders!" One of them reported accurately.

 "Go now! Prepare the horses!" Jason instructed as they scurried away.

 "There is a conspiracy! Last night, i did recieve a letter from Lesner, there wasn't a problem at all. I was certain about the arrival!" Jason stated

 "Like you said, there's a conspiracy! I wouldn't spare that soul!"

They rode away while Ursula stood from a distance staring, she was concerned over the way he looked at her when she walked past them earlier.

After Ursula was done spreading the clothes, she made her way to the quarters.

Donna started in her way then stopped.

 "Did you ask Madam Marie if you could make his food?"

 "Im sorry, Ms Donna. I already explained to the Madam and she's made her point clear!" Ursula politely explained

 "Really?" Donna asked mockingly "Madam Marie awaits you at her chamber, do not waste a minute.

 "Yes ma'am!"

She headed to chamber as fast as she could, she was certain about the trouble she's gotten into.

Marie was sitting on a chair elegantly while her feet were massaged softly with ointment as Ursula came into view.

 "Madam Marie!" She called out softly and scarily.

Marie turned to her with a stern look on her face, she was displeased.

 "You don't get enough, do you?"

 "Forgive, Madam Marie!" Ursula's face fell to the ground instead avoiding her devilish stare.

 "Enough nonsense, Ursula! You made me feel insulted earlier and you have no idea what that means! Did i not warn you?" Marie asked as she stood up from her seat then stopped before Ursula.

 "I didn't mean to disrespect you, Madam Marie. I have offended you and i apologize for my mistakes..."

 "What exactly did you do, hmm?"

 "I didn't ask for your permission before serving Sir Xavier's meal." Ursula tried to be careful with her words but Marie was not having it either

 "Just that?" Marie settled with a frown, she gripped Ursula by the hair tightly until she fell before her. "Did you think that my brother would choose you over me? Every time i see your disgusting face, i wish death on you nothing but death. I..hate you, Ursula, i really do!"

 Marie yelled and groaned, her eyes widened in annoyance while Ursula struggled to make her way alive. The servants in the room were terrified even if they disliked Ursula, they could not admit to Marie's wickedness. Ursula's eyes were almost gauging out as Marie released her. Ursula coughed intermittently while Marie was satisfied with the pain she's inflicted.

 "I hate the way he looks at you, He's getting too inclined and no one sees that except me...you would curse the day you were chosen by my mother."

Marie sent for a whip immediately, she instructed servants for Ursula to be tied up, she was stripped naked before everyone, the servants turned their Faces away because they couldn't bear it yet they couldn't leave without their superior's permission.

Ursula was lashed severely and severally on her back, until it was swollen and clotted in blood, she was bruised, when she tried to scream in pain; tears would pave a way down her cheeks.