Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 489: Return to Xahan

Chapter 489: Return to Xahan

"So how are you going to convince her, then?" Jonah asked, folding his arms across his chest.

The carriage rocked back and forth as it crossed a bump on the road, causing Atticus and Jonah to jerk a little in their seats. The scenery outside passed by in a blur, the carriage moving at a way faster speed than what was normal; Atticus used his magic — now enhanced — to help boost the horses a little so that they could save on time.

"I don’t know yet," Atticus admitted. "Do you have any ideas? What do you think of dancing?"

"You’re the lady killer, not me," Jonah said, snorting. Atticus killed ladies in more ways than one. "Normally, you could just charm your way into making things alright but that might be impossible for you now. She needs to see some genuine sincerity and effort."

"That makes it seem like you’re implying I usually don’t," Atticus said with a deadpan, to which Jonah only replied with a pointed look.

As per Atticus’s promise to the rest of the world leaders, he, Jonah, and Daphne were now en route to Xahan to help rebuild their city after the destruction that was caused by Atticus and Jean Nott’s battle.

King Calarian had seemed rather welcoming when discussing their arrival plans, but it was more than obvious that he and Queen Lavinia were the only ones excited about it. Rumors spread faster than wildfire, and it didn’t escape Atticus’s notice that the nobles of Xahan were less than pleased about what was left in the wake of Atticus’s last visit. On top of that, Princess Nesrin of Xahan was the loudest of them all, much to her father’s dismay.

It seemed like she still hadn’t grown out of her wilful teenage tendencies, despite their last encounter. No matter; she would eventually learn that it wasn’t wise to make enemies of people stronger than her entire kingdom combined.

They had been on the road for a little more than a week already, and by Atticus’s estimation, they should be able to reach Xahan in a few more days. This entire time, Daphne was in a carriage of her own. Sirona had returned to Vramid ahead of time to check on things in Atticus’s stead, leaving only Zephyr to travel alongside Daphne; Nereus had opted to stay behind, unable to tolerate the heat of the desert for a second time.

Besides, it wasn’t as though Daphne would be facing any new threat. The world had been effectively defanged, and Daphne was the hunter with the spear.

"How long are you planning to stay in Xahan?" Jonah asked, watching Atticus as the latter sifted through a huge stack of papers. "We need to return to Vramid soon. It’s been far too long since you’ve been in the territory."

"Isn’t it managing itself rather well?" Atticus asked, leaning back in his seat. The document in his hand burst into flames, sizzling before turning into a pile of ash on the carriage floor. "Vramid had always been a rather independent state. It doesn’t need me to micromanage every tiny detail, especially now that the troublemakers are six feet in the ground."

"Just because Vramid was ruled by a tyrant leader before you took over doesn’t mean it doesn’t need your care every once in a while," Jonah chided. "What if someone challenges you for the throne?"

Atticus merely only gave Jonah a pointed look before the latter’s lips formed a small ’o’.

"If there are any worthy challengers, they are more than welcome to try," Atticus confidently said. He tossed the documents to one side, smirking as he crossed one leg over the other. "I would love to see someone try."

***

King Calarian was the one to greet them at the edge of the city this time. They wouldn’t head to the palace and instead, move directly to the part of the city which needed most attention.

"It’s good to see you again, King Calarian," Atticus greeted as he left the carriage. The two men shared a handshake and a firm look before stepping apart.

"I wish I could say the same from the bottom of my heart," King Calarian confessed. "Unfortunately, the last time you were here in Xahan, you didn’t exactly leave a wonderful impression, albeit lasting."

The diplomatic smile on King Calarian’s face could’ve made Atticus think otherwise. This man had mastered the art of perfectly friendly expressions and ever-cordial terms of speech with subtle jabs. He should honestly start a master class.

"Understandable," Atticus breezily replied. "Hopefully, this trip will make some amends."

"This way, in that case," King Calarian said before turning to lead the way.

Daphne emerged from the carriage just right after King Calarian left, with Zephyr trailing behind her. Atticus turned and smiled, holding out a hand for her to take. She merely stared at it with contempt before meeting his eyes.

"Too soon?" he mouthed, to which Daphne replied with a roll of her eyes. However, there was a small, teasing smile on her lips to tell him that their exchange, at least, was much more lighthearted than before.

She said nothing, and walked ahead to greet King Calarian.

"Well, at least she isn’t hiding from you any longer," Jonah softly commented, staring at Daphne and King Calarian’s backs. Their conversation seemed to be much more lighthearted than the one Atticus and King Calarian shared. If anything, Jonah could tell that Daphne was a better diplomat than Atticus, given how he only knew to use threats to get his way.

"Either way, this will be a good opportunity for her to train," Atticus murmured back.

Jonah’s eyes nearly bulged out. "You’re using King Calarian’s city as training grounds?!"

"Do you expect me to build an entire city by myself?" Atticus retorted. "The only one who could help efficiently and effectively would be Daphne."

"This isn’t a good idea," Jonah said with a sigh. "If King Calarian finds out that you’re letting a rookie handle this, things won’t be pretty."

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