13

Two weeks passed, and the palace gates swung open to admit an unexpected entourage. Elijah, flanked by two imposing guards, rode into the palace courtyard. Beside him, Cloud sat astride a majestic stallion.

Elijah's piercing emerald eyes seemed chiseled from granite, his sharp jawline accentuating his aristocratic features. Raven-black hair cascaded down his back, framing his pale, chiseled complexion. His slender yet athletic build spoke of refined power.

Cloud, with an ethereal beauty, boasted porcelain skin and silver-blonde hair that fell like moonlight down his back. His sapphire eyes shimmered with an otherworldly intensity, and his petite stature belied an aura of quiet strength.

The guards, clad in dark armor, exuded an air of seasoned warriors. Their faces were impassive, eyes scanning the surroundings with calculated precision.

As they dismounted, Elijah's gaze swept the palace facade, his eyes lingering on the windows where Xander and Charlie might be watching. A subtle tension rippled through his shoulders.

Cloud's gaze followed Elijah's, his expression serene yet watchful.

The palace staff, alerted to the visitors, maintained a respectful distance. Xander's guards, positioned discreetly, observed the newcomers with measured caution.

The air was heavy with anticipation, the very atmosphere charged with the weight of unspoken intentions.

Elijah's party moved toward the palace entrance, their footsteps echoing through the courtyard.

The grand doors swung open, revealing the opulent interior. Drake and Xander stood waiting, their expressions measured.

Charlie, clinging to Xander's hand, eyed the newcomers with instinctive wariness.

The scene was set for a confrontation that would change the course of their lives forever.

Elijah's voice echoed through the palace hall, his tone measured. "Drake, we received your letter. We're... displeased, but we'll remain civil."

Drake's expression remained neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Elijah, welcome. I see you've brought Cloud."

Elijah's gaze swept the room, locking onto Xander. "Xander, I presume?"

Xander's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with warning. "Elijah."

Cloud's gaze clung to Xander, his eyes brimming with desperation. He took a step forward, his hands extended, before Elijah's subtle gesture halted him.

Lucas, seated beside Drake, watched with concern etched on his face. His hand instinctively cradled his swollen belly.

Elijah's voice pulled the tension tauter. "We've come to resolve this... misunderstanding. Cloud was intended for Xander, and Charlie for me."

Xander's face darkened. "Charlie stays with me. No negotiations."

Elijah's smile twisted. "I'm afraid that's not possible. The contract—"

"Is null and void," Xander interrupted, his voice low and menacing.

Drake intervened, his tone calming. "Let's discuss this civilly. We won't be rushed into decisions."

As the tension escalated, Charlie's absence was palpable. Xander had refused to let him attend, warning him to stay in their bedroom.

In the bedroom, Charlie's tears soaked his pillow. "Daddy wants to abandon me," he sobbed, his heart shattered.

Just as his cries subsided, exhaustion claimed him, and he drifted into troubled sleep.

Back in the hall, the air thickened with unspoken threats. Cloud's eyes pleaded with Xander, his face pale.

Elijah's gaze hardened. "We won't leave without resolving this."

Xander's resolve deepened. "You'll leave without Charlie."

The standoff had begun.