Dante sat in the garden, reading his novel peacefully when heavy footsteps marched in. He became guarded as soon as he saw them.
Xander grinned at the trembling man.
"G-Greetings y-your h-highness…" Dante stuttered. 
"Oh dear, look at him trembling already. Do you really think we are here to hurt you?" Xander asked with a mocking smile. 
Dante stepped back, staring at them apprehensively. He knew these people never visited unless they were planning to bully him. He could sense something boding between them.  
His eyes scanned his surroundings discreetly for an escape route.  When he realized there was none, his blood pressure shot up. 
Whatever these guys were up to, it was definitely no good. Dante was exhausted from their countless bullying. Why couldn't they just let him be and focus on something productive? 
"So, tell me, Dante, what punishment would you like today? I'm in a good mood so I'm willing to do whatever you choose," Xander said.
'How about we mind our business today?' Dante thought with an eye roll
"Please no beating or any punishment that will draw blood from me. That aside, I am willing to accept whatever punishment you give me," Dante replied calmly. 
Xander scoffed, "What is that supposed to mean? You want me to give you a chore as punishment?"
Dante stared blankly at Xander. He had nothing more to say to the Prince. If he had his way he wouldn't even be here.
"Cat caught your tongue?" One of the guards sneered and Dante resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He said his piece already, what more did they expect him to say? 
There was literally nothing they hadn't done to him. Some were enough to take his life but somehow he survived them. Bitterness rose in his chest, even death took delight in his pain.
"You won't say anything?"
"What more do you want to say? You already said you would give him whatever punishment he chooses and now you are eating back your words like a dog. If Almira were here, would you do this?" Kimorra popped out of nowhere.
Even Dante was shocked that she came to his defense. Xander gaped at her in shock as she walked over to Dante. 
"You are not going to bully him further. You already know how much your new woman likes him. Lay a finger on him and I will expose you. I'm sure you know how much she dislikes you already," Kimorra said.
"Princess Almira does not dislike me, contrary to your belief!" Xander blatantly lied. Kimorra chuckled, seeing through his lies.
"Is that so? I love how confident you sound. Go ahead and punish him then. I dare you to do your worst and wait for Almira's reaction," Kimorra challenged.
Xander couldn't utter a word or even move a muscle. As much as he hated to admit it, Kimorra was right. Almira would definitely flip if she discovered that he did something to Dante while she was away.
It would have been easier if only Dante was involved because the man was too afraid to utter a word, but with Kimorra involved, he wouldn't dare.
"Why get involved in this? It is none of your business!" Xander gritted.
"Oh, it is. You don't expect me to stay silent while you bully my friend," Kimorra replied and both Dante and Xander were shocked. 
Friend? 
Danye had never had a run-in with her. In fact, they have never exchanged a single word with each other even though she was Xander's childhood friend. 
The sudden declaration of friendship was rather suspicious and frightening.
"If you think the princess will not believe me because of our past relationship, then you are welcome to try," Kimorra said sweetly.
"You are just a desperate attention seeker. Just so you know, nothing you do will ever make me come back to you," Xander stated before walking away with his minions. 
Kimorra turned to Dante who stepped away from her cautiously. She smiled at him.
"Hey, there's no need to be afraid. I'm not as spoiled as that an-child who thinks he can bully anyone. My name is Kim, you?" She introduced herself, extending her hand for a handshake. Dante stared skeptically at it.
"I already know who you are and I know you know my name. We might not have spoken before but you have seen around way too many times," Dante spoke, suspiciously. 
"True, I have seen you a couple of times and I have never said anything to you, but that doesn't mean I will support bullying," Kimorra replied.
"I don't want to sound ungrateful, but is there any reason your sense of morality kicked in today? The Prince has bullied me all through childhood and you turned a blind eye to it. Why now? Is there anything you want me to do for you?" Dante asked.
Kimorra was short of words. Dante was way smarter than she anticipated. She expected him to be at her feet already, worshipping her for saving him.  
He must be very good at observing things to immediately spot the hidden agenda behind her actions. 
"Unfortunately, I want nothing from you, Dante. I know I never stood up for you, but trust me, it wasn't because I supported him. I don't blame you for thinking the way you do though, it's quite normal to be suspicious of anything unusual. Have a great day, I will see you around," she said softly.
"Thank you. I appreciate your help," Dante bowed with appreciation and she gave a plastic smile.
It disappeared the minute her back was turned to him. Her plan failed woefully, but she was not ready to give up yet.
All she had to do was gain his trust.
Someone grabbed her suddenly and pressed her against the wall.
"What exactly are you up to, Kim? Didn't I warn you to stay away?" Xander growled. Kimorra let out a small cry as he dug his fingers into her arm.
"Answer me!" He snapped.
"Let go of me!" She cried, but Xander wouldn't budge. She let out a scream and he backed off immediately.
"I won't let this die easily. If you mess up my plans, I will kill you and that thing inside you!" He threatened.
Kimorra watched him with teary eyes. How could he threaten the life of his child because of a woman who wasn't even human?
She massaged her aching arms gently.
"Just wait and see. I will make you eat back those words. You will come crawling and begging me to take you back but I won't!"