Xander (Alexander) – The Manipulative Cousin in Scarred
Overview
Xander, full name Alexander Beatreaux, is the cousin of protagonist Sara Beatreaux and a trusted advisor to King Michael Faasa III in Scarred, the second book of the Never After series. He initially presents himself as Sara’s ally, the “ace in the castle” who will help her avenge her father’s death. However, Xander is revealed to be a calculating conspirator working with the Privy Council and King Michael’s mother to orchestrate a coup. His ultimate role is as the supplier of poison used to kill the former king, and his fate is sealed when Tristan Faasa tortures and burns him alive in chapter 49. Xander’s arc embodies themes of deception, ambition, and the corrosive nature of power.
Plot Role
Xander’s primary function in the story is as a hidden antagonist who manipulates both Sara and the royal family. He brings Sara to Gloria Terra under the pretense of justice, but his real goal is to use her as a tool to eliminate both Michael and Tristan, clearing the way for the Beatreaux family line to claim the throne. As the king’s advisor, he has direct access to Michael and the court, enabling him to influence decisions and conceal evidence of the conspiracy.
In the climax of the novel (Chapter 49), Xander is captured by Tristan after the ball. Tristan tortures him to extract confessions. Xander admits that Michael poisoned their father, and that he and Michael’s mother merely “nudged him in the right direction.” Xander also reveals that Sara was brought to kill Tristan, confirming his manipulation of his cousin. Tristan, having no mercy, douses Xander in kerosene and sets him on fire.
Motivations and Traits
Ambition and Power Hunger
Xander is driven by a desire to elevate his family’s status. He believes the Beatreaux bloodline deserves the throne, as shown when he tells Tristan: “She should rid the world of you and your pathetic excuse of a brother, so that the Beatreaux lineage could finally take its rightful place.” This ambition blinds him to the danger of opposing Tristan, whom he underestimates.
Cruelty and Class Prejudice
Xander displays casual cruelty, especially toward those he considers beneath him. In Chapter 29, when Sara defends Simon (the kitchen maid’s son), Xander calls the boy an “abomination” and insists that “some belong and others don’t.” This reveals a deep-seated prejudice rooted in status and skin color. Earlier, in Chapter 18, Sara notes that Xander’s words make her feel uneasy; she questions whether she can truly trust him.
Deception and Manipulation
Xander is a master manipulator. He pretends to support Sara while secretly plotting her death. In Chapter 18, he reassures her that they will “move with precision, not haste,” but Sara senses a lie in the air. In Chapter 27, when Michael becomes panicked over the handkerchief, Xander quickly suggests sending Sara away, isolating her from crucial information. His outward composure masks a calculating mind.
Cowardice
When captured, Xander does not resist bravely. He begs for death early, whispering “Just kill me. Please.” Yet he shows a final moment of defiance by revealing the full conspiracy. His bravery is only in confession, not in facing his fate.
Chronological Arc
| Phase | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Xander is presented as Michael’s advisor in Chapter 5, impatient with Tristan’s disrespect. He criticizes Tristan’s behavior and sides with the king. |
| Sara’s Arrival | In Chapter 7, Xander escorts Sara to Gloria Terra as Michael’s intended bride. Note: this chapter shows him opening the car door for her, marking her entry into the plot. |
| Building Trust | Through Chapters 18 and 20, Xander manipulates Sara into trusting him, promising revenge. He tells her to “play the role” so they can “tear them out by the roots.” |
| Signs of Betrayal | In Chapter 29, Xander’s contempt for Simon reveals his true nature. Sara begins to doubt him. |
| Capture and Confession | In Chapter 49, Xander is tortured by Tristan. He confesses to his role in the poisoning and the plan to kill Tristan and Michael. |
| Death | Tristan pours kerosene over Xander and lights a match. The chapter ends with Xander’s flesh burning as Tristan savors the screams. |
Relationships
Xander and Sara
Xander is Sara’s cousin, but their relationship is built on lies. He uses her grief over her father’s murder to recruit her for his coup. She initially believes he is a confidant, but as the story progresses, she grows suspicious. The turning point is when she catches him staring at her after Tristan touches her (Chapter 20) and when he belittles Simon. By the end, Sara likely realizes Xander never intended to avenge her father—only to use her.
Xander and Tristan
Tristan despises Xander from the start. He views him as a weak, sycophantic advisor. Their hostility culminates in Tristan’s brutal interrogation. Tristan derives pleasure from Xander’s suffering, calling it “music to my ears” when he strikes a match. Xander is a foil to Tristan: Xander schemes from the shadows, while Tristan acts in the open with violence.
Xander and King Michael
Xander is Michael’s advisor and co-conspirator in the regicide. In Chapter 27, when Michael discovers his father’s handkerchief, Xander tries to calm him. He later nudged Michael toward poisoning their father, but the actual act is done by Michael. Xander’s loyalty is only to his own ambition, not to the king.
Xander and his Father (Uncle Raf)
Sara mentions in Chapter 18 that her uncle (Xander’s father) told her Xander was “the ace in the castle.” This implies the Beatreaux patriarch is behind the conspiracy as well, positioning Xander as his agent. Xander dies before fulfilling his father’s plan.
Key Decisions and Consequences
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Choosing to bring Sara to Gloria Terra
Consequence: Sara becomes a pawn in the coup, but her presence also draws Tristan’s attention, leading to Xander’s eventual exposure. -
Nudging Michael to poison the king
Consequence: This act triggers the entire revenge plot. It also gives Tristan a reason to hunt down the conspirators. -
Confessing the plot to Tristan
Consequence: Xander’s confession is forced under torture, but it provides Tristan with the full truth. It also seals Xander’s death. -
Revealing Sara’s mission to kill Tristan
Consequence: Tristan learns that Sara was sent to assassinate him. This knowledge complicates his feelings for her but ultimately does not stop his obsession. -
Underestimating Tristan
Consequence: Xander mocks Tristan as “so boring” and believes he can outmaneuver him. Instead, Tristan’s ruthlessness ends Xander’s life.
Theme and Symbol Connections
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Revenge and Vengeance – Xander is a prime example of how the thirst for revenge corrupts. He sacrifices his cousin and his own morals for a chance at the throne. His death is a direct consequence of the vengeance he helped incite.
Read more about the theme of revenge -
Power and Control – Xander’s obsession with placing the Beatreaux line on the throne reveals the theme of power as a destructive force. He tries to control Sara, Michael, and events, but ultimately loses all control when captured.
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Deception and Truth – Xander’s entire arc is built on deception. He lies to Sara and the court. The truth only comes out when Tristan tortures him, reinforcing the idea that deception cannot survive forever.
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Sacrifice and Devotion – Though not personally devoted to anyone except his ambition, Xander’s father sacrificed their family’s safety by sending him. Xander’s own death is a sacrifice to a failed plan.
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Forbidden Desire and Obsession – Xander doesn’t experience romantic desire, but his obsession with the throne mirrors Tristan’s obsession with Sara. Both characters are consumed by their desires.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Xander (Alexander)
Q: What is Xander’s ultimate goal in the novel?
A: Xander aims to dismantle the Faasa monarchy and install the Beatreaux family as rulers. He works with the Privy Council to orchestrate the deaths of both Michael and Tristan.
Q: How does Xander manipulate Sara?
A: He pretends to be her ally in avenging her father, telling her to be patient and play the role of Michael’s fiancée. In reality, he brought her to Gloria Terra to kill Tristan, keeping her in the dark about the full extent of the plan until the end.
Q: Why does Tristan kill Xander?
A: Tristan kills Xander as punishment for his role in poisoning his father (the former king) and for conspiring against the royal family. The execution is also an act of revenge and a message to other traitors.
Q: What is Xander’s relationship with King Michael?
A: Xander is Michael’s advisor, but he manipulates the king into carrying out the regicide. Michael is a pawn in Xander’s scheme, though Michael ultimately acts on his own. Xander shows no genuine loyalty to Michael.
Q: Is Xander truly loyal to his cousin Sara?
A: No. Xander only pretends to care about Sara to use her. He plans to have her killed after the coup. His only loyalty is to the Beatreaux name.