The Alpha King's Ugly Bride

By Glory Tina

"Take off your clothes, I want to see the body I'd be living with for the rest of my life," he commands, moving to the other side of the room where the red armchair was.

She hesitated, and that displeased him. He growled, clearly infuriated. “Do you need some kind of motivation? Because you will not get it. Take off your fucking clothes!” he thunders, making her jump and her legs shake.

With shaky hands and a trembling body, she grabbed the hand of the silk gown again and dragged it down. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor, not having the audacity to look up at the alpha king across the room from her.

“You’re not done yet!”

***

Mia Asika had wanted only one thing for the longest time, enlightenment and the freedom to travel the world in search of it. Mia's dreams however ended the day Ariel, her beautiful and fair older sister who was betrothed to the alpha king, died the night before her marriage and she became the last resort. Hated at sight, the alpha king moved to make her union to him that of misery.

Can Mia's will for survival withstand the alpha king's cold and unloving nature?

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022

Book preview

Chapter 2: A Wonderful queen

The Asika household. 

The North of the Capital. 

A knock came to the door of Jobe Asika's house and after a few moments passed, a young maid reached for the door and opened it. 

Is your master home? the man bearing the royal message asked, his voice proud and high. 

Yes, he is, she responded, rather timidly. 

He dipped his hand into the inn of his jacket and handed the neatly folded piece of paper to her.

This is for him. Tell him it’s from the Royal Palace, he instructed and walked away.

The young maid closed the door and moved to the garden where Master Jobe of house Asika and his eldest daughter, Ariel Asika, sat talking and Jobe kept cracking up almost every time.

Ariel was the first of the two daughters in the Asika’s family. She was blessed with beauty, radiant and fair skin, and it was obvious the moon goddess had a favourite. Her beauty made many maidens in the kingdom feel insecure but unlike many of them, Ariel’s beauty wasn’t the only reason she was loved. She also had a noble character. This made many feel at home and this brought not only respect to Jobe, but made him known amongst other fathers in the kingdom as a man of character.

Master, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but this letter came from the Royal Palace. 

The smile on Jobe’s face vanished, almost sensing something bad was about to happen. 

He lifted his hand, and the young maid handed the letter to him. Thank you, Riley. he nodded, and she took her leave. 

He broke the Royal seal on the letter and read through it. His eyes hardened at the paper and his brow pulled together. 

What is it, father? Ariel asked, becoming concerned at the mood her father had switched to since reading the letter. 

Remember the alpha King’s punishment was to get him a bride? 

When she nodded, he sighed, Well, the lot fell on my house. The council of alphas have chosen you as the future bride of the alpha king. he announces with bitterness in his voice. 

Who could blame him? Almost everyone knew the alpha king, and he was ruthless, cold and problematic, which made everyone avoid him at all costs. 

This was a royal decree and as much as Jobe hated it, he knew there was nothing he could do.

The royal bride maker, which was the company of over six women and two men, arrived at the Asika home and were all welcomed into the house.

The wedding, although its notification came in this morning, would take place at the central temple tomorrow as decreed by the council of alphas. And the Royal bride makers came to make sure the bride would be ready for her big day of becoming the queen.

Mia Asika, the youngest and most rebellious Asika who has been out of the house since the break of dawn in search of a better scholar, returns home only to find it crowded with strange faces she’d never seen before.

She glanced around at each of them while moving along to the study where she knew her father would be. Once at the door, she pushed it open and stepped in and, just as expected, her father sat at his favourite table, reading a book. 

What are all these people doing in our house? she demanded, her voice rising higher than it should. 

Jobe sighed and beckons to Mia to come sit down and when she did, he explained everything to her. So you see, your sister will be queen tomorrow and that’s why they are here.

.. 

Mia stood at the door looking in while the bride makers tried to fit Ariel into a white gown that appeared too small for her. 

She won’t breathe in that! she snapped, making her presence known.

Ariel had felt discomfort in the gown she had on, but being too nice to hurt anyone’s feeling, she kept her silence.

Who are you? the older woman with brown curly hair asked with squinted eyes. 

I’m Mia Asika, I’m her sister! And she can’t breathe in that. 

They readjusted the fabric and robes and when they put it on her the second time; it fit perfectly. 

We will be back before the first cockcrow tomorrow, so please get all the rest you can. the curly-haired woman informed Ariel before taking her leave with the rest of the crew.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Ariel’s face broke into a wide grin and she beckoned to Mia, who ran over and hugged her tightly.

Thank you for speaking up when you did, Mia. she said. 

You’re welcome. Father told me everything. Tomorrow you will be queen. How do you feel about that? 

Ariel shrugs and climbs onto her bed. I’m not happy or sad. I’m just going to go with the flow and expect only the best.

I’m happy as long as you’re happy. At least one of us will make a father proud. She giggled. 

Ariel pulled herself onto her elbows to watch Mia properly. And your plan? How’s it coming along?

So far, so good. After months of searching, I’ve been fortunate to find a scholar that would leave for the southern world in the next few weeks.

Ariel’s eyes widened, her happiness matching that of her sister’s. Great! 

Mia nodded and moved to sit beside Ariel in bed. I was going to break the news and my other plans to father today, but the news of your wedding stopped me. I am going to do that once you get married. 

Mia had a dream of leaving the kingdom when she turned fourteen. It was at that age she realised there was nothing for her here and developed the courage to seek something more. She knew she would always be in her sister’s shadow and, despite loving Ariel and holding her on a pedestal, she couldn’t bear to live such a life.

Ariel was the definition of perfection. Her long golden hair swept perfectly to her back and highlighted the diamond shape of her face. And her sky-blue eyes made so many feel at home. Her perfectly shaped full red lips, down to her long neck, screamed perfection in the flesh. She also had the perfect body and height of five feet seven inches, which made her stand out from the crowd and this made men drool over her.

Mia had a tanned skin that sometimes looked as though burnt by the sun. She also had amber eyes, and it appeared golden than copper and so far she had met no maiden or man in the kingdom with the same eyes colour as hers. Her nose was long and pointed and her lips pale and small. Her hair was curly and as red as rose, while everyone else in her family had golden hair. She had the petite height of five feet two inches and a curvy body shape. 

While the image of Ariel would scream perfection from head to toe, hers screamed opposite whenever she stared at herself in the mirror. Whenever she stepped out of the comfort of her home, she met with people who reminded her of that as well.

Knowing her chances with beauty had been limited from birth, Mia opted off that carriage and pursued enlightenment and after her fourteenth birthday. She started on her quest to leave the kingdom and find knowledge even till the ends of the earth, and her sister was her biggest supporter. 

Ariel takes Mia’s hand and gives it a comforting squeeze. Sure and I will support you the best way I can, but promise you will share whatever knowledge you find in the other part of the world with me.

Mia bobbed her head, grinning happily. I will and if your marriage to the alpha king doesn’t work out the way you plan, you can write to me and I’ll come to take you away.

Ariel shook her head, but still laughed. I doubt I’d want to leave this place. I was born here and I will die here. 

I know, and you will be a wonderful queen. 

They shared a hug again, and Ariel kissed her forehead.

... 

A loud knock came onto Mia’s door, which dragged her out of the state of sleep and sends her eyes flying wide open. The cock was still yet to crow and she would have known because that’s when she always woke. 

Mia, please open up. her father’s voice came through the door and the broken tone of his voice had made the hair on her skin stand, sensing bad news.

She hurried out of the bed and raced to the door, opening the door wide as soon as she got there. Jobe entered the room, his eyes filled with sorrow and tears. 

Father, what’s wrong?

It’s Ariel, Mia. 

Her stomach tightened in a bad way, even as she waited for him to finish what he had to say. 

His lips trembled and for a man that barely showed his vulnerability when his wife died, he was doing a very poor job now. She took hold of his trembling hands, almost wincing when she felt how cold they were.

What happened to Ariel? Where is she? 

She’s dead, Mia, Ariel is dead.

Chapter 3: The Royal wedding

The day was already bright, and the cock already crowed twice, yet the alpha king was yet to leave his chambers. His manservant and maidens didn’t dare enter his chambers without his permission, despite today being his wedding day.

Edward, who had his red royal robe on for the Royal wedding, noticed the servants standing around aimlessly and he drew closer to them. They saw him approach, and all stood at attention.

Why do you all stand aimlessly on the morning of the King’s wedding?

He hasn’t beckoned to us yet. The male servant holding onto the golden robe of the alpha king replied.

Edward’s brows narrowed at their response and he headed to the door, pushed it open, and stepped in.

The bedroom with its thick window curtain drawn looked as dark as ever and it was no wonder his idiot brother, the alpha king, was yet to wake. Guiding his legs to the window, he pulled the curtains apart and the light of the sun shone into the room; he moved and did it to the other two windows. Soon, light illuminated the room, banishing the darkness.

Feeling satisfied, Edward turned to the bed where his brother lay and found him wide awake. His gaze was murderous as they beheld him, but the two naked women rested on each of his arms, still slept soundly, barely bothered by the intrusion of lights.

They weren’t the first whores Xavier had entertained in the Palace, but they were the first heavy sleeping whores he ever had. Edward noticed.

I think it’s time for you to get up.

And who the hell are you to think for me? for a waking man, Xavier’s tone had so much vitality in them.

I’m your brother, the crowned prince and your best man for today’s occasion. Edwards then claps his hands thunderously, yanking the ladies beside him out of their beauty sleep. Please grab your clothes and get out. Thank you.

The naked women did as they were told and Edward watch them, making sure they had left before returning his gaze to the bed. Xavier was no longer on it though, and before Edward could think where he took himself to, Xavier grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the wall of the bedroom, causing a crack in the wall.

Amongst the both of us, who’s the king? he demanded, his voice sneering into Edward’s ears.

You are, Edwards choked, struggling to loosen his grip on his neck, but Xavier wouldn’t let go.

Then who gave you the audacity to come into my chambers and chase my guests out?

No one, but you seem to have forgotten that today is your wedding day and you should no longer be in bed.

At his words, Xavier released him and turned towards the bed. It’s today? I thought it was two days’ time?

Is this why Zara sent the girls over to me as a pleasant gift last night? I didn’t know, and didn't ask, but now it makes sense. he mumbled to himself and Edward heard.

Edward wrapped his hand over his neck, trying to ease the pain Xavier had inflicted on it with his monstrous grip. He sighed, infuriated by the sight of his brother’s naked butt, which would haunt him for the rest of the day.

It’s today, my king, and your bride will arrive soon. You should be in the temple before she comes.

Edward walked over to the door and pulled it open, widening them for the servants to walk inside. Once the last servant entered the room, he shut the door.

An hour later, the alpha king stood, wearing his long, golden royal robe, neatly made with each design thought through from his neck down to his feet. The servants made his long, silky black hair into a neat ponytail before adorning him with the white lacy mantle. The royals wore the mantle, and it always served as a sign of them getting married.

Once done, the alpha king rose to his feet with grace, and his entire aura commanded reverence.

You look like every maiden’s dream. Edward gushed, mumbling under his breath, but you’re their nightmare.

Xavier cast him a glare, overhearing him, but he paid no mind.

It’s your big day, brother. Do you wish father was here? Edward asked, helping Xavier adjust his collar.

Xavier stared at himself in the mirror, loving the face that stared back at him. No, I’m so glad he’s sleeping and I hope he sleeps for a very long time.

Once an alpha attained a hundred years of ruling, he’d fall into a deep sleep that could last for two years and sometimes up to a decade. When they wake, if they wake, they receive the title of Alpha of Alphas. So far Robb Ainsworth, their father, had been asleep for the last three years and no one knew when he’d wake, but the physician and sorcerer had calculated it being before winter, which was two months away.

Xavier didn’t want his father waking up, he wanted him to pass through his sleep. And that was how much he hated him and his brother knew this.

You don’t mean that.

Xavier turned around and gave Edward a stare that displayed emotions ranging from pain to anger to resentment. All he ever did was compare me to that bastard called Elliott and tell me how much better he would be as alpha king, so yes, I mean that and I hope he sleeps to death.

Edward felt for him. This was one of the few times they talked without slamming each other into walls or tearing at each other, and he saw past his brother’s shield.

Hopefully he wakes up, sees you’re married and his opinion of you changes.

Or better still, he doesn’t wake.

A small knock came on the door and Edward hurry over to it.

Is the king ready, my Prince? a male guard’s voice came through as soon as the door opened.

Yes, is the carriage set?

Yes, my prince.

Edward turned back to glance at him, a happy smile on his face as if he was the one getting married. This is it, brother.

Xavier rolled his eyes. Sure. Just stay out of my way and we’ll be fine.

Chapter 4: The wrong bride

Xavier along with Edward arrived at the temple to see it crowded with people both on the inside and out, and their sight made Xavier grunt in displeasure.

Once out of the carriage, they made their way into the temple, which now had a narrow pathway that led to the altar. The wedding planners had readjusted the sitting pattern to accommodate the crowd of people expected and it still wasn’t enough, despite it being an unexpected wedding.

Yes, a royal wedding no matter how sudden has always seen much crowd, but he thought his would be different. He knew almost everyone present at the temple hated him and he hated every one of them right back. They knew of his feelings towards them, so he didn’t understand why they were still so many.

Perhaps they came to see his to-be bride. She was fair, kind, beautiful, and loved, and they came to see the monster in the body of the alpha king whom she was about to marry.

You need to smile! Edward whisper-yelled to him from behind while they approach the first row seat in the temple.

I will snap your scrawny little neck if you as much as think you can tell me what to do on my wedding day. he bit out harshly.

Edward heed his warning and remained silent. They made their way over to stand before the altar of the temple where the priest officiating the wedding stood in a grey robe with a purple cloak on it.

Just as they came to the altar, a mild trumpet sound went off, announcing the emergence of the bride in the temple, and a joyous cheer went through the crowd.

Xavier never felt nervous about anything in his life, but here and now, hearing the crowd cheer while he awaited his to-be wife, he could feel the tingle of excitement running through him. And along with the excitement, was his nervousness.

The bride came to stand beside him, adorned in a gold robe matching the one he wore and a veil shielding her face.

Ariel from today would become his fair and beautiful bride and queen of the kingdom. He hated the whole idea of matchmaking, but with the turn of things, it hadn’t been that bad yet.

He wasn’t considering changing his ways and becoming a new person, but perhaps he would get a wife he wouldn’t think about killing off so soon.

The priest cleared his throat and Xavier snapped out of his thought to keep his attention on the middle-aged man.

Before the moon goddess and the people of this great kingdom we gather to join these two in holy matrimony of becoming husband and wife. the priest’s loud voice echoed through the temple and Xavier mentally countdown to the time he would stop speaking.

Xavier glanced at his rather quiet bride, whose face hid behind them, and he felt a sense of happiness. A fair and submissive woman would be the answer to his prayers if he ever took the time to pray.

After reading out the portion dedicated to marital relationships in the holy books, the young temple boy presents the golden bracelets that signify the matrimonial union to the priest who takes it and continues.

Do you swear to take this woman before you to be your wife and queen from this day and forever?

Yes, I swear, Xavier answered, and picked the bracelet from the palm of the priest. He took his bride’s rather cold right hand and wore the bracelet on it.

The priest turned to the bride. Do you swear to take this man before you to be your husband, your alpha and your King?

Yes. she nodded, her voice small.

Her soft and fragile hands took hold of Xavier’s and the feel of them got him thinking about what they could do and how much pleasure they would bring him. She placed the bracelet around his wrist and thunderous applauds and cheer went through the congregation seated, celebrating their union and it took a while for it to die down.

By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now unveil and kiss your bride. He instructed.

Xavier’s hands came up, and he took the veil off his newly wedded wife’s face and he leans in to kiss her and everyone awaited the action. He stopped and pulled away when he realised that the face behind the veil wasn’t the face he expected. This face wasn’t fair, nor was it beautiful. It was an ugly face.

Sure, he was never acquainted with Ariel, but he had seen her face a few times to know what she looked like. Ariel was fair, enchanting and beautiful and the ugly one next to him was the opposite.

His eyes narrowed for a second and when the realisation dawned on him, he stumbled back from her. With eyes filled with many emotions, he turned around to the eight elders of the council of alphas seated on the front roll of the temple and he silently demanded an explanation.

The crowd who had watched his every move so far gasped out in horror at seeing his blazing red eyes.

Edward steps up towards the altar where Xavier stood, ignoring the daggers his brother sent his way, and spoke with a subtle voice. If you cause a scene. You will go down in history as the alpha king who was a joke! though the eyes of the alpha blaze with fury, he grits his teeth and calmed himself.

Xavier hated to admit it, but Edward had a point. Losing it here and now and snapping the manipulative little throats of the elders and that of the ugly bride behind him would be the end of him. And so he walked away from the altar and into the inner court of the temple.

The eight elders which made up the council of alphas, along with Edward and Xavier stood at the inner court of the temple watching in silence as Xavier paces around, his hand running through his hair.

Speak and explain to me what the hell happened back there! Why did I just marry that ugly maiden in place of my chosen bride, Ariel? Tell me why I’m now bonded in holy matrimony with someone different from the bride the council of elders chose yesterday? he exploded, his eyes beaming bloody red as they darted between the elders.

Xavier’s anger terrified everyone, and at this moment, that was exactly what he wanted. Together the council of Alpha’s could set their mind in one accord and place the elder’s curse on him if he posed a threat to them, but he was certain that the rage coursing through him could give him the strength to rip their hearts out before they utter the first chant.

Was this the plan all along? To mock me and make me out like a fool before the people of this kingdom? Speak or I shall rip out every one of your hearts and face the consequences! he roared like a wounded beast.

Alpha King, you need to remain calm! Koz, an alpha of the council, spoke up, stepping forward toward Xavier.

Be calm? He chuckled amidst his fury. Are you fucking kidding me right now? I just wedded and was about to kiss the wrong bride, an ugly bride, at that and you ask me to be fucking calm? I should have your heads!! he surged forward, launching his long and sharp claws out to drive them through Koz’s chest.

Edward, being the only one who could stop his brother, dashed forward and stood as a shield before Koz and Xavier’s claws drove into his chest instead, piercing past his robe and the first layer of skin. He gasped out and his hand grip onto Xavier’s, stopping him before it could meet his ribcage.

Xavier realised what just happened, and he withdrew his claws from Edward and his hand dropped to his side.

Edward stumbled back a few steps but regained himself and Xavier turned away and in rage flipped over the reading table at the centre of the inner court with a few books and papers on it.

After a long moment of silence, Xavier turned back to Edward. Did you know about this? pain appeared in his eyes but disappeared almost immediately.

I did not, but what’s done is done and we need to figure out the next step.

My King, nothing which has happened today was supposed to make you look like a fool, Chike who had brought the scroll to him yesterday step forward towards him with boldness.

Your chosen bride was Ariel of the house Asika, but due to some unfortunate forces yet unknown, she died in her sleep last night. As the custom demands, the younger sister takes the place of the chosen bride if there’s a tragic event such as death before her marriage and the same goes for the groom as well. the other alphas behind nodded in agreement and Xavier’s fist clenched.

Chike continued. This is the custom and we cannot change it, not even for you, my king. The bond’s already made and it can never be broken until death. If you still wish to put her away, then you will have to step down as alpha king.

Chapter 5: The long night

5Unlike the ritual of most newlyweds in the kingdom, the Alpha king did not ride on the same carriage with his queen.

Mia knew he still felt the resentment of being married to someone different. She’d seen the look on his face all the times he had glanced at her during the marriage ceremony earlier. Or perhaps his withdrawal could be because she wasn’t as fair or beautiful as he had expected... She wasn’t beautiful at all.

It had been a long day and the worse day of Mia’s life. It had started with her losing her sister, her biggest supporter, and then losing her freedom.

Flashback***

What happened to Ariel? Where is she?

She’s dead, Mia, Ariel is dead.

Her heart sank, overwhelmed with pain at his word, and a raspy cry of agony left her mouth, already knowing the fate that awaited her but not wanting to believe it.

No, father, that can’t be!

While she yet spoke, her door burst open and in came the royal bride makers without being ushered in. She turned to them, baffled by their audacity to intrude on a private moment.

None of the eight royal bride makers paid her mind as they placed the box they brought in on the floor before turning to them with their looks blunt and formal. They didn’t appear to care that the Asika household had just lost someone they were just here to do their duty.

Father, she called out, but he just whimpers, too broken to utter a word.

This is the custom, my lady. the older woman whom she had spoken to in Ariel’s room yesterday said.

Fuck the custom! My sister’s cold dead body lies in her bed and I want to mourn her properly, not dragged off to someplace I don’t want to be.

The woman gave her a sympathetic look as if she understood her plight. You will be charged with the act of rebellion if we don’t follow the rules and by the end of today, not only will your sister be dead, you and your father will also be dead.

***Flashback ends

Mia didn’t want to think about anything anymore. She just wanted the day to end.

At their arrival, the gates of the Palace opened to the carriage, and it drove her into the Palace estate.

The carriage came to a stop and its door opened to reveal a male servant positioned beside it, with his hand stretched out to her. Silently she took his hand, and he tightened his hold on her as he helps her out of the carriage and onto the concreted pathway that led to the palace.

The magnificent Palace soon stood before Mia and it took her a while to catch her breath while staring at its structure.

The Palace was indeed as massive as everyone said it was and despite spending the last eighteen years of her life in the kingdom, she never stepped her feet here... She never had a reason to until now.

She swallowed and her hands quivered a little, knowing the man she would live with within this Palace for the rest of her life was the same man that gave her the cold shoulder throughout the day.

She couldn't completely blame him. He was left in the dark by the last minute change and had his choice taken from him when he blindly married her.

He wasn’t the only one whose choice was taken away though. She had plans, her bags were already packed, and now those plans would never be a reality.

Reality awaited her in the Palace, and she wasn’t ready.

She wondered if anyone would hear her cry for help behind these high walls. Would anyone even care?

A maiden a little younger than her with fair skin, dirty brown hair braided to the back walked up to her and bowed her head. My queen, I am Lydia, your maid. I will take you to your chambers now.

Mia nodded without uttering a word and followed the maid behind as she led her into the Palace and through the hallway that led to the bridal Chambers.

Lydia pushed open the door, and they both stepped into her massive Chambers and Mia beheld the room refined with elegance. It was sophisticated with its looks and despite not growing up in abject poverty, this was far above her status.

Beside the large window having scarlet curtains was a king-sized bed covered with white linen sheets. There was a door across the room and Mia assumed it led to the bathroom and next to that door stood a massive mahogany wardrobe and a brown armchair on the left side of the room. Close to it was the shelf filled with books, which was the only thing that gladdened Mia’s heart only for a moment.

She turn to the young maid whose eyes were as clear as the sky. Do I share this room with the alpha king, my husband?

She shook her head, No, this is your chambers. If the alpha king has needs for you, he will summon you into his chambers or come into yours.

Her reply gave her a mixed feeling. She was happy she didn’t have to live in the same room as the alpha King because he terrified her and didn’t look like one she would want to share space with, but it also made her sad.

She had grown up seeing the way her father and mother loved each other and until the day she died; they were in love and happy and lived together in the same room and she longed for that growing up and a part of her still did. Who wouldn’t want a man that would stare at them like they were the only thing that mattered in the world? The only one that could make their heart beat irregularly.

In a small way, she wanted that kind of love, and a part of her believed she deserved it.

Perhaps in leaving the kingdom in search of enlightenment, she could have found love. But she had to get used to the fact that she might never get that love or affections from her now-husband, the alpha king.

Okay, thank you. I might need help to get out of this dress, she said, gazing down at her wedding gown, which looked too complicated to get out of.

I’ll call the chief maid. She will help take it off so no harm will come to it. with that said, Lydia hurried out of the bedroom and Mia stood alone and she wrapped her arms around herself.

Since the early hours of the morning, she hadn’t been alone and now that she was; she felt cold and lost than ever and she hated the feeling.

Not long after, an older woman in her late forties stepped through the door and walked towards her. Mia quickly brushed off the moodiness she had on and wore on a much more pleasant face.

My queen, she bowed, the young maid summoned me.

I want to get out of this gown, please. It’s been a long day. She believes you’re better at it.

She nods and without wasting time; she stepped towards Mia and undid the three-layer gown she wore. The older maid knew what she was doing and the first layer of the gown fell off her with ease after a few seconds.

She then proceeded to the second layer, undoing the surrounding ropes as fast as she could when the door opened. Mia turned around to see the alpha king emerge without warning, his step calculated and his head held with pride and dominance.

Her heart doubled a beat in fear, and she immediately looked away from his scowling face.

Leave us, he orders, his voice deep and terrifying.

The older maid released the ropes she almost finished working on and the second layer dropped to the floor, leaving Mia in just the white, long and somewhat transparent gown with slim hands.

The door shut behind them and Mia wanted to hide away because the fear of being alone with the alpha king, which she felt throughout today, was about to unfold.

He stepped away from the door and strode further into the room. She trembled on the inside, but she remained standing in her position, looking anywhere else but at him.

This was one rite of newlyweds sharing close space, but she didn’t want to be in the same space. Her whole being rebelled at the nearness of him.

He was mean, cold, arrogant, entitled, and everything she didn’t want in a man. She never knew him personally, but she heard rumours and stories about him from people, including her father, and she knew they had to be some truth in those rumours. He’d shown her his true colours throughout today with how coldly he treated her, and she didn’t forget.

So, I heard we got married. he finally broke the silence, his eyes raking over her body with his scowl lingering.

At the after party of the wedding, he barely stayed by her side. Instead, he welcomed the guest on his own and drank a few wines with his clique of friends. The only one who bothered to speak to her was his brother, Edward, who congratulated and welcomed her into the family. It didn’t surprise her that her husband treated her in such a way; she was a queen by name and nothing more and that was the role she ought to play.

Yes, my king, we got married.

Good, then carry on, he stroll to the other side of the room where the armchair was, and he took a seat on it. He stretched his legs out and his hand rubbed his jaw while he observed her. This made her skin itch in discomfort and her heart skipped a few beats.

We have a long night ahead of us.

Chapter 6: The rite

6Mia felt the alpha King’s intent gaze on her as she moved her hand to the small hand of the white gown she had on. She shook from fear from the inside out because not only was he much older, he also terrified her.

He was obviously hoping to see what was underneath the garment, though, but the look on his face already said he wouldn’t be impressed either way.

She didn’t have the body that would blow anyone away. She wasn’t the right height or shape and she hadn’t felt insecure about it in a long time, but now, standing so vulnerable, she did.

Getting married was never on her agenda, not since she turned fourteen, freedom and knowledge was. She remembered the first time she shared her dreams of travelling to the other side of the world to get an education with Ariel, and how her sister felt happy for her and supported her. Ariel might have had the looks in the family, but she was much more than that; she was kind and generous and never made Mia feel any less. Ariel told her if it was her dream, she shouldn’t let anyone stop her.

Here she was with her dreams cut short before she could even actualise it. She belongs to the Alpha King for the rest of her life and there is no escaping.

She didn’t blame anyone for Ariel’s death, that she lives for as long as she did was a miracle. Ever since a child, Ariel had a weak heart that always took a toll on her. When her weakness lingered after her first shift, she settled and told herself the moon goddess wanted it so and would call her home when she saw it fit. And the moon goddess saw it fit to call her home last night. Mia didn’t even get to mourn her sister’s passing, she was instructed to hold her tears in while the bride makers made her up.

The alpha King didn’t hide his disapproval of her from the moment he set his eyes on her at the temple. And even now, while he sat scrutinising her, it showed.

He was the look one would give if promised a fresh apple and got an orange, a terrible looking premature orange instead. She was the orange.

Take off your clothes. I want to see the body I’d be living with for the rest of my life, he commanded.

She hesitated, and that displeased him. The low growl that left his mouth testified to the fact. Do you need some kind of motivation? Because you will not get it. Take off your fucking clothes! he thunders, making her jump and her legs shake.

With shaky hands and a trembling body, she grabbed the hand of the silk gown again and dragged it down. She does the same to the other hand of the gown. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor, not having the audacity to look up at the alpha king gawking at her like a predator from his seat at the corner of the room.

Her throat runs dry as she pushed the gown down her shoulder and chest, knowing he watched her every move. Her skin tightened from the cold that gripped it as she pulled the gown down below her chest and her small breast comes into view.

He stayed quiet, watching her.

She stopped, wrapping her arms around her exposed upper body, trying to cover the minor part exposed to his gaze and her eyes became glassy.

You’re not done yet! he informed her with a growl, and this made her look up at him, the tears she had held in rolling down her face. Are you going to take that off or cry all night? his disgust increased and a trace of anger appeared in his voice as well.

He rose to his feet, terrifyingly tall, and she swallowed hard, wanting to run away, but not having enough courage to. So, she stood still while the mountain of a man approached her.

He is her husband, after all, and the marriage ritual said they were united until the very end, which meant the only way she’ll ever be free of him was by dying.

He stopped walking when he stood before her. Her blurred up vision could only see from his midsection since her head stayed bowed and she’d have to tilt it up to see the rest of him. His breath came hot against the skin of her neck and she swallowed hard, expecting nothing but the very worse.

On the first night with your husband, the Alpha King, and you’re already disobedient. He sneered at her, his hoarse voice causing turmoil on the inside of her.

Yet she remained quiet and only responded by shaking her head.

His hand raised to touch her curly red hair, down her face and over the fine line of her jaw. The feeling sent tickles to her spine, and she fought against the moan that almost slipped out. He trailed the finger down her neck to the base of her shoulder where an acute responsive nerve dwelt and she purred, her body betraying her.

Her breath hitch when his hand dropped to her chest and tread a fine line over her left breast. Her chest rose and fell heavily with both nervousness and reaction.

His finger proceeded below to her midsection, where the third layer of the gown she had refused to take off was. His hands grip the material and in a swift tug rented the garment in two, making her gasp out helplessly. She covered her mouth as the torn gown fell to the floor, leaving her naked before him.

Mia bit her lips nervously and her head remain low as the Alpha King made circles around her, inspecting and scrutinising her body.

She felt his eyes take her to analyse all the details of her because she now belonged to him. He did not fail to notice her red hair and its natural curls which fell behind her long neck and over her straightened shoulder. Her chest which rose and fell hard just right above where her two breasts sat. Then