The Alpha King Runaway Bride: Family United

By Glory Tina

I saw this tradition in Klean and I thought it was cute," Xavier answered, still on one knee.
"What tradition?" Mia asked in a curious tone, her brow raised. "Well, the to-be groom asks the bride to marry him by getting on one knee and saying will you marry me? So, Mia Ainsworth, will you marry me?" he asked her.
She seemed interested to know how this ends. Yesterday he had gotten on his knee to give her the gold and green ribbons and she wanted to see how this would go. "Okay, and then what?" "Then the to-be bride says yes," he guided her. "So I say yes?" "Yes," he nodded. "That's my line," she protested with a pout.
"Then say it." "Yes," she said, and he took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. He rose to his feet and pulled her against himself before claiming her lips. They pulled away, and he placed his head against hers, his eyes fluttering. "The kiss is a part of the tradition?" "Yes," he said, beaming at her.
His happiness was getting her excited, "Okay, now what?" "We get married.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024

Book preview

Chapter 67: The making of a monster

Edward sat quietly, watching what transpired at the table. He watched Elliott, and he saw him holding an unreadable look on his face as he watched the disappointment and fury of the King and queen towards their son. It wasn't a thing of joy, but somehow a smile curled at the corner of Elliott's lips. 

Stop this right now, Xavier; you're ruining this dinner. Layla snapped out harshly, and Xavier turned to her, surprised that she had used such a tone on him. 

It was unexpected, and that made him go silent.

I do not expect better from him, Robb grumbled and took his seat.

They ate in silence, with Xavier trying to eat but losing his appetite instead. He placed his cutleries on the table and rose to his feet, making the eyes of others turn to him. 

Where are you going? Edward asked.

To my room, he answered, not looking at him.

You haven't touched your food, Layla added, her voice calmer than a moment ago when she snapped at him.

I am no longer hungry.

I will not support waste, Robb spoke up in an annoyed voice.

Then eat it, Xavier replied, before walking away. 

That is the son you raised! Robb accused Layla, who sat quietly, unable to utter a word. 

Layla rose from the table and ran after him. He had already climbed up the stairs and taken the way that led to his chamber, and Layla had to hurry up just to catch up with him. Xavier! Xavier! Stop walking right this minute! She commanded, and he halted in his walk but didn't turn to her. 

What do you want from me, mother? 

This is no way to react and do things. Your rebellion will only cause you more harm! You're supposed to be better than this! 

He doesn't like me. He never has, and since I took a life, he hasn't looked at or treated me the same way. I am a monster, and I accept the title with no regrets for it, he continued. 

Xavier! she snapped, making him stop for the second time. You're only going to bring yourself. You should be better, not because bad things haven't happened to you, but because they have. 

Well, I am tired of this, of him, of everything, mother. Of being the better person. I give it up. 

Xav... she couldn't complete her words because she lost her strength and collapsed to the floor with a loud thud. 

Xavier spun around and rushed over to her. There was a trickle of blood from her nose, down her mouth, and he pulled her into his hands, shaking her so she would wake. This had never happened before, and so the sight scared him more than anything. 

Wake up, mother! Wake up, mother. Wake up!!! He cried out helplessly, shaking her shoulder, but she didn't respond. Somebody help! 

The physicians finished running the test on her and approached him at the door. After her collapse and his cry for help, Edward and Robb ran to him and asked what had happened. He told them she fell, and Robb didn't believe him; he told him he had done something to the queen. Xavier cried and told them he didn't. She fell unconscious. Robb sent words to the shaman and priest to come and examine the queen and determine what was wrong with her.

Xavier had never felt such fear as he did in that moment, wondering if his mother was ever going to wake up. It's been five hours since the physicians came. They attended to the still-unconscious queen, running tests and examinations to determine what was wrong with her. 

Robb had left, and though Edward wanted to stay and know the result, Xavier sent him to his chambers to sleep. He had classes tomorrow, and the queen wouldn't be so happy if he missed them on her account and would hold Xavier responsible. 

The priest approached him with his head bowed. He didn't seem very pleased with the result, so it seemed.

We have written down the symptoms and a few reactions on her body, and though examination would continue so we could be certain, the result we've gotten so far points out that the queen might have the shadow sickness.

He frowned because this was his first time hearing the name. What's the shadow sickness?

It's a rare disease that devours the life force of whoever has it. This disease attaches itself to the host and devours him or her from the inside out. We do not know how one gets it or why it picks the ones it does. We just know the reasons vary, and sadly, the Queen has it, he answered. 

Will she wake up, though? he asked, his eyes desperate for a positive answer.

He nodded. She will wake, but she has ignored the presence of the disease for so long that she doesn't have much time left.

How much longer?

He drew a deep breath and said, I can't be sure, but not more than six months.

Flashback 

Xavier pushed open the door to the elder's court, where Robb sat deliberating with the council of alphas. He didn't know what they talked about, and he didn't care. His eyes were still blurry from having cried so much. He had wiped his face because he knew the tears wouldn't bring his mother, the now-late queen, back. If they could, she wouldn't have died. The anger that coursed through his veins wouldn't bring her back either, but at least it was for good measure. 

He felt disappointed and angry more than anything else. It was crazy. The only thing that stayed on his mind was making the alpha king, Robb Ainsworth, pay for what he had done. He had to pay for being a terrible husband and father, and those titles should never be used when referring to him. He was still yet to disclose the sad news to Edwards, whom he had specifically told to stay away from her room after the queen's condition deteriorated. She was afraid that being around her might increase his chances of getting the shadow sickness since, among her two sons; he was the one with notable magical powers. Edward had gone to the temple to pray every day for the healing of his mother, and he had prayed these past months without ceasing. 

Your wife, the queen, is dead! Xavier said with a loud voice, and the heads of those in the throne room turned to him. They all had the look of sadness in their eyes, all except Robb. Are you happy now? You finally rid yourself of the burden you call wife. 

I would choose the words I say carefully if I were you, Xavier, he warned in a calm voice. 

He scoffed and took a step forward. Or what? You would have me locked up and flogged for being the son of disobedience? he demanded. You will treat me like a monster when, in fact, the actual monster is you? 

I will not hear it, Xavier! He sprang to his feet. 

Well, too bad, because you're going to have to, because I'm not done, Robb! He snapped back, and the elders seated watched the display with fear. 

She wanted to see you. She longed for you until her last breath, but you never came. Why? Because she wasn't important enough? She wasn't as important as this was. he gestured to the meeting he was having with the elders. You're not worthy to be a father; you're not worthy to be called a husband; you're not worthy to be called a king. I swear on my life that I will make your life miserable for the cruel hand you have dealt the queen, and with my last breath, I will make sure that I am nothing like you, bastard!

Guards! Take him away. Robb commanded, and the two guards standing by the door of the court stepped towards him to take him.

He stepped back. Do not come closer! he warned them. 

Take him! Robb spoke in an impatient tone. 

The guards stepped forward, but Xavier launched at them, pushing one off his balance onto the floor, and the other he punched in the face before tackling to the floor. The elders seated gasped at the horror playing out before them, and they could say nothing. 

The other guard he had shoved to the floor rose and grabbed him by the hands, lifting him off the second guard. He struggled to set himself free, but to no avail. 

King Robb stepped towards him while he struggled to set himself free. You have chosen not only to interrupt an important meeting but also to display the act of madness and chaos on the day your mother, the Queen, departed for the life beyond. What do you think she would think looking down at you now? He demanded, coming to stand before him with his brows furrowed. 

Hearing him speak about her memory as if he ever cared for her when she was alive pissed him off. He wanted to reach for his neck, but his hands were prisoners of the guards, leaving him powerless, and he hated it. 

You're a disgrace to Layla's memory. You always were and always will be! Robb spat out at him. 

Xavier saw red the next second. Fuck you! he cussed and slammed his head against Robb's in the clash of anger, causing the King to lose balance and stumble back a little. A horror-filled gasp went through the room at what he had done to his father. 

He didn't feel fear.

He felt joy. 

The slam caused a tear in Robb's skin, and blood ran down his head, down his face, and into his grey robe. A few seconds later, the cut healed up, but the mark had already been inflicted. He might have healed up, but Xavier was certain he had caused him pain, even though it was for a moment. 

You do not deserve to call her name! he growled, struggling with the guard, and this made blood trickle down his own face. The adrenaline rush had made him forget he had inflicted pain on himself in an attempt to hurt his father. 

The door to the elder's court flew open, and Edward walked in. He had left for the temple in the early hours of the day to go and pray for the queen and was just coming home now. He must have picked up on the noise or the tension and made his way over. 

Chapter 68:The making of a monster II

Take him away and lock him up, Sir Valerio! Robb told the guard holding onto him, and he nodded and turned from the king so that they faced Edward.

On seeing Xavier's head burst open and his face covered in blood, Edward gasped and covered his mouth. He stepped towards him, stopping the guards from moving. What happened to you?

The Queen is dead. was all he told him, and Edward's face fell and grief took hold of his expression the next second. 

Take him away! Robb commanded, and Edward stepped aside so Sir Valerio could pass.

Father, Edward called in confusion, but he saw a bloodstain on his father's forehead, the same spot Xavier had the cut and swelling on his own head. He didn't ask any further questions as the guards took Xavier from the throne room and into the dungeons. They locked him in there and shut the door. 

Edward, who had followed behind, stayed at the dungeon bar as they shut it up. Can I go in and speak with him? he asked, his tone sceptical. 

I do not know if the king would want that, Sir Valerio answered. 

I'm his brother, sir Valerio, please, he begged. 

My head will be on the line if something goes wrong, but okay. Sir Valerio opened up the dungeon, and Edward stepped inside to where Xavier now sat on the floor. 

This wasn't Xavier's first time being here, and he doubted this would be his last. However, this was the first time he felt he merited being locked up in the dungeon. It felt nice, and blood still pumped through his veins in excitement. 

Edward stepped towards him, and his head lifted to see him. He didn't know Edward had followed him to the dungeon. He had been so trapped in his head that he didn't notice his little brother or pick up his scent. 

What do you want? He growled at him and turned away, losing the excitement he had experienced a moment ago. 

Edward moved to face him before speaking, My condolences for the death of the queen, Xavier, he said, and Xavier turned away from him again, this time to hide his emotions. I know you're grieving and hurting, and I know one thing: hurting people hurt people, and I mean it when I say I am sorry for the loss of the queen.

She was also your mother, he hissed at his brother's saviour mentality. He didn't need to be looked after or treated like an egg. He was certain that, just like their father, Edward also considered him the problem. 

But you've been beside her these past few months. You saw her pain, her sorrow, and her sadness. You lived through it, and losing her hurts, even for me. Edward lifted his hand towards his head, and Xavier knew he was about to cast a healing spell on him. 

He took hold of Edward's hand, and his brother's brow furrowed in confusion, but he shook his head. The pain is a reminder of what I have done. I've always wanted to do that, and the pain I feel right now is a reminder that I finally did.

There was no judgement in Edward's eyes as he stared at him. He seemed to understand why he did what he did. Then let me cover it up so it doesn't get infected, he said. Xavier released his hand, and he mumbled a silent spell before waving his hand over his face. And the mark disappeared. 

Edward dropped his hand to his side after he was done, and he didn't look ready to leave just yet. 

Aren't you going to leave? He asked with his brow raised. 

No, not yet. I want to stay here with you, he said, then glanced at him. I hope that's okay with you, though.

Xavier shrugged. You're spending time with your rebellious brother. I don't think Robb would like that very much. At this rate, I've lost all hope of ever being the alpha king of Wahala, but you haven't. You still can become the king Robb would be proud of. 

Edward laughed. First, I'm not leaving you alone to grieve. I do not care what you did in the elder's court. Second, I will never be the king of Wahala, so unless our father sires another heir, he's stuck with you.

Flashback ends

I am sorry, Xavier said, coming to Edward, who stood at the upper room of the High Tower's window, staring afar off into the night, lost in thought. 

He broke out and glanced at Xavier, who now stood with his hands in the pockets of his robe. Whatever for?

I told you to come with me. If I hadn't taken you, perhaps you wouldn't be so far away from your mate. You would be with Kailani.

How would you have saved your mate if I hadn't come along? You're not the best when it comes to critical thinking, you know.

Xavier didn't argue. You're right, still... 

Don't, he stopped him in his tracks, Kailani might be far away, but she's alive, and I'm going to reunite with her. Her case and Mia's case are completely different, and we didn't know things would go the way they have. If we did, I would have brought her along. I miss her every day I don't see her, but I know she's fine. She has survived way worse than this, and so I believe she will return to me when the time comes.

Xavier placed his hand on Edward's shoulder. That's good then. I will keep the faith with you.

Chapter 69: Value of virtue

What are you thinking? Xavier asked, picking up on Mia's silence.

Xoe, she answered.

Xoe? he repeated, confused. She lifted her head off his shoulder to stare at him. What am I missing, my love? 

I think we should send the princess back to her kingdom, she answered. 

Why would you suggest that? he asked, a little puzzled. I think it's more dangerous out there than it is in here.

The priest said Princess Kailani, Alpha Koz, and Sir Valerio had left to rally allies for you and the crown. Despite that, a majority of the armed forces follow Elliott as the king, and they will carry out his wishes. The king's men, the warriors from the institute, and our allies are just a small fraction compared to the Royal Army. The Royal Army comprises over ten thousand powerful men of war sworn and loyal to King Elliot. If we, however, can get Xoe to the kingdom of Klean, she could convince her father to aid us with his army. It would be a sign of good fortune since we rescued his daughter from Foth and brought her back to him in one piece. With his army of men behind us, our advantage would rise to a significant level. She explained. 

There is no guarantee things will work out the way you have it all planned out.

I know that, but it's worth a try.

He nodded in agreement. Then let's discuss it with the princess. 

... 

You want me to go home? Xoe asked in a confused tone, and her eyes darted between Mia and Xavier. But you said this is the safest place to be. She reminded them of Xavier's words about the High Tower.

They were at the inn of the High Tower, reserved for the maiden, among those that fled from Elliott and came over seeking refuge. Xoe had spent the last week here, getting care, food, and comfort in abundance.

Mia stepped towards her. That's true, but we are analysing the outcome of the battle ahead, and we may all not survive it if you don't do this. Then she proceeded to tell her the plan.

So you're sending me home to carry out your wishes?

That was not the way she hoped it would be put, but it was the same thing. If there was anyone who could get to King Ferdinand Ono and the crowned Prince Simone and convince them to aid their cause, it had to be their beloved daughter and sister. Yes, we need you, Xoe, Mia answered. 

She pressed her lips together, staying silent for a few minutes before speaking. Fine then. What do you want me to do?

Her quick interest wasn't what they had expected when they thought about it earlier. Seeing her willingness to do what needed to be done came as a surprise and a source of joy. Mia turned to Xavier, her eyes hopeful. 

We need you to persuade your father and brother to send us their men to help us fight the battle ahead, Xavier answered. We have already established and strengthened our peace treaty in the last four summers. Also, the king of Foth would need time to rebuild his fleets of ships, which we set ablaze before leaving the kingdom. With that, your father, the king of Klean, does not need to worry about an attack from King Ferro soon. I, on the other hand, need his aid to reclaim the kingdom that was once mine. 

Xoe nodded, understanding the assignment.

You will leave with Joi and Ace, Mia told her. Our time is limited, and if King Ferdinand agrees and gives his men, Ace's magic would help move them from there to here through the portal.

Xoe's eyes narrowed, lost in the last part of Mia's explanation. I do not understand.

You do not have to. Ace will come with you, and he knows what he should do when the time comes, she assured her and pulled her into a tight hug. Take care of yourself and stay safe on the roads. 

Princess Xoe, Ace, Joi, and Sir Alex of the King's men were ready to leave that very evening, already sitting on their various horses. The priest Marco had provided them with clothes and hoods that would make them appear as commoners. He told them to always chant hail Elliott, king of the Wahala kingdom and greatest amongst all others. This was the line enforced by the king through the royal army after his crowning. Anyone who didn't chant it or said otherwise was arrested and thrown in the dungeons. 

You're okay with leaving without her, right? Mia asked Ace, who had a lingering eye on Casy. 

He turned to her, and a smile curled on his face. Yes, sure I am. This was always meant to be. I just know I will not be the same man when I return; if I return— he said, and his tone showed scepticism. 

Mia patted him on the shoulder. Just be you, and please return to us.

He nodded. I will try my best.

They waved the four off as they rode away from the High tower, and Mia only hoped for good news. It was only a matter of time. 

…

The first to return among those who had dispatched themselves to the three regions of the kingdom were Sir Valerio, Lady Margaret, and her husband, Lord Tosin. They returned from Kame with fifty-two-foot soldiers skilled in battle. Thirty from house Pariz, his wife's family house. House Pariz had over a hundred soldiers, but a majority of them were not yet skilled in battle and would end up being casualties of war. Sir Valerio told his in-laws' house he would leave with the numbers he already had and thanked them for their help. A well-skilled ten was better than an unskilled hundred. That had always been his motto, and he stood by it. Lady Margaret and Sir Tosin rallied twenty soldiers from their house, and together they had fifty-two strong soldiers.

Xavier was first to welcome them and their men back to the High tower and Sir Valerio, Lady Margaret, and Lord Tosin dropped from their horses and approached Xavier on the step, where he stood with his hands behind him. 

Chapter 70: Value of virtue 2

They got to where he was, and Sir Valerio dropped to one