ALEXANDER POV
As I kissed Nikolas goodbye I felt a pang of regret because leaving him was a hard decision for me but this meeting with the Supernatural Committee was unavoidable. They had been breathing down my neck since last week after my outburst with the issue of my mate .
I wanted to stay with him, to hold him close and never let him go. But duty called, and I had to answer.
Walking out of the chamber I thought back to the events that had transpired between me and my mate bringing a smile to my face as I made my way to the meeting room.
I entered the meeting room and the elders of the Supernatural Committee greeted me with a bow, their eyes cast downward in respect.
I nodded, acknowledging their gesture before taking my seat at the head of the table.
"Your Majesty," they said in unison.
I gestured for them to sit and they complied. I could sense their tension and I knew that this meeting would be difficult.
"Let us begin, and I trust you have come prepared to discuss about the matter of our world and not about me finding my fated mate?"
The lead elder , elder Tholos spoke up. "Yes, Your Majesty. We have concerns about the safety of the world, and the humans but your majesty we are also concerned about you ."
I raised an eyebrow already sensing where this was going. "And your concerns are ?" I asked
Elder Tholos hesitated before speaking. "We speak of lady Victoria , your majesty. we have been told that since when she is here you haven't summoned her or have had a conversation even if it's contact ."
" And why should I have anything to do with that ," I said, my voice firm. " She is not my fated mate or my relatives, so tell me why should I waste my time ."
The elders exchanged nervous glances, before elder Lina speaks up . " Your majesty, there is another issue about a human who has been seen in your company and Some of us are concerned that his presence may be unsettling the balance of power in the kingdom."
" The human is my personal slave and he is harmless ," I said trying to downplay the situation.
But Elder Tholos eyes narrowed. "We have reason to believe otherwise, Your Majesty. And it is unheard of for a human to be a personal servants to the king himself ."
"The slave I have is none of your business," I said leaning back in my chair.
But Elder Tholos persisted. "But, Your Majesty, rumors have been going around about you favoring him. There are whispers that he is receiving special treatment, and it's causing unrest among the staff who are supernaturals."
I raised an eyebrow intrigued despite myself. "How?" I asked.
Elder Lina speaks up . "Well for example Sophia, the head maid informed me that he was tasked by you to not do any chores and he should be in his room at all times since last week. And the room he is staying at is the best in the personal servants' quarter ."
I felt defensive but I kept my expression calm. "I see, and what business is it of yours or Sophia's on how I choose to treat my slaves?" I said stamping my fingers on the desk.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty it is not just about the slave. It's about the perception of favoritism and the way the world will think about you . And there will be concerns about this human influence on you."
I laughed out a cold heartless sound. "Influence on me? I think you all are overestimating the power of a simple slave because I assure you, I am still in control here."
But the elders expression remained skeptical and I knew that this conversation was far from over.
"So, is there anything else that is to be discussed?" I asked trying to distract them from the issue of Nikolas.
"Yes, Your Majesty, there is another issue that requires your attention. Lord Ryan has requested your presence in Asia to address a matter of great importance." Elder Samuel answered.
I raised an eyebrow. "Can't he solve it himself? What is he a lord for?"
"Your Majesty, we understand, but this is a delicate situation. The vampires and werewolves are fighting for superiority and Lord Ryan being a werewolf himself may be seen as biased if he was to intervene. But with your presence as the King the issue will be resolved impartially and just."
I nodded thoughtfully, "When am I to leave?" I asked knowing the answer.
"As soon as possible, Your Majesty."
I nodded making my decision. "Ok, then I will be there in three days time so inform Lord Ryan to expect me."
The Elders bowed their heads. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
I stood up signaling the end of the meeting. "I expect regular updates on the situation in Asia. I want to be prepared for what I will face."
Elder Tholos nodded . "We will keep you informed , your majesty"
While the elders filed out of the room, I could not help but think of Nikolas, my fated mate. I would have to leave him behind alone but I will assign xaiter to watch over him knowing that I had to address this situation I walk out of the room heading to my chambers.
NIKOLAS POV
I felt gentle sensations on my neck, soft kisses that sent shivers down my spine. I am being waken up by the tender touch, my body melting into the mattress. I opened my eyes to see King Alexander's face above mine, his eyes burning with desire.
I smiled up at him and he returned the gesture, his lips curling into a devastating smile as he kissed me deeply his mouth claiming mine in a passionate embrace I felt myself getting lost in the kiss.
"Good afternoon, sweetheart," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.
" Good afternoon, Your Majesty," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
He chuckled with his lips tracing the outline of my ear. "You are still going to be calling me that, aren't you?"
I blushed as I admitted . "Maybe a little, your majesty."
He kissed me again, his mouth gentle but the kiss was full of passion and I felt myself craving more of his touch.
But as his lips left mine to trace the outline of my ear, I felt pleasured mixed with a hint of guilt. I had to ask him about the rumors circulating in the castle.
"I know this is crossing a line, but what about your fiancée?" I asked.
Alexander's head jerked back with a look of confusion on his face. "Fiancée? What are you talking about?"
I hesitated unsure if I should have brought it up. "Your wife to be, Lady Victoria?"
Alexander's expression changed from confusion to shock. "Where did you hear that from? I never had a fiancée."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me but it was quickly replaced by confusion. "But it is what everyone in the castle believes, and she told us that she is your fated mate but I don't know the meaning of mate."
Alexander's eyes narrowed his jaw clenching in anger. "Lady Victoria is not my mate, and I am not engaged to her. I don't know what kind of game they are playing, but I will get to the bottom of it."
I couldn't help but ask the question that had been burning in my mind. "What is the meaning of mate, if I may ask?"
Alexander sat up. as he answered. "Mate is like your other half, they complete you, they are literally your soulmate. Every supernatural has a mate, it's like a missing piece that makes you whole."
"So they are like the love of your life for us , humans?" I asked trying to understand.
He nodded with a soft smile on his face. "Yes, sweetheart. But it's more than that. It's a deep connection that goes beyond love, it's a bond that can't be broken easily."
"And what happens if you don't find your mate?" I asked.
Alexander's expression turned serious . "If a supernatural doesn't find their mate, they are left with a hole in their soul, a constant feeling of emptiness. It's a fate worse than death."
"And have you seen yours?" I asked curiosity getting the better of me.
"No, I haven't," he replied without meeting my eyes.
I was speechless feeling a pang of sadness at his words, So, what was he doing with me when he had a soulmate out there? Was I just a toy for him to pass the time with before his mate came along? The thought sent so much hurt through my chest.
Feeling a stinging sensation in my eyes I tried to hold back the tears as the thought of being used to pass the time until he found his true mate was unbearable.
"I would like to leave, Your Majesty," I said my voice trembling with emotion.
But the wicked shook his head with his expression unreadable. "I am leaving to Asia in three days' time," he said.
I was taken aback because What did his trip to Asia have to do with me and the conversation we were having?.
"Ok, Your Majesty," I said instead trying to compose myself. "Is there anything you would like me to do in your absence?"
"I want you to stay in your room in the castle. I will make sure you are well taken care of."
I felt a surge of resentment at his words so I am still a prisoner , a mere plaything to be kept entertained until his returns from his trip.
"And what about Lady Victoria?" I asked, my voice laced with venom. "Will she be taken care of too?"
His jaw clenched in anger. "Lady Victoria will not be bothering you again," he growled. "I will make sure of it."