The grand hall fell into a total silence following King Xavier's announcement. I stood frozen beside him, my mind reeling from his words. His fiancée? How was this possible?
I could feel hundreds of eyes on me, a mix of curiosity, shock filled their eyes. My gaze inadvertently found Alfred and Aris in the crowd. Alfred's face was a mask of disbelief and anger, while Aris looked as if she'd been slapped.
King Xavier's warm hand on my lower back snapped me back to reality. "Lucy has been through a great deal," he addressed the crowd, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "But her strength and grace have captured my heart. I ask that you welcome her as you would welcome me."
There was a moment of stunned silence before the hall erupted in applause. Whether it was genuine or merely a show of respect for their king, I couldn't tell.
As Xavier guided me down from the stage, I leaned in close to whisper, "Your Majesty, I don't understand. What's going on?"
He squeezed my hand gently. "Play along for now," he murmured. "I'll explain everything later."
After King Xavier finished introducing me and everyone greeted me, he went ahead to attend to other Alpha. On my way to sit a strong hand drag me away from the crowd to the corridor.
" What do you think you are doing ?" Alfred yelled.
I pulled my hand away from him angrily. " What does it look like I am doing? I am no longer your wife and now the Lycan kings fiancée." I yelled back.
" Does he know you have a husband? Does he know I am the husband? " Alfred kept ranting . While he was yelling, Aris walked in too looking very furious. So you think you have won?
Before she finished talking, I shunned them both.
I don't care how you guys feel or think, I am no longer married to you anymore , you can have my sister like you've always wanted. Now get the hell out of my sight before I raise alarm.
Alfred and Aris stood there, stunned by my outburst. For a moment, I saw a flicker of regret in Alfred's eyes, but it quickly hardened into anger.
"This isn't over," he growled, his fists clenched at his sides.
Aris sneered, her hand protectively over her belly. "You think you're so special now, don't you? Just wait until the Lycan King finds out what a failure you really are."
I felt a surge of anger and hurt, but I refused to let them see how their words affected me. "I suggest you both leave now," I said, my voice steady and cold. "You wouldn't want to upset the Lycan King by harassing his fiancée, would you?"
They both glared at me for a moment longer before Alfred grabbed Aris's arm and led her away. As they disappeared around the corner, I let out a shaky breath, my composure finally cracking.
"Are you alright?"
I spun around to find King Xavier standing behind me, his face a mask of concern.
"Your Majesty," I gasped, quickly trying to compose myself. "I... I'm fine."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me. "I saw Alfred drag you away. What did he say to you?"
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "He... he was just surprised to see me here. As was I, to be honest."
"Ok that's fine, the party is almost over, I would like you to meet some of my business partners and Alpha's of other pack." I said.
I nodded in agreement following his lead.
He showed me around to some of his business partners and to some of the Alpha's. I noticed the look he gave Alfred when we were in the gathering of the Alpha's. They both gave themselves a killer look that I had to wonder if it was because of me they looked at each other that way or they knew each other from somewhere.
Finally the celebration was over and King Xavier asked me to follow him to his quarters. When we got to his room, we met Zina looking very angry and ready to pounce on anyone. She stood up in anger from where she was sited.
" What the hell was that you did Xavier? How could you call your maid your fiancee?" She yelled pointing fingers at me.
" I won't have you speak to me in such manner. Do you remember who you're talking to?" King Xavier yelled back. Zina and I froze in shock at his outburst.
Now let me make this very clear to you, You and I are no longer together, from today henceforth I don't want to see you around here. Lucy and I would be married soon. He said grabbing my hands and pulling me close to him.
Zina stood in shock like me, although I tried to hide how shocked I was. This felt so strange to me, so I was wondering what the Lycan king was up to. Zina wanted to speak up again, but King Xavier raised his hands, silencing her.
This is not over Xavier, you know you cannot do this to me. Just wait and see, I will be back to take what belongs to me.
As Zina stormed out of the room, I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.
Just as King Xavier turned to face me, ready to explain, there was a sharp knock at the door. My heart leapt into my throat as Xavier's guard mentioned Alfred's name. " My king Alpha Alfred is waiting for you, he wants to see you."
" Bring him in then." Xavier told the guard.
King Xavier's eyes met mine, signaling me to excuse him. I nodded, though fear coursed through my veins. He gestured for me to step behind a large decorative screen in the corner of the room. I quickly obliged.
"Enter," King Xavier called out, his voice betraying no emotion.
I heard the door open and close, followed by Alfred's footsteps. I was curious to know what they wanted to talk about, so I stood very close to the door eavesdropping. From my hiding spot, I could just barely see them through a gap in the screen.
"Your Majesty," Alfred began, his voice tight with barely controlled anger, "I need to speak with you about Lucy."
King Xavier's posture remained relaxed, almost bored. "What about her?"
"Do you know she's married?" Alfred demanded. "To me?"
There was a pause, and I held my breath, waiting for King Xavier's response.
"And?" he said simply, his tone indifferent.
Alfred seemed taken aback by this response. "And? She's my wife! You can't just-"
"I heard the husband no longer wants her," King Xavier interrupted coolly. "That he already impregnated her sister. Is that not correct?"
I had to clap a hand over my mouth to stifle a gasp.
Alfred's face contorted with rage. He took a step towards King Xavier, his fists clenched. "You have no right-"
"I wouldn't try that if I were you," King Xavier said, his voice low and dangerous. "You seem to be under the impression that this is like before. Let me assure you, it's not."
Alfred froze, gritting his teeth and looking ready to pounce on King Xavier .
But before he did Xavier stopped him with his words. " Don't you there try it or what happened the last time will repeat itself again. "
King Xavier smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. " I guess you don't remember? That's a shame. But let me make this clear - Lucy is under my protection now. Whatever claim you think you had on her is null and void."
"You can't do this," Alfred sputtered, but I could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
"I'm the Lycan King," Xavier replied calmly. "I can do whatever I deem necessary to protect my people. And right now, that includes Lucy. I suggest you return to your pack and focus on your new family. Lucy is no longer your concern."
Alfred stood there, speechless. After a moment, he turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
I stayed frozen behind the screen, my mind reeling from what I'd just heard. King Xavier sounded like he knew Alfred before. But how? And what did he mean by 'before'?
"You can come out now, Lucy," King Xavier called calmly.
I stepped out from behind the screen, my legs shaking slightly. "Your Majesty, i…i , I tried to formulate words but couldn't.
Did you eavesdrop on our conversation? King Xavier asked. I nodded in fear.