𝐀𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞

66. The Morning After

Xavier's eyes opened at five in the morning on their own accord. His routine entailed going straight to the training ground and polishing his skills as a warrior. But today, he was bound in the Imperial Wing by this feeling of not wanting to part from Ariana for even a second.

There she was. Sleeping soundly by his side.

Was she even real?

Xavier's hand found hers, confirming her arrival in his life, and this time for good.

The smile on his lips conveyed far more than just happiness. Relief was the heaviest among all the emotions he was experiencing.

His mate had always been out of his reach- first, because he grew up believing he would have to reject her; later, because he knew he had betrayed her and she had decided to move on with someone else.

Talking about someone else, Sean's face came to his mind. He himself was surprised when a sudden sentiment of sympathy evolved in his heart. He imagined how devastated he must be right now.

Although the guy had been his rival, Xavier could now acknowledge that Sean was decent. He had seen love in his eyes for Ariana, and she, too, held earnest devotion for him.

"What could've made her change her mind? " Xavier thought to himself.

"The love she has for me must be greater. That's why she chose me at last. What was I thinking yesterday when I began doubting her? It must have been extremely difficult for her to break his heart. Of course, it took a toll on her as well."

Xavier couldn't help but shift closer to Ariana. She was his worship personified.

He watched her, and the faint light of dawn revealed tear tracks on her cheeks.

He felt immensely protective of her. Kissing her forehead, he promised to make her happy.

His gaze then landed on his mark on her neck. The night before, when the marking had happened, Ariana had instantly felt dizzy, and her whole body had gone limp. So, she had been carried by Xavier in his arms and placed on the bed.

"I should've brought something for her to eat. Why didn't I?"

This thought made Xavier get up from the bed.

He changed his attire to head outside the Imperial Wing and into his Study Room located inside the official part of the Royal Palace.

Within half an hour, the staff was at his service upon his call.

First came his personal dresser. Xavier trusted him to create a wardrobe for Ariana, which included day-to-day outfits, casual wear, nightgowns, and outfits for special events such as public appearances, formal dinners, or invites from the leaders of the packs.

Then came the Crown Jeweller, who knew the name and whereabouts of every piece of jewelry that the royalty of Wicref possessed at the tip of her tongue. Xavier expected the most beautiful and valuable pieces to be at Ariana's disposal, in addition to the new ones which were going to be made for her. However, only those jewelry pieces that were untouched by Persephone were to be brought, which was his strictest order.

And of course, whatever Ariana wanted later would be added to the collection.

At last, the Master of the Household entered the Study Room- the very same lady who despised Persephone for attempting to take over her area of expertise. Not much was said by Xavier to her, as he had seen her since he was a child and respected her as a loyal and competent senior member of the staff. He simply made her aware of Ariana's food preference, which he had taken note of during her previous brief stay.