The Alpha King's Last Wish

NOWIt wasn't the first time Mia had woken up without Xavier beside her. She had subconsciously gotten used to waking up without him beside her. Being used to it didn't remove the ache his absence brought her.Something had happened. Something happened to him, and she didn't know what it was. He wasn't the same Xavier she knew, at least not in the last three months.They slept beside each other, but she felt she was beside a stranger. She couldn't read his mind anymore, and in the seven years they had been true mates, that had never happened. She believed her inability to read him was her fault initially, but then she realised it wasn't. He had created a barrier in his mind to keep her out of it. It didn't make sense; why would he do that? What was he hiding from her?She confronted him a week later, and he told her he had nothing to hide.It was a lie; she didn't have to read him to know that. It was the first time in years that he had lied to her, and it hurt. What was he hiding, an

Princess Kailani came to visit the capital and her family. In the last three years, she had made Soule, the northern region, her home, and though she had responsibilities to the throne as the princess, she asked for pardon to leave. She told them that staying in the capital only brought her pain from the loss of her mate, and she couldn't bear it. She promised she would do her duties in the north and rally the king's army together, and she also ensured that she kept the order there. Xavier granted her request and told her she was always welcome to visit. Mia remembered the joy the princess had on her face at the king's permission.In the last three years, she has visited over a dozen times, spending no less than a week with the royals before returning to the north.Having Kailani in the palace was a breath of fresh air. Mia knew she wouldn't feel as alone as she had in the last few months, especially the last few weeks.She didn't have to say a word about where she and Xavier were to

It still surprised Mia that, despite the coming war breathing down their necks and staring them in the face, love lingered in the people's minds. The rate at which mates united in holy matrimony in the last few months had doubled, and it felt as if the impending end of their existence heightened their need to belong to each other even more.The same could be said for the family of Elder Hunter Grey, who was added to the council of elders a year ago. His oldest son, Mac Grey, had found his mate and wanted to be united in holy matrimony.The king and queen received a formal invitation, and so the king promised that they would be in attendance at the feast.Mia knew what their presence would entail. It meant they would have to put up a show before the people. After Xavier summoned her into the study to deliver the news of the marriage and their invitation, it was the first thing that crossed her mind."We are no longer together," she informed him."The people didn't know that, but your a

Mia woke up the following day with a smile on her face. There was a lot ahead for her today. She had agreed to go with the king to the sites of the capital 3, especially the warrior's institute, and review their progress so far.Yes, they were not where they needed to be yet, but she was optimistic. The events of last night were all good; there was only a better future ahead for them.Xavier didn't need to explain; she understood he had battles, and she would wait until he was ready to discuss those battles. He was honest with her; she saw it in his eyes; he meant every word, and her heart believed it. The Xavier she saw last night differed from the one she had lived with these past months, and she found her faith.She got ready, and just as the maid finished dressing her hair, a knock came to her door."My queen, the king is waiting for you," the voice of Sir Alex said from across the door, and she rose to her feet.She walked to the door and opened it. "I am ready; we can go now."S

Mia didn't know how long she stayed on the ground, sobbing before the medical unit arrived with a moveable bed. They carried the king onto it and took him into the medical unit of the warrior's institute.Mia turned to Commodore Ian. "I will much appreciate it if the king's state of health is kept here and not spread."He bowed his head to her, showing her the respect she didn't deserve after what she had done. "Yes, my queen, the warriors are sworn to keep the secret of the king; you have nothing to worry about.""Thank you," she said, and she followed those who had come to take the king with them.She stood at the door and watched as the head of the unit attended to Xavier, trying to stabilise his heartbeat. They stayed a while to achieve their goal, and once they attained it, they departed the room, leaving the king to get enough rest."The king shows extreme signs of fatigue; a few hours' rest is all he will need to help himself. That would be the best time to return to the capita