Dinner

"I can't believe you! Do you really want to cancel our wedding for a woman you just met? Why would you do something like that? We've known each other since we were kids. I spent eighteen years of my life, loving you. Why would you do this to me?", Kimorra angrily asked. Xander felt guilty as the angry tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Don't make this more difficult than it is already. You are causing a scene. I think you need some rest, we can talk about tomorrow", was his feeble attempt to control the situation.

Kimorra glared at him, her fists clenching harder by her sides at every surge of emotion.

"I'm causing a scene? You already sent everyone away, so who's watching, huh? Even if everyone's watching, who cares? Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I stayed up for days, wondering what this day would be like. I imagined laughter, fulfillment, happiness, and tears. Only that they were supposed to be tears of joy! How did you manage to turn something so beautiful into a nightmare? Why would you make me feel so insignificant on the day you were supposed to make me feel like the only woman you can see? Why did you choose to betray me this way?", She sniffled.

"I didn't mean for any of this to happen, Kim…" Xander muttered.

"But you had a choice! You don't even know this woman, so why are you acting so helpless?" She snapped.

Xander ran his hands through his hair, stirring the styled hair.

"She is beautiful. She has such a commanding presence that is difficult to ignore. Just having her close to me, makes my heart race. If I proceeded with the marriage, I would have cheated on you," Xander said sullenly.

Kimorra let out a bitter laugh. "Cheat? When did you become so decent, Xander? You have been cheating on me for years. Did you think I was stupid enough not to notice the way you flirt around? Did I once complain or stop you from having fun? I dealt with the ache for years, you just had one job!" She screamed, throwing the flower vase at him.

Xander moved out of the way quickly. The vase hit the wall and shattered. He glared at her.

"Have you lost your mind? How hard is it to understand that I don't want to marry you anymore? I like this woman and I will go for her. I advise you to go home and sleep over it, picking a fight won't change anything", Xander fired.

Kimorra gripped tightly to her dress as she watched him walk away. She took a step forward, then turned around quickly, stopping herself from going after him. She choked out a sob. Everything felt like a cruel dream.

She let out a scream and pushed the table in front of her. She threw everything her hands could reach, hoping to stop the pain in her heart. The shattered room made her feel worse. She ended up ripping the wedding dress to shreds.

She fell to the floor, clutching tightly to the pieces of the dress as she cried her heart out.

Xander walked in on his parents after leaving Kimorra. The disappointment on their faces riled him up. He wasn't used to disappointing them. He was usually the son they were proud of.

"Your in-laws just left. We assured them we would handle the situation properly and talk some sense into you. Do you mind explaining that nonsense you displayed before your bride and people? Is this how you plan to lead the good people of Greake? Do you even know the extent of the damage you have caused? Before the rulers of the neighboring cities and your people, you humiliated our family! How could you be so irresponsible?" King Edwardo scolded. Xander glanced helplessly at his mother, pleading with his eyes for her to come to his rescue.

Queen Adora shook her head in disapproval. His shoulders slouched on seeing his mother's reaction.

    "You saw what happened, Father. I didn't choose her, she chose me. How was I supposed to say no to such an enchanting woman? You would do the same if you were in my shoes, Father." Xander defended.

"Watch your tongue, Xander! No one would do something as foolish as leaving their bride for an unknown woman. Do you even know who this woman is? Her name? Where is she from? Her mission? Of course, I don't expect you to wonder why she decided to show up on your wedding day", Edwardo spoke furiously.

"She wants me, isn't that enough? She clearly said I have her heart, that should mean something, right? Besides, did you see the quality of her dress? Father, she wears a tiara made of the rarest gemstones", Xander tried to convince them.

"You're saying you left your bride because of gemstones?", Queen Adora huffed in disbelief.

"Mother, I'm trying to make you understand that there is a high chance she is from a city richer and more powerful than ours. Do you know what it means if I marry her? Father, this could be a life-changing opportunity for us" Xander explained.

His parents exchanged glances. King Edwardo's disappointed face slowly faded away. Adora frowned as she noticed her husband's greedy instincts kicking in.

"I see your point…" Edwardo trailed, and Xander instantly grinned. Adora stared at her husband in disbelief. Was he going to support Xander's foolishness because of the mere prospect of wealth?

"Edwardo…" She called in a deadly tone.

"Relax, honey. I am not supporting his decision, but I think we should have dinner with the girl to at least get every necessary information about her".

Adora didn't trust her husband's intentions, but she didn't argue. She was curious to know about the mystery woman. She had so many questions she needed answers to.

Xander was only too eager to supervise the dinner preparations. He made sure the best Greake dishes were prepared, along with mouth-watering desserts. He wanted to impress the woman who had stolen his heart at first sight.

Almira felt nothing but irritation when she saw him. Obviously, his pathetic bride had failed to get the job done. Xander, on the other hand, couldn't stop staring like a love-struck puppy.

The white dress from earlier was replaced with a purple one. It was plain and sleeveless, yet elegant in every way. At that point, Xander was sure she could wear rags and still look stunning. He pulled out a seat for her.

"I have functioning hands," Almira stated, pulling her own seat. Xander hid his embarrassment with a chuckle and sat next to her. Kitanna sat on the other side.

The King and Queen arrived minutes later. Almira greeted them politely. The maids proceeded to serve the first course.

"What is your name, dear?" Queen Adora asked.

"Princess Almira".

"That's beautiful", the Queen commented.

"I know" Almira shrugged. The Queen was taken aback by her response but smiled nonetheless.

"She's beautiful, isn't she, Mom?" Xander asked.

"She is, darling" Adora replied with a small smile. She couldn't stop thinking about Kimorra. The poor girl must be going through the darkest day of her life. 

"So, when did you realize your feelings for my son?" King Edwardo asked. Almira's forced the crab into her mouth. Kitanna glanced worriedly at her. She could tell Almira was getting irritated with the questions.

"I don't remember confessing my feelings to your son" Almira replied flatly. She took another crab, enjoying the temporary silence.

"Hahaha… she's just joking, your highness" Kitanna tried to ease off the tension. "Where we come from, it is not ideal for a woman to chase a man", she lied.

They seemed to buy her explanations. Almira's fingers tightened on her fork. Kitanna quickly sent an apology through the mind link.

"Don't be shy. I like you too", Xander chuckled, and she gave him a grim look. "It's okay to approach the one you like. What is the name of your city?".

"The maids only mentioned dinner. I wasn't expecting interrogations as desert" Almira sighed, rendering them speechless once more.

"The princess is just surprised. She didn't expect you would pay so much attention to her. She assumed you would dismiss her", Kitanna briefly explained. Almira's eyes darkened.

"Speak for me again and you'll lose your tongue". Kitanna shivered as the warning resounded in her head. As much as she wanted to stay off, she was afraid the princess would get them in trouble with her curt responses.

"Why would you think that, honey? I would never dismiss you for any reason. You are important to me," Xander said, placing a hand on hers.

"You know, where I come from, silence is necessary while feeding else you might just choke", Almira remarked, moving her hand.

The table was silent after that. No one dared to speak for fear of embarrassment. Almira couldn't have been more pleased.

"Thank you for the meal, I'm full. I beg to leave now," Almira said, pushing her plate aside.

"Why? Don't you like it?", Xander asked. She arched a brow.

"Do I need an interpreter every time I speak to you? I do not have space for more food, is that plain enough?" She asked. He couldn't bring himself to respond.

Almira walked away and Kitanna quickly went after her. The girl was tempted to talk about Almira's rudeness, but she held it back. She knew the princess wasn't doing it because she disliked the prince. Almira had no filter. She would speak her thoughts without considering the effects of her words on others. Many found her sassy and rude, but it was one of the things Kitanna loved about the princess.

"Where do you have in mind?", Kitanna broke the silence at last.

"I just want to take a tour around the palace. You don't have to come with me," Almira replied.

"I want to come with you," Kitanna said, grabbing Almira's arm. She rested her head on it, pouting at the princess.

"You're going to give me nightmares", Almira frowned. Kitanna laughed heartily, releasing her. Almira stared at the girl with fond annoyance.

Until someone ran right into them. Kitanna staggered back, but Almira grabbed the culprit's sleeved arm, forcing them around.

She didn't realize how hard she pulled until he crashed into her. Her heart slammed against her chest, forcing her to shove him away. As soon as he hit the floor, she recognized him.

"You again?"