Author’s Note: Hello and welcome to book #3 of the Love and Chaos series.
Book #1 The Alpha King’s Ugly Bride
Book #2 His Forbidden Mate
Book #3 The Alpha King’s Runaway Bride
Book #4 The Alpha King’s Last Wish (coming soon)
This book is not a stand-alone. You will need to read the first two books before starting this one, but if you don’t want to, I did my best to make it as understandable as possible.
Book #3, unlike books #1 and #2, is broader and cuts across many people, places, flashbacks and fields, not just Mia and Xavier. But it is all worth it to tell a beautiful story and bring its characters to life.
It has a *mature theme* including explicit scenes of rape, assault, gruesome death, etc. You’ve been warned. I will delete any mean comment.
Thank you for opening and thanks for your unwavering faith in me. I love you all. With no further ado, begin the epic tale of love and adventure.
Seventeen summers ago...
Robb Ainsworth stormed out of his inner chambers after having a talk with the council of alphas about the behaviour of his eighteen-summer-old son, Xavier Ainsworth, who had become a thorn in his flesh. He had once been a good and obedient boy and suddenly he changed and became something he barely recognized. Every day the news he received about him was saddening. Turns out he wasn’t the only one the brat had offended, he had also gone far to offend a lot of other people. In the last few weeks, he hadn’t been home and a news source said he had been in Shelled, the Eastern region with his friends, causing chaos where ever he went and dragging the Ainsworth name through the mud.
He stormed out of the palace and into the gardens. He saw Layla seated and speaking with Edward on the left side of the garden where the lily flowers grew. She glanced up and saw him and the delight she had in her face almost disappears.
“My king,” she bowed her head and rose to her feet, stepping towards him with Edward beside her. “You look upset.”
“Your son is the only one that can make me feel this way.” he hissed, offended.
“I am sorry, my king. Is there something I can do?”
“You should have raised him right as his mother. That was your only job.” he seethed.
Her head dropped and her voice came out barely audible. “I am sorry, my king.”
“I hope you do a better job with Edward or the Ainsworth’s name will go down as a mockery.” he stormed off from the gardens.
Her eyes grew glassy, and she blinked the tears away.
He was almost in the palace when he heard a familiar voice call to him.
“King Robb!” he paused and turned around to see Elliott.
“Elliott,” he called, his eyes regaining a little happiness at the sight of him.
Elliot had travelled back home to meet his mother, Jane Ainsworth, who was gravely sick months ago, with no sign of recovery. He sent words about her death a few weeks after going home. Robb wanted to be there for her burial, but he couldn’t. His responsibilities as king kept him down in the capital.
He and Jane had shared so many memories while growing up together and they remained close until the war that saw him to the throne of Wahala as king. She married his younger brother, prince Blake Ainsworth, and they lived in the capital for a few years before his brother’s death. Jane decided to move back to Shelled after her husband’s demise and lived there until the moment of her death.
Robb wished he could have been in attendance, he couldn’t. The matters of the throne were pressing and he would have sent Xavier his eldest son, to stand in his place, but he knew better.
“My condolences,” he said with a remorseful look on his face.
Elliot shook his head. “I’m glad I was there in her last moment. I would have missed so much and hated myself for it.”
“I’m glad you stayed with her. She was gracious and beautiful and my prayers will always be with her.”
“Thank you, my king,” he bowed again.
He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a sealed scroll. “The council of Shelled hoped to bring you this letter a week ago, but since I was already returning, I offered to bring it along today.” He handed it over to Robb.
He looked impressed at the diligence of the young man and at this moment he asked himself if he had done the right thing all these years. Elliott, who wasn’t crowned, was a better decision-maker than his worthless son, who was the crown prince. Elliott had the interest of the kingdom at heart. He always had, ever since he was a boy and the older he got, the more it grew. He was also hardworking, noble and brave, all the qualities he didn’t see in his son.
He wished Xavier was a little like Elliott. If he was, he would have been the happiest father and king.
He took an oath, and he couldn’t go back on it. Not even until his last breath. “You did well, Elliott.” he reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder.
He bowed again, his eyes showing he was flattered. “Thank you, my king.”
Robb withdrew his hand, “Keep this up and maybe someday you might end up a great ruler of the kingdom.”
A week later,
Rob arrived at the High tower to meet Kai, the Shaman of the capital and gracefully made his way in. None of his guards followed him and the carriage that brought him to the lofty High waited outside. It was a holy place of consultation and only those consulting and permitted could proceed.
He stepped into the tower hall, which was so quiet it sounded off every detail of his step and echoed it throughout the hall. The High tower, unlike the temple, was significantly smaller in build and it also had no seats or altar or pulpit. It was just a wide empty hall but for the long white curtain at the front hall. The High Tower was a haven in times of war or battle and only the Royal who had studied the history of the High Tower would have this knowledge. The presence and the safety it brought made king Ilon Ainsworth, Robb’s grandfather, erect the Royal estate a few miles away from the High tower hundreds of summers ago.
Once at the centre of the hall, he bowed his head as in the rites of the Holy place and continues to the front. He reached the front and bowed his head again and sat on the floor, folding his legs. Robb knew the Shaman was already behind the curtains and he waited for him to speak.
“I received words you wanted to speak to me.”
“The last time I came here, you told me I will win the war, and you were right. I did. We won the war and there has been peace throughout the kingdom so far.”
“Now you’re here to ask about your son.” Kai seemed to have already discerned his motive for coming.
“Yes, your holiness. So far, your words have come true and I want to know about my son. Xavier Ainsworth, the crowned prince has attributed characters that make him unworthy of the throne so many times. I’ve done my path to teach him the way to go. He defies me every chance he gets and makes a mockery of the Ainsworth’s name. He also hates me, which I am not surprised about since indiscipline hates discipline. Someday I stare into his eyes and all I see is the death he wishes me. I want to know. Will my death come at his hands?”
Kai became silent and Robb wondered if he was silent because he had nothing to say or because he was still listening.
“Your death will come at the hands of one of your sons.” Kai concurred, his tune certain.
Coldness gripped him and he shudder helplessly. “Which one?”
“I cannot say, but it will come.”
He had always had the fear, but to receive confirmation of his fear made him tremble.
Robb knew his sons. He watched them grow since they were but children, and only one was capable of taking his life.
Xavier Ainsworth, the crown prince...
Mia stood at the entrance of the palace with her heart racing at the return of her mate, Alpha king Xavier Ainsworth. She had heard the carriage not very long and then caught the faint scent of the alpha king in the palace estate and she immediately abandoned her studies at the in-built office and raced out to see him.It’s been three moons since he left with Edward for the kingdom of Klean and it felt almost like three decades. He had put her in charge of his affairs and so she acted in his place for three moons.Robb Ainsworth and Alpha Koz Lupe had been by her side, just as the alpha King instructed. They aided her and were close counsel and with their help; she ruled effectively just as Xavier would.How does one survive three months, ruling without their mates by their side? She barely did. Yes, outside she carried out the task and responsibilities placed before her, but on the inside, she was crumbling and barely holding on.She knew why he had to leave. Xavier felt the need to
Xavier lay in bed, and a long yawn left his mouth. He placed his hand to his mouth, and he muffled the sound of the moan. He didn’t want to wake Mia, who lay beside him, sleeping soundly. She looked like she needed the sleep, perhaps even more than he did. He plumped himself onto his elbow to have a look at her, at his wife and the owner of his heart.She loved him.It felt surreal and everyday he had to remind himself that she had loved him for five summers, but it was true, and he felt like the luckiest person alive. He moved the few strands of hair on her face away. He stared at her in pure adoration while she slept soundly, her breath light and her heartbeat steady. He couldn’t help admiring her. Her beauty increased with every passing day. He didn’t think he would survive three months without her, and he didn’t want to do it again. That’s what he told her while they made love earlier, that he would take her along next time. Perhaps she thought he was joking, but he wasn’t.His
“So you’re marrying Mia again after being married for five summers just because you saw a proposal in the kingdom of Klean?” Edward asked with a furrowed brow. Xavier had barged into Edward’s chambers while he was reading to announce to him his plans on remarrying the Queen.Edward was a bit surprised by the intrusion, as well as the announcement.Edward told him to tread with caution whenever he came to his chambers, as he was already married, but Xavier had ignored his warnings many times.This time, however, he demanded a bit of respect and privacy, and he was furious at Xavier’s intrusion. He had been married for over two summers and had his mate for four, but Xavier seemed to have ignored that. His chamber deserved as much respect as Xavier’s did and wished he would understand.Xavier apologised for the first time but told him he knew his mate, Kailani, wasn’t in the room with him. He told him he had seen her already headed out of the Palace before he came in to deliver his good
“Are you going to wear that?” Xavier asked, with his eyes already scanning over Mia’s dress. It was a fitted emerald gown that held all her curves and showcase her natural asset.“Yeah, you chose it. You don’t like it anymore?”“I love it, which is the problem.” His eyes scanned her from head to toe and then stopped over her exposed cleavage. Lust flashed over his eyes, and he bit his button lips and dragged his gaze away.“To give the announcement to my father at dinner, I need to have a focused head. With you dressed so seductively, I fear I might not keep a clear head. This isn’t your fault. You just have a very gorgeous body and your curves kill me every time,” he explained, placing his head against the wardrobe door. The feast tonight was a small one. Xavier intended to reveal his intent to remarry his wife, his father, and the elders at the feast. The marriage ceremony was two weeks away and informing these rulers and his father would make the process go faster and well. It’s a
The wind blew over Mia’s face and her paws dug into the ground as she sprinted through the woods. The dry leaves on the ground made a shrieking sound as her paws threaded on them. Blood coursed through her veins, and her heart hammered loudly. She felt alive more than ever. She and the king had detached themselves from the pack of wolves that had shifted and raced into the woods after howling and hunting together. She was much aware of her environment. She had run through these paths after shifting in the last few summers along with her mate, king Xavier. Just like those other times, he was racing beside her and every time with him felt like the first time to her. Excitement rushed through her and she could hear his sprinting heartbeat and it matched hers as they raced toward the much quieter and desolate part of the woods. She was almost at the first part of the segregated point of the woods when Xavier bumped into her and she slowed down, knowing what was about to take place. S
“You’ve been awfully quiet.” Xavier pointed out as he stopped writing on his scroll and set the feathered ink on the table next to it. He looked up with eyes of curiosity at Mia, who had been staring at him without uttering a word.She jerked back and her eyes met his worried ones. Sighing, she shook her head. “It’s nothing.”Perhaps if he hadn’t seen the lost look in her eyes, he would have believed her, but these were the looks she had worn at distinct times in the past. “We’ve been married five summers. I can tell that this isn’t nothing.”He knew her better than anyone at this point. “I’m just thinking.”He rose and moved toward the bed, stopping when he was at the foot of it. “About the wedding or something else?” he raised a brow.She wonders if telling him about the prophecy Julia gave her would be a good idea. At first, she thought it was a parable, but after thinking through everything, she had reasons to believe it was more of prophecy. This too threw her into further confus
Xavier brushed his hand over his long golden coat, which he wore on his white long sleeve tucked into his black trousers, which he had underneath the coat. He stared at himself one more time in the mirror. He wanted to look perfect today because he knew his queen would want that. She also always looks perfect, and he wanted to match her energy. He had to stay in another room last night. It was Mia’s previous chamber from five summers ago. She insisted he moved out so the dressmaker, hair and make-up artist could do their things freely. He didn’t have to be told twice before picking out his things for today. When he asked if he could place the guards around her door for protection, she laughed and told him she was Luna and could protect herself. She told him the kingdom was safer than ever and that everything would go well and he needed not to worry. He kissed her lips lovingly before leaving the room. He had looked forward to today. His wedding day. He didn’t think he could be happi
Edward sat on one stair that let up the throne sit, while Xavier paced around the throne room aimlessly. His body shook violently, and he tried to control and calm himself physically. He didn’t dare attempt to interfere with the war taking place in his head. That was worse.The ceremony ended as soon as Lord Jobe uttered those four nerve-racking words. Xavier left the temple and rode back home as fast as he could. His heart skipped with the thought of his queen being gone, and with every minute that passed, it increased. The first place he visited was Mia’s room, which looked untouched from what he saw. However, her golden wedding dress lay on the floor. It had been ripped to shreds and her golden jewellery lay on the floor as well. Along with her marital bracelet and her engagement ring.According to Jobe, there was no sign of forced entry or struggle, and the bride makers looked as clueless as he did on where she had gone to. They had taken their leave after finishing their job of
Three months later“My king, this is the monthly report of the work tasks already put in place at the warriors’ institute.” Sir Kole stepped forward to present the scroll to King Xavier, who sat on the throne, and beside him was Luna Queen Mia, who was heavily pregnant.He had asked her this morning before they both stepped out of their chamber if she would feel comfortable being in the throne room. He saw that her due date drew closer with each passing day. She had smiled and told him she was okay and able to carry on her duties as queen and counsel for the king. This was the ninth month. They were preparing themselves with every passing day for the due date, but they knew they would never fully prepare for the birth of their child. Still, it was better this way. The king wanted her in good working condition and treated her almost like a child who couldn’t help herself. It annoyed her most of the time, but he didn’t look ready to change his ways, at least not until their child was saf
He drew a sharp breath and turned to find her eyes filled with panic and unexplainable fear.“What was that?” she asked with a still terrified voice.“It’s my being responding to the call.”“The call, the call of what?”“The slave ship. It has come to the border of the Wahala kingdom. Though freed from being a slave by my lord, I still feel the brokenness in me responding to the dark magic of the ship.”The only thing Kailani heard from everything he just said was, “The slave ship is at our border.”“Yes!” He nodded, already heading out of the house, and Kailani followed behind.As soon as he stepped out, he waved his hand around, reciting the portal chant at the same time, and a big, black circle appeared before him.“What are you doing?” Kailani asked, her voice holding much scepticism. Her question reminded him that she was still with him.“I promised to inform the King if the ship was ever to land on the shores of the kingdom, and that’s what I’m going to do.”“And what’s this hol
He stood on the balcony and watched the princess through the open window of the upper floor, changing into her night robe. She no longer lived in the Royal Palace with her father but now lived at the Othman’s estate with her husband, Niall Othman, as a dutiful wife.He was miserable without her, but he couldn’t imagine how miserable she must feel being married to a man she didn’t love or want to be with. Being united for the rest of her life to a man who placed little regard on her. He married her for her name and probably bore her the same contempt she bore him.Or maybe he loves her.That could also be true, but he didn’t want to accept that it was true.She looked beautiful even now, and he hoped Niall told her that every chance he got. Ace hopes Niall told her she was beautiful, precious, and the most priceless possession he ever had the privilege of attaining.She deserved to know that.Ace snapped out of his thoughts when he heard voices and footsteps coming from not so far away
A month laterA lot has changed for Ace in the kingdom. Since finding out about his family and lineage, King Xavier has welcomed him into the family with open arms. He also inducted him into the council of elders, a decision that brought confusion to the council at first because the council of elders was made up of men of noble backgrounds with power and title and wasn’t occupied by commoners. Xavier later told them who he was and how he was the heir to the land and fortune of House Don, as Lady Iris never married. He told them he was the son of Iris Don, changed his name to Lord Ace of the House Don, and awarded him his birthright. With his mother being Iris Don, questions rose about whose son he was, and Xavier asked if he wanted the truth about his father known. Ace wasn’t ready to do that. Learning about his father’s existence was one of the worst moments of his life. And if he could live his life without acknowledging his existence, he would gladly accept it. Xavier told him he u
A short story about AceAfter the battle...Ace’s eyes opened in the room, and he did not know where he was. He looked up and saw Xavier towering above him with a cut on his face that should have healed a long time ago. However, for some strange reason, it hadn’t.He was in Wahala. The last memory he had was in Klean with Princess Xoe. She had asked him to mark her because her father wanted to marry her off to Niall Othman, the noble son. He saw the look on her face, which told him this wasn’t what she wanted. This was not what he wanted either, but what could he do? They were on a mission, and that had to come before anything else. Not being able to do anything else offended him, but that was the point. He had to accept his fate. There was no greater pain than being unable to be with the one you love, whom you were created for, but perhaps this was his wage for all the evil he had wrought in the world. Yes, he wanted to be a better man and worked towards that, but it still didn’t undo
The news of Lady Lily’s death broke his heart. He knew her as a child because her father, Lord Crow of Shelled, was an ally to the crown. She was gentle and kind, and when he learnt Elliott had married her a few summers ago, it grieved him because she deserved better. She didn’t deserve this cruel fate; she didn’t deserve to end like this.“Then we shall put them to rest together.”They couldn’t send Lady Lily’s body back to Shelled; she was an Ainsworth, and so it was their duty to guide her to the life beyond. Abiding by the custom of the land, Xavier sent words to Lord Crow about the passing of his daughter.Then he sent for the priest and the ceremony leader to help put everything in place. With their help, they wrapped up what they could of Robb and organise his funeral on the pathway as well as Lady Lily. Just as Edward had made Mia stay back while he showed Xavier the room, Xavier made her stay back while they carried Robb’s body away for the last rites.After taking the rites
Sorcerer Zor’d levitated to where Edward stood in the cloud, leaving Elliott and Sir Marx behind. “I see you have joined the side of Doom. You are like me now.” He said it with a smile that wrinkled up the side of his face.“I am nothing like you,” Edward answered through gritted teeth.“We serve the same master now, and that means we have the same goals and objectives. We are the same,” he insists.“I will say it again. I am nothing like you.”“Deny all you want, but I know the truth. Those who had joined the side of Doom had always thought themselves better, seeking the greater good, but in the end, they all end up in the same place.” Zor’d told him, moving towards him in the sky.“I’ve been there. The quest that led me to Doom was that of power, and it has been the same for everyone. Doom takes power from the dead and gives it to their own, and in turn, their subjects reap souls for the rest of their lives.”“Stop talking,” Edward ordered, his hands balling into a fist.He scoffed,
“Men, together with me!” Xavier yelled. Seeing that over half of them had fallen on the battlefield already.Elliott had the advantage and had reduced them greatly with the help of his sorcerer. He had seen in the vision the great war, and this couldn’t have been it. He didn’t believe this was the battle in which he would fall. He didn’t want to accept it, yet there was no other option playing out before him. The enemies were on the verge of winning and trampling them under their feet.“They are circling us!” Sir Valerio shouted. “Back-to-back, everyone!” At his command, the men turned around so that their backs faced each other so that they could keep track of the enemy’s movement. It’s not like it would do much at this point.“Hold your ground!” Xavier said. With great command, the men did as he told them.The armies of Elliott launched at Xavier, growling and with yellow eyes. He caught one of the attackers and ripped his mouth open before tossing him away.“Hold your ground!” He ye
Kailani raced as fast as she could to the Palace Du Royale, where Alpha Chado had told her Edward was headed when they last saw him. The ongoing battle had made it easier for her to ride here with ease because the soldiers, guard, and army were nowhere on the road. Most of them had assembled at the Black Cove for the battle, and the rest were at the palace, guarding and keeping it safe. It was good enough for her and aided her movements, as she no longer had to hide to avoid confrontation or arrest.She slowed down when she drew closer to the gates of the palace, where her trouble would start. She knew there would be soldiers on guard at the palace to protect and defend it against intruders like her. She already fixed her mind on fighting them with everything she had way before she reached the palace, and there was no turning back.She pushed at the gate, and it opened with little to no restraint, and she stepped into the palace estate compound. Her heart was beating loudly at this poi