The Crown's Entrapment

The journey for Darius and his group went smoothly without any trouble popping up along the way. They traveled nonstop, and would only pause for Jayra to take a quick meal and resupply Xenia with enough energy using her magic while she was unconscious.

They had left the encampment around late noon, which led to them arriving at the royal castle of Cordon at around the same time the next day.

As soon as they arrived, Darius instantly brought Xenia to his chamber. Gently laying her down on his bed, he shifted back into his human form before preparing himself. He had himself cleaned and dressed before he finally sat on the side of his bed, his eyes simply staring at his mate without a care in the world.

"It really felt like the whole world would crumble down upon me just at the mere thought of losing you, my love," Darius whispered out.

He let out a sigh of relief as he lovingly caressed her cheeks. Yesterday was more than a nightmare for him as soon as he overheard Xenia's words… The thought of her even considering to offer herself up to the Demon King made his blood boil so hard that he had a hard time trying to control his rage.

[That Devon must die by my hands!] Darius growled at his wolf.

[I agree, but you should at least honor Ezekiel's request. He said he will take care of the problem, and he's confident enough that we can let him do as he pleases,] Zeus reminded him. [For now, focus on Xen. Make sure that she won't ever run away again.]

Right…

Nodding to himself, Darius reminded himself that he would still monitor the war even in his absence. If things ever went too out of hand, then he would simply intervene and finish off the Demon King himself.

"She looks so peaceful sleeping like this… So tame and adorable," Darius murmured out with a sigh. "I wonder when she will understand my heart…"

While he felt a strong pull towards Xen because of the Mate Pull, Darius knew that there was more to it than just that. Somehow, he had already grown feelings for her; a genuine sensation of love coming straight from his heart. Zeus was right, he had already fallen for her… Completely head over heels and madly in love with her.

Even now, he wanted to declare the fact to Xen and voice out his feelings. However, he was afraid to do so. He wasn't a coward by any means, but somehow, he became one whenever it came to matters of the heart. He feared Xen's rejection… What if she didn't love him back, and she was only staying with him to follow her duty as his mate?

[Here you go again. Stop being pessimistic,] Zeus cheered. [I'm sure she likes and loves you already as well. And if not, then aren't you determined to make her yours anyway? Wholly? Body, heart, and soul?]

Hearing his wolf, Darius chuckled as he teased, [Since when did you become a softy like this to me, huh?]

Zeus growled as it scoffed, [Stop teasing me. Just enjoy this once in a blue moon kindness I'm showing you.]

Darius smiled at the exchange. He was about to tease Zeus further when a knock came to his door.

"Your Majesty, it is I, Jayra."

"Yes, please enter," Darius answered, letting Jayra open the door and present herself to him.

Looking at her, Darius stood up and said, "Please stay with her while I attend a court meeting. I will assign some personal servants for her, and you can instruct them to prove whatever it is you both need."

He then added, "Maybe make them prepare a meal for her once she wakes up. In the meantime, I'll be busy with other affairs, but I will meet her for dinner, where I will formally introduce her to the court and my family. Please help her get ready by then."

"I understand, Your Majesty. I will do what's needed," Jayra politely answered.

Darius casted one more glance at Xenia before he stood up and left his chamber. Outside, Leon was already waiting for him.

"They've all gathered in the great hall, Sire," Leon informed as they walked and talked. "How is she? When will she wake up, Sire?"

Hearing his aide's question, Darius shook his head in both exasperation and as an answer. He could only assume that the blabbermouth that was Gideon had already informed Leon about Xen and her real identity; about how she was his mate while also being the Princess of Ebodia.

"She'll wake up soon," Darius promptly replied. "Now come. I will have a word with everyone."

"Very well," Leon answered. He then added with a serious tone, "But Sire, you must know this."

Darius almost turned to his beta. With a frown, he asked, "What's wrong?" It was probably not great. Leon's expression alone spelled trouble already.

"There's some bad word circulating around the kingdom about the uhm… the Princess," Leon hesitantly relayed. "It just broke out this morning. Clara is currently investigating the issue as we speak, as well as trying to figure out where it came from in the first place. Honestly, we're all perplexed about the timing of it all. I'm sure that the opposition will bring this matter to the court."

"What do you mean?" he asked with a clenched jaw.

Leon scratched his head as he explained, "Word is spreading across the kingdom that Princess Xenia purposely disguised herself as a lad to deceive and bewitch you. Apparently, the Ebodian Princess could not be trusted, and does not deserve The Cordonians' respect as a Queen."

"What?! Why have I only now heard about this?" Darius exclaimed, levying a deadly gaze on Leon as he waited for an explanation.

"Clara wanted us to not tell you about this until we resolved the matter, but we didn't expect you to be back this soon, Sire," Leon further explained. "So I thought, I should tell you about the matter this instant."

"So… you're telling me that this issue about Xen has been circulating for a while now all over the kingdom?!" Darius barked out in disbelief. How could anyone find out about Xen being Princess Xenia when no one in their kingdom even knew about it?! Just who the hell was responsible for this?!

"I will punish whoever is responsible for this insult! Quickly, spread the word… Make sure that every single Cordonian knows that Xen, the Princess of Ebodia is my mate!" Darius barked out in declaration "Insulting my mate is equivalent to insulting their King, and I will see to it that anyone who does so will receive the punishment they deserve! How dare they spread such baseless rumors like this in my kingdom!?"

"O-Of course, Sire!"

With a grunt and a nod, he quickly dismissed Leon to execute his orders.

Fuming, Darius walked with long strides towards the Great Hall. He would straighten these disrespectful subjects of his once and for all. He wouldn't let anyone dishonor his mate in any way. Xen would be well respected whether they liked it or not. She would be his Queen, and they should all bow down before her as they should.