Chapter 2

Xavier's Pov:

One week later:

It's been one week since I had the accident that seriously injured my legs, one week since I've been in my room, receiving treatment at home, the doctors and masseuses being constant visitors.

One painful and heartbreaking week since I last heard Amanda's voice.

"These windows should have been opened by now" My mother's oud perfume announced her arrival before her voice did.

I had become accustomed to the darkness, all the light and colour drained from my eyes when I woke up and didn't see Amanda.

Warm rays of sunlight flooded the room as the window blinds went up, and a cold breeze flooded the room as the windows were flung open, my skin crawled.

"The doctor said you were able to walk to the gate and back last night, that's impressive" My mother smiled, making herself comfortable on the chair beside my bed.

My mind was somewhere else, my heart ached for Amanda. Fixed in my room which hosted unending traces of her, constantly brought random and heart-piercing reminders of her.

"I understand everything you're feeling now, trust me I do" Her voice softer than it was before,

"And I want you to know that the soldiers are doing their best to find her, but there are other pressing problems" Her voice somehow seemed detached from my problems.

"What's worse that my wife missing the same night her parents died?" I threw a blank stare at her. Only now did I feel the ashy taste on my tongue.

"The council!" She answered with a heavy breath.

"What about the council mom?"I sat upright to meet her eyes.

"You've been anointed already, Xavier!" She spat out blankly.

"And?" I asked confused.

"The pack cannot go another day without a king, and you my son cannot ascend the throne without a bride." It became clear that my mother's concern was completely different from mine.

"Mom, right now, I don't care about anything", subtly disappointed that my mother cared more about the throne than she did Amanda's safety. "I have to find Amanda first!".

"I wish the ball was in your court Xavier" her voice holding tender pity but conveying the seriousness of the matter at hand.

"You're walking now, and you're fine, thanks to the moon goddess, but in two nights, there's going to be a coronation!".

Only now did I realize that she only truly cared about me ascending the throne.

"The coronation can wait, I have to find Amanda first!" I affirmed my position.

"You don't get it, do you?".

I remained quiet, confident in my resolve.

"It's inevitable Xavier, you know the consequences of purposely obstructing matters like this" Her voice more serious.

"Mother, Amanda is my wife! She's my mate! Do you not care that she's missing!" My voice got louder with each word.

"I don't mind forfeiting the throne! But one thing I won't do I carry on with my life and pretend as if my wife is not missing! I will find Amanda, and if...",

"You can't!" My mother thundered.

"Do you not see that you don't have the luxury of options? You've been anointed, Xavier! You must rule, you can't do anything with your life that isn't in line with what the people want! You've dedicated your life to the people!".

I was stung by the awful reminder of the oath I took during my wedding! I bit my tongue in anger at the painful realization that no matter how hard I try to fight it, my mother is right.

"This is your life now Xavier! You can't remain in this bed for long! You have to stand up and serve your people!".

"Arghhhhh!" Only now did I regret the oath I took on my wedding day. I mean, marrying the princess means I'll automatically rule next, but now things are different.

"Being the Alpha comes with so many sacrifices!" Her voice was lower than a whisper.

My chest became hot, and my head felt heavy! My eyes were spinning; I could not feel the breeze anymore; I felt hot!

"Son! She's here" My heart skipped a beat when I heard my mother's words, but my expectations were shattered when I looked up and saw Kara, in a rather vibrant dress, my brows furrowed.

How were they coming in so quietly?

"Good evening Xavier" Kara broke away from my mother's hug and greeted me.

Her scent lingered around my nose.

"Any news about Amanda?" My major concern,

Kara remained quiet, too quiet.

"Say something!" I didn't have the patience.

"I think Amanda has a hand in her parent's death" Kara whispered her breath shaky.

"Why would you say something like that?" My eyes tightened.

"She ran away", Kara sniffled. "Immediately, the doctor told us that her parents died of food poisoning" she lifted her right hand to her eyes

"But before she left she told me that it was a mistake and that she wasn't going to return" Kara broke into tears.

"That makes no sense" I sought understanding but found confusion.

"I didn't understand too, so I ran after her" Kara's voice became clearer "She seemed to be hiding something I don't know what it is because she didn't speak to me, she just ran away".

"Ran to where exactly?" my mother asked.

"I can't say, I feel she's hiding something though, and she blocked me from all forms of communication with her" Kara continued sobbing.

My mind was racing, It didn't add up, it didn't make sense, the Amanda I know didn't make such rash decisions, and it didn't feel right.

"We still have to find her" I spoke up.

"But I can stay till we find her" Kara sniffled.

"Of course my dear, I know you must be very sad" My mother kept petting Kara and she took her into her arms.

My head floating back into the clouds, trying to make sense of everything and understand my fate when I realized my mother was tapping my legs.

I looked up.

"Some elders are here" Her eyes holding a thousand unspoken words, but I got the most glaring message.

"I CAN'T FIGHT THIS!".

Three out of the twelve Elders came to see me.

Without wasting time, I was informed that I had to present a woman to be annoited Luna, and the ceremony was fixed for tomorrow night.

Every word was spoken without empathy, all heavy and pushed down my throat.

"You have to announce someone suitable, and your mother will find the girl, you can't go in search of a bride in your mental condition so you'll announce anyone your mother chooses".

I tried to speak, but I wasn't given an audience. Apparently, I was to only listen after they finished what they had to say they all stood up and left.

My greatest surprise was that the sudden disappearance of my mate, the princess didn't even affect the procedure, not by a tiny bit.

Deep down I can't help but blame myself for all that had happened, even though it wasn't my fault.

If I was there, maybe Amanda wouldn't have run away, maybe I would've found out the truth, and now I wouldn't be stuck in this suffocating position where my heart wasn't regarded.

"I heard all that they said" My mother's voice came from behind me.

I couldn't stand up after the meeting, the reality of my life weighed me down.

She came closer and sat right beside me.

"Xavier, the coronation will go on, and you will announce Kara as your Luna!".