Love and Chaos Series
The Alpha King’s Ugly Bride Chapter 25

Mia arrived for the meeting right on time and Toni followed behind her, holding onto a big book. It's been a week since she started coming for the meeting.

The first day was mind-blowing and enlightening, and she immediately knew she would love it here. So many topics from marriage to mating were discussed and so many issues were resolved before the meeting ended last week.

At her arrival, most of the maidens and heads of the council gave her a weird glance, but she brushed it off and told herself she deserved to be here. She was queen. Yes, she was younger than most of them and not so good looking, but that didn't change the fact of the matter. She was their queen, and there was no altering that.

Mia took notice of a few things that needed adjustments and the others that needed provision. There was no book of account for the meeting and no record book of the discussion that took place. Without these records, they wouldn't know which cases had been treated and which hadn't.

When she asked why that was, Margaret, a leader of the council, stated how she had a sound memory that could recollect everything they did during the meeting. She was a Luna married to the alpha of the east region in the capital. Her family was also powerful and exacted much authority and so, despite the maidens having different opinions, no one disputed her ability.

Mia didn't care for all of that. She knew that official and formal documentation was needed. The maidens' council meeting was a significant one and would get treated as such. She inquired amongst them who was the best at writing, and a young beta raised her hand. She took notice and promised to come with a book of record for their next meeting.

There were a few faces already seated in the hall on her arrival. These people probably came earlier to put a few things in place before the rest came in.

As soon as they noticed her presence, they rose to their feet and bowed their head in respect. She didn't want them to, but she couldn't stop them. She was queen and royalty, and her presence demanded respect. Even if it was for a while.

This was one thing that would keep her occupied in Edward's absence. It's been a day since Edward left and she felt his absence every passing hour. There was no guarantee she could survive his absence, but she had to try.

"My queen, you're so early." Aneer, the older woman who was a beta and an elder of the council, said, approaching her.

"I like to be on time, Aneer." she smiled. Also, she wanted to be away from the palace and took every chance she got.

"A little while, and the meeting will begin."

Her eyes scanned the room with the few faces present until they landed on Cynthia, the young beta whom she picked to keep the record. She made her way over to her. "I got the book of record just as promised," she informed and Toni step forward and handed the book over to Cynthia, who nodded and accepted it.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" she turned to Aneer, eager to lend a hand.

"No, you're queen. We've got everything covered. You just sit and be graceful," she replied with a smile that caused wrinkles under her eyes.

Just as expected, the maidens stepped in and, soon enough; the hall was filled with people and the numbers were twice the number of this past week.

The meeting kicked up with each head of Luna, bringing their problems forward while Mia listened and provided answers to them. She also did something different that felt unique. She asked for solutions and answers to problems from the crowd, engaging so many in the discussion. This way, she and the elders weren't the only ones giving opinions and solutions. The ordinary citizens did too. Their opinions matter to her and she told them they did.

"Well, I've been mated to a beta and an omega!" the young maiden spoke from the back, rising to her feet. Her face showed an acute level of dilemma, and despite her interruption, Mia gave her ears. "Who do you feel for?"

"At first, both of them, but as time went on, I realise I loved the omega more."

"What council do you need from us?"

"I am afraid I will become a mockery throughout the kingdom if I choose an omega as mate instead of a beta."

"Does it matter what anyone thinks? Shouldn't the most important thing to be your happiness?" the young maiden stayed quiet, pondering on what Mia just said.

"I know it's difficult, but you're going to hate yourself if you let fear dictate how you live your life or who you should be with."

A smile spread across her olive face, and her grey eyes glittered. "I want to be with the omega!" she declared proudly, and the maidens in the hall cheered her on.

Mia felt happy for her. The maiden was going after what she wanted, love. And that was brave.

She had lacked affection since she was little, or at least came to the knowledge of what it meant. The only people who ever truly loved her were her parents and sister. But after her mother died eight years ago, her father, Jobe, stopped being affectionate towards his children. Losing his wife affected him and changed him into a different man. Though he later tried to rekindle the fire and life they once had, it wasn't there. The only genuine comfort she felt was with her sister, Ariel, who remained true and selfless in all. She'd step into the street and have people stare at her skin, which, unlike her sister and most maiden in the kingdom, hers was a tan.

She knew her father must have been sceptical of the first day he set his eyes on her and saw a baby that looked nothing like him or his wife. But he loved her regardless and never made her feel unwanted. The people of the kingdom, however, did. She had heard them call her ugly and freak behind her back, and she hated it. She was different.

It could have been the reason all the boys her age never approached her, that and the fact that she stopped smiling after she turned thirteen. They were many things she hadn't experienced, the first kiss, the first affectionate touch and being called beautiful even though it'll be a lie.

Love was out of her book and now, being married to the alpha king, she knew she might never experience it.

Maybe she wasn't meant to experience love. Maybe her purpose was to help others experience it.

"You're slowly winning their hearts!" Aneer said, a look of pride and happiness on her face.

"I'm just involving everyone."

"Taking record, involving the women's opinions, listening to unpopular cases. No queen has ever done that."

"Oh, I'm glad. I'm laying the foundations then." She teased, her tone light.

"You're laying more than the foundation, you're building the house. You have the heart of four out of six elders already. I'm the first of the four."

Aneer's flattery seemed over the top, but she didn't hold it against her. It felt good to her ears as well.

They get interrupted by Margaret and Aneer dismissed herself.

"I see you've got everyone singing, my queen," Margaret said, smiling mischievously.

Mia didn't trust her smile. She had seen the spiteful look she held during the meeting. It had a lot to do with her decision for a record book.

"I have heard no one singing since the meeting ended a while ago."

"You will hear. This week, people shall sing your name all across the kingdom. Friendly advice, not all that cheers for you actually like you, so you should be careful. We are women and should have each other's back, but many a time we don't and that's the painful truth." She bowed her head and took her leave, and Mia stood, deciphering what she meant.