After another day of travel, our group had finally reached the capital; the people greeted them. Alexander blushed; he was so nervous he wasn't used to people other than Calliope and Ren. This was new to him; he kept his head down until he felt Damian’s breath on his neck before whispering into his ear.

“Keep your head up. You're going to be my husband. Act like it.” Alexander blushed but listened to Damian as he picked his head up and looked straight ahead. Now and then, he would look over at the people, giving them a small wave.

As they galloped down the cobblestone road, more people cheered when they got to the castle. They were greeted by a parade of knights, and Damian and Alison climbed off their horses to help Alexander and Calliope climb off.

Alexander looked nervous. Damian sighed and held his arm out to him, not saying a word. Alexander took his arm, and Allison and Calliope did the same.

Damian and Alexander walked Ren Road on Alexander's shoulder while Ackank walked on Damian’s right side as they walked down towards the entrance of the castle.

Alexander could not help but admit the palace was stunning with ivory-colored walls and towers that seemed to gleam from the sunlight hitting it at just the right angle. Standing at the entrance to the palace stood the king and queen. The king was a tall man with flaming red hair, emerald green eyes, and a stern expression on his face. The woman next to him was a stunning woman with long silver hair and piercing red eyes; she had a cold expression on her face. Alexander gulped nervously as he wouldn't lie to himself and say that he wasn't worried about meeting the King and Queen; his father already hated him. Damian wasn't his biggest fan; having his in-laws hate him would just be the cherry on top of a crap situation. Ren seemed to pick up on his nervous energy as the cat nuzzled Alexander's cheek, who smiled as he steeled his nerves as he and Damian stood in front of the King and Queen. Damian let go of Alexander's arm as he bowed. Alexander did the same as Ren jumped from his shoulder and landed on the ground. Damian stood up, and Alexander remained bowed, using his cane to remain standing. “Greetings, father and mother. I would like to formally introduce the light mage and my future husband, Alexander Hunt,” Damian said as he gestured towards Alexander, who stood up and gave the king and queen a polite smile. “Greetings, your majesty. It is an honor to meet you both,” he said.

Both the queen and king gave them an approving look, and then King Edward spoke, “Welcome, Alexander Hunt. We welcome you into our home, he said.

“Agreed, Alexander, we are more than happy to have you here,” Queen Belladonna said as she curtsied to Alexander, who blushed, shocked to see them acting so kindly to him. Surely they knew about the shame of the Hunt family, who somehow became the light mage. Why were they being so nice to him then? He concluded it was because they were in public; once they were inside, things would go back to what he was used to. Alexander was lost in thought until Damian cleared his throat, snapping Alexander out of it. “Oh, I apologize; please forgive me, “said nervously.

The queen unfolded her fan in front of her face. “It's quite alright, my dear. It's a lot to take in, “she said. Her piercing red eyes seemed to cut into his soul. Alexander gulped as he and Damian were led inside. Ren and Ackan were taken away by maids and butlers to be cleaned and groomed. Allison and Calliope had disappeared not long after arriving. Alexander was worried he was alone with no one but Damian by his side.

Alexander gulped as they were led into the palace. Once they were alone, King Edward and Queen Belladonna cornered him. Alexander gulped as he prepared for the worst as Queen Belladonna spoke, "Alexander, you are so adorable," she said as she hugged Alexander tightly, who just blinked, clearly confused, as King Edward spoke, "I agree, my dear; however, he's quite skinny; he must be starving," Edward said as he looked at a butler and said, "Please tell the chef to cook a feast; Alexander needs to eat," he said.

Alexander looked confused as Damian sighed, "Mother, Father, please," he said as the queen and king looked at their son. "Damian, please let us spoil our son-in-law." Belladonna said as she looked at Damian with a stern expression as Edward nodded his head in agreement, "Besides, after what we were told about how the Hunt family treated this boy, he could use some spoiling, he said.

Damian sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let him get settled first, please," he said. 

Queen Belladonna pouted as she let go of Alexander. "Oh, very well, you had better be nice to him, Damian, she said as she placed her hands on her hips.

Damian rolled his eyes as he motioned for Alexander to follow him as he walked. Alexander was stunned for a moment before following Damian a few steps behind him. Damian looked over his shoulder before slowing down to match Alexander's pace. “I apologize for my parents; they can be a bit much, “ he said.

Alexander blinked. “Oh well, it's okay, but I can't say I'm used to parents acting like that; it was nice,” he said as he smiled, looking ahead as he walked.

Damian looked at him with a perplexed look, not sure what to say, as they both walked quietly to their room.