THE SPOILED HYBRID.🧛 (MXM) - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

By the time the plane touched down, Drake’s body was exhausted. The long flight, combined with the emotional weight of leaving his old life behind, had left him drained. Alessia, on the other hand, had slept through most of the journey, his head resting on Drake’s shoulder, his breathing soft and even. Drake couldn’t bring himself to wake him, so when they landed, he carefully lifted Alessia into his arms, cradling him like something precious.
As they stepped off the plane, the cold Russian air hit them like a wall, sharp and biting. Drake adjusted his grip on Alessia, pulling him closer to shield him from the chill. The airport was quiet, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by an eerie stillness. That’s when Drake noticed the four sleek black cars waiting on the tarmac, each flanked by two bulky men in black suits. They stood at attention, their expressions stern and unreadable, their presence commanding.
Alysa, who had been walking ahead, approached the cars with a confidence that made Drake pause. The men in suits immediately straightened, their hands clasped behind their backs as they greeted her in unison. “Welcome back home, Your Highness,” they said, their voices deep and respectful.
Alysa gave a slight nod, her demeanor shifting instantly. Gone was the playful, carefree sister Drake had come to know in America. In her place stood a queen-in-waiting, her posture regal, her movements deliberate, and her expression calm but authoritative. The air around her seemed to change, charged with an energy that demanded respect. She didn’t say a word as one of the men opened the door to the first car, and she slid inside without a backward glance.
Drake watched, his arms tightening instinctively around Alessia. He had known, of course, that Alysa and Alessia were royalty, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The way the men addressed her, the way she carried herself—it was like stepping into a different world.
One of the men approached Drake, his expression softening slightly as he glanced at the sleeping prince in his arms. “Welcome, sir,” the man said, his voice respectful but firm. “Your car is ready.”
Drake nodded, his mind still reeling as he followed the man to the second car. The door was opened for him, and he carefully slid inside, still holding Alessia. The interior of the car was luxurious, the seats soft and the air warm, but Drake barely noticed. His focus was entirely on Alessia, who stirred slightly but didn’t wake.
As the car pulled away from the airport, Drake looked out the window, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. The landscape outside was stark and beautiful, the deep forests and snow-covered fields stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a far cry from the bustling streets of his hometown, and Drake couldn’t help but feel a pang of homesickness.
But then Alessia shifted in his arms, his head nuzzling against Drake’s chest, and Drake’s heart softened. This was his home now—wherever Alessia was. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Alessia’s head, his arms tightening around him as the car carried them deeper into the heart of Russia.
The drive was long, the roads winding through dense forests and past frozen lakes. Drake’s exhaustion began to catch up with him, his eyelids growing heavy as the rhythmic motion of the car lulled him into a light doze. But even as he drifted in and out of sleep, he held onto Alessia, his grip firm and protective.
By the time they reached their destination, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate that awaited them. The Crimson Kingdom was every bit as grand as Drake had imagined, its towering spires and intricate architecture a testament to its royal heritage. But for now, all Drake cared about was the sleeping prince in his arms and the future they were about to build together.
The Crimson Kingdom was nothing short of breathtaking. Enclosed by towering, thick walls and surrounded by ancient, towering trees, it stood as a fortress of elegance and power. Even in the evening, the kingdom was alive with light, its golden glow illuminating the grounds so brightly that it might as well have been daytime. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and snow, and the sound of distant chatter and the clinking of glasses hinted at the bustling life within the castle walls.
Drake stepped out of the car, his eyes wide as he took in the sight before him. The castle itself was a masterpiece of architecture, its spires reaching toward the sky and its windows glowing with warm, inviting light. But his awe was quickly overshadowed by the sight of the figures standing at the entrance.
The king was not what Drake had expected. He looked young, perhaps in his mid-thirties, but there was an ageless quality to him that spoke of centuries lived. He was towering, standing at nearly seven feet tall, with a broad, muscular frame that exuded strength. His long black hair cascaded down his back, and his pale skin seemed to glow under the castle lights. His eyes, a striking green just like Alessia’s, were sharp and piercing, yet there was a warmth in them as he watched his children approach.
Beside him stood the queen, a vision of elegance and grace. She was tall, her height nearly matching her husband’s, and her curvaceous figure was draped in a long, flowing black dress that shimmered with every movement. Her beauty was otherworldly, her presence commanding yet gentle. Together, they looked every bit the royal couple, their regal bearing undeniable.
“Welcome home, darling,” the queen, Sophia, said, her voice soft and melodic as she greeted Alysa. Alysa walked up to her mother and kissed her cheeks, a gesture that seemed as natural as breathing. The queen’s smile was warm, her eyes filled with love as she cupped Alysa’s face for a moment before letting her go.
Alessia, who had been half-asleep in Drake’s arms, stirred at the sound of his mother’s voice. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked in surprise, realizing they had already arrived. “Put me down,” he said to Drake, his voice still groggy but filled with excitement.
Drake obliged, setting Alessia gently on his feet. The moment his feet touched the ground, Alessia was off like a shot, running toward his father with a burst of energy that made Drake smile despite his nerves.
“Dad!” Alessia called, his voice filled with joy as he leaped into his father’s arms. The king caught him effortlessly, his deep laugh echoing through the hall as he spun Alessia around. “I missed you!” Alessia said, his tone playful and spoiled, his arms wrapped tightly around his father’s neck.
“Oh my God,” the king said, his voice deep and rich with amusement. “Look at you, my little prince. You’ve grown so much.”
Alessia giggled, his head resting on his father’s shoulder as he turned to his mother. “Mom,” he said, his voice soft and affectionate as he reached out to her. The queen stepped closer, her hand brushing through Alessia’s hair as she kissed his forehead.
“Welcome home, my love,” she said, her voice filled with warmth.
Alessia’s eyes then flicked to Drake, who was standing a few feet away, looking more nervous than he had ever been. “Drake, come!” Alessia called, waving him over. “Dad, Mom, this is my mate, Drake. I love him,” he said, his voice brimming with pride and affection. Then, as if suddenly shy, he buried his face in his father’s shoulder.
Drake approached cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. He bowed slightly, his voice trembling as he spoke. “Hello, King… Queen,” he said, his words stumbling over each other. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
The king studied Drake for a moment, his green eyes sharp but not unkind. Then, to Drake’s surprise, he smiled, a genuine, warm smile that put him slightly at ease. “Welcome, Drake,” the king said, his voice deep and resonant. “If Alessia loves you, then you are family.”
The queen stepped forward, her smile gentle as she extended her hand. “Welcome to the Crimson Kingdom, Drake,” she said, her voice soothing. “We’re so happy to have you here.”
Drake took her hand, his nerves easing slightly as he felt the warmth in her touch. “Thank you,” he said, his voice steadier now. “I’m… I’m really grateful to be here.”
Alessia peeked out from his father’s shoulder, his green eyes sparkling with happiness. “See?” he said, his voice teasing. “I told you they’d like you.”
Drake couldn’t help but smile, his heart swelling with relief and affection. This was it—the beginning of a new chapter, not just for him and Alessia, but for all of them. And as he stood there, surrounded by the warmth and love of Alessia’s family, he knew he had made the right choice.