THE SPOILED HYBRID.🧛 (MXM) - Chapter 21: Chapter 21

The dining hall was a grand space, its high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a soft, golden glow over the room. The long table was set with fine china and silverware, the food a lavish spread of dishes that smelled divine. Drake sat beside Alessia, his nerves slowly easing as the warmth of the room and the kindness of Alessia’s family began to settle over him.
Jared, the king, leaned forward slightly, his piercing green eyes fixed on Drake. “I am sorry,” he said, his deep voice carrying a note of sincerity. “Because of my son, you had to relocate this far from your hometown. But I am grateful you chose to come with him.”
Drake blinked, caught off guard by the king’s apology. “It’s okay… ah, Your Majesty,” he said, stumbling over his words as he tried to maintain his composure.
Jared chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound that filled the room. “Oh, when we’re in private, please call me Jared—or Dad, since you’re family now,” he said, his tone light but genuine.
Drake nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you… Jared,” he said, the name feeling strange but comforting on his tongue.
Sofia, the queen, leaned in next, her elegant hands resting lightly on the table. “And also,” she said, her voice melodic and soothing, “the way time works here in Crimson is different from the outside world.”
Drake frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Alessia, who had been quietly enjoying his meal, perked up at the question. “Here, during the day, we sleep,” he explained, his voice filled with excitement. “And during the night, that’s our day.”
Drake’s eyes widened, his mind struggling to process the information. “Ahh,” he said, his voice trailing off as he tried to make sense of it. “So… it’s like a complete reversal of time?”
Sofia nodded, her smile gentle. “Yes, exactly. But if you can’t adjust to that, it’s okay,” she said, her tone reassuring. “You’ve already sacrificed a lot for my spoiled son.”
“Mommm…” Alessia pouted, his cheeks flushing as he shot his mother a playful glare. The table erupted in soft laughter, the sound warm and inviting.
Sofia’s expression softened as she turned back to Drake. “Also,” she said, her voice kind but firm, “you are free to tell us anything that you’re uncomfortable with—whether it’s food, living arrangements, the palace, or anything in general. We want you to feel at home here.”
Drake felt a lump form in his throat, his heart swelling with gratitude. He had been nervous about how Alessia’s family would receive him, but their kindness and understanding were more than he could have hoped for. “Thank you, Sofia,” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I’ll be sure to let you know if there’s anything.”
Sofia smiled, her eyes warm with affection. “Good,” she said. “Because you’ve sacrificed a lot, and we appreciate that.”
Drake glanced at Alessia, who was beaming at him, his green eyes sparkling with happiness. In that moment, any lingering doubts or fears melted away. This was his home now, and he was surrounded by people who cared about him. For the first time since leaving his old life behind, Drake felt a sense of peace.
After the meal, Jared, the king, gestured for Drake to follow him, indicating that he wanted to speak privately. Alessia, ever the obedient son—at least in front of his father—nodded and allowed one of the maids to escort him to his chambers. But the moment the king and Drake were out of sight, Alessia’s mischievous side came out in full force.
It was well-known in the Crimson Kingdom that Prince Alessia was not only spoiled but also stubborn and naughty. Tonight was no exception. The maids had been instructed to prepare him for his bath, but the small prince was having none of it.
“I will shower when Drake comes!” Alessia declared, his voice firm as he bounced on the bed, his black hair tousled and his green eyes sparkling with defiance. The maids exchanged exasperated glances, their hands on their hips as they tried to coax him down.
“Your Highness, it’s time for your bath,” one of the maids said, her tone patient but firm. “Please come with us.”
“No, leave me!” Alessia shouted, his voice rising as he scrambled to the other side of the bed, narrowly avoiding the maid’s outstretched hand. He was like a whirlwind, his movements quick and unpredictable as he darted around the room, his laughter ringing out like a challenge.
The maids sighed, their frustration growing by the minute. “Oh my God,” one of them muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Maybe we should report him to the queen.”
Alessia froze, his eyes widening in panic. The queen, Sofia, was the only one who could truly rein him in. While the king and Alysa spoiled him rotten, the queen was strict and unyielding when it came to discipline. The thought of her finding out about his antics was enough to make Alessia pause.
“Nooo, noo, please don’t tell her!” Alessia pleaded, his voice softening as he adopted his most pitiful expression. His big green eyes filled with tears, his lower lip trembling as he looked at the maids. “Just let me wait for Drake. I’ll shower with him, I promise!”
The maids hesitated, their resolve wavering under the weight of Alessia’s pleading eyes. He was a master manipulator, and they knew it. But he was also impossible to resist when he turned on the charm.
“Please,” Alessia added, his voice barely above a whisper as he clasped his hands together. “I’ll be good, I swear.”
The maids exchanged another glance, their shoulders slumping in defeat. “Fine,” one of them said, her tone resigned. “But if you don’t shower when Drake comes, we’re telling the queen.”
Alessia’s face lit up, his tears vanishing as if they had never been there. “Thank you!” he said, his voice bright and cheerful as he flopped back onto the bed, his arms spread wide. “You’re the best!”
The maids shook their heads, their expressions a mix of amusement and exasperation. They knew they had been played, but there was no helping it. Alessia was the prince, after all, and his charm was as much a part of him as his stubbornness.
As they left the room, one of the maids muttered under her breath, “That boy is going to be the death of us.”
Alessia, meanwhile, lay on the bed, a satisfied smile on his face as he waited for Drake. He had won this round, and he knew it. But deep down, he couldn’t wait for Drake to return. After all, a promise was a promise—and Alessia never broke his promises.