It had been four days since the last battle of wills between Xavi and Josephine, and the atmosphere around the castle was heavy with anticipation. The wedding was tomorrow. Everything in the kingdom seemed to move with urgency—decorations, security checks, meetings of nobles, and the hush of whispers as word spread across the realms that the Silent Queen would wed the Ruthless King.
Josephine and Kara had been training endlessly, pushing each other beyond exhaustion. Kara's strength came from fire and speed, while Josephine's quiet control over her growing powers left even the bravest warriors speechless. In another part of the kingdom, Xavi and his gang were deep in their businesses—handling smuggling routes, making alliances, taking out rivals—and resolving private issues no outsider dared to pry into.
One evening, Kara called Xavi outside. Josephine was in the middle of the training ground, suspended in midair, meditating with her legs crossed, her hair floating as though caught in an unseen current.
"She is flying, so what?" Warrick said with a shrug.
"Watch this," Kara smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. She leaned closer to Xavi and shouted across the grounds.
"Josephine! They called you a mute ass bitch!"
Josephine's eyes shot open at once. Her golden amber irises flared so bright they burned like suns. In that instant, the dread mask slipped from the enchanted ring on her finger, latching onto her face with a whisper of shadow. The mask's descent cracked the earth below, sending shockwaves through the ground.
She streaked through the air at terrifying speed, catching Xavi completely off guard, and slammed her fist into his nose.
"OUCH!" he grunted, staggering back, his eyes glowing blood-red.
In a blink, he was airborne, sword in hand, rushing her with vicious intent. Josephine backflipped away, hovering as the wind around them split from the force of their power. She unsheathed the twin swords strapped to her waist, the mask still gripping her face.
The noise drew everyone outside—Hendrick, Sophina, Ceillie, the children, and even Queen Olydia, all watching wide-eyed.
"Mama Jojo!!" Adris cried in his tiny voice, clapping his small hands.
"Jojo, STOP!" Ceillie screamed.
For a moment, the mask flickered and vanished, leaving Josephine's battle suit still clinging to her. Her pupils were glowing blood-red, and she smirked, almost wickedly, before summoning the mask again. She lunged.
Her blade clashed with Xavi's in midair. The sound rang across the kingdom like thunder. Sparks scattered, but Josephine's strength was overwhelming—Xavi's sword split cleanly in two.
Before he could react, she grabbed his hair and spun him round and round like a ragdoll before hurling him at a massive stone wall. The boulder shattered to dust.
She soared high into the sky, her figure silhouetted against the moon, then came crashing down like a comet. The impact shook the ground, cracks spidering across the courtyard. Dust rose in a choking wave.
When it cleared, the mask retreated into her ring. Josephine raised her hand, waved at everyone as if nothing had happened, and then hurried to Xavi, who was still groaning on the ground.
"Damn!!" he coughed out, but chuckled lightly.
She helped him up, her eyes glowing purple now. Xavi instinctively stepped back. "Not again… please," he muttered.
Josephine chuckled softly—soundless, but sharp—and pressed her glowing palm to his back. His injuries mended instantly.
"You are getting extremely stronger now, my dearest," Xavi said, his smirk softening into a rare smile. Josephine only tilted her head and gave him a small smile in return.
The next day, by 3:20 p.m., the kingdom was alive with excitement. Banners hung from every tower. Musicians filled the air with melodies. Nobles and royals from every kingdom gathered, dressed in silks and jewels.
But a problem arose—Josephine's wedding dress had been delayed.
"I'll shut down that stupid store myself!" Noah shouted, pacing angrily as panic spread through the bridal chambers.
"Josephine," Xoni said gently, clutching Anesthesia's arm. "There is a wedding dress for you. Come, let us show you."
Ceillie held Josephine's hand, and together they entered a hidden chamber. There it was—her dress. Not just any dress. The one Josephine herself had drawn.
The gown was a masterpiece of shadows and fire:
Crafted from midnight-dark crimson velvet that looked black under candlelight, its fitted corset bodice shimmered with black-gold embroidery studded with garnets and black diamonds. A daring V-neckline framed her collarbones, sheer crimson lace climbing into a high neck clasped with a single black ruby. Long, flowing sleeves of black lace trailed like smoke with every movement. The billowing skirt, layers of crushed velvet and silk tulle, was edged with blood-red roses embroidered to glisten with crystal dew.
A cathedral-length train of velvet was overlaid with black lace etched in glowing runes. A sheer black veil cascaded from a spiked steel crown studded with red gems. Around her waist, a black silk sash embroidered with roses draped in thin gold chains, carrying a dagger-shaped ornament.
It was a vision of power and dark beauty. Extraordinary. Unforgettable. Fit for a Queen cloaked in shadow.
Josephine's eyes glowed.
"Hey Jojo—it's your drawing!" Callum exclaimed.
She touched the fabric, whispering in her mind, He actually made this for me…
Yes, a voice answered inside her thoughts. He had heard her.
"Come on! It's almost time!" Tess said, rushing in with the bridesmaids.
They dressed her carefully, arranging every layer, every chain, every jewel.
Meanwhile, in Xavi's chamber, he stood before the mirror. He wore a black suit lined with silver embroidery, his jewelry gleaming like frost against shadow. His silver hair was styled to perfection, and his beard was trimmed razor-sharp. He chewed a mint gum and adjusted his cuffs before stepping into the hall where the men gathered.
Little Adris was fumbling with his tie.
"Need help, Adris?" Akira chuckled.
"Nope nope!" Adris insisted stubbornly. "Big boy stuff!" He tugged the tie awkwardly until it sat like a knot of ribbon.
"All done?" Rhory laughed.
"Yep yep!" Adris said proudly, puffing his chest. Everyone chuckled—everyone except Xavi, who finally crouched and knotted the tie properly.
"Thank you, Dada!" Adris grinned, then sprinted away to Xoni, who handed him the wedding rings.
The bells tolled. The wedding had begun.
The men entered first, the hall packed with royals from across the kingdoms. All bowed as the priest declared:
"All hail King Xavi!"
"HAIL KING XAVI!" the crowd roared.
"Feeling nervous for your bride?" Xoni teased.
"Maybe," Xavi muttered, though his smirk betrayed him.
The doors opened.
And Josephine appeared.
Hendrick held her arm, walking her down the aisle. A sheer black veil covered her face, though her glowing eyes were faintly visible beneath. The hall fell silent.
Oh my dearest Queen… just wait till nightfall. Every moment will be precious for us, Xavi thought.
He looks even more handsome… I'm happy he is my husband. But will he love me back the same way I love him? I don't care that he's a king… but they call him the Ruthless King. Jojo… will the Ruthless King love you back? Josephine's voice whispered in her mind.
Both Kara and Xavi heard her. Xavi smirked, concealing the storm in his chest.
At the altar, Josephine bowed before him. Tess, her maid of honor, fixed her gown. Noah winked at Tess, who smirked back. Guards lined the hall—Piere and others fully armed with guns and blades, ready for any threat.
The doors opened again. Adris toddled down the aisle with the rings, giggling loudly. The entire hall melted with "awws" as he clapped and laughed.
"Here, Dada!!" Adris said, handing the rings.
"Thank you, baby," Xavi said warmly, kissing his son's head.
The priest raised his hands.
"Do you, King ....the priest said before he could finish his sentence
"I do," Xavi said instantly cutting him off.
"Do you, Josephine, take King Xavi as your husband?"
Josephine nodded as Yes
"Then if there is anyone who objects, speak now or forever hold your silence."
"HEY! She is mine!" Prince Leopold shouted, stepping forward.
"That's it," Josephine muttered in her mind, passing her flowers to Tess.
"Move back," Xavi ordered. Xoni quickly covered Adris's eyes.
Josephine's eyes blazed blue. She raised her hand and with one gesture snapped Leopold's bones. He collapsed, screaming.
"Please stop!" his sister begged. "We'll take him away!"
Josephine released him and turned back calmly. Xavi was smirking with pride.
"None object. Good. You may now kiss the bride," the priest declared.
Xavi lifted her veil slowly. His eyes locked onto hers.
"Mine," he whispered—and kissed her in front of the entire hall.
The crowd erupted in applause. Ceillie wept openly, wiping her tears as she clung to Piere's shoulder.
"My baby girl," she sobbed.
"It's okay, Nana," Callum whispered to her.
Xavi held Josephine tightly, his arm around her waist, his hand clasping hers with unyielding possession.
But Xoni stiffened. At the corner of the hall, she spotted a face she despised—her cousin, the Man Adris's mother had abandoned Xavi for.
"Get out before my brother sees you," Xoni hissed.
"I was invited," the Man sneered. "I'll visit my cousin and his new wife soon. See you soon." She walked away casually.
"Bastard," Xoni spat under her breath.
The priest lifted his hands once more, his voice booming across the kingdom.
"Behold your rulers—King Xavi, and his wife, Queen Josephine!"
The crowd thundered with cheers, hailing their new Queen.