— Please, Your Majesty, have mercy. You know what it's like to live on the edge and be forced to take certain actions, to survive under a tyrant...
— Enough. — I gestured with my hand. I wanted to curse. Oh, how good it would feel to swear in front of the fourth noble family I had received in the throne room. The soldiers were alert to any trickery that might threaten my life.
Finally, the nobles came forward and confessed to their crimes. At least the list Theodor had compiled was useful — I could cross off those who admitted their sins against the crown. The counselors were present, all of them "innocent" in the coup my brother had orchestrated, except for Felder, who was the first to assume the position of lead advisor — until Markus recently took the role. And he would keep it for now.
— You, House Caldar, have lost your noble titles. You shall be considered common citizens from now on. Your lands will belong to the crown. You are no longer Counts of Malzaterra. However, you will receive a property, a handful of cattle, and a good harvest to survive. It is more than you should expect, given that you are unworthy of my mercy. — Of course, the Caldar protested.
— We have served the royal family for years. It is not fair that Your Majesty holds us in such low regard. — The family matriarch, Fátima, spoke dramatically.
— Very well. Since I am merciful, I shall give you a second option. — I smiled softly. — Either accept my mercy, or you will all be sentenced to capital punishment. What do you think?
I could see their faces grow pale as they agreed to the terms and withdrew. I picked up some papers in front of me. There were so many I couldn't even tell what they all were — land titles and properties, I assumed. I handed them to Theodor.
— Give this title to the oldest guard in the castle. I believe his name was Sir Percival. He helped me when I first arrived at the castle — it's only fair he becomes a count and receives those lands. Handle the entire transition. And make sure there are no protests or unrest.
I commanded. The other council members were not pleased. There were still more families to be questioned and stripped of their privileges. Some were likely already planning escape routes, reaching out to other kingdoms in search of protection. But Alexander was taking care of sealing off the harbor and blocking any chance for them to leave the kingdom without a trial. I felt drained.
The week had passed quickly, and all I could do was exchange gentle caresses with my fiancé. No intense intimacy — not with the baby. Alexander's pheromones were essential. The baby would grow strong and healthy with my alpha close to me.
— When is the Day of Grace? — I asked Markus, who looked slightly embarrassed.
— King William abolished the Day of Grace, my lord. It used to be held on the first Saturday of every month. — Markus knew that this was one of the reasons the people were so dissatisfied.
— Reinstate the Day of Grace. Have it announced throughout the capital, and let the farmers who wish to travel here do so. The same goes for distant cities — let them come. — I scratched my neck in irritation. Had that man done anything right?
The Day of Grace was one of the most important traditions in the kingdom. The king would open the castle and invite all the commoners to voice their complaints and requests. It had been established by my grandmother many years ago and became tradition, continued by my father. Usually, a small festival was held in the city — nothing extravagant — simply because many representatives from distant towns would come to ask for reforms, resolve disputes, or present any other issue the king might help with. Of course the people were angry — they hadn't been heard. No one cared.
— Yes, Your Majesty. We will reestablish the arrangements and send word throughout the kingdom. — Markus didn't seem too enthusiastic about opening contact with the common folk, but he didn't argue.
— Good. Were you able to contact the Kingdom of Diamont? — The kingdom William had accused of betrayal. This was the most delicate matter.
— Yes, and... the king made a few demands in his reply to your letter, Your Majesty. — Alindra, one of the counselors, who oversaw diplomatic matters between kingdoms, stepped forward and handed me the scroll.
I read it aloud.
— It is outrageous that the kingdom which falsely accused us now seeks diplomatic ties again without offering reparations. I would like to request a meeting with the young King, and a marriage alliance between our families would be the most appropriate gesture of apology from your sovereign to ours.Furthermore, Diamont is interested in the territory of Canavara. I would like the King to cede that region to our country, as it was through an unjust war that Diamont lost its main mining city.It is necessary to reestablish ties with the new government, and we are willing to do so—if there is true interest from the new King."
I frowned so deeply that my anger was evident.
— Filthy pack of mangy dogs. — I growled, only to be immediately met with at least five disapproving stares. I simply rolled my eyes and threw the scroll to the floor.
— A king should not speak that way. — Markus reprimanded me.
— Ha! That's what you're worried about, really? — I scoffed, visibly irritated. Everyone could tell it was a lost cause.
— There's a way to make it work. King Ali Mahad has only one son—a bastard who wishes to be officially recognized as royalty. We could form a union through concubinage. Make him the King's consort. — Alindra suggested, presenting it as a plausible plan. — He would receive the title and take the August surname.
— What a load of nonsense… — I cursed, and the woman practically recoiled.
— It's outrageous to even consider that our king would take a lover. — Theodor was also displeased. He knew that if I had a child with that bastard prince, it could threaten the legitimacy of my own child.
— It's an interesting idea. Diamont was always a close ally, with strong political ties. We were united for a hundred years until the accusations and border wars. Many families and people were exiled. Now, with the possibility of restoring ties, a union seems viable. — Markus appeared to be taking the matter seriously.
— Oh no. For once, I have to agree with my father-in-law. — I pressed a hand to my forehead in frustration, rubbing my eyes.
— Be reasonable, we— — Markus was dramatically interrupted.
— There hasn't even been a wedding between my son and the King yet. Don't act so hastily. It's not customary for this kingdom to have a royal concubine. — Theodor asserted himself quickly.
— Duke, don't be irrational. The wedding is soon, and the Mahad family could be honored guests. Let's make a counterproposal and hope they are reasonable enough to accept. — Markus ignored Theodor's protest.
— Hey, hey, enough. I'll reply to the King of Diamont later. For now, I want to finish my royal duties and go see my fiancé. — I jumped from the chair and headed toward the eastern wing.
I left five irritated advisors behind, arguing among themselves as if I were actually going to consider their opinions. I wasn't going to have a concubine. Even if it were the safest political move, I doubted Alexander would accept such a ridiculous proposal. And honestly, neither would I.
Alex was in the bedroom, changing clothes. I stood for a few seconds admiring his body. Quietly, I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around him from behind and pressing gentle kisses to his back.
— Did you miss me? — I asked playfully. The alpha turned to me, held my face, and kissed me deeply—his mouth melting into mine, breathless and intense. I clung tightly to his neck. Alex pulled me into his arms and held me, his hands tightening around my waist. Only then did he let me breathe again. My breath came soft and uneven, the warm pulse of pleasure still tingling in my skin.
— Yes. I spent the whole day thinking about you… Unfortunately, I still need to organize the guard. There's a lot to be done, especially in the city—restructuring the civil guard. — He sighed as he sat on the bed, pulling me into his lap. — New recruits, military realignment, identifying extremists. We won't be done anytime soon.
The alpha had taken charge of the kingdom's security. He had hand-picked the soldiers responsible for my personal protection, detained the rebels, and now focused on the civil side. And the work didn't seem to lessen. I had promoted Alexander to general of war — a position I believed far more appropriate than head of the royal guard. So yes, he was working more. And I almost regretted giving the position to my fiancé. The former general had been William's puppet. He deserved to lose the title — and to be thrown in the dungeons. He helped that bastard try to poison me and escape.
— Something happened… I want to reestablish diplomatic ties with Diamont, but those idiots want me to marry King Mahad's bastard son and hand over a cursed city. — I played with his hair.
— What? That's absurd. What did you say? — Alexander looked stunned, irritated, and clearly displeased.
— Nothing yet. But I'm obviously going to refuse. — I shrugged. — Markus wants me to take him as a concubine. — I rolled my eyes again. — It's absurd, and your father is completely against it. Not to mention a concubine could still have children, and I don't want any new royal drama in my life either.
— It's a terrible idea. — Alex sighed in relief when he realized I hadn't accepted it. — I'm glad you didn't agree to that insult.
— What do you think of me? — I was offended by the implication.
— Maybe your free spirit rebelling against monogamy? — the alpha offered an awkward smile.
— Oh, come on. Just because I've never been in a serious relationship before doesn't mean I don't understand the rites and responsibilities of being engaged. And I have no desire to be in another relationship with some unpleasant alpha. — I shrugged. — I want to focus on my destined partner.
— Good. — Alexander sighed again, clearly relieved, though slightly annoyed with his own doubt. — I couldn't share you with anyone.
— And you don't have to. I'm a faithful, pregnant man. — I teased lightly.
I knew there was still much to be said. Diamont had once been highly regarded by my family — until William ruined everything with his delusions of grandeur.
— Still, I intend to invite the king and his son to our kingdom for the ball.
The ball had been postponed due to my brother's death. But the foreign delegations had offered their condolences and agreed to wait until we were ready. Maintaining diplomatic ties was important, and the best way to do that remained the grandeur of noble festivities: food, music, wine, and theater. It reminded me of moments when I would escape the suffocating theatrics of the court and spend more time in the garden, enjoying the night sky.
Fishing through my memories in the middle of the mental chaos I felt at that moment became an exhausting task. I closed my eyes, trying to retrieve something, but nothing came. It was like fishing in brackish water.
— I understand. If you make the kingdom's stance on the proposed marriage clear, I'm fine with it. — Though I knew he understood, I could still hear the discomfort in his voice.
— I'll invite them to the ball. Return the city my brother stole, lift the sanctions, and reestablish trade. But I plan to make a public announcement as well — to reveal who truly caused my father's death. It's important that everyone knows what happened, and more than that, that I have accepted the new diplomatic terms with Diamont. — I knew this step would be dangerous, especially since it meant unveiling a long-hidden truth about the situation with the kingdom we had fought for four years.
— I support your decision. I know it won't be easy. But the people must know the truth and understand what's happening in the castle right now. If Diamont's delegation accepts the proposal, we can send messengers across the kingdom and declare that the borders are open — for trade and for peace. — Alexander was a wonderful partner. His words gave me strength.
We slept together, wrapped in each other, and I surrendered to the comforting scent of his pheromones until my morning duties began. I missed waking up late and starting the day with a glass of rum. But I was still forbidden from drinking. Alexander had asked me personally to ease up on alcohol for the baby's sake. And that was fine — but I was going insane.
How long had it been since I had a drop of alcohol? More than three months. My throat felt dry no matter how much water I drank.
— Why are you in such a bad mood? — Theodor asked, watching me try to write a speech exposing the scheme my brother had orchestrated against the kingdom.
— Oh, I don't know... Pregnancy hormones? Withdrawal? Baltazar ignoring my messages? Of course I'd be in a bad mood, dammit…
I grumbled, annoyed. We were in a more private room — my former study. I was dressed in elegant but less extravagant clothes than I wore in the throne room. A red silk shirt, puffed at the sleeves with golden embroidery, a black corset, and tight black leather shorts, with well-polished boots. The signet ring had to remain on my finger at all times, bearing the August family crest. It was heavier than I would have liked — but it remained a symbol of power.
Theodor was helping me write my speech, after the council had complained that it would be better not to expose the truth so directly to the "ignorant" populace who, in their opinion, wouldn't understand the political complexity and—blah blah blah. Oh, please. Of course they would understand. And Diamont accepting the new terms also depended on the people accepting them as allies once more.
— It's terrible. Rewrite it. — Theodor said after reading it once more, crumpling the paper and tossing it in the bin.
— And you wonder why I'm in a bad mood, don't you? Funny. — I smacked my forehead against the desk, irritated.
— You're a king now. You should write like one, — Theodor replied impatiently. — And behave like one.
— Oh sure, then why don't you write the damn speech? — I frowned, clearly annoyed.
— Your Majesty, may I remind you that it was your insistence to write it yourself—declaring you were independent and capable? I'm giving you space, but I still have to make sure you don't write anything foolish.
I wanted to punch my father-in-law in the face. But instead, I stayed silent, grabbed another sheet of paper, and tried my best to write without calling William a filthy bastard. Theodor didn't allow even the slightest deviation from formal language. I thought it was nonsense, but the message would be sent to every city in Raviera—from the grandest capitals to the smallest villages.
Later that day, I received word from the King of Diamont, confirming his presence at the ball along with his son. And the possibility of a diplomatic discussion. The people were already informed about the Day of Grace, and there wasn't much left to do besides finishing the letter and the speech. Exhausting.
— There. That wasn't so hard, was it? — Theodor smiled and took the papers from my hand.
— Ha ha. — I was slumped over the desk, eyes locked on the window that opened to the darkness beyond.
At that moment, someone knocked on the study door. It was a soldier from my personal guard. He held a piece of parchment. I stood immediately and walked toward the man, brushing past Theodor without a word and snatching the paper from his hand before he could speak.
"I'll be there in two moons."
The message was short, with no name—just a single sentence. It was Baltazar! I was so overwhelmed that I ran straight to where Alexander was and threw myself into his arms.
I rushed through the decorated hallways, startling the guards, until I finally reached the training yard. I didn't wait a second longer before launching myself into Alexander's arms. He caught me mid-air, startled and concerned.
— He's coming! Baltazar is on his way—and he'll be here in two days!
— That's wonderful, my love. — Alexander held me tightly. He hadn't even noticed there was a small group of soldiers behind him, following orders across the yard.
I glanced at the soldiers, who looked visibly awkward about the situation, and gave them a silent wave, signaling they could proceed alone. They left without a word, and the alpha smiled at me. But I could sense a sliver of concern about Baltazar's arrival. Understandable—it wasn't exactly the best environment for a pirate. But did that really matter?
— Don't worry. Nothing's going to get out of hand.
I doubted even my own words would have much effect on the events to come. In fact, those two moons passed quickly. I gave my speech to the public the very next day. The letters were already en route to the cities of Raviera.
The capital listened attentively to my words and reacted with shock. Truthfully, no one really mourned William's death—and finding out he'd been a bastard in every sense from the start only added to the growing outrage. His image was tarnished beyond repair.
News spread fast. Everyone knew. There was no point in hiding something so serious anymore. I wanted them to know the betrayal my family had suffered. I was relieved—exhausted. It never felt like I had enough hours in the day to handle all the urgent demands and the previous king's negligence.
Anxiety had taken hold of me. I didn't want to wait even one more day. Finally, it was announced: Baltazar had arrived at the port. For the first time in ten years, he docked openly, without hiding. I wanted to go and welcome them myself. But protocol—ugh. As king, I had to maintain a certain posture. So I waited in the grand hall.
The door opened. A full escort entered with the crew—those same men and women I had met four years ago. The court gathered in the hall was stunned to see buccaneers entering the main royal chamber. I stood up. Alex was at my side, and his father stood nearby.
My heart pounded with emotion as Baltazar broke the distance, walking steadily toward the throne. The pirates glanced around, facing judgmental eyes from all sides—counselors, servants, soldiers. No one could have imagined that criminals would be welcomed in such good faith.
I stepped down from the platform, taking several steps forward. Alex moved as if to stop me but quickly lowered his hand. At last, I stood before them all.
— Should I kneel now? — Baltazar asked, with a cocky smile tugging at his lips. My personal guard was alert to his every move.
I didn't answer. I threw myself into his arms, wrapping him tightly against me. I could feel the tears trailing down my cheeks, dripping to my chin. Baltazar, without hesitation, embraced me back—warm and strong.
— My son. — He spoke with a tenderness I had never heard before.
— Father. — I whispered, muffled against his chest.