Nothing could compare to the feeling of losing one's destined companion. When bonded, and suddenly separated for so long, the pain became almost tangible. I could feel the pressure in my chest growing heavier each day. I thought I would be fine. And now I wondered how Alexander had survived my absence for so long. It must have been challenging, even traumatic—perhaps that was why he was so careful and insecure with me. He did not want to lose me again. The feeling only grew stronger. A month had passed since the royal delegation of Diamont had left Raviera. I worked tirelessly for the good of the people.
The Day of Grace had been incredibly demanding yet deeply fulfilling. Subjects gathered in the castle courtyard, entering by families to present their petitions. Guilds of craftsmen, some alchemists, farmers without noble titles. It was exhausting and suffocating. Yet, I managed to meet most demands. Markus took on a great portion of listening to the people when it became impossible for me.
Alexander's pheromones were not enough. And I could not tell anyone. I would not. I did not want to make Alexander feel insecure or guilty. I could endure this, couldn't I? One day at a time. I would not surrender to this sense of deprivation and emptiness. Days stretched endlessly. The terror of never seeing Cabelian again became real. Nightmares crept into my mind, making sleep a daunting task.
I could not tell.
I would not tell.
Alexander would grow sad, would feel abandoned by me. I would bear it alone, I could survive. Yet with each step, it felt as though my feet sank deeper into the thick mud of despair. My body grew heavy, my stomach ached. My child was no longer asking only for his father, but also for someone who was no longer here. My belly was rounder now, only a few months away from birth.
— Your Highness, you must eat, — the physician said, showing me the proteins and supplements laid before me.
I had no desire, but I forced myself to eat the fruits and proteins, sighing with dismay.
— Shall I call the specialist? Do you still feel pain? These portions are only a palliative, my lord, — the physician said gently.
— No. But… my womb aches at times. It feels as if the baby is restless, — I confessed uneasily. The food went down, but there was no joy in satiety. I had always loved food, and until then, it had been one of the joys of my days.
I needed focus. I had already punished every family that confessed their crimes. Those who dared to flee were being hunted. Chaos filled the streets. The guard searched for names everywhere—through filthy alleys, brothels, taverns, and minor castles. Alexander was occupied dealing with the fugitives. I only prayed they would not cross the borders. All had been sealed; no one could leave without committing an act of war, and the penalty would be severe.
Soon, my wedding would take place. Yet sorrow drained any sense of joy, as though something inside me consumed every possibility of delight in the preparations. I needed to occupy my mind. Rising to my feet was a sacrifice.
I began choosing colors, sending invitations to other kingdoms, nobles, allies, and declaring to the people that the day of our wedding would be a holiday. We would march through the main avenue of Raviera, and all would witness the royal union of two destined souls. But one piece was missing, and it suffocated me, pulling me deeper into a swamp of grief and frustration.
Cabelian.
I wondered, at times—what if I simply told Alexander how I felt? No. I could not. He would be wounded, devastated by such words. I would not do that to us. I could endure. I was not a prisoner of destiny.
I refused to yield to the sensation, especially out of fear of disappointing Alexander. I had made vows under the moonlight in the lush garden—now I could not control myself? Impossible. I carried on with the wedding duties. The royal tailor took my measurements and began to design the ceremonial attire. That, at least, filled me with anticipation.
I kept myself distracted throughout the day, walking the courtyard with stylists who showed me colors and decorations. But then, a conversation caught my ear.
— Why should we obey a pirate? It is humiliating. Criminals belong in dungeons, not commanding the king's elite guard, — one of the guards muttered, his voice rough and seasoned.
— And what can you expect from a king stained by the filth of the sea, and an omega no less? — a woman's voice agreed. Both soldiers had been handpicked by Alexander. Perhaps my fiancé had misjudged.
I signaled to the stylists who had overheard, asking them to continue toward the meeting room. I approached the pair—and noticed a third, silent soldier standing with them, quietly agreeing to every word. They were near a window, at the bend of the corridor.
— So, — I said, catching their attention. The three quickly bowed.
— Your Majesty, — they chorused, as though they respected me.
— I do not believe I deserve such respect. After all, I am but a filthy omega from the sea, is that not what I heard? — I touched my cheek lightly.
Their faces drained of color. The guards always by my side, Sir Júlio and Sir Mariane, stood a little apart, watchful. Both skilled, both unwavering. Now they observed the indiscipline of soldiers who wore the mantle without honoring its duty.
— And you insulted your own captain of the guard. Hn. — I sighed. — So, working under a pirate is unthinkable for you?
— No, Your Majesty, we were mistaken, — the woman pleaded quickly, her eyes begging. — Forgive us.
— Please, Your Majesty, we withdraw our words… — the man added hastily. The third stepped back in silence, head lowered.
— Well then. I cannot allow three souls so deserving to keep serving under a pirate's command. Leave. Hand over your uniforms, your insignia, to the captain of the guard, and go. Should I see you here again, it will not be a friendly warning. — I turned away at last.
I did not care to hear them beg. I looked to Júlio.
— Call Sir Bob, please. Tell him to meet me in the council chamber.
I felt guilty for letting the situation reach this point. The distress made me ill. Or perhaps I was already unwell from being separated from my destined companion, and everything hit harder than it should.I sat down on the chair and asked the people in charge of the wedding to leave the room.
Understanding the weight of the moment, they quietly withdrew. It seemed I would not be making any plans that day. I hoped Alexander would return soon. I missed him. I missed Cabelian as well. I gripped my hair tightly until gentle hands stopped me. Bob had entered without announcing himself, catching me off guard.
— Don't do that, you'll hurt yourself. — His voice, though edged with irritation, carried reassurance.
— Ah. — I pulled him into a firm embrace.
— What is it? Is it the pregnancy hormones again? — He smiled more softly, teasing me like he always did. It was comforting to be treated as an equal.
— Why didn't you tell me they were speaking ill of you in the royal guard? I would have punished them all. — I whined, fragile.
— I already punished some, relax. I was just trying to uncover the rest. They've started being more discreet. Come on, Darcy, you know I can handle myself. Besides, they're right. I am a pirate, and I'll deal with them without a shred of mercy. I don't follow a code of honor. — Bob shrugged, sitting in front of me while still keeping hold of my shoulders.
— But you've seemed different… lifeless lately, like a ghost. — He brushed my hair back gently. — Where's your pretty crown?
— Ah, I only need to wear it for grand occasions. Keeping that thing on my head all the time would make me feel worse. — I adjusted myself in the chair. — I miss my other destined companion more than I thought I would.
— Hm.
— Yeah. It's affecting my body. And I don't know what to do. — I sighed.
— Is that why you sent Baltazar to Diamont? You suspect something. — Bob's sharp eyes caught on quickly.
— Yes. I don't think this is entirely natural. They already put a mind-control collar on me once. I want to know what I'm dealing with. — I leaned back, drained.
Bob's eyes were filled with understanding, though his expression carried a shadow of worry.
— You're pushing past your limits. Man, why is it always like this? You should just tell the truth outright. You only manage to speak when you're at the breaking point. That's why we need to know what's hidden between the lines. — Bob exhaled deeply, sounding exhausted. — But if you want more time until Baltazar finds something, I'll back you up.
Good. I only needed to know if there truly was a second destined companion. If not, I would confront that charming bastard Cabelian and his father, and put them in their rightful place. Damn it.
After the commotion, Alexander came to see me. The wedding plans had resumed. I stayed in the room with the papers spread out before me. I stared at them for so long it became painful. I couldn't focus, couldn't make choices. What tea should be served? What food? Which desserts? What color schemes and attire for the guests? White? Or should I marry in red while Alex wore black? That part was already decided, but the details—ah, damn it.
— Darcy. — Alex placed his hands on my shoulders.
— Release your scent.
I asked in a heavy voice. I felt terrible about everything that had been happening and only wanted the comfort of Alexander's presence filling me. His closeness softened me, and I leaned my head against his stomach as he stood behind me.
— You can't decide? — Alex sat down beside me, close enough for me to rest against him.
— No. Do you want to decide for me? I wouldn't mind. — I forced a sad smile.
— You… you're not excited? — His sudden question made me falter. I sat upright quickly and let out a stunned breath.
— Of course I am, silly. But today was hard, you know? Really hard. I'm just tired. — I tried to sound convincing, standing up abruptly.
I needed to settle everything tomorrow. I couldn't let this grim sensation swallow me. It felt as if I were walking through a graveyard—life drained from every corner. The only comfort was the bittersweet closeness of Alexander, my alpha, once more.
— Darcy, you've been different. For a while now. — Apparently, Alexander wouldn't let it go. He grabbed my arm firmly, stopping me from leaving.
— Stop it. I'm fine. — I said, stressed.
— No, you're not. Everyone's talking. You look tired all the time. There's something you're not telling me, isn't there? — The alpha took a deep breath. — Is it about…
— NO. It's not about anything. — I pulled my arm away with force. — Having to rule an entire kingdom and still deal with people's distrust isn't easy. I ordered the execution of the last family that conspired with my brother, and others have disappeared. I have to make decisions on diplomacy, economy, and politics. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE.
I shouted, breathless. Alex looked genuinely shocked.
Everything seemed to crumble. Suddenly I felt my strength leaving me and pain twisting my stomach. The alpha noticed immediately and rushed to me, holding my weakened body. I clutched his arm as hard as I could. Pain surged through me. So much pain. At my core. Something was breaking me from within, and I felt the blood running down my legs.
— No… no.
My voice trembled, despair filling the chaos around us. They called the doctor at once. I was forced to drink some potions and undergo examination. I barely held onto consciousness. I didn't want to sleep. I couldn't—not then. Alexander looked desperate. I was growing sick of fainting because of this pregnancy. It infuriated me.
But I couldn't stay awake for long.
I opened my eyes again during the day. I wasn't sure how long I had been lying in bed. I had woken up a few times, but never fully aware. Until I saw Alex, seated in a chair beside me. His clothes were casual, and he looked exhausted. Dark circles framed his beautiful face. When I shifted, he opened his eyes.
— Finally. — Alex held my hand.
— Ah, I'm sorry… The baby? — I touched my stomach with my free hand.
— Safe. You'll both be fine. Why didn't you tell me that… — Alexander drew a deep breath. — That you were suffering from the separation? Your body isn't satisfied receiving only my scent. You should have told me from the beginning.
— How could I? I don't want closeness with Cabelian. I don't want him to think I love someone else. I don't want him to… — Tears burned my eyes suddenly. I was shaken. I thought I could handle it, but this nearly killed both me and the baby.
— Heavens. — Alex covered his face with both hands, as if ashamed. — I put you in this position. My jealousy isn't above your safety, Darcy. Never will be. I love you more than anything, and if I have to bring that prince here, then we will. In fact, I already ordered it. We won't waste more time.
— I don't want to hurt you. — I whispered through tears.
— Oh, my love. — Alex stood and sat beside me, embracing me gently. Holding me close, carefully. — This isn't your fault, none of it. Please, next time, talk to me about it. Don't suffer alone. We would have found a way.
— Actually, I do have a suspicion. — I sniffled softly. — Remember I told you I went to the deserts? That I entered a temple? It was in Diamont.
— I remember, of course… You nearly died. — Alexander frowned.
— Cabelian Mahad's tattoos were almost identical to the arcane marks I saw on the urns. Don't you think it's strange that, right after being rejected, he suddenly shows up here as my destined companion? What are the odds? I think he altered his scent with magic. — It was something I had been considering for a long time. — But I can't be sure. I don't understand magic.
— It's possible. — Alex's eyes narrowed with a new perspective. — Then we'll kill that bastard and—
— Haha, you sound like me… But no. If we kill him, it will be like losing a destined companion. Baltazar went searching for answers about the tattoos; he's been studying the symbols whenever he gets the chance. He should return with results. For now, we need to welcome the prince. Unfortunately, I need this to survive. — I said with regret. — Forgive me.
— No. You have nothing to apologize for. You love me, and I love you. I'm certain of that. Don't ever hide something from me out of fear. I'd rather you speak openly. I'll be more honest and understanding. — Alexander kissed me softly on the forehead.
Even though I felt better, I still needed that fool Cabelian. At least having Alexander by my side in this decision was the best I could hope for.
— Baltazar will uncover what needs to be uncovered. And if our suspicions prove wrong… then unfortunately we'll have to live with that nuisance. — I sighed. I didn't want children from any alpha but Alex.
— I'll endure it for your sake, because I know your heart belongs to me. — The older man smiled.
We stayed embraced, exchanging quiet gestures, until the doctor returned.
I was already tired of being scolded. Honestly, either I started following her instructions or I would snap from so much lecturing. Wasn't I the king? Why did she act like my mother? Still, I wouldn't trade her for anyone. I had been reckless with myself.
Later that night, Theodor appeared in the room, visibly bitter.
— The prince has agreed and is coming with a retinue to stay for a while and formalize the concubinage. — Alexander's father couldn't hide the displeasure in his voice.
— Can you conceal it a little? You're irritating me, counselor. — I frowned while eating my evening soup.
— It is outrageous that the king should be married and still have an official concubine. It's already scandalous enough to have an omega king, but now also a concubine. — The man sighed, exasperated.
— Ah, do you want me to die? I'll dismiss you if you keep testing my patience, Theodor. Honestly, I nearly lost my life just by refusing to stay near Cabelian. Could you at least refrain from complaining so openly? — I finished my soup, trying to remain calm.
— Your grace gave me permission to complain. — Theodor had no shame. — You could hand the crown to my son; that way there'd be no risk of a bastard reaching the throne. We already had a taste of what didn't work.
— Haha. The one you supported, wasn't it? Oh, do me a favor. — I gestured toward him. — Theodor, you may leave. I need rest, and I don't wish to be stressed further.
All I wanted was to sleep beside my future husband, who would soon see his father leaving.
— Your father really tests my patience. — I laid my head against Alexander's chest when he joined me. I still felt troubled and uneasy, though the medicines were helping.
— I imagine so. The possibility that his son lost the crown has made him more bitter. He even tried to convince me to persuade you otherwise. — The alpha seemed amused. — But I made my stance clear.
— That old man… — I muttered, and Alexander laughed softly at my reaction.
At last, a little calm in my life. Even knowing another storm was soon approaching me. I loved Alexander, and I knew it—after admitting my feelings, it became more tangible, more undeniable. I didn't want anyone else. After everything I had endured, Alexander was my foundation, my safe harbor. My stability—and I cherished that balance I had never known before.
I had to wait three days. The anxiety led me into crises, and Alexander had to spend more time by my side. At least I managed to choose colors, flowers, teas, and food for the wedding. I felt productive. My fiancé helped, we debated, and after some time, most of it was settled. Now the officials could do their work.
— The entourage of Prince Cabelian Mahad of Diamont has arrived.
The announcement was made. Soon they entered—men and women dressed in desert garb, colorful, especially with yellow, red, and green. Beautiful turbans, gold and silver ornaments. They carried chests filled with jewels and gold. At the front was the one I resented. His smug smile unsettled me.
— My king. — Cabelian bowed with respect. — I thank you for accepting the concubinage accord.
— You know I had no choice, prince. — I sighed.
— There are many gifts, yet none worthy of your grace. I hope you will accept me, along with my wealth. — Mahad spoke gallantly.
Alexander, beside me, was tense, his hand gripping my shoulder firmly. I made a small gesture toward Mahad. The man closed the distance and released his scent. I shut my eyes, overwhelmed by a strange mixture of relief and calm after so many days of unease. I didn't want it, yet I needed Cabelian—at least for now.
To be continued.