Cherion couldn't recall how they got here. One minute, trying not to think about how much he wanted to flee, and the next he was standing in the middle of this huge room with his jaw clenched.
The throne room. Of course. He had seen all the medieval dramas and read novels about these locations. However, he was unprepared for the size of this room.
The ceiling seemed like it was light years away, almost felt like it was trying to consume him. The floor was smooth black-and-white marble, so clear and polished that he could probably see his reflection in it if he had not been too focused on feeling like he was going to pass out... again.
Cherion vowed that the King's throne, which was perched high on a platform at the other end of the throne room, belonged in a fantasy book. A massive carved stone seat covered in gems, rock, and gold that probably cost more than what Cherion had in his whole life.
He had been led here by the King, who was already seated. It seemed as though he was destined for this and didn't even need to try.
"Come closer," the King said with a less stern tone than before.
Cherion obeyed, his footsteps echoing throughout the large hall. Standing in front of him was the most powerful man in the empire, and it should have made him anxious. Rather, curiosity got the best of him. King Alderon, one of the key figures he'd read about back in his world. Reality, though, never fit as neatly as the stories people wrote down.
He halted a few steps short. The King took his time examining him.
"Cherion," the King uttered slowly, as though he was tasting the name. "Your family has always stood by the Empire. Your father was on the front lines when others faltered. Your mother stood up for the crown as betrayal festered in the court. For the sake of myself and this realm, your ancestors repeatedly risked everything."
The man's eyes unfocused, as if the sight of Cherion pulled him into some older memory. "I will never forget their devotion. Never."
Cherion's shoulders tightened. His chest felt heavy, but he forced a thin smile. That's right. The Hales were depicted in the book as being devoted, and never betraying the king, not even in the face of death. They stayed loyal to the Empire no matter what.
The man suddenly let out a sigh. "I must speak to you not as king, but as a father."
Cherion blinked. That was… not in the novel.
With a sigh, King Alderon returned his attention to him. "It am saddened to see how Yerel handled things. I will not deny I won't deny that I've long believed you two aren't a good fit, but…" The lines around his mouth deepened as he pressed his lips together. "To end the engagement in front of so many people, and with such callousness… that I cannot condone. For that, I must apologize to you, Cherion."
There was a long period of silence. The King did not apologize easily, especially when it came to discarding Omegas.
Cherion forced a crooked smile as she blinked. "I don't believe that apologies are needed, Your Majesty. You don't need to take the blame for what your son does."
The King's eyebrows quirked in what appeared to be mild surprise rather than annoyance. A corner of his mouth almost moved, as though unused to such plainspoken replies.
Cherion, however, was anything but at ease on the inside. He remembered reading this man's story before, and recalled how seldom the King expressed regret for anything, much less for his son. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but hearing it now, in person, made him uneasy. Was this a crack in the narrative? Or had this secret side of him never been captured in the book?
In an attempt to dispel his discomfort, Cherion widened his smile. "Besides, I've had worse days. It would be better for your son to practice his foolishness with me than with someone who is less understanding."
A dry laugh escaped the King's lips. The sound seemed to surprise even him. He leaned back slightly, eyes lingering on Cherion as though trying to puzzle him out.
"You speak with levity," the King said much more gently now. Alderon studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Regardless, I will not let the humiliation you suffered stand without recompense. You will be compensated."
Cherion gasped for air. His thoughts leapt forward instantly. Freedom. I could ask to be set free. If the king granted him land far from the capital, or simply the right to live outside court control... ok, he could dream, right?
But before he could open his mouth, King Alderon continued, "In fact, I have already made the arrangements."
Cherion froze. What?
The King straightened, all traces of softness leaving his face. Duty reclaimed his voice. "A marriage. One that will ensure your protection, and bind you securely within the safety of this court. You will not be cast aside, nor left vulnerable to Yerel's folly again."
Cherion's smile faltered. "A marriage?" he echoed, his voice thin with disbelief.
Then the King leaned forward. "I've thought long on this. And I believe I've found someone better suited for you. A match that honors your family's loyalty and your own grit."
Something icy trickled down Cherion's spine.
What, he thought bitterly, do I look that incapable of finding someone on my own? Is that it? Is there something about my face that screams "please, someone decide my life for me?"
"You will be married to Zarius."
The name struck him like thunder. His eyes widened, lips parting before the word stumbled out of him. "...Zarius… Valtrane?"
At the sound of the surname, King Alderon's entire face lit up, as though he had been waiting for that exact recognition. He nodded hard, his voice swelling with pride. "Yes. Zarius Valtrane. The war hero, the strongest Alpha in the North. I could not ask for a better protector for you."
Cherion's throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. His heart pounded with disbelief. Zarius. Of all people… him? This isn't how it went in the novel.
Cherion's throat went dry. He opened his mouth, nothing came out. Finally, one word slipped free, thin and shaky. "What?"
Cherion's breath caught, but he quickly collected himself and swallowed the growing panic.
Zarius Valtrane.
His mind blanked. This didn't make sense. Not him. Not that Zarius.
He forced his calm expression back into place and cleared his throat. He swallowed hard and pushed the nerves down. "I don't know if this is a great idea, Your Majesty." The crack was audible, but his tone remained courteous. "Has Alpha Zarius even agreed to this?"
The King's expression didn't change. Rather, it softened, and a kind smile appeared as if he were revealing a surprise gift. "Don't concern yourself with him, Cherion," Alderon answered. "Zarius is... eager, shall we say. This is a match that will benefit both parties. I'm sure of it."
Cherion's heart pounded as her eyes flicked down. Eager? There was no way the Alpha would be "eager" to be forced into an arranged marriage with someone he hardly knew.
He turned to look at Alderon, who was grinning as if he had arranged a flawless union. The King declared, "Zarius will definitely make you happy, Cherion," the King said, almost as if the words were an assurance he had given a thousand times.
Cherion's eyes darted around the massive room as he managed a strained, uncomfortable laugh. Make me happy, for sure? He chuckled briefly and flatly. "Yeah, sure..." His thoughts raced as the word hung there.
Oh, great. Another change.