A Baby for the Alpha King

GAINING COURAGE

CLEO

My heart skipped a beat after Theodore’s remark, and a thousand thoughts ran through my mind all at once.

I led him inside, still a little skeptical. “Did the king send you? Does he have a message for me?” I asked as we sat on the couch facing each other.

His eyes widened in alarm. “Oh, no. It’s not that, Cleo. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I guess I approached you like I was about to reveal some big secret, didn’t I?” He scratched the back of his head, looking both worried and sheepish.

The tension in my chest eased in an instant, though disappointment immediately replaced it. For a moment, I honestly thought Alpha Solan had sent him. I didn’t even know why my mind went there so quickly. Maybe I was just too eager for any sign of him, especially since I hadn’t heard from him for days, or perhaps the constant talk about the pack’s politics had gotten into my head again.

“If it’s not about that, then what is it you wanted to say?” I asked curiously. I doubt he would all the way here if it wasn’t important, especially since he was assigned to a different post already.

Before he could answer, Isabel appeared from the kitchen, probably drawn by the sound of our voices.

“Why are you here?” she asked with an arched brow, already scrutinizing him with her stare, “Are you carrying the king’s orders?”

Theodore straightened in an instant, “No, but-”

“Then why are you here? Aren’t you already designated to another post? Cleo isn’t just any omega. She is the king’s mate. You can’t just visit her for whatever reason,” Isabel said, clearly with a suspicious tone.

Theodore’s shoulders dropped, and his eyes quickly darted toward the door. “You’re right. I apologize for wasting your time, Cleo. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble,” he said, and was already about to stand.

“Wait, Theodore.” I quickly reached out before turning to Isabel, “he said he just needed to talk about something important. Can’t I just hear what he’s going to say first, please?”

Isabel’s brows knitted together in clear disapproval. “Whatever that is, I need to hear it too,” she said with a determined tone, “I’m responsible for you, Cleo, and I must ensure this conversation isn’t inappropriate or anything.”

I bit the inside of my cheek and glanced at Theodore apologetically. Theodore didn’t deserve all the random suspicion. Especially not connecting to me. If I weren’t Solan’s mate, I would probably be working as a servant elsewhere in the royal pack’s territory.

Theodore looked like he wanted to disappear right into the floor, but answered to clear the suspicion.

“It’s… not like that,” he began hesitantly. “It’s actually about a woman. Another woman, just to be clear.”

His remark made us both pause. “A woman?” I asked reluctantly.

He nodded, his face already turning crimson from embarrassment. “Yes. I, uh… I don’t really have any other female friends I could ask for advice. I thought maybe Cleo could help. I swear I didn’t mean anything weird.”

He couldn’t even look at either of us. His gaze is still on the floor while his hands are twisted awkwardly.

For a moment, Isabel seemed completely caught off guard. She definitely didn’t expect that turn of events. I fought the urge to laugh, pressing my lips together tightly to avoid being scolded. She’s usually so composed and calculating. It’s almost too amusing to see her this flustered.

Isabel cleared her throat, recovering quickly after the realization that Theodore was harmless.

“I see,” she said with a straight face, “Well then… I’ll give you two some time alone. I’ll clean up upstairs.”

Theodore lifted his head, relief washing over his face at the realization that the older woman wouldn’t stay over and hear the whole thing.

Isabel turned and promptly left us in the living room.

“You can laugh now,” Theodore muttered the moment Isabel disappeared upstairs.

I chuckled softly and shook my head. “I wasn’t laughing at you, Theodore, just at the situation. Isabel’s expression was priceless. She’s always so composed, so seeing him caught off guard is a sight to behold.”

He chuckled with me, though embarrassment still lingered in his eyes. He looks a lot better now.

“You know,” I teased lightly, “the last time we talked, you went about wishing to meet your mate, too. Now here you are, coming back with good news.”

He let out a small smile, “Well, about that… she’s not my fated mate.”

“Oh? Sorry for assuming.”

“She isn’t, but I really like her, Cleo. I can’t help it, and that’s why I came here. I was hoping for some advice.”

His honesty made me smile. It was refreshing, hearing something so innocent and pure amid all the complicated things that filled this place.

“Alright then,” I said softly. “Tell me everything.”

Theodore’s expression softened as he talked about the mystery woman. A familiar smile curled on his lips.

“She’s a healer, an aspiring pack doctor,” he began, now meeting my gaze comfortably, “She’s one of the junior ones who tends to the training grounds, but she’s already exceptional. Her name is Mirasol.”

I tilted my head slightly, trying to recall the name. “I’m not familiar with her, but she sounds lovely.”

He nodded eagerly, “She is. You haven’t seen her yet because she’s working on the lower grounds. She’s very kind, patient… and she actually listens to everyone. She treats everyone equally with attention and kindness.”

Theodore’s genuine adoration and sincerity made me smile. “Really lovely.”

“She is,” he nodded eagerly, “But a problem… she’s from a good family, not exactly high-ranking, but good enough for her to be married in a higher-ranking family. I heard she’s also been offered a court position by Luna Vera because everyone has been putting in a good word for her. If she accepts, she will be in training to be an official pack doctor.”

My heart skipped a beat with the mention of the Queen’s name. She wasn’t doing anything bad in the context, but I’m still wary of her.

Theodore continued, “If she takes that offer, she’ll be spending most of her time inside the royal wing. I’ll barely see her anymore, and honestly, I don’t even know if she likes me at all. But I just want to tell her before it’s too late.”

I could see the nervousness in his hands. I understand his situation. Maybe it’s the reason why he also asked for my advice.

“What do you want to tell her?” I asked with a small smile. He already knew what he was going to do. He doesn’t need advice. He just needs someone to give a little push.

He chuckled awkwardly, “That I like her, I guess? I mean, that I want to court her properly if she allows, but given our status… It’s foolish to even think of it when the pack’s so focused on ranks and propriety. It’s hard to live in this pack that way.”

“I understand, but you said it yourself, you didn’t know what the outcome would be. I think you’ll regret it more if you don’t tell her about your feelings. I’m not one to speak about rules, status, and whatnots, given my current standing, but I really think you should go for it. Otherwise, you’ll never know.”

He stared at me for a moment, perhaps taken aback by how simple my ‘advice’ was.

Eventually, Theodore chuckled and relaxed a bit, “That sounds so easy.”

“It’s really not. It takes a lot of courage, but I know you don’t need advice. You need someone to tell you that it’s okay to let your feelings known.

Theodore flinched, “Yeah… something like that. But I thought you’d tell me to be careful or to forget about her.”

I shrugged, “Maybe I should’ve. But who am I to tell someone not to follow their heart? Not coming from me. You know my life is complicated as heck.”

“You’re right, it’s more complicated, and you’re even fated mates. I used to think fate would make everything easy. That once we meet our mates, everything would just… make sense or something like that.”

I slowly shook my head, “Not at all, but it shouldn’t be for everyone. Try, maybe your life would be easier. Plus, you shouldn’t let that kind of woman go without trying.”

“Thank you, Cleo,” Theodore said with a grateful voice, “You’re right, I just needed someone to boost my faltering ego.”

I chuckled at his remark. “Just be honest with her. Whatever happens, at least you won’t regret it. Plus, you’re a great man. I’m sure she would see that.”

We stood almost at the same time. “Now go and tell her. Don’t worry, I won’t chatter to Isabel. Your secret is safe with me.”

“I’ve dealt with a lot of enemies before and also dealt with tons of people in higher status, but she’s a different kind of scary.” He admitted awkwardly and chuckled, “I was really nervous.”

I bid goodbye and led him out of the door. “Good luck, Theodore. I’ll pray to the Goddess that you will be together if you are truly meant to be.”

I took a small sigh after I closed the door. He has very simple and genuine affection, and yet it still felt so complicated because of the difference in status. Whether it was given by fate or something you have chosen, it will always be complicated somehow.

Still, I couldn’t help but envy Theodore, wishing that courage was all I needed to be with the person I love.