A Deal with my Dominant Alpha

Cora’s POV I leaned against the counter, my arms crossed and a smirk forming on my lips as I watched Lily balancing a tray of glasses. Madam Equisite’s shop was buzzing with activities, workers moving back and forth in preparation for different events. We were having a good time, Lily and I, until Madam Equisite announced that we were working at the Alpha’s mansion for the Prince’s ceremony to choose a bride. I adjusted the lace on my uniform, my fingers trembling slightly. The Madam’s shop had never taken on a job of this magnitude before, and the thought of working at the King’s mansion both thrilled and annoyed me. The idea of a Prince’s ceremony to choose a bride seemed old fashioned and ridiculous. “Can you believe this nonsense?” I muttered, rolling my eyes. “A ceremony for the prince to pick his bride like she’s an accessory.” Lily snorted, her eyes moving with mischief. “Seriously, it’s like we’re in the middle ages or something. Why can’t he just go to a mating night like everyone else? What makes him so special?” “Because he’s a prince, obviously,” I said, mimicking a funny tone. “He’s too good for the rest of us, apparently. He has to have a grand ceremony and everything.” I mocked. Our laughter drew a sharp glance from Madam Equisite, who was moving about, giving orders. She was a stern woman with a no-nonsense attitude, but even she had a soft spot for Lily and me, despite our rogue natures there. “Girls,” Madam Equisite called, her voice sharp. “You need to focus. This is a very important job, and we cannot afford any mistakes. Do you understand?” I straightened up, my mocking expression turning serious immediately. “Of course, Madam. We’ll be at our best behavior.” “Understood,” Lily said plainly. Madam Equisite sighed, shaking her head. “I mean it, Cora, Lily. The King’s mansion is no place for your tricks. This is the prince’s ceremony. Everything must be perfect.” She said, drawing a thin line in the air with her hands. Lily rolled her eyes as soon as Madam Equisite turned her back. “Yeah, perfect. Perfectly ridiculous.” She murmured. I chuckled, but there was a hint of curiosity in me. “Still, it’s going to be interesting, don’t you think? The King’s mansion, all those important people…” “Interesting isn’t the word I’d use,” Lily cut me off. “More like a circus.” “Maybe,” I said, grabbing a towel and wiping down the counter. “But it’s a chance to see how the royal people live. Who knows? Maybe we’ll pick up some fancy tips, you know.” Lily snorted again, this time louder. “Yeah, like how to be arrogant and look down on everyone, thanks.” We continued to badmouth the event as we finished up our tasks within the shop. By the time we were ready to leave for the mansion, the sun was already high up in the sky. Lily and I exchanged a grin as we joined Madam Equisite and the rest of the workers heading toward the royal mansion. Our trip there was filled with more jokes and insults concerning the event, our spirits high despite the draining task ahead. As we approached the mansion, its statue became more apparent. Tall, imposing gates opened to reveal a large estate, beautifully gardened flowers and plants, and a straight cobblestoned path leading to the grand entrance. “Wow,” I breathed, momentarily struck by the size of the place. Lily nudged me. “Careful, don’t let your surprise show. We’re supposed to be the rebellious ones, remember?” I laughed, trying to shake off my amazement as advised by my friend. “Right. Wouldn’t want to ruin our reputation.” Madam Equisite was waiting for us by the entrance, her sharp eyes scanning the group. “Alright, everyone. Remember your assignments. We are here to work, not to stare. And you two,” she fixed Lily and me a stern look, “behave.” We nodded calmly, though the mischief never left our eyes. As we stepped inside the mansion, the magnitude of the event hit us. The hall was already bustling with activities, servants rushing about, decorations being started, and tables being set. I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement. Despite my earlier contempt, there was something undeniably wonderful about being part of such a grand event. I exchanged a look with Lily, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. “Let’s get this over with,” she said, though there was a hint of anticipation in her voice. I nodded, a smile forming on my lips. “Yeah.” Later, I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow as I adjusted a set of dishes on the counter when we worked the kitchens. “I can’t believe we’re actually here,” Lily whispered next to me, eyes wide with wonder. “This place is incredible.” “Yeah, incredible,” I muttered, though I couldn’t hide the slight amazement in my voice. “Alright, I’m taking a quick break. Need to stretch my legs.” Lily smirked. “Just don’t get lost, or worse, caught.” I rolled my eyes but grinned. “Who, me? Never.” I slipped out of the kitchen, my curiosity leading me down a long, wide hallway. The mansion was even more impressive than I’d imagined, with high ceilings and huge chandeliers. I wandered aimlessly, taking in the luxury of the place, until I got confused, mixing up the endless paths. I then heard a series of grunts and the scraping sound of heavy furniture being moved close by. Turning a corner, I found myself in a large, partially furnished room. There, a muscular man was lifting a table, his biceps reflecting under the lights. The man was tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Handsome. My breath caught for a moment, partially mesmerized by the sight of him. “Hey, why are you moving those tables all by yourself?” I called out, figuring he must be one of the servants. The man looked up, clearly surprised to see me. For a moment, he just stared, as if unsure how to respond. “Because I like to work,” he finally said, shifting his eyes away. He set the table down and walked toward more arranged tables, what seemed like a frown plastered to his lips. I smirked, crossing my arms as I approached and scanned the room. “Well, it seems like a lot of work for one person. Especially when there’s all these servants running around.” He chuckled, a warm sound that made my stomach flutter. “I suppose it does. But sometimes, it’s good to do things alone.” I scoffed, shaking my head. “Well, it’s all because of that spoiled prince and his stupid ceremony. All this stress for what? So he can parade a bunch of women in front of him and pick one like she’s a piece of jewelry? It’s ridiculous.” The man raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. “You don’t seem to think very highly of the prince.” He said, keeping up the effort with his work regardless of my presence. I rolled my eyes. “Why should I? He’s just another privileged royalty who thinks the world owes him everything. Probably never worked a day in his life.” I cussed. He laughed again, genuinely amused this time. “You might be surprised,” he responded without looking at me. I narrowed my eyes at him. “You don’t seem to agree?” … Before he could answer, a voice boomed from the doorway. “Prince Darius! Your father needs to speak with you.” My heart skipped a beat as I turned to see a guard standing at the entrance. Slowly, I looked back at the man I’d been speaking to, my eyes wide with realization. “Prince… Darius?” I stammered, my voice shaky with fear. Darius nodded, a mischievous smile plastered on his lips.