The Alpha King’s Last Regret

27

Pearl Gem

I unlocked my door under the night sky and turned around to bow slightly before Riven, who stood silently like a sentry, waiting to ensure I got in safely. He didn’t respond to my gesture. He only stared, unblinking.

At last, I turned and stepped inside, closing the door gently behind me. A few seconds later, I heard the car drive away. He waited until I was in. That must have been His Majesty’s order. Kade King never ceased to amaze me.

I stepped away from the door, my chest tight with emotions clawing to be let out. It was stunning how my mood had shifted from morning to night. This morning, I’d been sad and bitter. But now… now I was grateful. Lighter. Almost happy.

I dropped my bag on the couch and walked into my bedroom to undress. Just then, I remembered Kade King’s question. I had lied. I didn’t have clothes to wear tomorrow. The outfit I wore today for my journey to the Royal Castle was the best I owned. I couldn’t repeat it. Not when he had taken a stand for me. I had to show I was worth it.

I quickly headed for the bathroom and took a bath. Minutes later, I returned and slipped into a simple gown. Without thinking twice, I left my house and crossed over to the Yallas’ but before I could even knock, I spotted the omegas gathered outside as though waiting, watching. I understood why. Now that they had seen the Alpha King favor me, they were suddenly eager to associate. I ignored them and walked to the Yallas’ front door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.

Mrs. Yalla was just settling on the worn sofa, resuming her crocheting.

“Pearl, my child,” She greeted warmly.

“Good evening, Mother,” I replied with a smile, heading toward the dining table to pour myself a glass of water. “Is there food in the kitchen? I’m starving.”

“Oh yes. Royce left some food from this afternoon. Go ahead and heat it up.”

“Thank you. Is he still out?”

“Working late.”

I made my way to the kitchen, found the preserved food, and dished it out. Then I returned to the living room and sat on the couch across from her.

“You are working late too? I saw the fancy car that dropped you off. The neighbors have been talking,” She said, glancing up.

I gave a soft nervous laugh and nodded.

“I… I start work at Majesty Corp tomorrow. I signed the contract today.”

Mrs. Yalla stopped her knitting and looked up at me, long and thoughtful, as if weighing secrets she hadn’t voiced yet. She sighed.

“Have you told your best friend?”

I shook my head.

“Not yet.”

No sooner had I said that than the sound of a car pulling in caught our attention.

“I think he’s back,” She said, and sure enough, the door opened. Royce stepped inside, holding a paper bag.

“I knocked at your door,” He said to me with a smile before turning to Mrs. Yalla. “Good evening, Mother.”

“Son.”

“Where’s Father?”

“He went to bed early. He’s been feeling weak lately, maybe it’s the weather.”

Royce nodded, then turned to me, still smiling.

“Come here,” He said, grabbing my shoulder.

“I’m still eating…” I started to protest, but he wouldn’t let go. I placed the plate down on the center table as he pulled me toward his room.

Once inside, he handed me the paper bag, his eyes lit with excitement.

“Congratulations on your new job, best friend.”

I froze, the food forgotten. Gently, I opened the bag and found exactly what I needed. A suit.

“A suit?”

“A skirt suit and shirt. You will look amazing in it. I saw it on a mannequin today and couldn’t take my eyes off it. The heels too… exactly your size. What do you think?”

The world stopped. My heart swelled with emotion. Slowly, I looked up at him, swallowing hard. He looked tired, worn out from a full day of work but his eyes still sparkled with pure affection. That handsome face of his.

“How did you know I’d get the job?” I asked, my voice trembling.

He shrugged.

“It’s His Majesty who offered it. If he wants it, it’s done. That’s Kade King Majesty.”

I smiled, then stepped forward and threw my arms around his neck, grateful.

“I love you, Royce. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He hugged me tightly, saying nothing. We just stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms.

At last, I pulled away and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

“I have to prepare for tomorrow. Good night.”

I rushed out with the paper bag. On my way through the living room, I returned the plate to the kitchen, washed it, and placed it back properly.

“Thanks for dinner, Mrs. Yalla.”

“You are welcome, child. Good night.”

Smiling, my heart beating with joy, knowing I wouldn’t be disgracing myself or anyone tomorrow, I stepped into my house.

Then I noticed the blinking light on my phone.

I froze.

I had forgotten. His Majesty had asked me to text him once I was in bed.

Slowly, I reached for the phone, my earlier excitement now replaced with a nervous flutter. My heart pounded not with joy, but anxiety.

I stared at the screen. Dozens of messages.

What sort of obsession was this? We had only parted an hour ago. Why send so many?

Before I could fully process it, the phone began to ring. My heart leapt into my throat.

His Majesty.

I took a breath and steadied my voice before answering.

“Your Majesty?”

“Why haven’t you texted yet?”

“I…”

“It’s late. Why are you not asleep?”

“I was…”

“Where are you?”

I hesitated at the question. It was laced with too much intensity, possessiveness. I didn’t owe him that kind of explanation. But I also didn’t want trouble. Not tonight.

“I’m in my living room,” I murmured. “I will go to bed now. I’m fine.”

“Good,” He exhaled, and I was surprised by the relief in his tone. “You are alone, right?”

I nearly rolled my eyes but held it in. I was starting to grow used to this part of him.

“I am.”

“Good. Go on, then. Good night.”

“Good night.”

I was about to end the call when his voice stopped me.

“There will be whispers tomorrow, Pearl Gem. Glares. Mocking laughter. Ignore them all. Stay close to me. Okay?”

“O… Okay.”