The Alpha King’s Last Regret

32

Pearl Gem

Silence fell between His Majesty and me. For a moment, I wanted to slap myself for becoming so carefree in his presence. I had just slipped, mentioning my father’s surgery, my brother’s love for meat, and my own brokenness. Now, he was staring at me with that same look he wore when about to give an order I wouldn’t dare refuse.

I was keenly aware of the audience we had and the hush his presence had commanded. Suddenly, the soft sound of footsteps pierced the stillness, heading in my direction. A fragrant scent followed. Floral and sweet, before a bouquet was extended toward me.

“Congratulations, Miss Pearl Gem. Here is a bouquet for you,” A rich, deep voice said, pulling me back to reality.

I turned my head gently and met the gaze of the man I’d seen earlier this morning. He had been far away then, but now, standing close, he appeared carved from stone with a square jaw and round, expressive eyes. My gaze drifted down to his fingers. That ring, identical to the one Kade King wore years ago.

Who is he?

“Oh, I apologize. I’m Xerox ThornCrest. His Majesty’s cousin. I’m sure he hasn’t introduced me to you yet. That’s just how modest he is,” He said with a teasing smile.

I heard his words but remained silent. One of the royals? He certainly looked the part. I shifted my gaze toward His Majesty and my heart skipped a beat at the naked glare he was casting at the man before us.

“And I thought the House of ThornCrest taught proper table manners. You might as well visit the Majesty private hospital to get your eyes checked since you didn't see her eating,” His Majesty drawled, his eyes cold and piercing.

Prince Xerox smirked and offered a low bow.

“Rules can be bent, Your Majesty, especially when a damsel is involved.”

He was taunting him. I realized it instantly. I swallowed hard, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Turning back to Prince Xerox, I offered a polite smile.

“Thanks for the flowers,” I said, reaching out to take them only to be halted by a sudden growl.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. The others in the cafeteria had already retreated to a safe distance, clearly afraid of the King’s wrath.

“Your… Your Majesty…” I stammered.

“Break is over, Pear Gem. Get back to the office,” He muttered under his breath as he stood.

Everyone bowed at once, except Prince Xerox, who lingered a moment longer, meeting the King’s gaze with a glare of his own. The contempt between them, the silent war, was unmistakable. At last, he bowed too. He had no other choice.

I watched as Kade King walked away without looking back, expecting me to follow. I swallowed the lump in my throat and rose to my feet, taking my plate to the counter. I’d lost my appetite. Such a waste for an Omega. We don’t throw food away.

“I heard your story, Pearl. Can I call you Pearl?” Came Prince Xerox’s voice from behind me.

I turned slowly to meet his eyes. The others were already returning to their duties.

“You may.”

“Thanks. I heard about your family. I’m sorry,” He said gently, then shrugged. “The Majesties have always been like that. Torture people, enslave them, and when the damage is done, they start acting kind, offering big opportunities, pretending to be polite… all because they feel guilty.”

His words sank deep. It was exactly what I feared was happening.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear.

“His Majesty hasn’t slept in five years. He’s haunted by you.” Then he pulled back, searching my face. “Your brother… I can help him. I have people inside who will keep him safe. His Majesty could have helped already, but he hasn’t. Do you know why?”

I looked into his eyes, but I couldn’t answer.

“Because he wants to keep you close, so he can use your younger brother as a leverage, to negotiate with you at anytime. He wants to have you where he can see you. The guilt eats at him, and he’s terrified of karma.”

And then he smiled brightly, as if he hadn’t just dropped a bomb on my soul.

“I will see you around, Pearl. Once again, I’m Xerox. Call me Xerox.” With that, he turned and walked off, leaving me stunned and speechless.

For a whole day, I had allowed myself to forget who I was. What my mission was. I had lived for myself, something I had no right to do. I let him kiss me. I let him hold me. I let him sneak into my heart.

I made my way back to the office, my mind a tangled mess. As I approached the glass doors, I froze.

There she was, Drizzel, in his arms, kissing him like nothing else mattered. Maybe nothing did. What we had… maybe it meant nothing after all. Maybe it’s time I got my thoughts together. Time to put my wits to use.

I won’t let him deceive me twice. I won’t be made a fool of again. I won’t lose again.

The first time was a lesson, the cruelest kind. A second time is not permitted. He stole everything and my first kiss. But it ends now. I watched as he stood to embrace Drizzel more tightly. She tilted her head back and kissed him again, possessively.

They looked perfect. Too perfect.

And in that moment, pain bloomed in my chest, no, my heart. A deep, gnawing ache. It felt like half my days had been stolen from me, drained.

I suddenly was empty. Exhausted and now all I wanted now was to go home… lie down… and weep.