I Rejected the Alpha Crown Prince

It’s been a lifetime since I last met you.

Adelita stirred awake in her cozy bedroom, the morning sunlight gently filtering through the lace curtains. As she stretched her limbs, a sense of anticipation danced in the air, whispering of the possibilities this new day held. She threw open the window, embracing the refreshing breeze that carried the sweet scent of blooming roses.

Outside, the world seemed to awaken in harmony with her spirit. The sky, a brilliant canvas of cerulean blue, stretched endlessly above, adorned with cotton-like clouds that lazily drifted by. The sun beamed with warmth, casting a golden glow upon the landscape, as if bestowing its blessings upon the earth below.

With a rumble in her stomach, Adelita descended the grand staircase and made her way to the kitchen, where a steaming bowl of porridge awaited her. Its rich aroma filled the room, a comforting symphony of oats, cinnamon, and honey. She savored each spoonful, relishing the nourishing embrace of the familiar flavors.

Breakfast complete, Adelita donned her favorite cloak and called for Lily.

But instead, she saw a playful a wagging tail.

…Fawn?

Is it you?

She gently walk towards the little puppy with the brow-ish fur.

It’s been a life time since I last met you.

She reached out for the little puppy, and it slowly ran into her arms. Together, they embarked on a journey through the sprawling estate, their footsteps leaving gentle imprints upon the dew-kissed grass.

“Do they feed you well? You’re really small for your age. You should be three months old by now, huh? Let me take you to grandmother, she will feed you with so much good foods that you’ll be too fat you couldn’t walk. Do you miss me, little beast?”

To reply her greeting, Fawn just licked her fingers.

Beside Lily, Fawn was one of her true friends.

Their destination was Lady Selene's cottage, nestled in a secluded corner of the estate. Lady Selene, Adelita's grandmother, was a mysterious figure. Though they shared the same blood, their paths had never crossed until this day. Adelita's mischievous spirit fluttered with excitement, eager to meet the woman who loved her the most.

I must do better greetings than the last time. Hm..

The time that I first met her in my past life.

As they approached the cottage, Adelita's eyes widened with wonder. Smoke gracefully billowed from the chimney, its swirling tendrils dancing in rhythm with the crackling fire within. The scent of wood and warmth filled the air, embracing her like a familiar embrace.

I haven’t been to this place for so long I almost forgot how it felt.

Lady Selene sat by the hearth, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall, interwoven with strands of wisdom. Her nimble fingers worked diligently, knitting a vibrant tapestry of colors and patterns. The rhythmic click-clack of her needles provided a soothing soundtrack to the scene.

Upon catching sight of the young intruder, Lady Selene peered over her spectacles, her piercing gaze taking measure of the mischievous 13-year-old before her. A twinkle of amusement flickered in her eyes as she beckoned Adelita closer, a subtle invitation to join her by the fire.

Adelita cautiously approached, her heart pounding with a blend of apprehension and curiosity. Lady Selene's reputation for sharp wit and a formidable tongue had spread far and wide, yet Adelita sensed a kind heart beating beneath that stern facade.

"Come, child," Lady Selene beckoned, her voice carrying a hint of both authority and warmth. "Tell me your name."

“I think you know who I am, Grandmother.”

From Lady Selene’s lip flowered a smile.

“You came to my chamber expecting I know your name?”

“Why not, I also think that you’re expecting me.”

Adelita settled into a worn armchair, her gaze darting between the crackling fire and Lady Selene's unwavering gaze. She found herself entangled in the intricate tapestry of their conversation, as Lady Selene deftly weaved questions and observations into their verbal dance.

“And you brought company with you?”

“Fawn, say hi to lady Selene Solace, your grandmother.”

The little puppy wiggled a bit as a reply.

“You’re adapting quite well to your life here.”

“I am. I wanted to come and see since yesterday, but it was a bit too late at night to pay a visit.”

“You spoke as if we’ve known each other for very long, child.”

With each question, Lady Selene unraveled the layers of Adelita's mischievous nature, peering into the depths of her soul with an uncanny understanding. She possessed an astute ability to extract meaning from the mundane, drawing out the essence of Adelita's spirit and dreams.

“Adelita. Please call me Adelita.” Adelita stood up, walked closer to the woman that raised her.

I can’t help my self anymore.

“And you might not believe it, but I’ve known you for very long, for as long as I could remember.”

Adelita couldn't contain her enthusiasm as she practically leaped into Lady Selene's waiting arms. The warmth of their embrace enveloped her, and for a moment, all worries and cares faded away. Lady Selene's touch was gentle yet firm, a testament to the strength that lay within her aging frame.

As Adelita nestled against Lady Selene's side, she could feel the softness of her grandmother's shawl against her cheek. The rhythmic beating of Lady Selene's heart served as a soothing lullaby, drawing Adelita into a state of peaceful bliss.

Lady Selene was very surprise that her bastard grand-daughter’s action, but she didn’t feel the urge to push her away. In fact, she felt like she had known this child for very long. Lady Selene gently stroked Adelita's hair, her touch filled with a grandmother's tenderness.

--

The sun began its descent, casting a warm golden hue upon the grand halls of Solace Manor. Lady Selene, regal and composed, reclined in a plush armchair near the hearth, the crackling fire casting dancing shadows upon the walls. Her piercing eyes, framed by delicate lines of wisdom, fixed upon her son, Lord Caster Solace, the head of House Solace.

"Fetch me a cup of wine, Caster," Lady Selene commanded, her voice holding a delicate mixture of authority and motherly affection.

Lord Caster, a man of stoic countenance and unwavering resolve, nodded curtly, his eyes flickering with a hint of reluctance. He strode towards the ornate wine cabinet, his fingers delicately selecting a bottle of aged red wine. Pouring the crimson liquid into a goblet, he handed it to Lady Selene, who accepted it graciously.

As Lady Selene savored the rich flavor, her gaze never wavered from her son's face. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken questions and underlying tension. Finally, with a measured breath, Lady Selene broke the stillness.

"Caster, my son, I wish to speak with you about Adelita," Lady Selene's voice carried a gentle yet unwavering resolve.

Lord Caster's brows furrowed slightly, his expression revealing his uncertainty. Adelita, the young girl who had recently lost her mother in childbirth, had become a matter of concern within the walls of Solace Manor. Lady Cassandra and Lady Anastasia, the other two ladies of the house, had shown little interest in taking on the responsibility of caring for the girl. But Lady Selene's heart brimmed with compassion, yearning to ensure Adelita's well-being.

"She is but a child, Caster," Lady Selene continued, her voice taking on a softer tone. "She has suffered a great loss, and it is our duty as a family to extend our care and support to her."

Lord Caster's lips tightened, his gaze momentarily shifting away. Adelita, born a bastard, held little significance in his eyes. The world of politics and power had hardened his heart, blinding him to the tenderness and compassion that his mother so fervently embraced.

"Mother," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "You know my stance on such matters. Adelita's birthright has always been a complicated issue, and her mother's unfortunate passing does not change that."

Lady Selene's eyes flashed with a mixture of disappointment and determination. She had expected her son's reluctance, but she was not one to back down from a battle she believed worthy of fighting.

"Caster, Adelita is your child, and she needs that tittle.," Lady Selene's voice grew sharper, her words a reminder of the responsibility that came with their noble lineage. "Or is it that you don’t want the support of house Vespertine anymore?"

Her words struck a chord within Lord Caster, stirring a dormant sense of benifit. He lowered his gaze, the weight of his mother's words settling upon his shoulders.

"You are right, mother," Lord Caster conceded, his voice laced with newfound respect. " Adelita may be a bastard, but she is family. I will tell Anne to take care of her, and hold an intimate dinner to pronounce her legitimacy."

A flicker of pride gleamed in Lady Selene's eyes, her heart swelling with a mixture of relief and satisfaction. Her son, though hardened by the world, still possessed the capacity for compassion and understanding.

"Thank you, Caster," Lady Selene spoke softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "But you really think that Anne is a good choice to take care of her?"

The evening sun bathed Solace Manor in a warm, golden glow as Lady Selene sat in her private study, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows upon the walls. The heavy scent of aged parchment mingled with the delicate aroma of lavender, creating an atmosphere of both wisdom and tranquility.

“What’s wrong with Anne?”

“Nothing is wrong with Anne. But do you really think that Anne could take Adelita in and care for her without a single hint of hatred?

“Abou this.. if It’s not Anne, then Cassandra?”

Her son, Lord Caster Solace, walked the room with measured steps, his countenance a reflection of his burdensome responsibilities. Lady Selene looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of disappointment and rage. She grabbed the wine glass and threw it hard to the floor.

“Your mistress? YOUR MISTRESS, CASTER? DO YOU WANT TO HAVE THAT CHILD MURDERED IN HER BED IN A FORNIGHT?”

“That- that’s not what I mean, mother-”

“I know too well what you want, all you want is to get rid of her. Don’t you feel in your heart any guilt to her mother? If you’re not taking the responsibilities, then I’ll do.”

There was a matter of utmost importance that needed to be addressed, one that tugged at her heart and demanded justice.

"Caster," Lady Selene's voice held a tinge of urgency, "the circumstances surrounding Adelita's mother's death is suspicious."

Lord Caster's eyes flickered with a combination of curiosity and wariness. He had hoped that the subject would remain untouched, swept under the rug of indifference. But Lady Selene's piercing gaze refused to let him escape the truth.

"Jocelyn Vespertine's passing was not a natural occurrence," Lady Selene spoke with a firmness that brooked no argument. "There are whispers among the servants, hushed conversations that hint at foul play. And you want to turn a blind eye to this?"

Lord Caster's brows furrowed as he processed the weight of his mother's words. The realization that his indifference had potentially allowed a grave injustice to go unpunished gnawed at his conscience.

"Mother, you know how the servants are," Lord Caster replied, his voice heavy with resignation. "Rumors and whispers hold little weight in the face of power and influence. To delve into such matters would be to open a Pandora's box of deceit and treachery."

Lady Selene's eyes blazed with a fierce determination, her voice resolute. "Jocelyn was good and kind woman. Of all your mistresses, she was the only one that was decent. Her life was cut short, and her memory deserves vindication. One of your stupid “wives” decided that they could poison a pregnant woman and get away with it. What happen if you keep her and one day, she decides that you should be dead?"

Lord Caster's jaw clenched, his internal struggle evident in the depths of his eyes. Lady Selene's words struck a chord within him, awakening a sense of duty and righteousness that had been buried beneath the weight of his responsibilities.

"You are right, Mother," Lord Caster admitted, his voice tinged with remorse. "I have allowed my own complacency to cloud my judgment. Jocelyn Vespertine deserves justice, and it is my duty as head of House Solace to ensure it is served."

A flicker of tiredness Lady Selene's face.

He’s not all that stupid after all.