Married to a cursed Alpha

River's Pov: "Why did you leave the ball in such a manner? You must return immediately and tender an apology to Alpha Novah, and you must also consent to wed him.” Father declared. "I shall not marry him.” I retorted, glaring at him. "Hear yourself, River. You were chosen as Alpha Novah's bride before the whole of Orkland. Should you refuse him, it will not only bring shame upon this household but render you unmarriageable.” "I have no desire to become a wife. I shall return to the convent and resume my role as a Sister. Coming to Orkland for the Mating Ball was a grave mistake," I replied. "I would rather die than witness you disgrace me this way. You ought to be grateful that the Alpha selected you as his bride." "He did not choose me out because he found me worthy; rather, it was driven by spite. He vowed to make my life miserable should we marry. He said all these to me whilst we danced at the ball an hour ago. Moreover, this was not the arrangement I had with Mother. She promised that participating and reaching the finals would benefit your business. She never mentioned marriage; I was assured that I could return to the church after the Five Days Mating Ball." "I do not care about what your mother promised. Know this: Had Alpha Novah not chosen you, I would have arranged your marriage to the most noble suitor after the Ball.” He revealed, before turning and going to his chamber. I faced my mother, who was seated on the couch. "Is this true?" I asked, my voice trembling. "I am sorry." She apologized, tears streaming down her face. "So, you both wished to sell me for gain. Why am I surprised? This is the sort of thing you both have always done.” I said, then I left the house. I wandered through the streets, lost in thought. My father, Roger Millbrook, has always hated me, not for being a girl, but because I was his only child, and thus seen as a mere tool for profit. At merely ten years old, he made me work for a sales agent who mistreated me badly. I was poorly fed, frequently beaten, and constantly talked down upon. At fifteen, I could no longer endure it and fled, but Father, who loved the money I generated for him every month, decided to send me to a convent. Not out of a wish for me to become a Sister, but to exploit the church’s financial aid given to families with a single child training to become a Reverend. Though I was not mistreated at the convent, I found no joy in being exploited by my family. When his greed grew, he sent me a letter shortly after my twentieth birthday. Rather than extend belated birthday wishes, it was an announcement of a Mating Ball held by an Alpha who sought a suitable bride, being one of the rare Alphas never to have a mate. I returned home with hopes of persuading them, How could a Sister wed? Yet, my mother deceived me, using her pregnancy to manipulate me, and my desire to please my father swayed me. I agreed to participate on the condition that I would not marry but only aid in gaining recognition for his business and securing enough money for raising a child properly. But, I was deceived; both parents lied to me. Now, should I refuse, Alpha Novah may destroy both me and my family. If I agree, he will learn of my status as a Sister and bring ruin regardless. I sighed deeply and murmured to myself. “All this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't received that darn letter two weeks ago.” TWO WEEKS AGO: I strolled out of the church, while holding a basket swaying it from side to side, only to be stopped by a man on horseback who halted before me. He carefully jumped down from the horse with a bag slung over his shoulder, and greeted me. "Good Morning, Miss Millbrook. I trust you had a pleasant evening?" He asked. "Indeed, Sir Dankworth. And yourself? I hope the night treated you well." I replied. "Alas, for a mailman, peaceful nights are a rarity, Milady. Nevertheless, I come bearing letters for the church. Is Sister Margaret available?" Sir Dankworth inquired. "She has just left moments ago. However, Sister Isabel can assist you if the matter isn't so urgent, you can find her three doors away from Sister Margaret's Study." I offered. "Thank you kindly." He acknowledged. "If that is all, then I shall bid you farewell. I must make my way to the market." I declared, preparing to depart, but I was halted by Sir Dankworth. "Wait a moment." He requested, rummaging through his bag and pulling out an envelope, which he handed to me. "Though the church's custom dictates all letters pass through Sister Margaret, I believe this one warrants your immediate attention." Sir Dankworth explained. "From my mother? It must be urgent indeed. Thank you immensely." I exclaimed, tucking the letter into my gown's pocket, without waiting for a response, I took my leave. It's been almost a year since I last received a letter from home. “Has something gone wrong?” I thought inwardly as I stood before a vegetable cart, trying to haggle down the price proposed by the vendor. "A kilo of spring onions cannot fetch thirteen copper coins; offer it to me for eight," I insisted. "That's scarcely feasible, Miss. Believe me, if I were to accept your proposed price, how would I manage to meet the demands of both distributors and tax collectors? The lowest I can concede is ten. Take it or leave it." The old man stood his ground. "These vegetables are all sourced from OrkLand, which lies not far from here. Why the sudden surge in prices? Merely a week ago, I bought a kilo of spring onions from you for a mere five copper coins. How did it escalate to thirteen in such a short time?" I asked. "Have you not been told of the latest tidings? The bridge connecting OrkLand to our township collapsed, necessitating distributors to use a dangerous and long route from OrkLand, hence the inflation in price." The vendor revealed. "When did this occur, and were there any casualties reported?" I asked further. "It transpired a few nights ago, and as per my distributor's account, eight men, three women, and four c Children met their demise as a consequence of the collapse." The vendor responded.