A Gamble with the Alpha

Chapter 5.

The Third Prince was undoubtedly the ideal candidate for the throne. His speech excited everyone in the room for the festival to begin, and I couldn't stop a shiver of excitement from running down my spine. I had the impression, though, that there was more to my feelings than just exhilaration from the way my eyes met the Alpha, who was clothed like a duke and prince. That evening and the days that followed were enjoyable for me. I saw new goods and items at the festival that I would not have seen in the capital. For the first time, I didn't have to worry about anything, and Laura and I indulged in what caught our attention for a handful (read: a lot) of gold. The celebration came to an end on the day of the lantern lighting cane. Our previous conversation was six days ago, and David still hadn't invited me to his study. Yes, we spoke politely when we met each other at breakfast, but we never once talked about my proposal. To tell the truth, I was afraid he wouldn't accept my offer and that, should he decline, I would have to come up with a last-minute plan B that wouldn't involve my brother and I fleeing to the opposite side of the continent. Not that it could be feasible, considering that we lived inside this Empire. As of just now, I was sitting on a hill near the lake, watching as people gathered to light their lanterns. I've been informed that the lanterns' illumination represented a number of different things. White lanterns were lit to commemorate the life of a loved one; red lanterns stood for love; blue lanterns for harmony and prosperity; and green lanterns for good things to come. I was excited to see the beauty of the lanterns because they tend to shine so brightly even with these different colours. "You can pick here to see the action; you have a good eye." I leaped to my feet and curtsied right away. "Greetings, Most Honourable One." "Please, let's not do that." While sitting on the grassy patch of ground, David gestured with his hand. "Please don't bother with the formalities; both of us are dressed normally. Please take a seat. I sank softly to the ground, allowing my body to be supported by my legs. "Based on my observations thus far, it appears that you have had a good time." I smiled a little as I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty." Even though David gave me a funny look, I continued. "Your Highness possesses an amazing territory rich in diverse cultures and customs. You really created a refuge for a great number of people. "I just carried on my uncle's heritage, starting where he left off. That is what I owe him. With a smile remaining on my lips, I gave him a quick glimpse. Lady Jane Cole, the Emperor's second Royal Concubine, was the father of David. She had gained the Emperor's favour, and she gladly accepted the role of his second concubine in order to lessen the suffering of those who were living in the North during an especially hard winter. She had loved her son and her brother, Adam, had loved them both, even if she had little love for the Emperor. Adam had been devastated when Lady Jane and the First Royal Concubine perished at sea while travelling to the First Royal Concubine's homeland. He barely succeeded in keeping the North afloat. However, he had hurried back to the capital and begged the Emperor to foster his nephew, the last living connection to his sister, after learning that David had nearly died when he was thirteen. The city was a hive of activity with the two portions for the First and Third Prince, and the Emperor realised the sense in that choice. Since then, David has lived in the North as Adam's successor, only returning to the city for significant balls or the Emperor's birthday celebration. Adam took David out without hesitation. At the age of nineteen, David assumed the role of Duke of the North upon Adam's death. He was the epitome of a leader at twenty-three years old. "Your Highness, give yourself credit where credit is deserved. It was also a labour of love for you. Take pride in it. He looked at me for a few seconds, then returned his attention to the group of individuals. Before long, the sun set and the moon and stars emerged, accompanied by the lanterns being released into the sky. Their presence brought up memories of a long ago visit to the Palace, where I had encountered a certain boy who always had a sad expression on his face. That evening, we had sat side by side on the little seat in the royal garden, staring out over the pond, as fireflies danced across the sky. I have trouble remembering certain details, so I'm not sure how that dejected youngster appeared. David got up and patted the grass and dust off his trousers, bringing my focus back to the here and now. He wiped his hand on his pants thigh and then extended his right hand to meet mine. "Lady Tracy, we have so much to talk about." I put my hand in his and felt my heart leap with happiness. With the moon, stars, and lanterns as our backdrop, Alpha and his King Maker gazed into one other's eyes. After being shown to the study, I saw that six people were there and were waiting for us. We all talked extensively about our strategies, vetoing anyone who presented more disadvantages than advantages. A contract had already been draughted by midnight, and David and I signed it with our blood. We decided that after our obligations were met, we could choose to obtain a divorce or remain together. I would marry him and have at least three children to help him maintain his throne. I took that with little complaint. The following morning, Laura and I returned to the capital escorted by dependable guards assigned by David, who had planted a gentle kiss on the back of my palm and met my eyes, just like a lover would. My cheeks started to flush, and I couldn't stop it. With my arrangements in place, I prepared myself for the possibility that I would have to end my engagement to Clark and the consequences that would follow.