THE ALPHA'S DESTINY

CHAPTER V : THE INVITATION

📖 CHAPTER V

THE INVITATION

The next few days were peaceful. Lance kept his promise and visited me every night. He would come, stay for a while, talk to me and Mother, and make sure we were okay before leaving again.

Every time he was here, I felt so happy and safe. But every time he left, I felt a little empty inside. I was starting to realize just how much he meant to me.

One morning, I was watering the plants outside when I heard the sound of horses approaching. I looked up and saw a group of royal guards wearing shiny silver armor. They stopped right in front of our small house.

A man stepped down from his horse. He looked very formal and held a scroll in his hands. He walked towards me and bowed respectfully.

"Good day, Miss Elana," he said politely. "I am Royal Messenger Marcus. I have an important message for you from His Majesty, King Lance."

My heart skipped a beat. "F-For me?"

"Yes, Miss," he smiled and handed me the scroll. "The King invites you to the Royal Palace. He wishes for you to stay there with him. He said it is for your safety and also... because he misses you terribly."

I blushed hard. Oh my goodness! He really said that?

I opened the scroll and read the beautiful handwriting. It was an official invitation, asking me to come to the palace and be by his side.

"But... what about my mother?" I asked worriedly.

"Do not worry, Miss," the messenger answered. "The King has ordered that your mother will also be taken care of. She will have her own quarters in the palace and the best healers will attend to her every day. She will be treated with the highest honor."

Tears of joy filled my eyes. Lance really thought of everything! He didn't just take me, he took care of my mother too!

"I... I accept," I said, my voice full of emotion. "Tell the King I will come."

The messenger smiled happily. "Excellent! We have prepared a carriage for you. We can leave whenever you are ready."

I ran inside to tell Mother. She was so happy and crying too.

"Oh my child! This is truly a blessing! Go, Elana! Go to him! You belong by his side now," she said, holding my hands.

We quickly packed our things. It wasn't much, just some clothes and personal items. When we walked out, a beautiful, luxurious carriage was waiting. It was decorated with gold and silk.

They helped us get inside. It was so comfortable and soft inside! As the carriage started moving, I looked out the window. I was leaving the small village where I grew up, but I wasn't sad. I was excited for what was coming next.

The journey to the palace took a few hours. When we finally arrived, my mouth fell open in awe.

The palace was huge! It was made of white marble and gold, shining brightly under the sun. There were gardens full of beautiful flowers and fountains. And everywhere I looked, there were guards and servants bowing their heads as we passed by.

The carriage stopped in front of the grand entrance. The doors opened and I stepped out.

And there he was.

Standing at the top of the stairs, looking more handsome and majestic than ever, was Lance. He was wearing his royal robes, looking every bit the powerful King that he was.

But when he saw me, his serious face broke into a warm, loving smile. He walked down the stairs quickly and reached out his hand to me.

"Welcome home, Elana," he said softly.

I took his hand and felt that familiar electric shock. "Home?" I whispered.

"Yes," he smiled. "This is your home now. And I am your family."

He led me inside, holding my hand tightly. The inside of the palace was even more amazing than the outside. It was like a dream.

"Everyone," Lance announced loudly to the servants and nobles present. "Listen well. This is Elana. She is my Mate, my future Queen, and the Mistress of this Palace. You will treat her with the same respect and loyalty that you give to me. Is that clear?"

"YES, YOUR MAJESTY!" everyone shouted in unison.

I felt so shy but also so proud. Lance looked at me and squeezed my hand.

"Don't be nervous," he whispered. "You are safe here. You are with me."