Loving The Wrong Alpha.

Virginity.

"I'll take it from here."

The man bowed immediately.

"Yes, Alpha Griffith."

As soon as we were alone, I glared at him.

"Have you lost your mind? I never asked you to walk me down the aisle."

He met my gaze without flinching.

"Could you lower your voice?"

His eyes shifted toward the guards and servants watching us.

"Everyone is staring. You're about to marry the Alpha of the Knights, the man you've wanted for years. If I escort you, it will silence every ridiculous rumor surrounding us."

He offered me his arm.

"Let me do my duty as your brother... as the Crown Prince... and as Alpha of the Seven Realms."

I stared at him.

After everything that had happened...Why was he acting as though nothing had changed? Didn't he know I was the one who stabbed him?

Why wasn't he angry?

The calmness in his eyes frightened me far more than his rage ever could.

"Why are you doing this, Griffith?"

"I want to help my sister."

I didn't believe a single word.

"A week ago you opposed this marriage. Why the sudden change?"

He sighed.

"Do you want me to escort you or not? Time is running out."

I narrowed my eyes.

"You'd better not ruin my wedding."

"You have my word."

He extended his hand.

"Shall we?"

After a long hesitation, I slipped my hand around his arm.

Together, we stepped onto the magnificent red carpet, smiling for everyone to see. As the orchestra began to play, Griffith leaned closer and murmured only loud enough for me to hear.

"Are you absolutely sure you want to marry that fat pig?"

I murmured, "I thought we agreed to stop calling him a fat pig," I said through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, but I still hate this wedding." He sighed. "Do you know anything about the bedroom?"

I knew exactly what he meant, but I pretended not to.

"It's my decision, and I'm not changing my mind. Mind your own business."

"Alright." He raised his hands in surrender and let out a deep sigh. "I won't bother you anymore."

With a graceful smile, I walked down the red carpet, my eyes fixed on my husband-to-be as he rose from his seat beside my father to welcome me.

"You look breathtaking, my Omega."

He gently took my hand from Griffith and led me to the altar, where the priest stood between us and joined our hands in marriage.

The ceremony came to an end as we exchanged our vows and shared a kiss before everyone. It felt awkward, but I managed to get through it.

The crowd burst into applause as the celebration began.

The Alpha's arrival in our realm was honored with a grand feast.

I suddenly felt suffocated.

Excusing myself, I hurried out of the wedding hall.

Being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces made me anxious. I hadn't left the tower in years, and everything felt strange, almost as if I had stepped into another world.

If Griffith hadn't helped me earlier, I didn't know how I would have survived. Taking a deep breath, I wandered through the quiet hallways. There was no one around. I loved the silence.

For the first time in years, I could admire the palace's beautiful paintings and colorful walls without anyone watching me.

It felt magical.

I slipped off my shoes and walked barefoot across the cold marble floor.

I felt...Free.

For the first time in my life, I ran. The cool breeze swept through my gown and brushed against my face.

I loosened my hair, removing the white pearls that held it in place, letting my long hair dance in the wind.

For a brief moment. It felt like I had my own little world.

Smiling to myself, I wandered onto one of the balconies.

Then I froze.

Griffith stood there with his trousers lowered while a woman was pleasuring him.

"Fuck..." he groaned. "Don't stop."

He tangled his fingers in her hair as he let out another deep moan.

"Damn... you're so good."

Then, through another breathless groan, he whispered. "Rowena..."

I couldn't watch another second. My heart stopped.

Stepping backward, I accidentally knocked over a nearby vase. It shattered loudly. Without thinking, I turned and ran.

"Rowena!"

Griffith called after me. I didn't stop. I refused to look back. How could he say my name while he was with another woman?

It disgusted me. Or was that woman's name Rowena too?

What was wrong with him? Tears burned in my eyes as I ran through the palace. Griffith chased after me, but I only ran faster. I wasn't going to let him catch me. Why did what I saw hurt so much?

Stop following me.

"Rowena, wait!"

I sprinted even faster, not knowing where I was going.

I had no idea how to navigate the palace. Completely out of breath, I crashed straight into someone's chest.

My husband.

"Rowena," Griffith shouted from behind.

Before I could explain anything, my husband's hand struck my face.

I gasped. "Alpha..."

I held my burning cheek with trembling fingers.

"How dare you leave my side without my permission?"

"I'm sorry, my Alpha."

I immediately dropped to my knees. No, I couldn't lose this chance. He was my only way out.

"Were you sleeping with your brother?"

"What? No! I would never commit such a disgusting act. I belong only to you, my Alpha."

Without warning, he kicked me across the face.

"Rowena!" Griffith shouted.

"This isn't how you looked during our wedding a few minutes ago," my husband sneered. "Why is your hair down? Where are your shoes? Or did Griffith take them off for you?"

He must have heard the rumors. Why else would he immediately suspect Griffith? I had to explain myself.

"No... I took them off myself."

I swallowed nervously.

"I wasn't comfortable at the feast. I felt hot and suffocated, so I came outside for some fresh air."

Sweat trickled down my forehead. No. What if he reported me? I couldn't go back. Not the tower.

My husband suddenly grabbed my throat before slapping me across the face once more.

For a split second. I didn't see him. I saw my mother. Fear overwhelmed me as I cried out.

Griffith caught my husband's wrist, his icy gaze filled with fury.

"Don't ever lay another hand on my sister."

The Alpha yanked his arm free and smirked. "Do you want her?" His smile grew darker. "If you do, I'll gladly hand her over before killing her myself. Go ahead. Take her to your bed after I'm done with her."

Griffith's eyes turned dangerously cold. "That's enough, Alpha Hawk." He warned. "Isn't she your wife?" Griffith continued. "How can you say something so vile? Remember, walls have ears. Watch your tongue."