I'll admit, the place was massive and impressive. From the vaulted ceiling above the hall to the statues of ancient kings and queens who once ruled Raviera, and the beautiful tapestry of our family hanging behind what must have been the throne — where my brother now stared at me in disbelief.The hall fell silent for a few seconds, until it exploded into murmurs and whispers. Everyone was in shock. The nobles, dukes, counts, marquesses — even some stable boys, plenty of servants — all seemed to recognize me.After all, there was a portrait of my family in the hallway, and my face hadn't changed a bit. Only my style had.
While they speculated, I stared at the painting before me. Was that my family? I assumed I was the youngest in it. I didn't recognize a single face. I didn't know who they were. I wished I could remember — and at the same time, I didn't. It was a confusing feeling. I was seeing them for the first time. And to think we once played, fought, and ate together... just like I did with my shipboard family. None of it felt truly real.
The disbelief and silence didn't last. It quickly turned into loud, chaotic voices. My supposed brother rose from the throne, completely shocked. The guy looked like he'd stepped straight out of a royal cavalry magazine — short, well-groomed brown hair, pale blue eyes, thin lips, fair skin, neatly trimmed beard, and an overly elaborate outfit in red and gold.
There was even a portrait of just him that stood out from the rest. He looked like the kind of man who, if he could, would kiss his own reflection a little too fondly. He didn't look anything like the rest of us — and suddenly, the title "bastard" made a whole lot of sense.
I began walking across the hall toward him.
— Weren't you dead? — His voice, dripping with disbelief and that same arrogant tone, cut through the chatter and noise like a sword.
— Oh, yes. — I gave the usurper a theatrical bow. — Prince Albertin Gracy August of Raviera is alive and at your royal service. — I said in the sweetest tone I could muster. I noticed several incredulous stares — and some even joyful ones — at my return. I searched the crowd until I spotted Alexander, the handsome one, standing stunned, while an older, more imposing man stood beside him. Judging by their features, he had to be his father. The calm in his posture betrayed a calculating mind. He whispered something inaudible into Alex's ear, clearly scheming. His son, however, seemed to ignore him completely.
I turned my gaze back to my brother.
— What a joy to see you well, — William said with a level of false warmth that was honestly nauseating. — I never expected you to be alive, Albertin. But we welcome you back with great happiness.
The applause followed — some sincere, others... far from it. Everyone had their own interests, as usual.
— I imagine after the accident you must've done everything in your power to find me alive, didn't you, little brother? — I pulled a handkerchief from the outfit that still didn't quite fit my small frame and dabbed at my eyes, pretending to weep. — But your worries are over, brother. I've returned and I'm thrilled to fulfill my role in the kingdom.
The murmurs intensified. Everyone knew exactly what I meant by that. "Get out of my seat, bastard."
— Of course, brother, I'll assist in your return. But you must be tired, and this hall is such a mess... — William was trying to gauge the situation. I could see him scanning the crowd for signs of support, but many seemed pleased with my return, and I doubted he'd find the backing he needed to treat me with arrogance and put me in my place. I decided not to provoke him more than necessary.
— Oh, yes, I should return to my chambers. — I smiled, still feigning emotion. — Perhaps my former fiancé could escort me? We have a lot to talk about... maybe we could even rekindle something.
Alexander's father smiled so widely at my words it looked like his cheeks might split open. He clearly wanted that marriage to happen. After all, if Alex married me, he'd rule — and his family would rise from dukedom to royalty. I couldn't blame him. I'd do the same in his place.
My brother gestured toward Alex, who bowed with an exaggerated flourish.
— Thank you, everyone. I hope to speak with each of you soon. I plan on staying very much alive. — I giggled. — I'll be available again shortly. — I waved as Alexander began guiding me out of the grand hall, practically dragging me toward a more secluded area — which was no easy task.
There were too many people eager to see me or speak with me. Some left the grand hall just to get closer — nobles, servants, soldiers — all wanting some form of contact. It was... bizarre.
We only managed to escape the attention once we reached a room, after walking for more than twenty minutes through the palace. Alexander practically shoved me inside.
— Why did you do that without waiting for my signal? If you were going to reveal yourself anyway, we could've planned a better way. — The alpha looked overwhelmed by what had just happened.
— Oh, come on. That was a spectacular entrance. — I flopped onto the massive, luxurious bed. — And I'm not here for the crown. You know what I want. It's easier than sending someone to come fetch my family.
— It's not that simple. You've basically painted a target on your back, Darcy. — Alex began pacing, thoughtful.
— Really? I thought that happened the moment I set foot in this city. — I stood up and grabbed him with force. — Your family supported the coup, didn't they? What are you hiding from me? Tell me now or I'll ask my dear little brother — and tell him you're a filthy traitor.
Alexander gripped my shoulders tightly, his fingers pressing hard. His expression was a storm of frustration and anger.
— I'm not a traitor. I've been helping you this entire time and you still doubt me? — the alpha asked, genuinely hurt.
— Yes. I don't remember a damn thing, and you could twist the truth however you like... And...
— I'm your fated mate, Darcy. — Alex's voice rose with sudden intensity.
— Fuck it! You're not more important than my family! So, either you help me or I'll throw the whole damn mess into the fan. There's a third option too... You kill me here and now, and call it an accident. — I said with a smile. But there was pain in my heart, and I didn't know how to deal with it. I was desperate and just wanted Baltazar and the others to be free. The longer it took, the closer the captain's force would be.
— ...I didn't betray you. — Alexander sounded upset and defeated. Suddenly, he let go of me and stepped back, sitting down in the chair.
— But my family really was on the bastard's side. — Alexander said with a hint of arrogance. — When you were fifteen, you defied the king and queen's wishes by entering a competition against the other knights. You'd been training swordsmanship alone since you were young, even though you were never allowed to. That day, you stole armor and entered the arena. But it didn't take long before they found out. Your mother wanted to teach you a lesson and let you continue because she wanted to see you humiliated. You did well. You were incredibly talented. And your father, in the end, even after you lost, said you needed a tutor. My family and yours were on good terms.
— So your father didn't just suggest tutoring...
— Yeah... marriage. And the king agreed easily, knowing we were destined mates made it easier, besides the great family relations. I admit, at first I didn't want to train you. I thought it was a waste of time helping an omega, but you were stubborn and persistent, so I gave in. — Alexander seemed thoughtful for a moment. — The idea of the coup came just before the hunt was resolved. My father accepted the nobles' proposal... but not completely. I had already grown attached to you and didn't want to betray my family either. The king has always been a good man... would he turn his back on his own blood if it meant hurting you?
I clenched the sheets beneath me tightly. I could tell this conversation wouldn't be as pleasant as I had hoped.
— I tried to convince my father to expose the coup. But it was no use, so I decided to make a counteroffer: let you live, and have you take the throne. My family would be royalty. — He sighed. — The hunt came, and I stayed with you the whole time. I tried to convince you not to participate. But what did you do?
— I went there, reckless, without warning you, and managed to show off the skills I'd been training for months? — That was definitely something I'd do. I'm so predictable.
— Exactly. That's what happened. The coup took place, and I went looking for you in the forest. But William followed me because he wanted to make sure you were dead. — Alexander frowned. — When I saw you, you misunderstood everything and ran scared of me. William ordered me to chase you down; he no longer doubted my intentions. I went to help you hide until it was all over, but you were terrified... and when you reached the cliff, you pointed a gun at me...
Tears began streaming down my face. I could imagine it all.
— I tried to get close and explain. But you panicked because you knew your parents and sister were probably already dead. Before I could hold you, you slipped and fell... I could only...
— Scream my name. — I finished, because that was my last memory. I heard someone shouting for me.
— Yeah. I looked for you at the port, on the beach...
I stood up and went over to the older man. He was crying. I slapped him hard across the face. I was distraught. I grabbed his shirt and shook him, gripping tightly.
— You betrayed your king! You're a fucking psychopath... I hate you... You could have warned me, you bastard. — I tried to hit him again, but Alexander firmly held my wrists.
— There's nothing I can do to fix what I did in the past. I didn't want it to go down this way... Believe me when I say I did everything to remain loyal to the king until the end. — Did Alexander really believe what he was saying?
— You can fix it. — I pulled my wrist free, wiped my eyes, and took a deep breath. It wasn't time to lament over what I couldn't remember. — You'll free my family, my father, and help me get out of here — even if it costs your life and your family's. Only then will I believe in you again.
— I will. — Alex said suddenly. I was shocked by his decision. I thought he'd argue.
— Okay. — I murmured softly.
— But I don't know if you'll be able to escape with your companions. But if you stay here, I can free Baltazar and the crew. The king will be busy with you and your situation — all eyes will be on your presence. You won't be able to get out. — Alex made it clear, and there was no hint of lies or tricks in his voice.
— But I don't...
— I know, but it's the only way I can do this without a hunt. If you disappear too, just imagine how all eyes will turn toward the pirates who just escaped and accuse Baltazar of kidnapping? — Alexander said with more insistence.
He was absolutely right. My plan was to enter the castle and order my companions' release. I hadn't even thought that Baltazar could die before that, or that I wouldn't have enough authority — because everything in this mess was politics. But I was ready to stay behind and let my companions go. I knew my father would be furious, but they'd be free, and I'd be safe.
— Alright. — I said after thinking for a few minutes. — And what happens now?
— My father will declare support for you. The king will be angry about it, and you'll have the protection of my family's guards and other nobles who will do the same — they'll protect you and oppose His Majesty. When the king comes to see you with my father, that's when I'll act. — Alexander said with conviction that it would work.
— I want you to deliver a letter to Baltazar. — I went to the desk, unsure where to look. Soon Alexander fetched a kind of diary and an ink pen from a bookcase, placing them in front of me. I thought carefully before starting to write.
Captain, go far away. I've accepted my destiny that I had long denied. Being with you was without a doubt the best time of my life. I know I was a difficult boy, but you never abandoned me and always did everything for me. Father, you and our companions were incredible and I regret nothing, even the mistakes.
Now I'll return the favor, although it was essentially me who caused this mess.
Love you all, Darcy.
I handed the note to Alexander, who tucked it into his pocket. It was brief, but there wasn't much more to say.
The door didn't take long to open. And the king really was in my supposed makeshift room. Accompanying the sovereign was Alex's father and a few other nobles. William didn't look happy, much to my delight. I ended up smiling in his direction.
The alpha stepped away. Let the show begin.
To be continued...