— What is this? — William asked, slamming the wanted poster down on the table.
WANTED — DEAD OR ALIVEName: DarcyReward: 25,000 pesos
Description:A young man of striking presence. Dark-skinned, with long dreadlocks tied back, sharp eyes that seem to see right through you, and a sarcastic smile that suggests he knows more than he lets on.Often seen wearing worn naval clothes or stolen noble garments, depending on the occasion.Considered dangerous. Do not approach alone.
Known Crimes:Piracy, theft, identity fraud, and incitement to rebellion.Last seen near the southern coasts.
Report any sightings to the nearest Royal Guard outpost.Reward will only be granted upon capture or confirmed death.
- Ah. I wasn't exactly sure what the old man expected me to say. —A wanted poster with my face on it? I don't know. Worth a lot of money. But that's not even in Raviera. I'm clean here.— I stuffed the steak into my mouth as a few nobles began whispering, speculating.
—You are a prince. When you go to Alares, what will people think? With your wanted posters all over the capital.— The king seemed more interested in humiliating me than finding a solution.
—Aren't you the king? Why not ask the king of Alares, your buddy, to withdraw the accusations against your little brother, huh? Just explain the circumstances, and I'm sure he won't want to start a civil war over 25 grand, right?— I asked, poking at my steak. Alares was a small kingdom on the northern peninsula, and I highly doubted they even had that kind of money lying around to pay someone brave enough to drag in my head. Sure, they were allies, but they didn't have much political clout.
I must have really shaken up local noble life when I tricked two prestigious noble heirs and got a mountain of gifts out of it. It was hilarious and tragic.
Everyone seemed to agree with me.
—I know I messed up, okay? But aren't you blowing this a bit out of proportion?— Everyone looked vaguely shocked at how casually I spoke to William, and his face was once again red with disdain.
—Duke Theodor, haven't you taught my brother proper manners?— the king asked, his tone thick with irritation and condescension.
—He's a work in progress, Your Majesty,— Alex's father replied, clearly enjoying himself more than actually trying.
I sighed. How much longer would I have to stay in this gilded prison? The food was good, sure, but they wouldn't let me drink. Apparently, I had to stay sober for at least a month before managing any alcohol. The council meeting was coming up, and I doubted that the wanted poster would be ignored by those old decision-makers.
I had been in that circus for three weeks. I learned that Baltazar's ship set sail before sunrise. There were no major casualties—just a few amputations, but nothing too serious.
And the old man present when the king tried to corner me? His name was Felder Belian. Turns out he was the twin brother of the former royal advisor. Which means... his brother died along with my father, and he just happened to take over the position with William? Sounds like a twisted conspiracy theory, right? The man kills his twin and joins the bastard king? Wild. And no one suspects a thing? Seriously?
Still, this guy was far more patient and diplomatic. And it reminded me of what Alexander's father had told me:
"The meeting will be with the council members and allied kingdoms. They will reach a decision based on divine and sacred law and come to a consensus regarding Your Highness. Most likely, they will grant you the crown—but not right away. Only when you turn twenty-one. For several reasons. One being, they need to assess whether you're fit to govern after memory loss and years spent among bandits. And, of course, your coming of age."
"So, I have to train all the things I skipped and prep for the crown, while my idiot brother has two years to get rid of me?"
"We'll work on your language later, but yes, that's exactly it. William won't make a move now—he can't afford to. All eyes are on the kingdom. He'll try persuasion first, convince you to step down and hand the crown over. He'll try everything until he's out of options. Then, he'll get desperate."
Theodor was smart. And brutally honest.
I trained in etiquette and good behavior, though I already knew most of it—just didn't use it because it felt unnecessary and stiff. I knew a lot about nobility, just not how I learned it or who had taught me. The knowledge stayed. The life didn't.
"So, you remember what to do, the teachings from your youth, but not how you learned them or anything about your past. But you know how to use silverware, show respect, even dance... you just choose not to."
"Exactly, uncle. You're quick on the uptake. That knowledge was useless on the ship. It was clear from the start that I came from some aristocratic background. But so what? That didn't help me survive. It was more useful learning how to steal than knowing which fork to use for salad. I only used those skills when I needed them—geography, history, or etiquette—especially to charm some cocky alpha."
"Yeah, we just need to fix your brutality and foul mouth. Maybe it won't be that hard."
My conversations with Theodor were always passive-aggressive. Kind of funny, really, how Alex's father always found a way to insult me or call me out without fear of ending up at the gallows. But the most important conversation happened three days ago, when the handsome alpha laid all his cards on the table in a very paternal tone. This time, Alexander had been summoned too.
—Let's be honest. You need protection. Someone to help you. You need influence, and our family is the most powerful after the royal one.— Theodor spoke with such conviction and smugness.
—Gee, I wonder why, uncle. Maybe because you stabbed my father in the back.— I didn't hold back. I wasn't stupid; I knew I was dealing with a two-faced snake. The alpha turned his eyes on his son in frustration, clearly realizing who had spilled the beans.
—The original plan was always to keep you alive.— Theodor tried to justify himself. Probably about to launch into some emotional speech I'd already heard from Alexander. I wasn't in the mood.
—Cut the crap and just say what you want.— I waved my hand dismissively.
—Your hand, to Alexander. Announce the engagement as soon as possible, and you'll have everything you need at your disposal.— Theodor didn't even hesitate to sell his own son.
Alexander, on the other hand, didn't seem thrilled. Arms crossed, more serious than before. Guess being treated like a bargaining chip didn't sit well with him—especially after everything. If he really liked me, this wasn't what he wanted.
—Fine, fine.— I shrugged. I had no intention of staying, but I still needed the support of both.
What happened afterward left me curious.
Alex grabbed my arm before I could leave. We were talking in the greenhouse near my wing of the castle. Yeah, I had an entire wing. Pretty cool not having to see that moron William every day.
—What are you plotting?— the alpha asked, suspicious. —Are you really going through with this deal?—
—Do I have a choice?— I sighed.
—Did you really forgive me?— Alex's voice was tight with hope.
—Not completely. You did help me. But you also caused a lot of the mess I'm in now. Like the whole memory loss thing. But you're my destined mate, and I think I stand a better chance of surviving if you're with me.— I was being honest; no point in lying.
—I'll stand by you even if you don't accept my father's deal. I have some autonomy within our duchy. I can protect you without his support. You don't need to marry me because of that.— His voice was firm and sincere. —I told you before, I like you. Really like you. This isn't just about our bond. I don't want our relationship to become a power game.—
I had to think long and hard about that. I thought it was all about power games, lies, manipulation. But Alexander sounded genuinely sincere. So if I told his father I didn't want to marry, would he still help me unconditionally? That was… unexpectedly noble.
—Then how about we make a different deal?— I asked more softly.
—Alright.— Alex let go of my arm, shoulders still tense.
—I'll go through with the marriage. Not because of feelings or what your father wants, but... I want you to be king.— I said it with conviction. I wanted to get rid of that bastard William. If I could boot him without being hunted down, the kingdom would be better off.
—What are you talking about?— Alex didn't look pleased to hear that.
—After we get married, you'll let me leave.— It was more of a plea than a deal. —I want to reunite with my crew. Sail the world again. But I can't do that while I'm stuck here. I won't run now because I don't think William deserves the crown after screwing over his own family and trying to kill me.—
—You'll give me the crown and just leave?— Alex looked confused. —Can I think about it? I'm not sure I want to marry you just to lose you right after.—
—Oh, of course.— I didn't expect him to hesitate. I guess I underestimated how much he actually cared.
Which brings me to the current situation. Theodor wanted me to interact with the king more often, and thought it would be a great idea for me to have lunch once a week with the guy. Delightful. I was mostly bored out of my mind. Especially since someone had to test my food every time I tried something new. Poison and all that. Real comforting.
Alex sat beside me at the table, unusually quiet. Probably mulling over my proposal.
—Your Majesty, I'd like to make an announcement before we conclude this most enjoyable meal.— Theodor rose, and everyone fell silent.
—As you all know, Alexander and Prince Albertin were once engaged. We've decided to uphold that bond and formally announce their renewed commitment before the king, the nobles, and the council. It will be an honor to finally see this union come to fruition.—
Everyone clapped. William's face was priceless. He looked like he was mentally cursing Theodor in every language he knew.
In the end, we reaffirmed the engagement before everyone, and instead of returning to my room, I slipped off toward my fiancé's quarters.
I could hear the bath filling. I stripped as I went, leaving my clothes scattered in my wake. We hadn't been together in weeks. This celibacy thing was really starting to get on my nerves. I slipped into the bath, spotting the alpha lounging among fragrant bath salts. I let my scent rise slowly, filling the air, calling his attention.
The alpha stared at me, stunned. I stepped into the bathtub, settling on his lap, arms draped around his neck.
—We shouldn't be doing this,— Alex muttered, even as his scent deepened, hungry and undeniable.
—You should've thought of that back at your place,— I teased, pressing my lips to his, diving into the kiss like I'd been starved for it. Alexander pulled me tightly against him, hands gripping my waist firmly.
His hands slid down to my thighs, then to my hips, caressing, exploring, grounding me.
—I don't want to marry you just to lose you afterward, Darcy,— he murmured against my mouth.
—It's part of the deal,— I replied, my voice softer now. I liked that he called me by the name that felt most like mine. It made me feel... real. I cupped his face, pressing my palm to his cheek. —I... I just want to be free, Alex. I can't imagine staying here forever...—
Alexander rested his face against my shoulder, and then he laughed. A warm, unguarded laugh that made me feel ridiculous for being so serious.
—What?— I asked, slightly frowning.
—When we were training, I asked you what you wanted out of life. And you said: "I want to get out, explore the world, fight monsters—I can't picture staying here for long."—
Alex smiled at me, and my heart skipped. He was right. That did sound like me. Even before.
Some things never changed.
To be continued...