— Are you out of your mind? — I asked, shocked. — Even if I'm a bastard, we're still brothers. I was horrified by the proposal. Not once had it crossed my mind that that kind of filth would ever come out of his mouth.
— Oh, my dear little brother, such innocence... Many of our ancestors had family entanglements to keep our bloodline as pure as possible. It's tradition — and it can be used," William said, completely calm and convinced. Did he really think I'd accept that absurdity? — The council would be thrilled to learn of our union.
— And who said I'd accept it? — I stood up, slamming my hands on the table. — In case you haven't heard, brother, I already have a suitor — and I'm not interested in switching. I smiled, satisfied.
The king simply smiled as if he had already won.
— And I've also heard that things between you two aren't exactly going well. It seems your engagement won't be so effective after all. Duke Alexander intends to break it off soon, doesn't he? You need a husband to take the crown — and who better than your own brother, the king? That smug alpha was clearly well-informed and enjoying it. How did news spread so fast in this palace? Ugh — those useless guards who followed me around must've spilled everything.
I stormed out of the room without looking back, heading straight for Alexander, who was still talking to the nobles.
— We need to talk. Now. — I said, tense, not greeting the guests, who stared at me, probably stunned by my lack of manners.
— Your Highness, it's such a pleasure... — the woman began kindly, but I had no patience for pleasantries. I knew it wasn't her fault, but knowing she might marry my alpha made me furious.
— Yeah, yeah, yeah. — I waved a hand to cut her off. — Nice to meet you and all, but I really have something urgent to discuss with MY FIANCÉ. — I said pointedly, and the alpha woman looked surprised, then gave a genuine smile — the kind you give a child who just threw a tantrum. She lightly touched her father, who was about to say something. Annoying.
— Let's go, Father. I'm sure the prince will be more available later. — She withdrew with her father, and I finally had Alexander's full attention. He grabbed my wrist.
— Why do you have to be so rude? Especially to someone who didn't deserve it. — Alexander said, frustrated.
— Oh, please. Is she the one you plan to run back to after dumping me? Is that why you were so offended by what I said? You were all smiles with that random woman? — I spat the words out, no longer sure what I was saying. That lump in my throat was suffocating me. I felt threatened for the first time, enraged by the idea of having to fight for space — and by how confidently she'd ignored my rudeness. I wanted her to argue with me, to insult me, just so I'd have an excuse to be even more of a jerk. I wanted her to show her worst side to Alex — when the only terrible one here was me.
I felt devastated. This new problem was tearing me apart. I lowered my head, not knowing what else to say. My body trembled. I felt so alone. I didn't want to deal with real, political problems. I just wanted my old life back — the people I knew, the chaos, the parties, the meaningless fights, the adventures. Was that too much to ask?
Alex gently guided me toward our room.
— What exactly are you jealous of? — he asked, genuinely confused.
— You're so annoying, — I said through tears, slapping his shoulder a few times. — I'm not jealous of you. — He caught my wrists and looked me in the eyes. I must've looked like a pathetic child craving attention without knowing how to ask for it.
— Then why are you crying if I'm going to be with someone else or not? Even if I marry Mantes, you'll be off living your pirate life, won't you? You can't expect anything from me.
— You think I don't know that? Damn it! — The tears streamed down uncontrollably, and I was sure my hormones were a mess. — But I don't like the idea of seeing you with someone else. Happy now, making me admit that? I'm selfish, petty, chaotic, messy — probably the rudest noble you've ever met — and yet you still want to marry me. You're the one with the problem here, Alexander. — I accused, even knowing I was the one in the wrong.
— Darcy, I don't understand you. — Alex sighed, letting go of me. — What do you want from me? For me to accept this marriage, offer you love and affection, and then be left behind?
— I know it's irrational, — I sniffled. — But I don't want to give up my life either.
— And that's okay, Darcy. You have your choices, I know I'm not a priority. I've been trying to deal with that... but you don't have the right to mess with my head. — Alexander said as he walked toward the door.
I closed the distance between us and hugged him from behind, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing my face into his back. I wanted him so much, it was driving me mad.
— William said he would marry me, — I confessed, slowly releasing him.
— And do you want me to save you? — the alpha turned toward me, incredulous. — Honestly, I didn't think...
— No, that's not it. I'll stay here with you, just don't break up with me, — I said, cornered. — And it's not just because of what William said — that rat. I just don't think I can disappear from your life either. I can visit my family when I get the chance, but staying with you... it matters too. If I could have both, that would be perfect.
I was being honest. But Alexander was afraid to believe me. He hesitated. I took his hand in mine.
— Alex, it's the first time I've ever felt this confused about someone. Everything's new to me. I really thought I could just walk away without looking back. But the idea of you marrying and having children with someone else filled me with so much rage I thought I might actually snap that woman's neck. — I meant every word. — And seeing you defend her just made me more furious.
— Alright. Listen, Darcy... I don't think about anyone but you. — He held my face in his hands. — But I don't want you to marry me just because you're desperate.
— Stop, — I sighed, feeling utterly pathetic with my runny nose and messy face. — You really think I'd sacrifice myself for someone else? Please. I'm the most selfish person alive. I'm doing this because I want to tie you to me for the rest of your life, so you never even consider being with someone else, got it? Were you an ass in the past? Sure — and I'll probably remind you of it every time we fight, because that's who I am. But I want you now. I don't care if it's destiny or not — screw it if it is.
— That's not a very romantic declaration, — Alexander laughed, and I could feel my face burn with embarrassment.
— But I accept your offer — to spend my life with you and never look at anyone else. Sound good?
— Not even Mantes, — I pouted.
— No one, — he said, before kissing me deeply. I melted into his arms, drawn in by his warmth.
Relief washed over me — not just because I'd dodged a marriage with William, but because Alexander was mine. Entirely. I wouldn't have to give anything up. I thought about my pirate life... maybe I could still escape now and then, travel. We didn't need to be stuck together all the time. Once this whole mess was over and my bastard half-brother vanished, I'd contact Baltazar and rebuild what I could. It wouldn't be exactly how I wanted it — but I couldn't ignore the four years I'd spent at sea.
— Feeling better? — Alex was over me, his braids falling forward, and gods, he was beautiful. Strong features, thick eyebrows, full brown lips.
— Only if you sleep with me, — I murmured, desire simmering inside me. And the way he smiled back made me certain I'd made the right choice.
I opened myself to him with no hesitation as Alexander let his pheromones envelop me.
The alpha wanted me just as badly — I could feel it in the way he moved, how he held back for so long. I felt him flood me with hunger and care, my breath coming in gasps, the heat rising. Soon, I straddled him without shame, claiming his body as I had dreamed for so long. No more holding back — just the deep, intimate rhythm of two bodies finding each other again and again.
He gripped my waist, meeting every movement with strength and intensity. It was messy, and honest, and raw — but not enough.
We made love from dusk until dawn. There was no rest. I didn't care that the guards might hear my voice echoing through the walls. In fact, the thought only thrilled me more. I let myself be taken completely — in his kisses, his arms, his bites. Alexander loved to mark me, to leave traces of his presence. My body bore his hands, his lips, his will.
That final moment came with him over me, his hands on my throat, the pressure tight and euphoric, the breath vanishing as the climax surged through me like fire. I came undone in the rush — and I think I blacked out.
He carried me to the bath, laying me down gently, cleaning me with the utmost care. His hands explored my skin, tracing the tattoos, the stories etched into me. Then, he stopped at a scar — deep and old, just above my side.
— What happened here? — he asked softly, eyes full of concern.
— Oh, that one was good, — I chuckled. I was still sluggish, completely satisfied. The exhaustion made me slow, but I remembered every bit of what we had just shared.
— We were in Barriatre. You know, that desert place? We'd won a treasure map in a bet and thought, why not? So I went with Bob...
— Was Bob your boyfriend? — Alex cut in suddenly, and I rolled my eyes, elbowing him lightly. — Ow.
— Bob's my brother. And no, I never hooked up with anyone in the crew — just fools outside of it. You're my first real relationship. Isn't that nice? — I shrugged with a little smirk. — Now focus.
Alex sighed, but smiled, kissing my cheek and pulling me into his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist and making me feel warm and safe.
— We almost got eaten by a sand worm. We had to run until we couldn't anymore. It was a disaster — and like, we didn't tell Baltazar we were heading there, okay? Just the two of us, charging in headfirst. It took us two days to reach the temple. We broke in — there were traps, we fell into a pit, but I managed to hold on and pull Bob back up. Then some snakes came after us, a huge rolling boulder down the hallway... all that until we reached the treasure. — Telling the story was definitely more fun than living it.
— I reached for it and a dart flew out, hit me right here, pierced through my skin. I started suffocating, and Bob dragged me out. Luckily, Baltazar was waiting for us outside… and let's just say I got the biggest lecture of my life. — I laughed at the memory. — I was unconscious for two weeks. The dart was poisoned, but thank the stars the city had an antidote. — I giggled, remembering the chaos. — I think that was the second time I came really close to death. Not exactly fun.
— You're insane, — the alpha said, stunned.
— Oh, I know. But look, I always figured I wouldn't live very long. So I just wanted to do everything I could while I still had time. — I played with the water as Alex kissed the side of my neck.
— You're still full of surprises.
— Right?
We ended up falling asleep wrapped in each other's arms, just the way I had wanted from the beginning. But Alexander was stubborn as hell and refused to give me that satisfaction until now.
The council meeting took place two days later, and I still hadn't had the chance to apologize to Mantes. Actually, I'd been avoiding her like the plague. I didn't want to admit I'd been rude — even if I needed to. Alexander and Theodor would both be present at the meeting, the latter as a direct representative. I'd found out that many nobles were supporting me, and they were all hoping the council would finally agree to shove the crown onto my head.
— His Majesty wishes to see you in the council room. — A servant came to inform me just as I was finishing getting dressed in those ridiculously elegant clothes. I still wasn't used to them. The shoes were a true nightmare.
— Yeah, yeah. — My God, William just wouldn't give up, would he? What a pain. He was probably worried. After spending the last three days glued to my alpha, he must've realized there was no way he could sway the council anymore.
I was escorted to the room. At the door, his most loyal lackey waited, giving me passage. That man reeked of smugness.
William, of course, was as majestic and refined as ever. There was a small box on the table.
— What do you want, man? — I asked, yawning.
— Just to give you a gift. — The older one approached and opened the box. Inside was a kind of necklace with a green diadem glowing at the center. It was magical.
— No, thank you.
I turned toward the door, but William crossed the distance between us, grabbed my arm and twisted it behind my back, forcing my chest down against the table, trying to keep me still.
— Have you lost your mind? HEY— I started to scream, but William shoved his hand into my mouth, silencing me. He pressed me down harder onto the wood. When he reached for the necklace, I stomped on his foot with my heeled boot. The necklace fell, and the alpha staggered back in pain.
I didn't hesitate — punched him right in the face, leaving him dazed. I was fuming. What the hell did that bastard want now? I should've known — things had been quiet for too long. He tried to fight back, but I was faster, landing two solid punches to his gut. His body doubled forward and I kicked his chin.
He lost his balance, stumbling to the side, trying to hold onto a stack of books, sending them crashing down. I stood over him, without a trace of remorse.
— You bastard. I know how to fight, you son of a—
Before I could finish, I felt the cold touch of the necklace around my neck. The clasp snapped shut behind me.
The counselor had come in silently, taking advantage of the chaos.
— You vile snake! — I reached for the necklace, intent on ripping it off.
— Now, Your Majesty, — the old man said quickly, trying to grab my wrist. I was about to knock them both out.
— Nunc obedire, — William uttered the enchantment.
The necklace glowed brightly.
Suddenly, my whole body relaxed, and my mind became eerily calm. I knew something was wrong, deeply wrong, but I couldn't grasp it — couldn't put it into words.
— Ah... now that's better. — William grabbed my chin, lifting my face, staring deep into my eyes. — You're beautiful. You'll serve your purpose well.
— Hmm. — The compliment sent a shiver down my spine.
But then, the alpha slapped me. Hard. I fell to the floor, holding my cheek. I knew he wasn't supposed to hit me — that coward — but I couldn't bring myself to fight back.
— And never, ever dare strike me again, you little brat, — William said, flexing his wrist as if he were unfamiliar with violence.
— Yes. — I answered automatically. I wanted to scream, to kick him right between the legs, but every time the urge rose... it vanished just as quickly.
— Your Majesty, it's time, — said the counselor with a proud, satisfied smile.
And I knew — I was completely, utterly screwed.
To be continued.