The golden rays of the setting sun gently touched the glamourous castle of Wrisian, enhancing its charm. The castle stood tall, raising its head high in the sky amidst the plain. The sky coloured its hues into orange, ready to welcome the darkness of the evening. The emperor strode forwards on his horse while his companions and knights followed behind him, guarding the carriages.
Upon seeing the emperor, the guards opened the gate of the fortress, welcoming the lord of their land. As they entered the city, the flower petals showered. The citizens of Wrisian cheered their emperor, crying his name. Chin propping up, the emperor strode forward proudly while the golden sun rays fell on him, making him look like the invincible creature of the world. The knights smiled, feeling elevated upon being welcomed so warmly by their people.
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the protector of Wrisian!"
"Long live Wrisian!"
"Long live the knights of Wrisian!"
The cheerful voices of the people reverberated in the air, making the atmosphere look so joyful. Pushing the curtains to the side slowly, Alexina peeked from the window of her carriage. Putting her hands on the glass window, she gazed outside. Her brows almost disappeared into her hairline while her jaws slacked upon seeing the festive atmosphere.
Wow! Everyone seems so happy; it's so warm. Everyone seems to cheer from the bottom of their hearts. Alexina thought, looking at the cheering people. It looks like they love their emperor really a lot.
Soon they reached the castle. The gigantic gates of the castle opened to welcome their emperor and his companions. The butler, servants and maids stood along the side, bowing to the lord of Wrisian. Most of the queens stood on the balcony, enthusiastic to see their husbands after a long time, while some were eager to meet the new bride. Queen Maeve Stark and Queen Lilith Talon stood there to welcome the lord and the new bride.
Upon reaching the castle gates, Alastair pulled the reins of the horse, causing it to halt. Getting down from the horse, he walked to the carriage.
"Lady?" He uttered in a deep voice, causing Alexina to quickly open the door. He helped her to get down from the carriage, walking to the entrance of the castle with her hand in his.
Getting out of the carriage, Uphara smiled when she saw her son helping the newly wedded wife. Adjusting her shawl, she strode forwards.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Queen Maeve Stark bowed to Uphara Grimald. With a gentle smile plastered on her face, she asked, "how was the journey?"
"Everything is fine," Uphara replied, nodding briefly. "Take care of the emperor and the new queen. I'll get some rest."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," doing a small curtsy, Queen Maeve bid goodbye to her.
As the Emperor stood at the entrance, both the Queens dipped their bodies downwards by bending their knees while the butler and the remaining people bowed to their lord.
"Welcome, Your Majesty."
"Mn." Alastair hummed, letting go of his new wife's hand. Glancing at Queen Maeve, he spoke. "Show her her room. I'll go in first."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Queen Maeve replied in a gentle tone. "I'll be there shortly."
Nodding, Alastair walked inside, followed by a few maids. The entire time Alexina stood there, hanging her head low, fidgeting. Because of her low self-esteem, she couldn't dare to raise her head to look at the mighty queens. Biting her lower lip, she clasped her hands tightly.
"Welcome to Wrisian, Queen Alexina Clarke," Queen Maeve smiled gently. "I am Queen Maeve Stark, the chief queen of Wrisian."
"G-greetings, Your M-majesty," Alexina bowed to the Queen, being afraid of her own shadow.
"Greetings," Maeve smiled. A slight frown appeared between her brows when she noticed that Alexina was slightly trembling. "You are a bundle of nerves. Don't be nervous." Putting her hand gently on the other lady's cold hands, she continued. "We are like your older sisters. Don't be scared. You might be on pins and needles since you are new here. But, trust me, you will feel comfortable soon." Brushing her thumb against Alexina's hand, she tried to assure her. "You might be feeling tired after such a long journey. Why don't you take some rest?"
"T-thank you for y-your concern," Alexina replied in a low, shaky voice.
Lips curving upwards into a bright smile, Queen Maeve glanced at Queen Lilith. "Queen Lilith, can you please help Queen Alexina with her room? I have to help His Majesty."
"Yes," Queen Lilith smiled.
"That's great," Maeve smiled back. "I'll be taking my leave." Glancing at Alexina, she spoke. "You can reach me anytime if you feel any discomfort. Take care." Nodding briefly, Queen Maeve went inside.
"Welcome, I am Queen Lilith Talon, the third wife of His Majesty," Lilith introduced herself.
"Greetings, Y-your Majesty," Alexina did a short curtsy. "I am Alexina Clarke."
"Let me show your room, "Lilth's lips curved into an obscure smile, as she gazed at the woman from head to toe. "Follow me."
"Y-yes, Your Majesty," Alexina scurried, following the Queen.
As they were walking along, Alexina gaped at the lavishly decorated interiors, exuding a magnificence that could only be of the castle of Wrisian. Most of the furniture seemed to be exported from other lands. The foreign silk curtains embellished the castle. There was a sweet floral fragrance, making the atmosphere even more pleasant.
It's completely different from the castle of Dralia. The bright lights, the warm atmosphere, everything makes the castle look so lively. Alexina thought, following the older lady like a curious puppy. Perhaps this is why the Castle of Wrisian is compared to heaven.
Soon they entered the royal harem- the area where countless queens were waiting eagerly to have a glance at the new queen. As Queen Lilith was guiding the new queen, all the queens stood aside, paving them a path. Alexina could feel the hateful gaze. Subconsciously, she tried to stick to Queen Lilith since she had her heart in her mouth.
"Don't stick too close to me," Queen Lilith glared, causing Alexina to stand a bit away from her.
"S-sorry," Alexina uttered, biting her inner cheek, feeling a bit guilty.
"This is your room," Lilith suddenly stopped, causing Alexina to bump into her.
"Sorry," Alexina muttered, caressing her nose.
Walking on small steps, she glanced at the room. Her jaws slacked upon seeing the elegance of the room. The room was so spacious, unlike the one in Dralia. There was the sweet fragrance of flowers in the air. A soft smile appeared on Alexina's lips. She closed her eyes briefly, feeling the aesthetic atmosphere.
"I wonder how His Majesty tolerated you," Lilith's one side of her lips curved upwards in disgust. "You are neither too beautiful nor intelligent." Walking towards her, she leaned in, keeping a few inches distance between them. "You are more like a fragile doll that will break if handled roughly." Smirking, she took a step back. "The Emperor exactly hates fragile people. He believes in the words which go as 'weaklings should be eliminated'."
A thunderstruck Alexina stood there, speechless. Her hands felt weak, hanging on the sides. She thought that the people of Wrisian were warm, unlike Dralia. She even considered Queen Lilith Talon as her sister. After receiving such warm treatment, her words felt like someone had stabbed her heart with a sharp knife.
"What's wrong, dear fox?" Lilith's lips curved upwards into a vicious smirk. Glancing at her nails, she continued. "Aren't you happy to deceive His Majesty? Did you think that you would become the Luna of the kingdom or something?"
"I-I never had such an intention!" Alexina blurted out, clutching her gown tightly. "I didn't deceive His Majesty."
"Hah! Deceiving is a matter of time," the Queen snickered, shooting daggers at her. "It's impossible that a woman with the bloodline of a fox will never deceive the emperor."
"I won't ever deceive His Majesty," Alexina stated, her voice contoured with determination.
"I could care less if you deceive him," Lilith rolled her eyes, visibly uninterested in the other woman's words. "Just don't you dare to interfere between the position of Luna and me." Exhaling, she shrugged her shoulders. "Suit yourself, Queen Alexina Clarke. I am taking my leave." With a short nod, she walked out of the room along with her maid.
Alexina let out a deep breath, understanding the situation. She shook her head, before slumping on the royal couch.
I thought things would get a bit easier. But it seems like I have just changed places, the environment remains the same. Alexina thought, throwing her head back, trying to relax.
"Your Majesty, I am Asa Jay. I will be serving you." A maid's cheerful voice was heard, making Alexina look at her. "Would you like me to help you with your dress?"
"Nice to meet you," Alexina smiled, getting up from her couch. "I would love it if you helped me."
With a smile, the maid helped her to change into simple clothes, helping her to get comfortable with the environment.
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"Asa, do you think His Majesty will like this?" Alexina inquired, sitting in a room where she was supposed to have the first night.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Asa Jay replied softly, assuring her. Combing her long, black hair, she smiled. "You look so pretty."
"Thank you," the queen smiled, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear.
"I think His Imperial Majesty will arrive soon," Asa said, bowing to the Queen. "I am taking my leave."
"Mn." With a smile, Alexina nodded.
Sitting alone in the gigantic room, she absentmindedly kept staring out of the window. A small smile appeared on her lips.
Will His Majesty look at me if I stand in front of him like this? These clothes look so beautiful. Asa's choice is the best. Alexina's lips curved upwards into a bright smile as she was lost in her thoughts. I don't know why, but when I saw him for the first time, something in me moved as if my conscience was telling me that this man wouldn't hurt me. Don't tell me that the emperor is really my fated mate!
She gasped at her thoughts, unconsciously releasing her pheromones, filling the room with the gentle fragrance of lavender. While running her slender fingers through his hair, she didn't notice Alastair who had just entered the room.
No sooner had the scent of the pheromones of the omega assaulted his nostrils than Alastair gasped, taking a step back. His brows knitted into a deep frown as he realized that his bride wasn't a mere princess with the bloodline of a fox but an omega- the class which he had hated the most!
"You are an omega?" Alastair muttered, feeling the anger gushing through his whole body, making him tremble in rage. "How dare you lie to me? How dare you deceive me?!"
"Y-your M-majesty?" Alexina at once stood up, trembling like an autumn leaf. A sudden fear engulfed her as she didn't expect to get caught this soon. Her breathing became heavy as soon as she recalled the consequences of the deception of the duke of Dralia "I-I can e-expl-"
"You damn traitor!" Alastair roared, clenching his jaws. "Since Dralia dared to play games with me, now you will suffer the consequences." His wolf growled in anger, sending shivers down her spine.
"Your Majesty, pleas-"
Before she could complete her words, an enraged Alastair threw his hand, unconsciously summoning the fire with his hands. His senses getting clouded with anger, he dashed out of the room without noticing what he had done.
Meanwhile, the fire formed a circle around Alexina before the room started to catch on fire. A helpless Alexina fell on the ground, yelling for help. The black smoke started to flood in the gigantic room. She could feel that the heat around her could melt her body in the burning flame.
"Help! Please, someone, save me!"
Her painful screams, which echoed mercilessly in the room, couldn't bring in anyone who could save her.
Because of the enormous black smoke and lack of oxygen, she started to feel dizzy. Her eyelids started to feel heavy while her body felt like it was about to melt in the flames. Her screams slowly started to become inaudible before darkness invaded her senses and she became unconscious.