The Omega’s Second-Chance Mates

Courtship

Chapter 4

"This is for you, Lady Czerie."

A kaleidoscope of butterflies caused an upheaval ordeal in my stomach when Prince Alfonso bestowed me with a bouquet of carnations. Its sweet heavy scent and incredibly rich aroma chiselled in my head, vehemently suffused throughout my dormitory room.

"T-Thank you, Your Highness," I said in a soft tone, glancing at his beguiling face before fixating my gaze on the bouquet.

Until now, I still couldn't believe that Prince Alfonso was my mate. If it weren't for His Highnesses, Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro, I wouldn't be able to know that he was the destined person I had been waiting for.

It always made me wonder how on earth they could unleash something like this that every time they would pick someone as their victim and gamble, which was which in their lamebrained game, it was ascertained that they were the fated mate brought by Moon Goddess.

Did She bless them? Was that the reason why they were so confident in gambling everything?

"Please. Just Alfonso to you now."

My wolf stirred at such a sight to behold. Alfonso... He told us to call him by his name. That was enough to flip my heart at this moment.

After what happened at the ball party and His Highnesses' hunch was right, as promised, Alfonso started courting me. This was the first time he visited me in my dorm, which surprised me how he knew where I was residing. Or perhaps, he asked our headmaster.

I remember that night when we became the center of attraction. His Highnesses even urged Alfonso to ask me for a dance. That night was the most memorable night I wouldn't forget ever since finding him as my mate.

"V-Very well, Alfonso. Please call me Czerie." Feeling bashful, I offered my hand to him and happened to sniff this sandalwood scent which made my wolf couldn't halt from chanting 'mate' as my eyes laid on him.

My heart wouldn't stop raging inside me since having him here alone had caused my wolf to whisper some inappropriate thoughts as I shushed her from her silliness.

"Czerie..." He accepted my hand, causing us to flinch at the tickling sensation that crawled to our bodies. Just like how we reacted the first time we knew we were each other's mates, we inhaled a sharp gasp.

Alfonso stepped back with a small smile on his lips while scratching the back of his head. "M-My apologies. I did not mean to startle you."

I panicked and shook my head vigorously. "N-No. I mean, there is nothing to apologize for."

Looking at his demure behavior, the beats of my heart wouldn't halt from rolling back and forth. How could such a magnificent lycan prince ever be mated with me? Wasn't I lucky to be his mate?

To break the ice, I offered him some freshly brewed chamomile tea. Alfonso looked at his cup before his orbs met mine as he started drinking his tea, his soft chiseled features glimmered in the afternoon sunlight.

He was a dazzling, fine, new polished emerald gem crafted by the adept lapidarist and breathtaking scenery in a ludicrously beautiful ocean.

"So..."

Alfonso and I involuntarily flinched as we spoke in perfect unison. At the same time, we both chuckled.

"You first," I said, gesturing my hand.

I thought that he was going to complain that I should speak first, but Alfonso heeded my words. "I heard you are taking an archaeological program here at the royal academy. How is it?"

His words surprised me. Alfonso's tone carried neither judgment nor deflation as he knew my involvement in archaeology. Instead, a hint of curiosity lingered, causing my heart to flutter.

"I-It's been an incredible journey. The archaeological program has opened my eyes to the wonders of the past and the thrill of uncovering ancient secrets. I feel truly privileged to be part of such a fascinating field of study. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable, and the hands-on excavations have allowed me to experience history firsthand. It's a captivating adventure that I'm grateful to be a part of, and I'm constantly learning and growing with each new discovery," I answered with my utmost candid tone, my hands clasping together, feeling like my face was concealed with color.

I wanted to be sincere as much as possible. And I was engrossed in taking this archaeological program. Thanks to Alpha Orlando for the opportunity he bestowed on an Omega like me, even though I experienced prejudice because of my status as Omega. I could manage somehow.

"Then, does this mean that you are going to work in the royal palace soon? We need more archaeologists for the expedition." A hint of surprise flickered in my eyes as Alfonso's reserved demeanor melted away. His face lit up with a radiant smile, and a wave of animated conversation poured forth from him. "Perhaps, if you are fortunate, you can partake in my cousins' parties for their expedition," he added. "I am at Alistair and Alejandro's party. I hope you can be there soon."

Since this was my first time seeing this, and the fact that this was our first encounter, him being my suitor, in a fleeting moment, the impenetrable barrier that had separated us dissolved into nothingness.

"I shall give it some thought, Alfonso," I answered politely.

Our conversation started from there until we started to get to know each other. This unexplainable feeling I was now with my mate was out of this world.

Our routine extended beyond simple conversations over tea; it progressed to outings after my classes as his courtship continued. I was over the moon every time I saw Alfonso waiting for me.

"How to have one of the members of the royal lycan family be your mate, Lady Czerie? Tell us your secret," one of my class fellows asked when they saw that a single stem of carnations was on my desk.

"I do not have a... secret," I uttered, my cheeks flushing with bashfulness. My amber gaze alleviated as I marveled at its exquisite beauty. The delicate petals unfolded like layers of silk, their pinkish-white hue radiating with a captivating vibrancy. Each petal seemed to hold a whispered promise of romance and affection, emanating a subtle yet enchanting fragrance that filled the air around her. The carnations' presence evoked a sense of elegance and grace, captivating her senses and leaving an indelible impression of love's blossoming embrace.

There was no note included, but I knew very well that it came from my mate since he was the only person who knew that carnations was my favorite flower.

"I do not have a secret," I repeated with a dazzling smile plastering on my lips before looking up at them, who were now surrounding me for letting their curiosity eat their well-being.

No words to describe how ecstatic I was for having Alfonso as my mate. He was not just a sweet, caring person. He was also a dedicated, patient, and persevering one.

Who wouldn't fall for someone like him?

Yawning after finishing writing my reaction paper from one of the artifacts our professor brought to our class, I reread the effort I invested for three hours. A meticulous reaction paper must be passed tomorrow morning, so I must recheck if it was in place. The artifact shown to the class was a vase that was being excavated from one of the expeditions of Alpha King Azarius when he was 19. The item was brought to the royal academy to be used by the archaeology professors in our class.

"Thank the Moon Goddess..." The weight of the world situated on me dispersed like some gold speck of dust as soon as everything was in order. I even slouched and slid down from my seat before closing my eyes for a moment.

The soft melody of the skimming pages and more feet treading each shelve and seat of the main library became my imperishable solace. An earthy, woody scent with a hint of vanilla of the books perished the fatigue I was shouldering for the past few days because of the diverse workloads and examinations we needed to meet on time.

Not only that, I heard light footsteps strived in my direction as if that someone's vision was to approach my place. I became aware of the sound of chairs being dragged and a muffled thud, indicating that multiple individuals had taken a seat.

My eyebrows certainly met in one place in bewilderment before my ears reached for a dull vibration in front of me.

With a gradual unveiling, my eyes fluttered open, brimming with curiosity, only to land upon the solitary carnations blossom delicately perched atop my book.

My world brightened as a soft gasp escaped my lips. "Alfonso!" I murmured in a tone filled with delight, my gaze lifting in anticipation, hoping to see him standing before me.

But I only met a pair of identical men sitting across me, mischief dancing in their eyes, their impish smiles hinting at their shared secret.

"Surprise, future cousin-in-law!" they said in unison like male robins gathering in groups and engaging in a delightful symphony of melodious songs.