Lying in bed, lost in contemplation, Elora pondered the whereabouts of her mate. She was acutely aware that meeting him would pose an immense challenge, given his status as a prince preparing for his upcoming wedding in few days. Her wolf's yearning to see him had become a relentless, headache-inducing desire. To quell her wolf's insistent pleas, she resorted to sneaking some of his unwashed clothes from the laundry room just to inhale his scent and bring comfort to her inner wolf. Yet, she was aware that she couldn't maintain this act for long, lest the lingering scent raise suspicions and she'd feel like a pervert.
The impending royal wedding is only five days away, a reality that weighed heavily on Elora's fragile heart.
For days, Elora had been feeling a mysterious ailment. Her steps faltered, and her usual vibrant demeanour dimmed, replaced by a quiet sadness. She felt it was her body's way of showing how heartbroken she is. Most times when the wolf is heartbroken, it weakens the human.
Madam Grace noticed the subtle changes in Elora. With years of experience in the palace, Madam Grace, a woman of wisdom and intuition, observed Elora's shifts in demeanour and decided to investigate further.
One evening, as Elora struggled with her duties in the ward, Madam Grace pulled her aside into the privacy of her small chamber. Concern etched across her face, Grace spoke gently, "Child, I've watched you wither like a wilting rose. What burdens your spirit?"
Hesitating at first, needing someone to talk to, Elora eventually confided in Madam Grace about everything. Madam Grace, with a knowing look, began to connect the dots, recognizing the possibility of a deeper reason behind Elora's distress.
Madam Grace studied Elora's face and, with a knowing gaze, asked, "Have you considered another reason for your ailment, my dear?"
Confusion clouded Elora's eyes, prompting Grace to elaborate, "Sometimes, a hidden truth takes refuge within. Perhaps it's not just sorrow but the beginning of a new life."
Elora's breath caught, and her eyes widened. Madam Grace's experienced eyes had discerned what Elora herself had not yet realized.
As the truth dawned upon her, Elora whispered, "But Prince Alaric... his chosen mate..."
Madam Grace interrupted softly, "Certain paths in life demand discretion. A pregnant Omega mate is forbidden for the future alpha king. We shall keep this secret, my child, for your safety and the harmony of the pack."
Smiling beside the chamber door was Lady Erica's personal maid, Bianca, ready to share the newfound news as she ran to her Lady's chamber.
The morning sun bathed Lady Erica's skin as she stood in the center of the fitting room, the epitome of perfection. It was no wonder she had a long list of suitors before becoming a chosen mate.
After the fitting, she retreated to her room to be alone, contemplating the news she had received from her maid and plotting what to do to Elora.
"That filthy Omega is carrying the prince's child," she smirked.
Suddenly, her door flung open as one of her father's guards rushed in, eager to hug her.
"My lady, I've missed you."
She instantly pushed him away, heading to the door.
"Blanca!" she shouted, finding no response. Opening the door to check outside, she was relieved. She returned to the guard and slapped him.
"What are you doing here, Adam? Shouldn't you be with father?" she asked.
Unmoved by the slap and smiling, he replied, "I wanted to see you and hold you. My wolf and I miss you."
With a look of disgust, she retorted, "You are just a Delta, almost a mere Omega. What gives you the right to enter my chamber without permission in my husband-to-be's palace? Don't you know I'll be queen soon?"
Falling to his knees, Adam apologized, "Erica, I'm sorry. I know if I were an Alpha or Beta, you would have told the world that I am your destined mate. Instead, you lied, claiming I was dead. I'm sorry for being in a lower rank."
Smirking, Erica responded, "Well, you're dead to me, so there isn't any lie in that. You think if you were even a Beta, I would have had anything to do with you? I'm accepting only Alphas as mates; anyone less than that is dead to me."
Shivering on his knees, Adam pleaded, "But... but you marked me."
Angry, she kicked him in the stomach. "That was my wolf's doing, not mine. The stupid bitch couldn't keep her paws to herself." Within her wolf, Lyra whimpered at how wrongly her human treated their mate.
"But you aren't bad in bed anyway," she smirked.
"Stand up," she shouted as she walked towards her bed, undressing and lying down.
"Come and make your queen feel good, like you did the night you were marked."
Adam rushed to his mate, happy to be with her. His wolf was angry at how they were being treated, but there wasn't much he could do since they had been marked.
Lady Erica awoke in the dim evening light, finding herself beside her mate, Adam. A twisted smile played on her lips as she observed him, her mind filled with a malevolent plan. She couldn't resist the urge to exert her dominance.
Pushing Adam away, she sneered, "You're lucky to be by my side, you Delta. Don't forget your place."
Adam, still groggy from sleep, tried to reach out to her, but she recoiled.
"Your purpose is to serve me," she declared coldly. "Now, listen carefully. I want you to eliminate a nurse named Elora, she is the destined mate of Prince Alaric and she will be an obstacle to me. Get rid of that Omega, and make sure no one finds out."
Conflicted, Adam hesitated, his loyalty to his mate warring with the darkness of the task she demanded.
Erica's tone turned threatening, "If you refuse, I'll kill myself and you'll live a miserable life without a mate. You'll lose everything."
A mix of fear and resignation crossed Adam's face. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement.
"That's what I thought," Erica sneered. "Now, get out before anyone find out about us and do what you're told. Don't disappoint me."
As Adam reluctantly left the room, Erica reveled in the power she wielded over him, knowing she had set a dangerous game in motion.
The next day arrived, and Prince Alaric and Lady Erica were to greet the Alpha King and Queen Luna. As they exchanged pleasantries, Queen Luna, looking concerned, remarked, "My dear Erica, you seem pale."
Erica, masking her true intentions with feigned vulnerability, having put in a lot of effort to appear sick, replied, "Oh, indeed, Your Majesty. I've been feeling under the weather. A nurse would be a great comfort."
Alpha King Cedric suggested, "Why not have Elora be your nurse? She can attend to you and ensure you feel better in no time, as she is the second nurse in charge of my health."
Shocked by this suggestion, Prince Alaric felt uncomfortable with this arrangement.
Luna Queen Regina added, "It's an excellent suggestion. We wouldn't want you falling ill right before your wedding. Elora, ensure Lady Erica is well taken care of."
Elora bowed respectfully, responding, "Yes, your Majesties."
Lady Erica, secretly pleased with the success of her scheme, graciously accepted. However, she acknowledged the risk in her plan. As Elora held the position of assistant head nurse of the King, there was a higher probability that the king might offer her the role. If that didn't unfold as expected, Lady Erica would find herself with another nurse, potentially derailing her entire scheme.
"Thank you, Your Majesties. I appreciate the concern. Elora, I look forward to your attentive care."
"It's an honor, my lady," replied Elora
After the exchange of pleasantries with Queen Luna and King Cedric, Lady Erica and Prince Alaric proceeded to the grand chamber of Alpha Magnus to pay their respects.
Entering the spacious room adorned with regal decor, Alpha Magnus looked up from his throne, assessing the demeanor of both. Lady Erica beamed with joy, delighted to see her father, while Prince Alaric, uncomfortable with recent developments, maintained the expected decorum.
"Greetings, Father," Lady Erica spoke with practiced elegance, concealing any trace of the underlying tension between her and Prince Alaric.
Alpha Magnus acknowledged them with a nod and a smile, "Welcome, my dear. I'm still adjusting to the palace; it's vast and lonely without anyone to speak to. Soon, I'll pay my respects to the king and queen."
Lady Erica rushed to hug Alpha Magnus, "Father, I know if Mother were alive, it wouldn't be like this for you. But I'm sure she is happy you're here with me for my wedding."
Prince Alaric, choosing his words carefully, added, "Indeed, Father. The kingdom is abuzz with anticipation for the wedding. Please cheer up."
Alpha Magnus, a shrewd leader, studied their expressions before offering a measured smile. "It warms my heart to see you both getting along warmly. May your presence bring strength to our kingdoms."
As Lady Erica and Prince Alaric exchanged a smiling glance, each with their own thoughts.