— There's a small possibility. We can't dismiss the fact. Your Grace, did you truly find the pheromones pleasant?
I had called a pheromone specialist before my meeting with the kingdom of Diamont.
— Ah, yes. — Normally, other alphas' pheromones caused me quite some discomfort. Nothing too alarming. I could take some doses that helped me with morning sickness and that repulsion. But only Alex's pheromones made me feel good. Normally, the baby would reject anyone who wasn't my destined mate.
The specialist, Kalisto, took notes as I spoke. He asked me to describe the smell of the pheromones. "Dry wood and dew," basically. While Alex's scent was like wild lilies. I knew my own scent resembled sunflowers. I nervously fiddled with the pen. I didn't know what having a second mate would imply. I had no interest in Cabelian—in fact, I just wanted him gone from my kingdom as soon as possible to end the mess.
— We can consider the possibility. And since you're pregnant, Your Grace needs to be careful with other alphas' scents, or the unlinking of that scent. — Kalisto was serious about his conclusions, like a typical scholar, a bookworm.
His tattered clothes smelled of mold from spending so much time cooped up in a rat hole full of books. The clothes were poor quality. His disheveled hair showed a lack of self-care, and even his nails were stained with ink from his note-taking dedication.
— Are you telling me that the departure of the prince of Diamont could cause reactions in me and the baby? — I was shocked. I knew I shouldn't spend time away from Alexander. I needed his pheromones every day.
— Yes, Your Grace. It may be uncomfortable, but I'll be investigating with the help of your doctor. If you can bring the prince here, I would greatly appreciate it. — The man in his forties spoke as if it wouldn't cause a diplomatic problem.
Alexander stood silently with his arms crossed, clearly irritated. I could see from his bitter expression that he didn't like the idea. Who would? Honestly, it still felt crazy. But it could be true, and I didn't want this problem on my mind anymore.
A few minutes after being called, Cabelian Mahad appeared, looking like he knew exactly what was going on. I stared at him for a long time, analyzing his clothes and body. There were tattoos on his neck and one around his wrist that caught my attention. The symbols reminded me of something. I had been to Diamont before. The kingdom was mystical and magical, more so than Raviera. Most nobles bore tattoos representing their families and lineage, and that seemed to be the case with the alpha before me. His confident gaze showed his arrogance.
— Your Highness, can you release your pheromones intensely? — the specialist asked.
My doctor stood close by, since any change could harm the baby if it rejected the pheromones. Alexander also stayed nearby, as if wanting to protect me.
The prince released his scent, spreading throughout the room. Both doctors were betas, so they wouldn't be affected by the strong smell. Alexander, however, was defensive, hating the feeling of being intimidated by another's pheromones, but he stayed firm, even as I noticed his urge to leap at Cabelian.
My reaction was different. My whole body suddenly ignited. My face flushed, and I began to release my pheromones in response, completely instinctively. This shouldn't happen. In a normal situation, I would feel repulsed, step away, maybe vomit and leave. The counselors had to take doses to inhibit their scents when dealing with me. Other alphas weren't allowed to release their odor near me. The repulsion was always controlled, especially since alphas normally didn't affect me. But in that moment, my body completely reacted.
I noticed a subtle shimmer in his clothes, but it wasn't something I focused on. I was entering heat, induced by his scent. Panting. My mind gradually lost focus.
— STOP NOW! — Alexander shouted at Mahad, who immediately toned down the scent. My fiancé caught me in his arms as my pupils dilated. The desire made me stop thinking. If Alex had done this, he'd be in the same embarrassing situation. I gripped his clothes tightly.
Cabelian stepped back and let the alpha pass. I couldn't precisely say what happened next. Alexander took me to the bedroom and had to calm me down. He released his scent, completely overshadowing the prince of Diamont's. I just let myself get intoxicated and be held in his arms.
I needed it. Even if we couldn't have sex, we could still touch, and that's what Alexander did—asserting his dominance, biting my neck, my shoulders, and my swollen, sensitive chest. Caressing inside me with his fingers until he left me exhausted. I couldn't maintain coherent thoughts or form sentences. I was anesthetized by the intoxicating heat of two alphas filling me with pheromones. It took a while to recover—mainly because my body was craving both, not just Alexander.
— You are mine, Darcy, and no one else's. — Alex said possessively, holding me tightly. I tried to stay awake, but it was impossible.
—I slept through the entire next day. Alexander came to see me but acted strangely and distant—feeding me without really looking my way. After dinner, I exploded.
I tried to be patient. Of course he'd be upset, but I couldn't take the blame for his immature behavior.
— You know damn well this isn't my fault, right? Fuck. — I threw a pillow at him, annoyed.
Alex looked away.
— But what are you going to do about the circumstances? — the alpha asked hesitantly.
— I don't know. Send him home? Damn, I don't know. I didn't even know it was possible to have two destined mates. It's not my fault. You know what? Forget it... Fuck you. — I got out of bed, grabbed my robe, and left.
Alexander tried to follow me, but I told him off, politely shouting for him to leave me alone.
I went to the area where Baltazar was. The castle was grand and pompous, more like a palace if not for the walls around and the mountain behind that protected us from land attacks. Corridors of white marble, statues and armor, paintings by great artists made in different times. All the frames that had my brother were removed, leaving only those made before his coup.
The huge windows showed the courtyard, some showing the gardens. Strangely familiar. I felt I'd walked those halls many times, exploring secret rooms. I used to fear getting lost, but unconscious memory helped me find my way without aid. I felt like I'd run so much through that castle, hiding in secret rooms, escaping through windows, even climbing the hedge near the courtyard—just wanting to train and avoid etiquette lessons.
I remember my mother scolding me, and my father holding back laughter beside her. The lectures were never harsh, since my father softened any punishment I might have.
I barged into Bob's room without asking or knocking. The beta was kissing one of the kitchen staff, completely focused on his work. They both jumped when they saw me enter.
— Your Majesty. — the woman exclaimed, startled.
— You can grab your clothes and leave. Don't worry, I'll pretend I didn't see anything. — I gave her a mischievous smile.
The beta blushed deeply but went toward her quarters as I entered the relatively luxurious room. Baltazar had said if they were staying, they wanted the simplest accommodations possible. That's what I got—and it was more than what we were used to on the ship or at inns during our travels.
— Did you have to do this right now? Your Majesty. — Bob said with a mocking tone, making a face.
I threw myself onto his sofa.
— I need to escape my responsibilities, and I can't drink cachaça. Since I arrived, I've been sober, and it's killing me. No rum, no nothing. — I rolled my eyes as Bob started getting dressed and sat on the chest in front of the bed, closer to me.
— What's going on? I heard some rumors from the staff. — Bob said, curious.
— Apparently, I have another destined mate. And Alex is freaking out because of it. Honestly, I don't care about Mahad. Actually, I'd prefer they just leave. But I have a meeting with the king and his son tomorrow. — I growled irritably. — And it's my fault to have someone else compatible with me? Doesn't mean I'm going to be with them…
— And did you explain that to your fiancé, or did you just curse him for feeling bad about the situation? — Bob looked at me like he already knew the answer.
— HE KNOWS. — I said loudly and exasperated. — He knows. — I sighed. — Maybe I should reinforce those words then? I don't want misunderstandings between us. I'll talk to him later. For tonight, I want to sleep here.
— Sure, like old times. — Bob changed the bed sheets.
I threw myself beside him, closing my eyes, trying not to think about all the shit that was about to come. Being a destined mate didn't mean you had to be in a relationship, but… there were still consequences to our bodies, and that scared me—especially carrying a baby inside me.
— Remember when we went on that desert adventure and I almost died? — I asked Bob before finally falling asleep.
— Of course, I was desperate when you collapsed convulsing on the ground. If I hadn't died there, Baltazar would have definitely killed me. — Bob laughed remembering, though he knew it was a desperate moment.
— There were magical runes there, do you remember anything? — My memory was vague, my body flooded with adrenaline, unsure of what was happening around me.
— No. — The beta tried to think hard, but nothing came to mind.
— Never mind. — I thought about the circumstances a bit. — Bob, don't you want to stay here? By my side.
— What? — Bob looked surprised.
— I could give you a title, you'd be my companion, someone I trust to take care of my routine and schedule. It's a demanding job, but I need to choose someone soon, and you're the most trustworthy person. I know how organized you are, and I want you to become the court accountant or something like that. — I wanted Bob with me. — I can give you a title, a nice house, and you'd stay here.
— I don't know, Darcy. I'm clumsy and chaotic. — He sighed.
— You could be my chief of the king's personal guard then. — I tried to persuade him. — It can be whatever you want, you don't even have to do much, just stay here with me.
— I like chief of the guard. I'm a good swordsman and can accompany you all the time. — Bob seemed excited. — I'll talk to Baltazar tomorrow.
I could feel the relief of something good finally happening. I slept well that night, with the hope that I wouldn't be alone.
Early the next morning, I spoke with Baltazar. He didn't care about Bob staying and I expected that. I also gave him a mission since we were leaving soon. The crew had received supplies, new clothes and boots, as well as a larger expedition ship flying Raviera's flags. Special permissions were granted. That morning, I asked Baltazar to join me for breakfast, and after checking what I needed, I accompanied him as he departed the port with a small entourage.
Bob stayed behind and was to be announced as my chief of personal guard.
The problem came at lunch. There, Mahad and his son Cabelian Mahad waited patiently, and I couldn't avoid them. Alexander and Theodor would also attend, as well as other council members. And, of course, I invited Bob because I wanted him to start getting familiar with the environment. Also, since I was upset with Alex, I wanted some support.
— I believe we can negotiate the peace agreements, Your Majesty. — The king said as he laid out some documents before me.
We were seated opposite each other, while the others stood. Bob wore clean, much better clothes, had received a new saber from Alexander, and looked more like a soldier than a pirate. He tried hard to keep a stern posture. Both Cabelian and Alex stood by their respective kin, the latter closer to me as my fiancé. The council members stood to the side, waiting.
— Well, I'll reiterate the proposal to return the city that previously belonged to Diamont and was taken by William. And to reestablish trade relations, mainly exporting cotton and corn, gunpowder derivatives, minerals, and others. Importing poultry, eggs, glass, and magical items. — I had rehearsed several times, and learned about our past trade relations. Alexander also helped me.
— It would be a pleasure to resume the process discontinued by the former king. However, I still insist on a political union. And it is even more necessary given that Cabelian is also your destined mate. — The king smiled slyly.
— I'm sorry, Your Majesty. — I tried to be as cordial as possible. — I understand what it means to have destined mates. However, I do not plan to have a concubine under my current circumstances. I know traditions allow it. Still, it's not like I care much for traditions, right? Alexander will be my only husband.
Mahad took a more defensive stance.
— I ask you to reconsider. — The man said as if he could convince me. — It would be a remarkable alliance, especially when speaking of the future of our two nations.
— I imagine so. But my position is firm. I will be king with only one royal consort by my side, my primary destined mate. — I stated without hesitation or regret.
Before the king could protest, Cabelian gently touched his father's shoulder, as if telling him to back down. Mahad let out a brief sigh and returned to his previously cordial smile.
— Very well, Your Majesty. We will formalize the peace agreement. But if you change your mind, you know where to find us.
— Of course. — I said with no intention of changing my mind.
We signed the peace, trade, and political agreements. Finally, one less problem in my head. Mahad and his son left by the end of the day. There was a celebratory lunch for the new agreement and announcements to the people that Diamont's trade was open once again. Many merchants were pleased, including farmers and nobles who could make purchase agreements and travel between Diamont and here.
— I believe that was a bad idea, Your Majesty. — The voice came from the pheromone specialist. Kalisto had been studying all this time in the castle.
— Just get me medicine and potions; I'll be fine. Talk to my doctor. — I dismissed the man who had been hovering around me all day until we finally met at dusk.
The garden calmed me somewhat. I was sitting there. Wearing lighter clothes than usual, but still as elegant. Tight brown leather pants, polished black boots shining bright. A red button-up shirt and a corset that was looser now that my belly had begun to grow.
I heard footsteps. No one had permission to disturb me in the royal garden, except one person.
— I thought I'd find you here. — Alex sat beside me on the bench. He looked up at the surrounding trees, lush and beautiful, though soon to fade as autumn approached.
— Yeah. — I stared at the knot of my fingers. — Yesterday, I didn't make it clear why I was upset about being avoided. But I wouldn't do anything to hurt you. My feelings are for you... Alex. — I sighed.
— I know, but... — The older one raised his hand to his head, as if carrying something heavy in his heart. — It was stupid of me to act childishly. We are destined mates. Since you were young, you always admired me. My presence in your life was of someone highly skilled who wanted to spend as much time as possible with you. And that changed when we met. Of course, you didn't remember me. The fact that you were willing to leave, abandon me, and chase your dreams and freedom, leaving me here... It made me think that maybe your love for me was just an obligation because we were mates. But for me, I loved your younger version, admired your fire, and regretted not reciprocating more. I lived a torment for four years, thinking I would never fill the void in my soul. When we met again, I loved you once more — impulsive, foul-mouthed, brave, admirable, kind, and passionate. Versions of you I didn't know, I loved every part, even the parts that conflicted with me.
Alexander let out a bitter laugh.
— When another destined mate came along, I felt insecure and thought I could be replaced, or that you might accept someone else because of the status of destined mate. — He smiled awkwardly.
— Alex. — I looked at him, a little shocked and embarrassed. I touched his hand gently. — I'm madly in love with you. There's no one else on my mind. Cabelian is just someone who happened to be compatible with me and nothing more. I love you, damn it. — Admitting my true feelings was almost embarrassing. — Look, I don't love you because of your pheromones. When I first saw you, I felt a spark beyond my gender, as if something inside me suddenly caught fire. And over time, I realized I could only think of you. I wanted only you, no one else. Do you think I never considered dating another alpha when you were giving me the cold shoulder? — I said, irritated and embarrassed. — But it wasn't that... I don't want Cabelian or anyone else. I want you to be my lifelong mate, to stay with me always. Got it? No chance of liking anyone but you, Alexandre Belatrinelatrin.
The alpha just hugged me tightly, wrapping his strong, muscular arms around me. He smelled my hair and neck firmly. His pheromones were so good...
Yet something felt strange. I didn't feel completely satisfied, as if a void was beginning to grow in my heart and mind. I held him tighter, wishing it was just my imagination. Everything was fine. If it was the absence of Cabelian's pheromones, I could handle that for the rest of my life. I only wanted Alex, and I could be happy.
I hoped so.
To be continued.