Emily and I talked for a long time that night. When I finally told her that the Crown Prince was most likely my mate, she froze in shock—then suddenly smiled, her eyes shining with happiness.
"I can't believe it," she said excitedly. "My mate and yours are best friends! That means we can stay together forever. I'm so happy!"
When I told her that Sebastian would come the next day so we could talk, she was even more excited than I was.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I truly had someone—a best friend I could tell everything to. Even though I was her maid, Emily never treated me like one. She was always kind, never judging me for who I was or for my past. She loved me simply for being me.
I suspected she knew I was an alpha… and that she was protecting my secret.
That was when I decided: no matter what happened, I would protect her with my life. She might be an omega, but she was the strongest person I knew.
After the long night, morning finally came—and I found myself impatiently waiting for Sebastian.
And then… he arrived.
I felt him before I saw him. My body reacted in a way I had never experienced before. I didn't know what would happen between us, but deep down, I felt it was worth trying.
When he entered the estate, everyone stared. Emily's parents were shocked—just like everyone else. He smiled politely and asked to speak with me, and we went outside together.
At the same time, Emily's mate arrived.
"Hello," he said confidently. "My name is Jason. I am Emily's mate, and I came to speak about our wedding. I want it to happen as soon as possible."
Her parents were stunned, then overjoyed.
"We are so happy you are our daughter's mate," they said. "You have our full support."
They immediately began planning the wedding. Jason didn't want to wait—he simply wanted to be with her.
Strangely… for the first time in her life, Emily's parents looked proud of her.
Outside, Sebastian gently took my hand, holding it tightly.
"May I hold your hand?" he asked quietly. "I won't ask for more. This is enough."
I smiled.
"Yes. You can."
We sat on a bench and began to talk.
"I'm not completely sure about my feelings yet," I admitted. "But we can try… and see what time brings us."
He looked at me as if I had given him the greatest gift in the world.
"That's the most valuable sentence I've ever heard," he said.
His blue eyes sparkled, and I couldn't deny the pull between us. One look from him was enough to make my breath hitch.
Suddenly, he moved closer, his hand sliding gently to my neck as he pulled me toward him. His lips met mine in a deep, breathtaking kiss.
"You are my world," he whispered against my ear. "I would do anything for you."
My heart was racing. I pulled back just enough to look into his eyes.
"Don't disappoint me."
"I promise," he said without hesitation.
I hesitated, then asked the question that had been haunting me.
"You know I'm not from the North. How will you explain that to your parents?"
"I don't care what they think," Sebastian replied firmly. "I'll do anything for you—as long as you're happy."