The night was very long for Aurelius, and when the sun peeked through the little space in between the black velvet curtains, he was grateful. Her scent mixed with her blood lingered in his room. The feel of the delicate skin of her ankle made him wonder if that was how supple her whole body was. He spotted her sweet spot already, which was just above her collarbone, beneath her right ear. He had learned that she worked in the garden. He rang the bell to let the maids in charge of his bath in before he found himself strolling to the garden. This frail lady has a big influence on him, but he doesn't hate it. He was curious how long he could control himself from making her his. She doesn't know that she is his mate. He plans to ask Mama Rueda after the council meeting today.
The maids bowed and took their leave, leaving him all alone in the room.
The elites and the ministers in the council glanced at each other awkwardly as Aurelius entered the meeting hall, and whispers filled the air.
After all the matters to be discussed had been touched, a minister cleared his throat, signifying that he had something to say.
"Long live our source!" The minister hailed.
"Long live the great alpha king," others responded.
"We believe our great alpha has good news to share with us."
Aurelius raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"What is that?"
"You think we won't notice? You're always distracted lately, and yesterday night, you couldn't contain it anymore. Who is she? Why do you hesitate so much? Who was the she-wolf in your room last night ?" It was his Beta, Kaden talking.
"Council dismissed," Aurelius said, and everyone left the hall without protesting, even though it was evident on their faces that they were disappointed.
Kaden and Mama Rueda remained after all had gone.
"Is it true that you have met her? My source informed me that you brought a woman into your room last night. Who is she that you have to hide? You're growing gray hair already, when will you birth an heir? Till when will you leave the throne open out of the fear of something that can never happen?"
"She doesn't know she's my mate. She has no werewolf power or aura." Aurelius breathed.
"Is that even possible?" Kaden asked, amused, turning to Mama Rueda.
"I have never heard of that before," Mama Rueda reasoned.
"Can we see her?"
"No, you can't."
"Then how can we help if we don't know her?" Mama Rueda snarled, frustration evident in her voice, but Aurelius was stubborn.
"I'll sort it out myself," he said.
"How is Gamma faring?" Aurelius asked, diverting the topic.
"His condition is grave. He doesn't have much time anymore," Beta responded solemnly.
"Prepare to make his son Gamma."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Aurelius walked away, leaving the duo in the meeting hall.
"We can't let him have his way. Make sure you find the woman and bring her to me."
"Yes, my lady." Beta Kaden replied
•••
Charlotte skipped happily as she went to feed Koda. She was excited to tell him about all that happened yesterday.
"Hey, Koda." The white beast stared back into her eyes, reminding her of his Majesty's glare from the previous night.
"Now I understand why you're so magnificent. You're just like his highness. Yes, I met his highness, and he's very handsome and scary at the same time." She giggled excitedly.
Koda seemed offended that she was praising someone other than him.
"You're also very handsome too; your mate will be very lucky to have you."
"Koda, I also got my first wage yesterday. I went to the market and bought some things. I was attacked on my way back from the market. Guess who saved me? The Alpha king." She whispered.
Koda crouched silently, munching on its meal and looking up intermittently as though it was letting her know that it was listening to her.
"If only you were a werewolf." Charlotte sighed.
"I have to go now, Koda. Till next time." She said, looking at the beast fondly before walking away.
The chief stewardess was summoned by Aurelius during his afternoon leisure time.
"The chief stewardess arrives," Darius announced, and Lady Selene paid her homage to the king.
"What do you know about Omega Charlotte?"
"She is a peculiar, hardworking, and respectful young omega. She isn't very much like us, but that doesn't stop her from doing excellently well at her duties. She is also refined and diplomatic."
"You seem to favor her," Aurelius reasoned.
"Your humble subjects only seek to serve the best to our great source, our Alpha king."
"Why isn't she like us?" Aurelius finally asked.
"She has no fangs or claws, and her eyes are pitch black. She doesn't possess any werewolf abilities either apart from her quick adaptation to adverse conditions."
"Take note of her and report everything you notice about her."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Also, make her serve me at the dining table starting from tomorrow. You're dismissed."
Lady Selene bowed before leaving the throne room.
Charlotte arrived at her room at dusk only to meet a little frame pacing across her room. Her eyebrows furrowed as she glanced at the young pup.
The omega werewolf turned as she heard the door closed and she smiled brightly at Charlotte making her even more confused.
"What are you doing in my room?"
"Wow, you look very pretty. Are you a maid? Even the nobles' daughters aren't as delicate as this."
"Why are your eyes black? Are you aroused?" the teenage pup continued.
"Hey, you!" Charlotte yelled in disgust.
"Oh, sorry. I apologize. I haven't introduced myself. My name is Ella; I'm your new roommate. You seem older than I am; it's just your outrageous beauty smothering that fact. Let us live in peace and harmony."
Charlotte stared at the little girl who seemed to be in her mid-teens smiling brightly at her, her golden omega eyes shining brighter than any light she had ever seen. She could see the childlike innocence in her eyes. She still doesn't know the evils of this world. She seems like an optimistic werewolf.
"How did you get here?"
"My father sold me off after I shifted," Ella replied without a change in her countenance. How will anyone say such a pitiful thing with a smile on their face?
"Smile and live all you can now. There'll soon be so many reasons for you not to." Charlotte mumbled.
"Then I'll find even more reasons to be happy."
"You should have told your father to drop you at an inn instead. Your smile will sell more drinks."
"Is that a compliment?" Ella asked, her smile growing even wider as she clasped her palms together, placing them on her chest.
"Let's go have dinner."
Charlotte felt light at heart with her new roommate. She seemed to be a likable pup; she'd make an adorable younger sister.
"The room feels warmer with you in it; you brighten and even warm the room. That's cool." Charlotte said with a smile as they returned from eating.
"Thanks for your compliment. Were you born this way?" Ella probed.
"What do you mean?"
"Any werewolf will know you have no power whatsoever with just a glance. How have you been surviving?" Ella breathed, emotions pouring out of her eyes, making Charlotte perplexed. Why can she pity someone she just met so much?
"Yes, I was born this way, and I've lived all my life that way."
"You won't continue to be safe all the time. How do you plan to protect yourself?"
"I bought a dagger yesterday."
"Do you know how to use it?"
"No."
"Should I teach you?"
"You know how to use one?"
"Sure, my father and brothers are soldiers. I picked it up while watching them, and I practiced on my own."
"That's nice. I'll appreciate it if you help me learn to defend myself."
"Do you know about aura?"
"Yes. I do."
"You have no aura. More like it is blocked."
"What are you driving at?"
"What if your powers are being blocked by something?"
"What could it be?"
Ella shrugged, making Charlotte disappointed.
"Don't worry, sis. I'll help you ask around."
"Sis?" Charlotte repeated.
"Yes. Sis. You're old enough to be my elder sister. You'll be a cool elder sister. Your siblings are lucky."
"I don't have any."
"Where are you from?"
"That's enough questions for tonight. Go to bed now," Charlotte commanded.
"Yes, ma." Ella giggled.
The palace was filled with mourning the next morning, and sad howls permeated the air. Gamma Theron, the oldest in the council, finally passed away at an old age. He was Aurelius's father's gamma when Aurelius's father was still on the throne, and he was the only one who managed to survive during the dark times. Theron was a very valuable member of the council as he gave the elderly sage advice and taught battle skills well. His position aside, everyone in the castle loved him.
Breakfast wasn't served at the palace. The king and the nobles went to the home of Gamma Theron to grieve with the bereaved.
Theron's son, Aldric, is well above Aurelius in age, and he didn't seem to want the position of Gamma as he was nothing like his father. He didn't train as a warrior but was a blacksmith. He has a great build, but that was useless because his main role would be to teach young soldiers how to fight. He would hence only be the gamma ceremonially. The spot would still have to be filled by someone capable of the role.
Aldric finally spoke as Aurelius and his entourage set to leave.
"Your majesty, your humble subject is deeply honored and grateful for gracing my father's funeral."
Aurelius grunted in approval, and Aldric continued.
"This subject is worthy of death for he can't serve our great and mighty source valiantly like his father did."
"What do you plan to do about it?"
"Perhaps, if my Lord may, my first son has come of age for 4 years now. Unlike me, he has been training under my father, the late Gamma, since he started to walk. He may not be able to carry out the work as greatly as Gamma Theron did, but I swear that he would serve you well."
"Where is he now?"
"He is at the training ground with other soldiers. He was made a unit commander not quite long, making his duties at the palace numerous. Hence, he isn't here with us.
"Send word to him to meet me before dusk tomorrow."
"Yes, my Lord," Aldric replied with a bow as Aurelius walked away.
The sun was far dipped into the horizon, and darkness was setting in when they arrived at the palace.
The omega maids, Charlotte scurried towards the dining room, their skirts of their brown cotton dresses causing ripples in the calm breeze along the corridors. They set the table meticulously before leaving as the alpha king mustn't find them in the dining room.
Aurelius entered the hall, disappointed to find no one there.
"Darius!" Aurelius yelled, and he rushed in.
"What is the matter, your majesty?"
"Call the chief stewardess."
In less than 5 seconds, Darius was back with Lady Selene.
"Here I am, your majesty."
"Where is the omega she-wolf I told you to make present during dinner ?"
"She did serve your meal alongside other maids. It is your rule that no one must be in the dining room when you enter."
"I thought I was clear". Aurelius muttered. " Call her now."
As he sat, he thought about how terrified she was the previous night.
For some reason, he didn't like the way she flinched anytime he was near her. He drank some water to calm himself. He dropped his shoulders and took off his robe in an attempt to look less scary.
He heard her quickened heartbeat and breathless panting as she approached the door, and he frowned.
The door opened, and he scanned the scrawny werewolf trying to catch her breath as she walked towards him.