Hey y'all, today's chapter is a bit special....
I hope you'll like it.
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"Do people always fall in love with things they can't have?'
'Always,' Carol said, smiling, too."
-Patricia Highsmith- The Price of Salt
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-Hassan-
The ride to the prince's mansion was silent — only the small rocks under the wheels, the horses' hooves, and the distant noise from the busy streets of the pleasure quarter soothed my growing anger.
Aside from the occasional glance of curiosity from one of the younger men in the squad, none showed real interest in me.
I exhaled. I could only think of the clients who had witnessed the scene — amused by my condition, no doubt. They loved to criticize their women and omegas for gossiping, yet tomorrow I would be the subject of every whispered conversation. My hands ran through my hair as anxiety began to twist in my gut.
All I could think about were the consequences for my family. My father would be furious — not at the rumors themselves, but at what they implied about our status. That his son was just like his foreign parent: a whore.
Dad would be sad, but he wouldn't show it. He hated being at the center of attention — not after what happened when they got married and started their family. The criticism, the scrutiny, the disdainful looks… all because he dared to marry the man he loved.
We were approaching the prince's estate, and I was already thinking of what I'd scream in his face. But to my surprise, the carriage didn't stop at the main entrance. It rolled deeper into the gardens of the property. When the man I assumed to be the chief of the squad noticed my confusion, he nodded to the soldier at my right.
The man grabbed my arm — then another one did too.
I shouted, confused, demanding to know where they were taking me as they dragged me out of the carriage. The chief took a torch and lit it.
We entered a tunnel at the back of the mansion. The stench of dirty water, waste, and blood attacked my nose. The air was humid and heavy. Under my feet, something slimy stuck to my shoes.
Only when we went deeper into the tunnel did I understand where I was being taken. The chief walked with confidence, the torchlight revealing the damp bricks along the walls.
The sound of dripping water echoed through the tunnel, mingling with occasional grunts and whimpers that grew louder as we advanced.
Iron bars appeared on both sides of the passage. Not all the cells were occupied — from what I could see in the dim light, only two were inhabited.
The chief opened one, and his men shoved me inside. I fell face-first into a pool of mud and other things I didn't want to think about. The men behind me laughed.
I slowly got up, wiping my face.
"I wish to speak to His Highness," I said, looking the chief dead in the eyes.
He smirked. "They all do, young squire. They all do."
They laughed again but left this time. I shouted after them, demanding answers — confused by the actions of my so-called husband.
After a few minutes, the only response to my cries was the sound of dripping water.
Exhaustion finally settled in. I slumped at the back of the muddy cell, where a few strands of straw had been thrown about. My eyelids grew heavy, and I fell into the world of dreams.
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-Alexander-
The first rays of sunlight that passed through the heavy curtains felt warm on my face. The silky sheets covered my naked body — the woman was already gone. Errol knocked and entered the room.
He greeted me with a small bow, and I smiled back.
"Forgive my childish behavior yesterday, my dear friend. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again," I said, my head still resting on the soft pillow. He nodded, smiling faintly.
I got out of bed and entered the adjoining room — my personal bathroom, which I had designed myself. The walls were adorned with paintings and sculptures by talented artists.
The bathtub stood at the center, bathed in golden light from the rising sun.
Errol was soon followed by two blushing maids. He shooed them toward the tub, and they began filling it with warm water.
I stood before the tall mirror framed in gold, studying my reflection. My face bore my mother's cold eyes and my father's warm features. Wild red curls framed my sharp jaw. My body was still toned, but since I'd begun taking my medication, the skin on my stomach had started to loosen. I brushed my fingers across it.
It was warm and soft. I wondered if it would feel even warmer with a small life inside.
Errol called my name softly. I turned toward the tub as he poured water over my hair.
"Mister Allcar is here, Your Highness."
"Good," I said. "Tell him to wait in my cabinet."
"You probably should agree to his proposition, Errol."
He suddenly stopped his movement, then after a second, continued to brush my damp hair.
"He is the only man who truly has eyes for you. He's a smart man, quite handsome, young, and rich."
I finally turned to look at him. In his pensive eyes, there was only pain and sadness.
"You're lucky to find a man with a title who truly loves you," he whispered. "You should accept his proposal."
I got up and exited the bathroom.
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-Errol-
It happened during the ball. I didn't know His Highness was aware of it.
We were strolling in the garden while the aristocrats gossiped about the arrival of a foreign princess.
Mr. Allcar was calm, as always. A very tall man — not as tall as His Highness, but still imposing. His green eyes looked at me, piercing through me, as he gave one of his usual gentle smiles.
In the darkness, the torches cast a warm glow over the garden, glinting softly against his smooth black skin.
I felt him get closer, my heart speeding. He caressed my dark hair, which I had braided for the occasion. His hand glided along my ear and finally took my hand in his.
He led me toward a bench of dark stone and asked me to sit. Then he took out a small box from his pocket and asked a question I never wished to hear in this lifetime.
"Errol, my dear friend… accept this ring as a promise of my love. Will you marry me?"
My heart swelled with emotion, aching to give in to the love I felt for him. But he already knew the answer — just from the small, sad smile I gave him.
I looked at the small box and the beautiful, delicate ring. A small diamond, and a dragon carved into the band.
He sat beside me and let a sigh escape the lips I longed to kiss. I leaned my head on his shoulder and felt his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.