Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 1412 - 11 : Family Dinner

*Saoirse*

I stared at my reflection in the ornate mirror, fidgeting with the emerald green dress I had been loaned. The fine fabric clung elegantly to my frame, accentuating curves usually hidden beneath my modest village clothes. I felt like an imposter playing dress-up compared to the royalty and nobility typically seen around the palace.

A knock interrupted my fretting. I opened the door to find Prince Rhys. He was devastatingly handsome in a black suit that highlighted his tall, muscular build. Suddenly self-conscious, I fingered my vibrant red curls, pinned up in an intricate style by Edith.

"You look beautiful," Rhys said, his intense gaze meeting mine. Heat rushed to my cheeks.

"Th-thank you," I stammered. "I feel silly wearing such fancy borrowed clothes."

"Nonsense. That dress suits you perfectly. And the clothes aren’t borrowed. They are yours to keep." Rhys’s rich voice soothed my nerves. He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

I let him lead me through the glittering palace corridors. "Where exactly are we going?" I asked. I was curious if he planned to parade me before the royal court. The thought twisted my stomach into knots.

"I thought we might dine with Daxton’s family this evening," Rhys replied. "It’s less formal than the court, and his sisters are always eager for fresh company."

I exhaled in relief. A family dinner sounded lovely after being cooped up worrying. I smiled up at the prince gratefully. "That sounds wonderful."

We drove through the picturesque city as the sun set. I marveled at the grand buildings and stylish people, a world away from my remote village. Rhys pointed out landmarks, but I barely heard him, distracted by his woodsy scent. Being near him made me curiously breathless.

We arrived at a splendid brick townhouse with brightly lit windows. Before we could knock, Daxton threw open the front door.

"Welcome." He grinned and then glanced behind him. "Girls, come say hello."

I peered around Daxton to see two young women poking their heads around a corner, blatantly sizing me up. As we approached, they stepped forward eagerly.

"Rhys didn’t mention he was bringing a guest," said the taller sister, giving him a playful smack on the arm. She had Daxton’s cheerful smile and wavy hair.

"This is Lady Saoirse of Hunter’s Glen," Rhys introduced. "Saoirse, meet Daxton’s sisters, Nicole and Bethany."

"It’s wonderful to meet you," Nicole said. She linked her arm through mine. “You simply must tell us all about yourself.”

Bethany took my other arm, steering me toward the sitting room. “Yes, please share what brought you all the way from your quaint little village.”

Over appetizers of smoked salmon, buttery crackers, and citrusy white wine, the sisters bombarded me with friendly questions about my home. Amused and touched by their fascination with mundane village life, I told them about seasonal festivals, my favorite foraging spots in the forest, and childhood legends about supernatural creatures in the mountains.

Nicole leaned forward eagerly. “Fascinating. Do you truly believe those old folk tales?”

I hesitated, thinking of the winged beast I saw. “Well, I’ve witnessed some strange, disturbing events lately.”

Sensing my discomfort, Rhys skillfully changed the subject to a hilarious mishap during his combat training the previous week, drawing hearty laughter. The familial banter swelled warmly around me, reminding me painfully of cheerful meals back home before tensions mounted. I pushed aside those worries, letting myself enjoy the candlelit dining room.

For the first time since undertaking this anxious journey to plead my village’s case, I didn’t feel the burden of it all. Surrounded by potential new friends, I was simply Saoirse again.

After dessert, the sisters challenged Rhys and me to play a board game. Caught up in their playful energy, I agreed readily. One brought over an elaborate game board. Studying the unfamiliar game pieces, I determined I would figure out the rules as we went. It delighted me to be included in the family fun.

We were halfway through the game when an attendant appeared discreetly by Rhys’ shoulder. After a hushed exchange, the prince stood abruptly, his jaw clenched. My stomach dropped, and the light atmosphere evaporated.

I murmured apologies and thanks to my hosts before hurriedly following Rhys out. In the hallway, I searched his stormy expression. “What’s happened?”

“Not here.” Rhys strode outside, tension radiating from him. We rode in tense silence to the palace. My pulse raced, my mind imagining the worst. I wondered if something was dire back in my village.

Back in my chambers, Rhys finally spoke. “I’m afraid we have an unexpected complication. Your father sent an envoy to the palace gates this evening demanding to see you and bring you home.”

Panic constricted my throat. I was only a day from pleading my case to the king. This could undermine everything. “What did you tell him?” I asked shakily.

“Only that you are here as my invited guest for an official royal audience.”

“We can’t let my father or his envoy interfere right before I present my petition. It could damage my credibility.”

Rhys nodded grimly. “I agree. You do not have to see him. I will advise him to return home and tell him you will contact your Alpha after your audience with the king. I will smooth things over with him for now.” Rhys gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Try not to worry. You should prepare to present your disturbing plight of danger tomorrow regardless.”

I knew he was right. I needed to focus on convincing King Xander of the supernatural threat facing my village. Inwardly, I worried this dramatic appearance reflected poorly on me, weakening my urgent petition before I even had a chance to fully present my case.

Exhausted from the emotional whiplash of the evening, I decided I could do nothing more that night. I needed to rest my mind and body for the critical day ahead. Rhys promised to provide an update soon.

“Why are you so committed to helping me?” I couldn’t help but ask. “My parents ignored me, but you have done much more than needed to get me in front of the king.”

“I saw it,” Prince Rhys said.

I paused. “You saw it in your visions?”

“Yes,” Prince Rhys responded. “Saoirse, if what I saw is real, it breathes fire,” Prince Rhys said quietly.

I stared at him. “Pardon?”

“In my dreams,” Prince Rhys explained, “the beast breathes fire.”

“Wow.” I was shocked at the thought of a fire-breathing monster, as though wings and talons weren’t enough. “I think you’d better send an army or something. The Strider pack isn’t exactly big.” A thought occurred to me. “You saw me in your visions too. What did you see?”

Prince Rhys hesitated.

“Well?” I demanded, an uneasy feeling in my gut.

“It burned you,” Prince Rhys said in a measured tone.

“It what?” I asked.

Prince Rhys gave a heavy sigh. “Saoirse,” he clarified, “it burned you alive.”

***

*Rhys*

I strode swiftly through the torch-lit palace corridors, my jaw clenched. The envoy from Hunter’s Glen had arrived unexpectedly, no doubt sent by Saoirse’s impulsive father against her wishes. I needed to intercept him before he could disrupt Saoirse’s critical audience with my father the next day.

As I approached the front gates, I spotted a rough-looking man arguing loudly with the guards, demanding entry. His coarse wool clothes and unkempt beard marked him as a rural villager. He was undoubtedly the envoy that had been sent.

"Let me through!" he bellowed. "I’ve come to collect my Alpha’s daughter and bring her back where she belongs."

I stepped forward, drawing myself up to my full height. "That won’t be necessary," I said sharply. "State your business."

The envoy turned to me, eyes widening as he took in my fine garments. He sketched a clumsy bow. "Your Highness. I’ve come on behalf of Hunter’s Glen Alpha. His daughter, Saoirse, disappeared in the night over a week ago. We finally received word she turned up here."

He shot an accusing look at the guards. "She claimed some monster attacked, and the prince himself summoned her. We don’t know what tales she’s been spinning, but we want her back home now."

I suppressed a flare of anger at his dismissive tone regarding Saoirse and the danger she reported. "Saoirse is here as my invited guest. She’ll return home when she’s ready and not before," I said coolly.

The envoy bristled, his weathered face turning red. "Running off to the royal palace alone... It isn’t proper."

"She is under my personal protection," I snapped, glaring until the envoy stepped back. "Saoirse has an audience with the king tomorrow to discuss a matter of utmost importance regarding your village’s safety. You would do well not to interfere."

The envoy paled slightly but stood his ground. "Her father charged me with bringing her back tonight."

"Tell Hunter’s Glen Alpha that his daughter is in good hands and will return once her business here is complete," I said. When he opened his mouth to argue, I went on sharply, "I will escort her home myself, along with an armed unit if necessary, depending on the king’s assessment of your village’s monster troubles."

Maybe it was the threat of royal intervention that gave the envoy pause, but he shifted from foot to foot before finally inclining his head. "Very well, Your Highness. I will inform her father she is delayed on royal business. But there will be trouble if she’s not promptly back to fulfill her marriage contract."

I bit my tongue to conceal my shock at the words “marriage contract” and steadied myself.

"I appreciate your understanding. Please assure your Alpha that I will oversee the matter personally. You may return home. I will send word when Saoirse is ready to depart."

With a reluctant bow, the envoy turned and headed for the stables, grumbling under his breath. I watched him go, but the tension remained in my shoulders.

For the moment, one crisis was averted, but I still felt my heart sink. Saoirse was engaged.

She had never mentioned being promised to another. I wondered if I should ask her about it but hesitated. She had not brought it up herself, so it was likely none of my concern.

Yet questions nagged at me as I slowly walked back. If Saoirse did have a betrothed waiting at home, why hadn’t he come in the envoy’s place? Any honorable man would want to ensure his future wife’s safety and timely return.

My hands clenched into fists. Saoirse deserved someone who believed in her and supported her endeavors.

I reached my chambers and began preparing for bed, trying in vain to shake off my simmering irritation. Who was I to judge customs in a remote place like Hunter’s Glen? I barely knew Saoirse, so her marital status was no real concern of mine.

Yet imagining her bound to some boorish provincial man made my stomach churn. Saoirse was brave, quick-witted, and warm-hearted. Those qualities would be wasted on a controlling, traditional husband.

With a sigh, I turned off my light and climbed into my large, empty bed. Saoirse would plead her urgent case before the king the next day. I needed to rest and give the matter my full attention. Her village’s fate depended on it.

My confused feelings about the fascinating woman asleep down the hall would simply have to wait.