Strong hands pressed against my arms. I tried to focus, but there was a strange buzzing in my head from the alcohol that I couldn't ignore. That man, notably, besides being a soldier, was a noble. His attire was far superior, there was a distinctive symbol, and he wore a signet ring from his family. His skin was as dark as night, his eyes a bright honey color, and his brown hair was tied in a bun atop his head. His lips were full and inviting. I could only smell a sweet, woody scent that almost made me melt with the sudden contact. He was tall and strong, with a square jawline and perfect teeth. The voice uttering incongruous words (in my head) was so perfect. I was practically melting against the man's body, even knowing I could wake up in a cell.
I had never felt such a profound resonance in the presence of an Alpha as I was feeling at that moment. It was as if small sparks emanated from the fingertips that grazed my skin, leaving the area tingling, and I wasn't even being touched directly because of the fabric of my clothes.
I think my mind was drifting, because the Alpha's words weren't being fully comprehended by my brain. Noticing my lack of response, the man looked around. He took my wrist and pulled me in some direction, which I followed. My instincts told me not to. But what were instincts good for when you were completely inebriated?
I could easily defend myself. Draw my sword and cut his hand, but I was curious. Besides, I didn't know if it was the effect of the alcohol, but there was a distinct possibility that this man was my destined partner. I thought it was a silly notion that some people talked about. It's so rare it almost never happens. And suddenly I was feeling so many emotions at once. It seemed my life had turned into a minstrel's poem.
We entered through the back of a very beautiful house. I wasn't understanding anything.
— Are we going to make love? — I asked in a daze. I received no answer. I had never entered such a beautiful mansion.
There were no people on the streets at that hour, and the area we were in was clearly more secluded. The Alpha knew where to go and guided me from behind, avoiding any staff or guards. We entered through the kitchen, passing through a corridor. Without much care, we went up the staircase, and as soon as we reached a sort of washroom, the man grabbed a bucket of water and threw it in my direction. I was startled and almost fell to the floor. The beautiful clothes I had bought were ruined.
— What the hell are you doing? — I was still under the influence of alcohol, but the man seemed satisfied.
— You finally seem to be able to hear me. — He said. However, he held my arm and began to examine my tattoos. My white clothes were now transparent, revealing my body art. — Oh, heavens, are these real? How did you... adorn your body like this?
I pulled my arm back and pushed the Alpha away as I stepped out of the washroom. I looked around, and it was a beautiful room.
— Shall we... explore our compatibility? — I asked, slightly euphoric. I wanted so much to experience that connection.
The room was very beautiful. Austere. Large. The bed, with its fragrant and clean sheets, drew my attention most, and the enormous window, covered by a curtain, opened onto a balcony. Some books on the shelves, a rug covering almost the entire room. Undoubtedly a noble's house.
— No, of course not. — The man said with a resounding voice. — You are Albertin, I'm sure of it. But you should be dead.
— Sorry to disappoint you by being alive. — I walked around the room very curiously. There was a door revealing an enormous wardrobe. Various garments for different occasions, predominantly black. And the family crest, with the drawing of a tiger.
— And I have no idea who Albertin is.
— ...You're a few years older, but I'm sure, I couldn't forget your face in a million years. — The man approached, took my dreads, and lifted them, exposing my nape. — And the three moles are here.
I jumped forward in surprise.
— What's with all this familiarity? — I stared at him, completely oblivious to what was happening.
— ...You really don't remember me? Who you were? — The man began to pace nervously back and forth. I looked for some clothes I could put on at that moment.
— No, no. — I took off my shirt and corset, putting on a white, buttonless V-neck shirt. — And I'm not interested in that. — I also took off my pants and boots. Remaining only in the shirt, there was nothing in that wardrobe that would fit me.
I finally emerged from the closet, and the other man seemed incredibly flustered.
— Have you no modesty? — He brought a hand to his own face, embarrassed.
— We seem to know each other well, and you're my destined partner, aren't you? Or am I too drunk? — I went to the bed and threw myself onto it. I grabbed the sheet, wrapping myself completely like a roulade, with only my face exposed.
— My name is Alexander. — The voice suddenly said.
— Alex. — I mumbled before simply blacking out in a stranger's house. It wouldn't be the first time anyway. How many times had I woken up in some strange Alpha's house after drinking more than I should have? I lost count. Honestly, I didn't want to know what he had to say, and if I woke up first, I'd escape at the first opportunity. I knew having a destined partner was rare and all that, but I could live without it. Even if it was against nature.
As soon as I opened my eyes, a headache hit me hard. I started to raise my body and noticed the Alpha was standing with crossed arms, staring at me with such intensity that I thought he would pierce my skin. He handed me a glass with a kind of ginger tea.
— It's good for hangovers. — His words were drier.
I drank without saying anything. Thinking I had lost the opportunity for a clean getaway. I accepted the mug and drank. It was bad and bitter, but I tried to grimace as little as possible as I swallowed it.
— You really don't remember anything? — The man sat beside me. His hair was long and straight, tied in a braid. He was strong, and his clothes showed his musculature. He wore only a long-sleeved black shirt, rolled up to the elbow, and loose, dark pants, all made of fine linen. He was much more at ease. That man was undoubtedly strong and very attractive.
— No, nothing at all, and I particularly don't want to know. It will only bring me problems. — After this situation, maybe it would be better to stay on the ship for the rest of the weeks. — And I need to go.
— No. — Alex said quickly. — I mean, you're not my prisoner, but it's dangerous for you to walk around the capital; if someone recognizes you, it will be your end.
— Oh, sure, thanks for making me even more nervous. Are you also one of those who want to kill me, by any chance?
— No! — Alex said quickly before I could even finish what I was saying. — No, I don't want to kill you; on the contrary, I want you alive and well, with all your rights guaranteed before the court. Albertin...
— Darcy, my name is Darcy. — I made a gesture with my hand towards him and placed the cup on the bedside table.
— ...Darcy? — The Alpha placed his hand on his smooth chin.
— Yes, Darcy. — I was still sitting on the bed. — Call me that.
— Darcy. — The Alpha seemed to be searching for patience, which made me smile even more amusingly. — Back to the point. I know you're not interested in your past life. But it's important to know that here in Raviera, you are in danger. If anyone else were to recognize you, you would be at risk. And remaining ignorant will prevent you from knowing when you might be attacked or not.
That noble was right. In truth, I didn't know what I was so afraid of. Perhaps losing the life I had built until now. With great sacrifice, I had earned the respect of my companions. I was free to be with whomever I desired, to drink, to gamble, and to fight with anyone who crossed me. Reckless, impulsive, and full of freedom. I knew that the moment Alexander opened his mouth and told me who I was, I could lose everything.
— ...You have a reason that's quite difficult to argue against. — I let out a heavy sigh.
— It's better than being attacked and not knowing where it comes from. — The Alpha seemed much more serious. He still looked at me incredulously, as if wanting to know if it was real. — I really thought you had died. — He lowered his head for a few moments. — And... I'm glad you haven't.
For a few moments, I felt my heart tighten. I was usually a very rational person, despite being chaotic and impulsive.
I reached out my hand to his shoulder and patted it affectionately, even if I felt awkward. The noble gave a soft smile when I did that, as if remembering something.
— Your name was Albertin Gracy August of Raviera, the youngest son of the August family and the Prince of Raviera. — Alexander said with a certain intonation, and I was shocked. I didn't expect to be someone so important. I imagined being from a count's family or even a duke's, but never royalty. — And currently, the one governing the kingdom is your middle brother, William Miley August of Raviera, also known as the king's bastard.
My head began to pop with questions and disbelief.
— You... You're saying I'm in danger, right? This guy, William...
Claro, vou traduzir este trecho com as adaptações solicitadas, mantendo o foco na tensão dramática, na revelação e no conflito emocional do protagonista, enquanto suavizo qualquer conotação sexual para uma abordagem mais sutil e literária.
— He tried to kill you years ago. — Once again Alexander lowered his head. — The royal family suffered an attack, and only William survived, which is why he was able to claim the crown. The Diamond kingdom organized a coup and tried to kill all members of the family to take the kingdom, but William survived and managed to expel the regicides before there were more deaths. You were one of the victims of the attack, and you fell off a cliff, which is why everyone thought you were dead.
It was too much. I brought a hand to my head, trying to process his words.
— And the attack was a lie? I mean, you said William tried to kill me. — I commented. I thought my parents might be alive somewhere looking for me, and suddenly my entire family was dead. I felt such a strange sensation, a sudden anguish and sadness.
— Yes. — There was something that man wasn't saying. — William truly attempted a coup, and it was effective in its objective. Everyone thinks Diamond is an enemy kingdom, and now we are at war. But your presence changes everything.
— Of course. I have a target on my back. — I suddenly got up from the bed. — I don't want to know. Oh, man. I should have listened to my father. — I rolled my eyes, searching for my damn clothes.
— Wait, you can't just ignore everything I just told you. — Alexander approached, grabbing my wrist. I looked at him with intensity and anguish. But I closed the distance between us and kissed his mouth with fervor. Slowly easing my tongue. The older man, despite being surprised, didn't seem inclined to push me away. He let me explore every curve of his lips. It was so good. I had wanted to do that since the moment he first held me. Enjoying his lips slowly until I finally pulled away.
It was like floating. I never thought kissing my fated partner could be so wonderful. My lips were still tingling slightly.
— And yes, I'm going to run. — I smiled softly. — Too bad we met under these circumstances.
— Wait, you can't just leave. — Alex seemed stunned by the sudden situation, but his hand, which held my wrist, slid down to my fingers and intertwined. I admit I blushed. I felt like I was flirting for the first time again, and it made my heart pound.
— I don't understand, do you want to protect me or not? — I asked, dumbfounded.
— Yes, of course. I'll provide all the protection, but you need to claim what is rightfully yours. — He squeezed my hand more firmly. — It's sudden, but you can reveal yourself, that way you wouldn't have to run.
— Oh, darling, you expect me to just kick down the palace door and say: hey, I'm the lost prince...? — I made a face, imagining the situation. — No, thank you, I have no interest in governing, and even less in coming face to face with a psychotic madman.
— You don't care about what your brother did to your family? — Alex seemed shocked by my conclusion.
— Oh, no... Well, no. They are strangers. I know it was cruel and all that. It's just that I found truly good people who took me in and care for me. — I smiled, trying to sound convincing, but this seemed to irritate Alex.
— Pirates? They're just dishonest bandits who sail, pillaging and stealing. — He said with disdain. I chuckled when he finished his complaint.
— And you thought you'd offend me by saying that? I am a pirate, not a prince. Sorry to disappoint your expectations, rich boy, but I'm not doing this. — I finally pulled my hand away. Starting to put on my pants that were hanging.
— You can stop the war, make everything different. William is a tyrannical and cruel king. — Alex seemed desperate, and it was endearing.
— You just called me a dishonest bandit. — I put on my shirt and fastened the corset. — I won't be any different from my brother.
— You will. — Alex approached, and I had to lean my body against the wall. — Even if you've lost your memory. I know you, I know how impetuous, courageous, and very impulsive you are. I also know your favorite color is green. I know many nuances and the way you fight with agility compensating for strength.
I admit my face took on a reddish hue after the sudden declaration.
— Were we engaged? — It was a relevant question. I knew nothing of my past. But Alexander felt somehow right, fitting perfectly with me, and I couldn't tell if that was a good thing.
— Yes, we were engaged. — The Alpha confirmed without hesitation. — Not only that. I trained you for a year, I was always with you... But I failed to protect you in the end, and I won't forgive myself. I can't let you go; it's not just about politics. I don't want you out of my sight again.
I admit Alexander was excellent with words. I embraced his neck and kissed him once more because I was truly touched by what he said, not realizing I was being enveloped by the intense scent of pheromones and an even greater urge to stay in that room, forgetting all the relevant revelations I had just heard. What mattered to me was that I had an attractive and wonderful betrothed, ready for me.
Continues...