We were lying on the bed. Somehow, at some point, my clothes had vanished, and I was bare before someone I'd just met. It wasn't as though that was unusual for me—I'd always been comfortable with my own body and my desires—but this was different. Everything felt amplified. The scent of Alexander's pheromones felt as though they were made to blend with my skin, with my soul.
My heart pounded in my chest. I could feel the tremor of anticipation ripple through me. The Alpha stood before me, strong and imposing, his body marked with old scars that only deepened his beauty. I reached out and traced one with a fingertip, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath mine.
—We really shouldn't be doing this. —Alexander's voice carried hesitation, as if the weight of reason was pulling him back.
I didn't let it. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him, deeply, like I had known him all my life. Our tongues met, and with that connection, reason fell away. Whatever fate had woven between us, I couldn't resist its pull.
—Then don't think. Just take me. —I whispered, breathless, my voice trembling with longing.
Alexander's hands gripped my arms, firm and reverent.
—A prince shouldn't speak such crude words. —he murmured, though his lips didn't stop wandering down my neck. His fingers trailed down my spine, exploring me like he'd been waiting a lifetime to memorize every inch.
—I'm not... ah— not a prince. —I gasped, clutching the sheets beneath me. He towered above me, his body both shelter and fire.
Alphas always had a way of showing dominance—but with Alexander, it wasn't only instinct, it was worship. He held my wrists, kissed my chest, teasing with fervor, with hunger. I was swept in the heat of his rhythm, the devotion in his touch. It was intoxicating.
When he released my hands, I tangled my fingers in his hair, urging him closer.
—I want to feel all of you... now. —I breathed, barely able to contain my need.
—You used to be so shy... —he whispered, with a quiet frown of fondness.
—Wait— you touched me back then? —I froze.
—Never. I'd never lay a hand on a child. —he said firmly, meeting my eyes with sincerity. And then he returned to me, to us.
He kissed me again, this time slower, deeper. Our bodies met in a dance too old for words. Every movement was a conversation, every breath shared between us a promise. I wasn't prepared—but I didn't want preparation. I wanted surrender.
He cradled my face, whispered my name between kisses, and I felt my body unravel beneath the weight of everything he was. The sensation of being seen, wanted, held—it overwhelmed me. My hands shook as I clung to the moment.
Alexander leaned in close, his breath on my ear.
—I lose control when I'm near you. —he confessed, his voice husky, his forehead pressed to mine.
Time slipped away from us. The chamber echoed with the symphony of our togetherness—the soft sighs, the quiet laughter, the rustle of sheets as our bodies moved like waves. I didn't know how long we stayed tangled in each other, but I surrendered to the comfort of it, to the rhythm of two lives that had finally found a shared beat.
When I stirred later, I found Alexander at my side, gently guiding water to my lips and whispering that it was a potion to prevent conception—just in case. I didn't ask questions. I drank.
Three days had passed since I fled the ship. The thought of the captain discovering my absence made me want to disappear. And if he learned that I had found my fated mate—this nobleman who claimed to be my betrothed, who believed I was the true prince of a kingdom I barely remembered...
I wanted to scream. Or maybe laugh.
Why hadn't I listened to Baltazar? Why had I left the ship at all, desperate for a single night of dancing and freedom? Now, here I was—entwined in fate and pheromones, in destiny and desire.
Oh, how I hated myself for being so disobedient.
— You're finally awake.Alexander entered the room carrying a tray of food — bread, cheese, raspberry jam, juices, and cake.— You've been asleep practically all day. I was starting to wonder if I'd accidentally... broken you.
— From too much affection? — I chuckled and accepted the food, starving. I glanced at the Alpha again, who didn't seem to appreciate my joke.— …Were you expecting to find a chaste omega?
— No. But I still intend to take responsibility for what happened last night. — Alexander sat beside me, serious and composed.
— That's not necessary. Do you know how many Alphas I'd be married to if they all took responsibility? — I laughed with my mouth full, earning a visibly frustrated expression from him.— Look, I'm not the sweet little omega you met years ago. I'm a pirate now. I go to the port, enjoy myself, and move on. That's been my life for years, and I don't plan on changing that just because I've suddenly found out I might be some kind of prince.
— I see. — He seemed to be choosing his words carefully.— Honestly, I thought you were dead. And now that you're here… you're nothing like I imagined. But I suppose I didn't expect anything in particular either. Your upbringing must've been very different. Still, even back then, you weren't the gentle thing you think you were. You were always impulsive — the first omega in court allowed to train with a sword, your father's decision. Stubborn, determined, someone who broke tradition just by existing. I suppose even without your memories, that part of you remained intact. So no, I'm not shocked. But I stand by what I said.
I lowered my gaze. Maybe I wasn't the delicate flower the court had wanted. Maybe I never had been.
— You must've fought hard. — Alex gently touched my hair. I looked up, feeling the tension in my chest melt ever so slightly.
— I did. It was rough at the start. I was terrified—living on the ports as an omega. The captain took me in after nearly abandoning me. — My hand gripped the sheets, a faint tremor running through it.
— And maybe that was for the best. — Alex took my hand, his grip grounding me.— After your death—well, the supposed death of the royal family—everything collapsed. The kingdom was a mess, overrun with guards, confusion everywhere. People blamed the alliance with Diamante. The crown had to be rebuilt from the ashes.
— …What was the king like? — I hated myself for wanting to know.
— He was a good man. Just. Merciful. And he adored his only omega child. — Alex smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
— And my mother? — I bit my lip hard. I didn't really want to ask that.
The silence that followed was telling.
— She didn't care for you. Her heart belonged to your sister—the one chosen to be queen. — He didn't sugarcoat it, and I was strangely grateful for that.
— I need to get back to the ship. — I said, sitting up under the blanket. My eyes scanned the room for clothes.
— I understand. But I'm coming with you. I'm not letting you go alone. — The Alpha rose, picking out clothes that might fit me.
— What if you stayed on the ship instead? Left all this behind and came with me? — What was I even saying? I stood and took his hand.— We're fated. We were betrothed. And… last night meant something to me. I don't want to let that go. Why not come with me? — My voice trembled slightly. I had never spoken like this before.
Alexander was quiet for a long moment. The weight of his silence hung between us.
— I can't do that, Al—Darcy. — He quickly corrected himself.— I still have responsibilities to the crown, to my family. I can't walk away, even if the idea of staying with you is… tempting.
— Of course. — I rolled my eyes, dressing quickly.— I can risk everything, but you can't even consider giving up your gilded cage.
I knew I was being unfair. Our situations weren't comparable. But I didn't want to lose that feeling — the possibility of something more.
Alexander laughed softly.
— You're impossible. — he said, flashing that perfect smile.— I know I've asked too much of you, and I'm sorry for that. But I just… I want you safe. It's better this way.
— Fine, Your Majesty. — I muttered with a pout, heading toward the door.
He handed me a hooded cloak and helped me out of his estate. The mansion was elegant, noble in every brick and stone. Alexander wasn't wearing his uniform anymore. He looked like a nobleman in disguise, humble in his plain clothes. He helped me onto the horse and guided us toward the port. I wrapped my arms around his waist, holding on as we rode through unfamiliar streets.
None of it felt like home. I didn't recognize the buildings, the scent in the air, the rhythm of the city. Even Alexander's voice, familiar and warm as it was, didn't stir a single memory.
I was a hollow shell in a world that once held my name.
A guard stood at the gate, handing a letter to Alexander the moment he saw him.
— Your Grace, the king requests your presence tomorrow. — the young man said, trying to catch a glimpse of my face.
The duke handed the letter to his steward, who had followed us to the entrance.
He rode away from the prying eyes of the soldier, who stared longer than he should have. I felt uneasy for a moment, but it was easy to get distracted by the shifting landscape of the city.
There was so much poverty in the outskirts. It looked as if the center had simply swept its dirt in that direction. It was unsettling.
— Has it always been this bad? — I asked as I watched a family begging near a tavern. It didn't take long for the owner to drive them away with a broom.
— No. During the golden age, it was far better. Hardly any poverty at all. — Alexander replied, the sound of the horse's hooves echoing softly around us.
It wasn't my responsibility. I was supposed to be dead to these people.
We kept going down the road. I exhaled heavily, only then realizing I'd been holding my breath. Why was I so nervous? My thoughts went back to the soldier. Had he recognized me? I told myself I was being paranoid.
We reached the port.
— You should head back from here. — I said as we neared the dock.
— Absolutely not. I'm going with you. I want to meet your captain. — Alexander said, his tone calm, unwavering.
— Of course. And are you planning to ask for my hand in marriage too? — I teased, gesturing the direction we should take.
— And if I were? — he replied, and I could hear the smile in his voice, imagine the look on that handsome face.
I gave in and leaned closer, resting my head against his broad back. The subtle trace of his scent, that familiar pull of his pheromones, lulled me into a strange comfort.
The ride was much faster on horseback. I still didn't understand why he insisted on coming to a place filled with pirates, but I knew no one would dare touch me with an Alpha like him at my side. Still, after everything I had learned… I wasn't sure what I wanted anymore.
Was this life as a pirate a second chance? Had I already made my choice long ago without realizing it? Or was I just running away from the truth?
To be continued.