Chapter Four: Comfortable With The Beta.
Chapter Four: Comfortable With The Beta.
“SHE came from a wealthy family from the West Verlice,” King Alpha Loki said. “If you all didn't know, she’s from The Hardings.”
They all gasped in surprise while I lowered my head in embarrassment. I closed my eyes tightly, getting ready for whatever they are going to throw words at me.
“She’s Peterson Harding’s daughter?” One of the oldest Royal Council asked.
I lifted up my gaze and was about to shake my head when the King gripped on my hand tightly. He wants me to stop whatever I am going to say.
“Yes.”
“But he has no daughter! Don’t fool us!”
My forehead wrinkled when I noticed a familiar voice. That voice, I heard that before. I scanned each of the Royal Council to see who was talking, and it was a man with I guess, in his 60s.
“He has a daughter, you can ask him if you want.”
They all gave us a confused look. Peterson Harding was my Uncle. He was so kind to us. After our father died, all of our relatives came to my father’s burial but none of them helped us when my mother declared bankruptcy aside from Uncle Peterson. He helped us thrice but when he knew that Mum was gambling he stopped helping.
“Yes, we can say that this woman is Peterson Harding’s daughter, but how could you marry a woman from time to time?”
“Why do you care? All you need is an heir, right? My past wives might be the ones that were barren, and not me!”
“You’ve been married for six wives, King! How could you tell us they might be barren instead of you? Your first wife is pregnant with another man now!” The oldest Royal Council shouted.
“Don’t you dare shout at me! Remember that I am still your King and you are disrespecting me for not having a child!”
My heart jumped in surprise after he shouted. His voice echoed around the room and all of them silenced.
“I never once did a crime all throughout my term. I raised this country for twenty years without causing any problems. You know how much I dedicated myself just to be the best King you wanted. And you are disrespecting me with your words. If I hear someone talk again, I won't step back.”
Instead of continuing the meeting, the King dragged me out of the room and we walked outside. I almost slipped from how fast he was walking while gripping on my wrist tightly. I want to complain but I’m afraid he’ll get mad at me. When we finally reached the balcony, he released my wrist and I quickly grabbed it to massage. It’s really painful…
“Have you ever heard of an issue regarding me?” The King Alpha asked.
I lifted up my head to see him, staring at the wonderful garden in front of us while gripping on the railings.
“They say you are a great King, b-better than your father…”
“Exactly!” he exclaimed and then turned his attention to me. “So why are they doing this to me? I’m still 38 and I can still have a child until I get old! Why are they frustrated as if I am a woman whose womb is getting older!”
I pressed my lips and remembered how all of the residents in our area talked about the King. They said he was so great, he was organized in everything and barely did anything wrong. King Alpha Loki can have a child for as long as he was living because he’s male. Then I remembered about the man who came inside my room… someone is betraying him from the Royal Council. I am not sure if it was the man earlier but his voice seemed the same…
“Shiloh? Are you listening?”
I snapped when I heard him call me.
“W-what are you saying?”
He rolled his eyes and then turned his back. “Nevermind. I’m sure you’re like my other ex-wives…”
His last word seems cold but has a meaning. I’ve heard of him marrying a woman from time to time. But his first wife was the longest. It was the former Queen, Aleeza. They said that the former Queen is his mate and he really loves her but because she couldn't give him a child and the Royal Council started to pressure him, he rejected her.
I went to my room after he left me there. The whole morning, I was just sitting down on the bed until noon came. A maidservant served me food and told me that the King Alpha wanted me to come in his room. After eating, the maidservant assisted me to the King’s room.
A woman tailor greeted me with all smiles. “Good afternoon, Miss Harding! It's a pleasure to meet you.”
“Good afternoon, Miss…”
“Lady Hudges,” she replied and then smiled.
After greeting her, I roamed around the room but King Alpha wasn't here. Instead, Beta Lincoln was there, standing firmly while his hands hid behind his back.
“It was nice to see you again, Miss Harding!” He greeted me.
“Me too…”
Beta Lincoln seems nicer than the King. He’s soft spoken although he has a deep voice. If I were to choose Beta Lincoln is my ideal man… but of course, I do not have a choice.
“Where’s King Alpha Loki?” I asked.
“He has something to do so he sent me here instead. I hope you don't mind. The tailor will measure your body, she’ll start tailoring your wedding gown after this.”
I just nodded. It’s nice that he’s here instead. I’m more comfortable with him than King Alpha. Because whenever I am with the King, my heart beats faster than the regular…
While with Beta Lincoln, everything was normal. I can also talk calmly, and he even jokes around unlike with the Alpha who has a strong aura.
I am starting to have fun measuring my size when the door opens and the King goes in. His eyes darted on me before clearing his throat.
“You can go now,” King Alpha said to Beta.
Beta Lincoln quickly bowed his head and then bid his goodbye to me before waking outside.
“Having fun, Shiloh Harding?” he asked.
And I couldn't help but feel nervous.