His Father's Mate

NAYA

The courtyard smells like late summer-sun-warmed roses and freshly trimmed hedges, with the faint scent of rain still lingering in the air. I smooth down the hem of my worn out dress, my fingers are trembling slightly as I stand at the edge of the shaded garden. I'm not usually called on like this, Princess Lira rarely wants my presence for anything that isn't an errand or chore, and never with such...unusual care.

"Come closer, Naya," Princess Lira says, her high-pitched voice smooth yet instills fear in me.

I step forward cautiously, my gaze flickering from her to the small set-up before me. A small picnic has been arranged under the sprawling willow tree at the center of the courtyard. There are cushions in deep shades of crimson and gold, scattered across the grass, surrounding a low table filled with delicious-looking pastries and a silver tea set. The aroma wafts into my nostrils and I begin to salivate.

The Princess lounges on one of the cushions, her golden hair casting the sunlight like a halo around her head. She looks every inch of magnificent, draped in a soft lilac gown that emphasizes her graceful yet curvy frame. Her sharp eyes lock onto me, a smile tugging at her lips.

"This is... beautiful, Your Highness," I manage, my voice is barely above a whisper. My heart is thudding loudly in my ears, threatening to break out of my chest.

She laughs lightly, waving a manicured hand with long, pointy nails. "Don't be shy, Naya. Sit with me."

The invitation catches me off guard. I hesitate, glancing at the other servants hovering near the edges of the garden. They avoid my gaze, their faces are carefully neutral. Something isn't right.

"I insist," she adds, her tone firmer now like she is scolding a child. "Today, you're my guest."

I walk towards the cushions, cautiously lowering myself on the one opposite the Princess, I am unsure yet compliant as I am meant to be.

I fold my hands in my lap, conscious of the stark contrast between the gorgeous dress of the Princess and my simple, patched clothes. Princess Lira moves slowly and delicately as she pours two glasses of tea, she reminds me of flowers dancing in the wind. She leans back and studies me like a predator evaluating its prey.

Her tone is surprisingly warm as she says, "Naya, you've served me well all these years, always quiet, always loyal. I've been considering it and I have decided that I should give you a reward."

I blink, uneasiness twisting in my stomach. "Your Highness, what do you mean by reward me?"

Although it doesn't reach her eyes, her smile gets bigger. "You have served as my handmaid for a very long time. I should give you the chance to climb above your status. It will be the right thing to do."

The heavy, charged words linger in the air. I look at the princess and trying to figure out what is brewing in her mind.

"I don't understand."

Lira puts down her teacup and leans forward, her face becoming more gentle and almost loving. She says, "The Draevenmoor Pack," as though that clarifies everything.

My breath catches. Our sworn adversaries are the Draevenmoor Pack. I get shivers just thinking about the name.

Lira goes on to say, "They've demanded a bride," her voice fading to a whisper. "A sacrifice for peace. Zareth, their Alpha, is adamant on getting married to the Princess of Varethorne in order to make a treaty."

I sense the blood dripping out of my face. "But, Your Highness, you are the princess."

Lira's laughter is soft, almost musical, but there's an edge to it-like silk hiding a blade. "Exactly. And as much as I adore my people, I can't fathom sacrificing my freedom for someone like Zareth." She tilts her head slightly, her expression unreadable, eyes glinting in the dim light. "Which is where you come in."

The ground seems to sway beneath me. "Me?" I barely manage to ask. Maybe my ears are finally betraying me.

"Yes, you." Lira lifts the lid of a small velvet box, in it are a set of diamond jewellery.

The necklace gleams in the light like frozen stars, the earrings are so delicate yet impossibly detailed, they look like shooting stars. She holds them out to me, her gaze and hands are steady. Mine are a shaky mess; both gaze and hands.

"These are yours," she says with a small smile. "A gift to mark your new role. You will take my place, Naya. You will be the princess of Varethorne-the bride of Draevenmoor's Alpha."

My fingers curl into the fabric of my dress, gripping the hem so tightly my knuckles ache. "But... I'm not a princess. I'm-"

"You're perfect," Lira cuts in, her voice is firm and insisting. "Who else could pull this off better than you? You've been by my side for years, Naya. You know how I walk and how I speak. With the right dress, the right jewels..." She lifts the diamonds just enough for the light to catch, making them shimmer between her fingers.

I shake my head, my pulse pounding in my ears. "Your Highness, this isn't-I mean, I can't-"

"You can," Lira snaps. She is like a blade, sharp and final. "And you will. Do you really think this is up for debate?"

The words knock the breath from my lungs, leaving me frozen. The garden feels smaller, the air too thick, like the walls are pressing in.

Lira sighs, her tone softening, turning almost sweet. "Just think about it. No more scrubbing floors, no more hauling my gowns. You'll have a palace, your own servants. You will be treated like royalty."

"But it's a lie," I whisper with my throat tight, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lira lets out a soft, amused chuckle. "And? Does it really matter? Zareth won't care, not if the treaty holds. And let's be honest, Naya-this is the best offer you'll ever get."

I stare at the diamonds, my mind is racing. A part of me wants to reach out, to grasp the jewels and accept Princess Lira's offer. I've spent my whole life being invisible and ignored, barely treated better than the animals. This can be my chance to be someone.

But the cost...

"What if they find out?" I ask with my voice trembling.

"They won't," Lira says firmly. "You're smarter than you think, Naya. And if you play your part well, no one will ever know."

I glance around the courtyard, my eyes linger on the other servants. None of them will meet my eyes. They all know, I realize. They've set up this picnic, this illusion of generosity, to ease me into the trap.

My hands shake as I reach for the necklace, the diamonds are cool and heavy in my palm. "Why me?" I ask softly. "Why not someone else?"

Lira's smile is sharp. I have always envied her beauty, but now, she looks deceitful like she is leading me to my death. "Because you're expendable."

The words cut deep but they are familiar to me. I push out a breath, gathering myself.

I swallow hard, my fingers tightening around the necklace as if the pressure could keep my emotions in check. I know my place in the pack, know the invisible line between the omegas and everyone else. But hearing it said so bluntly, so cruelly, made it feel like a fresh wound.

"I see," I whisper, my voice so quiet it was almost lost in the rustling of the trees.

Lira leans back against the cushions, her posture is relaxed now that she has succeeded to sway me. "You're not a fool, Naya. You know what this means for you. You can stay here and waste away in the shadows, or you can seize this chance to be something more."

I lift my gaze, searching Lira's face for any sign of hesitation, any flicker of doubt. There was none. Her expression is calm and composed, her eyes aee cold and calculating. She truly believed this was a kindness-a reward.

"Do I have a choice?" I ask finally, my voice steadier now.

Her lips curve into a smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course. You can always refuse, but..." She trails off, gesturing vaguely to the courtyard around us. "What kind of life would you return to? The same life you've always had. Scrubbing floors, fetching tea, enduring the scorn of anyone who feels like giving it. Is that really what you want?"

The question settles heavily on my chest. I think about the long days spent in silence, the aching in my hands from endless work, the looks of pity or disdain from those who consider themselves above me. Lira is offering me an escape, a way out of the cycle that had defined my existence for so long.

But it is a gilded cage, wasn't it? Trading one set of chains for another. Only these chains will be heavier, the stakes higher.

"What about my family?" I ask, desperation creeping into my tone. My parents are long gone so my aunt and cousins are the only ones I have left.

Lira tilts her head, feigning sympathy. "Your family will be taken care of. They'll live comfortably, free from the burdens of their omega status. You'll be giving them a better life as well."

It is a tempting thought, and she knows it. I can feel the pull of it, it is a clever manipulation, designed to weaken my resolve.

"And what if I fail?" I press, my voice firmer now. Confidence is taking root inside me.

"You won't," Lira says almost smugly. "But if you're so concerned, let me assure you-the Draevenmoor Pack won't break the treaty over something as trivial as that. If Zareth discovers the truth, he'll simply... adjust."

Adjust. The word hangs in the air, ominous and undefined.

My fingers tremble as I place the necklace back into its velvet box. "You're asking me to give up everything I know. My identity, my freedom. To live a lie, day in and day out, surrounded by enemies."

"I'm asking you to be brave," Lira corrects, her tone soft but insistent. "To rise above and take control of your destiny."

No, she's asking me to be the lamb going for the slaughter rather than her.

The words ring hollow in my ears, but they stirred something deep within me...

She leans forward, her eyes are locked onto mine. "This isn't just a burden, Naya. It's an opportunity. You could be someone important, someone powerful. You could change your fate."

She stands abruptly, brushing invisible dust from her gown. "Think it over," she says, her voice lighter now, almost casual. "But don't take too long. The Draevenmoor emissaries will be here in three days, and they'll expect a bride."

With that, she turns and walks away, leaving me alone in the courtyard.

The servants begin clearing the picnic, their movements are brisk, as if they couldn't bear to linger any longer. I remained on the cushion, staring at the box in front of me.

My mind swirls with conflicting thoughts-fear, anger, curiosity, and something I couldn't quite name.

Three days. That is all I have to decide.

Will I trade my life as an omega for the role of a princess?

Do I dare step into the unknown and risk everything for a chance at something more?

As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard, my heart slows into a tempo; I already know what my choice will be.