BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 1

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The party was growing increasingly dull, as it always did, noble ladies gossiping in hushed tones while noble men droned on about their latest ventures. I felt out of place and uncomfortable, not to mention overwhelmed by the potent pheromones wafting through the air. Pheromones are subtle yet captivating scents that enhance one's presence, drawing others in with an irresistible allure. They blend with your unique chemistry, creating a magnetic effect that feels organic and effortless, evoking curiosity and attraction without being overpowering. But when it comes to an Alpha and an Omega, those pheromones become even more potent, almost intoxicating.

"I just want to go home," I thought, feeling trapped. But my so-called fiancé wouldn't want that, nor would my father, who was hell-bent on me marrying the Crown Prince of the empire. If only he knew how I felt...

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice my sister, Iris, approaching me in the secluded corner where I had placed myself.

"Lucian, why are you all by yourself again?" she sighed, her expression a mix of concern and frustration.

"You should be beside the prince, showing your face and getting accustomed to your duties as the future queen of the empire!"

"Oh please, sister, I've had enough of this party as it is. I don't need you nagging in my ear about the duties of a future queen! I never wanted this, and I never will."

"Lucian, you have to realize that we all have our roles in the family. You are an Omega male. A rare kind, and the Royal Family personally proposed marriage to you! You, the son of a Duke! The sooner you accept that you have no choice but to marry the prince, the better. Get your act together."

She shook her head in disappointment and stormed off, keeping her social smile while chatting with the other noble ladies. Iris had always been like that. Ever since our mother(a fellow Omega) died, she had taken it upon herself to act like a mother and nag me incessantly.

I stared into the golden champagne in my hands, letting my thoughts roam free. I never imagined I would be one of those people marrying for political reasons. My world turned upside down when we received a letter from the royal palace stating that the Crown Prince wished to marry me. My father and sister were overjoyed, of course, but I felt trapped. Why would I be happy? I didn't know the prince, had no idea what he was like, and I couldn't shake the fear that he might be one of those pompous and prideful royals I had read about in stories late at night.

This was our second meeting with the royals, and it just had to be at a party. I looked up and caught sight of the Crown Prince, Aleron golden hair, piercing blue eyes, the very embodiment of royalty. He was an Alpha, a dominant one at that. I could see the envious gazes of ladies and the lustful looks of a few male Omegas around him. He was built like a tank, 6'2", with a body that would put gods to shame, all encased in his official attire. Yes, he was undeniably attractive, exuding a powerful, commanding aura.

But no matter how I looked at him, my decision stood firm: I did not want this marriage. Did I even have a say in the matter? No, because I was merely a weak Omega, and my father had the final say in the household.

Our eyes met, and he held my gaze as he excused himself from the officials he had been speaking with. He began walking toward me, and I tried my best to hide deeper in the shadows. "Stupid," I thought, as a whiff of his intoxicating pheromones reached me.

Imagine a scent that combines warm amber, soft vanilla, and a hint of musk, creating a smooth, sensual base. Lightly layered with fresh bergamot and a whisper of jasmine, it gave off an airy brightness. This was a scent that felt both comforting and intoxicating, subtle enough to intrigue yet distinct enough to leave a lasting impression. As he got closer, the scent intensified, and all I wanted was to be out of there because his pheromones smelled better than anything I had ever encountered.