BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 2

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Waking to the sounds of bustling servants, I rose from my bed and walked to the window. I stared outside, watching as the staff hurried about, busy with one task or another. The wedding was only a week away, and I felt utterly exhausted, drained from the constant appointments with the seamstress, the shoemaker, the jeweler, and an endless stream of others.

My father's desire was clear: to make this the most extravagant wedding the Eldoria Empire had ever witnessed. A fortune had been spent, and the day was fast approaching. Since the party two months ago, Aleron and I had neither spoken nor seen each other. Perhaps it was for the best. I personally preferred seeing as little of him as possible before the wedding.

I sat in the chair near my bed and picked up the small silver bell on the table, giving it a ring.

**"Clang clang."**

Moments later, Ben, my butler, entered the room. I kept my gaze out the window, my thoughts distant.

"My Lord, you called for me," Ben said respectfully, bowing with his left hand pressed to his chest.

I turned my head slightly, giving him my instructions. "I'd like a warm bath, with rose-scented candles lit in the washroom. I need to feel somewhat relaxed before facing yet another stressful day."

Ben smiled kindly. "As you wish, my lord. I will also have the maids bring your breakfast once you're done."

I returned the smile. "Oh, Ben, what would I do without you?"

"You'd probably starve to death and forget how to dress yourself," he quipped, and we both burst into laughter. Ben had been with me for many years, and though he was a beta, he always made my heat more bearable, taking care of me like no one else could.

Once the maids had prepared the bath, I stepped into the warm water, feeling instant relief as it soaked into my tired muscles. I let my mind drift, and of course, it settled on him. Aleron.

Did he hate the idea of marrying me that much? I mean, I didn't want this marriage either, but there was no escaping it. Surely, we could at least try to be civil. Yet something told me Aleron had no intention of being so.

Yes, he was undeniably handsome, but his arrogance grated on my nerves. Did he think I was like every other omega who would simply submit to an alpha's will? He was wrong. Even after this marriage, I wouldn't bow to him just because he was a prince or because he was an alpha. He would soon learn that I was not the type to bend so easily.

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"Lucian."

"Yes, Father?"

We were dining together, my sister seated across from me, happily munching on her food, while I stared down at the plate of chicken and salad in front of me. My father's voice carried a certain weight, as it always did.

"You are to be on your best behavior today. With the wedding only a few days away, His Majesty, the Emperor, has suggested that you and Prince Aleron meet before the ceremony. You two must begin to form a bond, seeing as you'll be spending the rest of your lives together."

Of course. My father had made plans without consulting me, as usual. To say I was angry would be an understatement, but defiance was not an option.

"Lucian, you will answer when spoken to."

"I'm sorry, Father," I murmured, realizing I'd kept him waiting too long.

"I'll return to my chamber after breakfast and select a suitable outfit for my meeting with the prince."