HIS DESTINED ALPHA

WHISPERS IN THE DARK

💗CH-31💗

Alec, the alpha emperor, is overwhelmed by the demands of ruling his vast empire. The throne room buzzes with activity, advisors, and courtiers surrounding him, each vying for his attention. Maps of territories, scrolls of grievances, and proposals for alliances litter the grand table before him. Alec focuses intently on the endless flow of information, but guilt gnaws at him for neglecting the one person who matters most-his lovely omega husband, Magnus.

Meanwhile, in their lavish chamber, Magnus feels a storm brewing inside him. It's been days since Alec truly spent time with him. He glances at the delicate flowers in the vase, the ones they had picked together during their last outing, and a wave of sadness washes over him. "How many times can I say I miss him?" he murmurs, frustration creeping into his voice. The silence of the room feels suffocating, a stark reminder of Alec's absence.

Magnus stands up, pacing back and forth. He knows that his husband's duties as emperor are essential, but he can't shake the feeling of being neglected. "He doesn't even realize how lonely I feel," he thinks bitterly. As he moves towards the window, he watches the kingdom's subjects bustling about, their lives continuing while he feels trapped within the palace walls.

The sunlight streaming through the window is warm, yet it feels distant. Magnus takes a deep breath and suddenly decides that he needs to escape. "I need to clear my head," he thinks, determination filling him. He walks to the stables, where Betsy, his beautiful chestnut mare, stands patiently. He quickly saddles her up, feeling the familiar sense of freedom that comes with riding.

With one last glance at the palace, he mounts Betsy and rides off into the dense forest that borders their kingdom. As the trees envelop him, he feels a sense of relief but also a twinge of guilt for leaving without telling Alec. The rhythm of Betsy's hooves on the forest floor calms him momentarily, but the anger and frustration bubble just beneath the surface.

As they weave through the towering trees, Magnus reflects on the countless evenings spent waiting for Alec to return from his meetings, his heart heavy with disappointment. "He's always busy. How can I compete with the empire?" he thinks, clenching his fists around the reins. The rustling leaves and chirping birds remind him of the laughter they once shared, the moments when Alec would hold him close and whisper sweet nothings in his ear. Now, that warmth feels like a distant memory.

After a while, Magnus finds a secluded clearing bathed in sunlight, where wildflowers bloom freely, untouched by the worries of the world. He dismounts Betsy and lets out a frustrated breath, leaning against her side as he strokes her mane. "What's wrong with me?" he whispers, feeling tears prick at his eyes. "Why can't he see how lonely I am?"

As he stands lost in thought, the rustling of leaves pulls his attention away from his worries. He turns to see Duke Henrik stepping into the clearing. Magnus's stomach tightens at the sight of him. Henrik has always been a thorn in his side, a constant reminder of the political maneuvering that surrounds their lives. The duke is charming and eloquent, but Magnus feels a chill every time he encounters him.

"Ah, Prince Magnus," Henrik says, his voice smooth and confident. "What a surprise to find you here in the forest. I hope I'm not intruding."

Magnus forces a polite smile, masking his irritation. "Not at all, Duke . I was just... taking a ride."

Henrik steps closer, his eyes sparkling with interest. "A wise choice. The forest is the perfect escape from the pressures of court life. I often come here to think." He glances around the clearing, taking in the beauty of their surroundings, but Magnus notices the way Erik's gaze lingers on him just a bit too long.