Alpha King and I

Chapter 36: Among Friends

Cadeth helped me put on the vial necklace later that day. I've worn it since. They both have emphasized to me more times than necessary that I keep this vial on me and use it if I'm ever in danger again. Admittedly, hearing it mentioned so often can be quite annoying, especially when they don't tell me what it does or how to use it.

For now, I've guessed its some type of healing liquid or for protection and that I should just drink it, but I doubt it'll ever be needed. I've gotten quite superior in my magical abilities, regardless of my failings, and like Cadeth had said before, most people avoid me who don't like me, out of fear of him.

The festival had gotten delayed a little bit due to the incident, but was finally happening today. Although I was nervous, I was also excited about getting to participate. Instead of shifting, I decided I would give out packets of items native to earth that might be liked here. Things that normally weren't exported. I used some funds I had earned from negotiating successful terms of trade with the Serpent people of the Xue realm and the Lycaetos that live on Earth, to purchase the items. The earth king was quite surprised with my request, but happy to oblige. Cadeth was a different story.

He kissed me again, over it.

I still blush when I think about it. I just want to keep doing good, and I think I've finally got a handle on it.

Now I just needed to get into this stiff royal outfit without causing Baba too much trouble. She was already rushed enough as she was handling some of the displays that would be representing the kingdom's clan. So rushed in fact, that before she left, she tied some of the leather wrong.

I was currently fixing it. Rei chuckled slightly from outside the room.

"Is it that funny looking Rei?" Rei opened the door and looked inside for the second time. Her face was still red. She quickly closed the door.

Blurting out, "No! Your highness." But more laughter ensued. I chuckled too now. My hands fumbling as I started to fix the other side. A silence overtook us. Until I couldn't control the urge anymore.

"Rei?"

"Yes... Queen?"

"I have a weird question."

"Ready!" She answered enthusiastically as usual when we talked. Over time we had finally become friends.

My question came out fast, but clear, "How do you know you're in love?"

Rei shot back, "I'm perpetually single... so, I don't."

"Oh." I had forgotten. Her loves issues. Too complex to go into detail, but one could say that her statement was a bit underrated. Thinking about it left me distracted and for a moment I lost track of what I was doing. That is, until my fingers slipped on a particularly tight knot. My focus turned back to the task at hand as I twiddled the knot in between thumb and forefinger. Trying to loosen it as quickly as possible. After another short passing of time, Rei chirped in again.

"Is this about his highness? You finally gonna tell him?"

"About what?" My face was warm as I asked. Nervous that she had somehow already caught on to my increasingly stronger feelings toward Cadeth.

"Eh. Doesn't matter, he knows. Your poor concealing just makes it painful to watch." She has? How? I thought I hid it pretty well. Even when he kissed me the second time, I nodded politely instead of letting any sort of blush or smile creep onto my face. That was really hard to do.

Even more difficult when he returned the nod with a small flirtatious smile... and a wink. Baba was there and probably gossiped a storm over it. Wait, Baba!

I questioned, my voice slightly louder but still calm, "Has Baba been talking?"

"Of course." Rei laughed, I knew it! I really need to be more careful around Baba, Cadeth should be too. But she's so sweet and so fast, sometimes I don't realize she's dropped in until she's been there at least a few minutes. As the thoughts loomed, I finally was able to undo the knot. I re-did it with accelerated speed. Correct and in the right place now.

Rei continued, "You know you're torturing him right? You're so slow." If Rei didn't have such a soothing a voice, I swear she would have scoffed in that moment. My hands quivered a little, anxious. I stopped them as soon as I noticed the uncontrollable action. Pressing them firmly against the dress to cease their shaking. I could feel my heart sink as the words left my lips.

"I think a King has more things to worry about then my feelings. Mates don't need to love anyways, remember?" I exhaled a small breath. Maybe when we're both less busy I'll see if he has time to talk about it. After the festival should be good. I won't put any pressure on him, but I'm afraid of just him knowing that he'll pressure himself. He seems like the type. We both do. Rei pulled me out of my thoughts with an exasperated gasp.

Just barely audible whispering, "I see. He hasn't told you either..." I pressed on the door, ready and about to open it fully.

"Told me what?" I questioned.

"Thi-" Rei slammed the door in my face, startling me. I stepped back.

She began speaking agian, "One moment Queen. I smell others approaching."

Loud footsteps suddenly could be heard within a few feet of the door. Rei snarled. Speaking with an echo, in an authoratative tone.

"Back to work."

A/N: Publishing early again ^^ Hehe.