A month of arguments, and I'd failed to sway Dad. She wouldn't budge on the engagement, no matter how I pleaded. Instead, she found points that made me quiet.
Today, the entire empire glittered for my wedding—banners of silver and crimson draping spires, streets showered in petals, bells tolling across the realms.
In my private chambers, mirrors reflected a stranger—me, the Omega crown princess, adorned like a living jewel for Lady Elaine Klageter—ice-blue eyes, razor ambition, daughter of a duchy that pricked Dad's borders like a thorn.
Why am I marrying the villainess? Also, why am I the 'female' in this?
Mom fussed over me, but the real cage was my gown. It was a masterpiece of Omega bridal excess, crafted from layers of ethereal tulle and silk that cascaded like mist-kissed waterfalls to the floor.
The bodice hugged my softened curves in ivory satin, embroidered with thousands of seed pearls and silver threads forming thorny vines—delicate yet sharp, climbing from the sweetheart neckline that framed my diamond choker.
Sleeves were sheer organza, puffed at shoulders then tapering to lace cuffs that fluttered with every breath, inlaid with tiny sapphire beads evoking nightshade blooms.
The skirt billowed wide in soft pleats, slit subtly at the thigh for 'graceful' movement, trailing a five-foot train of embroidered lace heavy with crystal droplets that chimed faintly. Small flowers—white-starlight lilies symbolizing purity—were woven into my high silver ponytail, cascading ribbons trailing down.
Jewellery dripped excessively from my body—pearl-drop earrings swaying like teardrops, bracelets of linked diamonds encircling wrists, and a tiara of platinum vines crowning the orchid motif, its central gem pulsing with light.
Argh, have I really turned into a female?
I'd begged one last time to my dad as I thought that Elaine must be an omega. Dad laughed it off. "She differentiated into an alpha, Alexander. Call her fiancé now—you'll be the wife."
Mom adjusted the gossamer veil's edges with gentle fingers, its silver-star embroidery catching the chamber's soft light as I vented my frustration. "Flower, call her fiancé now... not fiancée. You'll be the wife in this union."
Why was she saying the same as Dad?
"Then why were you still calling her my fiancée until yesterday?" I shot back, tugging irritably at a loose pearl on my bodice, the bead rolling warm between my fingers before I tucked it away.
"Because you weren't Omega before—and your repeated calling just... stuck." She smiled wryly, a fond glint in her eyes as she smoothed a crease in my flowing train.
"Mom! Can't you stop this madness? It feels like she's selling me off to secure peace!"
"It's the other way around, flower," Mom smirked, her fingers deftly pinning a stray star lily into my silver ponytail, its petals soft against the ribbon. "Your husband stays here—in the palace, under our watch."
"You mean she will stay here?" My eyes widened, pulse quickening under the diamond choker's weight. "What do you mean?"
Mom's smirk deepened, a knowing curve to her lips as she stepped back to admire her work. "Your father's always been too overprotective—even before your Omega bloom. She just doesn't show it well, that's all."
"She doesn't practice sword fighting with me anymore," I grumbled, flexing my hands beneath the sheer lace cuffs, feeling the unfamiliar softness in my grip. "She even shouts at me for even mentioning it."
"She's scared of hurting you now, flower—truly terrified."
"But I'm not weak!" I insisted, voice rising, the orchid crown shifting slightly. Was my dad thinking that I am a weak omega?
"No—she is weak when it comes to you." Mom's eyes twinkled with rare mischief, her scent warming like a shared secret.
"Weak?" I blinked, caught off guard. I was confused by her words.
"Yes. We two—you and I—are the most important people in her life. When I first met her, young and brash Alpha that she was, I slapped her hard across the face and threw her flat on the training ground."
"You?" I burst out laughing, the image vivid—gentle Mom toppling the future emperor in a heap. "It's funny."
"Yes—and she let me do it," Mom said, chuckling softly, "because she was already half in love. So yes, she loves you too much to risk a spar now. Your body's still learning its Omega traits—softening edges, tuning instincts. Give her time."
It calmed me a fraction, the fire in my chest cooling to embers. Dad... weak for us? Who knew. But I am still angry with her. "Today I will marry her."
"Yes." Mom lifted the veil with ceremony, draping it over my face—the gossamer silk cool and light, embroidered silver stars sheer enough to tease my features while hiding my scowl. "You'll do fine, my brave one."
"Were you scared—on your wedding day?" Mom was very gentle... so, I don't think that she would be scared.
"I was terrified," she admitted, voice softening with memory. "But it worked out beautifully."
"Yours was a love marriage, though."
"It wasn't, flower—not at first."
"What?!"
"I met her for the first time on the day of my wedding with her. While I was waiting at the aisle, she was training at the barracks."
"What did you do then?!"
"That's when I ran down from the aisle, reaching the barracks where I challenged her for a spar, and won."
"You mean slapped her and threw her flat on the ground?"
Mom blushed, nodding her head. "Yes, I did. Your dad was a very naughty person. She made me wait because she wanted to know if I wanted to marry her, or not."
"Did she know you before?"
"Apparently, yes. She had seen me at the temple, falling in love with me instantly."
"What about you?"
"I fell for her after the vows." Mom winked, playful spark returning.
"So?" Was she expecting the same thing for me?
"I can't promise the same spark for you right away. But know this—your father will never let anyone hurt you—not Elaine, not the nobles, no one."
Mom, I am not scared of that. As for the marriage-thingy, I am scared.