The Alpha's Temptation

The night of the capital of Draka was like stars on the earth. Each and every house, street and garden were lit with thousands of candles and lanterns.

The throne hall was filled with courtiers of the Draka Kingdom and all the royals of other kingdoms. Every chandelier was lit with hundreds of candles. The arched windows were open and flags bearing the embroidered emblem of Draka Kingdom, a dragon, were hung over the arches. A long red rug was spread right from the entrance to the dais where the thrones were set. Thick aroma of sandalwood hung in the air.

All the people were talking about the richness and grandeur of the palace and how beautifully it was decorated. King Eridanus was standing with his wife and both were looking tense because their daughter was nowhere to be found. They had talked to King Eltanin about the marriage alliance. Though he had said that he would inform his parents about it, there was no move in that direction.

As for Princess Tarazed and her parents–they were least bothered. They were not going to embarrass themselves with Petra’s stupid tantrums.

Everyone was waiting for the king and queen of Draka to make their official entrance. As soon as the royal couple entered, everyone became quiet. Their eyes were fixed right on the king and the queen. The parents followed them inside.

Lusitania was looking stunning beside a very handsome Eltanin.

She was wearing a cerulean silk gown with crystals encrusted in it. Her golden hair was gathered in a low bun. She was wearing a diamond necklace that reflected seven colors on the creamy skin of her neck. The long diamond earrings flanked her crane-like neck. Wearing the crown of the queen, Tania walked with confidence with her arm curled around that of her husband’s.

Eltanin was wearing black trousers with a white shirt and a red cape that was pinned on both the shoulders. Blue aether spilled from his eyes and as he walked with his bride on the red carpet, there were so many silent sighs from the ladies that didn’t go unnoticed by Tania. Though she was again jealous as to how they openly swooned over him, she controlled her emotions and plastered a smile on her face.

As soon as they reached the dais, the High Priest of Draka chanted holy hymns and conducted a small ceremony. Once it was done, the priest announced, “The king and queen will now take vows in front of all the royals of Araniea.”

There was no such plan initially, however, after what Tania saw, she had sent this message to the priest.

Tania’s gaze went to the curtains on the first floor of the rooms that surrounded the throne hall and from where the nobility could also see the event. Behind the white gauzy curtains, she made out Flora. She was standing with the jar in her hands that contained two frogs.

Tania turned her gaze to her mate and whispered, “You vowed to the Lore, remember?”

His lips lifted in a smile. “Yes, love. Now tell me what vows I have to make.”

Tania held his hands and squeezed them gently. Then in order for all to listen, she increased the pitch of her voice and said, “My dear husband, do you solemnly swear that you will remain by my side throughout my life.”

Eltanin grinned as his affection reached his eyes and manifested on his face. He gazed at his beautiful fae wife for a long time and then to everyone’s surprise, he sank to one knee in front of her. He knew that Tania was feeling jealous of the princesses around her. The feeling was mutual. He had seen many princes stealing lusty glances at her. She was just the most beautiful girl in all of Araniea and he was one lucky bastard to have her as his mate.

Holding her hand, he said, “I vow to the Lore that I will remain by your side as long as you live and then will follow you to the fade.”

The audience in the throne hall, especially the women, gasped. The Draka King just made a vow to the Lore. Something which was so dangerous that no one dared to do. They looked at the fae queen who was smiling.

Tania continued, “I also want you to remain dedicated to me and never take another wife.”

Eltanin’s eyes widened with stunned surprise. He never knew that the solution to his problem was lying right in front of his eyes. When Tania had said about the vows, he thought they were something she wanted to boast in front of all, and he was game. In fact, even he wanted to boast about their relationship. But this? This was precious. Tania took care of his ‘alliance with marriage’ problem with a simple vow. He was going to give it to her.

Suddenly, a faint noise of frogs croaking came from somewhere. The palace was getting infested with frogs. He focused on his wife and said, “I vow–“

The croaking sound became louder.

Eltanin whipped his head and looked sharply at the guards, who flinched. They had to find frogs who had got inside the throne hall! Some of them started looking for them.

Eltanin turned his face back to Lusitania and repeated, “I vow to the Lore that I will never take another wife in–“

“Noooo!” A sharp screech came from behind the curtains above. “Eltanin. Don’t!” Two women shouted.

But Eltanin didn’t see them. He continued, “–in this life, not even a mistress.”

“Eltaninnnnn!” Eri’s voice came from behind the curtain. She was naked. She covered herself with the curtain and only projected her face, but her naked silhouette was visible by others.

“Calaman’s horns!” People collectively muttered, shocked as hell.

Eri shouted, “Lusitania is a fae! She has connived you into a vow. You don’t make deals with faes. Don’t you know!”

Another woman shouted, “Yes, do you know she converted us into frogs?” It was Petra.

Furious as hell, Eltanin yelled. “Guards! Seize them!”

Both the kings of Eridanus and Aquila were petrified.