Princess Talia

[Gale's POV]

My heart hammers in my chest as I stare up at the large castle in front of me. Today is my first day as an actual guard for the king and princess. However, I have to work alongside Chance, and that in itself leaves me filled with dread and butterflies.

'We get to see our mate.' Anya purs, attempting to change my mood.

'He doesn't want us.' I remind her, causing a wave of pain to stab right into my heart. 'Anyway, we aren't here to flirt, we are here to work.'

Pushing Anya aside, I begin to move. 

Inside the castle, it is alive with servants and maids alike beginning their day. I had expected to avoid such chaos by coming as the sun rose, but it seemed everyone here was on the same schedule.

Looking around, I attempt to stop someone to ask the way, but no one pays me any mind. At least, not until I feel that all-too familiar possessive gaze resting on me from just behind.

"You're early." His deep voice rumbles from too close behind. "Are you trying to earn his graces approval that badly?"

Feeling my anger spike, I turn and meet Chance's dark gaze defiantly.

"I never thought of such a thing." I snap, crossing my arms. "I simply don't like being late."

"Mmm."

I stand there and wait as Chance watches me with an unreadable expression.

'Our mate!' Anya yelps, trying desperately to get me to reach out to him.

I ignore her and bar off my heart, reminding myself again and again that we were already rejected.

"Let's go." Chance huffs, motioning for me to follow him.

Having no reason to refuse, I begin to move. My gaze stays locked on his back as I ignore the curious gazes of those around us and their whispers of speculation.

"We will be in charge of staying by the princess's side during the day and guarding the gates at night." 

"Got it."

A sigh of relief rushed through me as I realize I won't have to be alone with Chance. However, I knew of the rumors that he and the princess were betrothed, and the thought of having to always see them together sent waves of pain crashing through me.

I hear a low chuckle in front of me, and I can't help but feel that my thoughts are leaking.

"What?" I growl, pushing aside my pain. 

"Nothing." is all Chance says before stopping in front of a large set of double doors with a golden inlay and ruby red handles. "We've arrived at Princess Talia's room."

Nodding, I listen as voices drift towards us. It seems that there is an argument happening, but I'm unable to make out all the words.

"Did we come at a bad time?" I ask as something crashes within.

"Nope," Chance sighs, pushing the door open without knocking. "Just on time."

I watch in confusion as he enters and lets out a loud cough. 

"Chance!" A bubbly voice comes from just within.

Taking a step forward, I take in the scene. A maid kneels on the ground, picking up the remnants of a vase that must have been the source of the crash that we heard earlier.

Beside her, a tall blonde with voluptuous curves and sparkling blue eyes begins to rush towards Chance, and then she is in his arms and their lips are pressing together.

'Bitch!' Anya growls, sending wave after wave of anger rolling through me. 'He is ours!'

'He was never ours.' I hiss, keeping my expression neutral.

When the woman, who can only be princess Talia, pulls away, she remains in Chance's arms, but peeks at me over his shoulder.

"Who is she?" She asks, narrowing her gaze as she sizes me up.

"She is my new second in command." Chance responds. "From today on, she will help me protect you."

"But I don't want her." Princess Talia pouts, shooting me a glare. "I enjoy having you all to myself."

"Behave," Chance gently tells her while brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Your safety is of the utmost importance. Understand? "

"Hmph, I suppose."

"Now, how about I introduce you, hm?"

"If you must."

I bite back my urge to be rude and wait as Chance and Talia untangle themselves. Once they're both free of the other's embrace, they turn to face me.

"Princess, this is Gale Renaldo. She graduated at the top of her class in the school of military and battle. She was chosen by both Gavin and your father to help me protect you."

I bow slightly at my introduction and place a fist against my heart.

"It is my honor, princess." I announced as she simply watches me.

"A woman... top of class?" Talia repeats skeptically.

"That is correct, princess." I respond, straightening out. "I have trained since I was young and devoted my life to fighting for this kingdom."

As an omega, I was only allowed two choices in life; fight or breed. Since fighting was the lesser of two evils, I decided that would be my path.

"I don't buy it." Talia growls, crossing her arms.

"How shall we prove it to you?" Chance asks, while his eyes flash with excitement.

"Bruno." Talia beams viciously. "If she can defeat Bruno, I will accept her as my guard."

"Bruno?" I repeat, flicking my gaze from Talia to Chance.

"Shall I take her to the arena?" Chance asks, ignoring me entirely.

"Please." Talia giggles.

Nodding, Chance begins to move, only stopping long enough to grab my wrist.

Stumbling, I am left to follow as thrums of torturous energy run through my entire body.

We continue to move until we are below the bottom floor of the castle, where the dungeon resides.

"Where are we going?" I ask as my anxiety begins to flare. "And who is Bruno?"

Chance doesn't respond to my question. Instead, he stops in front of a large metal door and then pulls a set of keys from his pocket.

Releasing my wrist, he unlocks the door and pushes it open enough to reveal a large dark pool sitting in the middle of a room with benches on either side.

"What is this?" I ask while waiting for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting around me.

Before Chance gets the chance to explain, a large tentacle erupts from the middle of the pool, followed by two others.

My eyes widen as the tentacles are followed by a large octopus-like head and a black hole surrounded by dozens upon dozens of sharp teeth.

I no longer needed Chance to answer my question. Bruno was a kraken, and these pyschos expected me to fight it.