II. Ältere Clan

"You've been in slumber for a long period of time, and now that you've awakened, it's time for you to fulfill your duty, to bear the heirs of the four kingdoms."

 

I was completely dumbfounded. Have I been sleeping for 500 years? I'm not sure what this man is saying. I was with Leah and Clara just a moment ago, and it hasn't been an hour since I lay in the sacred casket. What is he talking about?

 

"I'm sorry. But where are Clara and Leah?" I asked instead.

 

I feel as if I'm going to pass out at any moment. I really don't get it. What exactly is going on? Why are there four men in my room? And why am I resting here? I'm performing a ritual in the great room, aren't I?

 

"Sorry, princess. Who are these people you're referring to?" asked the one with short blue hair.

 

"They're my personal servants." I could see different expressions on their faces as they looked at each other. Is there something wrong with my two servants? I was nervous; I didn't like the expressions on their faces.

 

"If you're referring to your servants from 500 years ago, I'm sorry to say that they are no longer here, princesses," the blond-haired replied.

 

"It's possible they were among those who died when a severe epidemic struck the entire continent of Yerech," the man with red hair added.

 

"Epidemic?"

 

"500 years ago, a devastating epidemic swept across Yerech, affecting everyone. Many people died, mostly omegas and alphas, and none of the four kingdoms' royal breeds survived. You and our ancestor, the Ältere family, are the only survivors, princess," the blond man explained.

 

My mother came from the Ältere clan. Does that mean she and my father survived? I felt ecstatic. The Älteres are considered one of Yarech's first royal breeds, and it is for this reason that my mother was chosen to marry my father, King of Magenta.

 

"Then my father and mother are still alive?" I asked, delighted.

 

"Sorry, but no. Queen Luna Ältere and King Lucas Cranach died 500 years ago, among the royal breeds of Yerech that perished due to the epidemic. The siblings Cana and Canagan Ältere, the children of Queen Luna Ältere's brother, Lobo, are the only royal breed left in the land of Yerech."

 

My shoulders slumped upon hearing the news. My parents are gone. So, I’m all alone now? No family, no friends... But I do not want to be alone. Nothing is more heartbreaking than being left behind; I would rather die with them.

 

I hugged my own knees. "But I can't live alone. I don't want to be alone," I mumbled, not realizing the four of them could hear me.

 

"You are not alone, Princess Tamara... We are here." I raised my head, and I saw their gentle smiles. "We are deeply sorry for what happened to your parents, but don't be worried; my brothers and I are here to accompany you."

 

The blond guy held out his hand, and I took it without hesitation. He gently drew me close to him and hugged me tightly. I closed my eyes, feeling his warm embrace. This sensation was familiar to me, but I wasn't sure... I remembered feeling this warmth melt my cold, icy heart once, but I couldn't recall where or how. But I like it. I like the warmth he makes my heart, body, and mind feel.

 

"We will take care of you, princess, and we will help you carry out your duty," the blond guy added.

 

I opened my eyes and pushed him away from me gently. Right, I remembered he mentioned something about my duty earlier. I thought I'd just misheard, but since he mentioned it, I'd better ask.

 

"I'm sorry, but what is this duty you're referring to? I remember you saying that to me earlier when I woke up, but I wasn't so sure what you meant."

 

He took my hand and squeezed it tightly. "The four kingdoms fell 500 years ago due to the extinction of the royal breeds; our ancestors, Queen Cana and King Canagan Ältere, as well as the four generations of the Ältere clan, are attempting to restore the balance of the four kingdoms, but previous generations have failed repeatedly. The royal breed has only had an Omega twice in the last five generations: Queen Cana and our mother, Queen Tala, who died two years ago. Of course, the princess is aware of how our species reproduces, am I right?"

 

"The Alpha and Beta females in our race are incapable of conceiving and giving birth, which means that only the Omega females can bear children," I answered.

 

"And, as the only Omega left on the Yerech continent, you are the only one who can help us restore the balance of the four kingdoms." I took a big gulp. Even though I had been imprisoned in the castle my entire life, Clara and Leah taught me things I needed to know. "Princess, you must conceive and give birth to our children, who will be the heirs of the four kingdoms and who will carry on our line of royal breeds, the leaders that will maintain Yerech's peace for generations to come."

 

I didn't respond right away to what he said. This is all giving me a headache. First, I'm informed that I've been sleeping for 500 years. Second, everyone that I was with and knew 500 years ago has died, including my parents. Finally, I have to bear these men's children. I looked up at them but quickly avoided their eyes; the intensity of their gaze on me made me feel like I was going to melt. I could feel the heat on both my cheeks. Wait a second, four kingdoms? That is to say...

 

"No!" I firmly refuse.

 

"Princess?"

 

I clenched my fists. "I-I can't do it." What are they saying? Will I be capable of conceiving their children? But didn't they come from my mother's younger brother's family? That means they're my grandchildren. Consanguinity marriage is common among Yerech royal breeds, but four of them? I can't!

 

"What are you saying? We've been waiting for you to wake up all these years, and now you're going to refuse the duty assigned to you. Have you forgotten that as the princess of Magenta Kingdom and the only Omega of Yerech, you have no choice but to give birth to our children?" the black-haired man angrily stated. This is the first time I've heard him say anything.

 

"But I can’t-"

 

"You have no choice but to obey us!" He exclaimed.

 

"Zeeb," the red-haired man called. "Let's not force it on the princess; she just woke up. She needs time for all of this." He looked at me. "I'm sorry for our youngest brother's behavior, princess. I'll get him out here so you can rest first." I opened my mouth to speak but couldn't utter a word. But I can't do what they want because my body is weak and, above all, I lack the courage to carry out this duty.

 

"Phoenix is right; you must rest first, princess. Let's talk about it again when you're ready," he said, kissing one of my hands lightly.