Prince Asher

ALTHEA

When I open my eyes, it takes me a second to remember where I am. The bed feels too soft, the room too quiet. Slowly, the events of last night come back to me.

I turn my head, expecting to see him, but the other side of the bed is empty. A strange mix of relief and irritation washes over me. Good. At least I don’t have to deal with the awkwardness of morning-after small talk.

But then my gaze lands on the bedside table. There’s a bag sitting there, tied neatly with a thin cord. I pick it up and open it, and my heart sinks. Gold coins gleam inside, a sharp reminder of how much of a horrible mistake last night was. What was this supposed to be? Some sort of cheap pay?

Anger bubbles up, hot and fierce. I shove the bag back onto the table, my fingers trembling. I won’t let a single night of foolishness define me. And the only upside to this is that I’ll never have to see him again.

I dress quickly, my movements stiff with frustration. By the time I pull on my boots, I’ve pushed the memory of the man from last night, and the coins, out of my mind.

***

The car arrives past noon. It’s sleek and black, the kind of vehicle that makes everyone on the street turn their heads. I step outside, where the rest of my family is waiting.

Father’s face is tight with worry, his eyes scanning me as if he’s memorizing every detail. “You’ll be okay,” he says softly.

I nod, though I’m not sure I believe it.

Lila stands beside him, her expression smug. She doesn’t say anything, but her silence is louder than any words. Madeline, looks downright pleased, as if this is some kind of victory for her.

I give them a small wave and climb into the car, ignoring the knot in my stomach.

As the car pulls away, I glance out the window. The streets are alive with activity. Other cars, identical to mine, line the roads, each one carrying a girl like me. Some are crying, clinging to their mothers and refusing to let go. Others look indifferent, their faces blank as they say their goodbyes. A few even smile, excitement shining in their eyes.

I sink back into my seat, trying to steady my breathing.

When the car finally stops, I step out and freeze. The palace towers above me, impossibly large and intricate. Its white walls seem to glow in the sunlight, and the tall spires reach for the sky like they’re trying to touch the clouds. The gates are wrought iron, curling into delicate patterns, and the gardens beyond them are bursting with color.

I force myself to move forward, my steps heavy as I cross the threshold.

Inside, the hall steals my breath away. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their light spilling onto marble floors that gleam like glass. The walls are covered in carvings and paintings, each more detailed than the last. Gold accents glint from every corner, catching the light and throwing it back in soft, warm tones.

It’s beautiful.

And suffocating.

I feel small here, like the palace is swallowing me whole.

The hall is already filled with women, all dressed to perfection. Their gowns shimmer with silks and jewels, their hair styled into elaborate creations that make me self-conscious of my simple braid and clothes. I’m wearing the best dress I have. A simple red dress that used to belong to my mother.

Whispers reach my ears, sharp and cutting.

“She’s a lowly omega, What chance does she have?”

“Did you see her dress? How embarrassing.”

I grit my teeth, trying to ignore the stares. My hands clench at my sides as I move further into the room.

At the far end of the hall, a group of girls, daughters of high ranking officials stand, their presence commanding. They laugh together, their confidence shining brighter than their jewels.

The urge to disappear tugs at me, but before I can slip away, a loud voice cuts through the room.

“You’re honestly trying to compete in that?”

The room falls silent, all eyes turning toward the source of the voice.

A tall Beta with fiery red hair stands at the center of the room, glaring at a young girl whose dress is plain and ill-fitting. The girl shrinks back, clutching the fabric as tears well in her eyes.

“This isn’t a village fair,” the Beta sneers. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”

Laughter ripples through the room, and something inside me snaps.

I step forward, my voice firm. “That’s enough.”

Her sharp gaze snaps to me, her eyebrows arching in surprise. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” My heart pounds, but I keep my voice steady. “There’s no need to humiliate her. We’re all here for the same reason, aren’t we?”

The room is deathly quiet, every pair of eyes locked on us.

The Beta steps closer, her eyes narrowing. “And who are you to tell me what to do?”

“Someone who knows the difference between confidence and cruelty.”

Gasps echo around us, and for a moment, I think she’s going to lash out. But then she laughs, a sharp, bitter sound.

“Good luck surviving the first trial, little omega,” she says before walking away, her entourage trailing behind her.

I exhale, my hands trembling. The girl I defended looks up at me, her eyes wide with gratitude.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

I nod, but the weight of the stares around me doesn’t lift.

An attendant arrives, leading us down a long corridor, where the prince is to meet us. Her words blur together as my mind races.

Finally, the doors to another grand room swing open, and the air thickens with anticipation.

This is it.

The moment I’ve been dreading and anticipating in equal measure.

My heart pounds as the prince steps into the room, his polished black shoes clicking against the marble.

His posture is regal and commanding, his clothes rich and elegant, adorned with shimmering stones…

My breath catches when our eyes meet.

It’s him.

The prince is the same stranger from last night.