2025-12-09 19:58:42Jay sank into his seat, muffling the noise of another day of chaos outside. It had been two days since the private celebration of his divine blessing, and the world still hadn’t calmed down. Instead, interest in him had exploded like wildfire.
On the table lay a stack of high-quality folders, sealed with golden clasp ribbons and stamped with the crest of foreign nations. Each folder contained a large image and details of individuals the palace considered the “highest possible candidates” for Jay’s hand.
He stared at the pile.
“Do I get combat training before dating four nations at once?” Jay muttered.
His siblings, seated around him, offered different flavors of annoyance.
Seraphine, tapped the table with a perfectly manicured nail. “This isn’t dating. It’s political management.”
Theo, calm, pushed up his glasses. “Choosing a mate affects alliances, economy, and peace. We need to treat this with seriousness.”
Aldrin, Alpha and the polished diplomat, nodded sharply. “The world believes your divine blessing makes you the center of fate. No choice you make is small.”
Yven, Beta and strategist, fanned himself slowly. “Unfortunately, this also means half the foreign leaders think they’ve been given permission to claim you.”
Lucien, Alpha warrior, looked mildly amused. “At least the battlefield is prettier than usual.”
Celeste, Alpha, bounced in her seat. “I’m excited! I want to see who loves Jay the most!”
Jay rubbed his temples. “I just want to breathe without newspapers calling me ‘Goddess’s Beloved Omega.’”
Luther stood behind Jay’s chair, silent and steady like always-except Jay caught the faint tension in his shoulders. He was trying to look neutral, but it wasn’t a secret how he felt about this.
Or… not anymore.
Seraphine lifted the first file and slid it to Jay.
CANDIDATE #1
Princess Fira Vulpice - Beta-Race: Fox Magical Beast (Nine-Tailed)
-Country: Vulparia Kingdom
-Role: Crown Princess and future Queen
The photo showed a young woman with striking golden tails and amber eyes that glowed with playful sharpness.
“She was charming at the celebration,” Celeste said dreamily. “Very pretty.”
“She also challenged three dukes to a duel over who got to approach Jay first,” Theo added flatly.
Jay blinked. “That’s supposed to help her score?”
“She won,” Lucien said, shrugging. “Efficient.”
Seraphine narrowed her eyes. “She is a power-hungry Beta. If she becomes queen and gains Jay as mate, Vulparia’s influence could overshadow Astrelia.”
Jay hummed. “So… dangerous and sparkly.”
Yven smirked. “That’s foxes for you.”
Aldrin handed over the next file.
CANDIDATE #2
General Gorak Ironhide-Alpha- Race: Minotaur
-Country: Dominion of Bronze Horns
-Role: Commander of the Ironhide Legions
His photo barely fit in the frame, muscles like hewn stone and horns decorated with warrior markings.
Celeste tilted her head. “Is he allowed indoors?”
“He’s loyal and incredibly strong,” Aldrin noted. “But he respects strength above all. If Jay’s Omega status is perceived as weakness, friction could follow.”
Jay snorted. “He bowed to the ground to greet me.”
Theo added, “And cracked the marble floor.”
“…Okay then.”
Next, Theo passed another folder.
CANDIDATE #3
High Magus Eldrin Leafwhisper-Omega-Race: Elf
-Country: Evergreen Dominion
-Grand Court Magician and Scholar
The image featured a serene young elf with gentle green eyes and long silver hair tied neatly.
“He seemed peaceful,” Jay said softly, remembering Eldrin offering him a calming spell instead of a ring or a poem like others.
“An Omega ruler is rare,” Seraphine said. “His leadership is built on diplomacy and intellect. If he mates you, Evergreen’s unity strengthens.”
“But don’t underestimate him,” Theo warned. “He commands half the world’s magic.”
Jay smiled a little. “He gave me a leaf. Said it would never wither as long as I was safe.”
Celeste squealed, kicking her feet. “That’s cute!”
Yven waved his fan thoughtfully. “He is a gentle storm. Quiet until needed.”
Lucien chuckled. “The opposite of Jay, then.”
Jay elbowed him.
Aldrin set the fourth file neatly in front of Jay.
CANDIDATE #4
Commander Saryn Drakonis-Alpha-Race: Dragonkin
-Country: Northern Peaks
-Role: Supreme Blade Commander
The image showed a man whose skin shimmered subtly with iridescent scales, eyes bright like molten steel.
“Dragons,” Seraphine muttered. “Predictable.”
Lucien raised a brow. “Considering Jay’s blood also holds the dragon’s blessing, he makes sense.”
Jay frowned slightly. “He stared at me the whole ceremony. Like he already claimed me.”
“That’s how dragons flirt,” Yven said blandly. “Possessive and loud.”
“And set a dueling platform on fire,” Theo reminded.
Lucien grinned. “I liked him.”
“You would.”
Jay flipped through the papers, nervous energy bubbling in his chest. These people-these nations-wanted pieces of his heart like it was a diplomatic treaty.
Finally, a hand placed the last folder in front of Jay.
Luther’s folder.
He froze.
CANDIDATE #5
Prince Luther Ravenshade-Omega -Race: Human-Country: Ravenshade Duchy
-Role: First Prince and Royal Advisor-in-Training
Jay’s throat tightened.
The picture captured Luther in his formal attire, standing tall with composed elegance. But Jay preferred the version with messy hair and gentle hands around a teacup.
Seraphine folded her arms. “We didn’t know he was royalty because someone didn’t bother telling us.”
Luther bowed slightly. “Apologies. I wished to serve the Prince with sincerity… without leverage.”
Jay looked up, meeting Luther’s eyes. They held warmth without strategy, intention without greed.
Aldrin tapped the folder. “He lacks the military power of Gorak, the arcane strength of Eldrin, the raw influence of Fira, and the ancient pride of Saryn.”
Yven finished, “But he holds something the others don’t.”
Jay blinked. “What?”
Theo smiled faintly. “You like him.”
Celeste hugged Jay’s shoulders, nearly squealing. “More than the others!”
Jay slapped her hands away, trying and failing to hide his red ears. “I like quiet mornings with tea. He just… happens to be there.”
Seraphine wasn’t convinced. “Feelings are risky. Omega plus Alpha instincts can mislead. You must not rush.”
Jay sighed. “I’m not choosing today.”
Aldrin nodded. “We only want you to be aware.”
Lucien smirked. “Just don’t let the fox steal you while we strategize.”
Jay crossed his arms. “I’ll hide in the gardens if she tries.”
Celeste gasped dramatically, “Romantic garden kisses!”
“Absolutely not,” Jay groaned.
A faint digital chime echoed in Jay’s mind, followed by the familiar shimmer of translucent blue text.
System Notice: Host has rejected 23 remaining high-compatibility suitors. Reason required.
Jay internally sighed. The system really loved acting like his love life was an auction.
System: Host, are you aware that two Alpha Dragon Royals carry a 98.9 compatibility rating? Their families are still waiting for your reply.
Jay answered silently, keeping his expression perfectly composed while his siblings continue chatted.
I already sent a letter. The Prince Kael Evander of Aurelius and his knight Malrik Kaelson were chosen to be one of my mates.
The system flickered.
System: The Twin Dragon Lords are your blood cousins. Galactic Law prohibits union.
Obviously. That’s why I declined them. Not like I’d hand over my life to two arrogant overgrown lizards anyway.
The system let out a soft digital sigh.
System: Host continues to be… emotionally stubborn. Noted.
Luther’s hand rested near Jay’s chair, steady and patient. So close. So easy to reach.
Jay didn’t take his hand.
Not yet.
But he didn’t push it away either.
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A King Does Not Walk Alone
The throne hall doors shut behind them, and instantly Jay felt the weight of every crown in the world settle squarely on his shoulders. The air still tasted like the proclamation. High King. A title carved into the bones of history. The kind of title that could rewrite the world.Which was very inconvenient for someone who preferred books over political warmongering.Jay exhaled shakily. Luther remained exactly one step behind him… habit, respect, survival instinct… who knew. Jay turned and raised an eyebrow.“You walk beside me now,” he said, quiet but firm. “Not behind.”Luther froze. “Jay, I’m still of lower rank. It’s disrespectful to-”“Luther.” Jay stepped forward and took his wrist, gently pulling him to his side. “You were marked by me. You carry my future. You are one of my mate. And my mates should not walk behind anyone.”Luther swallowe
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The grand ballroom glittered with candlelight and crystal chandeliers. A soft sea of gowns and uniforms shimmered across polished marble floors, and the faint scent of roses and lavender mingled with the warm, golden glow. Tonight, the palace celebrated not just Jay’s upcoming coronation but his coming of age-a ceremonial acknowledgment of his eighteen years and the divine blessing that had set the world abuzz.Jay adjusted the cuff of his uniform nervously, catching sight of his reflection in a gilded mirror. Everything was perfect-the embroidery, the sash, the polished boots-but nothing felt as perfect as the heat pooling in his chest whenever he thought of Luther.A gentle tap on the shoulder pulled him from his thoughts.“Your Highness,” Luther murmured, bowing slightly before straightening. His uniform was tailored impeccably, black with silver trim, and his hair was neatly arranged-but a few strands rebelliously curled over his forehead,
Day 3 With Luther: Nightfall, and the Unspoken Invitation
The evening sun spilled warm gold across the palace gardens. Jay and Luther had spent the day in a quiet rhythm training, reading, and teasing but as night crept in, an unspoken tension settled like a soft, heavy blanket between them.Jay stretched lazily on a chaise in his chambers, watching the shadows deepen. The library and training yard had been exhausting, but in the best way. His hair stuck to his forehead from exertion, and his heart still thudded from laughter, arguments, and those lingering touches from earlier.A soft knock came at the door.“Your Highness?” Luther’s voice drifted in, gentle, cautious. “May I… come in?”Jay smiled faintly. “I was hoping you would.”Luther entered, careful as ever, though his presence seemed to take up the entire room. He carried nothing but a small tray of tea and a soft, earnest expression. The silver in his eyes reflected the dim candlelight, and Jay fel
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