?

　　“I did say I would not force any of you to accept this because I know for a fact that alphas can be rather—egotistical. If you hate the idea of being under me, an omega, to the point where you are willing to throw away this once in a lifetime opportunity then I’m starting to wonder why you alphas are deemed to be above me in the hierarchy of our second gender.” I said. Before any of them could rebuttal, I was quick to add.

　　“Because, currently, my position is higher than that of an outcasted prince, a runaway duke and a temporary monarch. Additionally, it would seem that I am superior in regards to brains as well.”

　　What I had expected would happen came true as Isaiah charged towards me. I could hear Rodrick and the guards he brought with him pulled out their swords. Isaiah’s large and strong hand grabbed onto my collar, squeezing the fabric so tight that I could hardly breathe. The fear of him accidentally ripping my blouse from his strong grip was also present.

　　Our bodies were pressed close together as he stared down at me with such fury in his eyes and all I did was stare back, not willing to break contact as this was clearly an intimidation ploy on his part.

　　“Isaiah, let the princess go.” Gideon called out carefully afraid to agitate him further.

　　“Funny that you say that when the princess is the one holding a dagger to my throat.” Isaiah growled.

　　I tried my best to maintain my hold on the handle of the dagger, trying so hard not to show any ounce of weakness even though I knew for a fact that my hands were shaking. I’m glad that I managed to pull out my dagger then moment Isaiah charged for me but here I thought he would back away when he noticed the blade on his throat but he did not care in the slightest. My eyes then shot down to his neck where a thin crimson line formed. He was not backing away even when the blade was cutting into his flesh.

　　“Now, now, we can’t be having a lover’s quarrel without us officially becoming lovers yet, right?” Cassian said, clearly amused by this situation.

　　Isaiah’s lips then twitched into a smirk as he leaned closer to me. “You should carry that dagger with you always, who knows what would happen if we are ever alone, princess.” Isaiah whispered before shoving me back. I steadied myself before I fell down to the floor.

　　“I agree with your terms.” Isaiah casually called out through gritted teeth before walking towards the door.

　　“Me too. I look forward to our—partnership.” Cassian smiled before standing from his chair and walking away as well.

　　I then glanced over to Augustus who stood up as well. When our gaze met, he simply nodded and followed Cassian out.

　　I blinked once to get a hold of myself, to allow the adrenaline rush from earlier to die down but all I could think about was how I managed to convince them to agree to my plan. I then let out a strained laugh, glad that it was finally over.

　　“Princess…what have you done?” Gideon asked hesitantly.

　　“I did what you told me to do.”

　　Gideon stayed silent and I thought he was silently agreeing with me but he gestured to Rodrick and the guards to leave. Rodrick hesitated until I gave him a nod. Gideon waited for them to leave before he started his nagging.

　　“I have never told you nor taught you to do something this reckless! Instead of building trust and mutual respect between them, you have only added fuel to the fire! The fact that there was already negative tension between you and the three alphas should have been a warning for you to approach them carefully but what do you do instead? You insulted them! Do you really think they will look past that?”

　　“And it worked, did it not? Whatever I said back then pushed them to agree to my plan.” I snapped, my grip on the dagger’s handle tightening so much to the point where my knuckles grew white. “You want me to trust them? To respect them when they do not have the decency to do the same? I only copied their behaviour towards me, Gideon and it seems like that was all I had to do to get them to agree.”

　　Gideon shook his head. “You cannot let your emotions control you.”

　　“Emotions? That was me being rational.” I spat.

　　“No. That was anything but rational! The moment you asked the three of them to be your husband was the moment all rationality left you, Cordelia!” he scolded, sounding extremely disappointed that I had to admit was starting to hurt my heart.

　　I did what I thought I had to do, since this was the reality of my situation. What Cassian had said during his interview was true, I am using them for my own gain and they were using me for theirs. And yet, Gideon is here scolding me over it.

　　I slammed the dagger onto the table, it echoed throughout the room. “I made a decision when you failed to, Gideon. You may deem that the words I chose to say to them were not very elegant but do not dare call me irrational for thinking up a plan to benefit this kingdom when you could not.”

　　Gideon’s eyes widened as he tried to think of a response. I patiently waited for him to speak, wondering what else he could say to undermine me once more. Was it because I was young? Because I was a woman? Or because I was an omega? I wanted to ask him why he was saying all these things to me instead of just being happy that we had finally managed to get past one obstacle that was blocking my view of the throne.

　　“All this while I thought Lady Marie and her children would be the biggest obstacle for you in the path to the throne but clearly it will be your future spouses. And if that day ever comes then I…it will be my fault.”

　　“Worry not, my royal advisor. You are not a clairvoyant and what is done is done, there is no need to think too much about this now. I do not blame you as this decision was made by me. I will not ever blame you for what will happen in the future.”

　　“Even when you say such words, I cannot find myself to calm my nerves.” The aged man sighed.

　　“That would make the two of us. My heart is at the urge of exploding.” I said followed by a small laugh. I then turned towards the door. “Besides, we have much bigger things to do now.”

　　“What do you mean?” he called out.

　　“Naturally, it’s time for us to plan a wedding, Gideon.”

　　I did not wait for Gideon’s reply as I left the room, desperate to just return to my own room and relax after a long and tiring day, both physically and mentally. Rodrick was waiting for me the moment I exited the room.

　　“Princess, permission to speak?” he asked.

　　I frowned, confused as to why he was acting all formal now. “Of course Rodrick, speak.”

　　“I apologise for overhearing your conversation with Lord Gideon, but I agree with him.”

　　“Not you too… Do you truly look down upon me and my abilities that much?”

　　“No. As your loyal guard and sword master, I know how strong you are, how brave and intelligent you are. I am not saying that I agree with Lord Gideon about your bold decision regarding the marriage but I merely agree that those alphas are…unpredictable.”

　　“Then I suppose you have to train me harder, Rodrick, so I can protect myself.”

　　Princess…” he frowned.

　　“It was thanks to your teaching that I even thought of carrying a dagger with me. My fast thinking is all thanks to you. Does this not give me a slither of confidence in me?”

　　“You are misunderstanding my views, princess. I have confidence in you without a doubt. But I do not trust those alphas and the thought of you marrying three of them…” he furrowed his brows. “Forgive me but I will continue to worry about you as long as they are going to be close to you from now on.”

　　“I appreciate you worries, Rodrick. But I will not be changing my mind now that the plan is in motion.”

　　Rodrick bowed his head to me. “I am very aware of that, princess. I just needed to speak my mind. Please allow me to walk you back to your room.”

　　“Alright, thank you.”

　　I walked ahead as Rodrick followed me a few feet behind. As we approached the main hall, I noticed that Augustus, Cassian and Isaiah were together, talking to each other quietly. Cassian and Augustus had their backs to me, making it impossible for me to see their expressions but I could see Isaiah’s clearly. The lack of emotion was rather worrisome.

　　Isaiah’s eyes snapped to mine and he gestured to the two of my presence. The three of them were looking at me now and instead of walking away, I stopped and offered them a sincere smile. Even if there was clear hostility among the four of us, I still need to remember and practise the etiquette I learned growing up. I am to be an empress, after all.