Luna's Chosen: The King's Omega

I awoke the next morning, stretching my arms high above my head with an involuntary yawn.

The previous night felt like a distant memory, the weight of my tears now lifted, leaving me feeling light and somewhat renewed. I had come to a quiet but firm resolution: it was time to move on.

I needed to find someone new and embrace happiness, especially after my mate had turned his back on me simply because I was born an omega—something I had never chosen.

"Rise and shine, beautiful!" Emily sang cheerfully, her voice breaking through the quiet of the morning.

She had already transformed herself into the picture of readiness for the day's work. Rushing to gather myself, I splashed water on my face and body, feeling the refreshing coolness awaken my senses before stepping out into the world.

As Emily and I walked side by side, she opened her mouth to share her thoughts. "I had a dream about the king," she began, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and awe.

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Did he die?" I couldn't help but ask, a teasing smile creeping onto my lips. Emily chuckled lightly, but soon her expression morphed into one of sheer bliss.

"We were happily married, and we had children, too! He was so incredibly loving," she gushed, her tone dreamy and faraway. I rolled my eyes in response.

"Imagination at its peak," I muttered, unable to stifle my skepticism. "Emily, stop dreaming about him. The only thing those fantasies will bring you is heartache. He despises our kind—it's clear as day."

As I spoke, it became evident that her infatuation with my ex-mate blinded her to his true nature. Handsome and tall, yes—everyone acknowledged that—but he was also tyrannical and dangerous. His cruel actions toward me cemented my desire for him to disappear entirely, a sentiment I wished Emily would share.

"Preach," she replied, a hint of agreement lacing her voice. We continued our stride until we reached the gathering area where others awaited. Wren, the head maid, stood tall and imposing, her gaze icy and unsettling.

"You have all put in your efforts last night, except Hazel, who mysteriously vanished. For that, you shall work twice today," she declared, her tone sharp. A groan of dismay escaped my lips—if only this were all just a nightmare. Sadly, it was my unwelcome reality.

"The rest of you may continue with your daily duties, and once completed, you can partake in the delicacies left over from yesterday's event," she continued her voice firm, before pivoting sharply on her heels and leaving us to absorb her words.

"Yes, madame," we chorused, our voices resigned.

As soon as she departed, a wave of chatter erupted among the servants. "I hate her so much," Emily blurted, frustration coloring her tone. "What does she mean by 'leftovers'? She treats us like we're beneath dirt."

I decided to interject, "But they are leftovers—we didn't get to eat yesterday. I don't mind; I'm eager for whatever they are."

"I know you'll eat. Such a foodie," she teased, and I laughed lightly, pushing aside my discontent as I began sweeping the ground.

The king demanded cleanliness in every space he traversed, leaving no room for negligence. The extra work we faced in the castle was a burden we bore at the hands of Wren and many others, a reminder of our lower status as omegas. Gripping the broom tightly, I swept away fallen leaves and delicate flower petals strewn across the cobblestones.

As the afternoon crept upon us, my stomach growled, prompting me to venture to the kitchen in search of food. The kitchen maids greeted me, offering a bounty that set my mouth watering: cookies shaped like oversized paws, rich cakes, glistening fruits, and various other delicacies. What had Emily said about leftovers?

I reveled in these treats and devoured my meal like a hungry lion, expressions of gratitude escaping my lips as I thanked the kitchen maid before continuing on my way.

With my chores completed, I had time to lounge while the next group of servants took on their duties. "Let's go watch the men fight!" Emily tugged playfully at my sleeves, her excitement infectious. With little choice but to comply—she always made the experience fun—I followed her enthusiasm.

As we approached the open area designated for the fights, a familiar scent struck me like a jolt of electricity. My heart raced as I recognized it: he was here.

"Why'd you bring me here, Emily?" I questioned, a mix of dread and anticipation swirling in my gut.

"To look at men!? Just take a glance at those abs!" she replied, her eyes sparkling as she let out a dreamy sigh.

"Such a pervert," I joked, playfully swatting her.

"The king is here—I really shouldn't be here."

Emily shot me a scornful look, her eyebrows arching in defiance. "No, you should be here! What better way to get over an ex than to find another man? They're all gorgeous, and you might even spot Thane!" she whispered eagerly.

After a reluctant sigh, I nodded in agreement. My intention wasn't to gaze at the king; perhaps I could see Thane instead, the man who said he had feelings for me.

The sounds of swords clashing created a symphony of adrenaline that echoed through the arena, men gathering at the sides, cheering and shouting for those engaged in combat.

While Emily scanned the surroundings in search of Thane, my focus was drawn toward a figure in the center. My heart thumped as I watched him, his skin shimmering under the sun like polished marble.

Dressed in loose black pants and shirtless, a striking red cloth was tied around his forehead, he moved with smooth precision, effortlessly engaging with his opponent, whose movements grew increasingly frantic.

His arms were robust and sinewy, powerful muscles rippling beneath the skin, while his chest was broad and firm, exuding an air of commanding strength. The tattoo adorning his bicep pulsed with an otherworldly glow, drawing my attention like a magnet until he shifted his gaze directly toward me.

At that moment, my eyes widened in surprise, and I quickly averted my gaze, overwhelmed by the intensity of his stare.

The atmosphere shifted as the tension mounted; another figure had slashed the king with a sword.

He slowly turned his regal head, eyes narrowing at the man before looking at his chest, deep red blood sliding against his skin.

The man's sword clattered to the ground, an apprehensive look on his face, he fell to his knees in a desperate show of submission, his voice trembling as he pleaded,

"Please forgive me, your majesty. I was careless."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, a chorus of whispers and speculation that filled the air.

Inwardly, it wasn't the man who deserved scrutiny; rather, it was the king who was careless.

Yet, I knew how quickly the crowd would turn; any hint of reproach would be directed at the kneeling man. "Throw him in the dungeon," the king commanded, his voice laced with authority, catching me off guard.

The man, visibly shaken, uttered in fear, his head shaking as he crawled to grab his leg, "No... Please Your Majesty, one last chance, please, I have a family at home" His voice trailed off as he was grabbed by the guards, his voice trailing off.

I could only watch in pity. My heart was growing with disdain mixed with fear for the king.

Suddenly, I heard Emily's voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. "There's Thane!" she exclaimed, and before I could fully process the moment, she was tugging at my arm, guiding me through the throngs of onlookers to meet the man.

As I made my way to where Thane stood, I could feel the weight of watchful green eyes on my back, a sensation that sent shivers down my spine. My hands trembled nervously, and I wiped them against the fabric of my skirt, trying to dissipate the anxiety that bubbled up within me.

"Hello, Sir. Thane" Emily called out, her hand waving in enthusiasm as she approached the man, who looked genuinely surprised to see both of us.

His gaze flicked towards me, a bright smile breaking across his features, and I found myself responding with a smile of my own, despite the absence of any real feelings for him.

"I had no idea you guys were also interested in combat," he remarked, studying us with keen interest, his eyes lingering on me.

"No, Hazel came here to see you," Emily declared, her finger pointing in my direction. My eyes widened in disbelief at her boldness.

With a mischievous wink, she hurried away, leaving me standing alone in Thane's imposing presence.

He loomed over me, a towering figure with a charming smile, his black hair framing his handsome face and his hazel eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Well then, thanks for coming all the way here to see me," Thane said, his voice low and warm.

I let out a nervous chuckle, the sound barely escaping my lips. "It's no problem." Despite him being a beta—often a role cloaked in subservience—he stood out from others around me. Our eyes met without the customary avoidance that punctuated my interactions with most. Perhaps it was because he harbored feelings for me.

"So have you come to give your answer?" he asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. At first, I furrowed my brow in confusion, but then the memory flooded back, and I nodded slowly my pulse quickening.

"I'd like to be with you," I confessed, my heart heavy with the weight of those words.

To my surprise, his eyes widened in genuine astonishment, and a bright smile spread across his face. He stepped forward and enveloped me in a hug, catching me off guard. My lips parted in shock, embarrassment blooming on my cheeks; such public displays of affection were strictly forbidden, a scandal in our world.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, pulling back slightly as if realizing his transgression. "I have crossed a line" His voice was earnest.

But before he could finish expressing his feelings, the air around us shifted abruptly as two guards approached, their expressions grim and urgent.

"The king wants to have a duel with you," they announced simultaneously, leaving Thane in a state of confusion and dread, a look of disbelief crossing his features.