The Alpha's Temptation

Mintaka was shocked to hear Eltanin's words. "How can you say this, King Eltanin?" he protested. "I am not buying time. I am merely following the procedure of our ancestors. These are our customs. Once they are engaged, they will be married in thirty days."

"Customs are not written on the stone, King Mintaka. They are written by royals like us pertaining to their time and suitability. You know that very well," Eltanin replied. "You can change the customs anytime."

"This is getting too fast!" Alina interrupted, almost growling through her tears. "We can't marry her right away with my son. Princess Lerna is new to Orion. She has to learn the customs and traditions. She just can't enter into a royal household holding a wild card! You have adopted her as your sister. But that doesn't change her origins. She will have to stay here for a month and learn about us!"

Eltanin narrowed his eyes at her and in a very cold voice said, "Princess Lerna was a royal before she left Hydra Kingdom and that hasn't changed when she entered Draka. She is definitely not a wild card." He turned his eyes to Mintaka. "This is my final decision. If Lerna is not getting married to Prince Rigel today by the moon, I will take her back with me to Draka. Of course Prince Rigel will come with me."

"You cannot force my son to go with you!" Alina shouted.

"Your son? Really?" Eltanin was getting angered by the minute at the hypocrisy of the parents. "You were ready to throw him under Okab's sword and kill him just an hour back. You have been making plans with your daughter for his downfall. And now you dare to show your intimacy with your son?" he growled. Aether from his eyes spilled out.

Alina's stomach twisted into a thousand knots. She looked at her son for help.

Rigel was feeling very guilty about putting his parents in this situation, but at the back of his mind he was unable to forgive them. Over the last month, he had tried so many times to explain to them that Lerna was no spy, but they did not relent. All they wanted was him to reject her. Lerna was all alone after he brought her from Draka. She had no one to rely upon other than him. Only Eltanin and Tania had been kind enough to recognize her and support her, when it should have been his parents.

The way Eltanin's parents supported Tania; he was expecting the same from his. The irony was that only Eltanin's father was there when he mentioned about Tania and Alrakis instantly supported his son.

On the other hand, he had everyone in his family. Mother and father and sisters. Perfect support system, until the fractures showed, until he realized how weak his parents could be when an outsider could fan their emotions. His heart was gripped with sadness.

He steeled himself and shoved the guilt away. "Mother, if a situation like this arises, I will go to Draka with Eltanin."

His words were like a blow to his parents. "Rigel?" his mother rasped. "For this girl—"

"Enough!" Rigel snapped. "I don't want to hear a word against her."

Eltanin looked proudly at his friend and a smile came to his lips. Rigel had always been with him in every battle, in every sadness or happiness. How could he leave his side now?

When for a long time, none of them spoke a word, Eltanin tugged Lerna's hand and said, "It is time to leave."

Her heart sank. Even after she was crowned the princess of Draka, things didn't change for her mate. She nodded lightly and followed Eltanin. Rigel came after them. Eltanin walked all the way to the chariot. Rigel and Lerna climbed it and he drove it to his army's base.

When they reached the main tent, Eltanin got down and walked inside with Rigel and Lerna after him. Tania was waiting for them over there. Her gaze darted between them excitedly. "What happened? Tell me!" She was happy to see Rigel with them.

Eltanin shook his head. "Nothing much."

Lerna hugged Tania and as they sat together, she related the incidents to her.

"Why is King Mintaka so adamant?" she said, letting out a frustrated sigh.

Rigel was unusually quiet. He looked away outside the tent where the soldiers were preparing for the evening meals.

Eltanin said, "Rigel, I am sorry, but I want to attack your father and snatch that throne from him for you and Lerna. I didn't like the way he dealt with the situation. It's like the family drama and egos are over kingdoms and logic."

Rigel let out a humorless laugh. "They have been like this for a month. I wonder what they are thinking now. What was so difficult about making this decision?" He clenched his jaw, tension radiating off him.

"There was nothing right," Eltanin replied. "It's just their ego, which is plain stupid because they should know that I can crush it. Easily."

Rigel exhaled roughly. "Orion is in such bad hands… Father had been a great ruler. What has happened to him now?"

"Old age!" Eltanin replied and laughed out loud.

---

At the palace in Orion capital, Mintaka was pacing in his throne hall with his hands clasped behind him. He had sent every servant and courtier out. Alina and Tabit were still there.

"Father, what is the problem in marrying Rigel with Lerna now?" Tabit said in a low voice.

"Tabit!" he growled.

"Father, if you won't marry them, it is possible that Eltanin will attack Orion. Would you want that?" Tabit reasoned. "His huge army is camping outside."

Mintaka gritted his teeth. He was aware of it. He looked at his wife who was very unhappy about it, but he really didn't have many options. "Tabit," he said, "Arrange for gifts to be taken to Princess Lerna to present her for marriage to my son." He rubbed his hands. "We can't afford Eltanin's wrath!"

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