Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder
Chapter 1165 - 76 : We’ll Always Be Safe

Chapter 1165: Chapter 76 : We’ll Always Be Safe

*Daphne*

I was far too anxious to sit idle in my chambers awaiting the conclusion of Rion and Father’s mysterious meeting. Instead, I fetched my favorite book of poems and wandered into the palace gardens.

The roses were in full vibrant bloom, their sweet perfume permeating the peaceful sanctuary. I drew in a deep breath, letting the delightful fragrance soothe my frayed nerves.

It was highly unusual for Father to be so secretive, especially with Mother and me. Clearly whatever he was discussing with Rion was serious enough to warrant a formal private audience.

I should have had more faith in Father to make the right choices. He was the ruler of an entire kingdom, after all. He always strove to act in his people’s best interests. Perhaps he simply wanted to provide Rion with some paternal advice on impending fatherhood.

Or maybe he intended to offer Rion a position with the Royal Guard. My heart fluttered anxiously at the thought, both thrilled yet frightened by the possibilities. Though irrational given Rion and I were expecting twins together, I couldn’t help but be afraid of Father changing his mind about trusting Rion and deciding to imprison him after all.

I had voiced these concerns earlier to Mother, who laughed gently and patted my shoulder. "I wouldn’t worry, dear. Your father means Rion no harm, but he will ensure everything important is cared for."

I wasn’t sure what to make of that vague assurance, but Mother’s calm demeanor settled me slightly. I tried focusing on my poetry book, though I couldn’t truly absorb the words, preoccupied as I was.

After a few more futile minutes of rereading the same page, I sighed and closed the book. Mother glanced up from her embroidery.

"You seem quite distracted, darling. Is something troubling you?"

"It’s just... Father meeting privately with Rion has me a bit on edge," I admitted. "I wish I knew what they were discussing."

Mother set down her embroidery hoop and patted the settee, indicating I should sit beside her. I did so, comforted by her familiar floral scent.

She took my hand, her wise eyes crinkling gently. "My sweet girl, I understand your unease. Your father can seem quite stern. But he only ever acts with our family’s best interests at heart."

I nodded, though my concerns weren’t fully eased. "What if he disapproves of Rion?" I voiced my deepest fear out loud. "I don’t know what I’d do if Father tried to separate us now."

"Oh Daphne." Mother wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Have faith in your father’s judgment, and in Rion’s devotion to you. All will be well."

I rested my head on her shoulder, reassured by her words. We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments before she spoke again.

"This transition to true adulthood can be frightening, with so many unknowns ahead. But trust in the man you love and in yourself. I have no doubt you will build a wonderful life together."

Leave it to Mother to understand exactly what plagued me. My anxieties went far beyond just this one meeting. It was the looming prospect of everything changing as Rion and I embarked on our new path together.

Mother smiled knowingly. "It seems like only yesterday you were a little girl running through these halls. Where does the time go?" She shook her head wistfully before meeting my eyes. "I cannot wait to meet my grandchildren. Your father as well, though he may not show it openly."

I returned her smile, imagining Father stoically hiding his delight at having grandchildren to dote on, at least when no one was looking. The thought lifted my spirits considerably.

"There now, I can see the sparkle returning to your eyes," Mother said. "All will be well, my darling. Your father adores you. And obviously Rion would cross oceans for you." She brushed a loose hair from my face. "Trust in those who love you, and it will all work out just fine."

I embraced her tightly, feeling infinitely better. "Thank you, Mother. I needed to hear that."

She patted my back affectionately before releasing me. "Now go enjoy the gardens while there’s still daylight. I’m sure Orion will come find you once he’s finished with your father. Try not to fret."

I nodded, buoyed by her reassurance. With one last grateful smile, I retrieved my poetry book and headed out to the rose gardens, Mother’s wise words echoing in my mind.

I was so lost in restless thoughts that I didn’t notice someone approaching until a voice spoke right beside me.

"Hey."

I startled violently, the book tumbling from my lap onto the ground. Scowling at Rion, I pressed a hand over my hammering heart. As he bent to retrieve my fallen book, I snapped, "Don’t sneak up on me like that!"

He shook his head, grinning gently. "I hardly call that sneaking. I was just walking normally."

I studied him critically. The royal tailors had outfitted Rion with a full wardrobe, and he cut a handsome figure in his crisp grey button-down and black pants, dark hair neatly combed yet still tousled in that rugged way I loved.

Assessing his mood, I visibly relaxed, noticing his bright, playful eyes and crooked smirk. My intense relief overcame me, and before I knew it, I had flung my arms around his neck so forcefully that he stumbled back a step even as his arms encircled my waist.

Laughing, he murmured into my hair, "Did you really miss me that much after just a couple of hours apart?" Then he kissed the top of my head tenderly.

I mumbled into his chest, "It felt like forever."

Rion soothingly rubbed my back, his attentiveness lately even more pronounced. He was adamant that I rest whenever possible, which was extremely sweet.

Unable to wait any longer, I tilted my head up to meet his gaze directly. "So what did Father want to discuss with you?"

His expression became carefully neutral and I tensed up immediately. When he grimaced slightly at my sharp tone, I demanded, "What is it?"

Rion gestured to the bench behind me. "You should sit down, Daphne."

I crossed my arms stubbornly. "I don’t need to sit. Just tell me."

Clearly regretting his solemn manner, Rion softened his voice. "Nothing’s wrong, I promise. Your father just wanted to go over some options for us. Please, sit and I’ll explain everything."

I hated being handled like a frightened pup, but I allowed Rion to guide me to the bench. As we sat facing each other, some of the tension left me.

Rion seemed to debate how to begin. "How familiar are you with Thorn Forest?"

"Not extremely well," I admitted. "I know it’s in the Light Realm with a small shifter pack. Is that where Father wants us to go?"

Rion nodded. "Their Alpha is retiring soon without an heir. Your father believes it would benefit us to become their new Alpha pair."

I wrinkled my brow, thoroughly confused by this unexpected revelation. Rion and I leading a pack together was the furthest thing from what I imagined their meeting would produce. I considered the scenario critically. "Is that what you want?"

Rion’s expression shuttered again, and I detested that unreadable mask. "Your father made good points that I agree with," he replied vaguely.

I frowned, irritated. "And what might those points be?"

Finally, I glimpsed true concern in Rion’s gray eyes as his facade slipped. "He emphasized that no matter where you go, you’ll always be a potential target as royalty."

I nodded. That unfortunately came with being born into the royal family. It was impossible to please everyone, hence even harder to live without making some enemies.

"He worried about us going off alone," Rion went on. "He suggested bringing Eva and my crew to increase our numbers."

I considered it, though Rion and I leaving together had always been just the two of us in my mind. The wide open field and ocean he described seemed to drift further from reach. Slowly, I shook my head. "I don’t know...."

Rion cradled my face between his warm palms, swiping his thumbs over my cheekbones. "I swear I’ll protect you and our babies no matter what. A real pack gives us the best chance for safety."

I understood his perspective. Clearly Father had discussed this privately with Rion out of shared concern for my wellbeing. While well-intentioned, they should have included me.

Rion watched me anxiously, despite trying to hide it. "I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed," I admitted finally.

"That’s completely understandable," he rushed to assure me. "It’s a lot to process. But I really believe this is best for us. Without the Royal Guard or palace defenses, I regret not having a solid plan for when we leave."

"We did have a plan," I reminded him flatly. "All that mattered was we were going together."

Rion released a long breath, deflating slightly. "I know. But that wasn’t really a plan, Daphne. This is rational, benefiting everyone."

"I’m overwhelmed," I repeated woodenly before he could continue. Taking a shuddering breath, I went on, "Please, can we not rush into big decisions right now? We have time to carefully weigh options like my parents suggested. I’m not in immediate danger here. Let’s really think through what we want."

Rion’s crestfallen face twisted my heart, but I stood firm. I’d made clear I didn’t want to rule a kingdom. Leading a pack didn’t appeal to me either.

Sensing his disappointment mirrored mine, I grasped his hand and squeezed. "I’m sorry. I do understand your side and Father’s concerns. But right now, I just want to focus on us."

"I am focusing on us," Rion insisted, squeezing my hand back. His other hand drifted to my belly. "I just want to keep you all safe."

I kissed him lightly, then more insistently when he didn’t initially respond. I could feel the tension in his clenched jaw before he gradually relaxed into the kiss, cradling my cheek.

When we parted, I said gently, "Let me think on it a little more. As long as the babies and I are with you, we’ll always be safe."

Rion searched my face, clearly wanting to argue further but seemingly thinking better of it. He brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear and nodded.

"Alright, we can talk more later. I don’t mean to pressure you. Take all the time you need."

I exhaled in relief, offering a small smile. I knew Rion’s heart was in the right place. He just needed to trust I could take care of myself too, with or without the formality of an official pack structure around us. We would build a happy life together no matter where we ended up.

Desperate for a change of subject, I gestured to my abandoned poetry book. "Will you read to me for a bit? Just relax here together?"

The corners of Rion’s eyes crinkled as he grinned and retrieved the book. "Of course, princess."

I curled contentedly into his side, resting my head on his shoulder as he flipped pages until finding a suitable poem. As Rion’s smooth voice filled the garden air, the last remnants of tension eased from my body.

We stayed there for over an hour, Rion alternating between reading aloud and placing tender kisses to my hairline. It was blissful. For now, concerns about the future faded away. There was only this cherished stolen moment together beneath the afternoon sun.

Eventually and reluctantly, we couldn’t ignore the dropping temperature and darkening sky any longer. Arm in arm, we made our way back inside the palace just as the first raindrops began to fall.

As we walked, I thought over the Thorn Forest proposition seriously. While still hesitant about accepting leadership roles there, I could see the rationale behind my father and Rion’s thinking. Perhaps visiting Thorn Forest first before fully committing could be a reasonable compromise. At least it would buy me more time to consider carefully.

Upon reaching our chambers, I stopped Rion and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, then said sincerely, "Thank you for being patient with me earlier. I know you just want what’s best for our family. Let’s talk more soon once I’ve wrapped my head around everything."

Rion’s eyes softened. He squeezed my hand and nodded. "That sounds perfect.”

I trusted in our unbreakable bond. No matter where we ended up, Rion would move heaven and earth to keep me and our babies safe.

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