Page 61 of Alpha's Exiled Mate
My heart skipped a beat. From the day we arrived in this kingdom, Anna had shown an unusual interest in Perock. Even though I had never told her anything about him, she seemed instinctively drawn to him.
Was it the call of blood? I couldn’t deny that Anna’s eyes were identical to Perock’s—that unique amber hue that shimmered with golden light under the sun.
“Mommy, can we go see King Perock today?” Anna clasped her hands together, her face full of anticipation. “Please?”
I wanted to refuse, but looking into her shining eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to say “no.” Besides, keeping Anna away from Perock would only fuel her curiosity, and she might even sneak off to find him herself, which would be far more dangerous.
“Alright,” I relented. “But you have to promise me to stay by my side, not run off on your own, and not ask too many questions, okay?”
“Okay!” Anna cheered, throwing herself into my arms. “Mommy, you’re the best!”
I held her small body close, my heart a mix of emotions.
Letting Anna get close to Perock was a risky decision.
After all, the way to break his curse was through the sacrifice of a child, wasn’t it?
But I didn’t want to disappoint Anna.
Two hours later, I held Anna’s hand as we arrived at Perock’s reception room. It seems that he had been waiting for some time and stood up immediately upon seeing us.
“Princess Lilia,” he said, his voice smooth and formal, carrying the weight of his title, “and the little princess.”
“Your Majesty,” I replied, dipping into a precise curtsy, my grip on Anna’s hand tightening slightly, an anchor in the sea of my doubts. “My daughter has shown great interest in your kingdom’s history and culture. I hope our visit isn’t an inconvenience.”
“Not at all,” Perock said, his smile genuine, stirring a memory from five years ago—the same smile he’d given me when I presented him with that honey cake, a rare moment of unguarded warmth that had made my heart soar. “It’s an honor to have you both here, truly.”
He crouched to Anna’s level, his eyes meeting hers with a gentle curiosity, his demeanor devoid of the intimidation his title might inspire. “Hello, little princess,” he said, his voice warm, inviting. “I hear you’re fond of horses?”
Anna nodded vigorously, unfazed by his royal bearing, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Yes! I have a pony back in Fellinger named Star! But I’m not super-fast at riding yet, cause she’s kind of wobbly sometimes.”
“What a coincidence,” Perock said, feigning surprise, his tone playful, a spark of mischief in his eyes. “I happen to have a very gentle pony, perfect for young riders like you. Would you like to meet her?”
Anna spun to me, her eyes wide with excitement, her hands clasped in a silent plea. “Mommy, can I? Please?”
I glanced at Perock, my maternal instincts on high alert, my gaze searching his for any hint of ulterior motive. “Is it safe, Your Majesty?” I asked, my voice firm, protective.
He stood, meeting my gaze directly, his expression solemn, his voice steady with conviction. “I swear on my life, I’ll keep her safe,” he said, his words carrying the weight of an oath. “If there’s any danger, I’ll protect her with everything I have, Princess.”
His sincerity was unmistakable, his eyes free of deceit, and despite my doubts, I couldn’t ignore the truth in his words. Nor could I deny the softness in his gaze whenever he looked at Anna, a warmth that seemed instinctive, uncalculated, a tenderness that stirred a reluctant trust in me. It wasn’t an act, I realized—he genuinely cared for her, a care that felt as natural as breathing.
“Alright,” I said, nodding reluctantly, my heart heavy with the decision. “But I’ll be there the entire time, watching.”
The riding arena was closer than I’d expected, nestled on the palace’s western side, a sandy enclosure designed specificallyfor children, its soft ground cushioned to prevent injury, surrounded by sturdy wooden fences painted a cheerful white. The air smelled of hay and sun-warmed earth, a comforting, grounding scent. A small chestnut pony stood ready, its mane braided with care, a padded saddle fitted snugly on its back, its dark eyes calm and curious.
“This is Berry,” Perock said, taking the reins and patting the pony’s flank with a gentle hand, his voice warm with affection. “The gentlest soul in our royal stables, perfect for a brave rider like you.”
Anna reached out, her small hand stroking Berry’s nose, giggling as the pony nuzzled her palm, clearly taken with her, its soft muzzle tickling her skin. “She’s so cute!” she said, beaming, her face alight with joy.
“Ready to try?” Perock asked, his tone encouraging, his eyes bright with anticipation. “I’ll lead her, so you won’t fall. We’ll go nice and slow.”
Anna nodded eagerly, bouncing on her toes, her excitement infectious. I stood at the pony’s side, my nerves taut as Perock lifted her onto the saddle, his hands steady and careful, adjusting her posture with a patience I hadn’t expected from Perock. He guided her hands to the reins, showing her how to hold them, his voice calm but firm. “Sit up straight, eyes forward,” he instructed, his tone gentle yet authoritative. “That’s it, you’re doing great, Anna.”
Anna’s face lit up with pride, her small hands gripping the reins tightly as Perock led Berry in a slow, deliberate circle around the arena. She was tense at first, her body stiff—Berry was larger than Star, a new challenge for her small frame—but she followed his guidance, her confidence growing with each step, her posture relaxing as she found her balance.
Despite my worry, I couldn’t help but smile as Anna adapted, her determination shining through. When she mimickedPerock’s commands with a gleeful “Giddy-up!” her voice ringing with delight, a swell of pride warmed my chest, easing the tension that had gripped me.
Perock caught my eye, his smile warm, unguarded, free of the triumph or calculation I’d feared. It was the smile of a man simply enjoying a child’s happiness, not a king scheming for advantage. “She’s a natural,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration, his eyes lingering on Anna with a pride that mirrored my own. “Riding is a vital skill in our kingdom, a tradition passed down through generations. She’s already showing remarkable talent for her age.”