The Alpha's Temptation

The dinner for the royals was to be held after three days in which almost every king and queen along with their prince and princess came.

Eltanin had called the king and queen of Orion along with their two daughters, and at the same time he had called Prince Rigel and Princess Lerna. He felt that it was time they all met and since they were meeting in the Draka Kingdom, the grounds were neutral. Even then he took ample care about Rigel and Lerna's security.

Princess Tarazed of Aquila Kingdom had come along with her betrothed, who was also the General of Aquila, and with her sister Princess Petra. Their parents accompanied them.

Princess Eri had come along with her father King Eridanus and her brother Prince Zourak.

Apart from them other kings and queens along with their important nobles had come to attend the event which Araniea awaited for more than a millennium. To meet the bride of King Eltanin, the strongest and most powerful king of this realm.

Taiyi and Alrakis had become extremely busy in putting up every royal in different quarters and arranging for their safety and servants. Tania had said a number of times to help them but Taiyi took help from Kinshra and Lady Jiada.

It was in the morning of the event that Eltanin had called all the ruling kings for an informal breakfast in the gardens that overlooked the main hall. When he was going to ask for the arrangements of the breakfast, he met with Princess Petra.

"Your Highness," she said and dipped in courtesy. Actually she was finding a chance to meet him but she wasn't getting any. After the last time in which he had growled and scolded her, she had to leave in a hurry. Eltanin accepted her greeting because right now she was a royal guest. As soon as he started to leave, she stopped him. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior for the last time," she said in a low, husky voice. "I was being very inappropriate…"

Eltanin tried to dismiss her. "It's fine. Please enjoy your day and the evening," he said and was about to leave. It didn't matter to him.

"But is there a way I can make up to it?" she asked, her head low in guilt.

"Like I said, please don't worry. It was very insignificant."

"There is one more thing that I wanted to say," she added, making him halt again.

Eltanin frowned and grew slightly irritated. "What?"

"We have all heard that the kingdom of Stourin has one of the most beautiful markets in the Jade Sea. Will it be possible for you to take us there?"

Eltanin gritted his teeth. "You should ask about it to my mother, Queen Taiyi of Stourin." Saying that he strode away to the venue for the breakfast.

One of his main agenda for the informal breakfast was to talk to them about being allies in the upcoming war against King Felis of Hydra. Eltanin knew that this was one this that was simply unavoidable. Felis was going to attack and Eltanin was sure that he was making plans already. As soon as he walked in the gathering, he was greeted by all the kings. Some had even brought their sons as well, which was fine with Eltanin. His gaze went to the King of Orion Kingdom, Mintaka. He was sitting aloof and looking at his son Prince Rigel who was trying his best to avoid him.

"Rigel!" Eltanin called him. The two friends embraced like old timers. They clapped each other's back and then clasped the forearms. "How are things with you? I hope Princess Lerna is fine."

Rigel nodded as a smile spread on his lips. "She is fine and I ant thank you enough for all your hospitality."

"Oh, it's nothing!" Eltanin said loud enough for Mintaka to hear.

As they all sat down, the servants started to serve food to them. Exotic fruits, juices, sprouted lentils, pancakes with honey, bacon, sausages, baked beans, and roasted fish were some of the dishes that were served.

Eltanin was eager to talk to them about the alliances. His garden at the moment was a powerhouse of Araniea. He was hoping that some of the kings wouldn't come, but it turned out that all of them came eagerly. After a few words of thanking them to come, he came to the main point. "I hope you all know that King Felis is strengthening his forces across the Hydra border."

There was a general hum as all the kings agreed. They watched him from their places. "Felis has tried to attack us in the past also. His Nyxers had created a lot of havoc in our kingdoms."

King Eridani smirked. "Yes, most of the Nyxers rather liked to attack the borders of Pegasii Kingdom."

Biham, who was also sitting amongst them, stiffened. He knew what Eridani was pointing at.

Eltanin took care of it immediately. "We know, but that problem has been taken care of and the Nyxers have been driven home for now. However, it won't be long until Felis will realign his forces and attack us."

Eridani leaned forward and said, "Isn't it true that Princess Morava is now in the kingdom of Hydra and mated to the Alphas out there? If that is the case, how do we believe that the King of Pegasii is going to be loyal to us. At any moment, his daughter can leak the information. We simply don't know how to believe who would be loyal amongst us."

Biham snapped, "I have—"

Eltanin raised his hand to stop him. "King Biham's daughter, Princess Morava is over there on her own accord," he lied. "No one forced her. She chose her own destiny."

Biham froze. Even if he wanted to say something, he didn't. His eyes lowered to his plate where the food was untouched. He lost his appetite. The news that Morava had crossed the Hydra borders and gone to King Felis had become popular. It was a shame for him and his kingdom.