Mate 14 - The Banquet

Sage

Many days had passed, and the palace walls seemed to whisper with the murmurs of the maids, their voices a hushed yet persistent echo of the reality I already knew. Damien treated me with an indifference that cut deeper than hostility—his coldness a sharp contrast to what fate was supposed to dictate. Their hushed conversations carried a cruel amusement, feeding on my misfortune. Lately, the rumors had taken a more venomous turn, twisting into speculations about my mother’s origins. I knew exactly who was responsible—the Empress, a woman who thrived on malice and manipulation.

The air in Angentha was no different from the empire I grew up in, heavy with judgment and disdain. The glances cast my way—some subtle, others brazen—held a familiarity that made my stomach coil. I had been seeing those same expressions all my life: disgust, doubt, rejection.

“There may be some mistakes in the oracle that the elders announced,” one of the maids murmured, the deliberate loudness of her voice making it clear she wanted me to hear. I sat still, my fingers lightly gripping the armrest of my chair. Their gossip, their sneers, their taunts—none of it wounded me anymore. I had long since been forged in the fire of their disdain.

Well, nobody liked me anyway.

And why should they? Even I despised my own existence.

I hated my fucking existence.

“Maybe the Battlerce family wants to create an alliance with us by making their elders lie about the destined mate,” another maid chimed in, her tone laced with skepticism.

My brows knitted together. What nonsense were they spewing now?

Did they not realize the consequences of questioning the oracle’s declaration? If someone of authority overheard them speaking ill of the Battlerce elders, their lives would be forfeit.

“You’re wrong. They are mocking us by sending a slave’s daughter.”

“It’s been decades since I started serving the Angentha Empire, and I still cannot believe our future alpha’s fated mate is that slave’s daughter.”

“Poor guy. He must be praying to the Moon Goddess to grant him a second chance, to change his mate.”

“Ha! I wish. I wouldn’t want to serve a Luna whose blood is tainted.”

The words were knives, not because they were new, but because they weren’t. They had been carved into me for as long as I could remember. I forced my breathing to remain steady, my gaze fixated on the book in my lap.

I already knew what would happen if their whispers turned into reality. If Damien truly rejected me, my father wouldn’t hesitate to punish me for my failure. And his punishments were never merciful.

“Sage, the only thing that you can do for our family is to make the Crown Alpha of the Angentha family accept you as his destined mate and carry his son in your womb so it will strengthen the alliance of our empire,” Alpha Alejandro stated, his voice a calculated weight pressing down on me.

This wasn’t about love. It was never about love.

This was about power.

“That’s impossible, Your Majesty. How could he open his heart to someone like me?” I responded, my gaze lowered, my voice devoid of hope.

He was my father, yet he treated me as nothing more than a tool to be wielded, a pawn to be played.

“Nothing is impossible. Offer him something that he cannot refuse—your purity,” he whispered, his voice snaking into my ears like poison. My knees threatened to give way, my fingers curling into my palms to ground myself.

“If you succeed, I will make you my heiress. But if you fail, you already know the consequences.” His voice was cold, final. “Remember that our family does not accept failures. Do not disappoint me.”

He turned and left, his footsteps echoing like a death sentence.

Ruling an empire that had never wanted me had never been my dream. But I did not want to die.

I forced my mind back to the books I had borrowed, desperately searching for answers to the mysterious voice I had heard in the temple. But the maids’ voices broke through my focus again, this time with something that made my fingers tremble against the pages.

“Have you heard? All the families will be going tonight. I’m so excited to see Prince Samuel,” one of the maids gushed. I barely registered the sound of my teacup slipping from my grasp, the liquid spreading across my dress like spilled ink.

What did they just say?

“Yeah, but he seems so cold. I prefer Prince Theoden—he’s charming, and everyone adores him.”

“But Princess Rosana will be tagging along. I can’t wait to see that slave daughter’s reaction once she sees how the Crown Alpha treats the only daughter of the Drottghes family.”

My breath hitched. I had known from the moment Damien admitted he loved another woman that it was Rosana—the Empress’s favored choice.

I was nothing more than an obstacle in their love story.

“All of you shouldn’t be talking while working,” Greyson’s voice cut through their gossip, his tone sharp with authority. “The representatives of each empire will be here this evening, and we are still far from done with the preparations.”

“Forgive us, Your Highness. We will not do it again,” they chorused, their heads bowed in submission.

“Make sure it doesn’t. Now, return to your duties.”

As the maids scurried away, Greyson turned toward me, his expression shifting to one of warmth. “Good afternoon, Lady Sage.” He bent down, pressing a brief kiss to the back of my hand.

I stood and curtsied. “I greet the gamma of the Angentha family.”

“Let me apologize on behalf of the maids,” he said sincerely, bowing slightly.

“There is no need. Besides, I’m used to that kind of thing,” I replied, mustering a small smile, though the weight in my chest remained.

“Are you saying you were always treated like this in the Battlerce Empire?” His tone carried genuine curiosity, but I hesitated.

“Uhm, well . . . that’s the thing. Sorry, I can’t tell you.”

Greyson’s gaze didn’t waver. “Look, if anyone ever treats you like that again, tell me. I will personally see to their punishment.”

I shook my head. “No need for that. It’s really fine.”

“How could you say it’s fine when the truth is, it’s not?” he asked, his hands gripping my shoulders gently.

His touch sent a strange warmth through me. Was he worried about me? No, that was impossible.

No one cared about me.

“They’re just speaking the truth,” I said quietly. “Your brother will wish to change his mate because he loves someone else . . . and I’m a slave’s daughter.”

The weight of those words pressed against my ribs, as suffocating as ever.

“Stop talking like that, Sage. My brother would not do such a thing over petty reasons,” he replied, his brows furrowing.

But I knew better. Duty and dignity mattered to Damien, but love? Love had already chosen someone else.

Greyson and Damien bore a striking resemblance, their features sculpted from the same noble lineage. Yet, beneath that shared exterior, their personalities diverged like day and night. Where Damien exuded cold duty and unyielding dignity, Greyson carried a gentler warmth.

“Thank you. It eased my mind,” I said, though it was a lie.

We both knew the truth. Damien was certainly capable of such a thing, but his devotion to duty and dignity would always take precedence.

“I’m happy to hear that. Is there anything you particularly need?” Greyson queried, his voice gentle yet probing.

I blinked at him. Why was he suddenly asking me that?

“No. I’m just enjoying my tea here in the garden. The flowers are so beautiful that I can’t take my eyes off them,” I responded, letting my gaze drift to the blossoms, their petals swaying gracefully in the breeze.

His eyes flickered to my dress, where the tea had left an unsightly stain. Without hesitation, he retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket.

“Your dress was ruined because of the tea. Here, I will wipe it for you,” he offered, moving closer.

I stiffened, taken aback by the unexpected kindness. “Ah, no. I can do it by myself,” I interjected hastily, snatching the handkerchief from his grasp.

As realization dawned on him, his expression shifted, an awkward chuckle escaping his lips. “I’m sorry, Sage. I didn’t intend to—ha, I’ll just excuse myself now. You should also go now to prepare for the ball in the evening,” he muttered, turning to leave, his face partially hidden in embarrassment.

Before he could take a step away, I reached out, fingers lightly wrapping around his arm. “Wait, Sir Greyson,” I called.

He paused, glancing down at me.

“Could you be my escort to the ball?” I asked, my voice steady, though the reason behind my request held a bitter edge—his brother was a jerk who hadn’t even invited me.

“Isn’t it . . .”

“Please, Sir Greyson.”

A moment passed before he finally nodded. “Then I will wait outside of your chamber,” he agreed before striding away.

How odd.

He had told me about the ball, yet none of the maids had informed me.

They hated me that much, huh?

The moment I stepped back into my chambers, I turned to my maid. “Lea, prepare a bath for me and bring the most expensive gown I have,” I ordered.

I refused to let this opportunity slip away—I needed to find out who the maids were whispering about in hushed tones.

“Yes, My Lady,” Lea responded dutifully, disappearing into my wardrobe to fulfill my request.

Once preparations were complete, I found myself lingering before the mirror, fingers grazing the reflection of my face.

This face—the one they all despised.

“My Lady, the Prince is here,” Lea informed me.

I inhaled deeply, smoothing out the fabric of my gown before stepping toward the door. “Okay. I’ll go out now.”

The moment I stepped outside, Greyson extended his right hand. “Shall we?” he asked.

I met his gaze and nodded. “Yes.”

As we walked, I couldn’t help but admire him. “You’re incredibly handsome tonight,” I remarked.

His eyes widened slightly before he quickly turned his head away, as though flustered by the compliment.

Had I said something wrong?

“You’re also quite gorgeous,” he murmured in return.

A smile tugged at my lips. “Thank you, Sir Greyson.”

“Stop the formalities. You can call me Grey.”

I hesitated. “But I don’t think I have the right to call you by your nickname.”

“You have,” he assured me.

“Because you’ll soon be part of the Angentha family soon,” he added, his voice unreadable.

I swallowed the unexpected lump in my throat. “Then . . . alright, Grey.”

As we reached the grand entrance of the main hall, Grey tightened his grip on my hand.

“Are you nervous?” he asked, his gaze filled with concern.

“A little bit.”

“Don’t be. I’m right here by your side.”

“Prince Greyson Tobias Angentha and Princess Sage Nieva Battlerce will be entering,” Knight Spencer announced.

We stepped inside, and I immediately felt the weight of a hundred eyes on me.

“Wow. I couldn’t believe my eyes, they look so stunning together.”

“Isn’t she the destined mate of the Crown Alpha? But why didn’t they go together?”

The whispers churned in the air like an unforgiving storm, making my ears ache.

“Are you okay?” Grey murmured.

I nodded, feigning composure.

As we moved to the side, a figure approached.

“I greet the gamma of the Angentha family,” a man with striking purple eyes and raven-black hair said.

Greyson’s lips curled in distaste. “It’s nice to see you again, Prince Leverious, but did you skip your etiquette class about properly greeting a lady?” he drawled sarcastically.

Leverious chuckled, unfazed. “Oh, sorry for my rudeness. I’m Leverious Cooper from the Lobstrosfox family,” he introduced himself, reaching for my hand as if to kiss it—only for someone to intercept him.

“Samuel?” I uttered, my stomach sinking.

“Sage,” he greeted, his tone unreadable.

“My wrist. Let it go,” I said, looking away as he tightened his grip, making me flinch.

“Didn’t you hear what she said? Let go, dumbass,” Greyson demanded.

The moment Samuel released me, I nearly stumbled, but Greyson caught me in time.

That damn psychopath.

“Good evening, Prince Samuel of the Battlerce family,” Leverious greeted. “I didn’t know I’d meet you here at the ball.”

Samuel ignored him, his eyes fixed solely on me.

“Why didn’t you inform me that you’ll go here to Angentha? I’m so busy fighting in the Mount Lozt, but when I heard that father sent you here, I tried my best to go home quickly just to visit you,” Samuel stated while holding my chin.

Back in the Battlerce Empire, Samuel is the only one who gave me a little care. But, maybe this is for the best to distance myself from him. I don’t want him to be caught up in my affairs, I will also end up being a burden to him.

“Why should I inform you? We’re not even close, so get away from me,” I said, acting bravely, though my pulse pounded in my ears.

Samuel’s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement at my defiance. Before he could respond, another voice, laced with authority, cut through the thick air.

“Step away, or else I will not think twice to harm you. This is the territory of the Angentha,” Greyson demanded, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword.

Samuel chuckled, the sound dripping with sarcasm. “What’s the matter? I’m just greeting my sister.”

Greyson’s eyes darkened with fury. “You harmed her,” he roared, the blade of his sword catching the dim light as he unsheathed it in one swift motion.

The air grew thick with tension, an invisible force pressing down on me. My breath hitched when an icy voice sliced through the confrontation like a dagger.

“What’s this commotion?”

A shiver raced down my spine. That voice…

Axel.

The temperature around us seemed to drop as he stepped forward, his presence alone enough to command silence. His sharp gaze moved from Samuel to me, his expression unreadable.

“Samuel, did you start a fight again?” Axel asked, his cold eyes assessing the situation before finally settling on me.

Samuel feigned innocence, his lips curling into a lazy smile. “I’m just properly greeting my sister, but someone keeps bothering me.”

A flicker of something—perhaps irritation—crossed Axel’s face. His gaze momentarily dropped to my wrist, where faint bruises were already forming.

“You bruised Sage’s wrist, and you’re telling me that it’s a greeting? How absurd,” Greyson’s voice was low but filled with barely contained rage.

Axel’s eyes met mine, but there was no concern, no sympathy—only indifference. His silence felt heavier than any words he could have spoken.

What could I expect? The only things that existed in their minds were my mistakes.

“Is that true, Samuel?” Axel finally asked, his tone flat.

Samuel shrugged. “I just grabbed her wrist, that’s all.”

I let out a soft laugh, the sound hollow. My chest ached with the weight of their scrutiny. I lifted my hand, forcing a smile onto my lips.

“I’m sorry, it’s entirely my fault for having fragile hands. Now, I’ll excuse myself, brothers,” I apologized, my voice light, almost mocking. Without waiting for a response, I reached for Greyson’s hand and pulled him away.

The moment we were away from prying eyes, Greyson exhaled sharply, frustration radiating from him. “Hey, why did you take the blame? It’s that idiot’s fault.”

I turned to him, forcing a small smile despite the tightness in my throat. “I’m really fine. We’ll just ruin the reputation of our families if the both of you fight because of me.”

Greyson’s jaw tightened, his grip on his sword firm. “I can’t believe that your brother hurt you like this. If he lays a hand on you again, I will not stay still.”

Before I could respond, the grand doors creaked open, the heavy wood groaning in protest. The chatter in the hall quieted as the knights stepped forward.

“Crown Alpha Damien Tobias Angentha and Princess Rosana Florencia Drottghes will be entering,” Knight Red announced, his voice carrying through the vast space.

As the two figures entered, an involuntary pang of envy clenched my heart. The way Damien stood beside her, the way his gaze softened when he glanced in her direction—it was enough to make my stomach twist.

“How stunning. They look good together.”

“The Crown Alpha must’ve liked the only daughter of the Drottghes family.”

“I can’t imagine the reaction of Princess Sage. She must be hurt that his destined mate escorted another woman.”

The whispers began to spread like wildfire, each word a needle piercing my already fragile composure. I lifted my chin, willing myself not to crumble under their scrutiny. But no matter how much I pretended to be unaffected, the truth remained—

I was nothing more than a duty for Damien. Something that he needs to hold responsibility for because of a fate he didn’t even want.