Trapped with the Alpha King

Riela was smiling brightly as she watched Beatrice and Uriel together. Beatrice was clearly in cloud nine, her smile radiant and full of happiness.

The two of them walked hand in hand as they left first, heading to Ward Manor to have dinner with Minister Marius and formally ask for Beatrice’s hand.

“Women in love bloom like flowers. It’s so refreshing to watch,” she heard her mother say from behind.

Riela smiled and gently took her mother’s arm, hugging it affectionately. “Indeed. I’m so glad Beatrice and Uriel ended up together like this. They look really good together,” she seconded with a bright smile.

“Let’s head out as well,” she added, leading her mother toward their carriage.

Her mother had represented Uriel in place of his parents, who had both passed away long ago in battle.

Uriel had practically grown up under their household, alongside Riela and Gavriel, under their mother’s care.

So they decided to accompany him, even personally helping him choose gifts for the Ward household.

Gavriel was supposed to come as well, but he said he would follow shortly since he had been away with the Queen since yesterday, visiting her hometown. The royal couple would be arriving separately and heading straight to Ward Manor from a different direction.

Inside the carriage, Riela noticed her mother still watching her quietly.

“Mother, is there something bothering you?” she asked thoughtfully.

Her mother took her hand and gently squeezed it.

“Marius has already asked me for marriage,” she said softly, “but I don’t feel ready to accept yet... not until I see you settled first, Riela.”

Riela blinked rapidly. “Mother, that’s been long overdue! You should have married him already. Don’t you feel sorry for Uncle Marius? He’s waited long enough.”

Her mother let out a soft chuckle. “We have all the time in the world, my dear. It’s not as if we are running out of time. Besides, Marius is always there. Even without a formal marriage, we

already share a mutual understanding.”

Then her expression softened slightly. “I just worry about you. I hope what happened between you and Cain in the past won’t make you close your heart again.”

Riela gulped but forced a smile onto her face. She understood exactly what her mother meant.

“Mother, I’m fine, so please don’t worry about me,” she reassured her softly.

But deep inside, she had truly developed a fear of trusting her heart again. She never wanted to make the same mistake as before. She still remembered how blindly she had believed Cain and fallen into his trap simply because she followed her heart.

The thought of being broken again was something she feared deeply.

She had once lost herself because of it... and she wanted to make sure it would never happen again.

“I heard our admiral has been pursuing you,” her mother teased lightly.

Riela immediately blushed. It was true. Lord Arturo had been courting her quite boldly lately. In fact, she had planned to speak with him privately tonight after learning he would also be attending the dinner at Ward Manor. She intended to officially turn him down.

“If you could finally settle down, I would truly feel at ease,” her mother added gently. “Lord Arturo is such a fine young man. Anyone who knows him has nothing but praise for him.”

Riela could truly feel how worried her mother was about her.

“Will you finally be at ease and focus on yourself once I settle down with a reliable man?” she asked directly, holding her mother’s gaze without blinking.

“Yes,” her mother answered honestly. “I will finally be at ease once I know you’ve moved on and are living happily with someone who truly loves you. I know your first love failed, but that doesn’t mean the next one will end the same way.”

She gave a bashful smile before continuing,

“That’s why people say love is sweeter the second time around. Sometimes, finding another love is what truly helps us heal... not just time alone.”

“I understand, Mother,” Riela said with a small nod.

Throughout the rest of their journey, Riela kept her gaze fixed on the open carriage window. Spring was finally approaching.

Yes, she was doing better now. But every once in a while, nightmares still followed her in her sleep. Unlike before, she could now overcome them, yet the fear somehow remained buried deep inside her heart.

What she had gone through in the past had left scars within her. Trauma that had never fully disappeared.

The sun had already set by the time they arrived at Ward Manor.

Minister Marius was waiting outside to welcome them. He helped her mother down from the carriage, while Lord Arturo stepped forward to assist Riela. After exchanging formal greetings, Minister Marius quickly escorted them inside.

“Would you like to walk around outside first while we wait for dinner to be prepared?” Arturo suggested as they walked through the hallway.

Riela smiled and nodded. Arturo then guided her toward the veranda, which led to the garden outside.

The weather was pleasant, though the evening air remained cold. Even with her coat on, Riela still felt chilly.

Without a word, Arturo removed his own coat and gently draped it over her shoulders.

“That’s not necessary—”

“Just wear it,” he interrupted with a warm smile. “You’re practically shivering.”

Her heart thudded unexpectedly against her chest. Lately, it never seemed to beat normally whenever Arturo was around.

Perhaps it was because he always treated her with such kindness. He was thoughtful, patient, and every bit the gentleman around her.

“The flowers are starting to bloom again,” he commented as they walked side by side.

“Indeed,” she agreed softly. She reached out to pluck a small viola flower before bringing it closer to smell it.

When she turned toward Arturo, she noticed he was already staring at her.

“Your Highness...” he began awkwardly.

Riela frowned slightly when he suddenly pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it.

“This ring belonged to my mother,” he said. “She told me to give it to the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

He paused, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“I... I’m not very good at courtship or words. To be honest, I don’t even know how to properly ask you—”

Riela bit her lower lip.

Her original plan tonight had been to turn Arturo down. But her mother’s words still lingered in her mind, and more than anything, she didn’t want her mother worrying about her anymore.

“Do you want to give that ring to me?” she asked quietly while looking at the beautiful ring adorned with a ruby at the center, surrounded by small diamonds.

“Yes,” Arturo answered firmly. “I want to marry you, Riela.”

She stared at him intently before speaking.

“I can accept this... but you should know my condition first. I admire you, Lord Arturo, but I’m not sure if I’m truly ready to be in a relationship again. I still carry trauma that fills me with fear whenever it comes to giving my heart to someone.”

She lowered her gaze briefly before continuing.

“We can get married, but it may take me time to open up fully. I know I’ll have many shortcomings and—”

She was cut off when Arturo suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

“It’s alright,” he whispered gently. “I can help you through it, Riela. I’ll be patient with you and take care of you. I will never force you into anything you don’t want.”

His hold around her softened.

“Just let me stay by your side and take care of you for the rest of our lives.”

Riela’s body suddenly stiffened at the unexpected contact. A cold sensation spread through her entire body, making her tremble uncontrollably.

Her eyes widened in panic, and before she even realized what she was doing, she shoved Arturo away hard as she gasped for air.