Past memories

I thought back on my first time here.
...........
It was Kaiden. He looked at me and said sluggishly, without seeming to notice anything.

“Let’s go.”

Thank the moon goddess he didn’t hear our conversation, I murmured to myself.


I fidgeted as the carriage rode on the bumpy road, my nerves eating away at me. I didn’t dare turn my head or look around; the atmosphere in the carriage was extremely tense.

The mating ceremony was over, and now we were on our way to our honeymoon.


We were going to stay in a country house owned by Kaiden’s parents for a week. I had been pleasantly surprised when they told me at the end of the ceremony.


I thought Kaiden would object to a honeymoon. I was happy about it at first, but now that I was sitting alone in the carriage with him, anxiety clawed at me.


The thought of spending the next week alone with Kaiden suddenly made me wish I didn’t have to.


Mustering up some courage, I snuck a peek at him. He sat across from me, his head laid back and his eyes closed.


He was probably sleeping. Seeing him like that, I relaxed a little and allowed myself to study his features. He was actually quite good-looking.


Just as I was staring at him, his eyes suddenly fluttered open, and he stared directly at me. Startled, I immediately averted my gaze.


He didn’t say anything, and we continued the ride in silence until the carriage came to a stop.


The footman came around and opened the door. I stepped out and stared at the country house in awe. It was huge—it looked more like a mansion. Kaiden was already walking towards the house while I stood there, amazed. I had to hurry to catch up with him, making sure to keep a distance.



The doors of the country house opened, and a line of servants filed out, bowing to us.


“Welcome, my alpha prince, princess,” the older woman in front greeted us as she bowed, and I caught my breath—Kaiden smiled.


“Thank you, Raisa,” Kaiden said, his smile warm. The woman straightened herself and smiled back at him.


I watched their interaction in shock. I had never seen Kaiden smile before, at least not around me.


“Would you be having dinner?” Raisa asked.


“I’m fine. I’ll go in to rest,” Kaiden said as he walked past them without sparing me a glance.


I stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

Luckily, Raisa spoke first.

“I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Raisa, and I’m the head maid in charge of taking care of this country house,” she introduced herself, and I smiled shyly in response.



“You must be tired. This way,” Raisa said, leading me into the house.


As we walked in, I couldn’t hide my astonishment. Everything was so grand, so far from the life I was used to.


“Will you be having dinner?” Raisa asked.
My stomach growled mildly at the thought of food. I hadn’t eaten a proper meal since morning.


“Yes, please,” I answered.
“I’ll have them set the dining table,” Raisa nodded.


“In the meantime, I’ll take you to your room, where you can have your bath and rest a bit,” she added, and I said nothing as I followed her.



The room was large and exquisitely furnished. A king-sized bed stood at the center, inviting and luxurious.


I walked around, admiring everything. My bags had already been brought in—no doubt by the maids—but there was no sign of Kaiden’s bags.



“Is the room to your liking, princess?” Raisa asked.


“Yes, it’s wonderful,” I answered with a smile.


“But I don’t see the alpha prince’s bags. Did they perhaps forget to bring them in?” I asked, trying to sound casual.


If Raisa was uncomfortable because of my question, she didn’t show it.


“The alpha prince doesn’t sleep well on beds that aren’t his. His things are in the room he usually uses when he’s here,” she explained.


“Oh,” was all I managed to say in response.

“If you’re ready, they’ll help you with your bath,” Raisa said, gesturing at two maids standing in the corner.


I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of being attended to in my bath.


I had always taken care of myself; I had even been the one attending to others before. I hadn’t fully adjusted to all the changes yet, so I shook my head.


“No, I’ll manage,” I told Raisa.
“Alright, you can come down for dinner once you’re ready,” she said and bowed slightly before leaving the room.


Finally left alone, I breathed a sigh of relief. I walked towards the large mirror in the room and stared at my reflection. I did look different. I ran my fingers down the fine satin material of my gown.


It truly was the finest material I had ever felt, and it was on me. I looked around the room—my room, as Raisa had called it. It was all surreal.


I had always wanted to escape my mundane life, always hoping, knowing it was never possible. But now, it felt like I could. But at what cost? I remembered Kaiden’s coldness towards me and Alpha Henrik’s words.


Could I really hide my identity? What if they found out that I was just an imposter? A maid and an orphan omega?


The Next Day
I woke up later than usual, and this time, I didn’t refuse when the maids offered to help me get ready. After much thought the previous night, I decided I had to adjust to the common practices of people in my new position, even if I wasn’t comfortable yet. It might help me blend in better.


So I let them attend to me in my bath, dress me, and serve me breakfast.


I ate breakfast alone at the dining table, noticing Kaiden’s absence.


“The alpha prince wants his breakfast served to him in his study,” Raisa explained when I asked about him.
“Oh,” I nodded.


There was silence for a few minutes before I suddenly said, “I’ll serve it to him.”
“Miss?” Raisa asked, confused.


“Breakfast. I’ll serve the alpha prince’s breakfast to him,” I explained.


“Oh.” Hesitation flashed in Raisa’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant as she smiled at me.


“Of course,” she agreed.


Balancing the tray in my hand, I hesitated in front of Kaiden’s study. There was a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, but I pushed it down.


We couldn’t continue like this—we were mated now, for life. He would have to come around sooner or later.

Maybe doing things like this would make him come around faster, I told myself.
I knocked softly on the door.