Claiming The Rejected Omega

Chloe was taken aback when the servant girl approached her. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn’t even noticed her approaching. The girl introduced herself as Janet and explained that she had been assigned to be Chloe’s personal attendant during her stay in the palace.

Chloe thanked her and smiled, grateful for the kindness that had been extended to her since her arrival in the kingdom. Janet was a pleasant girl and she seemed genuinely interested in Chloe’s well-being.

As they walked through the corridors of the palace, Janet shared stories about the kingdom, its history, and its people. Chloe found herself being drawn into the tales, listening with rapt attention as Janet spoke. It was evident that she was passionate about the kingdom and its people.

Janet was also curious about Chloe’s background and asked about her pack. Chloe hesitated at first, not sure whether to open up to someone she barely knew, but Janet’s friendly demeanor put her at ease.

Chloe told her about her pack and how she had been forced into the bond with Liam. Janet’s face fell at the mention of Liam’s name, and Chloe could sense the tension in the air. It was clear that Janet knew something about Liam that Chloe didn’t.

“Is everything alright?” Chloe asked, sensing Janet’s unease.

Janet hesitated for a moment before replying. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Erasthia. It’s just that… well, Liam has a reputation, and not a good one.”

“What kind of reputation?” Chloe pressed, feeling a knot form in her stomach.

“Well, let’s just say he’s not very popular among the palace staff. He’s known to be cruel and abusive towards the servants, and he has a temper like no other.”

Chloe felt sick to her stomach. She knew that Liam had a short fuse, but she had never seen him treat anyone other than her with anything other than cold indifference. She couldn’t believe that he would treat people so poorly.

Janet must have seen the shock on her face because she quickly added, “But don’t worry, Erasthia. You’re safe here in Aiden’s kingdom. The prince would never allow anyone to harm you.”

Chloe felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. It was comforting to know that she was in a safe place. She smiled at Janet and thanked her for the reassurance.

Janet smiled back and the two continued their walk through the palace, chatting and laughing as they went. Chloe felt grateful to have made a friend in the kingdom and felt a sense of belonging that she had never felt before.

Chloe felt a little nervous when Aiden told her about the gathering, but she didn’t want to disappoint him. “I don’t know, Aiden,” she said, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “I’m not sure I’m ready for something like that. What if I embarrass myself or say the wrong thing?”

Aiden took her hand, looking at her with his warm, reassuring eyes. “Chloe, you’re going to be just fine,” he said. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, and charming. Everyone is going to love you.”

Chloe felt a small smile tug at the corner of her mouth. “You’re biased,” she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Aiden chuckled, “Maybe a little. But seriously, my father is eager to meet you. And I want to show you off to everyone.”

Chloe’s cheeks flushed at his words, and she felt her heart flutter in her chest. “Okay,” she said, giving him a small nod. “I’ll go.”

Aiden’s face lit up with excitement, and he pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. “I’ll come back in an hour to help you get ready,” he said before leaving.

True to his word, Aiden returned an hour later, and he brought along Janet, a servant girl assigned to help Chloe prepare for the gathering. Chloe was impressed by the girl’s efficiency and kindness, and they quickly became friends.

As Janet helped her get ready, Chloe couldn’t help but ask Aiden about the gathering. “What should I expect?” she asked him.

“It’s nothing too formal,” Aiden explained. “Just a small gathering of important people in the kingdom. You’ll meet some of my father’s advisors and some other important figures.”

Chloe nodded, trying to quell her nerves. “What should I wear?”

“Something elegant, but not too flashy,” Aiden advised. “You don’t want to outshine me,” he added with a grin.

Chloe rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her lips. “I’ll try not to,” she promised.

Chloe feels a mixture of excitement and apprehension as she prepares for the gathering. Janet, her assigned servant, is eager to assist her in getting ready, and Chloe appreciates the girl’s enthusiasm.

“So, what’s the occasion for the gathering tonight?” Chloe asks Janet as she brushes her hair.

“It’s just a small celebration in honor of your arrival,” Janet answers with a smile. “Everyone’s looking forward to meeting the Erasthia.”

Chloe feels a twinge of unease at the mention of her title. She is still bonded to Liam, and she knows that attending the gathering could cause some trouble. However, she doesn’t want to disappoint Aiden, and she also wants to make a good impression on the people of the kingdom.

“Do you think I’ll be okay?” Chloe asks Janet as she finishes dressing.

“Of course, you will,” Janet reassures her. “You look beautiful.”

After Janet finished helping her get dressed, Chloe looked in the mirror and was surprised at how beautiful she looked. The dress was simple but elegant, and her hair was styled in loose curls around her shoulders. She felt a surge of confidence and excitement as she met Aiden’s eyes.

“You look stunning,” Aiden said, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

Chloe felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment, but she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. “Thank you,” she said, feeling grateful to have him by her side.

As they made their way to the gathering, Chloe felt a sense of trepidation building inside her. But Aiden held her hand tightly, and the warmth of his touch was enough to calm her nerves. She knew that no matter what happened, she had him by her side, and that was all that mattered.

Chloe smiles, feeling a bit more confident. She walks to the door and finds Aiden waiting for her. He smiles at her and offers his arm.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

Chloe nods, taking his arm. They make their way to the gathering, with Janet following closely behind.

As they enter the room, Chloe feels all eyes on her. She feels a bit self-conscious, but Aiden’s presence beside her makes her feel more at ease. The Lycan King Marcus approaches them, and Chloe bows respectfully.

“Welcome to our kingdom, Erasthia,” he says, with a smile.

Chloe nods, feeling a bit taken aback by the sudden mention of Aiden’s feelings for her. She glances at Aiden, who looks at her with hopeful eyes. She feels a mix of emotions – flattered, confused, and a little scared.

“Your Highness, I… I appreciate Aiden’s feelings for me,” Chloe says, looking at King Marcus. “But I’m not sure if I’m ready to make any decisions about my future just yet.”

King Marcus nods understandingly. “Of course, my dear. Take your time. We just want you to be happy and comfortable here.”

Aiden looks a little disappointed but quickly recovers, giving her a reassuring smile. “I understand, Chloe. You don’t have to make any decisions right now. Just know that I care for you and will always be here for you.”

Chloe smiles back, feeling grateful for Aiden’s understanding. “Thank you, Aiden. I really appreciate that.”

As King Marcus excuses himself to attend to more guests, Aiden turns to Chloe. “Are you okay?”

Chloe nods. “Yeah, I’m fine. It was just a little unexpected, that’s all.”

Aiden nods, looking a little relieved. “I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable. I just couldn’t keep my feelings hidden any longer.”

Chloe takes a deep breath. “It’s okay, Aiden. I appreciate your honesty. But I need some time to sort out my own feelings before I can make any decisions.”

Aiden nods, looking a little sad but understanding. “I understand, Chloe. Just know that I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Chloe smiles, feeling grateful for Aiden’s kindness. She realizes that she has a lot to think about and figure out, but for now, she is content to enjoy the rest of the evening and the company of the people who have shown her kindness and respect.

Chloe glides gracefully through the crowd, her eyes scanning the sea of faces before her. She chats amiably with the guests, discussing everything from the weather to the latest news from neighboring kingdoms. It feels good to be able to have normal conversations with people again.

As she sips her drink, a man approaches her. He is tall and broad-shouldered, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Hello there,” he says, flashing a charming smile. “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. You look positively radiant tonight.”

Chloe feels herself blushing at his compliment. “Thank you,” she replies, smiling back at him. “And what brings you to the gathering tonight?”

The man chuckles. “Oh, just trying to keep up with the happenings of the kingdom. You know how it is. But enough about me, tell me, what do you think of our little shindig?”

Chloe takes a moment to take in her surroundings, the glittering chandeliers, the rich tapestries adorning the walls, and the lively music playing in the background.

“It’s quite lovely,” she says, genuinely impressed. “Everything is so beautiful and well-organized. You can tell that a lot of effort went into planning this.”

The man nods in agreement. “Yes, our king is quite the perfectionist. But it’s not all just about aesthetics, you know. This gathering is also a chance for us to connect with one another, to forge new alliances and strengthen old ones.”

Chloe listens intently, her interest piqued. “That’s true,” she says. “And how do you think that can be achieved?”

The man leans in, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “Well, I think it all comes down to finding common ground. We may come from different backgrounds, but at the end of the day, we all want the same things – peace, prosperity, and a brighter future for our children.”

Chloe nods, impressed by his insight. “Yes, that’s very true. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish when we work together.”

The man smiles. “Exactly. And who knows, maybe we’ll even become friends in the process.”

Chloe laughs, feeling at ease around him. “I would like that,” she says. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a true friend.”

The man nods understandingly. “I know the feeling. But don’t worry, you’re in good hands now. This kingdom may be new to you, but you’ll find that we’re a friendly bunch. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find love here.”

Chloe’s heart skips a beat at the thought. “Love?” she echoes, feeling her cheeks flush once again.

The man chuckles, his eyes twinkling. “Yes, love. You never know what the future holds. Stranger things have happened, believe me.”

Chloe looks away, feeling a sudden pang of guilt. She knows she’s still bonded to Liam, but at the same time, she can’t deny the growing attraction she feels towards Aiden.

“I guess you’re right,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man nods, sensing her unease. “Don’t worry about it too much,” he says kindly. “Just enjoy the moment, and let the future take care of itself.”

Chloe smiles, feeling grateful for his words of wisdom. Maybe, just maybe, she can find happiness in this kingdom after all.

Chloe smiles up at Aiden, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She is grateful for his company, for his unwavering kindness and support. As he leans in to kiss her forehead, she closes her eyes, savoring the feeling of his lips on her skin.

“Thank you for tonight,” she murmurs, opening her eyes to look up at him.

Aiden smiles down at her, his eyes soft and gentle. “Anytime, Erasthia. I’m happy to be here with you.”

Chloe feels her heart swell with affection, and she takes a deep breath before speaking again. “Aiden, about what your father said earlier…” she trails off, not sure how to continue.

Aiden’s expression turns serious, and he reaches out to take her hand. “Yes, Chloe?”

Chloe takes a deep breath before continuing, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I don’t know if I’m ready to consider anyone as a mate yet,” she admits, her voice soft.

Aiden nods understandingly, his thumb stroking the back of her hand in a comforting gesture. “I understand, Chloe. There’s no need to rush anything. We can take things at your pace.”

Chloe feels a sense of relief wash over her at Aiden’s words, grateful for his patience and understanding. “Thank you, Aiden,” she says, squeezing his hand.

“Of course, Erasthia,” he replies, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead once more. “Sleep well.”

Chloe watches as he turns to leave, feeling a sense of happiness and contentment wash over her once more. As she settles into bed, she knows that she is lucky to have found such a kind and caring companion in Aiden.