Submission to Dominance

KARMEL

"Never show any weakness."

My butler hands me a shirt, taking a step back to give me some space. I slide my hands through the silky white cotton prepared neatly for me, pulling both arms through the long sleeves and button the top, middle, and finally the bottom.

"Always keep knowledge of your surroundings, no matter the time or place."

Sharp cracking dances in the fireplace, ferociously and fervently absorbing the nearby oxygen in my bedroom. Glints of light shine dimly under the luminescent bulb lighting my room. I pick up my black slacks from my bed, unfolding them and quickly sliding them on.

The collar on my shirt is first adjusted by my butler, Francois, tucking it tightly but neatly in place before taking a step back to allow me to continue.

"And finally," he clears his throat, eyeing me as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I comb down my dark brown hair with my fingers to eliminate the unnecessary frizz, and tuck the longer pieces behind my ears.

I ponder a moment, staring at the view before running my hands back through my hair to settle on a looser appearance. This suited me much better.

I adjust the cuffs of the shirt, folding the extra cloth back, and take one last full body scan of my attire.

"Keep your enemies close."

I finish before turning to Francois. His brown eyes dark and empty. I mirror his appearance, pulling my lips into a thin line. Hardening my expression was something I'd become accustomed to. Raised to do so since birth. As the youngest prince of Aurum, my family was known for being fearsome.

It was rare for our family to show any familial bond outside of our private quarters. Our people were rumored for desecrating our enemies, leaving a path of destruction in our wake.

Vengeance and power. That was the bloodline of my family. Eyes are on us at all times, making it crucial to avoid making even the tiniest of errors. Anything, even family, can be regarded as a weakness.

My older brother and the crowned prince of Aurum, Damon Sriot, was the eldest of me and my older sister. He was four years older than me, and two years older than my sister, Flora.

My parents had thought the Goddess would bestow a blessing on Flora during her birth, however, were proven wrong when it revealed itself on me the day I was born.

This was an unprecedented event in the history of our kingdom, as the mark had always appeared on a pure blooded daughter. For the first time in a millennium, it manifested through a son. News of this traveled fast, wide, and far, and it wasn't long before it spread to all of the other kingdoms, friends and foes.

It hasn't been long since my coming of age ceremony passed, yet no one knew what event would occur from the Goddess's blessing.

Assassination attempts and security have increased exponentially, all in response to my status, and for the last three months, I've been locked away in a private room unknown to all the royals except immediate family and the Emperor of Viren

Now, it's time for me to finally depart to Viren for the succession ceremony of the crowned prince, Alexander Dynasty, the alpha next in line to be Emperor.

All of the royals from each kingdom are attending the celebratory occasion to congratulate him as the most powerful ruler and alpha to come, which no one could deny.

His lineage carried a rare trait with abilities that appeared only once every five hundred years in the first born. Fated to bring unity and harmony to our separated kingdoms, wars will cease to conquer our scorched lands, and peace will ensue.

Unlike other families, Viren's royal bloodline harbored much more latent abilities than any of the other kingdoms, which naturally made them the ruling nation over us all as an unspoken rule. They commanded, and we obeyed.

With that said, their latest decree for the upcoming ceremony is for all the royals to present themselves at the ceremony, as one of us is said to be mated to the crowned prince.

Three months of nothing but solitude and isolation. It's time for me to reintroduce myself back into society, which will present much more danger than being guarded by these same four walls.

Francois joins me at my side, eyeing me through the crystal mirror, a sinister look crossing over his retinas. "You'd best remember these rules, Karmel, for your very life depends on it."

A tense silence envelopes us as reality slowly seeps into my once secure quarters. I do nothing but meet his eyes, which hold little more than a cautious warning.

"Hurry along now, your siblings will arrive much earlier than you do. You are to depart exactly at noon." A chilly breeze swims in the air, blowing against my warm cheeks. The slow thumping of my heartbeat rings softly in my ears.

I could feel my nerves threatening to unravel themselves in spite of my attempt to hide them away. Francois's warning did nothing to help either.

I'd known nothing but my room for the past three months. It's strange to know that I'm entering back into a ravenous environment that devours the weak and preys on the strong. I take one final survey of my dimly lit room, glancing over the large bed, singular window, and bedside lamp across from the closet. "Let's go."

The hinges squeal as Francois pulls the door open, waiting for me to step outside. I take a step out of the room, the air changing instantaneously. A fresh gust of wind graces my lungs, renewing my sense of energy.

The door creaks shut behind us, and we begin our journey down the long spiral stairs. Francois's lantern is the only light guiding us as our footsteps echo throughout the erect tower. Faint traces of light shine through the gaps of the rusted stone walls covered in thick ivory moss. Every step we take is another towards long desired freedom.

Francois continues effortlessly descending the building until we finally reach the bottom floor. The only thing separating me now from this dreary darkness and freedom is the door. He swings it open with a singular hard push.

A pristine brick path leads from the tower to an old beaten path. Light filters down through the thick tree leaves. The smell of damp soil and sediment was overly thick in the air. For the first time in a long while, a scent other than rusted walls and stone fills my nostrils.

The smell of nature was something no other could capture. "The carriage is waiting for your arrival," Francois informs me, interrupting my silent admiring. I look down the beaten path, hearing soft voices of distant people.

My ears feel overwhelmed with all the sounds. Birds chirping, leaves rustling, the dirt crunching underneath my hard shoes. Everything has its own lifeline, too loud and grating for my ears.

Francois begins walking, so I follow suit, keeping my focus on him. The hues of the forest are vibrant and beautifully radiant as they glisten under the sparse rays available to them. My muscles begin to relax from the cool crisp of the air and the fresh miasma of outside.

Don't forget the rules. I repeat this in my head, keeping my eyes laser focused on my green covered surroundings.

After a few minutes of walking, the sound of talking steadily gets louder. Two guards dressed in black sit in front of the wooden carriage talking amongst themselves.

The man sitting furthest from us locks eyes with mine, immediately silencing and straightening up. His companion turns around, meeting Francois's gaze before repositioning himself too. We approach the door of the carriage, Francois gesturing for me to enter.

I pull myself in and Francois shuts the door behind me, glossing over my face one final time. "Behave yourself, young master. I will greet you at the main estate when or if you return."

A smile threatens its way to my lips at his words, but I swiftly nod and sit back in my seat, allowing the carriage to begin its course. The hooves of the horses clop against the ground, moving at a steady pace.

"We will be there in a few hours' time," the guard up front informs me. The tower I was located in is in the woods between Aurum and Viren. After the first assassination attempt, the emperor offered me refuge in one of his many abandoned towers to hide me from the other kingdoms.

I owed my life to him, uncomfortable as it may be. The ride was quiet aside from the sound of the horses whinnying. My siblings, along with all the other royals, were going to come together for the first time in decades.

This event is a huge thing for all the kingdoms and all the citizens. This was a rare occasion that surely would go down in the scholars' books.

I shift in my hard seat, bouncing my leg. Despite the significance, I was not ecstatic. Rather, it was quite the opposite. It was known to everyone how many times I'd been the target of assassination. So regularly it occurred, it became normal for me.

That only further served my dislike for public events and people. Amidst my thoughts, a weak scent grazes over my nose. I reflexively cover my nostrils, my brows furling at the repulsiveness. The smell of pheromones was heavy in the air. Alpha pheromones. My stomach begins to turn, inviting bile to rise in my throat.

"What's that smell?" I yell from my seat. I hear coughing coming from the front along with the sound of the horses' cry. The carriage abruptly picks up speed, shaking violently. "Hold on, young master!" I feel around for something to hold on to but find nothing.

The urge to throw up feels unbearably strong. I clench down on my tongue and close my eyes, waiting for this to end. Seconds turn to minutes of trying to clear my mind. "What the hell is going on!" I demand, fed up with the silent treatment.

The carriage suddenly stops, slamming me face forward against the wall. My body finally reaches its limit, all the contents in my stomach barreling itself up. I thrust the door open and hurl everything onto the ground.

My chest heaves heavily as a guard hops off the front seat, rushing to my aid post haste to comfort me. "Are you alright, sire?" I hold up my hand to stop him.

The air was full of pheromones, as if someone was expecting our passage. I throw up once more, coughing sporadically. "Apologies, young master Karmel," he speaks quietly, apologetically.

My body is still unprepared for the various smells that come from stepping outside. My muscles are burning with fatigue, contorting into painful contractions from the wretched smell, but I silently hold back the pain.

"What was that?" I push out hoarsely in between breaths. The man rubs his hand against the back of his neck, clearly distressed.

"It appears someone was trying to ambush us. We were able to quickly get out of there, luckily."

I look back at the direction we just came from. The scent was gradually thickening up as the wind stilled in the area. "How much further?" I question prudently. Someone is coming.

The horses whine, disturbed by the same presence I've sensed since we've stopped. "How much longer until we're there?"

"Not too long. If we pick up speed we should arrive within an hour." How abysmal. We're being followed.

I take in a deep breath, running a hand down my face. It hasn't even been that long since I've left and someone has already discovered my whereabouts.

I turn to the man, lowering my voice to a dull whisper. "Stand guard. They're here." A bloodlust seeps into the air. The ominous and hostile thoughts are aimed solely at me.

The men look around, getting into formation to attack at a moment's notice. A chill runs through the stifled air as they inspect the thick green plants circling us. "Over there!" The guard atop the carriage alerts us, pointing to an open field of grass stretching for miles.

It goes silent as we wait for them to attack. A second passes, then a minute, before finally the bloodlust in the air disperses. Leaving as fast as they came, all traces of them vanish, including the thick potent air of pheromones. The guard loosens up, dropping his tension with a sigh of relief.

"What a nuisance," I grumble lowly, walking back to the carriage. I cross my arms and close my eyes as we continue our route to the castle.

Although they got away this time, I would be able to recognize them next time. They made a grave mistake deploying the strong pheromones as a cover for their bloodlust. Something that intense could never be easily hidden.

Next time, I will kill them.

The rest of the ride continues smoothly with no further attempts to delay us. It isn't long until the kingdom's border comes within range and we reach the front gates. "Halt!" Guards standing in front of the gate stop our carriage.

"We have arrived with the young master Karmel from Aurum." A short pause passes before the gates are opened.

I sit forward, taking in their beautiful stone statues and the vast field of flowers. "Simply divine," I mumble, astonished. We pull around to the front before coming to a stop where the guard hops off the front to open my door. I adjust my shirt, dusting off the debris from earlier's scuffle, and step down, making eye contact with a young woman dressed in a long white dress.

She has a soft red dye to her hair with auburn eyes. "Welcome to the House Viren." She curtsies, stepping to the side. "Right this way, sir." We walk synchronously towards the front doors that are propped open.

The front yard was strangely empty. There were no indications of people beside my carriage and this attendant. The woman guides me inside to a small room.

"You may use this room here to change into your ceremonial attire. Your family has already provided the necessary clothing." I enter the near empty room, and she shuts the door behind me. An ornamented silver laced suit crisply shines under the light.

The exterior was beautifully crafted with not a hint of impurities. I unbutton my top and remove my pants, quickly switching into the suit. There are multiple layers, a white undershirt along with the silvery grey top and tie followed by a new set of socks and grey razor-sharp pants.

I adjust my collar once more and fold down my cuffs, smoothing my attire out. Swinging the tie around my shoulders, I firmly tie it and slip on a white pair of gloves.

My body feels heavy under the layers of clothing, but I have no choice but to disregard it. I mustn't show any weakness. I remind myself and darken my expression.

There will be a lot of people attending tonight, and I'm sure everyone already has their own thoughts.

With my final inspection, I leave the room, rejoining the servant from earlier. She guides us down an opposite corridor before handing me off to another woman guarding two enormous doors.

She looks to me expectantly, waiting for an answer. "I am ready." She lowers her head and swings open the door. A strong gust of air hits my body as I'm revealed to the occupants inside the room.

Royals from every kingdom, alphas, betas, and omegas all preoccupy the area. In no time, almost all eyes fall to me as I enter the room. Royals from Prya and Solmere form circled groups around the refreshments. Guests from Neris stand atop the second floor discussing business matters with House Viren, whilst members of Aurum and Thalia all mingle about.

I push forward, my nerves completely gone since earlier, and look for who I've been waiting to see. Talks die down as people watch me shift through the crowd. "Karmel," a gentle voice cuts across the room.

I turn my head instantly, spotting my sister, Flora, staring at me. She was effortlessly stunning as usual, standing out even amongst the array of colors filling the hall. A long grey dress that falls off her shoulders and extends into a low V-cut.

The lights reflect off her rich chestnut brown hair that swirls over her shoulder resting on her chest. Her skin was smooth and pale as snow, and her cheeks matched her bow lips painted a soft rosy pink with moonlight eyes narrowing into mine.

I walk around people making sure not to overstep into anyone's boundaries, and when I get to her, she looks me up and down, gently placing a hand on my shoulder that says everything.

"Flora," I greet, lowering on one knee. Now was not the time or place to show too much. She pulls me up and slips a glass of wine in my hand. "Your elder brother is in the back with the other crowned prince."

"And you?" I question as she sips the small glass in her hand. She smelled of jasmine and rose that wafted around her. "Scoping out our competitors."

She brings the glass to her lips once more as we both notice a group of royals from Solmere and Neris approach us from the side. Speak of the Devil. "Hello Princess Flora." Their eyes fall to me. "Prince Karmel."

The man takes my sister's hand, kneeling before her to continue his introduction. "I am Prince Freal of Neris." There are two women beside him who offer friendly smiles.

"The one with the red dress is Princess Reil, and the one beside her in the blue is Princess Dressa." He gestures to the women.

"I've heard a lot about you," Flora focuses on Freal, folding her arms. Freal chuckles softly, shaking his head. "Good things, hopefully."

His eyes dance between hers, looking for any hint of friendly compatibility between them, but to no avail. As expected.

"Right. Well, I wanted to be the first to welcome Princess Karmel to Viren and wish you well."

"It's much appreciated," Flora replies blandly.

I knew Prince Freal. He was an intelligent individual, but promiscuous at times. I could tell he was an alpha from how he holds himself. That egotistical pride could only come from someone who had a taste of what power felt like. Faint traces of an omega linger on his attire, presumably from his mingling.

"I hope to see you again during Alexander's ceremony. May the best of us succeed," he finishes the last sentence more towards my sister, who was a potential mate candidate. He and the women move along, leaving us alone once more.

"The Goddess's blessing manifesting on the youngest of kin. How regrettable."

The voice of a drunken man projects over the chatter with slurred words. His words are shamelessly directed at me.

"How unfortunate for the oh so mighty kingdom of Aurum." He scoffs, spitting at the heel of my shoe. Members of his land flock to his side, scrambling to carry him away before he can embarrass them any further.

This day sure was eventful. Not a single moment to ease into the atmosphere before being scrutinized by these vile leeches.

"Disgraceful," Flora scorns, scoffing at his outburst, which seemed to gain the attention of multiple eyes. It was no shock many felt as though I disgraced my family name. The blessing manifesting not only on the youngest, but on a male, was never heard of before. No one knew if that meant great fortune or impending doom for our kingdom.

Some believed it was a sign of great prosperity, hence the reason for the threat on my life. Others preferred not to associate with someone who was essentially a walking question mark. That was simply my life.

"I'm going to step aside," I inform Flora. No one would approach her with my presence hovering around. I take my leave, sipping on the wine she handed me. It was sweet and salty with a horrid aftertaste.

I trail off to the side ignoring the varying looks from the royals. My shoulder trades a bump with a woman who disgustedly turns back to meet my cold gaze.

"Oh ho, look at who showed up." A mocking tone slithers past her crimson red lips. Her mouth curls to the side at my lack of reaction. "Christina," I state with a bored expression.

Another familiar face from Neris, Princess Christina. She was the second daughter of the king's mistress and consort.

Everyone knew of her horrendous styling choices, and she reveled in that attention. Compared to Flora, she looked grotesque. Her face was smothered in makeup that did no justice to the bright purple fabric covering her tan skin.

"Still the same as ever." She rolls her eyes, glancing down at her similarly purple colored nails. Her body shoves past mine, storming into the sea of royals. We've never gotten along, and I'd prefer it to stay that way. At this rate, I wouldn't have to concern myself with partaking in a real conversation with anyone.

Half an hour goes by of royals gathering and mingling about with each other. I catch glimpse of a petite omega, seductively eyeing me down from across the room. He runs his tongue slowly between his plump lips, hunger exuding from him even with our distance. The guests in front of him are promptly ignored as his eyes hone into mine.

I raise my glass, pointing towards him to cheers, and excuse myself, ending the unwelcome exchange. He was bold, I'd give him that.

"Attention everyone." A man with caramel skin and teal hair begins speaking from the second floor. Conversations quiet down as everyone's heads turn. The lights in the room dim down to set the mood for the upcoming events.

"The ceremony will now begin." Clapping periodically fills the air before silencing. Everyone moves to take their seats at the round tables situated around the room.

I return to Flora, joining her at a table along with a few others. The ball doors peel open with guards marching forward to form a long path. Everyone watches in awe, searching around for the guest of honor. The sound of their steps echo in the grandiose room, Flora's hand gripping mine and tangling under the cloth covered table.

"Please welcome the crowned princes of each kingdom." Eyes wait patiently for the first person to walk out. "Alpha Maxwell of Neris." A man with pale white hair and fair skin steps confidently down the long path formed by the guards.

"Alpha Harold of Solmere." The speaker continues presenting when they take their seats. "Alpha Damon of Aurum." My brother walks with vigor, the fruits of his daily training showing on his body. "Alpha Henry of Pyra, and Alpha Orland from Thalia."

They take their seats at the front, leaving one larger chair in the middle vacant. The kings and queens watch proudly from the second floor, my parents included. Without introduction, everyone feels an overbearing aura as Alexander Dynasty of Viren enters. Mouths fall agape at his flamboyant energy. A strong, narrow face, charcoal colored hair, full lips, and dangerously domineering icy blue eyes. Each step feels like a weight shaking the entire room. It was unfathomable.

His back is broad and defined, the muscles on his body flexing under his clothing as he walks with confidence and dignity.

He takes his place between the crowned princes and faces the royals who all sit frozen in their seats. I swallow, feeling slightly intimidated. This man is the real deal. The aura he carries was unmatched. It makes even my heart tremble in admiration.

A true alpha among alphas.

"Today, we present thee with the crown of succession. We wish upon you a plentiful and prosperous future." A crown is slipped over his head and introduces a blinding light that flashes over the audience. I cover my eyes, as do others, as we watch the display before us.

It was finally nearing the moment his mate will be revealed. The mate fated to be with the crowned prince, the king of kings, the alphas of alphas. Flora's hand squeezes mine.

Alexander closes his eyes, reveling in the monumental moment that would change someone's life forever in a few moments. Finally, the crown stops glowing. When he opens his eyes again, they shift from a wintry blue to a dark, visceral red in mere seconds.

That's when I notice it. A strong, pleasant, and salivating aroma begins to fill my nostrils, electrifying my entire body. Every dormant nerve is reared to life, jerking my senses into overdrive.

My teeth begin to ache from the sheer intensity alone, my elbows slamming against the table as I keel over in an unsightly manner. "Karmel." My sister's voice calls to me, breaking her poker face for the first time tonight. Shocked faces everywhere gradually turn their attention to me.

"My Goddess," a voice whispers from the crowd, a glass cup shattering to the ground from somewhere.

A desire like no other. A passion that suffocates my chest and squeezes my heart with tremendous pressure pumps itself into every fiber of my being. My skin burns with a fiery heat that washes over my entire body. My breaths turn rugged, gasping for uneven increments of air. A furnace was lit inside me, rampaging itself to consume me whole.

Alexander Dynasty.

The moment our eyes lock together, my entire body quells in eye watering pleasure. I wanted him. No, I needed him. All of him. The emperor gazes in awe at the extraordinary predicament taking place.

"Karmel Sriot of Aurum," Alexander's voice reverberates throughout the hall, vibrating my very ears. It was only then that my reality was finally setting in. Something I knew not to be possible until today.

Alexander Dynasty of Viren is my mate.