Chapter 2
Yoohyeon stood in front of her parents, frowning at their reaction to her proposal. They hadn’t been the most supportive and did understand where she came from.
“Are you sure of this?” The queen spoke quietly, watching her youngest daughter nod her head.
“If it doesn’t work… then I’ll have suitors… I don’t want to be continuously disappointed…” Yoohyeon explained.
“If this is what you wish… then I will take you to meet a few,” her father spoke calmly.
Minji’s grip on Yoohyeon’s hand tightened, allowing the younger omega to look behind her and see a warm smile on the older omega’s face.
“Choose wisely,” Minji whispered to her.
The two princesses walked through the grounds, looking at the different fauna that was always carefully tended to. They greeted a few of the alpha field workers, strolling as they enjoyed their free time away from the castle.
“Maybe visiting the oracle will help you decide,” Minji suggested to her sister.
“But what kind of question is that to an oracle?” Yoohyeon frowned. “I’m going to choose an alpha to be my bonded mate, who should I look for?” She scoffed.
“I’m sure the oracle will know your worry before you walk through the door…” Minji whispered, gesturing to the building up the hill.
Yoohyeon frowned while looking at the building. She had been in the building only twice before. Each one mulling over her decisions as the second princess and how her mind was. Each time the oracle told her that she would surpass Minji in most ways without trying. It made her nervous.
“What if she says the same things again?” Yoohyeon whispered.
“Then you’ll really have to take time to understand her words.”
The older omega sat outside of the oracle tower, letting the wind hit her face as she watched the clouds above her. The two alpha servants that stayed close by them enjoyed the summer season.
“Your majesty, why have you decided to venture all this way?” The servant asked.
“Yoohyeon needed guidance,” Minji sighed. “I might soon as well…” She frowned.
“You are very wise and headstrong your majesty. I doubt you will need guidance,” She spoke calmly with a smile.
“I appreciate the flattery… but everyone needs a slight push in the right direction sometimes.” The omega looked at the servants, watching them bow their heads at her words. It was the truth. Even her own parents visited the oracle on countless occasions just to make sure they were still on the right path for their family and kingdom.
It was the oracle who gave them the guidance to have Yoohyeon. The oracle that steered them clear of any true, long-lasting wars. Even decided on how the crops would be affected during the seasons.
The kingdom trusted her and her wisdom.
It was quiet for a few more moments, allowing the three to enjoy the summer breeze a little while longer before the sound of the wooden doors opened. Minji turned her head to see her sister step out carefully, seeing the look of concern laced on her face.
“Everything alright?” Minji asked while standing to meet her sister.
“It will be in time,” The oracle spoke calmly, patting Yoohyeon’s arm gently. “Is it your turn next?” She asked, holding out her hand for the older woman.
“I’m not sure I have anything plaguing my mind at the moment,” Minji frowned. “Another time, master oracle,” She gave a polite smile, watching the oracle bow her head.
Once they were far from the oracle’s tower, Yoohyeon spilled everything. Everything was spoken and Minji listened carefully.
“Someone who is drawn to the sky just as much as me? How do I even find someone like that?!” Yoohyeon complained. “An alpha who is just as graceful as beautiful. One who is headstrong and has more willpower to protect than anyone else…” She frowned.
“Maybe your alpha is aloof,” Minji chuckled.
“Don’t.” Yoohyeon pointed her finger at her sister, watching her let out a small laugh. “Father wants to take me tomorrow,” She sighed. “I’m glad we visited the oracle… Even if I’m more confused now than before,” She smiled.
“Try not to worry so much… If worse comes to worst… We’ll have another alpha servant,” Minji smiled.
By morning, Yoohyeon was awoken by her servant, allowing herself to be bathed and dressed before making her way down to the dining hall where her father and mother sat. She joined them at the long table, watching as other servants quickly brought her breakfast out.
“Will you be away long?” The queen spoke.
“Depends on Yoohyeon,” The king answered, turning to his daughter. “Picking an alpha for what she desires can be a long… Decisive process.” He stated.
Yoohyeon frowned as she looked down at her porridge, picking her spoon up and taking a small bite before looking back up at her parents. She didn’t want to burden them, but she didn’t want to burden her future self with continuous disappointment.
The carriage ride was two hours into a nearby village, one that lay on the outskirt borders, allowing her to see the large walls that surrounded the rather large building. It reminded her of a prison of sorts.
The facility was spacious, but she didn’t get the feeling of cozy either. She stayed close to her father while he spoke to the owners and workers of the facility, explaining their trip. She was barely of age for courtship and was now searching for someone she could call her mate if all worked out. Just to avoid everything her sister was currently going through.
“You may mingle amongst the crowd,” The owner smiled at Yoohyeon, watching her carefully step out from behind her father and walk through the large room.
There were multiple alphas, males, and females, and each one was different than the last. Ones that caught her eye would quickly bow, muttering small greetings to the youngest princess. Yoohyeon would give little nods, acknowledging their respect as she looked everyone over.
She wasn’t sure what she wanted. The oracle’s words rang through her head. One who is as drawn to the sky as she was. Someone who was as graceful as they were beautiful. Headstrong and full of willpower… An alpha with all of those things was her true binding mate, and someone worthy of her time.
Except, it was hard to find someone who was drawn to the sky when they were inside.
She let out a tiny sigh, turning to look across the room when she found an alpha who wasn’t trying to busy themselves with something while the princess looked around. The alpha was perched on a small stool, staring out the window rather than attempting to get a good look at the person who came to visit them.
Drawn to the outside rather than inside…
As Yoohyeon stepped closer, she saw the alpha’s eyes were trained on the sky from the window and she could feel her heart skipping beats. She felt goosebumps trail over her skin. She had never felt like this before and wondered if this alpha really was her binding mate.
“Hello…” Yoohyeon whispered when she was close enough.
The alpha turned to look at the owner of the quiet voice, and Yoohyeon swore she saw an angel. They held each other’s gaze for only a few moments, and the omega was already drawn to this alpha’s eyes. They were a deep brown, the little bits of light that found their way in through the window danced on different parts of the colored iris, changing it from the deepest brown to the wondrous shades of lighter brown, almost honey-like with a hint of chocolate and gold…
“My apologies…” The alpha quickly looked away, realizing that she was staring at an omega.
Yoohyeon didn’t care about rank, or even how society was… She wanted to keep looking into the alpha’s eyes.
“What is your name?” Yoohyeon asked.
“Bo-Bora,” the alpha spoke quietly, eyes trained on the ground.
“That is a nice name… I’m Yoohyeon,” The omega smiled.
“Your majesty… my apologies for the rudeness…” Bora whispered, bowing more now.
“Apology accepted… Although… I did not see it as rude… More of curiosity,” Yoohyeon smiled, watching the alpha slowly look up at her and catch her gaze a second time before glancing back down. “You must be tired of living here…” She whispered before looking around at the different alphas.
“I grow bored most days… I wish to be outside,” Bora answered honestly. “But that is too much to ask for,” She whispered.
“And if I were to promise daily outings… Would you be comfortable with going to the palace with me?” Yoohyeon asked, watching the alpha slowly pull herself from her bowing position. “I wish to take you home…” She smiled.
“I would be honored to go to the palace with you your majesty,” Bora whispered.